— What did you do over the holidays?

— [teenager makes race car noises] [and keeps making them] [still going]

Back in Missouri, 30’ish years ago, my work held an annual conference / junket at the Lake of the Ozarks, which included renting a couple of Waverunners for guests to ride. As a staff member, if I wasn’t busy and no real attendees wanted a ride, I was free to go out. And I’ve had a few other chances to jump on one over the years.

It was the most fun thing ever!

I rode on one with brother Frank a couple of years ago, where we cruised down the river fast. That was fun, and I can see why he likes it. But just going out and making frothy water? No thanks.

Now that I am old and overlook a bay where people use Waverunners in summer, the appeal has waned. I think of the noise, the pollution, etc. I no longer relish the idea of trying to go so fast, turn so hard, that I literally get thrown out of my seat.

I’m positive the young person in the picture came back to shore with a huge grin on their face that lasted all day. But for me? I’m not quite at the “get off my lawn” stage of life, but I can see it from here.