When I learned that one of the youngest grands had an accident and her flamingo umbrella was a fatality, I ordered one to be sent to her so that she would have a replacement. I considered getting myself another one so that I could have one in the house and one in the truck but I decided that I was just being greedy and didn't. Now, I really wish I had stockpiled several more, though.
Last week one of our granddaughters represented her high school at Girls State. It was a leap outside her comfort zone. She is not one who has done a lot of sleepovers with friends. She is not one who has attended a week away at camp. She is not one who walks into a room with a mission to know everybody there before she leaves. You might even say she is a bit introverted in some ways. So, when I learned that she was off to Girls State, I was a bit surprised.
In chatting with her mother, I learned that she had forgotten to pack a refillable water bottle. While my grandmother heart tugged, I told myself that she would survive. After all, I survived as a young girl without toting around a mug or jug to keep myself hydrated and she could as well. The next day I learned that she had fallen and injured her ankle and my aching ankle and aching heart wanted to go to the college campus and check on her. Later, I learned that she had also forgotten to pack a raincoat or umbrella. Well, that was the last straw. At that point I was determined to take care of business.
I dressed that morning and trekked down to the local grocery store. I had one folding umbrella in my truck but I thought I should check to see if there was a disposable poncho available. Nope. So, I went across the street to the drug store and looked. Again, no poncho. They did have a nice pink umbrella. So, I decided that I would deliver my flamingo umbrella that was in the truck to Lydia and keep the pink one in the truck to take its place. Plus, I picked up a small and a large refillable water bottle. I mean, if I am making the trip, I may as well take that as well.
As I waited in line, I searched online for a replacement flamingo umbrella. I was sad to learn that my original source had sold out. However, I did find another and placed an order. After all, one can never have enough cute umbrellas. They are good for dashing in and out of places when running errands. They are good for the softball and baseball parks. They are good for football season to watch the band perform. They are good to provide shade on a hot day and to avoid the raindrops there when a pop up shower erupts. Eventually, I got checked out and was on my merry way to drop off the necessary items for the grand.
I had been instructed by Lydia's mother that I would only be able to drop off the items at her assigned dorm of residence for the week. So, I found a paper bag under the seat and labeled it. When I went into the dorm lobby, I noticed that it could have been a ghost town. Nobody to be found. So, I went back to the truck and got a piece of cardstock and labeled it as well. I tied that to the handle of the umbrella and left the bag and umbrella sitting on the front desk where it would easily be noticed. I'm sure Lydia's high school self smiled all over and proclaimed that she had a wonderful grandmother to all who entered the lobby of the dorm. I guess I think labels for identification are things worth having in multiples as well!
(By the way, I'm on the lookout for more of those inexpensive and cute umbrellas so that I can build up my flock!)
