He's back....

Saturday was a gorgeous and sunny California day..it seemed innocent enough. The kids were outside playing, laughing, having a good time, until I heard "it" trailing on the coat tails of the wind. NO. No no no! Already?! It'd been a while since he'd come around...I should have known he'd be back soon. I should have been prepared, but I wasn't. The music was getting louder and louder, blaring out of half blown speakers...taunting me! CRAP! There wasn't enough time to round up the kids, I'd have to face him head on. Me vs Him. Mano a mano. Bring it.

I braced myself as I heard the cryptic tune coming closer, then I saw him making his way around the corner and into the court. His eyes locked with mine. I assumed the 'You're not taking my money today' stance. He turned up the volume....ahhh so he wanted to play dirty did he? Fine by me. I called out to the kids as they started to make their way to the street. "Come here guys! I have a TREAT for you!!"

That's right, a treat....and one that didn't cost $4 a pop. I wasn't about to spend a small fortune on mediocre frozen goods! You can keep your mega missiles, rainbow snow-cones, and choco tacos. Actually you can leave the choco tacos. I had a carton of Dreyers. Cookie Dough. Enough for the whole block. $3.49 on sale. BOOYA! The kids turned in my direction. One point= Clines.

Then he did the unthinkable. He CHANGED the tune, and louder this time. WHAT!? You can't change the tune!! That scalawag! Darn it. One point=Ice cream man.

Time was running out, he was making his way back around the corner. I'd have to face him one more time and victory would be mine. I did the only thing I could do. I dashed into the house, snagged the carton of ice cream, shoved spoons in my pockets, and grabbed a handful of lollipops for reinforcement. I barreled through the door, tripping over trains and cars in the process, and spotted him heading straight towards us. He slowed down and smirked, so I bellowed out at the top of my lungs...

"Come inside and get your treats kids!! We can play Lego Star War's on the Wii!!"

One by one the kids came running my way. Squealing in delight. Filing in the door, one by one. Free from the claws of the money grubbing thief! Thaaaaat's right Ice Cream Man. Treats. Lego-Star War's combo. AND Wii. Read it and weep. Suck it ya over-priced crazy-eyed swindler!! You wouldn't be bleeding a penny from us today!

Defeated, he drove away slowly...throwing daggers and hate at me with his eyes. Victory was mine. Until we meet again Ice Cream Man, until we meet again.....