Sunday, June 19, 2011

Yabba Dabba Do! Auntie Visits Bedrock

Auntie Visits Bedrock
If a Genie rose from its bottle and granted you one wish, what would you wish for?  For me, it could only be one thing:  the ability to time travel!

Ever since I can remember, time travel has been my idea of a good time.  When I was a kid I imagined going back in time to study harder on that test that I had failed or to relive a day that was really fun and that I never wanted to end.

I imagined zipping here and there, backwards and forwards in time, being an eye witness to important historical events and learning firsthand the truth about perplexing things like how the pyramids were built or seeing what really killed all the dinosaurs.  Or maybe I'd zip into the future and see what's going to happen next in the world and look all smart and get really rich by buying successful stocks.

Well in the not too distant past, Auntie had a little time travel adventure of her own.  It all started when Wilma Flintstone called me from her shell phone.  The sound wasn't too good since shell phones are generally incompatible with my 21st century phone but I got the gist of what she said:  "come to Bedrock because there's going to be a big party to celebrate Betty's birthday."  She also said that we would surprise her and all go to the Rockadero Night Club because two of Betty's favourite performers would be on stage:  Anne Margrock and Stony Curtis. Who could resist an invitation like that?
Right after I hung up I I logged on to the Rockanet and booked a flight on Pterodactyl Airlines who were having a half-price sale to Bedrock.

We all  had a great evening at the Rockadero and everyone turned out to wish Betty a Happy Birthday and take part in the celebration.  Mr Slate, Mrs Slaghoople, Wilma, the Great Gazoo, Fred and Barney and I were all there.
The Camera Bird is Back

That little adventure to Betty's birthday party in Bedrock came flooding back to me when, in one of  the boxes in our basement, I found a drawing that my dear high school friend, Peter Emslie drew of me with Fred and Barney.  Peter just happened to be in Bedrock for a dancing competition sponsored by the Rock Astaire Studios and I asked him to join me at the Flintstones' for a pre-party cocktail.  I'm lucky he did - Fred's camera bird had flown the coop so if it hadn't been for Peter I would have no pictures of me visiting Bedrock at all and then you would not believe this story, dear readers.

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Wormhole
Well, if you'd like to time travel too, I can recommend these three excellent options:  One, board a space ship and fly around the universe until you find a worm hole, fly into it and cross your fingers.  It's probably the most unpredictable way to time travel since you may land in a different universe or a different place in time so remember to bring some sea sick pills and a toothbrush.  You can get some helpful hints by watching National Geographic's really good video explanation of worm holes and time travel.


Safe, Comfy Time Travel
Two, and infinitely more reliable, is to build a time machine yourself like George in the H.G. Wells novel, The Time Machine.  At least George had a comfy seat and a handy lever so he could set the time machine quite accurately to the year he wanted to visit.  George eventually lands in the year 802,701.  I guess he wasn't all that interested in the past.

The best way of all, I think,  is to do what I did:  When I discovered Peter's drawing of me visiting Bedrock I traveled into the past.  Then, in the present, Peter, Uncle Jim and I had lovely lunch where we talked about what we were planning for the future.  Now that's a nice civilized way to time travel. 

Any way you chose, just remember to pack your camera so everyone will believe you when you tell them where you've been and what you've seen.

Now if only that Genie would show up!


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