Despatches from a mother who started late (and is running to catch up)

Windy city

The combination of hills and gales make Edinburgh tricky to navigate. I am pushing Button uphill in the Tank (imagine an armoured vehicle, but without the weapons of mass destruction) with one hand. With the other I am holding Beanie's hand. The ferocious wind is slowing progress. "Want cuddle, Mummy," says Beanie. I put the Tank brake on, and pick Beanie up with both hands. The wind is lashing our hair about our faces. As if in slow motion, the wind shifts, catches the buggy containing Button and whips it backwards. The Tank overturns, tipping Button back towards the pavement. My heart jumps out my chest. I thank my lucky stars I remembered to buckle Button into her seat before we set off. She is sprawling at pavement level in her harness but looks unharmed. And unpeturbed. Beanie and I rush to her side, expecting her to scream in distress. She just looks slightly taken aback. But pleased to be getting attention. I right the buggy. Look around - both daughters present and correct. The tight, panicky feeling in my chest subsides. And they call Chicago the Windy City?

Posted 18 June 2009 19:20

Daughters Edinburgh Kit Out and about

Comments

Catriona said:

Oh dear, I am glad she wasn't hurt. The number of times my buggy went over backwards in Sainsbury's because I had overloaded the basket hanging on the back, I have lost count of. Good thing my two don't need a buggy these days.

Posted 19 June 2009 13:51

Expat Mum said:

Actually they should change our name to the Soaking Wet City at the moment. Glad no one was hurt - it would be a bit of a pain trying to explain that one to the 'authorities'.

Posted 19 June 2009 23:08

Vanessa said:

Ah, nothing like Edinburgh in June for gale force winds, Biblical amounts of rain and hailstones! Still, moderately lousy weather is the optimum for trade in our shop so have mixed feelings...

Posted 20 June 2009 20:12

iota said:

Hm. Thinking hard here. Perhaps you could invent a kite-like attachment that could clip on to buggies, which would harness wind-power, and help tired mums push heavy buggies up steep hills.

Posted 22 June 2009 16:14