San Geraldo and I returned yesterday from New York. It was a wonderful visit with My-Mother-The-Dowager-Duchess. The Duchess is not a hoarder, but she does have her share of “stuff.” The Kid Brother doesn’t help, having left some of his own stuff behind temporarily when he moved out 26 years ago. Among his things was a set of plaster dwarfs (of the Snow White variety), all seven of them. That collection has dwindled down to two. Either he eventually took the other five home or they broke and were tossed (more likely). Ironically, Grumpy (Gruñon) was one that remained (click to see my recent post). I ignored the other Dwarf — he was bashful anyway — and I adopted Grumpy. Well, I actually kidnapped him; but don’t tell the Kid Brother.
Look Who’s Smiling
Grumpy’s frown wasn’t painted on very precisely. San Geraldo, my own Gruñon, thought Grumpy was smiling and, therefore, a different Dwarf.
“That’s not Grumpy. That’s Smiley,” he said.
I had him look more closely at the facial expression and explained to him that there wasn’t actually a Dwarf named Smiley. I then touched up the frown myself.
To be honest, there was a 1991 “Snow White” movie that had only six dwarfs and, in that version, there was in fact a Smiley. But, don’t tell San Geraldo; he’ll think he was right. Besides, in the original Brothers Grimm story, none of the Dwarfs even had names.
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| FROWNING ABOUT HIS VIEW OF CONEY ISLAND FROM THE BEDROOM WINDOW. (THE CYCLONE, WONDER WHEEL — AND RETIRED ASTROTOWER — IN BACKGROUND.) |
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| FROWNING OVER MOCHA AND LEMON POUND CAKE AT STARBUCKS, BRIGHTON BEACH. (THE OTHER GRUÑON BEHIND HIM READING HIS KINDLE.) |
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| WALKING HOME FROM STARBUCKS. (GRUMPY OPTS FOR THE “Q” TRAIN.) |
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| ONBOARD AND IMPATIENTLY AWAITING DEPARTURE AT KENNEDY AIRPORT. |
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| IN FLIGHT. TWO GLASSES OF WINE. DOUBLE-CHOCOLATE MILANOS COMPLEMENTS OF THE DOWAGER DUCHESS. AND STILL GRUMPY. (WELL, THE WINE WAS CRAP.) |
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| ABOUT TO DEPART MADRID FOR MÁLAGA ON THE HIGH-SPEED TRAIN. (DON’T LOOK AT ME! HIS NOSE WAS BROKEN BEFORE WE MET — SAN GERALDO’S, TOO.) |
Sorry we did not get together during your visit. I love the Grumpy dwarf; he certainly doesn't seem to be smiling…..
Glad you had a good trip.
Carole:
I fixed Grumpy's mouth. The frown was molded but not painted. (But the eyebrows told the story.)
And now Grumpy is a well-traveled character who seems to have survived and outlived his siblings…is there a moral to the story? Perhaps being grumpy isn't so bad…that's what I tell Jonathan.
I'm sure you're happy to be back.
saludos,
raulito
Raulito:
San Geraldo (Gruñon) is also convinced Grumpy isn't so bad. I don't mind, as long as it's temporary. Very happy to be home!
I foresee a whole series of Grumpy travel adventures! Grumpy in Scotland! Grumpy in Milan! Grumpy in Galway!
Thank you for clearing up the Grumpy nose mystery; I thought he might have a cold…
So glad your travels were safe!
Jacquelineand….
The trip went very smoothly. We especially love the trains here. AVE (the high-speed train) is unbelievable. As for Grumpy's travel adventures. Whether the plaster one comes along or not, wherever I go I take Grumpy!
Glad you're back safe and sound. What is it with you and noses?
Stephen:
Noses… My mother has a perfect little nose. Everyone always asked her where she had it "done." (New Yorkers!) When she would say she was born with it, they would respond, "Fine, don't tell me if you don't want to tell me!" I started off with a nose like hers… Then it developed a "bump." I've never gotten over the day my mother spotted the bump in a profile photo — even though, after she wiped the tear from her eye, she told me her nose wasn't nice for a man anyway.
That final photo is bleeding marvellous
John:
That was the best part of the travel day.
Awwwww :)) I always love reading your posts, Mitchell!
Awwwwww, Judeet:
You always make me feel so good!
Oh oh! This could be the start of a 'new adventure'!! Who knows?
Rest up you two and happy to see that a good time was had by all.
Jim:
And the Kid Brother didn't even mind when he found out today that I kidnapped Grumpy. He laughed out loud when he saw the pictures.
Happy you're ALL home ok. Rest up
Siri:
Thanks. All THREE Grumpy's are doing OK.
Though it was fun to read about and to see Grumpy, it's your final para which has made me more happy. Welcome home!.
Raybeard:
I knew you'd be worried about the cats, so made a point of adding that. Moose rolled over for a tummy rub the first day Maria Carmen came in. Dudo gave attitude for a few days, but then become her friend, too. They gave us no attitude whatsoever when we returned. Our old cat Dobie used to turn his back on us or walk away!
Grumpy looks less than thrilled to be traveling, but, well, yeah, grumpy.
I am certain the cats missed you terribly and are keeping a watchful eye on you both lest you try and leave again.
Bob:
The cats have been attentive but very calm. María Carmen was clearly amazing. I'm sure, however, we'll get some attitude the next time the suitcases come out.
So cute you are ~~~~ Grumpy seemed to enjoy his trip ~~ plaster cast Grumpy that is!! Hope non-plaster cast (NPC) Grumpster had a blast too!
Feels good to be home right!
Ron
Ron:
NPC had a pleasant time, although he was a bit more difficult to manage.
The trip (and return) established this as home. Great feeling.
Those shots are so clever! I bet he was mortified to be mistaken for Smiley. 🙂
I'm so glad that you had a good trip, and that you're home safe with the two bosses of the house.
Michelle:
Wouldn't you think the eyebrows were a dead giveaway?!? Smiley!