An Unwanted Show of Affection

It seems to be a rite of passage for adolescents. . . since they are uncomfortable with their changing minds and bodies, they often engage in inappropriate activities in an effort to impress others or to show affection.  For adolescent boys (and apprently adolescent girls as well. . .) the "Doorbell Ditch" and  "Toilet Papering" are popular stops on the road to adulthood.

In the past month we have had the dubious honor of being the recipients of these displays of affection not just once, but twice.  These visits appear to coincide with the birthdays of Colby and Parker.  The first clue was the doorbell ringing at 12:30am.  When I looked outside I was met with a vision of white strips of paper fluttering in the breeze.  I know it is hard to believe, but my first inclination was to feel anger and frustration, not love and acceptance.  I stand chastened.  Maybe the frustration comes from the fact that the perpetrators went all the way around my house and not once did the dogs give any indication that there was something unusual going on outside!  No treats for Lewis and Clark today.  I went back to bed while Ed watched for sometime, hoping that the delinquents would come by again, but to no avail. 

At about 7:30 this morning, after taking these beautiful photos, Colby, Parker, Reed and I  spent the better part of an hour pulling toilet paper out of our trees and bushes, cleaning it off all the vehicles, and stuffing it into four large garbage bags.  Since we found the wrappers, I am confident that the paperers used 48 double rolls of toilet paper in their quest for decorative domination.  At least we can be comforted by the fact that they did not scrimp.  I thought the draping of the fence was really quite well done and the paper that is stuck on the roof attests to a strong throwing arm, so I think they should get an A for effort.