Spring brings Change.

Tomorrow is back to the routine of waking, lunches, home reading, and play dates. We have had a pretty busy couple of weeks here, so I appologize to all my faithful readers who were waiting on a new post.
There was a young man who was stalking little girls in the bathroom at school, and offering them chocolate. He was spotted at a few Elementary school and then caught in front of a busy store. During this time there were red notices sent home from the schools, and security was tightened at the schools, there were more supervisors on site. And I was more apprehensive then ever walking with the girls home. Carpenter and I had more serious talks with the girls at night about strangers, what to say and what to do. After all a stranger is just someone you haven't met yet.
An acquaintance of mine walks with me now, because she was stalked coming out of a Starbucks one day and the stalker actually followed her and snapped photos of her on his phone camera. She has the police informed, but he's still out there. I've had Carpenter stop and pick me up some bear guard pepper spray on his way home from work. It's been a long time since I've used that stuff but as of tomorrow it will be strapped around my waist once again, alongside my water bottle.
I hate not feeling safe. It's spring. I'm supposed to be enjoying the weather, planting a garden, mowing my lawn, and watching the girls play in the cul de sac. I'm not supposed to be overly concerned remembering to strap protection to myself to simply walk my daughter to school. I shouldn't be afraid fro her safety while at school. But I am. And I hate it. I am more apprehensive now of them playing, in the yard, and more aware and leary of my neighbours, especially the ones I don't know very well.

We have a neighbour, who is a bit of a grouchy recluse, but about a week ago, he moved his basket ball hoop from the front of his house, around to the side, facing the cul de sac, so that all the kids in the neighbourhood can play. He even lowered the hoop for them, and now all the kids are there having a great time. Any given afternoon they're all having a blast. This move by our neighbour shocked everyone, and we were all pleasantly surprised by it.

Spring has brought change, some like my neighbour , have been great, and I look froward to the summer. But the idea of strapping on bear spray to walk to school, is not,and I hope it's not one I will become accustomed to.