Mumbo-jumbo and rum   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode      Grandmother was also an excellent actress and a wonderful comedian with a very sharp sense of humor.      “Of course, Manuelita!” Grandfather interjected, as he pleaded with his hands and turned to me for support. “That man took a…

Obstinate men   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode “We then got into a discussion and things began to get out of hand, but then you grandmother, who is a natural-born diplomat, convinced him to consider it a special case and to proceed. You see that I’m not the only person that…

The Queen of the skies   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode      “It was a very hot day and we walked together to the field. We had built a large hanger and my lively aircraft was sitting pleasantly in the shade.”      Grandmother continued saying, “the Bishop looked around…

Red roses and little bishops   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode       “She is a beautiful woman” Grandfather said, talking about his plane. “Of course, next to Manuela her beauty is insignificant, but still, that happens to any woman when compared to Manuela! Well, except you hon, but I’ve always…

Back for lunch   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode      On the dashboard, aside of the compass, he also invariably carried a small rosary with black beads; it was a gift from Grandmother, who had it blessed by the Bishop of Managua years before. Before Grandfather took off, many times…

A rosary with black beads   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode      “Jairito, I’m simply asking that when you’re up there flying those deadly missions of yours that you take good care of yourself, and you come home for lunch, once you’re done.”      All this happened a long…

Forty protective saints   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode      In a way Grandfather still fumigated with his trusty Cessna. In his own words:      “I don’t believe that things are so different, here and now; before, I would spend my time, flying over the cotton plantations and fighting…

An irresistible officer   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode      Corporal! Place the Sergeant under arrest, conduct him to headquarters and then, proceed to place yourself and the eight troopers present under arrest as well! Understood, Corporal?”      “Sir! Yes, Sir!”      “Very well, carry on! And, Corporal!”…

Counting from one to three…   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode      In any event, immediately realizing the perilous circumstance he was in, without so much as an instant’s hesitation, he squared his shoulders and stood tall and straight. With a disciplined attitude, coupled with a commanding voice, he addressed…