Fruit Loops

Why on earth had she volunteered to take the grandkids all day? Sheer folly.

Olivia had driven the entire autumn Fruit Loop trail south of Hood River, with Zeke, 6, and

Annie, 3, in tow. They picked pears and ran through a corn maze. At Mountain View Orchards, they

visited Carlos, a huge white steer. They petted goats. At the country store, Zeke and Annie

needed toys and donuts. On the way home, they fought over…something…. Annie

shrieked inconsolably, while Zeke pleaded innocence. Then they both fell asleep.

Back at the house, their well-rested parents put the tots to bed. “How’d it go?” Bill asked.

“Fabulous. We had the best time!”

A sleepy grumble came from Zeke’s room. “Again tomorrow?”

“We got you a thank-you present,” said Hannah. “It’s a fruit loop.”

Olivia wanted to wear it like a crown of laurels but put it around her neck instead. “I love it.”

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Enjoy a Fruit Loop less tiring than the one south of Hood River. (Glass beads, $135) Visit Louisa on the Contact page.