This story had me in stitches:
I hate to run over animals…and I really hate it on a motorcycle, but a squirrel should pose no danger to me. I barely had time to brace for the impact.
Animal lovers, never fear. Squirrels can take care of themselves!
Inches before impact, the squirrel flipped to his feet. He was standing on his hind legs and facing the oncoming Valkyrie with steadfast resolve in his little beady eyes. His mouth opened, and at the last possible second, he screamed and leapt! I am pretty sure the scream was squirrel for, “Banzai!” or maybe, “Die you gravy-sucking, heathen scum!” as the leap was spectacular and he flew over the windshield and impacted me squarely in the chest.
Oh, do read the whole thing, do! Hat tip to Editorial Anonymous.
The Battle of the Hard Soled Shoes
Sometimes, you’ve just got to stand firm.
I don’t know how this came to be an issue, but Vivian hates hard-soled shoes. I mean really hates them with a fiery passion. For months, now, we’ve had her wear these leather-soled slippers which look nice and which are easy to put on. Unfortunately, we’re rapidly reaching the upper limits in terms of their size. Also, winter is looming, and we figure that going from these soft-soled shoes to big trompy boots will be a considerable shock unless we at least get her into some sandals first.
But if you want to give Vivian a complete meltdown, you need only to take her into a shoe department and try one of those hard-soled shoes on her. Indeed, she is starting to master the tactic of crying “help! help!” which is really discouraging.
But today, we bit the bullet. After Vivian had been walking around the wooden deck in her bare feet, I brought out these sandals we bought yesterday, and scooped Vivian up and put them on. She wasn’t pleased. But I stood firm. As she lay on the wooden deck, kicking, I waited. And gradually, she picked herself up and got on her feet. Took a couple of stumbly steps, and then some more steps. We made sure to clap and cheer, which she appreciated.
Now, as I type this two hours later, she’s such an expert that I can just hear her say, “I’ve always loved these big girl shoes, daddy! I can’t think why you haven’t given these to me to wear before.”
I anticipate more battles just like that.
Return to Boone, Iowa
We went back to Boone yesterday and rode the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. Here are some pictures.
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Vivian and her grandmother Rosemarie look out from the train car. |
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Watching the passing scenery. |
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Vivian tries on new shades! |
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Vivian tries on a bowler hat! |