Not 99 Red Balloons

Instead- more like, maybe, 110 or 120 black & silver balloons.

I walked home 14 blocks in the fog in the middle of the night with their shiny black ribbons wrapped securely around my right hand.

And it turns out that it would take a lot more balloons than that for me to gain any altitude... though it was quite a lift to the spirits to walk in such a large flock of helium balloons. The ridiculousness alone, of course, appealed to me, but also the swooshing noise created by them all bumping up against the night air & one another as they hustled home behind me was quite silly & stupendous.

I didn't come across anyone until I was a block away from my house, and I was glad to have finally gained witness to the spectacular event. They were suitably delighted.

Near to the outset I did initially lose two to an attack by a long needled pine, but I think other than that we all made it safe & sound- me, balloons, borrowed coat & mittens, feathered tiara.

I think it speaks volumes as to what she's become accustomed to that upon my arrival home the dog was not even flummoxed in the slightest at the sight of our new house guests.