April 9, 2008

 I think I’ll turn into a grumpy hermit—gunfire no longer keeps me awake, but the cry of a baby kept me awake for hours last night—a raccoon baby. Kind of like a cross between a baby and a cat. At least, I hope that’s what it was. I was very relieved to see Stormy up and about this morning, and even carried him through the house (alas, like a baby) when he showed up as soon as I opened the curtains. Apparently, newborn kits (raccoon kits) sound like a human baby.

And I feel protective of my young green bean and tomato plants, even though they’re in containers on the deck. I stayed awake thinking of stringing trip wires across the entrance to the deck, even knowing how fruitless (literally) that would be. I wonder if they like lemon trees? Should I put a fence around mine? Harumph. I thought I liked nature, but not if it keeps me awake. Priorities, it’s all about priorities. Sleep is right up there, and I’m not getting enough.

I think it’s age—the old M-word—menopause. I’m too sleepy to remember the times I wake up, so I remember only the hours: 10, 11, 2, 4, 4, 5, 5, and then 6. It’s not enough “good” sleep. (The raccoons were in the 4-5 a.m. hours, if you couldn’t tell.) And they led to weird dreams—something about … had it, lost it again. What could be more ephemeral that a wispy dream you know you remembered a moment ago and now can’t get a fix on?

I’m rambling, but by doing so I’m avoiding my still boring book. This one has gone on forever. But on the bright side, today I’m running out for glue and brads so if I get an urge to fix my cedar closet I’ll be set, and tonight is dinner at Barb’s. People! Food! The only thing better would be sleep. Maybe tonight.

UPDATE: It's not a raccoon--it's a bobcat. I just listened to a bobcat site give their calls...definitely a bobcat.  (Bobcat Distress Yowls!) And Bunny and I thought we saw a VERY LARGE cat coming home the other day. We told ourselves it was a strange-running dog. Ha!

At least my veggies are probably safe...now I worry about my pets!