Olly, olly, oxen free

Growing up in Florida, my sister and I knew the drill when unwanted company dropped by our house in Boynton Beach. The lights went off, and if we were too slow to make it appear no one was home, we would straighten the living room and put away food in the kitchen. Whoever came knocking would be invited inside, but only to the couch. Nothing was offered, for that would imply they were welcome to ta…