Ferrara's in Florida

This morning while I taught the girls school, Joel made friends in the courtyard. That is, with a caterpillar whom he gave full rights to "tickling" him "all over his arms" and called a large garden snail his "best friend" while it scooched from his palm to his pointer finger.   He doesn't like kisses (which is a daily sacrifice for me to relent). Yet I'm beginning to not like his hugs and actually screamed from surprise when he went to hug me after caressing an earthworm. 

Sable, deep in thought while chewing food...then  a big swallow followed by a swig of water and this-- "Daddy and Mommy, even though Mimi is retired she has a job.  You see, she lends people her condo.  And that's how she makes money as a retired Mimi."

Joel: Mommy I found a roach. (He's talking while he's holding the roach in a cradle hand position) Me: That's great, now please throw it in the trash and wash your hands. Joel: Mommy he is my pet. Me: What?! Please throw it away. Joel: He IS my pet, I want him (now he is gently petting the roach with his pointer finger) Me: Roaches have germs now move toward the trash can. Joel: That's okay, Mom. I like germs.