Sometimes people from away don’t understand local ways. For example, vacationers see a beautiful lawn under big old leafy maples and think: Good place for a picnic.
Jim’s aunt and uncle traveled a lot. They owned a nice house in the village opposite the covered bridge with a rolling lawn and leafy maples. One time when they were off in exotic parts, Jim happened by the house and there was a picnic in progress. Some travelers from out of state had spread a blanket and were chowing down.
Jim pulled over in his truck. “You must be friends of the sheriff,” he said.
The tourists looked confused. “Why’s that?”
“Because if you weren’t, he’d shoot you for trespassing on his lawn.”
I asked Jim if, in fact, his aunt or uncle was the sheriff. No, he made that part up for the fun of seeing the tourists pack up quick and move on.
Moral of the story: What looks like a public park might not be one. Best investigate before opening the picnic basket.
On the other hand, if a family was having a picnic on my lawn, I’d probably join them in hopes of an extra sandwich.
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