1950s: The steady pace of life

As spring moves into summer, life goes on for the little family. Winston grows from a little puppy to a big dog, and Betty finally gets that washing machine she's been longing for, as Thomas gets a bonus for stopping an infectious decease from spreading outside a rental complex by treating all the residents locally at the complex.






One day grandpa Nash steps by to ask what they think of his new glasses, and what to do for Josephine's birthday. Betty suggest they host the party at their place. "She shouldn't have to cook and clean on her birthday!" Grace, who is coming by quite often now that she has no job, agrees.



Michael and Winston are becoming fast friends, and Winston always knows how to cheer Micheal up when mummy is busy cleaning or tending to the house in other ways. 




On Josephine's birthday everyone is gathered in the house. Betty has done the cooking and baked a cake, and while not everyone can fit around the dining table, people seem to be having good conversations wherever they find a seat. 





Josephine is so grateful to her son for arranging it all.



But the best gift is when little Michael takes his very first steps. 




That night, after everyone has gone home, Betty reads her son to sleep in his new big boy bed in his new big boy room. On a mat on the floor, Winston sleeps near his best friend. The nursery, for now, sits unused, though Betty hopes intensely that it won't be for long. She and Thomas has been trying for a while though, and she still hasn't gotten pregnant again. 



For now, however, there is a summer to get through, and so much to discover for a little boy who's just learnt to walk. Grandma is always fun to play with. She gives the bestest hugs. 



But when mommy and grandma talks and talk and talks, it's good that daddy can be persuaded to let you play in the pool. 




After a full day of playing, Betty and Thomas is glad to have some time in front of their new TV after Michael is put to bed. Even if they're not always concentrating on what is on, but more in each other. Thomas sometimes wonders how he could have gotten so lucky as to find Betty.  


That kind of intense feelings obviously help, because a few days later:



She has to admit though, that she had forgotten how bad the morning sickness got. She seems to be spending more time cleaning toilets after throwing up than any other chore in the house. 


But that is a small price to pay for happiness, and how much better that Thomas gets a promotion before another child is born: 


Independance day is spent with the family in the Desert bloom park, with games, swimming and the men manning the BBQs. With food taken care of and grandma around to entertain Michael, it's a chance for Betty to rest and put her feet up for a while. 





With summer vacation coming on, Thomas wants to go home to the farm. "Michael will love it there," he tells Betty. "The free land, the animals, and Winston can run free as much as he wants."

They arrive on Saturday, and stay over the weekend, and while Betty enjoys the rest of not having a household to tend to by taking the time to knit and enjoy the warm weather, Michael follows Johnny around as he tends to the animals, and Anna and Thomas tend to the horses and go on long rides.





Betty has to admit that it's nice with a change of pace. That night they eat outside, and she doesn't even have to worry about the dishes.



As night falls, Thomas and Johnny sits by the fire and talk, as Betty reads Michael to sleep. It's in every way a successful stay, and Thomas hopes they can do this every year from now on. 


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