Oswald the Octopus

Today started out cheery enough, but late this morning we got word that someone else had put a contract on the house we had our hopes on. This happened last night. The house has been sitting there since August.

Obviously, the listing agent was being a bit deceptive, manipulative, and according to our realtor "unethical." Madison's grandparents made the trip up here, and the listing agent knew this, but didn't bother to tell anyone until late this morning that she'd been working behind the scenes on another deal.

Oh well! We are all pretty bummed, but trying to look at the bright side of things. It's sort of like Georgians always looking for snow, but never getting it. Or Falcons fans waiting for that Superbowl win. Somehow we're always optimistic, aren't we? It zings for a day or two, but we keep that hope alive for something better. Eventually, it will snow. And the Falcons will win a Superbowl. And there just might be something better out there for us.

Like something in this neighborhood instead. Check it out! Personally, I like the Rocket Ship House above. I think the only thing that would bug me is that giant alarm clock building a block away. But the neighbors seem friendly. Just in case you don't recognize this neighborhood, it is home to Oswald the Octopus, one of Madison's latest television pleasures.

Recently, Madison has really taken to this happy little octopus. Mommy likes the television show too, so Daddy got a few episodes, and we've been watching it lately. After each episode, Madison will say, "More please!" As Mommy and the grandparents went to go deal with all that real estate stuff, Daddy and Madison cleaned house, ate Ramen noodles and watched Oswald the Octopus. Such a cheery guy - the biggest problem he ever had to deal with was chasing down a naughty robotic cat. Of course, there was that one time his plumbing had a problem and he flooded the entire city. But other than that, it's pretty quiet in his neighborhood. His friends, two twin brothers named Leo and Egbert, are Daddy's favorite characters - they're both eggs with eccentric accents.

Mommy's parents are returning to Florida tonight, going back home. The forecast for tomorrow night is ice, ice baby. It'll stick around Saturday morning, and the temperatures are in that questionable area where you just never know what is going to happen. It is for this very good reason that the grandparents are returning to the safety of Florida, after spending just one day here.

What a bummer! Wish we could go with them!