My initial reaction was, "baby in a runaway grocery cart!" The infant was bundled up for winter, strapped into a child's seat mounted on the top of the cart. Two adults were standing off to the side, examining the seasoning section. I could see no driver of the cart, and it was picking up speed.

Derek came to the rescue -- I put out one hand and grabbed the front of the cart's basket. There WAS some sort of propulsion, resisting my restraint, and I noticed two tiny hands holding the cart's control bar.

My presence caught the attention of the parents; I was smiling, but their reaction was that of horror. Not that their toddler was pushing their infant and groceries away, but instead thinking that the child had collided with me. They apologized profusely, and I told them it was okay, and I could only imagine what would have happened if the toddler had continued with her trajectory and collided with the valentine's day chocolate display across the aisle. That would've been far more entertaining.

derek -- i'd rather get the apologizing parent than the parent who thinks you're trying to steal their kid and food. a lot of times i'm in public and i'll say something to a child in the grocery store. i've got my own kids with me and i pay a compliment -- i like your sweatshirt (spongebob) or something... and the child begins to answer, but the parent eagle wings the child into his/her protection and glowers. so i do the same with mine. i'm glad you save the child from certain death by chocolate.

--christine , 2/8/2003 11:15:19

I would like to add your blog as a "Philosopher Pick" at GeekPhilosopher.com. Please email me a picks@GeekPhilosopher.com.

--Barbie Hocking , 2/11/2003 13:43:26

Oh thank you, Superman!

--kat , 2/12/2003 11:59:32