When I got to the playground today it was closed. Even though it was an early day for me.

So that puzzled me. I saw there was a sign on the front door. I was expecting it to say “closed due to sickness” but it said “closed due to strike”. Yup. Everybody’s on strike in Denmark. Everyone who takes care of children in any case. And so the playground is on strike too. I’m not going to go into the details about it all, I’m sure you don’t want to hear about Danish politics. I just hope the strike won’t go on too long. The playground is a lot less fun when the animals are locked up and there are no kids.

Kurt was there though. Inside. He came out with a big smile on his face. Not because of the strike. No, he thanked me for the pictures. I had left them in their office on Saturday. He was really happy about them, said they were great. That made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Not like they were going to say that the photos sucked in any case. But it’s still nice to get some positive comments. And I am glad to give something positive back to them. So when the strike is over then they’ll have a look at what to do with the pictures. It’ll be nice to see them up on the walls. I hope the kids will like them.

After talking to Kurt I went in and spent some time with the goats and the lambs. I am lucky to have such excellent pick-me-ups when I am feeling tired.

Kulle was gnawing at my watch. I guess Mads is not the only one who likes it. It must be a very tasty watch.

And that’s it. All play and no sleep makes Plume a tired boy.

Wow. Boy was I tired today. Did not sleep well last night. Possibly because of the med change in progress?

In any case, it was a tough day to get through at work. I really need to have my own office with a mattress on the floor so I can take a nap when I need it. Is that too much to ask? I think not!

After work I went to the playground. It was closed when I got there. Sure, I had a late day today but that still surprised me. Guess they closed early. Good thing I have my own key. I locked myself inside and said hello to the goats. Then I took my little chair and sat down with the lambs. I am happy to report that they are still adorably lovely.

This time I could pick up Kulle without any complaints from the mother. She is definitely feeling more secure already. And Kulle is a brave little guy, not afraid at all. I had some apple slices for the mother and I chipped off a little bite and gave it to him. It is so cute when baby animals still aren’t used to eating regular food, and they sort of have to nibble at it and learn how to do it. But once Kulle got the first bite down he loved it. Absolutely loved it. He started licking and chewing and nibbling and bitting at my fingers, with much gusto. It was very obvious that he wanted more.

Kridte is a little more shy. If you reach out your hand to her then she backs off. But if you sit still then she’ll come up to you by herself.

They are both lovely, and the mother too. They make me smile. I still have little bouts, little flashes of 3B and Springbok memories, and they make me sad. But I try to stay positive. Maybe I should try not to get attached to the lambs, I know they will have to leave eventually too. But then what, how would I ever be happy at the playground? I want to be happy. At least I know they won’t be slaughtered. Kulle is already promised to another playground. He will be the big ram on campus there, and a gorgeous one. While Kridte will go back to Kurt’s farm. Maybe come back to the playground some day when she has lambs of her own.

That’s all for today. No more farm animal antics. Must must must sleep soon. If you’re in a musical mood then I posted some video links in my livejournal. You should at least check out the Thom Yorke video, if you haven’t heard the song. Harrowdown Hill. It’s beautiful.

Goodnight.

Oh yes, PS. I have been invited to the Playground’s christmas party this year. December 1st. Most workplaces in Denmark have the annual christmas party, I don’t know if that’s a Danish thing or if it’s the same everywhere. But there’s the stereotype of the christmas party where everybody gets drunk and the boss sleeps with the secretary etc. I doubt that sort of thing will happen at the playground though, hah. I am feeling a little scared at the prospect of being in a social situation with these nice people that I only know from informal situations. But I know it’s good for me, and I will probably have a nice time too.

I just hope they’ll hire a hot secretary by then.