caught in summer rain

There's definitely something romantic about shooting in film. I found a roll of slide film and decided to develop it. I had no clue when it was shot and what was on it. It turned out to be from my last trip to Japan five years ago. Color was faded, but some are still beautiful pictures because they were from my favorite old city of Kamakura. It was kind of like running into an old lover. Missing a little, but it's something I left behind.

So I really wanted to make it to Bronx Zoo before summer ends. This seemed to be our last chance. Last few times when I asked Taiyo, he didn't want to go there. But this time he agreed. He wanted to go. So we did. But this became a doomed trip. I wanted to try the express bus, but he insisted on subways. Oh boy he loves subways. The ride was smooth and uneventful. But when we got off the station and headed toward the gate, I could see a crowd blocks ahead. It was a donation day, free admission, and it seemed like every large-numbered minority family from five boroughs gathered there for a convention. There was a long line down the block from the entrance, which was inching ahead. As we made a slow progress to the zoo, thunder roared. I managed to purchase an umbrella, just a minute before it began to rain, soon harder and harder. The $4 umbrella was so leaky it was terribly uncomfortable. But soon the line suddenly started moving. People just pushed themselves through the gate, and we were in! But it was raining so hard we just stood under a little tree which wasn't giving us much of refuge for 20 more minutes. Then we just got so sick of standing around, so we went to nearby indoor exhibit. Despite we got a little wet, Taiyo was in good spirit. Then we saw some mice, butterflies, giraffes, rode the bug carousel, and went to eat. By the time we sat down it began to rain steadily again. We were outside but under a roof. We ate, and sat- for a long time. It didn't stop for quite some time. I decided not to look at the clock. Taiyo found some friends - he makes friends everywhere - a cute giggly toddler girl with amazing Afro hair, and older girl with beaded braids. They chased each other around, which was such a cute sight, like kittens playing in a ball. After they left, Taiyo was already tired. I was also wet and tired. I wasn't sure Dinasaur Safari was supposed to be operating in the rain. Even though that was the main reason to go there before the end of summer, we had to let it go. I got him a mini light sword at the gift shop, and we were heading home- when I realized, "Taiyo, where's your kitty?" He took his stuffed kitty with him today "because the kitty's never been to the zoo." This was his favorite grey kitty he slept with almost everyday of his life. The kitty was his baby. The kitty was his love. We lost the kitty. This was a disaster. Taiyo probably left it at the cafeteria. I was tired and wanted to just go but of course Taiyo wanted to go look. We did. We couldn't find the kitty. Taiyo dragged feet to the subway with his head hanging. I was impressed that he didn't go nuts over this event. When we got onto the subway, he just wanted to sleep. So the ride home was pretty quick. When he woke up after getting off the subway, of course he said, "Mama, I want the same kitty." So I searched, after he went to sleep at night, and it's like another internet miracle, I found the same kitties sold on eBay. The new originals are not in production anymore, but used ones are listed on auctions. Taiyo once decided to call it "the famous kitty" and it was true. It was a famous kitty. It was a character from a children's book, and it was kind of a "collectible." So of course I ordered one and it's on the way! I think it will end well after all.