The next afternoon saw us arriving at Flard's. It is so beautiful out there, and I wish I had been able to enjoy it more. I did some frantic calling and faxing, then ran to Long Prairie to go to UPS and use the internet and stuff.

Neaksis had the kids all dressed up and was taking pictures of them by a brick building on a side street. While she was busy snarling at correcting them, lots of people were watching. Several even had cameras and took pictures. The top floor had offices with open windows above the kids. When everyone began to bleat and squawk their instruments, people kept looking out to see what was going on.

The sun went down in time for the fireworks. As the glowing orb dipped like fondue below the distant skyline, an ominous humming was heard. Then, against the deepending azure heavens could be seen a massive eruption of darting, swooping, bird-like creatures. They fanned out into a low-level search formation and began scanning the area. Amid a maelstrom of flapping wings, and a high-pitched squaling, one of the children was borne off by several of the creatures. Risking my own life, I leaped into the air, just catching a tiny foot. I pumped bullet after bullet into the air, and finally, amid a spray of blood, the child dropped into my arms. Shielding the tiny body with my own, I raced for the safe zone, firing my revolver wildly. Once assured of my position,the remnant of our battalion opened fire. Salvo after salvo tore through fragile wings and fibrous bodies, spraying the battleground with gore. Rockets lit up the night sky with multi-colored radiance, and the drifting smoke afforded some measure of protection. At last the aerial attack thinned to the point where we could make an orderly retreat to shelter. Soon, it had diminished to occasional skirmishes, which left crimson gouts here and there on the walls. Finally, an uneasy truce was reached.

First thing the next morning (ha-ha) we left for Mall of America. Since we had 3 cars and only 2 radios, it was no surprise when we got separated. Flard and Mrs. Flard exited correctly, while Mom (in Neaksis' car) and I had to make several turnarounds. At last we reached the mall.

"Where is the Cinnabon?" I asked on the radio.

"I don't know," said Mom.

"Does Neaksis know where the Cinnabon is?"

"No."

We kept driving and driving. As we were about to complete the giant loop, I asked, "Why are we still driving around? Isn't there any parking?"

"I am hoping Flard had the smarts to park in plain sight so we can find him."

"But if we get sparated we are supposed to meet at Cinnabon."

The sound of gnashing teeth vibrated across the airwaves. "You didn't say anything about meeting Flard. We thought you were JUST HUNGRY!!!"

Of course the mall was huge, but we only stayed long enough to go to the post office, and let GM and GP get some stuffed bears. Oh yes, we read some T-shirts, too. One said, "I can only be nice to one person a day. Today is not your day, and tomorrow doesn't look good, either." The 1st award winner said, "WORK HARDER! Millions of people on welfare depend on you."

We arrived at the Little House museum 25 minutes after it closed, so we left noseprints and ate supper at the replicated Little House in the Big Woods. Thus arrival at the farm was very late.

In spite of the delays, we were in time to see the cows turned out of the barn. (All except Mr. C, who was still with Uncle Flard and his auntie.) Neaksis' oldest walked, and the others were carried alongside the procession of cows as they crossed the road.

Famous Quotes #2:
The Princess: "Da towth will eat me!"
Mom: "No, cows don't like to eat little girls."
Mr. C (eyes wide): "Do they like little boys?"

spraying the battleground with gore

be afraid!!! be VERY afraid

oh poop, dont tell me I made a great joke that only kiwi's will get????

The hand guns that are carried in hip holsters are called sidearms here.

never mind

I am. Did you know she's armed? One on each side, too...:MrEEk:

So...She takes after her mama?(giggle)

I know what sidearms are, but didn't know anyone else did.

Now, I'm blindsided, tee hee.

Mom, I saw that you were talking about me. Something about me having a stake in a raffle? And some kind of grasses....

Aussie and I just had a dip in the really hot spa. :MrEEk: I actually fitted into my size 14 bathers ....