Amanda in Alberta: The Writing on the Stone Read Online Free Page A

you, Amanda’s Mom. You can take your purchases over to the counter in the middle. Make sure you mention that Dan assisted you.”
    Mrs. Ross left the girls chatting as she paid for the boots.
    Amanda noticed a bruise on Uncle Ed’s face. “Weren’t you at the Bar U Ranch the other day when we visited?”
    â€œYa, I was. Sorry you had to see the fight.” Ed looked down at his feet.
    â€œUncle Ed works at the ranch when he isn’t being an artist or a rodeo clown.”
    â€œDan! Now you’ve blown my cover.” Ed punched his nephew on the shoulder.
    â€œSweet! I’ve never met a rodeo clown before. Isn’t it scary being face-to-face with those ferocious horses?” asked Amanda.
    â€œNaw. I know they won’t hurt me. I just whisper sweet nothings in their ears and they calm right down.”
    â€œWhat kind of art do you do?” asked Leah.
    â€œNow that’s my real job. The one I love. I do paintings and carvings. Too bad I don’t make enough money at it.”
    â€œUncle Ed does some wonderful work. He has a small studio in Bragg Creek. You should visit it if you go there,” Dan added.
    Amanda’s mom arrived carrying three bags. “All set, girls. Let’s get going.” She nodded her head, “Nice to meet you, Dan…Ed.”
    As they turned to leave the store, Amanda heard Dan say to his uncle, “Have you found it yet?”
    Ed replied, “No, but I’m sure that ranch hand took it. I just don’t know how to get it back.”
    On the drive out of town Amanda pondered what she heard and wondered if she should tell someone about the rock with the carving on it. ‘Am I wrong in keeping it? Is it valuable? Is that even what they were talking about?’
    Her thoughts were interrupted when they turned into a farmyard. Yelping dogs greeted them along with a number of shouting children. Amanda jumped out of the vehicle, petted the dogs and hugged the small children. Leah, looking uneasy, stayed inside.
    A young girl approached the SUV and said, “You must be Leah. I’m Sarah, Amanda’s cousin. I’ve heard all about you. Welcome to our farm.” She reached out her hand to help Leah out of the jeep. “Don’t worry about the dogs and kids, they’re crazy but harmless.”
    Sarah led everyone into the farmhouse filled with the smell of cabbage rolls, roasted ham and fresh baked bread.
    Amanda introduced Leah to her Aunt Marjorie who was busy in the kitchen.
    â€œPlease sit down. Lunch is ready. Great Aunt Mary is here already.”
    An elderly woman in a plaid shirt looked up from under her round glasses. A thick braid of white hair circled her head. Her weather worn face broke into a wide grin when she saw the visitors.
    Amanda gave the woman a big hug and introduced her to Leah. “Aunt Mary is a palaeontologist. She knows all about fossils and dinosaurs and stuff. She used to work at the dinosaur museum.”
    Just then a man in dungarees and a straw hat entered the room.
    â€œWhat’s this? I don’t remember inviting all of you people for lunch. I have enough kids to feed as it is. And who is this city slicker?” He picked up Amanda and swung her around.
    â€œUncle Jimmy, you are such a kidder.”
    â€œEat up folks. Marjorie’s been cooking all morning and we don’t want any leftovers. If you clean your plates, there will be horse rides after lunch.”
    The children squealed with delight as they dug into their food. Everyone talked at once. Leah looked confused by the commotion.
    Aunt Mary leaned over and asked, “Do you come from a large family, Leah?”
    â€œNo,” she answered. “There is just me and my mom and dad. And Dad is often away working.”
    â€œThen this hullabaloo must be quite overwhelming for you. We’ll do something quieter after we eat.”
    Amanda was pleased to see that Aunt Mary and Leah were