"Chuck," I said, " I saw your face before you covered the camera. Move the cover!"
"I know. I know."
"I know you know. So move the cover!"
"Next time."
'I give up,' I thought. So the conversation began. It was already an hour later than scheduled.
"Where were you at 11, Chuck?" I asked.
"I went out," he said. But then he surprised me by admitting, "I forgot."
I was lying in bed. Dudo was on a pillow next to my head. I moved my iPad so The Kid Brother could see him. He adores the cats.
"Hey there. What are you doin'?" he spoke gently to Dudo.
Dudo's ears twitched and he looked vaguely at the iPad. I told The Kid Brother that, since he had his camera covered, Dudo didn't know it was him.
The Kid Brother said, "I'll fix that." Within seconds, his face appeared on the screen. Dudo's ears flipped and his eyes got huge as he stared right into The Kid Brother's face. The Kid Brother beamed.
Priorities.
 |
| EL HERMANITO (DERECHA) Y SU SOBRINO. THE KID BROTHER (RIGHT) AND HIS NEPHEW. |
"Chuck," dije, "vi tu rostro antes de cubrir la cámara. ¡Saca la cubierta!"
"Lo sé. Lo sé."
"¡Sé que lo sabes, así que mueve la cubierta!"
"La próxima vez."
'¡Me doy por vencido!', pensé. Así comenzó la conversación. Ya era una hora más tarde de lo programado.
"¿Dónde estabas a las 11, Chuck?" pregunté.
"Salí", dijo. Pero entonces me sorprendió al admitir, "Olvidé".
Yo estaba acostado en la cama. Dudo estaba en una almohada junto a mi cabeza. Moví mi iPad para que The Kid Brother pudiera verlo. Adora a los gatos.
"Hola, ¿qué estás haciendo?" habló suavemente a Dudo.
Las orejas de Dudo se contrajeron y él miró vagamente al iPad. Le dije a The Kid Brother que, desde que tenía la cámara cubierta, Dudo no sabía que era él.
El Kid Brother dijo: "Voy a arreglar eso". En segundos, su rostro apareció en la pantalla. Las orejas de Dudo se volvieron y sus ojos se pusieron enormes mientras miraba directamente a la cara de El Hermanito. El Hermanito sonrió.
Prioridades.
I LOVE hearing about your interactions with Chuck! I think these posts are my favorite part of your blog. Your brother is adorable, and so funny! I wish I had a brother. You are fortunate. :)
ReplyDeletePs...you should frame that screenshot of Chuck and Dudo.
DeleteJennifer:
DeleteIsn't that shot great? Chuck is going to love it. He drives me crazy sometimes and often cracks me up.
your brother is lovely
ReplyDeleteGosia:
DeleteHe is.
Well, now you know how to get him to uncover the camera!
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention that I just posted about the tamarindo tree confusion. Turns out your ornamental Tamarindos are related to our pod-bearing tamarind and to 2 other trees that grow wild around here - all with some confusing version of the common name tamarind.
DeleteWilma:
DeleteWell, the same trick may not work next week. I told him last week that if he uncovered the camera, I'd give the cats treats and he could watch (and they could see him). Didn't happen! Fascinating about the Tamarindos. I just got through telling a neighbor they're tamarisks! Uh oh...
Dudo needs to SEE Uncle Chuck! Gotta love that!
ReplyDeleteBob:
DeleteThey used to get treats every week when we would Skype. I'd put the laptop on the kitchen floor, so they could see each other. Maybe he'll be willing to try that again.
So the Kid Brother will make himself visible for Dudo buty not for you? Interesting.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteYes, the Kid Brother IS interesting!
Hi cousin Chuckie!
ReplyDeleteSheree:
DeleteMaybe you can see him when you're here. We'll give it a try.
Priceless!
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't prefer cats?!
Jim:
DeleteHe's a real piece of work!
well, now you know where YOU stand, mitch; you come after dudo!
ReplyDeleteanne marie:
DeleteYep. I've always known where I stand.
Very sweet Mitchell. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteRobin
Robin:
DeleteI love sharing adventures of the Kid Brother. He drives me crazy and makes me laugh.
Awww, a kid brother AND Dudo post? The BEST!
ReplyDeleteJudy
Judy:
DeleteBoth spoiled rotten. Both are the boss of me! Both adorable.
In my Spanish lessons the word for nephew is not connected to cats.
ReplyDeleteSpo;
DeleteWell, obviously your Spanish lessons are lacking.
So the secret to getting your brother to uncover the camera, is to let him talk to the cat, once you know that, knowledge is power.
ReplyDeleteTravel:
DeleteI do know how to manipulate him, but it doesn't always work. I used to give the cats treats and put my laptop on the floor so they could see Chuck and he could see them. He loved it. That enticement didn't work a few weeks ago. Sometimes there's just no figuring!
I have two brothers, I never have understood either of them.
DeleteTravel:
DeleteAlthough my brother can be difficult to get through to, he's probably easier to understand than the typical brother. I feel for you!
That's hilarious! I would judge, but, well, I've Skyped with my cat when I was on vacation. I admit it.
ReplyDeleteA Beer for the Shower:
DeleteYep, I've Skyped with the cats, too. They seem to get more excited with Chuck. I think it's because they connect his computer image with treats.
Seriously what a great moment, Mitch!
ReplyDeleteMeow!!
Ron:
DeleteChuck drives me crazy and gives me lots of great moments.
Okay I didn't tear up one bit at that okay! I did not! Final word!
ReplyDeleteWillym:
DeleteI adore this guy. He drives me nuts, he makes me laugh, and he warms my heart.