My almost 9-year-old nephew was supposed to stay with me today. Originally it was because his sister was on a mission trip, and grandma was at work. But Mimi was let go last week, so that wasn't an issue. Could you still take him? I'll get so much more done. Sure, I will plan something.
Bubba, I fear, is one of the kids addicted to screens. He rips the phone out of Mimi's hand so he can play a game. At first it didn't bother her. Now it does. A lot. She never had internet in the house so previously it wasn't an option. But the 15-year-old needs it for school. So after Christmas she had it connected, and subscribed to Netflix. It's been downhill from there.
The child gets up in the middle of the night to watch tv. He won't go to bed. They hide the remote.
Sunday he spent the night with Mom. He came home cranky. I'm guess he spent the whole time in front of the boob tube. That's what they called tv when I was a kid.
I planned to go with Angel and Eva to a park and hike, and then maybe use the playground or wade in the creek. We included Bubba in the plan.
Last night I told Mimi to bring him over between 8-9. They arrived at 9:20. He was testy. He didn't come in the house. He wanted to go home and watch videos and tv. He sat in the hot car. She went out and got him. He went back out. This happened 3xs. Finally I said, I'm leaving in 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1. He didn't budge. Bye.
When he got home there was a no-screen rule for the day. Maybe tomorrow too. It will be a long time (outside of birthday plans already made) before he goes with "aunt, Gayle", again. I'm pissed. Sadly the twins would have been in the car waiting.
What Bubba didn't do today:
• Watch a brand new street sweeper clean the street in front of Angel's house. Even I was impressed. And the borough even cuts the curb weeds. I am jealous.
• Play with cats
• Hike three miles
• Pick wine berries and stuff them in his face leaving none for the wildlife
• Walking around ruins
• Picnicking for lunch
• Hunting for a really big rooster and finding it
• Playing in a public playground that had a zip line and a pirate ship. It was fun.
Miles/Steps: 4.25 between the hike and the playground
Bathrooms: At the state park L-1.5 according to the teen. "There were cigarette butts on the floor." At HMP I-3.5
Wildlife: a true gaggle of geese. There must have been 40. Another set near the parking lot included 6 older goslings, and 5 adults. A yellow finch. A red tent. "Does a homeless person live there?" asked the teen. Probably.
Weather: Sunny, mid-80s, humid
$ Found: 0
Extras: Apparently there is a proper way to pet a cat. I didn't know. He seemed to enjoy being petted like a dog.
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