PortaBob

During a video-conference this morning, daughter Summer mentioned, with great enthusiasm, that Eddie was venturing into the "Potty Training" mode. This immediately sparked my creative, entrepreneurtive persona. Eddie is an avid "Bob The Builder" fan. So much so that almost every waking moment is spent wearing a yellow construction hat. As a matter of fact, when punishment needs to be administered, it is often in the form of "no construction hat for . . . ". This beats the heck out of time outs as far as Eddie is concerned. Nowadays kids have kid-sized everythings made out of brightly colored, resilient plastic. There's workbenches, doll houses, kitchens (complete with running water) cars, bikes, lawnmowers, swing sets and slides and even little houses to play in or on.  "Bob the Builder" alone has a complete line of clothing, tools, trucks and every kind of construction equipment, all in bright (resilient) plastic. A kid can excavate his entire neighborhood with Bob's accessories. But, what is the main stay of every construction site? That's right, your basic blue "Porta-Potti". Line up all you little Bob impersonators Grandpa Ron has something you can't live without. And parents, what better a potty training aid than a "Bob The Builder" bright (resilient) plastic Porta-Potti? This is where you guys come in. I'm looking for a group of forward minded investors to help get this project off the ground. I'm just a push button away from calling Matel and Fisher Price. And . . . it dosen't end here. Imagine the other possibilities. Barbi, SquarePants Spongy Guy, Dora The Explora and how about a bright blue Smurf Potti. While you're writing out those checks, I'll continue to work on other color combinations for other Saturday morning heros. (in resilient plastic) Just make the checks out to me and I'm start sending you those dividends in no time at all. If we hurry I think we can make in time for construction season.

Eddie (and friend) head to the PortaBob for potty training 101.

Even though Saffie is Potty Trained, 

PortaBarbi is still big relief for her.

"Hey Get me Otta Here!!!"

There seems to be a fine, fine line between terror and humor. On Thursday morning that line was obliterated. Not too funny for daughter, Summer  and grandkid, Edie but to weird grandpa, Ron it was a laugh out loud moment. (LOL for the hipper bunch) During a busy, errand filled morning in downtown Minneapolis, with one kid going that way and the other going this way, Edie managed to get loose from mommy's grip and slip into a waiting elevator. In an effort to stop the closing doors, mom thrust her hand into the narrowing opening. Close but no cigar. She was successful in stopping one set of doors but not both. In so doing she triggered a mechanism that shut down the elevator then and there with her and Eddie on this side and little Edie alone on that side for a full forty minutes. Traumatic no doubt for all involved. hopefully this experience doesn't lead to severe post elevation syndrome or to the even more dreadful otisphobia. But, I'm sure that the stout hearted little traveler will rebound in time to take advantage of future big city adventures like "White Sale on seventh floor" or "Fifty percent women's shoes on fifth floor".  If not, what are escalators for? Now, I wasn't there but this is how I visualize mom's eye view of poor Edie1

Seems fine to me!

The other day I posted on FaceBook that I was having chocolate cake for breakfast. Among the comments regarding the post was one from old friend Gilbert Lee. He sent a link to an old Bill Cosby bit from years back. I had forgotten how funny Bill was. So,  for those who never heard it before, here's Bill. Even if you have heard this before, it's still awfully funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcVcRMS4ejQ

How a thoughtful Granddad provides breakfast for a thankful Grandkid!