Intruder alert: Dude in a wheelchair

I know, of course, that I should just be amused by the silliness of some people, and last year when Neighborhood Watch stalked me, I was.

But now, I am pissed off.

A car coming up Highland Avenue slowed then stopped right across from where I was letting Claren sniff some grass.

I was uncomfortable. I saw the magnet on the car door said Neighborhood Watch, but I don't like being stared at. I wasn't doing anything out of place ... unless you count being in a chair and walking a dog as out of place, but even so, a wheelchair bandit?

Because neither fight nor flight are options for me, I raised my hand in greeting. I was hoping this would show them that I support Neighborhood Watch and was not involved in any nefarious goings-on, and then they would drive on.

Instead, they kept staring.

All I can figure is that they wanted to see if I picked up after Claren. I didn't, but she did not do anything.

Finally, I said (yelled really because they heard): "Can I help you?" I figured this would embarrass them into driving on, too.

But no. They answered: "No, we're Neighborhood Watch," which explained it all. Because Neighborhood Watch is allowed to gawk openly at community members and make them feel like intruders in the neighborhood they have been a part of for 30 years.

And then they kept staring.