My first scare...

[pbwalker]

Just happened about 45 minutes ago now...I had the heck scared out of me while I was out in my backyard grabbing a quick smoke and my wife was out visiting my Mom...

We just had a new family move in to a home next door and it looks like a family of 15 in this one 3/2 home. So I have been keeping an eye on them as I have no idea who they are. They just moved in yesterday. Well, I had gone out to my truck to grab a CD (Calexico...check 'em out). I took the CD and threw it in my CD player outside and lit my smoke. I was out there maybe 5 minutes and I heard a car door slam shut and my two dogs barking. Of course, I'm guarded as I thought maybe it was my neighbors who seem to come and go at all hours. Then the fun begins...

While out back, I heard my gate open...y'all know that 'squeaking' noise that the dog ear fences make when they are being opened...Mind you, I'm on an elevated deck about 4 feet off of the ground. I had the lights off to keep the bugs down so I was in the dark. I heard someone coming down the side of my yard and I had my hand on the grip! I've been carrying every day at home to practice before I get my plastic, so I had my XD on me in my IWB holster. There I was, on my deck with my XD in hand...It was like time slowed down. I was scared!

While in the darkness, I looked over the railing of the deck and yelled "Hello" in a very stern voice.

The reply I got was "It's me honey".

Once I realized who it was, I freaked out. It was my wife who had returned from my Mom's house.

I yelled back at her something like "What the heck are you doing??"

Apparently, when I had gone out to grab the CD in my truck, I flipped over the door lock on my front door. She couldn't get in the house beyond the 3" gap that door lock leaves. She had walked to the side of the house and she had smelled my cigarette smoke and heard the CD player, so she was going to come around...

Just like that...adrenaline to relief in a matter of 3 seconds. Looking back on it now, I feel like an idiot and am starting to think I was paranoid (about the neighbors). Who knows...

[SCone]

The mind plays tricks on us all... glad it was only a learning scare.

[KC5AV]

Yes, the mind plays tricks, but the mind also tells us things we need to pay attention to. If there really are that many people in that house, keep an eye on them.

Also, ask your wife in the nicest possible way to identify herself early on (before she opens the gate?) if another situation like that comes about. That could have been a disaster.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Thanks for posting this. Stories like these help us all to learn from others' experience.

Chas.

[bryang]

I am so glad this turned out alright. The mind does play tricks on us, but I think because you were already in "condition orange" because of the people next door, that you reacted that way...and rightly so, because it sounds like it may be a problem in the making. Also, I agree with KCRAV, maybe ya'll should work out a plan for identifying each other...especially with the case next door. Thanks for posting, this will benefit us all.

-geo

[particle]

Glad it all worked out for the best - I'm going out on a limb here, but be patient with your new neighbors. It's entirely possible that they have extra family (or friends) in town to help them move into their new home. Just a thought, but still wise to stay alert...

[Kerbouchard]

It's always important for your wife and family to let you know when they are coming home early, late, or using an unconventional entrance(like climbing through a window because your kid/roommate/wife/whatever forgot their keys).

It's equally important that you always identify any target before you fire.

Glad nobody got hurt, but one question...did you move after you called out? If you're going to have to give away your position by calling out, you should probably change your position. Just my .02.

And it could have all been avoided with a phone call.

[dukesean]

Well, at least you are aware of your surroundings and were in the "ready" but yea I would echo the other posters' comments and discuss with your wife how you would like to avoid these sort of situations in the future. Code word perhaps? One for safe and one for distressed?

[longhorn_92]

Definitely a good scare. Thank God it did not turn out worse. I echo all of the above thoughts as well!

Thanks for the lesson...

[SRizz21]

Scary situation...glad nothing bad ended up happening

[pbwalker]

Thanks for all the feedback folks! The wife and I are going to come up with a code word for situations like this...

[Keith B]

Thanks for all the feedback folks! The wife and I are going to come up with a code word for situations like this...

I'm thinking her yelling something like 'Honey-poo, it's just me; don't start blasting!! ' before she comes in the yard would work wonders.

[pbwalker]

I'm thinking her yelling something like 'Honey-poo, it's just me; don't start blasting!! ' before she comes in the yard would work wonders.

That would sure make the neighbors think twice!

[Stupid]

I always make a point to call ahead if i am going home early.

You don't want to be surprised, nor do you want to surprise someone.

[dihappy]

Just happened about 45 minutes ago now...I had the heck scared out of me while I was out in my backyard grabbing a quick smoke and my wife was out visiting my Mom...

We just had a new family move in to a home next door and it looks like a family of 15 in this one 3/2 home. So I have been keeping an eye on them as I have no idea who they are. They just moved in yesterday. Well, I had gone out to my truck to grab a CD (Calexico...check 'em out). I took the CD and threw it in my CD player outside and lit my smoke. I was out there maybe 5 minutes and I heard a car door slam shut and my two dogs barking. Of course, I'm guarded as I thought maybe it was my neighbors who seem to come and go at all hours. Then the fun begins...

While out back, I heard my gate open...y'all know that 'squeaking' noise that the dog ear fences make when they are being opened...Mind you, I'm on an elevated deck about 4 feet off of the ground. I had the lights off to keep the bugs down so I was in the dark. I heard someone coming down the side of my yard and I had my hand on the grip! I've been carrying every day at home to practice before I get my plastic, so I had my XD on me in my IWB holster. There I was, on my deck with my XD in hand...It was like time slowed down. I was scared!

While in the darkness, I looked over the railing of the deck and yelled "Hello" in a very stern voice.

The reply I got was "It's me honey".

Once I realized who it was, I freaked out. It was my wife who had returned from my Mom's house.

I yelled back at her something like "What the heck are you doing??"

Apparently, when I had gone out to grab the CD in my truck, I flipped over the door lock on my front door. She couldn't get in the house beyond the 3" gap that door lock leaves. She had walked to the side of the house and she had smelled my cigarette smoke and heard the CD player, so she was going to come around...

Just like that...adrenaline to relief in a matter of 3 seconds. Looking back on it now, I feel like an idiot and am starting to think I was paranoid (about the neighbors). Who knows...

Been in your situation before, i suggest Motion Lights outside your home. Their indispensable!