I guess it’s just not the kind of question you think to ask when you’re talking to a realtor. It was a nice looking place. It was clean and well-kept. It was close to good schools.
I can’t even complain that the realtor played down the issue of having genetic scientists next door. It just never came up.
Of course, you make adjustments. The geraniums go on the other side of the house now. Vacations are timed according to mating season rather than convenience.
That’s not the worst part, though. . .
In 250 words or less, tell me a story incorporating the elements in the picture. The 250 word limit will be strictly enforced.
Please keep language and subject matter to a PG-13 level.
Use the comment section below to submit your entry. Entries will be accepted until 5:00 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, July 24th, 2012.
On Wednesday morning, we will open voting to the public with an online poll for the best writing entry accompanying the photo. Voting will be open until 5:00 PM Thursday.
On Friday morning, the winner will be recognized as we post the winning entry along with the picture as a feature. Best of luck to you all in your writing!
Entries only in the comment section. Other comments will be deleted.
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Photograph by K.S. Brooks, used here with the photographer’s permission. Copying or reproduction of any kind without express consent is prohibited. All rights reserved.
For a more detailed explanation of the contest & its workings, please see the post called “Writing Exercises Return with a Twist” from 12/24/11.
By participating in this exercise the contestants agree to the rules of the contest and waive any and all further considerations or permissions otherwise required for any winning entries to be published by Indies Unlimited as an e-book, showcasing all the photos and with the winning expositions credited appropriately and accordingly.
Doug pulled his SUV to a halt, the road blocked by an angry mob of protesters. It was an everyday occurrence anymore. If only his prison cell of a job paid enough for him to pave a new road to his house. As it was, the only way to his driveway was off the road that led to Triassic Plaza.
Doug looked out at the signs held above the protesters with a rueful shake of his head: “Evolution Is A Lie”, “Man Walked With Dinosaurs”, “FossilLies This!” With an irritated sigh, he laid his hand to the horn and started forward.
Protesters stepped back from the vehicle, angrily banging on the windows and doors as he drove through. Why someone would build a dinosaur park five miles from a creationism museum baffled him. Why he would buy a house next to one of them baffled him even more.
Every day was the same. Protesters would surround the road leading to Triassic Plaza, preaching against the lies being spread by the scientists there. The park officials would shoot back in an official statement on the news or in the paper about how the protestors were too blinded by religion to see the truth. Neither side ever backed down. For Triassic Plaza, it was just free advertising.
“Journey Back 100,00X,XXX Years,” the vandalized sign bearing Triassic Plaza’s tagline announced on the side of the road. Doug only wanted to journey a half-mile and take a hot bath.
Title: Loco Location
However, that’s not the worst part.
Our dog is spending afternoons next door. Suzy is our Queensland Heeler mix pet dog. Given the chance she will herd anything that moves. However, she has been acting strangely recently and she has gained considerable weight.
The vet confirmed her weight increased thirty pounds. The vet’s comment was that it isn’t fat, but muscle mass. She was curious and asked what I was feeding her. I didn’t lie when I told her she was snacking on things lately.
What I didn’t tell her was that she was snacking next door on who knows what? I see some very strange animals next door. One of them, resembling a Rhino, even helps Suzy to get into her pen. I couldn’t believe my eyes the first time I saw this strange relationship. Now, I watch with amusement as Suzy digs on our side of the fence and Tiny paws at the other.
Once on the other side, Suzy herds Tiny in the direction of the barn. Later, Tiny heads back toward the hole with Suzy trailing and moving much slower.
I’ve done a check on my neighbors and learned they are genetic scientists studying human-growth hormones. It was reported they were using small wild boars for their experiments.
Now, when I ask Suzy if she wants her supper, instead of barking, she rolls and snorts instead.
I wonder two things; what she is snacking on, and whether they will report their study results.
My parents warned me to talk to the neighbors before buying a house. I didn’t listen. The house was beautiful and the schools were excellent. Who cared what the neighbors did for a living? I should have asked. Having genetic scientists next door isn’t all bad. They’re nice and the saber-tooth cat does keep the rodents away. It’s the triceratops’ that drive me crazy. I had to move my garden to the far side of the house so they wouldn’t eat my plants. And don’t get me started about mating season. We plan our vacations to avoid the ruckus.
Now Katie says she loves their son Kyle. He’s a nice young man, polite, and smart too. But really, would you want a son in law with wings? Can you imagine what their kids would look like? I just don’t know what to do! They are both going to the same university next fall. (To study genetics of course.) Last night Kyle came over with a dozen roses for Katie. (Normal ones, not the carnivorous flowers that ate the chihuahua down the street.) Then he politely asked if he could marry our daughter. What were we going to say, no? He may look unusual, but at least he has manners.
Somehow I get the feeling our grandkids are going to be fluttering around the house instead of crawling. Who knows, maybe they can find a way to make kids hibernate until after puberty. Less teenage drama would be nice.