ROBOROVSKI HAMSTERS OVERRUN THE WORLD - FILM AT 11

My grandchildren both now have a miniature hamster - which is surprising given my daughter's dislike (dare we say hatred?) of small burrowing animals that produce little of anything except poop.

But these Roborovski hamsters are simply these adorable tiny balls of fluff that captivate your immediately with their antics.

I had always assumed that miniature anything must have been developed with human direction - most mini's couldn't survive in the wild.

I was totally incorrect in this regarding Roborovskis.

Yes, the name is from Vsevolod Roborovski, who gets credit for fist noting them in 1894.

But they are native to the Gobi Desert, as well as sections of northern China and the Mongolian desert. They efficiently conserve any water they consume, and live in long burrows.

They are not even herbivores; they consume insects and some types of meet, making them omnivores.

And if I didn't have animals at home that would step on them and never notice, I might be tempted to get one when I get back.

THE FORMER JOLLY GREEN GIANT

This is exactly the way I feel. I am shrinking.

When I was in fourth grade, I was taller than my mother, my teacher, and the principal of my elementary school.

When I was in sixth grade, I was the same height as my brother, who is five years and two days older than me.

In high school, I was the second tallest girl there - Jane Witherspoon was at least six feet, I think.

My first year of college, I grew almost half an inch more - I believe it was because it was my first exposure to clean air. If I hadn't grown up in the smog of Los Angeles, I might be 6'5" right now.

I married someone tall- 6'4" - and that made me feel a little bit shorter.

And then my kids began growing up - and suddenly I was the shortest in the family.

Say WHAT?

Now I am literally one full inch shorter because of my spine compressing. It's not weak or bent or anything - it's just shrunk.


So when Colin and Kate are in fourth grade, they are going to TOWER over me, you just wait and see.