The Flight of the Hedgehog, Episode II

When last seen, our intrepid hedgehog, let's unimaginatively call him Harry, was floating in the atrium of the Marriot's conference area. This Flickr photo from earlier in the evening may even be Harry himself (my next phone will have a camera!).

Saturday morning before leaving I checked to see Harry's situation. Some of his balloons were hanging a little lower, presumably from the cold of resting against the skylights' glass. But there were lots of balloons, and thus still plenty of lift to keep our hero afloat. It was clear that they hadn't yet cleaned up the ballroom and atrium area, though. The remnants of the ribbons of balloons that had been tied to chairs (not all of them ones that I'd liberated) were still hanging like loose threads on a new shirt.

I like to think of the conference center staff dealing with Harry. These can't be the first helium balloons to have made their way to the atrium, with or without help. And most conferences, and thus conference centers, take themselves too seriously to have a helium balloon from a previous event left to descend on the next unwary attendee

So we know that Harry's destiny is not to be stranded in the atrium. He could be presently captivating the heart of a Marriot employee's child. But what do they do when balloons rise up, as they are wont to do? Do they have an official conference center BB gun to pop trapped balloons, and an official balloon wrangler? Darts? A very very long pole or a big ladder? A secret passage leading to a panel that accesses the top of the atrium? Or perhaps, just perhaps, the atrium windows open, and Harry is free, and even now descending to his new home somewhere in Michigan.

I hope he writes.

While they had no role in Harry's flight, I have to say thanks to Hedgehog Hosting. They were a conference platinum sponsor, and their representative  was the most exuberant, joyful and generous sponsor I've ever met. He and they didn't have to do more than the sponsorship package. But he was generous with drink tickets, meals, and told one of the funniest stories of his path to his current job I've ever heard. I'm sure he'd be happy to hear of Harry's escape from the confines of the conference center.

Comments

[no haiku on a hangover]

A quick update on our friend Harry: Sunday night I took a quick look for our little friend. They had indeed cleaned up the area in and around the ballrooms by now, and there was no sign of Harry to be seen. Although I must admit that my search was somewhat shorted after hotel security took and interest in my search.

[Mark]

Hotel security, huh? Hmmnnn...maybe there's something we don't know about Harry. Or maybe he ended up on somebody's watchlist. I hope he got away! Thanks for the update! PS: I hope you and your wife had a nice stay.

[Richard Feller aka: "The Representative"]

Mark, Your comments are too kind. We totally enjoyed ourselves at the conference and yes, that story was a wild one. The choice of beverages brought out the best in all of us. :) It was a pleasure seeing all the other conference attendees taking the opportunity to "liberate a hedgehog" at the after party. Many a Marriott employee repeatedly asked for a hedgie and our answer was the same; "As soon as the helium dilutes, there will be a free-for-all in ballroom's one through three!" Best wishes to all of the friends we made and please remember to take extra special care of your new furry friend. Richard

[Harry's Mom]

Just wanted you to know that Harry has made it back to Massachusetts and in the safe hands of a little boy named Harry. Just yesterday, he was a big hit when Harry brought him for show and tell. This has some potential to be an interesting children's story . . .