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.

Or maybe a bird...

Yesterday while driving home from work, I was catching up with my dad on the phone. I had just left a message for Brian telling him I was on my way home, so when his call buzzed in, I ignored it figuring he'd just be telling me that he'd see me at home. The third time that Brian buzzed in, I finally got the hint and put my dad on hold.

Brian was in panic mode which, as it turns out, is pretty contagious.

"ARE YOU AT HOME??"

"No. I'm on my way. Why?"

"THE ADT PEOPLE CALLED AND OUR ALARM IS GOING OFF! SHOULD I TELL THEM TO SEND THE COPS???"

"Uhhh... OHMYGOD!"

We decided, yes, we should probably send the cops. I quickly realized that I was ahead of Brian on our respective commutes and would thus beat him to our potentially burglarized home. I also quickly freaked out.

Meanwhile, my father was waiting for me on the other line. I pulled myself together enough to strategically explain the situation to him and promptly brush it off, "Eh, it was probably just something that fell off the counter... No big deal. I'll just talk to the cops when I get home... it's nothing."

Talk to the COPS? When I get home? No big DEAL? I was more than a little nervous.

I pulled onto our street half expecting there to be a SWAT team blockading our house... There wasn't. There was no one. No cops. No sketchy dudes in a white van hauling off our t.v. No neighbors. No one.

I sat in the car, phone in hand, 9-1-1 fingers READY, and waited for about 5 minutes until Brian got home. He was brave and walked around to the alley to see if there was anything suspicious. There wasn't. He carefully unlocked the front door to see if there was anyone inside. There wasn't. Searched the house. Nothing.

After talking a few deep breaths and waiting (and waiting and waiting) for the cops to arrive, we reasoned that it must have been our kitchen curtains (yeah, these cute ones!) that were blowing from the air conditioner enough to set off the motion detector. Or a rat... but I'm really hoping it's not a rat.