Get Off My Lawn!

Those who know me well know that I love grumpy people. If you act cantankerous around me, I might start laughing. Fair warning! My love of the crotchety characters started at an early age. My favorite Disney character is Grumpy. The Grinch always makes me smile and Mr. Scrooge, with his disgruntled demeanor was a real treat. I guess it is because deep down, I know these individuals are truly kind people. You have to get past their irritable behavior and see that they are passionate about what they believe in and they are the type people that will do the right thing, even if they don't want to. They might tell you about it as well. Yes, I am smiling at this!

One of my favorite ways to exercise is going on walks with Mr. Grumble. We have seen our neighbors and all types of creatures from the animal kingdom. The most treasured of the bunch is Eastwood, our cantankerous African goose. Mr. Grumble named him this because our little friend reminded him of Clint Eastwood's movie character in Gran Torino. Eastwood the goose protects two black ducks with his life, just as Walt Kowalski helps his neighbors. They are both grouchy about it, but you can tell they truly care. You just have to get past their grumbling ways.

I love that Eastwood protects those ducks and he will chase you to prove that point. Every time we see him, he makes me smile and squawks at us, "Get off my lawn!" He will proceed to move the ducks away from us and let you have it until you are far from them. I am laughing every time!

Walking around our neighborhood is such a joy because you never know who you will run into. Whether it is our neighbors or the wildlife around us, it is always an adventure. Seeing Eastwood makes me happy. When I know we are about to see him, I start walking a little faster so I can hear him squawk at us! My little cantankerous friend will always hold a special place in my heart. Squawk!

Romans 15:1-2- "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up."