Many of us have heard the term “Mickey Mouse” used as a verb to describe often inexpensive, sometimes innovative ways to solve problems. Well, I Minnie Mouse. Not being particularly talented in dealing with “thing” situations (i.e. if it does not involved a pen, pencil, or words, I probably can’t do it), I have to resort to unusual measures to “”make do” when there is no one around to give things the proper attention. Cases in point: using a rubber band to fasten jeans that really need the waistband let out; using duct tape to replace a broken zipper on racing leathers; substituting tapioca for rice to take the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” (chapter in another story…); trying to glue things with gum or nail polish; burying a dog in an abandoned outhouse hole due to lack of shovel (don’t ask!); …you get the picture.
Soooo…envision winter time years ago, piles of snow, treacherous ice, a woman fearful of falling while trying to get to her vehicle which is parked on a slanted driveway on the opposite side of the house from the door and requires a walk in the seldom-plowed road to access. No available salt or ice melt. Minnie Mouse to the rescue!
Hmmmm…traction needed. Sand provides traction. No sand available. What might be a suitable sand substitute? Hmmmm…kitty litter!!! Yes!!! Brilliant – and available!!! So I forged a trail of the gritty stuff to and surrounding the car. Problem solved. I could trot happily to and from the vehicle without fear. Until the next morning. When I discovered just how many cats lived in the neighborhood. Lots of cats. Cats that would usually use the entirety of the great outdoors to relieve themselves. Apparently they assumed that I had created their own personal outhouse, and they took full advantage. Apparently they notified all their friends of the wondrous facility. My innovative Minnie Mouse solution litter-ally went awry.
(Sigh…) Such is the life of a monkey mom (yet another story).