Here is the Frio River update I promised and a little more.

There is nothing like tubing down a swollen river for five hours to remind you how alive you really are. Canoeing I’ve done. Rafting, too. But tubing was a first. There should have been a tubing 101 class. Just the basics. Like how to avoid getting a bruise on your backside the size of a shoe. Or how not to slam into trees. Or how to go over a minature waterfall without exposing anything. These are things you can and do figure out. But not without risk. You can put on quite a show in five hours time!

After the water, there was food and drink. All outside, of course, which makes everything taste better. When the stars paid a visit, we didn’t neglect their hospitality. Our backs were pressed to a blanket and we communed with diamonds. Many dreams have hatched under starry skys, many answers received. If bugs hadn’t been hostile, my sleeping arrangements would have been set. If you did nothing more than share the sky in west Texas with friends and family your time there would be well spent. Lets just say whenever I visit, a renewed zest for life comes back in my suitcase.

Now, back to the real world.

Yesterday, I paid a visit to Poopy Pants Corner. What? You’ve never been there? Well, you should go at least once. But first let me tell you what it is and what it is not. It is a gathering place in the mall for toddlers. There is a huge green tree and little plastic stumps to romp on. There is a prevading smell that screams “change me.” Many a stuffed diaper zips through this playyard. It is also a place to see brightly lit children. Children brimming with zest and vigor. More than most adults possess in their pinkie fingers. Don’t despair, though. It is contagious.

Here’s what it isn’t. If you like the smell of grandma’s kitchen on a Sunday afternoon, it is not that. There is no peace and quiet. The decibal level of screeches should require earplugs. It is not a place to eat, read or otherwise engage in adult activity. Your job, while there, is to pay attention. Watch for unexpected smiles and giggles. These come from you.

One daughter, a nanny to four kids, was the reason I was there in the first place. Two of the four qualify for Poopy Pants Corner. Bye the way, this is not the offical name. It just seemed an appropriate title.

While we sat, the two eight graders we were with, one, another one of my daughters, and the boy, one of the four children, took off to visit a couple of stores. At least that’s what we thought. They came back all smiles and twinkles. Because they had no cash, I knew it couldn’t have been from anything they’d purchased.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“De-pants a mannequin,” the boy said.

“Oh!” My usual storehouse of words escaped me.

“Yeah, it was great! An employee flew out of the store and asked me If I didn’t have anything better to do. I told her I couldn’t think of one thing better.”

Time to go. On our way out of the mall, we passed the particular store. Pants were back up on the mannequin. The mall back to normal. Peeking from behind a shirt rack in the front window was the employee. She scowled at our white headed friend. Actually, looked like she could hurt him.

“There’s your friend,” I said.

“Yeah, she likes me.” He grinned and waved to her.

This is my conclusion: who knew a trip to Poopy Pants Corner could be as adventurous as a Frio River adventure? Until next time, keep your eyes on the sky. And the mannequins!

Sincerely,

Dorraine