Rammin & jammin

These stories, “Jungle Gems”, are from my past and hopefully will be enjoyable for all that read them.

Growing up in the jungles of Paraguay left much to be desired as to the comforts of home. Many times the necessities of life, although seemingly serious at the time, offer some comic relief, though usually “that relief"comes at a later time...How do you spell “relief” ?

Our house had all the conveniences that a home in The Paraguayan jungle had. Three rooms and a "path" (the path was about 45 or 50 yards). When nature called it was imperative that the utmost haste be utilized. Not only for the obvious reason for the journey, but also for the perils that lie ahead for anyone that attempts such a venture to the outhouse. Our perils included an especially irreverent and cantancorous billy goat. Whenever I felt “the call”, I first had to look for the goat, and, depending on the urgency of “the call” , I would either postpone my "pilgrimage", or would run for all my life hoping that I would not only beat the goat, but find the outhouse unoccupied.

Run across the path! Throw open the door! Slam the door shut! And wait for the inevitable. BANG! The goat butting into the outhouse.

Ah, sweet success. .. If only I did not have to make the return trip.