Ted Dents His Head
It was a cold and snowy day. Ted, Rosie, and the Big Brown Dog were all nestled in for a quiet morning. The inventor was off to work, and the adventure was just beginning.
As usual, they were watching a science show on tv. This one was about the 3 states of water. Solid, liquid, gas. It got Ted and Rosie thinking about the outside weather. Could they find all of those things outside today? They asked Big Brown Dog if he’d like to go on an adventure. The Big Brown Dog wasn’t too interested. He just yawned and said, “Ice? Makes me slip. Water? Makes my fur wet. Steam? That’s what my nose does on the car window.” I’m good.
Well, Ted was a curious robot who liked to ask questions. And Rosie was a questioning robot who liked to be curious. They were a good pair.
Being that they were robots, they didn’t need to worry about things like hats, mittens, or gloves. But, they had also never been outside on a winter day – they had no idea how it would effect their circuits and gears. They were about to find out…
They headed out the small doggie door at the back of the house. Immediately they were amazed by the scene. White white everywhere! White flakes floating to the ground, white snow spackled against the trees, and giant drifts that looked like crumpled blankets. They shook their heads, and had to adjust their visual receptors, it was so very bright.
With little communication, they began walking. Through the snow, through the grass peaking through wind scooped drifts, and on they went. The focused on the task at hand. “Let’s find all the forms of water. Solid, gas, liquid,” Said Ted.
After careful observation, they concluded that the snow was water in solid form, or more like an icy flake form. A kind of a tiny crystal. Rosie said, “If you look closely, you can see a pattern. They are quite beautiful.” Ted nodded in agreement.
Next they wandered over to the street where they thought they saw smoke. After watching and observing (’cause that’s what scientists do) they noticed it was coming from the grates. Ted said, “It looks just like the steam that comes out of the kettle when the inventor makes tea.” Rosie agreed. She said, “Then it must be hot water, and hot water makes steam!” They high fived (or rather, high bristle brushed and metal clamped each other) and moved on.
Rosie asked, “Now, what do we have left to observe?” Ted asked, “Left – you mean over that way?” Rosie said, “No, left, as in what’s remaining.” “Ah,” said Ted. “Liquid, liquid is what we have left.” “Very good,” said Rosie.
Off they went to find liquid – in water form that is. Just then, Ted heard the faint sound of dripping. He said, “This way!” They walked back toward the house and saw an outdoor faucet leaking. There was a little ice (also a solid thought Rosie) and water around the faucet. Rosie said, “That’s it! Look! There’s some ice, that’s a solid and there’s some dripping water. We found all 3 states of…” But as she started to say water, something happened. Ted’s legs started slipping, he couldn’t catch his balance, all of the sudden his feet were in the air – and Ted fell backward with a CLANK.”
Rosie asked, “Ted are you okay?” Ted said, “I don’t know, I think I have a dent.” “Uh-oh,” said Rosie – “Do the counting test.” “Okay,” said Ted. “One…Two…Four-Three…Six-Five…Eight-Seven…” Rosie said, “That’s enough, we need to get you back to the house.”
They carefully headed back home. As they reached the front door – the inventor heard them and opened it. “Hey guys! Where have you been? Did you have an adventure?” Rosie said, “Well, we did but then Ted fell and I think he’s dented, and….” The inventor said, “Ted, I need you to count for me.” Ted looked up, “One…Two…Four-Three…Six-Five…Eight-Seven…” The inventor said, “Come with me Ted.
On the work bench. The inventor carefully fixed the dent on Ted’s head. He fixed a gear, and polished him up. After that, Ted felt much better, but Ted was very very ready to power down for the day.
So, off they all went. Rosie, Ted, and the Big Brown Dog walked up-stairs. Ted and Rosie hopped up onto their shelf. Before powering down, Rosie asked, “Ted, I sure am glad that you’re okay. You are okay now, right?” Ted said, “Well let’s see..One…Two…Four-Three…Six-Five.” Rosie gasped, “No!” Ted said, “Just kidding!!!! I’m Okay…One…Two…Three…Four.”
Ted and Rosie powered down, the Big Brown Dog snored and kicked in his sleep, and the inventor…He fixed himself a big cup of tea – no ice.
The End.
