We have been trying to take some road trips just for a change of scenery from “Stay At Home” guidelines.  Last week turned into a challenge when we took both pups with us and tried a five hour day.  (We had forgotten when we did the cross-country drive on our move last year that Jake was tranquilized for the three days in the car.)  Jake, our Boxer who turns three next month, is still finishing up his puppy stage and so hyper.  Once he discovered it wasn’t a drive to the vet, he calmed down while our three and a half old Boxer Katie got a concerned look on her face.  I’m sure she was thinking, “Last time we took this long a ride, we didn’t come back home!”

So today we decided to start with a mini-trip with just Jake through the neighborhood.  He actually was doing pretty good.  He abandoned window-cleaning after one firm, “Leave it.”  Then there was a someone walking their dog.  “No bark!” quietened warm-up yaps — that is until the dog decided to go potty!  Then both Jake and my husband chimed in their irritation since they were both sure the dog didn’t live at that yard.  A “That’s enough!” by me quieted both.  “Since Jake is doing so good, let’s go to the front of the subdivision, “I suggested.  And that is where it all began!

As we made the turn to the densely wooded area near the front, there was a car parked off to the side with two teenagers unloading a stroller.  We drove to the top of the hill where the entrance is and turned around.  As we passed the car, Jake’s cowlick bristled which is an indication he is uncomfortable with something.  The car was still sitting there with a woman inside as well as a child looking as hyper as Jake.  This is where my Nancy Drew intuition kicked in — after all, I read every book starting with The Secret of the Old Clock to The Clue in the Old Stagecoach.   She was my heroine — an amateur sleuth who always put her skills into use when something appeared amiss.  Or maybe it was my one year as Neighborhood Watch Captain or the experience at our last subdivision where a group would let their kids out at the front of the complex to case homes.  Jake was bristling and I needed answers!

When we got home, I got the keys to my car.  “Where are you going?” Rick asked.  “I’ll be right back.  I’m not leaving the subdivision.  If I’m not home in an hour, come look for my body!”   Rick’s mouth was agape as I took off in my blue roadster …. um…. gold sedan.  I passed the two teens enroute.  We exchanged stares as I passed.  Further down the road, the car was still there and with another car behind her!  It was a red convertible with a man and a little boy.  I went to the top of the hill again and turned around.  This time I snapped a shot of both cars.  May as well have something on my phone records when they investigate my disappearance.  It would been at that point the back ground music on my soaps would have done “da da!”  On the way back to my house, I got ready to pass the girls who were still proceeding down the road pushing the stroller.  I stopped and put down the window.  “Hi!  Are you new to the neighborhood?”  They looked at each other.  “What street do you live on?”  “We live down the road.”   I must have given them the eyebrow my mom used to give me.  “Regulator,” one finally offered after they shared uncomfortable glances.  Suddenly I realized maybe they were just being safe and trying not to talk to strangers.  “Well, it’s nice to meet you.   It’s a nice day for a walk.”            

Rick was relieved to see me back at the house.  I told him what transpired.  “I think I’ll swing down to Regulator,” he offered.  He must have read the Hardy Boys.  His findings?  The girls went into a house.   A little later I headed out for my daily two mile walk.  With all the things in bloom, I found my self stopping and admiring the properties making mental notes for Rick’s “Honey Want List.”  Suddenly I heard a, “Hi!  Are you new to the neighborhood?” I laughed to myself.  Another Nancy Drew.