Posts Tagged ‘Nellie’

Why Does a Cat Purr?

Sunday, May 19th, 2013

catWendy, Nellie, Bobby and Hector stopped by Grandpa John’s store after school for a snack. As they were waiting to pay Grandpa John, they heard Can Do Cat purring as he lay curled up near the front door.”Why does a cat purr,” asked Nellie?

Grandpa John answered,” If you all trade in those sodas for some healthy juices, I will tell you all about why a cat purrs.” the “Can Dos” put their sodas back and picked out some fresh fruit juices. then they sat in a circle, in front of Can Do Cat and waited for Grandpa John to begin.

“I read a book, The Cat’s Mind, by Bruce Fogle,  a pet doctor,” said Grandpa John. “He says that purring lets a kitten to tell his mother that things are well. A kitten can purr when it is only two days old.

Purring is an important part of how cats talk. They purr for lots of reasons. As the cat grows up, the meaning of the purr changes. Some cats purr when they feel good, while other cats purr when they are frightened.

Whatever the reason for purring, it sounds nice to us humans and is pleasant to hear isn’t it?”

The “Can Dos” nodded. Yes, it was nice to watch “Can Do”Cat resting in the corner and listen to him purr. Wendy said,” I think he is purring because he likes it when we visit!”

“Could be,” answered Grandpa John.”It just could be the reason.”

Riddle, Riddle, Who Has a Good Riddle?

Monday, March 11th, 2013

riddleIt was riddle contest day at “Can Do” Street school. The “Can Do” Kids were bursting with riddles to share with each other.

Miss Pat called the class to order and announced that the riddle contest would we held right after lunch. The”Can Dos” could hardly wait!

Wendy was the first to say a riddle: I keep things safe. I have a hole in my middle. A key will open me. What am I?

Then Bobby went: I know the numbers 1 through 12. I have two hands. My hands move all day long. What am I?

It was Orrie’s turn next: My name is the same as what I do. People try to swat me. What am I?

Annie shared a riddle that went like this: I lay around all the time. People step on me, but it doesn’t hurt. Dogs like to sleep on me. What am I?

Hector had a good one too: I’m round. I’m made of metal. I have a picture of George Washington on me. Kids save me in a piggy bank. What am I?

 Nellie shared her riddle: I am made out of wood or plastic. I am straight. Kids use me to measure things. What am I?

Which riddle do you like the best? Which riddle was the hardest? Did yo get all the riddles right?

The Nearly New Toy Drive

Saturday, December 8th, 2012

The “Can Do” Kids were helping their parents and grandparents decorate the party room at the community center for the Holiday party. Just then Miss Sue, the center director, came in and asked to talk to everyone. Parents, grandparents and “Can Dos” all sat down to listen to Miss Sue.

“Good morning everyone,” said Miss Sue.” While I’m happy parents and grandparents are here, what I have to say is mostly for the “Can Do” Kids.” The “Can Dos” looked at each other, worried that they did something wrong but not able to remember what it could be.

toyMiss Sue smiled. She knew what they were thinking. “You are not in trouble, children. I want to talk with you about what we can do for all the children who lost their toys and books during the hurricane that hit the next town from us. The “Can Dos” looked sad at just the thought of losing all one’s toys and books in a flood from a hurricane.

Orrie asked,”How can we help?” Annie said, “What can we do?” Hector added, “We’re only kids, how can we help them get toys?”

“Well,” answered Miss Sue, “The holidays are coming and you will all be getting gifts of new toys and books. What about going through all the toys and books you have now and giving toys you don’t play with anymore and books you have read to children who lost all the toys and books they had?”

Hector wasn’t so sure. He loved all his toys, even the ones he didn’t play with much. Kathy and Annie were having a hard time with the idea of parting with some of their old toys too.

Orrie was the first to offer a toy and some books. Then Willie and Nellie agreed to go through their toys and books and find some that would make good nearly new play things. Pretty soon all the “Can Dos” agreed to give away a toy and a book to children who lost all their toys and books. Even Hector, Annie and Kathy said they would chip in a toy and a book.

Miss Sue told the “Can Dos” she was very proud of them. “Let’s call our project the Nearly New Toy Drive.”

Miss Sue added, “Be sure that the toy and book you decide to give to the toy drive are in good condition. They need to be clean and have all their pieces if they are games, parts if they are toys, and pages if they are books. Don’t give away anything you wouldn’t want to get yourself.”

The “Can Dos” all nodded. The parents agreed to help them pack up what they were giving to the toy drive. The grandparents offered to help the “Can Dos”write notes to go with the toys and books they were giving away.

Boys and girls reading this, here is a question for you…Do you have a toy or book that is in good condition that you could give to a nearly new toy drive near where you live?

A Thanksgiving Day to Remember

Thursday, November 22nd, 2012

Thanksgiving Day dawned cold but clear on “Can Do” Street.

When Willie and Nellie made their way down the stairs for breakfast, Grandma Hattie was already hard at work in the kitchen getting the turkey ready to go in the oven for dinner later that day. Grandpa Dooley was busy flipping pancakes for breakfast. He knew how Willie and Nellie loved them.

Willie and Nellie ate in silence. Grandma and Grandpa gave each other knowing looks. Holidays were hard for Willie and Nellie with their mom in the military. She couldn’t always get leave on the holidays to be with them.

Grandma Hattie gently reminded them that it was time to change into their costumes for the Thanksgiving pageant at the “Can Do” Street Community Center.

Willie and Nellie nodded and got up from the table to go up stairs and dress.

A few minutes later, they came down  in their pilgrim costumes. Grandma Hattie could see Nellie had tears in her eyes. She gave her a hug and Nellie said, “I wish momma could see me in the play.” Grandma nodded and said, “I know child. Your mom will home soon, but for now you need to think about the Thanksgiving pageant. It is almost time to leave.”

Willie and Nellie played their parts as Pilgrim children so well that Miss Sue called them back on stage at the end of the show to take an extra bow. Then she told them she had a surprise for them. Just as she said that, their mom popped out from behind the stage curtain. She was still in her uniform. She came right from the airport to see them in the Thanksgiving pageant.

Everyone in the audience stood up and cheered as Willie and Nellie hugged and kissed their mom over and over again.

It truly was a Thanksgiving Day to Remember!

thanksgiving

Kathy is a Butinsky!

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012

KathyKathy often buts in when other kids are talking. She doesn’t let other kids finish what they are saying; she just starts talking about what she wants to talk about.

Some kids say Kathy is rude; others just call her a butinsky.

Well, here is what happened the other day, that made Kathy promise to stop being a butinsky.

Kathy and Maria were walking down “Can Do” Street when they met Nellie. “Hi Nellie, how are you,” said Kathy. “I’m OK thanks,” answered Nellie. “Did you see the…” said Nellie, but before she could finish what she was saying, Kathy said, “Did you see the new Disney show on TV last night?”

“No I didn’t,” said Nellie, “But you should…”

“Oh it was so cool,” said Kathy. Again she didn’t let Nellie finish what she was saying.

Kathy talked on and on for a few minutes about the TV show. Then Nellie interrupted her saying, “I have to go home for dinner now. I will see you both in school tomorrow.”

Maria then asked,”Okay Nellie what was it you wanted to tell us?”

“Oh” said Nellie, “I just wanted to tell you that they were giving away free chocolate candies over at the store across the street. I guess they will be all gone by now.” With that she left her two friends and started for home.

“Bye,” said Maria. Then she turned and stared at Kathy.

“What?” said Kathy.

“It was rude of you to keep interrupting Nellie while she was speaking,” said Maria. “We missed out on getting free candy because you didn’t let her finish what she was trying to say.”

“I’m sorry,” said Kathy. She really was sorry.

“Oh, it’s OK,” said Maria. “Just remember that it is good manners to let others finish speaking before you start to talk.”

“I promise to do better. I promise to listen when someone else is speaking and wait until they finish before I begin to talk,” said Kathy.