What an 'exciting' time it was last week. On Mother's Day we ventured into the bush, and needless to say, we got hopelessly lost.  Apparently Riley and Zoey didn't know the way back home! That's the last time I trust some inexperienced dogs to guide me home. After trekking through the black-fly infested it was decided to seek the flatlands as we headed home. Little did I know that 'flatlands' is an alias for the Swamp! Grumbling the whole way through, and not the least bit impressed at whole heavy soaking wet jeans really are, within 45 minutes or so, we finally spotted dry land. What a relief that was.
The next day I received a phone call informing me to prepare for the arrival of a llama. I guess word got out that my mum has been pining away for one for a decade or so, and when one was available at the local Stockyards, it was quickly purchased (I'm still puzzled at the notion that people eat llamas - eek)
The arrival of said llama went without too much of a hitch. The driver secured him to a tree so the llama could enjoy the lush green grass (a 'natural' lawnmower - great!).  Taking care of the dogs, I set out with Peekay to pick up chicken.  There were not problems picking up the chicken, with the exception that it took over an hour. But then again, most people do call ahead, and I simply show up. As I was driving home, rainclouds began to form, threatening rain, and bringing forth my need for a restroom.
Rushing home, I pull into my driveway to find the llama (I'm calling him Murray) lounging on the pathway without a care.  Necessity has me rush past him into the house to use the facilities and immediately after I go outside to deal with the stray.
Keeping in mind that it is now 5:30 or so, with a large amount of traffic as the commuters make their way home.  So naturally Murray decides to join them.  As I 'cautiously' follow Murray down the driveway, he quickens his pace to rush out to the road.  The driver of a pickup truck is forced to stop, and in good spirits he calls out, "Someone lose a llama?" And in like some slapstick comedy movie, I begin the pursuit of the runaway llama, as I tug at my loosely tied yoga pants and feet ached in my Birks (good running gear I must say). As Murray trots down the middle of the street, traffic is forced to a halt and with good intentions some of the cars try to block the llama from fleeing too far.  So now there are cars scattered about through a busy intersection, and people get out to join the chase.  Forcing Murray off the road, there are now three of us on foot trying to wrangle this llama. No one seemed to expect this guy to be so quick! So now he's darting through people's yards, around gardens and alluding now four people attempting to capture him.  I guess it was just dumb luck but I was able to corner him (this was after going through prickly bushes of course) and clip the leash unto his harness.  Oh, and did I mention the flood of mosquitoes that began their attack, and the 'gift' of droppings Murray left on someone's yard - how do you scoop that poop? All in all, this ordeal lasted about a half an hour and I was able to meet some of my neighbors. And this was only the first day with Murray!
Looking back I mentioned it was an interesting week; however, I realized that all of this happened in just two days. Where's the simple life?