[Grizzly]

<p>The Calgary Stampede.  The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth (tm).  It starts on a Friday with a parade, a big, hokey, horse-laden, marching band strewn celebration.  Since 1996 I've been getting up reallllly early to be downtown before 5:00 to get a spot for our family.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's cold at that hour, but there's always company, other dads waiting for their families to arrive, doing the Yeoman duty that quickly becomes a tradition.  You see the same faces every year, and come prepared with thermos and breakfast to share. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>We say that it's all about the kids, the cowboys and cowgirls who line the parade route and respond so enthusiastically to the exhortations of the clowns to shout "YAHOO!".  We say that it is all about the kids, and they certainly do bring joy to the event.  You know how 9/10ths of the joy of Christmas and birthdays is in the anticipation, well it's like that with the parade.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's so big a parade that there's a pre-parade parade.  And the horses.  Did I mention them?  We would bring chalk for the kids and they'd go out and circle a spot on the pavement and place their initials in it...  Horse flop bingo...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Well this is the first year I'm not out there.  I have a cold, one oby is in New York and the other, although enthusiastic about going... well, maybe it's better this way this year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Still, as I sit up here on the 6th floor I can hear some kids yelling "YAHOO", and I hear a pre-parade band march by, and I can't help but feel a bit nostalgic.  We say that it's about the kids.  I wonder.</p>

 

[torque]

<p>I was wondering what was going on today.</p>

 

[Grizzly]

<p>You goof.</p>

 

[McTortle]

<p>It IS all about the kids.  It IS all for the kids.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The best thing about being grown up is having that part of you which is still a child. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you can't/don't/won't allow that part of you to relish life and living, to rejoice in parades and horses and puddles and music and naps and bubbles and coloring and watching. . .well, then you're just an adult.</p>
<p><br>
And I don't believe that you, Grizz, are just an adult.</p>
<p><br>
So there.</p>

 

[Grizzly]

<p>I've just been making paw prints on my window.  A few minutes ago I got a call from the parade - from a boss - who wanted me to do something.   Wait a minute, how come YOU get to see the parade and I'm stuck up here? </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's been a nice one though, even if it is from 6 floors up.</p>

 

[McTortle]

<p>Some days being the boss has perks.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Most of the time - I'd much rather not be in charge. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm glad you're getting to see the parade!!  (Even if it is from 6 floors up)</p>

 

[Grizzly]

<p><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2010/07/09/calgary-stampede-parade.html" target="_blank">Article</a></p>

 

[torque]

<p>I smell pancakes.</p>

 

[McTortle]

<p>So, first, I think Excellent!!</p>
<p><br>
Then, I think - 30 degrees?  NOT warm.</p>
<p><br>
Then, I think - wait!  Not Farenheit, okay, warm.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Then, I read about the ice skaters looking forward to skating.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And, I'm back to thinking about 30 degrees again. . .</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/huh.gif" style="width:15px;height:15px;" title=""></p>

 

[torque]

<p>...and the women seem to be more scantily clad this year.</p>

 

[Grizzly]

<p>No, we had Olympians in the parade.  30c = 86f or so.  Warm enough.  No humidity but the sun is unrelenting.</p>