Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 5, Part 7, Page 27
Birds were chirping, the wind was rustling the tree leaves, the dogs were playing, the chickens were clucking and Berta was mooing. It was time to get busy with the day. Allie had already collected the eggs and now Nathan was teaching Allie how to milk Berta. That was a sight to behold, Berta laughed before she left for the kitchen. Emily got busy making her famous Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) with apfelmus (applesauce) for breakfast. Kaffee was already hot and the smell brought Nathan and Allie in.
Oma smiled and directed, "Wash your hands darlings and come to the table. Let's eat while it's hot."
Nathan and Allie sat with Oma in between and as usual Oma held both of their hands while saying grace before breakfast. Oma asked, "Did you two have any luck with Berta? The veterinarian is coming today and I want to update him on her supply."
"Oh Oma, I really enjoyed squirting Dad," Allie laughed.
"Allie, you were a troublemaker," Nathan joined with her laughter. "Honestly Ma, I think Berta is not producing much milk now. When was she last bred?"
"About a year now, so I expected her to slow down for sure." Oma replied after passing around the pancakes. The butter melted and oozed down making a liquid puddle on their plates. The applesauce was warm too, making for a delicious meal along with the coffee and juice. "I need to check with Dr. Herrmann and see how much longer I should continue breeding her. I think I'll have to stop. She's been faithful for over 5 years now."
"What happens to her then?" Allie asked. Nathan cleared his throat and looked pensively at Oma.
"It might mean her time has come," Oma softly said. "I can take her to the butcher, or just let her stay here, and I told her she could stay here as long as she lives."
"Oh good, that is what I hoped you would say," Allie said, relieved. "You are the best Oma in the world!" and she got out of her chair and hugged her.
Nathan got up and thanked his mother for his delicious breakfast, kissed her on the cheek and headed out the door to greet Jack. The replacement of shingles was the first to be completed. The pounding was annoying, but in a good way. Allie helped her grandmother in the kitchen and then went upstairs to her bedroom to look out the window so she could see the men above her. She just about fell out the window and Nathan breathlessly told her to get inside and help her grandmother.
It wasn't long and Dr. Herrmann arrived and checked on Berta. He agreed with Emily that it was "time". She told him she had already decided that Berta could just stay with her. Dr. Herrmann asked, "Are you sure Emily? She would give you some meat and with your cooking, well it would be delicious."
This time quite firmly she declared, "I will not eat my Berta!" She has been my company day and night and I promised her she could stay as long as she wants!"
"Then let's check in on Ella," Dr. Herrmann changed the subject to avoid arguing with this determined woman. "Yes, we have close to 7 puppies or so it seems. They are definitely squirming. You might want to neuter Barrett before she delivers."
"Wait, wait" Allie yelled, "Let me hear their heartbeats please!" Emily nodded and Dr. Herrmann showed Allie how to use the stethoscope. "Wow, they are really alive Oma! How long before she has them?"
"Oh, I'd say just a few weeks more." Dr. Herrmann grinned. "Emily get a hold of me if Ella runs into difficulty, but usually nature takes its course with no problem". Allie was so excited, she begged Oma to ask Nathan to let her stay. Oma reassured Allie that they would butter him up with one of his favorite meals tonight.
Nathan and Jack worked all day long replacing boards, straightening the door, and checked out the fencing while they were at it. Allie and Oma were outside for a while together tending to Emily's flower garden. Her flowers were growing so beautiful in the garden with perennials and annuals together. Emily's favorite were the edelweiss. The sweet little alpine flowers delighted Emily and reminded her of her homeland. Allie carried the water for Oma as she told her the name of all her flowers. Petunias, moss roses, marigolds, impatiens, and her rose bushes by her statue of the Blessed Mother.
"Let's get dinner ready as I'm sure your Dad is very hungry right now," Oma said. "We'll make him Buletten, (ground pork) with bratkartoffeln (pan-fried potatoes), fresh carrots, and for dessert, Kasekuhen (cheese cake). So, my angel, we best get busy!"
Oma enjoyed teaching Allie her German dishes. It was a delight that Allie enjoyed it just as much, and the two of them had such a great time bonding over the cooking and baking. It was also an appropriate time to start filling in Allie about growing up. With Ella having babies and Barrett getting neutered it fit right in for Emily to take advantage of the situation and gently inform Allie.
At dinner Nathan was extremely pleased to enjoy one of his favorite dishes that only his mother could make. Even served with a beer! That his favorite ladies went to all that trouble, he knew they were up to something.
"Dad," Allie sheepishly asked, "Can I stay and help Oma with Berta and the new puppies PLEASE?"
Looking at his mother, he inquired, "Ma, did Allie put you up to this?"
Emily looked at Nathan and said, "Now Nathan, you know me better than that, no one can make me do anything I don't want to. I would be delighted if you could let her stay here a little longer."
"All right you two, you have me right where you want me. It's fine with me." Nathan agreed.
"Yes! Yes!" Allie gave Nathan a huge hug and danced around the dining table.