Elgin's Perfect Adventure

Elgin P. Bear is no ordinary "stuffed with fluff" kind of bear. Elgin is the finest of bears. Being perfect isn't easy, as Elgin is often reminded. While his nose is always kept very shiny and quite perfect, it seems to get Elgin into the stickiest situations.

For instance, today started like most in the Scottish Highlands. The mists had cleared away, and all a bear had to do was walk in any direction to find adventure.

"Today, I shall have an adventure," Elgin said.

His first stop was the garden.

"Hello, Grandma!"

Elgin surprised Grandma Hawick, causing her to pull up a huge clump of dirt with a turnip.

"Hello, Elgin, dear. Are you here to help?" Grandma asked.

"No, Grandma. I'm out for adventure." Elgin said. "Don't you think it's a perfect day for it?"

Grandma looked at the sky. "Indeed, it is a perfect adventure day," she said.

"Cheerio, Grandma," Elgin said.

"Elgin, don't go too far. Don't get messy, and be back before tea time; we're having custard," Grandma added. "Your favorite Bird's custard."

Elgin started by following some ants along the side of the garden path. Elgin had been taught to stay on the path at all times. Meadows are full of surprises, and Mama didn't want him lost.

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But the ants marched off the path, and Elgin couldn't help himself. With both feet, he jumped right into the tall grass and wild flowers. And because Elgin's eyes were looking down, he didn't see the ants lead him into a pasture.

Suddenly, Elgin felt a slimy, rough thing soak his fur. It picked him up off his heels and set him down again. Elgin was scared. His perfect fur coat was gooey, too. Then another slimy lick ran up his back and between his ears. Slowly he moved his eyes upward. Elgin could see thick brown hair, four legs, a big body, a huge nose, two eyes and a tongue the length of the Loch Ness monster.

"Who are you?" Elgin stuttered.

"Fergus," mooed the Highland cow.

"Are you a monster?" Elgin asked.

"No, I'm a Highland cow," Fergus moaned. "Nothing scary about me. I just graze."

"I've never seen a Highland cow. Are there many of you?" Elgin asked.

"Well, I have parents and two sisters," Fergus answered.

"Perfect. Today I met a Highland cow," Elgin thought.