Walks Are a Wonderful Thing (when not in France)

Fall is my favourite time for a walk. The crisp, cool air, the warm reds, burnt oranges, purples and greens from the leaves changing colours are just so refreshing. Today we went for a walk as a family +1 because I was babysitting our 3 year old neighbour. The 4 of us thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine, cool weather and the crunch of leaves beneath our feet. We were saying how much we’d miss the view from our apartment, how much we’d miss the road going down to the port. We were running and playing with the little neighbour through the park. We were saying how cute Charlotte was with her little mittens and toque. And then it happened.

For those of you who know me, you would know that tripping and falling is pretty much routine for me. My theory on this is that my feet are too small for my body, causing me to misplace my steps and lurch forward. There’s just not enough leverage! Julien’s theory, however, is that I just don’t look where I’m going, which is probably true too (don’t tell him that!). But today, my slipping and falling was not due to either of those.

If you’ve ever heard the rumour that France is horrible for doggie do, I can confirm that it’s true. Where there is grass, there are “land mines”. Where there are sidewalks, there are landmines. Where there are “land mines”, there are accidents and dirty shoes. Today was no exception. As I was pushing the stroller on the sidewalk amidst the leaves and acorns, I slipped in the biggest pile of crap ever. Not only did I slip, but it was the kind where you slide forward with your body backward, desperately trying to keep your balance so as not to fall flat on your behind. And then our little neighbour was struck. Only he fell in a different pile. Land mines were exploding everywhere! Julien, who has a horrible time with any type of ca ca, including diapers, started to laugh and gag at the same time. I, on the other hand, realized that I had thrown out my already sore back. What had started out as a lovely fall walk had turned into a war movie, complete with explosions, sickness, and a soldier down.

As I walked begrudgingly back home, dragging my feet all the way so as to attempt to clean them, I thought of the chiropractor I would have to visit, and that old toothbrush that would be useful with a hose. So much for a lovely fall walk!