Lisa’s Loose Tooth

Frank and Lisa were visiting their grandparents. “ Get dressed and come down to breakfast. Also, find your bathing suits because we’ll be swimming at the lake, ” said Mom. Frank couldn’t find his bathing suit. “ Mom told you to pack your bathing suit, ” scolded Lisa. “ I guess you won’t be going swimming today. ”

“ Be quiet! ” said Frank. “ I can wear my shorts to swim, as long as I bring an extra pair. ” “ Lisa! Frank! Your breakfast is getting cold, ” called their grandma. “ We’re coming! ” answered Lisa. “ Found it! ” shouted Frank happily. “ Found—? Frank, this room is a mess! Why are all your clothes on the floor?” asked Mom.

“ He couldn’t find his bathing suit, " said Lisa. “ Frank, you must put your clothes away before you have breakfast, ” said Mom. “ Yes, Mom, ” answered Frank. “ How many pancakes can you eat?” asked Grandma at breakfast. “ I can eat three, ” said Lisa. “ Do you have maple syrup?”

“ Yes, ” replied Grandpa. “ It’s real. I made it this spring. ” “ You made it? How?” asked Lisa. “ Well, it takes a lot of work. But each spring, as the weather gets warmer, the sap begins to run in the maple trees. ” “ Sap?” asked Lisa with a mouthful of pancakes.

“ Sap is tree blood, ” said Grandpa. “ Yuck, ” said Lisa. “ Syrup is made from blood! ” “ Lisa, tree blood isn’t like human blood. Tree blood, sap, is mostly water and sugar. After a long winter’s nap, a tree needs a nice long drink of sweet water. In the spring I take some of the sweet water from my maple trees and make maple syrup. ”

“ Are there any pancakes left for me?” asked Frank. “ Sure, there’s plenty. How many can you eat?” asked Grandma. “ I can eat three, ” said Frank. “ Pass the syrup, please. ” “ Where’s Dad?” asked Frank Oh, he took the boat to the lake thismorning to go fishing, ” answered Mom.