This just sounds so scary. Take care, folks.

Stay safe, everyone. This all sounds awful.

Short but interesting thread on why some people have less severe cases, with articles and other threads linked: https://mobile.twitter.com/VincentRK/status/1294404193294442502

In the big picture, I think this kind of dysfunction is endemic. That's why we're having the problems we are having. On a local level, you'd really think no employer would want an employee to return under those circumstances. It's self-sabotage. But here we are.

Those pictures look just like our neighborhood whenever a serious hurricane comes through. Lots and lots of mature trees, lol. Of course that varies by neighborhood. The derecho sounds awful. I feel so bad for everyone without power and dealing with damage.

That is insane. And so, so irresponsible on the part of whoever made those rules.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Okay, folks. She's not going out alone again. If she walks alone, I'll be nearby in the car with a camera. The body recorder should arrive Monday, but I'll consult the police before recording audio. I'll be talking to some neighbors as well. Thanks for all the suggestions.

I will ask the police, but does this apply to recording the audio, or just to posting it online? I do not intend to post anything online; there's another mom who might well know the boys if I can get a picture, though, and audio would make what they're doing clear beyond a doubt in case I can contact their families or the police.

Right. And some situations may seem random or counterintuitive, just because there are so many variables. The workplace where everyone masks might end up with more infection, just because one or two people were at an extremely infectious point when they spent hours there. Another place could have less masking, but be lucky enough not to have a superspreader present. Without the masks, things could have been worse.

This is just a guess. Dd is 18, she thinks some look her age or older. But your point is good, thanks.

This is a fantastic idea, thank you. I just ordered her one which gets good reviews. Night vision, good audio quality and all.

Before this, I'd have said this was as safe as a neighborhood could get. No place is completely safe, though. Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. We'll talk and see what we can figure out.

Yes, if we get a video, I can ask some folks in the neighborhood.

It's a mixed age group, dd says. Ringleaders are older, some are younger. Not every single time, no. It's just that they tend to be out in the late afternoon or evening, like she is, and when they spot her, it starts. We've talked about having her walk at other times. She does vary it, to a degree, but it's blazingly hot and humid earlier, and she's not eager to get up early in the morning. This is another example of her being mad enough that she isn't willing to concede her preferences and routine. She feels like she shouldn't have to. But again, that isn't helping with problem solving. The only big dog we have nearby is quite elderly and slow. And-- dd is terribly embarrassed by all this. She doesn't want to let people know. Would posting a video even be legal, especially if some of the kids are really still kids?

Yes. I'll suggest she chat with me as she walks, especially if I'm in the car nearby. We did spot one she thought was part of the group, but he's very young: maybe 12 at the most? Some others, she thinks, are her age or older: so adults, or nearly. But I did get a look at the young boy's bike, and I've been trying to see if I can identify his house. I'm not sure if approaching his family would do any good or not.

Yes, this sums it up. Thank you. I've been wishing there was a way to change the boys' behavior, and that may not be realistic.

Okay, I'll definitely follow in the car for a while, and be ready to do my own videos. We were away for a week, but as soon as they saw her again, it started again. I have suggested she avoid the streets where she's seen them, but that limits her to a very small area. Agreed. That's part of the problem.

She has had a self-defense class a couple of years ago. Getting pepper spray.

One concern she has is that if she gets them in trouble, they'll be angry, and the situation will escalate. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks for this, I'll check it out.

Yes, we've suggested a new neighborhood. She's refusing that atm. The idea that she can't walk safely in her own neighborhood is just making her furious, and that may not be helping with problem solving.

PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE Dd18 is being targeted by a fluctuating group of teen and tween boys when she goes out for walks in the neighborhood. We don't know their identities. They are vulgar and persistent, circling around and returning for another round of catcalls sometimes, but they're on bikes and she's on foot, so they move out of range quickly. She's furious and increasingly unnerved. I called the non-emergency police line; the officer said the boys were in a legal gray area, because they haven't touched dd or threatened her. He did offer to drive through the neighborhood, or talk to them if we could identify them, but so far we can't. He also said dd could take photos or videos, but cautioned that the situation could escalate. Dd is getting to be genuinely frightened of them, and doesn't want to anger them by taking photos or getting them in trouble. She feels vulnerable, and she doesn't feel safe confronting them. But she doesn't want to have to walk with her sister or me, because neither of us is as fast as she is. Her exercise is important to her, and they're preventing it. Wwyd? If we can identify them, what would be the best way to get this behavior to stop, without increasing any risk to dd? Try to appeal to their better natures? Have the police stop by and chat with their families?I AGAIN, PLEASE, DON'T QUOTE

What a lot of work! It looks so nice again. Bet she's glad to get back to her own apartment.

Holding you all in my thoughts