Strangers in the night

February is nearly over and will hand the reins over to March. Storms and high winds are in the forecast here and about. I heard a few flakes of snow might be coming as well.

Already I see signs of Spring 2023. The crocuses and other hardy perennials emerge from the moist ground, and the grass grows green. Squirrels and chipmunks might have dug out and feasted on the corn of the old plants earlier. Hyacinths may not be seen this year either.

We will not be watching the construction crews working hard at work, making an extended parking lot for students and faculty at Brownsburg High School. If the forecast is correct, they will be rained out. When water fills the deep ditch shovel sits idle. Soon they will close in the ditch and eliminate some of the bugs and all of the weeds by warm weather. Manpower and mowers can handle the new grass.

This weekend there was a happening in this neighborhood where we live in peace and harmony.

Early Saturday morning, our neighbor Steven rang our doorbell. He asked if we had heard or seen any activity outside our home or his during the night. He informed us his truck and one of his work trailers were stolen from its usual parking spot under the street light in front of our garages, on the street.

We slept soundly that night, and we did not see or hear anything. Tootie is a little dog with a healthy bark, but she missed it also. This brick house keeps the outside noise outside.

The very nice, well-maintained vehicle and utility trailer and another are important to his home-grown construction business. And more, it is a big investment for Steve and his spouse. All week before the carjack Steven worked from his garage preparing building materials for a client’s home improvement project, not expecting that misfortune - a thief in the night.

We have not heard of progress in the search for our neighbor’s possessions.

The industrious young man, his wife, Kacy, and their young son did not need to wake up to such a loss. We hope it is found undamaged from the handling of the bold stealer and he, she or they are brought to justice for the crime.

I have seen and heard about other happenings in recent years. Vehicle theft is not common in this quiet middle-class neighborhood of mostly elderly citizens.

The school police watch closely for suspicious activity; the city police force serves us well. That is a blessing. Still, things happen.

Epictetus, an old Greek philosopher, said many years ago, and I quote, “Make the best use of what is in our power, and take the rest as it occurs. Steve sure did not expect a rainy Monday when his planned day’s work would be behind schedule.

I doubt if the thief stopped to salute our flags flying high above the dirty deed. Truly, not something for the low-life to be proud of, I’d say…

We have been blessed to have good neighbors there for us if needed in a medical emergency. They would gladly inform our family immediately and assist if they in any way. That is worthy of praise!

Until next week, I am off to work on that last piece of lemon meringue pie in the kitchen. I’m serving it to my better half. I will not take it for myself because I have willpower these days, and sometimes praise happens!

Reach me by phone at 317-286-7352.Until next week, I am off to work on that last piece of lemon meringue pie in the kitchen. I’m serving it to my better half. I will not take it for myself, because I have will power these days and sometimes praise happens!

Reach me by phone at 317 - 286 -7352.