taking in strays

martha was never one to turn away strays. so when natalie the baby elephant showed up in her backyard, well of course she said "come on in!"

martha was my mother-in-law and god i miss her.

when we got to iron mountain, natalie was happy and lazy in front of the tv, so much so that it was hard to see the screen because her head was so big. but we adjusted, because she was so adorable. she had a fuzzy head but the fuzz felt more like bristles. it wasn't so comfortable to pet her but i did anyway, as i was lounging on the couch and she rolled her belly heavenward and wanted lots of pets. she was only a bit stinky but those huge grey eyes grabbed at my heart and pulled me back down to the couch and to "price is right",come on down. she smiled so big with her pink flappy lips when he said "come on down", imagine the giggle of a baby elephant!

time to go martha said, give nat a livasnap and a big salami and she'll be fine.

off we went in my best friend's miata which seats two but there were 8 of us and it was so much fun! everyone had their comfy spot, one on half-top of another, top down, stars brilliant.

when we got to the clam shack martha found a quiet area and ordered us all to march in place, march march march, which we did. then she hit the dirt on her back and led us through some senior calisthenics.

"arms out straight! now touch your chin touch your belly genuflect and now..elbows on your knees! do the bicycle!!!"

i mentioned to martha that this was not something i was dressed for and she said..."it's ok honey, just get through it. when we get home i am making hot toddies."

at home natalie was still lounging, and glen miller started to play and we all recovered from our sweat and we laughed so hard

and drank hot toddies.