I did something fun, different, and maybe even odd yesterday.
By The Horse
@TheHorse (218921)
Walnut Creek, California
September 26, 2021 11:56am CST
One of my fondest childhood (including high school) memories is playing football catch (and other "games") out on the block. The older I've gotten, the harder it has become to find someone to "play catch with me."
Yesterday, after jamming (playing music) with my friend Michael (he's the one who records my songs before they get butchered by @Vandana7), I was driving to an evening gathering (yes, I was a social butterfly yesterday), when I spied two older teenagers playing football catch in the middle of the street.
They followed the protocol of my youth and "held their fire" so I could pass by them.
But I did not pass by them. I pulled over to the curb, left the motor running, and put my hands up in the universal "throw the ball to me" position.
I wound up playing catch with these young fellas for about ten minutes. There was some conversation involved, but mostly we just threw the ball to each other. At the end, I thanked them profusely, and told them how what they're doing used to be the norm, and how glad I was to see it still happening. The internet has made the streets a ghost town for "kids on the block."
For me, it was just a moment of fun. I'd only had a couple of beers at my friend's house, so I wouldn't describe it as an alcohol-induced incident. But I do wonder how they perceived what I did. Some older white dude stopping to play catch with them. One of them asked me, "Were you a quarterback when you were young?" I replied, simply, "No I was a wide receiver."
Do you ever do "odd" things, just to see what will happen? For me it was fun to re-live the "tenderness on the block" I experienced as a child. Only @FourWalls will get the "Tenderness on the Block" reference. Maybe I'll link the song.
14 people like this
11 responses
@arunima25 (87806)
• Bangalore, India
26 Sep 21
I would often do that. I don't mind what others think but I don't miss a chance when I get to do things during my growing up years. Be it a walk in rain with my children or jumping to play hopscotch with my students in school. We should remain a child at heart. That's the blessing.
5 people like this
@marguicha (223096)
• Chile
26 Sep 21
I almost blushed once when my 2 eldest grandsons told me that I was a lot younger than their old lady (Tania happened to be my own daughter so it was a double compliment).My feet are old now and so are my eyes but Ithink that those of us who remain young at heart and never grow old in what is important have a special talent. I tell my grandchildren that that is the witch in me. Your post made my day. You are even more wonderful than what I thought you were.
3 people like this
@marguicha (223096)
• Chile
26 Sep 21
@TheHorse I love passing on joy of living to the next generation.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (218921)
• Walnut Creek, California
27 Sep 21
@marguicha If we have things that bring us joy, we can pass them on.
2 people like this
@FourWalls (68084)
• United States
26 Sep 21
Nah, I’ll link it.
Provided to YouTube by Rhino/ElektraTenderness on the Block (2007 Remaster) · Warren ZevonExcitable Boy? 2007 Elektra Entertainment CompanyProducer: Jackson ...
4 people like this
@vandana7 (100297)
• India
26 Sep 21
Jo Ann. And I thought you were my friend. He said I butcher his songs. Did you see any blood in any of the videos we uploaded? Tell me if this reminds you of a butcher's shop.
"Tahoe"Song Composition - Colin H. Sacks Sound Engineer - Michael StenbergLike and Subscribe for more songs and videos :)
3 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (47332)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
26 Sep 21
But don't you play catch with the littles?
3 people like this
@RasmaSandra (79892)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
27 Sep 21
Why not? That sounds like it was a lot of fun and a nice trip down memory lane for you. I have been back to swing on swings many times even as a young adult because it was always one of my favorite childhood pastimes,
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (79892)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
27 Sep 21
@TheHorse BTW do you know about the Amtrack derailment in Montana? I just posted about it,
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130218)
• Israel
27 Sep 21
@TheHorse
That is cool that you found some to play catch with. I probably did some odd things when I was younger or still do but cannot think of what they are. I am glad you could relieve a fun time in your life even though it was for 10 minutes.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178877)
• United States
27 Sep 21
You are much more outgoing than I am. I'm glad you took advantage of an opportunity to relive your youth.
2 people like this