Stories from the Stringam Family Ranches of Southern Alberta

From the 50s and 60s to today . . .



Sunday, October 28, 2018

We Put the 'Bat' in Bathtime!

This
plus this


                                                                                                           
equals this.
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 . . .

Sundays are for ancestors.
Tell me about yours!

8 comments:

  1. That would be a pretty creepy thing to have in a bath but I would guess some boys would think it was pretty cool.Cute story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know I'd be in a hurry to finish! Yikes!
      Thank you Rebecca!

      Delete
  2. It would definitely work for me :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I remember having to fill a washtub and take a bath in the kitchen in front of the fire, in the 1950's before dad built us a bathroom. No bats, but in summer plenty of mosquitos.

    ReplyDelete

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