Some Things Do Live Forever

The gnome family drove in the gnome car to find nourishment. Mama gnome found the single tree in the car resting place and maneuvered the hood to be shaded.

The two gnomelets fought over who Daddy gnome would carry in. After a few minutes of discussion, the eldest gnomelet would get to ride out first and baby gnomelet would be carried back. This is what the gnomelets agreed on.

Daddy said, "Good job agreeing. Two heads are better than one."

The older gnomelet said, "That means two-headed dragon."

Daddy gnome said, "It means, if you two think about something together, you come up with a better idea."

Baby gnomelet said, "I want to be carried first..."

Mama gnome said, "Let's go."

A troll greeted the gnome family. He was however a satiated troll, so the gnomes were seated in a booth next to a wooden carousel horse. Baby gnomelet wanted to ride the horse. Mama gnomelet gave baby gnomelet a coloring book and some crayons which entertained baby for about ten seconds.

The elder gnomes perused the scroll of nourishment. Mama gnome found a secret scroll stashed behind the salt container. The scroll contained "nutritional information." Daddy gnome found out the "chicken wrap" he'd been eating all this time had almost 1,200 calories and 20 grams of fat. He discovered the simple burger had half the calories and half the fat.

Daddy gnome said, "All this time, I'd been eating that cardboard."

Mama gnome said, "Poor thing."

Dady gnome told the lady server, "I want a Sam Adams."

Mama blew on the steaming hot corndog for baby gnomelet while baby gnomelet finished Mama's soup. The gnomes ate.

When the gnomes finished, Mama gnome took out a container from her satchel and placed the left-overs inside.

Lady server came by and said, "Do you want a box for your..." She looked down. The plates were empty. "I'll bring the check."

On the way to the gnome car, the gnomelets threw coins into the fountain and made secret wishes.

Mama gnome threw a coin in as well and wished for "More Trees."

For a short time styrofoam containers transport leftovers from the restaurant into the car into the house. They might stay in the refrigerator for a couple more days before the leftovers are finally eaten.

Some lucky styrofoams might get recycled. But a lot of them are thrown away. Into landfills.

A few hours in the car,a couple of days in the fridge, a million years in a landfill.

Next time you go out to eat, consider bringing your own containers for left-overs. Because some things do live forever.

© 2009 Jenaelha, Garden Gnome's Blog