When I was a kid, we played such games as dodge ball. red light-green light and Simon sez, all out in middle of the street.

For those of you who have grown up without even knowing what I’m talking about, I will explain in a little bit.

Why this came to mind for me, is the fact that I’m walking a lot these days.

I can’t go to the gym anymore and I put on some weight sitting in front of the Telly watching K-Dramas all the time, eating. No, more like snacking my way into a whole new me.

So, I made up my mind to change all that.

Now, with walking, I have found a bunch of really friendly people all living in my neighborhood. For the most part, we seldom wear masks, mostly because we are generally more than 20 feet apart. I carry one with me for the unavoidable close encounter, but that seldom happens. If we see someone coming our way, we cross over, when possible.

I now know the names of most of their dogs. Jonah, is a 13 year old shepherd, that has arthritis, Lily is a small pug and Daisy, her black lab puppy “sister” is a big girl of about 6 months. Quite rambunctious.

As it was with Ferguson, my little papillon, people seldom knew our names, but they definitely knew his and would light up when they saw him coming.

I’m also getting to know the moms and their babies and on occasion, their hubby’s.

I go out early mornings but of late started going out evenings as well. On Wednesday, I went out and was amazed at how many people were out. Most did have masks, since social distancing was more of an issue then. Even so, people waved as they passed one another and hollered “Hi!” Pretty cool.

Bottom Line: People are getting out more. Kid’s are getting out more. I’m guessing, kid’s, because they’ve been cooped up doing school work all day, so being tossed outdoors periodically to skate board, jump on a trampoline or whatever gives them some break time. Basically, like me, they’re playing in the street and I like it. So maybe, Covid-19 and all the lockdown measures, for all it’s drawbacks, has given us something else, something that’s been missing for some time. Communion. A new way to connect.

You can liken it to sitting on your front porch and waving to your neighbors as they pass by.

THE GAMES

Dodge Ball: Kid’s gather around in a circle with one person in the middle, who has to avoid being hit by the ball one of the others on the outside will throw at them. Some are better at dodging the ball than others. It is no longer acceptable in schools because it is now considered to be violent. (It was fun) Granted boys, especially, could get a bit rough. (I couldn’t find any pictures anywhere reminiscent of how I remember it) The movie Dodge Ball is quite different. Sorry.

Red Light – Green Light

Kid’s would line up in a row with one kid several feet ahead, who would have this back turned away. The others would have to travel toward that person as quickly as possible when He/she had their back turned, which is the “green light” then when they abruptly turn and shout “Red Light!” and you got caught by the red light you were out. ( I think I remember that right) It’s been awhile. (The link is a different version, but it works.)

Simon Sez:

Works similarly. There is one person calling out things to do preceded by “simon sez” , but if they tell you to do something without “simone sez” you lose. If you make a mistake, you’re out. This can be played in or outdoors.