Buffalo Rising Online

Mar 21st 2006, 12:00am By

(photo: Forever Elmwood)

My daughter and I were enjoying a quiet afternoon (work for me, a Leapfrog DVD for her) when she suddenly said, "It's spring today, Mommy, and I'd like to go for a walk."

I had to admit that she was right, even though it's still kind of chilly. Plus, I never miss a chance to continue showing her what's so great about Buffalo.

We dressed appropriately and headed out. I decided to combine an errand with our outing and asked if she'd mind a stop at Fleet Feet on Elmwood. It turns out that the store is having a sale and they have a pretty nice selection of sneakers for 50% off. Gotta love that! The highlight of the visit for my four-year old, though, had nothing to do with sales. What made her whoop with joy? Bristol, the owner's absolutely adorable dog. (As I was petting Bristol, I remembered that Anthony Cuellar posted about her a while ago.)

From Fleet Feet, we headed to Cafe Aroma, her choice for a snack. Over a chocolate milk and blueberry muffin for her and an iced mocha and (delicious!) oatmeal raisin cookie for me, we talked about spring and summer. She can't understand why the Forever Elmwood Farmer's Market and other warm weather events can't start NOW. I tried to explain that each season has its own unique and wonderful events. I don't know if she bought it but it was a great discussion of all there is to do in Buffalo throughout the year.

The conversation as we were leaving Cafe Aroma went like this: Child: "Can we go get Daddy at work?" (It was about 4:30.) Me: "Sure, but it's a long walk. Are you sure you want to do it?" Child: "I'm sure, Mommy. I marched in the whole Parade yesterday!"

How could I argue with that logic? We set off -- it's about a mile -- and she was soon caught up in making sure I noticed all of her favorite Elmwood Avenue landmarks. Treehouse tops the list, which also includes the Co-op, Spot, Mr. Newell's store (former site of Thunder Bay, current site of Pavlov's Togs -- I'll have to take her in to meet the new proprietor), Casa di Pizza, Sweet Tooth, and on and on.

As usual, her other favorite part of our walk was making new acquaintances of the canine variety. She made two today (in addition to Bristol): Bosworth and Mandy. As her mom, I am grateful to the dog owners who are always so accommodating to her (very serious) line of questioning: "What's the dog's name? Can I pet the dog? How old is the dog?"

We met her dad and the car ride home seemed boring compared to our walk. Some days (like today), she teaches me. I love Buffalo through her eyes.