| It was a tradition...it had always been so...well, at least as far back as anyone could remember. It was one of those things that just BELONGED together, like terriers and tennis balls, like puppies and shoestrings. Today was Thanksgiving Day. The ONE day of the year when the balloons flew, when the bagpipes heralded the beginning of the holiday season! The crowds were lining the wide boulevard, eager to see the annual spectacle. Excitement was obvious on the young faces as they strained to see down the street, hoping to get a glimpse of the approaching parade. But things were not going as expected. Down at Parade Central, chaos reigned. The Balloon Boss was absolutely apoplectic!! The National Weather Service ha made the announcement moments ago.."Extensive winds expected...Blustery, blowing gale-force winds...Too dangerous to launch the balloons today," they proclaimed. Balloon teams shook their heads sadly, disappointment clearly written on their faces. The Winnie the Pooh balloon team sighed loudly then began packing away Pooh's honey pot until next year. The Cat in the Hat squad quickly followed, along with the Superman balloon team, the Polly Puhdul Posse, and the Captain Kangaroo balloon gang, as the enormous balloons began to sink slowly to the ground. All along the boulevard at Parade Central's starting line, balloons were being pulled down, deflated, and rolled up...to be safely stored away until next year...except ONE balloon just down the line, beyond the Gingerbread House float The noise from that team rose noticeably and attracting the attention of the other balloon teams, soon drew a large crowd. In the midst of the growing crowd stood a team of determined balloon handlers, the Scottish Terrier Tartan Brigade, who were refusing to deflate their balloon. They stared boldly at the crowd that surrounded them their wee legs braced stiffly, and their chins lifted defiantly. The Tartan Brigade Commander stepped forward, took on slow, deep breath to calm his anger, and stated FLATLY, "Our balloon WILL roll today! Now, whether it's a one-balloon parade, or part of a larger group...is up to all of YOU! All we can tell you is that 'blustery winds' are of no consequence. WE are more than capable of handling OUR balloon! And, we're ready for a PARADE!!!" Turning to his Tartan Brigade, he announced proudly, "Okay, Scotties....let's have a parade! Let's get TERRIER!" The Scotties arrrooooo'ed loudly, then immediately fell into line. The Terrier Tartan Brigade Bagpipers moved to the front to lead the procession. Falling behind were the terrier balloon handlers. As the bagpipes started to hum, the handlers began releasing the death-grips they'd had on the balloon ropes. The crowd watched as the unusual balloon began to rise. The balloon had an enormous Scottie, dressed in motorcycle leathers, riding a Harley, that was serving as Santa's sleigh for his annual journey. The crowd gasped as the huge balloon climbed higher into the air an seemed to take on a life of it's own as the wind took hold of the huge, helium figure. The Tartan Brigade's balloon team wrapped the ropes around their paws, and clenching the ropes tightly, they held on for dear life. They would never admit that ore than once, the wee terriers were literally pulled of their paws as they wrestled the might balloon! Dow the avenue, th crowd's anticipation began to grow. They could now hear the drone of the bagpipes as the procession approached. As the Scottish Terrier Tartan Brigade reached the reviewing stand, everyone rose to their feet and began cheering the proud terriers as they marched past, their tartan plaids draped across their chests, their muzzles raised proudly. The balloon handlers came next, their paws gripping thee balloon ropes with fierce determination. The Terrier Tartan Brigade march boldly past the appreciative crowd, and continued down the wide boulevard. Tradition HAD been upheld...Thanksgiving HAD been celebrated with a parade...the BEST parade EVER! The End Story by Carol Johnson, www.BayouScotties.com Illustration by Karen B Donnelly, Arooo Studios |
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| Welcome to Arooo Studios, cyberhome and tribute to the Awesome Foursome and the Scottie Spirit. In the Holiday spirit of whimsical fantasy, www.BayouScotties.com and Arooo Studios present you with "Thanksgiving Parade ". Story written by Carol Johnson, illustration by Karen B Donnelly. Happy Holidays |
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