Lucky.....

The other day Jake and I visited our local grocer.  It was just the two of us and he told me "it was just like old times," as he swung his hand in mine.   I agreed, and told him that I missed those times, when he and I would shop and spend time alone together.  Because he is so persuasive and generally complimentary, he talked me into a delightful pot of shamrocks, which someone had generously dusted with golden glitter.  Jake is a true March baby and cannot resist anything green or Marchish.  And besides we are 1/16 Irish so it would have been unpatriotic not to buy them, regardless of the tight economy.   Since that day this pot of shamrocks has adorned our kitchen sink bringing us the hope of good luck.

And wouldn't you know it, we needed it.  Yesterday was such a beautiful day that the kids and I went out back for some baseball.  We also took mercy on our Copper dog, and let her out of the kennel to soak up some sun.  And now, I must ask you a question.  What is your opinion of the "sanctity of the backyard?"  I ask this because Copper had not been gone for more than a few minutes when she comes running into the backyard with a man following her.  He was medium build, slight frame, bald, wearing a navy blue long sleeved cotton henley, jeans, and ray ban sunglasses.  I would put him in his late forties to early fifties, and I had never seen him before in my life.  He asked me how I am doing, and the kids immediately gathered in behind me as if they were closing ranks.  It was weird.  Turns out, much to our chagrin, he was animal control and had seen Copper on the road.  We talk, he asks me if she's licensed, and blah, blah, blah.  But the whole time I am super nervous because he has violated the sanctity of the backyard.  The lucky shamrocks kicked in and we were let off with a warning, thankfully, but what is with some stranger going in your backyard?  I thought that was bad form.  What are your thoughts.....