"Thank ya, Miss Ella." He said softly. He smiled crookedly. "An' thank ya fer checkin' on Mimsy. She's still a might tiny t'be left alone for long."

Said puppy was sprawled on her back in a piece of shade, watching Kyra but with absolutely no impetus to move at all.

Kevin turned to Hattie. "Here ya go, Miss Hattie. Fill it 'bout three-quarts full, an' put it on the stove." Because it's your cooking lesson, Hattie. Duh.