The Adolescent Philosopher

I'm riding around town the other day, doing some errands and stuff.  Maria and I are conversing and whining and kvetching, as usual, and finally I say:

"Why does everything have to be difficult?"

To which Brady replied, in a very matter of fact voice:

"To teach you lessons. Duh."

Okay then.

Conversations with the 12-year-old

So, my grandson and I had this conversation the other day. 

Brady: My friend who used to live down the street, her house caught on fire. That double-wide down there by my old bus stop.
Me: Oh, that's terrible. Which friend?
B: She was the one that was in my art class and remember I said she lived right by the bus stop but she got driven there?
M: (I have no clue what he's talking about, but...) Uh-huh.
B: She's the one that asked if I wanted to see her.....
M: (omygodomygodomygod!)
B: ... hamster.


I'm hoping that's a literal thing, and not just what the kids are calling it these days.  Good grief, he's growing up in a hurry.