The boys have decided to take it upon themselves to clean out the nature pond. The water has been drained and they have got inside to get out the leaves and other debris.
Twins, James and Connor are taking a walk outside and spot them.
What do you think they might be doing? James asks Connor.
No idea, Connor replies, but it looks like it could be messy work. Let's go and have a look.
They walk over to the see what is going on.
What are you doing? They both ask.
Cleaning out the pond. Rory tells them.
Come on, take off your shoes and socks,put on some shorts and come and join us. The boys suggest.
The boys look at each other in horror!
What?! Take off our shoes?! You've got to be joking!
Most unusual. They say to each other. Really! Fancy taking off our shoes and socks and wandering around barefoot. I mean we are English! That boy Henry has obviously spent far too long in New Zealand and is encouraging the other boys to go round barefooted as well.
What bizarre behaviour!
What bizarre behaviour!
The boys really are quite shocked...even when it was explained how liberating it was to go round barefooted and how common it was for both children and adults alike to not wear shoes and socks, especially in summer time.
As for wearing shorts...! There is no way they are going to wear shorts either!
In the meantime...
Henry clears out some leaves.
The boys are all getting stuck in and thoroughly enjoying their time.
It is hard work, but will be worth it when the pond can be filled up again.
I am sure they will be ready for a morning snack and drink soon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(This story is merely a parody of when I first suggested to my husband that he take off his shoes, go barefooted and put on some shorts when he was really hot one summer)
Hilarious and so clever posed dolls, as always Lorraine. xxx Fanny
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the post Fanny. :-)
DeleteI agree with the twins. I don't care how hot it might be outdoors, there is no way I'm going barefooted and highly unlikely I'd wear shorts. And, this whole shirtless thing is just over the top. Really, let's be civilised!
ReplyDeleteExactly! The majority here totally agree with the twins and you and I have to agree with your penultimate sentence as well!
DeleteSeeing this made me realise why I have refrained from ever having a pond in MY garden as it's ANOTHER job that has to be done on a regular basis...so I'll just continue to admire yours instead.
ReplyDeleteQuite Kendal...they sound good in theory...like our goldfish standing pond - which is also another job that is well overdue - so much extra work is involved.
DeleteLOL, Lorraine! As an American, I am completely accustomed to the shorts and barefoot thing, (although I prefer capris or a loose dress and sandals for coolness, myself,) and as long as the chest is still in good condition and is bared in an appropriate setting, I don't object to that, either. However, I do feel that some people should have a good, hard look at themselves in the mirror before venturing outside in shorts, or shirtless, heat notwithstanding! ��
ReplyDeleteHa ha, yes indeed!
DeleteThis was very cute! James and Connor are hilarious because they never try to be funny. I have to admit I've never really liked going barefoot. I think it had something to do with my dad's story of accidentally stepping on a (completely harmless) snake while barefoot as a child. Also not a fan of shirtless, tank tops or crop tops; although I do love shorts in the summer. I think that in general summertime brings out some questionable fashion choices. We've got an upcoming post involving going barefoot.
ReplyDeleteSteve
I thought you would enjoy this post as I know how much you enjoy James and Connor... yes I have to admit the thought of stepping on a snake would put me off...fortunately no snakes in NZ! We have had a grass snake in our garden here at Rose Cottage though, a few years back. I did a blog post on it, but it might have been before the dolls...
DeleteWill look forward to reading your post.
I have never seen more half naked men in vests ( if I was lucky!) and the shortest shorts who all turned out to be British! Lol
ReplyDeleteYou are probably quite right, especially those abroad on holiday!
DeleteI loved going barefoot as a child, but living in the desert, we can't do that in the summer. It will be 108 here today (42C) an 115 by midweek (46C). Not too comfortable! Not sure how anyone in the UK COULD wear shorts...it's so darned cold all the time! lol!
ReplyDeleteHa ha, I have to agree with you on almost all of this, although the last week has been lovely and warm and it was around 27 degrees Celsius yesterday and due to get hotter, so I am not complaining at all, as I love it warm, it really re-charges my batteries and it is when it is like this that I actually manage to get things done.
DeleteYour boys seem to be having a great deal of fun and doing a useful job at the same time. The sun really does bring out some fashion no-nos. My husband is a socks and sandals man. I can't abide chaps with bellies who swagger about shirtless as if they have a six-pack or chaps who DO have a six-pack and swagger about as if they're God's gift LOL But well done your boys and I hope the pond is soon full of wildlife for them to enjoy :) X
ReplyDeleteThey worked hard. The pond is full but what to plant around it is proving to be problematic, as everything dies off. Not sure if it is the conifer behind it, or what. So they are currently trying to figure out what to plant. It is a bit late for tadpoles now, but perhaps next year.
DeleteAs I don't cope well with hot weather, people around me will have to live with the sight of my chubby legs in shorts. But Gregors can wear shorts with pride, as they have the most attractive legs!
ReplyDelete