HOMECOMING PARADE

Last Friday MEB and I went to the University of Wisconsin (UW) homecoming parade. It was a cool, autumn afternoon with temperatures in the mid-fifties which required both of us to dress warmly. MEB is not a big fan of warm weather gear. She'd be content going outside in the cold wearing only her pink sweatshirt. However, with temperatures this cold I insisted that she wear a much thicker, more insulated coat and a stocking hat. Whenever I go to put these items on MEB a sound comes from her mouth that is the annoying equivalent of fingernails on a chalkboard. But I persist, assuring her that it for the best.

The parade ran down state street and upon arrival, the curbs were lined, four or five deep with people of all ages. We found a spot at the end of parade route and took a seat on the curb. The parade was an assorted mix of floats, local celebrities sitting atop the back seat in convertibles, student groups, and a variety of vehicles. The first thing we saw in the parade was the mayor chucking candy into the crowds. Because we were at the end of the route I figured we'd probably miss out. However, I soon learned that being at the end meant we'd be subject to the unloading of inventory and the mayor, along with many others in the parade, rained Tootsie Rolls, bubble gum, and other tooth decaying treats to us. Some participants threw knick-knacks, the best being a tiny, stress-ball shaped like a football. It was red and had the address of the Dean of Students on it. MEB clutched the ball throughout the parade. She wasn't much interested in the candy, but it would have been okay if she had considering she'd probably brush her teeth a few times before going to bed that night.

A large, red fire truck with flashing red lights slowly rumbled around the corner. When MEB saw it she pointed and said "@#&*" (Think of a curse word that rhymes with truck). I don't know if this was a phonetic mistake or if she was pointing in fear as if to say "Oh, @#&*, a fire truck." I chose to believe it was the first reason although I'm sure she has heard me us the word numerous times when watching the Badger football team this year.

The overall experience was one of those father-daughter moments I'll cherish forever. The look of excitement in her eyes as she looked at the colorful floats, heard the playful marching band, and saw the variety of trucks (or @#&*) was truly special.