The "H" stands for Henry!

I can tell this now... I can still vividly remember the paddling we got for the attempt!!!

Greg (son of Edgar) and I got the bright idea one day to address Grandpa (H. Ray) and Grandma (M. Grace) as Grandpa Henry and Grandma Mable. These being their given FIRST names we thought it proper and endearing.

Albeit, admittedly somewhat short-sighted on our part as to the reasons neither used their FIRST names, we charged full steam ahead without concern of any major consequence other than a possible rise out of Grandpa. We did however start with a plan...

We addressed Grandma FIRST!

Well, this served to make Grandma VERY red in the face, neck and ears. She grabbed Greg by the ear just as she yelled at both of us. She had a soft spot for us with our impish grins and released him without further injury. I being the elder by two years, knew enough to stay beyond arms' reach!

We got a lecture on the proper usage of Grandma, Grandma Walker, Granny, or any similar term of endearment, however, we were never to use Grandma Mable or any part of Mable or Grace for that matter, ever again!

Hmmm... lesson noted.

We went back outside and revisted our plan... our first attempt seemed relatively calm and mild for Grandma's standards, so we thought... What harm could there be in going onto phase two and give it a whirl with Grandpa? Greg and I both reasoned that MANY adults were allowing us to address them by their first name, what could it hurt with Grandpa???

I should probably add a sidebar here: Grandpa was all about prestige, proper etiquite, respect, and all of the rules and expectations that go along with those high traits. He was a decorated Mason, a veteran of WWI, a local politician, and very proud of his accomplishments. Any affronts to the above could be construed as high-treason and subject to appropriate punishment befitting the wrongdoing.

Well, we proceeded to look for an opening of opportunity. It didn't take long and he was within earshot of us. We were in the backyard and he was coming back from the front yard to "see" us.

We were playing catch with a baseball inline with the window in the garage. He was VERY concerned that we were going to break that window as we had been cautioned several times prior not to pitch the ball in front of the garage, but along the side of it where there weren't any windows. Unbeknownst to Grandpa, we were more worried about the ball messing up Grandma's raspberries and the wrath that that represented...

Ok, the trap's set, let's set it off...

We agreed that we were in the wrong position and changed our lineup to the east side of the garage. He was satisfied and turned to leave. We nodded to each other (Greg and I) and said something to the effect "OK Grandpa Henry!"

I'd never seen Grandpa move so fast in my life!!! He had me by the ear and then Greg by the ear and led us full speed into the woodshop area of the garage. I think Greg was so surprised by Grandpa's reaction, that he was frozen in shock and awe! Keep in mind we were standing about 20 yards apart!

Well, it was at that point that I learned where my Dad learned the technique of pinching your legs inbetween his legs and holding my head down while my butt was sufficiently tanned. I got it first and then it was Greg's turn. By then, I think my Dad and Uncle Ed heard all the commotion and came to the garage to see what was going on.

Dad asked Grandpa what all the yellin and screamin was about... he said, "They called me Henry." and went in the house.

I don't think my Dad knew how to react. I'm sure he wanted to bust out laughing, but couldn't as both Greg and I weren't in the mood for our Dad's laughing at us. We sure deserved it! All my Dad said was "What were you thinking???" I distinctly remember a smile on Uncle Ed's face...

Hmm.... lesson noted.