Date: Fri 25-Apr-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

Linda-West-Molly-Mule

Full Text:

A Monday Morning Mule Ride To Grand Union

B Y D OROTHY E VANS

When her owner, Linda West of Sandy Hook, tethered her to a light pole in the

middle of the Grand Union parking lot, Molly the Mule didn't fuss.

Instead, she waited placidly in her designated parking place between the two

yellow lines. While Ms West ran inside to pick up a few groceries, Molly was

content to stand still and enjoy the early morning sunshine.

Passersby could tell Molly was something special - good natured and

well-trained, perhaps mature beyond her seven years. She seemed totally

oblivious to the stares of startled shoppers who were not accustomed to seeing

a mule and carriage parked among the mini-vans.

It wasn't long before Ms West returned with her small bag of groceries. She'd

only needed a few things, she said, adding this was "the first day we've been

out."

Sort of a trial run on a beautiful April morning.

"I bought Molly a year and a half ago. She's from Pennsylvania. And she's

given me such a lot of pleasure," Ms West said in a soft voice.

"Her carriage is Amish-made, solid oak," she added.

Then Ms West climbed on board and took the reins. She told Molly to "back" and

then go forward and the two of them exited the Grand Union parking lot,

turning right onto Church Hill Road.

Molly trotted along down the hill, heading purposefully toward her Riverside

Road home where she would soon rejoin the other animals owned by Ms West - the

llamas, the donkey and, especially, Dan, the other draft mule.

They looked straight ahead, showing little concern for the noisy traffic

rushing by.

It was a lovely spring day and Molly the mule was out to enjoy it.