Critter of Many Skills

Ever since the Spring Term Tests passed, quizzing the children became less frequent. They still studied, but Mason decided he needed a new job, for now he was paid a flat rate per test. One day, Mason Tuxedo Cat got up early and borrowed Harlin’s Seven Seater. When he arrived home, he got to work, starting with rolling some dough,

and putting it into the oven.

The end result, one of the best breakfasts his children had ever tasted: bread!

“Wow, daddy, this tastes great!” commented Rose.

“So good!” praised Lily, in between bites of the savory melon bread Mason had baked.

“What’s that smell?” inquired Natalie as she came down to the kitchen/dining room.

Mason said, “It’s bread.”

“Bread? I didn’t buy bread.”

Mason repeated, “Yes, bread. I made it.”

“Made it?”

“Yes, I made it,” Mason answered to his perplexed wife.

“I never knew you could bake bread,” stated Lily, who started eyeing her sister’s plate.

Mason laughed, “I’m a critter of many skills, you know.”

“That’s why I married you,” Natalie said, sweetly.

“WHAT?!” Mason said.

Natalie’s voice slowly trailed off, “Well, it was an important factor…”

At the house next door, Skip smelled the aromas of fresh baked bread. Everyone seemed to smell it. “This calls for Detective Skip!” Skip happily chimed, for the young boy was trying to find a way out of doing math problems.

Therefore, the children embarked on an adventure to find the origin of the lovely scent. Bell ushered her friends to the Tuxedo Cats’ residency. After knocking, Natalie opened the door and the smell instantly became stronger. “Hello,” she greeted.

Skip smiled, “Good morning, may we come in?”

Natalie nods and immediately, the kids notice the large plates of bread on the dining table. “Have some,” Mason said to the children.

“Thanks!” the children shouted in unison.

All the bread was gobbled down without a single crumb left behind. The twins had left upstairs to read and only Natalie and Mason were left downstairs. Mason started explaining to his wife about how he would like to open a bakery. “Just a small stand outside our house. We can put a brick oven and work station outside,” he explained.

Natalie agreed it would be a good idea and she didn’t mind the idea of having fresh bread to eat every morning. For the next few weeks, the family worked hard to get it open. Stands were built from firm and strong wood, the brick oven had been placed and lots of ingredients and implements were being purchased. Residents of the Cloverleaf Countryside flocked to lend a helping paw to the Tuxedo Cats. Harlin came over to help Mason carry the tables and displays to their proper places.

Teri helped get the word out in town. Bell was even asked to do the artwork for their sign. Mason tried to pay her, but Bell refused. Instead, they both agreed Bell could have a free basket of bread on opening day.

Right before opening morning, Natalie told her daughters to come down. She revealed a full length apron with a dark green ribbon collar and a chef’s hat. “If you’re going to bake, you must protect your dresses from the flour and dough!” Natalie insisted, always making sure her twin daughters stayed proper.

The twins didn’t mind, they were too eager for the next morning, plus the apron did look cute. As the sun showed, Mason stirred. He immediately got to work. Eggs, milk, flour, sugar, yeast and more. Into the oven and ta-da: fresh bread!

The twins and Natalie came to help too. Lily rolled the dough and Rose made the dough. Natalie would display the products on their stands. The process took a long time, but the result was worth it. Ginni and Olive even came by to “taste test” the treats until their tummies ached.

Soon, customers started arriving. First, Teri and Freya who bought a baguette.

Then Bell came and and got some animal themed breads.

Word spread to Town and some customers living below the mountain decided to come and check it out. By the day’s end, only 6 pieces were left. “Well, I guess we all earned it,” Mason said as he munched on a twist bun.

Natalie laughed, “Even our taste testers.”

Ginni and Olive looked up with their large black eyes and smiled, “We like bread.”

“Daddy?” Rose said.

Mason nodded, “Yes?”

“We’re going to have to name the bakery,” Rose noted.

“Flour to Dough,” pointed out Olive.

Natalie grinned, “I like it, simple yet sweet.”

“‘Flour to Dough’ it is,” Mason said as he patted his niece on the head.

“I think this bakery will be a success,” Lily claimed as the sun setted for the day.