The handing over of animals is usually a production, with the frantic dash – “wait-wait!” – through the house by my daughter finding just the right choice for the ride.

My daughter took no chances on forgetting this morning, booking down the hallway before I even opened the door to the garage. So while Gus & Balsmic, Bernard, Baby Ralph, Curious George and Pierre stayed at home I was joined by Miriam, my wife’s favorite of the animals.

Today Baby Ralph traveled on the big boat to be photographed from our office’s rooftop deck.