Intrigue...

I hadn't heard from Herbie in quite some time, up until this afternoon. He caused his usual Manatee Ruckus© before thrusting this in to my hands:

I had no idea what was going on.

My assumption was that Herbie wanted me to build this... whatever it is. I believe I had valid concerns about undertaking this project, give my construction experience is limited to Legos, Lincoln Logs, and paper plate maracas.

However, after explaining my concerns to Herbie, he began flopping about and destroying various items of furniture and drug paraphenalia.

And then came the bleating.

I am comfortable in saying, without hyperbole, that the infuriated bleating of a manatee is more frightening than the sum of all horror writings, drawings, pictures, and movies put together.

 Even including Goosebumps.

Times six.

Plus eight.

.... and a half.

Eventually, I had no choice but to agree to build this... whatever it is. I informed Herbie, who seemed absolutely thrilled that I agreed to do him this favor. He scampered off in the same way that a hippopotamus might frolick.

Now, I have always been under the impression that, when you do a favor for someone, the one receiving the favor tends to be grateful and accommodating, especially in situations where the one doing the favor is in way over his head (for example, when building something without a supply list, measurements, decipherable instructions, or a visual of the finished project).

Apparently, manatees operate under an entirely different premise.

Thus, instead of being patient and understanding, and maybe bringing me a lemonade or two during the building process, Herbie decided that the role of a despotic overseer would be more appropriate.

I knew when the ground began to tremble and the windows began to rattle that I was in for a problem.

Then, on the horizon, like a magnificent, all consuming, Everglade's dwelling monster of terror and doom... he appeared.

The bleating was magnified to epic proportions.

He now insists... demands... that I address him as "Supreme Master and Ruler of Construction Operations and the Old Navy that's in the Mall" throughout this whole adventure.

I wonder if Herbie even knows what it is he wants me to build...