The pre-dawn hunt. Or: Why my work isn't quite done today.

By Phil Lawler ( bio - articles - email ) | Oct 16, 2015

By this time today, I had hoped to finish a commentary on the extremely partisan people who are using extremely partisan language to condemn what they see as—gasp!—partisan approaches to the Synod of Bishops. I’m sorry; it’s not ready. But don’t worry; it’s still coming. Quite likely the weekend will provide me with more grist for that mill.

But today, I’m afraid, I’m not working at full speed. Something about not getting enough sleep.

Very early this morning, you see—and I mean very early—I was awakened by scratching noises. As I listened carefully, the scratching came closer. Then there was a small metallic bang—as if something had bumped into the baseboard radiator cover—followed by silence.

After a minute or two the scratching resumed, even closer. It seemed to be coming from around the bedroom window. When I looked in that direction I saw a shadow against the window. There was a chipmunk scratching at the window sill.

Now you might be wondering: Why would a chipmunk try to get into the bedroom? That question would be based on a false assumption. The chipmunk was already in the bedroom, apparently trying to get out.

There followed a long and frustrating chase. Chipmunks are very quick, and can fit into tiny places. After many laps around the bedroom, in and out of the closet, under and over furniture, I finally cornered the little varmint. He (or she? I’m not too strong on the distinctions, where chipmunks are concerned) will not trouble us again. But needless to say, by the time the hunt was over, I was wide awake.

Wide awake, that is, at 5 in the morning. By late this afternoon, not quite so wide. Which is why that commentary isn’t finished.

Tonight I’ll do some repair work at the point of entry, which I identified before breakfast. Then an early bedtime is indicated, I think. I wish you a restful weekend, too.