Dakota

I was putting out the garbage and as I was walking back, a middle-aged couple met me on my way back to the house. I actually interrupted them as the wife was chastising her husband for the taking the "long" way by using the sidewalk when she would prefer to cut directly across the grass.

I said, "Excuse me, do you use this backyard as a walkway usually?" I got a gruff "Yeah, right to the church[across the street from my backyard]." I politely said, "Would it be alright if you didn't? This is a private residence now."

"Well, we've been doing it for years," he said. "Well, we live here now. And I would appreciate it if you didn't go through this way. I live here."

"Well," he mumbled, acting as if I was telling him that up was down and left was right. He struggled for words and motioned to the dealership, "A lot of people do it because you have the dealership next door." And...?

"Well, we would prefer if they didn't."

"Well, y'know..." he shrugged and they walked off. His wife remained stoically puzzled throughout the exchange.

This is one of a dozen or so instances we've had with people since we've lived here. Everyone seems so confused by this. It's a backyard, not a parking lot. I have never known anyone to cut through a backyard even if you didn't know it wasn't a 9-5 business. Or people to be so taken aback when called on it.

This calls for a fence, barbed wire, and attack dogs, if ever.

And, no, it's not the end of the world that people are doing it, but there's no reason that they should be. Walk the fuck around. And at least lie to me and say it won't happen again; don't argue when I say to get off my property.