Our home sits back from the main road behind a couple of acres of trees. There is a white signpost that states our name and the house number at the road and the mailbox likewise sports our address. This information does not appear to be a deterrent to folks who really ought to be visiting next door. Peoples’ general defense is that they saw the white sign and turned in to our road thinking that they had arrived at the correct location. The neighbor has a similar sign but is up the road a piece. Since our sign appears first, so do the vehicles.
The home owner next door does not occupy the place full time. He rents the home to weekenders for a hefty fee while he opts to stay away during tourist season. On one occasion, I walked out the front door to visit the peonies just as a little white minivan had pulled up and half a dozen people alit with their bags in tow. Ever mindful that perhaps I was losing my cognizant abilities in my old age, I quizzically scanned their smiling faces and realized that I did not know a single one of them. The driver asked if I was ready for the guests. Um, no. While they stood, smiling politely and aimlessly looking over the grounds, the driver and I quickly ascertained that they belonged at the rental house next door. Apparently they were to attend a wedding on the island and the house had been rented for them. Back in the van they went, a couple of faces somewhat irritated that I had refused them entry, although the no, they could not use our bathroom may have added to their pettish mood.
Last week I looked out the kitchen window, observing three summery dressed ladies chatting loudly about the spectacular view as they wandered around the back patio. Somewhat bemused, I walked out of the kitchen and said hello. They turned to face me, a bit horror stricken. One of the ladies asked, “can we be at the wrong address?” I certainly hoped so, albeit they did look very congenial sorts. After introductions, and embarrassed laughter all around, it was determined that they indeed belonged next door.
And yesterday I heard noises out back. After investigating the source, I noticed the pool guys outside were opening our pool. I called the pool company to ask what that was about since they are not supposed to be here until the first week of June. Ooops. They were supposed to be next door opening that pool early ‘cause it is heated. We, on the other hand, wait until the sun does the job for us.
Commiserating about all the unlawful entries with another neighbor, she allowed as to how at least our intruders were repentant and left quietly. She had the unpleasant task of ousting a small family who had driven to the house, then prepared a picnic for themselves on her lawn. They thought the view quite lovely so they chose her waterfront to enjoy their afternoon. She explained that her home was not a park and to please get out. More heated conversations ensued until her husband appeared, rifle in hand. That story beat my stories.
Today I saw a For Sale sign on the next door rental so hopefully these mistaken entries will end soon or someone will make an outlandish offer on our home.
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