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The Toddlers.

I see them nearly every weekday on the weekends they are not to be seen. Hand in hand being looked after by two ladies. One day I asked one of the ladies looking after the Toddlers if she minded if I walked along with the Toddlers. I shower her my Identity card; I did not want her to think that I was one of those dirty old men that prey on such infants. I spent two really happy hours listening to the children. It was an interesting couple of hours.

For the first time I watched the Toddlers looking for all kinds of insects. It was surprising to see how gently they handled the insects. One little boy caught my eye he was standing with his arms stretched out to his sides. One by one butterflies settled on his arms. This was most unusual so that I took my camera from my pocket and asked one of the Ladies if it was all right for me to take a photo. Yes I could take a photo but I was not to photo the boys face.

Turning back to the boy I saw that nearly the whole of his body was now covered in butterflies. The boys face was smiling and he was obviously enjoying this experience of so many butterflies that had settled on to his jersey and his head of hair. The lady told me that this had happened a few times. They had not made a fuss, as they did not want this Toddler being bothered with newspaper reporters and any other nosey visitors that would upset the happy group of Toddlers.

Later I often joined the group of Toddlers, One day the ice cream man came along with his ice cream Barrow. To show my thanks I treat the Toddlers and the Ladies to an ice cream of their choice. I had often heard the Toddlers speaking about their Pets. I must admit I was curious. I wondered if they really had such pets as they spoke about. I suggested to the Ladies that perhaps the Toddlers could bring their pets with them on one of our walks through the Park. The Ladies had the same idea and on the following Wednesday I was early in the park, I sat on a seat near the entrance and waited for the Ladies and the Toddlers.

I had never seen the Toddlers so excited. When they saw me they broke into a quick walk most were carrying small bundles in their arms others had small dogs or puppies on leads. All wanted to be the first to show their pets Slowly with the help of the ladies who got the children to form a line. It was this line that I walked down admiring mice, small kittens, puppies and all kinds of insects many were grasshoppers, each of the pets had a story that the Toddlers were only too willing to tell me. One of the ladies took a whistle from her pocket two short whistles and the toddlers form once again into two rows and again hand in hand the called their goodbyes to me and with one of the ladies leading and the other bringing up the rear they went off. Now I am considered a good friend and often accompany the children and their two Ladies. Later I was told that the toddler that attracted butterflies his mother never bough sugar all that she made was sweetened with honey, I now wonder if it is the honey that attracts them to the Toddler. Bern