Negligent Entrustment

At the RV park Marv and Jason worked on the setup.  Early into the process we learned that the effluent-conveyance-apparatus (AKA:stinking slinky) was MIA.  The team took a quick trip to a very nice Walmart nearby.  I stayed in the bus and hung out with Mr. Gumby.   We chill-axed and chatted about what the day would hold for us.  

The Walmart team arrived bringing a welcome mat, a case of water and the critical item of flexible plumbing.  The setup all complete, the discussion switch to getting ready for dinner that evening.  Mr. Gumby, Rod and I wore our Prevost ensemble. Jason, put on some jeans and Marv went all GQ with a fashionable sweater and slacks.  

Dinner would be at the Cheesecake Factory.  The weather was nice (of course) and we were on the open patio.  We were seated as a group in a long row of tables.  Jason, Marv and Rod mingled at one end,  Mr. Gumby and I grabbed seats at the other end.  Mr. Gumby enjoyed with nice air and sat on the patio window sill.

It was a great meal with great fellowship.  I took the Schuh recommendation to try the smokehouse burger-it was terrific.  It was Jonathan's birthday, in kindness we all ordered deserts, so he would not feel uncomfortable, being the only one with cake. 

  

This is when I think it happened.  During this time when I stood up to grab this photo, I looked over and Mr. Gumby was gone.  I did not see anything happen and never heard any cries for help.  I was aghast.  Not sure what happened, did he run away? Did he fall?   Just not sure.  Not wanting the ruin the atmosphere and being confident there was nothing to be done, I kept silent.

Dinner finished, and we said our goodbyes.   At a cigar lounge there was a large TV rolling the news,the super-Tuesday results were coming in. Tom paused to see the updates.

It was just after this that I got the courage to share the news.  The anguish from Rod's voice echoed off the glass facades of the businesses; "G U M B Y, Nooo....".  In the car, Rod measured out his pain.  Negligent Entrustment, was all he said.  My blood ran cold, knowing the weight of that charge.  Then Rod said, it's OK.  'we're good'.  We were silent, remembering Mr. Gumby.  Marv recounted, "He never stopped smiling".  The Fellowship of the Wheel lost a man, but be we are confident a child in Valencia has a new toy.