According to Ralph, Manny is learning new customs and ways of life in Spain. I’m not sure the man next to Manny knew about those customs. He seemed quite interested at what Manny was learning. I am not sure that Ralph’s female friend here was quite expecting Manny’s finesse, either, but when in Spain…
Manny would not tell me about the vacuum cleaner incident, so I asked Ralph. According to Manny the incident went something like this.
Dear Mom,
Can’t we talk about something else? I’m having fun with Fanny today. Here, you talk to Ralph.
Love, Manny
Hi RVBFM,
I’ll write captions as you look at the pictures. Will that do? I’m still busy getting my house ready for Ute to come visit. As you know, I ordered a vacuum cleaner. I had no idea how much more inquisitive boy teddies are than girl teddies. Fanny played in her room with the cats, but NOT Manny! Maybe he thought it would be another teddy bear. After all, that’s how he came to Spain. Anyway Manny’s words are in blue.
“What’s in here? Let’s open it”
“Lots of paper !! I’m having fun with this.”
“Ooooh more boxes !! Can I open them? Home kit, will that take me back to California, Ralph. I hope not. I’m having fun here.”
Sorry, Marsha, you know how kids are when they are having fun. It’s always too soon to go home!
“Lots of tubes. Just like home when I help Daddy. He lets me get in the tubes. Look Ralph, my hand fits. I wonder if I could get my head inside. …”
I really thought he would talk when you sent him this picture. He LOVED the tubes. Does he play with snakes at home or something? Does he help Vince with the sprinkler system. He even tried to stick his head in the tubes! I had to stop taking pictures, and hand the camera to Fanny when she came out to see what all the racket was, so that I could pull his head out of the tube.
“Here, Ralph let me help you. Dad doesn’t use these dumb books. I’ll show you how to put the Dyson cleaner together. You just start sticking stuff together, and it’s like magic. Watch me.”
BTW, nice knees, Ralph. Are you wearing pants? Is that one of the customs in Spain? hmmm Maybe I’d better warn Ute! – M 🙂
“See, I told you it was easy. Now plug it in, Ralph!!”
I plugged it in and the Dyson began to make it’s noise. It sounded just right.
“What’s this bit for? It looks like Mom’s roller skates. Can I put them on and ride around?”
I turned around away from the vacuum for just a second to make sure Fanny and the cats were out of the way. Then I heard this awful sound. Slurp !! “OOOOH !! AAAARGH !!” From INSIDE the tube came this muffled voice! “Help !!”
I turned around quickly, but I was a little late!
He’s already gone for a spin! He does look a little dizzy in the picture that Fanny caught from her floor side perspective. “Get me out of here!! RALPH! OUT OF HERE!!!!! FANNY HELP!!! R – – A – – A – – – L – – PH”
I suddenly realised what happened to Manny. I was more worried that you would kill me than I was about Manny at this point. He looked a little sick, but he was still breathing. I checked for broken skin and pouching out stuffing, but he was fine!
Well trained with getting boo boos, I guess, Manny said weakly, “I need a cuddle Ralph.”
“And Mom always gives me a big kiss.”
Geez, kiss a teddy bear. What have you done to this bear, Marsha?
Before I could even give him a kiss, he backed away, and started wiggling in my arms asking, “Can I do it again pleeeeeease !!”
What could I do, but give him a tap on his little back tag, and say sternly, “No, Manny! You and Fanny go play in her room with the kitties. I have to vacuum now!” I had to hide my smile.
So now you know the whole sordid tale. Hope you’re not mad at me.
Ralph xox
How could anyone be mad at either Ralph or Manny. I had to hide a smile, too. I have a feeling Manny is going to need another bath when he gets home! 🙂
Marsha Ingrao - Always Write 
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