"Lemonade for sale!"

If you had wandered down the street in front of my house this afternoon, this is what you would have heard shouted from young throats during the hours of 4:30 and 6 pm. You would have heard the sound of optimism. You would have sensed the hope of capitalism. You would have seen works of charity.

And you would have had the opportunity to purchase a small cup of sweet lemonade for 25 cents while listening to the soundtrack of Disney movies pouring out of the speakers of my iPhone speaker system.

If you had come at one part of the afternoon, you could have seen Grace standing at the corner a few houses away from hours with a small sign (that you likely couldn't read well unless you were standing right there). Grace would be sporting some old sunglasses that I received after my cataract surgery--giving her a Gordon Geckoish aspect. Had Grace's sign and sales pitch convinced you, then step down this way a few driveways and belly up to the folding table for your citrusy libation.

Sarah would be your bartender at this point, politely asking you for your coin (though folding money will suit just fine--especially if you feel generous and don't ask for change). You'll get your dixie cup of lemonade and a quiet "Thank you."

Due to their hard work, they earned over $3 in lemonade sales today--easily the best haul they have had in their few lemonade outings. (And none of that money came from me or our nice neighbors.)

The best thing of all was that I got them to donate some of their earnings to the charity that they have been gathering money for all Lent.