I Have a Fetish

No, it's not for latex tank tops or chain mail chaps. Well, not that I'd tell you about, anyway. Come to think of it, perhaps the term "fetish" is a bit strong. It's more of an obsession. Of course, for the title of a post, I think the f-word is a little more catchy. So, I'll leave it at that.

I am currently obsessed with lawn games. I believe I can trace it back to my childhood. I remember a game that involved these metal rods that were heavy on one end with colorful, hard plastic fins that you had to throw into plastic hoops. You might recall them as well.





Jarts were banned from being sold in the United States back in the 80's. I was pretty good with them, although I do recall sticking a couple or 3 in the picnic table in our back yard. (I still can't figure out why they banned them.) From what I've read, it seems you can even get in trouble for selling them at a yard sale. Had something to do with some getting rammed into people's skulls.

Although I haven't thrown a lawn dart in ages, I currently have a few other games that I love to play. I have washer boxes, a bocce set, petanque (the heavy metal balls are way cooler than the bocce ones,) ladderball, horseshoes, and a croquet set. I've actually constructed a miniature-sized croquet court in my back yard. I play pretty regularly with a friend of mine who is an avid golfer. I can hold my own against him, but I think it's the quality of the grass (or lack thereof) that keeps me in it.

Sorry to disappoint, but I really haven't jumped onto the whole cornhole bandwagon. I have played before, and I did fairly well. I just didn't enjoy tossing the little cloth bag as much as rolling a manly metal ball. It's fun to watch, and I'm not disrespecting the legions of cornholers out there. It's just not my particular brand of vodka. (Movie quote, anyone?)

Which brings us back to the beginning, at least for me. I think my quest to be the ultimate backyard gamer will be complete once I obtain my Holy Grail. You see, I want to own a set of Jarts, again. And no, these don't count.



I've found several websites for obtaining good, old-fashioned, dangerous as hell, Jarts. Of course, they can't sell them; that's illegal. They sell Jarts parts. Perfectly legal, with some assembly required. Awesome. So, wish me luck on finding and assembling some. Oh, and if I do, and you're ever in the neighborhood, make sure you've got a helmet on.