And, no, I couldn’t bring myself to read the recent sequel.

One thing I love about the book, unlike the TV show: There are no villains. It’s a child-sized world with imaginary fears, like the Heffalump and Jagulars, which are never actually seen.

I didn’t mention this time that I fell for my husband-to-be over Winnie-the-Pooh. It was a dorm room open house and a group of us were reading from the books, doing the voices. When he left, it dawned on me that I’d just fallen for that guy. One thing to be said for that way of finding a husband: He ended up being a FANTASTIC Readaloud Dad.

We had the thrill of visiting the Hundred Acre Wood in England and playing Poohsticks at the original bridge. Totally cool!

I’ll never forget the day I said to my oldest son, “Hi Joshua!” and he answered me in a high, squeaky voice, “My name is Piglet!” That was the first time he pretended to be someone else — but by NO means the last. A rich imaginary life followed, including a whole story of a “Joshua Costume” that the characters wore when they were “visiting” in Joshua’s place.

Then, 6 years later, it started up with Tim. I think Piglet was his first character, too, but he quickly moved on to Pooh. The Christmas he was 3 years old, we actually addressed all our packages to and from Pooh (Timmy), Christopher Robin (Josh), Tigger (Dad), and Piglet (Me). He could actually write his name, POOH. And didn’t go off that until he started up being Dilbert and Techno-Bill. But that’s another story.

Oo, I should stop. Did I mention I love Pooh?