Each week, local "women about town" Anjl Rodee and Marilynn Mee answer OnMilwaukee.com readers' questions about relationships, romance and whatever else is on your mind. They point out that this column is "for entertainment purposes only," but they mostly say that so they don't get sued. Send your questions to Anjl and Marilynn at anjlandmarilynn@staff.onmilwaukee.com.
Dear Anjl & Marilynn,
My neighbors are old hippies and the wife likes to hang around topless in their yard. Not only is she old and disgusting, but I have two young boys and always have to make them stop playing in the yard when she is outside. What do I do?
Dear Udderly Disgusted,
Marilynn Mee: Eww! That's just wrong. I'm going to assume you don't live in a commune.
Anjl Rodee: The only communes around today put mandates on the height of your shrubbery and charge outlandish association fees.
MM: And what kind of outdoor light post you have ...
AR: But we digress. Well, you could put up a fence, or really tall shrubbery, if it's OK with the rest of the commune ...
MM: But you shouldn't have to. It's as creepy as if a guy is walking around with no pants on. In fact, my guess is that what she's doing is actually not only disgusting, but illegal.
AR: I wouldn't want to be the cops in on that bust, pardon the pun.
MM: I called a police detective acquaintance of mine. Let's give him an alias...
AR: How about Scully?
MM: I think we'll save Scully for when we have a question about aliens... let's call him Andy Sipowicz.
AR: Oh you said ALIAS, not ALIEN... what the heck is a Sippawitts?
MM: Oh, Ye with 3 TV channels, none of which get watched ... Andy was the lead detective on "NYPD Blue." But we digress again.
AR: Can't we just call him Joe Friday? Then I won't have to ask how to spell it every time.
MM: Fine, Joe Friday it is. Before involving the police, according to Joe Friday, it would be a good idea to go talk to the neighbors yourself, in a non-confrontational way. Explain that not only is public nudity illegal, but that you have young children and it would be appreciated if she would please put clothes on when she is outside.
AR: That sounds reasonable, but what if she either denies it or keeps doing it?
MM: This is where the advice gets really interesting. In order to get the police involved, you have to have documented proof. Otherwise everyone could be turning in annoying neighbors with claims of public lewdness.
AR: Are you saying that Udderly needs to break out the family video camera?
MM: Pretty much. Preferably, use a video or digital camera with a time stamp feature. You should also get a logbook and a witness, if possible. Keep track of the date and time, and write down specifically what clothing she is wearing or not wearing. If there is a Mrs. Udderly, get her or another neighbor to bear witness as well. Ideally, you should have three separate occurrences documented before you involve the police. Also be sure to take note of any distinguishing marks - tattoos, birthmarks, physical asymmetry ...
AR: Eww! Will the cops haul Ms. Nudiepants off to jail?
MM: Perhaps. But most likely she'll be issued a ticket or get off with a warning. Hopefully this will scare her into wearing a shirt from now on.
She will probably make the argument that she can do what she likes in her own yard, however, you are just as entitled to enjoy your own private property without being subjected to public nakedness.
AR: Udderly, see if you can "nip" this behavior in the bud without involving the police. Maybe take her a nice little token of friendship - say, some homemade cookies, or maybe an extra large bottle of sunscreen.
MM: Or better yet, something from Playtex ...
Anjl Rodee is a jack of all things right-brained. After a variety of odd jobs, from singing telegrams to ballroom dance instructor to weekend overnight DJ on Lazer 103, Anjl earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Mary College and settled down to a nice career as an award-winning artist. At night Anjl can be found playing with a variety of local bands. She currently fronts a classic band called Radio Doctors, and plays bass and accordion with her friend Chris Demay.
Marilynn Mee has been a fixture on Milwaukee radio for most of her adult life. After a short stint on WQFM, she joined Lazer 103 at its inception. After several years as a Bob and Brian sidekick, Marilynn became midday host and music director, earning national recognition from the likes of Billboard magazine and Radio & Records. She is currently the midday host on 96.5 WKLH. Marilynn is a well-known animal lover, lending her name and free time to humane societies and animal rescue groups.
Anjl is a mother and grandmother and is in a committed relationship. Marilynn is single and mom to 2.5 dogs and a one-eyed cat. Anjl and Marilynn both hail from the greater Milwaukee area and have been best friends for 20 years.
