The Battle of Left Boot – Sunday 3rd May 2026

The Battle for Left Boot

Yesterday, armies lined up to fight the Battle of Left Boot. Ok, so armies might be an exaggeration, but it was a major conflict. There was bloodshed. There were negotiations. Ultimately, there was victory but it came at a price.

Mum had been digging out compost. Normally, she thinks nothing of treading mud through the house, but she’d recently vacuumed the hall and besides that Dad was home. Dad complains when she treads mud everywhere – I can’t think why. Anyway, for once Mum was being good and took her muddy boots off. She went into the bedroom to get her soft comfy (clean) boots. Pebbles went with her. You just knew that some sort of disaster was just around the corner.

He who dares wins

Mum put on her right boot. Pebbles spotted an opportunity and while Mum was still standing on one leg, slightly unbalanced (physically if not mentally – or maybe both) Pebbles made a bid for freedom with the left boot firmly in her mouth. Mum lurched after her and made a grab for the boot. It looked as though a game of tug was about to happen. Mum, realising it could end in disaster, and already with blood trickling down her arm, let go of the boot.

For a moment I thought Pebbles had won. Mum moved quickly into a negotiating position and got a camel skin out of the cupboard. Pebbles accepted it and shot off with that… and the boot. Mum really needs to work on her negotiation skills. Then out came a rabbit ear. This time Mum refused to hand over the ear until she had access to the boot. For a moment, I thought Pebbles wasn’t going to accept the terms offered. I think it would have been fish next, but on this occasion Pebbles didn’t hold out. Mum quickly put the slightly chewed boot on her foot and hoped that Pebbles wouldn’t try to chew it while being worn. Pebbles went off with the rabbit ear.

Both parties claimed victory. I suspect this won’t be the end of the matter.

Love and licks

Wilma

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