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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Alicia Jamtaas
Genre: Anecdote
Word Count: 100
HOKEY SMOKE!
One summer I went with a group to Alaska. It took time to get used to the sunlight streaming through our hotel window until 11:00 PM. The weather was incredible. Nothing like the summer heat and humidity in the Midwest.
My friend and I decided to take a stroll through a nearby neighborhood that looked like any other US suburb. Until we came face to face with Bullwinkle.
“Back up slowly,” said Clint. “Don’t let him know you’re afraid.”
“Too late.” I trembled, fascinated by the moose’s stature and enormous antlers. “Something tells me we’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto.”
This is a true story. Although the quotes might not be totally accurate. 😉 If you’re familiar with Rocky and Bullwinkle you might recognize Rocky’s favorite esclamation “Hokey Smoke.”
Rocky and many of the other characters were voiced by voiceover legend June Foray:
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
A cute story Rochelle
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Thank you, Sadje. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re most welcome
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I reognised the Wizard of Oz reference too, which was funny, since I believe you are from Kansas
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Dear Neil,
I’m actually from Kansas City on the Missouri side. Not actually from Kansas which is the state next door. No problem with the confusion. People in the US who are not from the Midwest get it confused, too. At any rate, thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great punchline, Rochelle. Enjoy your break.
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Thank you on both counts, Sandra. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I would love to see one, up close and personal… maybe with a fence separating us. Man, I hadn’t though of Rocky and Bullwinkle in ages! Thanks for the little trip!
Shalom and lotsa productive even while on vacation love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
It was a strange experience to be face to face with a behemoth like that…a bit surreal. Rocky and Bullwinkle were a huge part of my childhood which may explain a lot. 😉 Glad you enjoyed my story. I am enjoying the respite in NC. Always good to spend time with brother and SIL. Thanks for stopping by as always, my friend.
Shalom and lotsa hugs,
Rochelle
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I don’t doubt that for a second!
That’s wonderful. Spending time with beloved family AND having access to the ocean…
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🧜♀️
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Unexpected animal encounters… Awesome! I’ve written of my experience of sitting with the buffalo, falling asleep, only to be woken by a tongue lick. Talk about scary… but not too much. This gave me a good smile to a very stressful morning. Back later to write something.
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Dear Bear,
Licked by a buffalo? That’s quite a story in and of itself. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Tempted to say ‘I hate those mooses to pieces’.
Back in Scotland for August and loving the long light evenings, so unlike the south of France.
Cool tale, m’lady.
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Dear CE
Scotland sounds nice compared to the heat we’re having in the States. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hokey Smokes, what a fun story… Luckily I have not come face to face with Bullwinkle. Seen him from pretty close, but, when walking, not too close. Bear? Yeah, very close encounters. Moose? No.
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Dear Trent,
It was a rather surreal experience. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My only encounter with a moose was with a safety fence between us, I’m glad to say. You don’t quite appreciate the size until you stand next to one. Great fun.
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Dear Iain,
Moose aren’t small animals by any means. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I tremble when I come face to face with a moose! A lovely tale, Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
It was memorable for sure. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“Nothing up my sleeve. Presto.” (pulls unexpected object out of hat). “I’ve gotta get a new hat.”
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Now here’s something we think you’ll really like.
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This is a great story! I mean, who in the lower 48 has a story about coming face to face with a moose while taking an innocent stroll?
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Dear Linda,
It was quite an experience. We do have plenty of deer here, though. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I used to love Rocky & Bullwinkle, also Northern Exposure when the moose was wandering through town. Glad you didn’t get stomped!
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Dear Lisa,
I grew up with Rocky and Bullwinkle. That might explain a lot. 😉 Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you’re very welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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I watched many episodes with my young children. There was never a chuckle we didn’t enjoy. Love going back in time. Fun story …
Enjoy your vacation … swim a lot and make long lasting memories.
Isadora 😎
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Querida Isadora,
Truth be told, I swim more at home. At this writing we’re hoping for one more beach day before I head back to the landlocked Midwest. Nonetheless it’s being a sweet and memorable visit.
Rocky and Bullwinkle was a unique show. I think it was aimed more at the adults than the kids. 😉 Happy to see you back with us
Shalom y abrazos mi amiga,
Rochelle
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A bit behind, mi amiga. I hope you get to go to more places with beaches in the future. You must have been a mermaid in a past life. Water seems to be in your stars. I can’t swim so I don’t enjoy the beach but I do like the sunsets and our pool for exercising and cooling down. Oddly, I saw a murder mystery play at one of our theaters. The Little Mermaid was palying right next door. Everyone was talking about the fact that it was geared to adults. I guess theaters know who brings the kids. Glad you enjoyed the show. Off to figure out my story for this week … abrazos xoxo
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Don’t make eye contact! They look so friendly in pics. Fun story, R.
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Dear Tannille,
I don’t remember if I made eye contact or not. It was an unforgettable experience. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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if you wander into the countryside is it not surprising you meet the local inhabitants. The fun of wildlife, best viewed from a safe distance.
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Dear James,
It was an experience I won’t forget. 😉 It was Alaska after all.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’d probably be the sort of fool who would try to pat the thing.
Great story, Rochelle. I used to love watching Rocky and Bullwinkle as a young child. Brings back precious memories.
Hope you have a great week.
Best wishes,
Rowena
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Dear Rowena,
I wasn’t prepared to see a moose in the middle of the street, nor was I prepared for his size. Patting him never crossed my mind. 😉 Happy to bring back good memories for you. Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A giant moose would certainly let you know Kansas was far away. My sister, who was the head of the visitor center in Denali Park for several years, used to ride her bike to work. One of her fears was running into a moose. Fun story!
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Dear Lish,
Here in the Midwest we run into plenty of deer…sadly in the most literal sense when driving. Glad you enjoyed my story. Thanks again for the great photo.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story. Our property butts up against a nature trail so it’s not unusual to see deer, foxes, wild turkeys etc running through our back yard. One foggy morning we thought we saw a moose eating our ivy. Turned out to be a large deer with the most impressive antlers we’ve ever seen.
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Dear Nancy,
We see a lot of deer where we live. Thank you re my story. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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if you find yourself in that situation, a park ranger once advised me to wave your arms and try to appear bigger than you really are to scare the animal. running away will be the last option.
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Dear Plaridel,
Next time I come face to face with a moose I’ll try to remember this advice. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ive been to Iceland in the summer, nothing like taking a 3am stroll and having no idea what the time is. Sadly the only creature I’m liable to encounter in North Clifton may well be a badger… Good stuff
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Dear Count or Shrawley incognito ;),
Glad you enjoyed my little tale. I’ve never been to Iceland, but I’ve been to Alaska. Would that work set to music? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Moose are very different from their cousins the roe deer, one of which I saw last week.
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Dear Liz,
Where we live it’s not unusual to see deer. Thank you for stopping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story Rochelle, and thanks for the reminder of Rocky & Bullwinkle one of my favourites as a child 😃
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Dear Angela,
Hokey Smoke! How coould you not love Rocky and Bullwinkle? 😉 Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh my, what a scary encounter. Entertaining story, Rochelle, especially since it’s a true one.
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Dear Brenda,
Of course it’s been quite a while ago, but I don’t remember being frightened so much as fascinated. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another world only a border away. It always fascinates me just how different other states or countries can be. A beautiful but deadly animal if crossed. Fabulous piece.
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Dear Laurie,
The differences are fascinating when traveling to other places. Even within the same country. Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Scary encounter. Did he pull a rabbit out his hat?
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Dear Will,
Scary. Fascinating. Memorable. 😉 No hat. No rabbit. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a fun story Rochelle. I’ve seen a few moose but only from far away. They are impressive creatures.
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Dear Gabi,
They are impressive creatures. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I could totally visualize this! 🙂 Seen a moose in rural MA many years ago. From farther than you describe, but it was magnificent nonetheless! 🙂 Never been to Alaska. Yet. I’ll need to bathe in anti-mosquito spray, me think. If there’s one in NYC it finds me … and the ones in Thailand thought I was a walking-in party. I can only imagine Alaska’s native biters … 😉
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Na’ama Y’karah,
Alaska residents refer to the mosquito the state bird. For whatever reason, they don’t seem to find me all that tasty. (I’m not complaining, mind you.) Aside from that Alaska in July was wonderful. Cool temps and low humidity. The moose siting was an extra perk. 😉 Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Haha! I love the play on The Wizard of Oz. Nice take!
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Thank you, Brit. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You rocked it again. They are so much bigger up close and personal. Just like the big fluffy cows (Buffalo) in South Dakota. Lol
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Dear Jan,
Yes, but have you ever seen a buffalo on a neighborhood side street? Both are impressive indeed. Thanks, m’luv. ❤
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Dear Rochelle,
That was some encounter. One I don’t expect you’ll ever forget. I saw a moose once, but not close up. They are magnificent animals, though, aren’t they?
Shalom,
Adele
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Dear Adele,
They are definitely impressive animals. Although i’m not sure I want to be impressed that way again. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have never seen a moose in person but have friends that have. From their descriptions they sound scarier than a bear…and I do not mess with no bears…
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Dear Dawn,
That moose was an imposing presence for sure. Fortunately the encounter was peaceful as well as memorable. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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