We have been sleeping in tents in the yard for a week now. Putting up different tents to make sure they are in working order and ready for any of our camping excursions this summer. I don't have the heart to erect tents in beautiful weather, have my children(especially the younger ones) ask earnestly if we can 'camp out' and tell them no.I haven't been sleeping well in the tent. Whether it's the train, cars coming and going, neighbors out and talking late, or just my dog barking like Cujo, there have been many things interfering with my ability to sleep. (My dog has been put in the laundry room more than once this week at night because of her barking. I think she must be in some different protective mode because we are outside or something....Silly dog!)
So the night before last I was up from midnight to about 7 after having been abruptly awakened by my dog's aggressive barking at some real or imagined threat. Was pretty tired all day yesterday and got to sleep about midnight last night-after securing the dog in the laundry room first.
I'm going to preface this next bit by saying that, Some might call me a control freak but I make it a habit to know where my children are and what they are up to. That's our job. Also, we live in a very small town and keep to ourselves pretty much.
At about 4 am I awakened with a start to a bright light that was shining through the window in my tent and a mans voice saying 'excuse me'. It was the sheriff, wondering if I had any children and if they were out here camping with us. He went on to explain that there were three teenage boys who had been 'messing around town all night'. Did I know where my boys were. I of course did. The 14 yo was in the tent and the 15 yo had gone inside because allergies had been causing him to cough. By this time I was standing outside the tent talking to him. He made some comment about how when he was young and camping with his parents he would have snuck out to go 'mess around' after his parents fell asleep. I could tell at this point that he might have the impression that I am a parent whose children could be troublemakers but have me completely 'snowed'. "Would you mind just checking to see if he is in the tent?" No I don't mind...leaning over near the door of Weston's tent calling his name and fumbling for the zipper in the dark. Weston answered and I'm still not finding the zipper... Then something like "would it be alright if I just look at him (to see what he was wearing)?" Still I didn't mind, but was starting to be a little offended. I mean I know this policeman doesn't really know me from Adam, but we were doing a family activity and that is what raised his suspicions? He didn't even know I had teenage boys until I told him. Anyway, I got the zipper open and there West was with the squinty, mushed up, bewildered face of someone whose been asleep for awhile, wearing his Blue Ridge football jersey and burgandy checked pajama bottoms. I then asked the officer if he wanted me to go get the 15 yo from inside the house. He told me it wasn't necessary. I think, more than anything it was the clothes Weston had on that finally convinced him he was looking in the wrong place. I don't know what the 3 boys were doing that had the sheriff looking for them , but I suspect it was more offensive than just 'messing around'.
If I had more time I'd have Weston don one of our convict costumes and post a photo of him....
It took me an hour to fall asleep again...
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5 comments:
What a way to have a campout!! Complete with sheriff invasion!! It is sad because it is upsetting that he would come and wake you up and almost imply that your children were the cause of his intrusion, however he was just doing a job and looking for the troublemakers. Sorry your dog has been barking. Aussies are VERY protective of their families and yards especially when the children are there. Will she still bark if you keep her in the tent with you?? Her mom, Annie, is threatened by people walking up to my kids in our yard. She looks REALLY scary when she barks at them. But then if they stay to talk she wags her tail like, I did a good job, now pet me!!! I hope you'll get some good sleep tonight!!!
We love her so much Liz. She will sleep in the tent with us but then will get me up to let her out during the night. I know she is just doing her job and she is protective. She sounds alot like Annie. She gets her hackles up when she barks and people who don't know her fear her. But she is really just a barker, and ususally once she feels shes done her job warning us she quiets down. She likes to be with us and doesn't like being put inside when we are out, but I have had insomnia problems to the extent that I take medication, and still have problems sleeping. I have always been able to go on not very much sleep, until the last few years and now I get really worn out. It's just life, but I felt this was a recordable incident, even if I was the only one awake for it. :D
Hey Michele...will the Eliason 8 be joining us for the Special Spectators tailgate on the 17th?
Hey Greg, I need to Facebook friend you! We would love to go, 9 of us if we can get the tickets. We haven't heard from anyone about it yet so Hook us up! :D
Hey, reach out to Doey at Carle. I think she's organizing the group again this year. Call me if you need any help: 312-559-4966 or greg.carroll@cmegroup.com.
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