Ghost Number!

Photo of a vintage set of Popoids, a 1980s plastic construction toy.

The other day we were in the kitchen watching the deer in the backyard when something must have spooked them. They took off running, but not together. They scattered in half a dozen different directions, and it looked to all the world like they were playing a deer version of Spud. So, naturally I shouted out “Ghost number!” and Ron looked at me like I had three heads because apparently Spud was not a game he ever played as a kid. So, now I have to assume that at least half my reading audience has no idea what I’m talking about.

For those who don’t know it’s a game played in a field or a backyard with a large rubber ball and a decent number of kids. Before the game starts more numbers than there are kids (if there’s 12 kids then maybe the numbers 1-20) are written down and tossed in a hat or bowl or whatever and each kid draws a number and commits it to memory. Someone goes first, they shout a number and throw the ball into the air, and if it’s not your number the goal is to run as far away from the ball as possible. If it is your number, then you grab the ball and everyone has to freeze. You get to take three steps toward the nearest target (aka a frozen child) and try to tag them with the ball, dodge ball style. If you successfully tag them they get a letter starting with S. Then it’s their turn to throw up the ball and call out a number.

But here’s the twist, if the number that’s called out isn’t a number that’s been memorized by any of the kids playing the game, then it is officially a ghost number, and now all the kids must run back to the ball as fast as they can because the last person to tag the ball earns themself a letter. Letters are accrued until the word SPUD is spelled out, and then you are officially out of the game.

So, this long-winded explanation was my way of explaining why I couldn’t resist yelling out “Ghost number!” when I saw the backyard deer scatter. Surely, I can’t be the only one that remembers playing this game as a kid.

It was a week for playful memories. Thursday was a very long day, more so for Ron than for me. I was doing some more observing of backyard animals and occasionally handing Ron tools while he worked in extremely cramped quarters hooking up a washer and dryer next door.

Before he got to the connecting part, there was the challenge of figuring out just how we were going to connect the machine and still have enough room for him to escape from the tight quarters. As he tried to determine whether the plastic drain hose for the washer could stretch at all, I had a sudden memory of Popoids? Did anyone else have this construction toy when they were kids? There’s a picture of a vintage Popoids set above, which are currently available for $49.99 on Ebay. Those plastic accordion pieces made a very distinct sound when stretched, not unlike a plastic washer drain hose.

Did I mention that it was a long day? As the light started to fade, Ron struggled to see in the little washing machine cubby. “Do you want me to get my unicorn?” is something that I asked, and Ron knew exactly what I was talking about, because I, a grown woman, may not have my Popoids anymore, but I do have a unicorn shaped nightlight. I ran back home and returned with said unicorn, a battery powered camping lantern and a little flashlight. The camping lantern ended up being the hero that saved the day. Well, the real hero was Ron who managed to get that washer and dryer unit all connected and still squeeze through the narrowest of openings.

I have to admit I wasn’t all that much help the next day either when we managed after some trial and tribulation to get the unit slid into place. So, now the house next door is one step closer to being ready for its new occupants.

And those deer? When they’re not busy playing games of Spud, they are still chomping away at the patio plants. I guess, you work up a big appetite playing backyard games.

Hope it’s all fun, games, and good food for you as well!

— Alissa