The garden is pretty right? Pride swells my chest despite the fact that I have actually nothing to do with this stunning sliver of urban colour. (I am happy to share the name of the company that makes it happen, though.)

We are not the only ones who are mesmerized by the flora (and thankfully very little fauna) in front of our home.

Last week, I spied a kid from down the street (I swear that family has like six kids) picking some flowers. The flower thief (estimated age around nine) was all casual like — choosing the blossoms carefully. Only the very best would do, obviously.

I was debating popping outside and saying something like: “Excuse me young lady (or maybe hey you, kid!) Please don’t pick the flowers, it hurts them.” But I zipped it as I don’t want to be known as that mean lady down the street.

Some friends with kids suggested it probably would have been a good idea to say something firm, yet polite. Some even suggested engaging the kid in some flower planting activities (they perhaps thought I touch the soil or something), but I am not so sure Thomas (our garden magician) would go for that

That was not my first run in with the local youngsters. I also got hit with a runaway kite. One of the other kids was attempting — and failing — to fly a kite while on a scooter. I got beaned in the chest as he whizzed by on the sidewalk. But I actually found that funny. Kids having fun is nice in the neighbourhood — as long as they stay off my lawn!