I do get myself in some idiotic situations sometimes, and yesterday was no exception. There is a stack of bricks next to the road in town, in front of an old cafe. The bricks have been there for years, with vines etc. growing out of it.

So, Sunday at high noon, I was driving past and had this bright idea to help myself to about 20 bricks, for a project I had around the house.

I got 'em loaded in the trunk of the car, and the city constable, Wayne, drove up. He says someone saw you and called the owner, and she's mad. He unloaded the bricks out of the car, after taking two photos. Then another constable drove up and asked for my driver's license. I was saying get Nina Vee on the phone and let me talk to her, we can work it out.

Nina Vee bought the place where the bricks are, in front of that old cafe my parents operated for years. They lived there, and my four youngest brothers and sisters grew up in the back of that cafe. I had moved back home and lived there for months in the 70's when I was divorcing my husband. Lots of photos, lots of fond memories of that place, and that time.

Nina Vee had worked as a cook for my parents forever--when they wanted to sell the cafe, she bought it. Now she said she was gonna go to city hall and file papers for taking those bricks. I apologized for causing her any upset or distress and offered to pay whatever she thought they were worth if she would sell me those 20--but she said "they are invaluable," and is gonna take it to the judge.

I've known Nina Vee for 50 years at least, and admired her eccentric personality. Now what do you know? It has taken me all my life, as a senior citizen to have any contact with the law except for a speeding ticket 25 years ago rushing to work. Little ole me, pure as the driven snow. But as I proved, you're never too old to be stoopid! Susil

Comments:

Sue, I'd have done the same thing. In fact, I once picked up a pile of shingles by the side of the road because they matched the ones on my house. Was going to use them on the garage. Maybe you could take her a plate of cookies or something like that. Don't give her any flowers unless you pick them from her own garden.

comment by catdancer on May 21, 2008 12:25 PM ()

reply by susil on May 22, 2008 7:18 AM ()

Wow! Talk about an over reaction! Maybe she decided to press a claim to cover her embarrassment over not realizing it was you. She reminds me of some people I've known - "I would have just given them to you if you'd asked, but since you didn't ask, you can't have 'em for love nor money now!" You'd think she'd want them put to good use instead of just sitting in a pile...

Good grief..do we need to start saying pennies to come bail you out of jail? Hope not. Hope things can get straighted out soon. *hugs*

comment by elfie33 on May 21, 2008 10:26 AM ()

Hi elfie; how's things in Tennessee? I think everything
is okay here; as I explained in next blog. Appreciate you
stopping by.

reply by susil on May 21, 2008 12:21 PM ()

Susil, whoa. The bricks were tossed. You have every right to them. The side of the road is public property. People such as the woman who ratted you out may have assumed that Nina owned the bricks but not so. They have been there for years and people have gotten the wrong idea. The constable should have known better. If the town doesn't back off, get some legal advice. A lawyer should advise you if you have a case and that doesn't cost anything. Small town bureaucrats often do not know the law.

Now if someone was assaulted in front of the bricks, would Nina report it? Probably not--wouldn't want to get involved! I'm so sorry, Sue.

comment by solitaire on May 20, 2008 2:26 PM ()

Hi sol; it's one of those small town things. I have a very astute
cousin who says when I get bored I get myself into a pickle to stir
things up. Mmmm, wonder if there's anything to that? Nah, it was just
a spur of the moment impulsive idea.

reply by susil on May 21, 2008 12:09 PM ()

My parents planted a fir tree for me 63 years ago. Although the property went from my family 16 years ago, I still consider that tree mine.

comment by bumpedoff on May 19, 2008 4:14 PM ()

So bumped, you kinda understand that proprietary feeling. And yep,
no matter who owns the land now, that tree is yours.

reply by susil on May 21, 2008 11:48 AM ()