Someone was in my home.

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I have long suspected that someone, or more, has been getting into my home.  Oh, I haven't found too much gone.  The only thing I am pretty sure that is missing is a large roaster (expensive though, if it was damaged and I wanted to replace it anyway is beside the point).  I don't think any ammunition is gone, absolutely certain no guns are gone, but there are many things here, some of which are consumables so, difficult to track while being used.  My guess, as I have said, is neighbor kids, among a few other... notions.  How do I know?  Lights left on and sometimes Sassy is... fit to be tied when I come back from town.  I know her well enough to know when something is eating her.  If Sam was outside, I know it wasn't Sam.  And outside things don't get Sassy riled, while visitors (even when I am here) may.  My guess is some of the people that come in aren't nice to her, and she doesn't like other people anyway.  Now, the basement light I use from time to time.  So it being on when I was sure it was off is... debatable.  Memory being what it is, and perfect habits not really possible, that can be questioned.  But not tonight.  Whoever was here left a light on that I haven't used in months.  There is zero doubt at this point.  They probably woke me up, or the cats did fussing about it.

I am going to be speaking with the sheriff.  I will also let some local people know that I know, and see if that doesn't filter around to whoever, or whoever's parents, might be doing this.  I am also considering getting door bars for now.  The doors are locked, but as I said a key has gone missing.  New locks are just too costly right now and all but the seriously pricey ones are pretty easy to jimmy.  Windows, if they are shut, are the type that can't really be jimmied open, so entry through them would show an obvious break-in.  If that doesn't solve it mostly, I will have to work out something else.  At this point it isn't just about the idea or theft or safety, but of will, if those other things definitely come into play on their own.  But how to make my home secure when I am gone, especially since I suspect locals who can just look in the garage?  *grumbles*

So, I woke at 21:30, way too early.  I really suspect that I heard whoever.  Not good on too many fronts.  Now, I never consciously heard a thing.  I rise out of bed pretty quickly, but I can't be sure how long from beginning to wake to rising there is.  Perhaps I fuss while I am waking, especially with so little sleep and being tired from trying to push my days around.  I do know if I find someone and corner them, kid or adult, I won't take an ounce of guff and they will be waiting for the law, dead or alive, makes little difference to me.  It is totally up to them.  Don't even need a gun but I've got half a dozen.  So, if you are the one and reading this, and I catch you?  Do what you are told.  Don't think trying to kick me in the shins or biting me, or even shooting or stabbing me, will get you out and away.  Just so you know.

Hmm, back to regularly scheduled programming.