Saturday morning started with a performance by the Artist at Solo & Ensemble competition. He did a superb job, and we are all eager see his rating. (The judge seemed impressed.)

On the way home, we stopped at Wal-Mart. (Boo and hiss if you are so inclined, but us ordinary folks do what have to feed and water our children. Sunlight alone doesn't seem to work.)

The boys and the Queen (May She Live Forever) went off on their own to buy birthday presents for the Princess, leaving me with the girl, the basket and the shopping list.

As we headed toward the grocery wing, I started reading off the items on the list.

 We need water.
 It is over there! (pointing)
 And we also need white vinegar.
 I don't know where that is.
 I don't either.

(we passed a few aisles in thoughtful silence)

 We could ask*. (*pronounced 'axe')
 No, we can't. Men don't ask. Only women do.

(more silence; I could almost hear the gears turning in her head)

 Well...Mommy asks.
 Yes, but Mommy is a woman. I'm not, so I can't ask.

She abandoned the conversation at this point, understanding that she was no match for my indefatigable logic. Our conversation meandered aimlessly while our basket made a deliberate circuit up and down the aisles.

When we eventually stumbled across the vinegar, I pointed it out to her and said, "Look, there is the vinegar...and we didn't even have to ask." I was impressed at how naturally she fell into into her natural gender role and simply ignored my comments.

Later that same afternoon, I was sent to the grocery store to pick up a few things, including baking cups for the birthday cupcakes. With so much to do here at the Castle, the Queen (MSLF) forced me to promise that I would ask for assistance should I encounter any difficulty locating them. I promised, but only because I had a pretty good idea where they would be.

(No, they weren't there, but I was close. And as for your other question, I don't believe an answer is even necessary.)