Fortunately, we haven't had any more ADT emergencies. The false alarm must have either been the curtains blowing or the basement door swinging shut when our AC was scheduled to turn on around 5 pm. Also of fortune? No signs of indoor rodents... or birds.
In an effort to prevent any future real ADT activity and also to befriend our neighbors, Brian and I have been participating in a weekly Citizens On Patrol (COP) walk. Last night, we joined several others and their dogs in our regular schlep around the neighborhood.
Although Brian and I are very happy with our house, our block and our neighbors, it must be said that we live in an area where crime is a concern. Hence, the alarm system. We both try to be as smart as possible regarding our personal safety: we don't walk alone at night, we don't leave anything visible in our cars, we always keep all doors and windows locked, we don't invite prostitutes or drug dealers over for drinks... well, except for that one time. Nevertheless, there have been break-ins and other crime reported in our neighborhood, each of which highly unnerves the members of our neighborhood association who then snap into action.
The weekly COP walk is one way we can proclaim our presence in the community and hopefully impede criminals. Sometimes accompanied by an actual cop, we take a friendly saunter up and down each street within the official borders of our neighborhood. Last night, there must have been at least 15 dogs, each with its owner(s), plus the rest of us dog-less folk. It looked like an SPCA parade. Next week, I'm bringing candy to toss to all the kids who run out of their house in awe of our fuzzy friends.
The row houses in Baltimore are absolutely amazing and the COP walk also gives me an excuse to closely inspect brick-work, house numbers, light fixtures, and landscaping with the occasional peek into an uncurtained window. Afterward, Brian and I join the rest of the group for a drink at our corner restaurant, where we practice small talking. Not surprisingly, we've made a few friends... I think it's because we always seem to mention Brian's home-brewing hobby. Someday, we'll actually have people over to the house so they believe us.
4 comments:
Glad there haven't been anymore ADT emergencies. That's really great that you have an active COP there, with post-patrol gatherings. That reminds me tomorrow is the monthly Hampden Get Trashed! event, where there's a little neighborhood clean up and happy hour.
Yes, we're lucky to have a great neighborhood association. I think there's a greening project this weekend, too. Have fun at Get Trashed!
So you all leave your houses at the same time to walk down the street to a restaurant? Shouldn't somebody stay back and stand guard?
That's what ADT is for...
Post a Comment