Margaret and Mary Katherine

April is the time of dogwood trees.

Margaret and Mary Katherine
Chapter One

It was a cool, sunshiny day and the twins Margaret and Mary Katherine put on their springtime coats and hats to take a walk down Pennsylvania Avenue.

The dogwood trees were still flowering, some pink and some white. Mary Katherine said, “I wonder why dogwood trees are called dogwood? What’s doggie about them?”

Margaret answered, “I don’t know, but I see that the Kousa dogwood trees are just beginning to flower.” She smiled, “I spy something white with four petals!” Mary Katherine said, “Woof, woof!”

The girls walked toward the new ice cream shop and Mary Katherine reached into her pocket. She found two coins and a bit of lint. She muttered, “Not enough to buy anything but let’s go in.”

The shop was bright and clean. The fancy new wallpaper had wide green and white stripes with clusters of bright red cherries.

A large glass jar with a lid sat on the high counter. It was filled with freshly made ice cream cones. You still could smell the toasty scent in the air.

Margaret and Mary Katherine
Chapter Two

Mr. Nelson greeted the two girls. “Would you like some ice cream today? It’s a little cold outside!” Mary Katherine looked down at the floor. “We forgot to bring enough money.”

Mrs. Nelson said, “That’s okay!” Today we are celebrating the Dogwood Festival. Free ice cream for everyone! What’s your favorite flavor?”

Margaret answered, “I like vanilla and my sister likes strawberry!”

The trip home was very chilly, but the girls happily licked their ice cream cones as they walked along.

In the distance they heard the sound of a marching band tuning up their instruments.

Mary Katherine said, “We had better get home right away to remind Mommy and Daddy about the Dogwood Parade. It’s almost time to go to the park.”

At exactly the same moment, both girls said, “Woof, woof!”

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