August 26, 2008
It was a perfect evening… if only I can forget the rats
Usually by the end of the summer, I can count a half a dozen evenings when Phil, Jackson and I have treated ourselves to fish and chips at the beach.
But this summer has been so packed with trips, camps and work, I haven’t been even once - until this past weekend.
Phil was away with some friends and I had spent the afternoon at the computer, working myself into a state of starvation. When the babysitter left, I took one look at my empty fridge and decided - to the beach we will go!
It was a beautiful night.
Olivia was already sleepy by the time we got there. I thought she might fall asleep before the sun set.
But she woke up enough to squirm around in my arms, begging to crawl around.
But I didn’t dare let her…
Because hidden behind the picturesque scene of rocky beach and yapping seagulls, were rats! I couldn’t believe it when I looked down and saw a huge tail disappear into the rocks.
But then I heard other beach goers talking about them. Apparently, the beach has a rat problem this year.
In past years, I don’t remember ever seeing a rat scurrying under the rocks. And this time, it wasn’t even just one tail, disappearing into a dark corner. No - these rats were everywhere. The beach was infested!
I was scared to look down at the water and the seagulls for fear I would see another tail shooting out from behind a rock.
Jackson was delighted that he could horrify me with his rat hunting. I wouldn’t let him go too deep into the rocky beach he usually crawls all over. But he ran around letting me know when he spotted another one.
Despite Jackson repeating the word “rat” just to see me squirm, I tried to forget about the rodents and have a good time.
After we stuffed ourselves with enough grease to last us until next summer, we went for a walk and I tried to get a photo of us together. Getting Jackson to behave for a picture - well - he has more fun torturing me by running away.
On our way back, Jackson wore me down and I gave into ice cream cones before we piled back into the van to head home - way past bedtime.
It really was a wonderful night. Hopefully, when I look back at the pictures, I will forget all about the rats.
Filed under Daily Life, Family, Parenting, Photography by Janice
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20 Comments on It was a perfect evening… if only I can forget the rats »
#1 - Happy Mama @ 1:25 pm
My husband squirms watching the movie ratatouille…He is not a fan of rats..Oh do we have some yucky but funny stories about rats!
#2 - Petula @ 2:28 pm
LOL! Oh my… well, at least it looks beautiful in the pictures and I didn’t spot any rats!
I’m glad you were able to get to the beach despite the rat infestation. Uh, that is yucky though.
#3 - T with Honey @ 2:50 pm
I could not handle rats on the beach. If I saw one or two, maybe. But more than that and I’d be outta there. You’re definitely braver than me.
#4 - Shane @ 3:01 pm
I’ve never heard of that before! UGH! That’s awful. As another reader said, you are much braver than I!
#5 - Jennifer, Snapshot @ 3:26 pm
Ha–now that’s a title that draws you in!
Of course you won’t forget about the rats, because that is what made the trip for Jackson, and he’ll be talking about it forever!
My dog just captured a field mouse in our backyard, and it was all I could do to keep Kyle and his friend from standing there and staring at it forever.
#6 - Adventures In Babywearing @ 3:46 pm
Aw- will it freak you out if I tell you I used to have pet rats?
Looks like a fabulous time!
Steph
#7 - Kim @ What's That Smell? @ 4:15 pm
Funny that rats are on a beach…I would have stayed in the car, personally.
Ick, now my skin is crawling…
#8 - Michelle @ 8:22 pm
The beach has changed alot hasn’t it Janice from our youth.My G/parents lived around the corner..it was wonderful.I’m glad that you had fish and chips though yum !
#9 - DJ @ 8:43 pm
Fish and chips at the beach, now I have a craving! I doubt your son will ever let you forget the rats!
#10 - The Happy Housewife @ 8:58 pm
Rats! Yuck! I have never heard of rats at the beach! You are braver than I am, I would have picked up and left immediately!
Toni
#11 - casual friday everyday @ 10:20 pm
Ewwwww — nothing more to say about the rats.
Your kids on the other hand are cutie pies.
Nell
#12 - Jen @ One Moms World @ 11:22 pm
How weird about the rats! I’m glad you all got to have fun though. :). Sort of sad to see summer end, but I am ready to see our fall leaves here.
#13 - Anissa@Hope4Peyton @ 11:54 pm
Rats…I died a little inside at that word. UGGGG Glad you still enjoyed your time together, rats or no rats.
#14 - Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates @ 12:01 am
Looks like a lovely evening. As long as the rats aren’t running up to me, I could handle it.
#15 - Lani ~ The Wooden Porch @ 12:30 am
Gross, and yet it still sounded fun!
#16 - Butterfly Mama @ 12:38 am
Eeeewww…I have such a problem with rodents!
The pictures and everything else however - sound just perfect!!!
Hugs,
Heidi
#17 - Carolyn @ 12:41 am
I love that you went, well good for you.
#18 - Jean at Penny Lane @ 9:07 am
We have seen this also by the river near our house. It seems that they have good years and bad. When the weather has been wild with rain or heat, that is when they seem to come out around dusk.
#19 - Doll Clothes Gal @ 10:12 am
These “end of Summer” nights are wonderful.
#20 - RebeccaC @ 12:21 pm
Janice, you might someday forget the rats. But only if your son moves far away. Otherwise, he will remind you every time you go to the beach, see pictures of the beach or hear someone talk about the beach. “Hey, Mom! Remember the time we went to that one beach that was crawling with RATS???”
Once, 8 years ago, I made banana muffins using dried banana chips. To this day EVERY single time I make banana muffins Jessee asks if they are made with real bananas. “Those were SO GROSS!!!”. Sigh. We can’t even GET dried bananas down here.
Kids have amazing memories…selective, but amazing!
Glad you had a chance to relax on the beach of NIHM. ;^)