PINGO MINGOS

Winter Flamingoes
Originally uploaded by Trpster*.

These bizarre plastic Pink Flamingo lawn ornaments are fast disappearing, with no others being made. Fifty years of iconic rule all but extinct.

Years ago my youngest son (around age 2) saw his first real Flamingos in Florida. He was quite awestruck and asked "What are they daddy?" I told him they were Pink Flamingos, whereupon he declared them "Pingo Mingos."

Though I've resisted any urge to put such ornaments in my yard I admit to finding myself smiling whenever I see the creatures, real or plastic. To me they will forever be Pingo Mingos.