Yes, they came back. They had unlocked the garage’s side door when they were here before; I had not noticed, as the door was behind stuff. The robber(s) walked in, moved some storage bins away from the door, and carried away more parts of the 3D printing. My new UV Hardening Light unit is necessary for working with resin, and they walked it out. I heard a noise, walked through the house, even looked outside, but did not check the garage. Had I done that, I am sure the confrontation would have gone poorly for me. I am lucky to have another day and to have avoided the ER from an attack.
(The funnel is quite expensive and must be special-ordered; glad they left it, but the UV Hardener is not here, and they carefully unplugged it and took the transformer with it.)
The police visited later in the morning, provided me with a new case number, and reviewed the photo of the boxes having been moved. The officer and I spoke with my neighbor about the security camera and provided them with a way to notify the police if they see anything on the footage.
For the first time, I think, ever, I locked my doors last night in Beaverton. I waited last night for them to come again. I checked often. The lights were on, but they were on last night, too. They did not come, and I did not face them; I likely would not have survived.
I opened a new claim with Allstate, too. I tried to update the original, but no-go. Not sure if a couple of $100 will be paid to me to replace the device, but I see it as one robbery. Likely, Allstate will decide it is two to save them $.
It is hard to stay in your home when it has been invaded. I have Jeff coming by to update the power for the washer-dryer. I installed an improper old-style plug in my new dryer last time. This time, we will check the vent and update it, as needed. I have asked him now to replace the locks (I don’t know where the keys are) and to see what push-button locks are available (key and button would be perfect; they don’t use power or batteries). I ordered two solar-powered cameras from Costco (might not be enough here in the dark PNW). Jeff may add outside power for cameras for me. We will see what makes sense.
Putting aside the emotion of the invasion and the sadness of the justice issues folks will face, but at least I am here to write about it this morning. Again, I get to watch another sunrise, remembering Dad Wild telling me that he rose early to watch sunrises, “You have only so many left.” I had a 9:45 appointment for a skin rash that is driving me crazy. I could not use my usual clinic (they do not seem to take my insurance—I have not called Regence to work this out), so I tried an American Family Clinic (AFC) nearby (having to drive by the close Providence Urgent Care).
I wrote the blog, published it, showered, and then discovered the break-in when I opened the garage door to get to Air VW the Gray (it was undisturbed). More non-emergency police calls followed, and more paperwork over the phone. I took a picture of the moved storage bins, pushed them out of the way so I could get in the garage, and saw that the UV Hardener device was gone (about $150). Wow! They knew what they wanted, unlocked the door when they stole the 3D Printer, and robbed me again. Scary. They planned to harvest!
I talked to the folks across the street to let them know it happened again. I had to get to my appointment, meaning I drove to Hillsboro quite upset. Got to the AFC on time, then the police called me, and the AFC kindly let me deal with that. The visit was short, prescriptions were supplied (paper ones), and I took them to Wallgreens near the house (not thinking they would not fill them after they said they had the items). All my new insurance was working.
I got home, called Jeff to update him on the need for locks and security cameras, and then called the police when they arrived. I hung up on Jeff and worked with the Washington County Deputy as described. I also talked to my neighbors about the break-in so they could be careful. Mark, two houses down, showed me his 3D printer work (using filament) and produced some excellent 28mm figures (almost 26). We will try to connect more often (they moved in after the pandemic).
Lunch was an appointment with Mariah and BJs Brewhouse, a few minutes away. I was on time (not early, as I had much to do with the break-in). Mariah appeared, and we talked about corporate life (which can be terrible, but can pay well), travel, and the break-in. We ordered ribs and beers. Time to drown my sorrows and depression in beer and ribs!
After lunch, taking our time and I getting ice cream, and us each packing away ribs for later, Mariah and I headed out in our separate ways. I rested, read, and talked to Deborah and others. I binged some of the last of Halo season 2. Did not like the change in the story; it makes no sense to me.
I updated my Dungeons & Dragons character, Carter, to 9th level and added magic items after getting an all-clear from our DM M@ that uncommon items (cheap magic items) were available to purchase. I then applied all the changes for the level and new items. While D&D accounting may seem boring, it is one of the geeky things that brings joy to many players. I printed out all my updates to take them to Sunday’s game.
I reheated some tacos and had them for a light dinner. I said goodnight to Deborah; we are missing each other, but February is not that far away. I read more and started to nod off.
I checked the garage for invaders, knowing that if they were there, it would go poorly for me, but they never came. I checked about every hour until 11. Face your fears and own them. I tried.
The house feels home again on Sunday morning when I write this.
Deciding I needed a new figure for the Dungeons & Dragons 2024 game on Sunday, I took the unpainted one I had 3D printed on the now-lost Resin 3D printer and UV Hardener, and started on it. I bought the STL file and designed it online to represent my character, Carter, with all the new items. I painted the base colors and will do detail on Sunday before the game. I used my glasses for this, but missed the 3X of my usual eyewear. I think I will switch between them. It was nice to add to the figure the colors of life. It also gave me something to do other than read or listen for thieves breaking in.
I went to bed around 11, checking the garage again, and read and slept without fear.
Thanks for reading. I will start locking doors and all that. Sad.
Alohawild (Michael Wild's) Website 