Helium Balloons Changed My Life

We just returned from getting groceries--feels so good to get back in air conditioning! Little guy is napping with a purple helium balloon's string clenched tightly in his sweaty paw.

The picture on the right was taken last month by a helium balloon over 22 miles above the earth's surface, with a Nikon Coolpix camera payload. So that's what the balloon sees as we stare sadly from below, waving good-bye to the "one that got away." Here's the article if you don't believe me.

I now have to shop at a grocery store 5 miles from my house, even though another (same store name) less than ONE MILE from my house.

Sadly, the grocery store closest to our house no longer gives away free helium balloons, which they had been doing for, oh I don't know, FOREVER. You can still get the free cookie, but no balloon.

And WE NEED A BALLOON IF WE GO TO THE STORE. It is a necessity of life, like breathing air. Because my little guy is 2 1/2, he REMEMBERS THE BALLOONS and expects to be given one EVERY TIME WE GO.

So now we drive to the other store. I have to look at the bright side of half-melted ice cream and warm milk. Not only do we have a BALLOON AND A HAPPY KID, but can make a rockin' milkshake, too!