When I lived in Austin, my SO had an Open House policy, and people REALLY took advantage of the constant stream of food. That didn't bother me. And SO's son was always bringing all his buddies and girlfriends over. Still no biggie.
But when they started bugging my chickens, messing with the garden, I turned it around on them. I put their happy little behinds to work, telling them we'll open the grill when the jobs are done! And for occasional lazy one, I saved the coop. Some left, most started coming to see how "their" little chickie was doing, all started learning a bit of chicken keeping and gardening. The ones who didn't like it learned not to come.
Lesson #1 was "If we're not here, don't come through that gate. Period. Anyone broke that rule, they got a strip of hide removed by me.
Lesson #2- this isn't a party, here, give me a hand with this, will ya- oops, sorry about the white pants.......
Lesson #3- hang up, and no, you can't use my computer, my phone, my truck or my tools.
I'm sure there were more that came up- I basically did the mother hen thing, with a little drill sargeant thrown in! The guys started bring their "dates" around for my approval, THAT was funny- I could run the icky-poo ones off fast, and the girls got a sometimes sympathetic ear and some life lessons.
All in all, it was fun, and funny, in hindsight! They still go by the house to visit with SO, and even bring their kids along!
ETA, sorry, I got a little carried away on fond memories there! Mother, if anything, you are ahead of the times- if times get tougher, you will be the one they come begging to- Deal with them if you must, semi-politely, of course- and keep the shotgun behind the door! I do!
