Stop the presses! Boys were playing outside

Recently I was returning from my workout at the club. That sounds so haute monde doesn't it? I don't belong to a high falutin' club. I go to the fitness club which is part of the community center of Plainfield that includes basketball courts, inside and outside swimming pools and splash facilities, inside running track, weight lifting area and aerobics area. It is a great facility about eight years old and going strong.

The sun was resplendent and the temperature was perfect. A gently flowing breeze moved the grass as trees swayed like a ballerina in Swan Lake. In the middle of that wonderful day I saw something that surprised me. A search through my mental rolodex confirmed that I have seen such a thing before, however, the memory was sitting in the corner, gathering dust and shrouded by the spider webs of long ago.

Gripping the steering wheel, I slowed down to be sure of what I saw. Could it be? How long has it been? Who should be informed about this anomaly of events? I tuned the radio to the 24-hour news station to see if I had missed a news flash or warning concerning such events. As I crept past the scene I noticed that others people were slowing and gaping with the same incredulity I had.

I hurried home and called the editor of the Hendricks County paper to see if he knew about this breaking news. The editor said, "Hendricks County Times. Editor George Robert speaking."

"Are you aware of the event happening on the west side of Washington Township? It is so unusual and bizarre I thought you might want to send a reporter to cover it for the paper." Then I explained what I saw and entertained his questions.

"Thank you for calling. We depend on involved and concerned citizens to help us remain abreast of current news events. A reporter and photographer are on the way to the scene."

I called the sheriff's office to inform him of the event and to determine if law enforcement officers should be involved. After all it was unusual and could cause a large group of curious onlookers. He thanked me and said he would take care of the matter.

Then I wondered if the weather could possibly have influenced the event. I checked the paper and there was nothing unusual about the temperature, the humidity, wind speed, heat index or wind chill factor. However, the report indicated a front was passing through and it could cause a dramatic change in the weather if the conditions were right.

What did I see? On that bright sunny day when all seemed right with the world, I saw two young boys playing outside. They had no electronic devices and they were not stumbling about in a robot-like stupor. They were shooting hoops in the driveway. How long has that been going on? I wonder if their parents knew where they were and what they were doing. What kind of parent would encourage such behavior?

Larry grew up north of Calvertville on a farm and graduated from Worthington High School and Indiana State University. He can be reached at Goosecrick@aol.com or (317) 839-7656. He has written six books.