Jastef

We seem to have a major problem with solicitors these days. I suppose its because we live in a new neighborhood and lets face it, we're prime targets. Everyone knows we need our backyards landscaped, inside of our houses painted, new furniture, new window coverings, house cleaning, yard service, etc... the list really goes on and on.

We've had a couple people come by that we're actually thankful for - last week we bought one of the most beautiful oil paintings I've ever seen. We happened to be running out the door for a dinner date when he stopped by and it occurred to me (later on) how uncomfortable I would have been with him showing up 5 minutes later and bugging our baby sitter. It was already dark outside and she most likely would have been a bit scared. He was a nice guy and all, but still.

Anyway, when we lived in Livermore and I had quite a scare with an unfriendly solicitor. To this day I have no idea what on earth he was trying to sell, but I could not get rid of the guy. I went to the door (didn't open it, of course) asked what he wanted and then said "No thank you." He was banging on the kitchen window, telling me he could see me inside the house and all I needed to do was open the door and listen to the awesome deal he wanted to sell me. Ethan was a brand new baby and I was in no mood to be on the evening news, so I called my next door neighbor (who was a friend from church) and he came over to scare the weirdo off. So, I am a major fan of "NO Soliciting" signs.

Tonight, some guy came by our door (right at dinner time) soliciting the Sunday paper. I heard Jason say "No thanks" and this guy went from talking a mile a minute to 5 miles a minute. Craziness... and just plain rude. After dinner, we ventured over to Lowe's to buy a sign for our door - so cheap too, $4.00 and came home and proudly stuck that thing up there. I almost feel like I've gained some of my privacy back.

I went looking online tonight for "Soliciting Laws" just to be certain of what my rights are and found this link. If you care, have a read. Its nice to know what your rights are and who to call/what to do if they're violated.