Quote 22
"Why, there's my grandkids now." She pointed us out with a spatula. "They're from Chicago. Gangs run that town, you know," she told the kid. "My grandson's in a gang, so you don't want to mess with him. He's meaner than he looks." (2.43)
Grandma likes to point out that Joey and Mary Alice are from Chicago because it makes them look tougher when the town bullies come out of the woodwork. Joey hates this, though, because he's convinced that his Grandma's bluffing will get him beat up.
Quote 23
"We wasn't over Decoration Day before it was the Fourth of July. Then come the Old Settlers' picnic. You can hardly get down the street for the crowds, and the dust never settles. I need me a day off and some peace and quiet."
Fresh from the Chicago Loop, Mary Alice and I traded glances. (3.16-17)
How adorable. Grandma Dowdel thinks that her little town in the boonies is getting too lively. Compared to Joey and Mary Alice's Chicago home, Grandma's town is pretty quiet and sedate.
Quote 24
"The Centennial Celebration? Nothin' but an excuse for people to mill around, waste time, and make horses' patooties of themselves. I hope I never see another one." (7.8)
Grandma Dowdel is not the kind of person who is into fairs and big celebrations. She loves her community, but she's not into big shows or lots of activity; she'd rather just carry on with her everyday life.