The Magic of Ordinary Days Pg. 114-14

By: Ann Howard Creel

Summary:

The fourteenth chapter began with Livvy wanting to teach the POWs English. But soon changed with another hunt for butterflies with Rose and Lorelei. Even though winter is coming and insects are scarce they still had fun. Livvy learned even more about butterflies. Lorelei and Rose are also making Livvy more maternity clothes.

The next chapter had more a romantic touch. It began with Ray being proud to be with his pregnant wife in public. Being able to show off "his" accomplishments. When Livvy went to the doctor and her baby is due in March. While there she got assurance that this baby is a blessing not a mistake. He or she will win people's heart. Along the way Ray and Livvy open up. Livvy wished at one point she would lose the baby. Ray assured Livvy that no one in the town will gossip about the early arrival and he doesn't care if they do. He said it was the best thing to happen to him. Reverend Case could have called any other bachelor but he chose him. Even in the middle of the night Ray went to check on her when she had a bad night sleeping.

Ray brought a Japanese man back to his house so Livvy could take him to the hospital because he hurt his hand. Later Ray and Livvy went on a walk and put into perspective that the war is going on under the same sky as theirs. There are American soldiers dying from the kamikaze. Being a gentleman, Ray started to build Livvy a pond for her and their children to swim in. While digging the pond Livvy and Martha were concerned for Ray and Hank because the crane they were used almost fell into their ditch. But being a kind gentleman didn't last long. Livvy was about to let the dog inside but Ray was so firm that he lived here and he has never let the dog in. At the end, Livvy visited Camp Amache so Lorelei and Rose's parents could fit some clothes for her. There she noticed how smalled their living quarters were.

Response:

Fritillary Butterfly

These chapters really brought Livvy and Ray together. I loved learning about the butterflies and how their wings have scales that fall off each time they fly. I was so happy that Ray was showing more emotion and that he was proud to be with Livvy not embarrassed. Also, that Livvy coming to be his wife was the best thing that happened to him! They are also warming up to each other by going on walks and Ray checking up on her in the middle of the night.

It touched me and Livvy when Ray brought the Japanese man to get help. This means he is warming up to the people who work on his farm and is looking out for them. He is also building her a pond for their children. She even feared for his life when he was building the pond.