Fannie Jane Changes Her Name

We were on the way to Grandpa's where Daddy is building Grandpa's new house. We stopped and walked through the woods. Mack and Daddy cut pieces of willow, slipped the bark back and made a notch and created willow whistles for Fannie Jane and the little boys. When Daddy reminded them not to aggravate Aunt Fannie with their whistle blowing, Fannie Jane suddenly blurted, "Why did you have to name me for two Aunts who are old maids?" Fortunately for F.J. she can get away with more with Daddy than the rest of us.

When we got home, after a day with Aunt Fannie in a good mood who gave Fannie J. extra cookies, Fannie announced: "I took that 'Jane' and threw it in the fishpond. My name is now Fannie Fishtail."

Blanche suggested that maybe we could call her Frances, which is a more up to date version of Fannie. Nobody mentioned that Fannie is really short for Stephanie. We wouldn't want F.J. to put on airs. The little ones are going to Aragon School in the fall, so she can start in there as Frances.


Frances, 4th child from the left on the second row.