December 9
In which it's beginning to look a lot like manipulation.
As you'll see since from the pictures, we've been busy since last we wrote. There have been trips home-- the week BEFORE Thanksgiving, thank you very much. Cost us a third of what the holiday rates were!
We got to stay with the grandmothers and Owen had the chance to rediscover his cousins. Mom and Dad got to vist much missed friends and enjoy the fish-free food of the midwest.
Such adventures provide a great deal of fodder to an imaginative young man. As you see at left, he has been a cowboy and construction worker. What you don't see is his doctor regalia-- everyone in the family has been deathly ill at some point or another-- his Fireman Sam (construction hat worn backward) or his terrible pirate.
It's possible Robin and I have been to the hospital so many times because of all the vicious attacks from Captain Hook and his sword. If not the pirate, it could be the dinosaurs or monsters which are more and more frequently wandering our halls.
Dealing with such a horde of miscreants has required greater imagination on the part of young Owen's parents, as well. You may not have realized this, but if you will just eat three more bites of your dinner, you'll be able to keep gobblers from nibbling your nose and belly. Also, the toilets are very thirsty so you have to be sure and give them potty on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, everything we imagine is quickly countered by something new. A recent favorite is jail. Please write to Amnesty International immediately-- Robin and I are often locked away without the benefit of trial.
Today, as I was trying to negotiate my release, I found that none of the regulars were working. I could not pay a toll nor would the mysterious key I suddently had in my pocket unlock the cell. Stranded on the steps, unable to go up and unable to go down, I was forced to pull out the big guns:
"Okay, Owen. I'll stay in jail. It's too bad, though. If I'm in jail we can't go see Santa. If we don't go see Santa, we can't tell him what you want so there probably won't be any presents on Christmas day."
"Look, Daddy. Here's the key. You can get out of jail now."
After the 25th, I'm doomed.
