I think Carmen has figured something out. I think it goes like this, “If I don’t ask them, they can’t tell me no.” So, if it’s 8pm and you’re back home from a trip to the farmer’s market and you’re supposed to be going to bed, just get your hand on up to that counter that you can finally reach, and help yourself to an ear of corn. Walk around and mind your own business, peeling the shuck like Mommy taught you, tossing the silk and leaves into the trash can. Move quick and hide in the corner every now and then, so nobody notices much of anything. Keep the stalk, since it’s a handy handle, and enjoy. When she realizes what you’ve been up to, the one we call Mommy will be so amused and impressed that she’ll let you eat that corn, and even take your picture. And then she’ll laugh when you just go ahead and get yourself another ear, and even encourage David to go ahead and eat one, too.

David thought he might get to skip the shucking and get right to eating,

but it didn’t work so well. I told David not to worry; Gerald Ford made the some mistake. David giggled and moved on to peeling and eating.