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Bathtime.
For the youngest member of a family of 11 and in the year 1931, this meant much heating of water at the kitchen stove.
Hauling of said water to the washroom.
Filling of the washtub.
Then relaxing in deliciously hot water.
The best part of the week for my dad.
On this particular occasion, though, Dad’s bathtime would include something unexpected.
And definitely unwanted.
A visitor.
As he was sitting back, enjoying his few moments of bliss, something small flew in through the open transom over the door.
It did a couple of circuits around the room as the little boy in the bathtub watched, wide-eyed.
Finally, it lit on the sheer curtains on the small window high up on the outside wall and folded its wings.
Resolving into something small . . . and furry.
A bat.
The two regarded each other for a few breathless moments.
Then, eyes glued to his visitor, dad did the “quickest washing job of my life”, wrapped a towel around his little, naked body and found the nearest far-away place.
One of his older brothers went back in to take care of the unusual – and totally unwanted – bathtime visitor, and all was well.
From then on, however, when Dad took his bath, his preparations included filling the tub.
And closing the transom.
Then keeping his eyes carefully trained upward as he performed a quick wash.
And got out of the room.
Hmmm.
I wonder if the introduction of a bat into bathtime would shorten the length of some of my teenagers’ showers.
Just a thought . . .
First of all, I'm surprised your dad finished his bath, or ever bathed again for that matter.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I have a teenager whose showers need to be shortened (by a lot). Any idea where I can find one of those bats?
Oh, I think it definitely would! Even one of those Hallowe'en decorations - a soft plastic with flappy wings - would likely work. Especially tied on fishing line attached to a long pole ... this sounds like a job for Husby!
ReplyDelete*soft plastic BAT
ReplyDeleteof course :)
I had a couple of teenaged boys who would shower (often 2-3 times a day) until the hot water ran out, and I doubt if an unwanted animal in the room would even slow them down. I started giving them 15 minutes then went downstairs and started turning the hot water flow down. I don't think it ever crossed their minds that I was sabotaging their wonderful moments of relaxation. But there came a time when I had to show both of them the FRONT door to the house and from then on it was up to them if they wanted to run it out.
ReplyDeleteI suspect a bat in the bathroom would keep my kids in there longer. To wash off the bat germs.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago, here in South Australia, we had such severe water restrictions, many households were issued with an hourglass egg timer (2 1/2 - 3 minutes) to adhere to the shower wall, this was to time your shower. When the sand ran out, you were supposed to turn off the water.
You could try it but it might not be worth the risk. Just sayin'.
ReplyDeleteWhere there is a bat - there is generally a good story!
ReplyDelete