Daredevil Stella!

Stella had been behaving so well! Except for dying herself blue. I was really starting to think that I didn't need to worry about her. Seems like I should have been paying more attention!

My son Jared, with whom Stella is quite impressed, asked if he and Stella could go to the libary. I certainly could think of no reason why not, and it seemed like a nice outing for her.

Here is our beautiful library. I think it is so beautiful and it even has some stained glass windows! It is in a lovely location on the banks of the Maumee River. Unfortunately, the close proximity to the river means that it sometimes floods the downstairs!


The library is on the list of historical sights.


I think this knight's arm holding a light is very cool. I am not sure of the significance of this.


My son decided to take Stella to see the park in which the libary sits.


Here was her first look at the Maumee River.




Here is the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize rivers where the Auglaize flows into the Maumee. These are pretty good sized rivers!


The park is the site of the old Fort Defiance where men fought during the Indian Wars during the Revolutionary War, I believe. Maybe it was even before that time.


Stella took a picture of Jared near another monument marking the site. He is such a cutie. I can see why Stella likes him so much!


The only things remaining of the fort are these cannons. This cannon overlooks the Maumee River.


And this one overlooks the Auglaize. I used to live about a half mile downriver from here on the opposite bank.


Stella was very impressed by the cannons.


She wanted to take a peek inside the cannon.


Then she wanted to crawl inside! Little did I know that some mischievous thoughts were beginning to tumble in her little head.


She had a daring plan in mind. My son, being only 16 and a bit ornery himself, was only too willing to help. He found a tiny crash helmet for her. He even added her name, and made sure that it was a pink helmet! You know how our Stella loves pink.


Stella climbed inside the cannon again.


Then Jared fired the cannon. Oh my goodness!!!


Success!


Was she going to make it safely to the other side of the river?


At least they had the presence of mind to have rescue vehicles waiting on the other side just in case they needed help. You will have to click to enlarge the pic to see them.


It was just about that time that I heard of their misguided plans. I hurried to the park on the other bank of the river. Can you see the cannon to the left of the steps and flagpole? If you click the picture, you can see them.


Frantically, I searched for our Stella. Oh, where could she be! I hope she didn't end up in the river? Can she even swim? Oh dear!

It wasn't long before I was hearing faint cries of "Yahooo! Wheeee!" I quickly ran toward the sound, and here is where I found Stella, her pink parachute caught in the tree. Of course, I rescued her right away!


Our silly Stella! Just look at that goofy excited expression on her face. She said it was such a thrill to be shot out of the cannon. Never mind that my heart nearly stopped at the thought of her doing such a stunt!


Once I got her back home, she was sternly scolded, though it broke my heart to do so. My son? He was banished to his bedroom for the rest of his natural life.


You know Stella though and that you just can't stay mad at her for too long. It wasn't long before we hugged and all was well again.


I sure hope she doesn't try anything else like this while she visits!