Achtung!

Uptown I go in the morning dark and coolness to mail some bills. Homeward I wend my way, coffee in hand, peacefully contemplating the Victorian mansions with their mansard roofs and porches made for sitting in the summer twilight. Yes, along I go, a peaceful soul, thinking benevolent thoughts. And how do the houses themselves react to me? By switching on motion-sensitive warning lights. Hey! We see you! Don't do anything bad, you lousy pedestrian!

I choose to take this personally, of course. Why only a light? Why not the recording of a dog barking? I think that would very effectively add to the expression of hostile and suspicious alertness. Or the sound of a barking dog coupled with the sound of someone racking a shotgun shell into the chamber of a pump gun.

Anyway, that's small-town life, and speaking of small towns I have a few chores to do.