Rat Bunny

In my neighborhood playing in the street is pretty much normal. I am not sure why but it is and it has been since I moved in here. Mostly this means there is a lot of yelling "CAR!" and running out of the way.

Today there was a new rebel yell -- "RAT!!!" which cause not only kids but adults to scatter like cockroaches. "Rat!" was followed by a lot of screeching and some men running in to see what happened and hit it with a stick or some other stupid macho response. The only thing is that is is very odd for rats to be running around in broad daylight. Now, I have seen some rats in my time here but it is usually at dusk or when it is raining and they are trying to find shelter. I have never seen one out and about just socializing in close proximity to five or six people. After much screaming and chasing (might I just suggest that no one should purposefully chase a Toledo rat), the rat turned out to be a baby rabbit. We on the porch had to giggle because we have seen baby rabbits (tiny) and we have seen Toledo rats (size of a Dachshund) so I can only hope we are present when these people actually see their first rat.

After the trauma of the rat hunt, playing resumed in the road. A boy and his father (or older friend or neighbor since I can't tell who belongs to who here) are playing some sort of sports game but for the life of me I can't tell you what. There is ball kicking, ball catching, ball rolling, and a lot of terms and phrases that don't go together like: "fumble" "goal" "I'm open" and "get it through the goal posts." What is really sad is that whatever it is, this kid sucks at it. He could not kick a ball straight if his life depended on it. He has thus far hit two cars, three hedges and a few flower beds. David Beckham he is not. He doesn't do any better rolling the ball -- so there is no pro bowling in his future. He can catch a lob from a short distance but usually he falls down immediately afterwards. This is often followed by some bellowing about an injury. I am beginning to think they are sending him into oncoming traffic on purpose.

Everyone did finally go inside and the quiet of roar of traffic was all that could be heard. Boy 1 emerged looking like he just woke up and stumbled to the car. I am guessing he will be back in a few with some fast food bags and a case. A young gentleman in Miami Heat warmups at a svelte 220 walked down the road carrying a Tupperware container and a few minutes later came walking back with it full of food. That's new even around here. We will pay more attention next time because hey if someone is giving out food I am not above taking my Tupperware down the road.