tim’s thought property

One of the enjoyments of Camp is watching other people solve problems in unconventional or sometimes sadly predictable ways. Specifically, this one has to do with one of the kids who lives at Camp, since his mom works as the Horsemanship Director, a permanent position.
It happened to be lunch time, and the other two Ropes Instructors and myself were heading down to the lodge to eat. As we pass by the volleyball court, we see our little friend by a pine tree, ,throwing a basketball in the branches. Repeatedly. Now, our little guy here is ten years old, and I would credit him with being quite smart for his age. As we approach, the conversation is as follows:

I (still in Ropes Harness, going to eat): Hey, Little Guy, what are you doing?

Little Guy (focused on his task): Do you see that green bracelet on the branch? I’m trying to get it down.

I (not seeing said bracelet): How did it get up there?

LG (still focused): Some kid took it from me and threw it up there.

I (still harnessed and getting hungrier): Well, I think you should come inside for lunch. The bell rang.

LG (determined to finish): Can you get it for me?

I (tummy: rumble): Sorry, Little Guy, we have to go eat. You can get it later.

At this, my co-Ropes Instructors and I walk into the Lodge, and proceed to get ready to eat. After lunch (which was grilled cheese and soup) we went out to the Ropes Course, not really noticing anything special about the tree. That evening, as some of the staff are up in the lodge playing Cribbage and Mao, I find Little Guy. Earlier that evening, I was Frolfing with Tim Goose (another Tim I met at Camp) and I had lost my Frisbee on the 10th hole, which just so happens to be partly on Little Guy’s Mom’s front lawn.
So I approach Little Guy and tell him about my plight.

I (a little frustrated at my loss): Hey Little Guy; if you’re in your yard tomorrow and see a white Frisbee with my name on it, could you give it to me?

LG (looking up from his hand at Mao): Did it go in the back yard? If it did, then my dog will have eaten it.

I (a little worried at my loss): I don’t think it went there. But just take a quick look for it. I’ll try to look again. What ever happened with your bracelet?

LG (in a wonderfully ten year old manner): I got the ball stuck in the tree just after you left.

I (a little surprised at his loss): How did you get that down?

LG (in a wonderfully ten year old manner): Well, I used a broom. And that got stuck before I got the ball down.

I (not so surprised any more): …huh.