But they play in people's yards. And by "people" I mean my yard. And by "play" I mean "run around screaming like they are being disemboweled, while waving sticks and leaving random things, like shoes and golf balls." And their screaming makes Murphy bark indignantly, because he can't see them but he can hear them In His Yard, and he does not hesitate to register his objections. I really don't want to be the "You kids get offa my lawn!!" lady, but seriously, WTF is going on here? They have 4 yards to play in and they are always on mine, and the yard that belongs to the two senior guys across the street.
I really am old, because I can't help thinking that "Back in my day" (way back in the ancient 80s, when my kids were little) "we taught our kids to play in their own yards!" And yes, I've spoken to at least two of the little
This has deteriorated into a Blah-g, and I apologize, but my days are full of not blog fodder lately. Layla needs to visit once a week.
As proof that I am Old, I have to confess that I haven't stayed awake to watch Saturday Night Live since Eddie Murphy was a new face. Apparently I should watch, because this freaking slayed me. (For the non-US readers: Rahm Emanuel is White House Chief of Staff, and known for his outspoken and profane language.) I'm thinking he must have enjoyed this if/when he saw it, because it's so dead-on, especially "What are you, FOURTEEN?" which is exactly what I thought at the time. Anyway, enjoy, and I promise an actual blog post that isn't full of "You kids get off my lawn!" crap tomorrow. ;-)
And I clearly remember being told the same thing back in the late 40's and early 50's, and telling my children (in the 'permissive' 60's!) to 'keep off', and explaining that 'no, you cannot play in Craig's yard when there is nobody at home'. Explaining about privacy, respect for other's property, all that boring old-fashioned stuff. Even the alien concept that not everyone enjoys listening to juvenile noise.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be lovely to have the sprinkler system controlled by a remote! Just train Murphy to use it, he is definitely smart enough, the only thing that holds him back is the lack of opposable thumbs!
Mind you, here in Oz, that would attract the little so-and-so's. Running, jumping and squealing through the sprinkler - priceless if you are under 10.
Gae, in Callala Bay
Here too, but not when it's 40 degrees F outside. On a day like today, it would chase the little boogers. ;-)
ReplyDeleteForgot about the seasonal difference, there, for just a moment!
ReplyDeleteMind you, when Erich was about 8 or so he LOVED riding his bike, or sliding on bare feet, or Belly-flopping, through any mud-wallow he could find. The following rule was developed: strip to swimmers, make yourself as messy as you like, hose yourself (cold water) off before entering the house, and then have a shower.
Erich was extraordinarily impervious to cold, and was happy to abide by the rules. And Sydney winters are relatively mild. I have a pic of the little horror, filthy beyond belief, grinning with bliss, with one second central incisor in the middle of a toothless gap - he could have eaten an apple through a tennis racquet.
Them's were the days, he is now a staid and respectable father of two, and nearly 44.
Gae, in Callala Bay
We don't have mud. We have sand, and a variety of "lawn grass" that can cut you if you belly flop on it while wet.
ReplyDeleteCurrently I'm suffering a plague of barking dogs. (I try not to think about the hellspawn next door. They stay in their yard.) The one out back is at least on a lead, behind a fence; the other is allowed to run loose, barking at anyone who dares walk on the sidewalk. I might be forced to call the police.
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