Made in Richmond

Ross lived in Brazil for during his years in 3rdish or 4thish grade. Consequently, he just didn’t experience what the rest of us did at that age. Sometimes we’ll be in the car and a song will come on the radio that I remember from that time and that he’s never heard and I get kind of sad for him - but just for a minute because, come on, he was living in BRAZIL where he had a MAID and a CHAUFFEUR because it cost like $11 a month.

Last night while we were at Kroger, Ross decided he should get a toy as long as it cost under $4. Because he’s seven. He came across this:

Actually, his was of the Backyardigans variety, but you get the idea. Of course as soon as we got in the car, he started playing it. With, shall we say, some difficulty? And then I realized why.

Brazil.

Anyone who went to elementary school in Chesterfield County (and maybe in the state of Virginia) played the recorder in 4th grade. It’s what you *do.* Hot Cross Buns is old hat by Winter Break and by April, you’re rocking out to When the Saints Go Marching In.

But, Ross wasn’t in Chesterfield County then. He was a bit closer to the equator, going to the beach every day and speaking Portuguese like a beautiful little native.

A lot of good that does him now. Sure he’s gone swimming in pristine caves, but did he pick apart (and eventually MASTER) the melody to the theme of Free Willy like my sister and I did? I think not.