In article > ,
"Edwin Pawlowski" > wrote:

> "itsjoannotjoann" > wrote in message
> >
> I don't mind people having the handicap stickers/placards/plates at
> all. There are some who truly need to be parking in those spaces.
> Then there's a girl I work with who's aunt is a deaf mute and the aunt
> has a placard to park in those places. Yes, she is 'handicapped' but
> it has nothing to do with her ability to walk. She's a huge fan of
> yard sales and flea markets and never misses one.
>
> You have to wonder about her doctor. You need a doctor to sign off on the
> application and evidently hers is over liberal on the reasons for using
> one. Unethical, IMO. She does not have a mobility problem.

Perhaps you should talk to her doctor about it.

Handicapped people do not necessarily have a mobility problem, as far as
being able to walk. I don't know any deaf people, but I've read that
they have problems walking in parking lots or across streets. Drivers
just assume that pedestrians can hear them. Deaf people can't. There
is some (ridiculous) talk about putting noise generators on electric
cars, because people just can't hear them, and walk right in front of
them.

--
Dan Abel
Petaluma, California USA

John Kane wrote:

> It is a pain. I cycle and people are nice enough to wave me through a
> turn. I'd much prefer to wait but I sometimes go ahead just to be nice.

Watch out. I was out cycling one day and approached an intersection from the
left. There was a car coming straight through. I signalled my left turn. He
stopped and waved me through. The car coming from the left was facing a stop
sign. As I was making my turn she went. I hit her front fender and flew about 20
feet through the air.

The old biddy was adamant that the accident was my fault. I pointed out that she
was the one with the stop sign. She said "I did stop and yield the right of way,
but then you cut in front of me while I was executing my turn."

Luckily, I landed in the grass and was not hurt. It would have been really
embarassing if I was because I had forgetten my helmet that day. I always wore
the helmet, and I have ever since. As I was flying through the air I pictured the
helmet hanging in the closet. :-(

In article >,
"jmcquown" > wrote:

> "Edwin Pawlowski" > wrote in message
> t...
> >
> > "itsjoannotjoann" > wrote in message
> >>
> > I don't mind people having the handicap stickers/placards/plates at
> > all. There are some who truly need to be parking in those spaces.
> > Then there's a girl I work with who's aunt is a deaf mute and the aunt
> > has a placard to park in those places. Yes, she is 'handicapped' but
> > it has nothing to do with her ability to walk. She's a huge fan of
> > yard sales and flea markets and never misses one.
> >
> > You have to wonder about her doctor. You need a doctor to sign off on the
> > application and evidently hers is over liberal on the reasons for using
> > one. Unethical, IMO. She does not have a mobility problem.

> I have to agree, Ed. True, deafness is a handicap but it doesn't mean the
> person gets to park closest to the front door of the shop.


And here we see the true colors of the personalities that Nancy was
posting about. People are *jealous* of the handicapped? Would Jill be
happy if some thug broke her legs in so many places that it couldn't be
fixed, and she too could park in a handicapped spot? I would rather
walk a little farther than be handicapped.

--
Dan Abel
Petaluma, California USA

"Dan Abel" > wrote

> "Edwin Pawlowski" > wrote:
>
>> "itsjoannotjoann" > wrote in message
>> >
>> I don't mind people having the handicap stickers/placards/plates at
>> all. There are some who truly need to be parking in those spaces.
>> Then there's a girl I work with who's aunt is a deaf mute and the aunt
>> has a placard to park in those places. Yes, she is 'handicapped' but
>> it has nothing to do with her ability to walk. She's a huge fan of
>> yard sales and flea markets and never misses one.
>>
>> You have to wonder about her doctor. You need a doctor to sign off on the
>> application and evidently hers is over liberal on the reasons for using
>> one. Unethical, IMO. She does not have a mobility problem.

> Handicapped people do not necessarily have a mobility problem, as far as
> being able to walk. I don't know any deaf people, but I've read that
> they have problems walking in parking lots or across streets. Drivers
> just assume that pedestrians can hear them. Deaf people can't.

I don't know if something's changed, but I don't rely on my hearing
when I step into any area I share with cars. Street, parking lot,
whatever. I assume the driver doesn't see me, or isn't paying
attention or they just drive like crap. I have a lot more to lose being
the pedestrian.

When I was a kid, there was Stop and Look along with the Listen.

nancy (looks out)

sf wrote:

>
> I've never had a backing up incident, but I clearly remember waiting
> *forever* for a car to back out of a parking spot only to have a car
> behind me go around as if passing and go directly into the space as
> soon as the backing up car cleared it. ZOOOM

I almost had a backing accident in a company van. I was on my way to a
coffee shop and because the van was so long and awkard I opted to back
into a space near the front. I had pulled into the lot, then turned out to
get lined up for the space was packing in. Some bimbo came flying in and,
istead of stopping and waiting got me to get into the space, veered in
around behind me. She had to swerve partway through the parking space to
get by.

It got worse. It was bad enough that I was in uniform so I had to restrain
myself and not say what I would have if on my own time. An elderly couple
was on the way in the door when this broad raced up to the door. The old
man, being a proper gentleman, held the door open for her. Needless to
say, once inside she did not hold open the inner door for the old couple.

So now she is at the front of the line. She was umming and aahing over the
selection of donuts.... one of those..... two of those, one of
those....... then she orders something toasted, which could have been
toasting while she was selecting the donuts. Finally she gets her order.
The girl ot the counter rings up the sale and tells her the total. She
stood there with a stunned expression on her face, as if surprised that
she was expected to pay. So she started looking through her purse for he
wallet, got her wallet and had to rummage thorugh that for her money. She
didn't have enough money to pay for it, so then she had to waste more of
our time figuring out which things she didn't want so she could afford it.

People that stunned should be put out on a rock at birth.


>
>
> Believe me, this is not a story of a dottering old fool... it happened
> when I was in my twenties.
>
> In any case, your story sounds like two handicapped bullies to me (or
> more likely, they were drivers of handicapped people) - but you didn't
> say how many were in each car. Don't forget that handicapped
> stickers/placards and handicapped parking spaces are regularly abused.
>
> --
> See return address to reply by email
> remove the smile first

In article >,
"jmcquown" > wrote:


> alarms sound, that sort of thing. I still haven't figured out why there's
> braille on the drive-thru ATM buttons...

Just a wild guess, but if I designed and maintained ATMs, I'd make them
all the same, whether they were for pedestrians or drivers. The braille
shouldn't bother drivers, anyway. When the keypad breaks down, the
repair person only has to stock one kind of replacement, rather than a
separate drive-through and walk-up keypad.

--
Dan Abel
Petaluma, California USA

John Kane wrote:

>
> Never on a cargo bike but happens a fair bit on my bike. I will go ahead
> when it's obvious that there is no traffic. However it seems to me
> drivers are getting better about letting bikes take their proper turn.

The bikes around here are worse than the cars. It is a wonder that more of
them don't get killed. They rarely stop for stop signs. We get groups of
them riding aorund here practising for races. They drive along the coutnry
roads in goups of 12 or more, 2 and 3 across. They will not move over for
cars. When they get to intersections with stop signs they all just keep on
going, even if there are cars coming.

I almost clipped one with my car last summer. I had signalled my turn and
stopped for a stop sign. A bicyclist was coming the other way. I assumed,
incorrectly, that she was going to stop. I started to turn and she came
sailing right through. She probably thought I was in the wrong to blast the
horn at her.

Dan Abel wrote:

> tAnd here we see the true colors of the personalities that Nancy was
> posting about. People are *jealous* of the handicapped? Would Jill be
> happy if some thug broke her legs in so many places that it couldn't be
> fixed, and she too could park in a handicapped spot? I would rather
> walk a little farther than be handicapped.

I am all in favour of handicapped spaces for those who truly ned them. They are
badly abused. Too many people are under the impression that if they have one for
someone in their family who is handicapped that thay can use them themselves. It
never ceases to amaze me when I go to the local Y and see all 10 nadicapped
spaces taken up. I have seen people arrive, park in a handicapped space, walk
into the building and do a complete workout and then walk back to the car. If
they are capable of doing all that, they are not handicapped enough to need a
special parking space.

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:

>
>
> You have to wonder about her doctor. You need a doctor to sign off on the
> application and evidently hers is over liberal on the reasons for using
> one. Unethical, IMO. She does not have a mobility problem.

There was a woman whining in the local newspaper recently that she can't get
one. She has an attention deficit kid and thinks that it is a safety issue
because they kid might step in front of a car or something. The kid
apparently has no physical handicap. I wonder how she thinks other parents
deal with multiple children. Surely it is harder to deal with 2 or more
toddlers than it is for one AD kid. heaven forbid she use trips to the store
are rewards to good behaviour and make the kid stay home if he doesn't
behave.

Dave Smith wrote:
>
> John Kane wrote:
>
> > Never on a cargo bike but happens a fair bit on my bike. I will go ahead
> > when it's obvious that there is no traffic. However it seems to me
> > drivers are getting better about letting bikes take their proper turn.
>
> The bikes around here are worse than the cars. It is a wonder that more of
> them don't get killed. They rarely stop for stop signs. We get groups of
> them riding aorund here practising for races. They drive along the coutnry
> roads in goups of 12 or more, 2 and 3 across. They will not move over for
> cars. When they get to intersections with stop signs they all just keep on
> going, even if there are cars coming.

Exactly the same thing here, but I don't think they're
practicing for races. Though they do tend to wear the
same uniforms, so maybe you're right.
>
> I almost clipped one with my car last summer. I had signalled my turn and
> stopped for a stop sign. A bicyclist was coming the other way. I assumed,
> incorrectly, that she was going to stop. I started to turn and she came
> sailing right through. She probably thought I was in the wrong to blast
> the horn at her.

That could happen around the corner from me, any day
of the week. The only time they stop for a sign is
when it would be dangerous for them to proceed,
whether or not a sign was present. They seem to
take perverse pride in blocking my ability to make a
right turn, even when all it would take would be to
move a safe distance aside.

I can understand not stopping completely at a stop
sign, because it takes a lot of energy to get going
again. I've been thinking about inventing some kind
of spring-clutch-reverser system for storing the
energy from braking, so that they could get a fast
start from a stop.

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:

>
> >I was referring to "stupid and inconsiderate", not mentally ill. And by the
> way, since when would a mentally ill person get a handicapped tag, and why?

If they are that crazy they should not be driving.

Puester wrote:

>
> I have a cousin who had a leg amputated due to a brain aneurysm.
> She has manged to get around well enough so she doesn't attract
> attention but often has people tell her off when she parks in a
> handicap space, She has told more than one "Do I need to take
> off my artificial leg to shut you up?"

A friend of ours lost a leg in a cycling accident. We were at a party at
as mutal friend's house and she had parked on the street a few doors down.
An old lady came out and told her she could not park there, claiming that
she was handicapped and if someone came to pick her up she needed that
spot vacant . There was a driveway beside her house. Our friend said she
was tempted to take off her leg and beat the old bag with it.

enigma wrote:

>
>
> not only that, but walking is *good* for you. when my mom was
> diagnosed with arthritis in her 50s, her doctor told her to
> take up walking or cross country skiing, anything to get her
> out & moving. she didn't want to exercise. she became more &
> more frail & recently died at age 83. since *her* mother, who
> was very active, lived to 102, i really think the lack of
> exercise was the reason behind mom's rapid decline.

As my wife's physiotherpaist told her...... Motion is Lotion.
When she first developed arthiritis in her back she was given an
exercise regime to follow and advised to walk. She gets uup in the
morning, does her ezxercise and then takes the dog for a 1Km walk.It has
doen wonders for her.

"Dan Abel" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> "jmcquown" > wrote:
>
>> "Edwin Pawlowski" > wrote in message
>> t...
>> >
>> > "itsjoannotjoann" > wrote in message
>> >>
>> > I don't mind people having the handicap stickers/placards/plates at
>> > all. There are some who truly need to be parking in those spaces.
>> > Then there's a girl I work with who's aunt is a deaf mute and the aunt
>> > has a placard to park in those places. Yes, she is 'handicapped' but
>> > it has nothing to do with her ability to walk. She's a huge fan of
>> > yard sales and flea markets and never misses one.
>> >
>> > You have to wonder about her doctor. You need a doctor to sign off on
>> > the
>> > application and evidently hers is over liberal on the reasons for
>> > using
>> > one. Unethical, IMO. She does not have a mobility problem.
>
>> I have to agree, Ed. True, deafness is a handicap but it doesn't mean
>> the
>> person gets to park closest to the front door of the shop.
>
>
> And here we see the true colors of the personalities that Nancy was
> posting about. People are *jealous* of the handicapped? Would Jill be
> happy if some thug broke her legs in so many places that it couldn't be
> fixed, and she too could park in a handicapped spot? I would rather
> walk a little farther than be handicapped.
>
> --
> Dan Abel
> Petaluma, California USA
>
How the hell did you derive that from my reply to Ed's post?! I have no
problem walking some distance through a parking lot; in fact I'd much rather
park as far away from some of the nuts who think they're entitled to two
parking spots for their precious SUV. I certainly don't begrudge someone
with mobility problems having the parking spaces closest to the door.
You're losing it, Dan.

Jill

"Andy" <q> wrote in message ...
> Edwin Pawlowski said...
>
>>
>> "Andy" <q> wrote in message
>>>
>>> I'm not deaf but they're NOT handicapped! A fortunate feature, if you
>>> ask me!!!
>>>
>>
>> If you think it is a benefit, simply hammer a couple of nails in your
>> ears and you too can reap the benefits of hearing loss. Report back
>> when you do.
>
>
> Not funny!
>
> Andy

Neither was your comment that being deaf is a benefit, Andy.

Jill

MG wrote:

> what about one of those battery powered ride-on scooters? though they can be
> a bit of a menace when driven on the road (would you believe it??) most
> people drive them on footpaths, carefully and considerately

Those thigns can be dangerous. There is a guy in one of those things that
terrorizes people with his. He has a bad attitude. He hangs out there all the
time and taked out his frustrations by attackng people with his scooter. I once
saw him steer away from a nice clear area nd go charging toward a group of
people coming toward me. They had to jump out if his way. I stopped and stooed
my ground and then told him if I ever saw him do that again I would push him and
his scooter down the stairs.

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
. ..
>
> "Dan Abel" > wrote
>
>> "Edwin Pawlowski" > wrote:
>>
>>> "itsjoannotjoann" > wrote in message
>>> >
>>> I don't mind people having the handicap stickers/placards/plates at
>>> all. There are some who truly need to be parking in those spaces.
>>> Then there's a girl I work with who's aunt is a deaf mute and the aunt
>>> has a placard to park in those places. Yes, she is 'handicapped' but
>>> it has nothing to do with her ability to walk. She's a huge fan of
>>> yard sales and flea markets and never misses one.
>>>
>>> You have to wonder about her doctor. You need a doctor to sign off on
>>> the
>>> application and evidently hers is over liberal on the reasons for using
>>> one. Unethical, IMO. She does not have a mobility problem.
>
>> Handicapped people do not necessarily have a mobility problem, as far as
>> being able to walk. I don't know any deaf people, but I've read that
>> they have problems walking in parking lots or across streets. Drivers
>> just assume that pedestrians can hear them. Deaf people can't.
>
> I don't know if something's changed, but I don't rely on my hearing
> when I step into any area I share with cars. Street, parking lot,
> whatever. I assume the driver doesn't see me, or isn't paying
> attention or they just drive like crap. I have a lot more to lose being
> the pedestrian.
>
> When I was a kid, there was Stop and Look along with the Listen.
>
> nancy (looks out)
There's so much extraneous noise in a parking lot from nearby traffic, the
occasional siren and/or car alarms, I certainly rely more on my eyes than
anything else. And I don't trust anyone to "stop for pedestrian" in the
walkway to the store just because there's a sign that says so.

Jill

Nancy Young wrote:

>
> Oh, if there's anything to karma, she'll be paid back. No matter
> what the problem was, she should keep her trap shut.

You gotta love Karma. Last spring I was over at my brothers making arrangements
for our mother's memorial service. My SiL felt compelled to put in her two cents
worth because, as she said, she didn't want to have to sit through a long boring
service. I was seething inside but kept my cool. Her own mother had been failing
for some time. Even more ironic, their son had gone down to pick up her mother
at the nursing home to bring her over there for dinner and the old girl dropped
dead on the way to the car.

Mark Thorson wrote:

>
>
> I can understand not stopping completely at a stop
> sign, because it takes a lot of energy to get going
> again. I've been thinking about inventing some kind
> of spring-clutch-reverser system for storing the
> energy from braking, so that they could get a fast
> start from a stop.

I will confess to not always stopping at stop signs around here. I am in a rural
area and traffic is usually light, but I do slow down and watch for cars. If
there is a car anywhere near the intersection I stop. I know that the cars often
fail to stop, and I am the one who will get the worst of it. Most of the group
cyclers don't even slow down for Stop signs. A number of them have been hit.

<sf> wrote in message ...
> On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 09:30:05 GMT, "Julie Bove" >
> wrote:
>
>>I have a walker and *knock wood* I haven't had to use it for a while. It
>>actually wears me out to have to keep lifting it and setting it down again
>>and it's next to impossible to carry a purse or anything else when using
>>it.
>>Plus it makes me walk extra slowly and that seems to tire my legs out even
>>more.
>
> Have you considered a walker with wheels?
> http://www.maxiaids.com/store/prodVi...idproduct=1137
> this one has a seat
> http://www.valuemedicalsupplies.com/night.htm

No because I have no sense of balance whatever. I once had a shopping cart
and lost it on a slight hill. I stumbled and stumbled, tripping and falling
and grabbing for the cart until I literally hit our van. That wasn't fun.
I know I would fall over with a walker on wheels. At least the shopping
cart has some weight to it. Those wheeled walkers are lightweight.

"Kathleen" > wrote in message
...

> It sounds like you need a wheeled walker with hand brakes and a built-in
> seat. This video gives an excellent demonstration of all the
> possibilities.
>
> http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=GgM0jXi7HaA

I didn't know there were any with brakes on them. But for the most part the
wheels wouldn't help me. And there would still be the issue of my purse. I
am lost without my purse.

"John Kane" > wrote in message
...
> Julie Bove wrote:
>
>>
>> I have a walker and *knock wood* I haven't had to use it for a while. It
>> actually wears me out to have to keep lifting it and setting it down
>> again and it's next to impossible to carry a purse or anything else when
>> using it. Plus it makes me walk extra slowly and that seems to tire my
>> legs out even more.
>>
>> I tried a wheelchair. Due to my various medical problems the motion of
>> it makes me really sick to my stomach and I feel disoriented in it. I
>> just hope I never get bad enough to have to use one or I'll be a mess.
>
> Have a look at the 4-wheeled walkers http://www.companionwalker.com/ . A
> friend with bad knees has one and it works great for him. They are fairly
> common around.
>
> I like the look of the one with handbrakes (Model PD-14) if you are not
> sure about balance since you can control rolling even if you cannot brace
> your feet. The basket is very handy for all sorts of shopping etc.

Thanks.

"kilikini" > wrote in message
...
> jmcquown wrote:
>> "Edwin Pawlowski" > wrote in message
>> t...
>>>
>>> "itsjoannotjoann" > wrote in message
>>>>
>>> I don't mind people having the handicap stickers/placards/plates at
>>> all. There are some who truly need to be parking in those spaces.
>>> Then there's a girl I work with who's aunt is a deaf mute and the
>>> aunt has a placard to park in those places. Yes, she is
>>> 'handicapped' but it has nothing to do with her ability to walk. She's
>>> a huge fan of
>>> yard sales and flea markets and never misses one.
>>>
>>> You have to wonder about her doctor. You need a doctor to sign off
>>> on the application and evidently hers is over liberal on the
>>> reasons for using one. Unethical, IMO. She does not have a
>>> mobility problem.
>> I have to agree, Ed. True, deafness is a handicap but it doesn't
>> mean the person gets to park closest to the front door of the shop.
>>
>> Jill
>
> I wanted to apply for a handicap sticker after my second surgery when my
> lower abdominal muscles were removed and I know I would have qualified. I
> still walk all hunched over and walk really slowly, but I decided it was
> better for me to try to push myself, so I never applied. I just grab onto
> my husband's beltloop on his pants as he walks forward and propels me.
> LOL. I'm sure it looks funny, but hey, it's our form of cheap therapy!
> :~)

For years I had to hold someone's hand for balance. I couldn't go anywhere
by myself because I couldn't walk by myself. If I had the misfortune to be
with someone who didn't realize I needed them for balance, I would be stuck
standing there, attempting to right myself and at the most, inching my way
along. Very annoying.

"Dan Abel" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> "jmcquown" > wrote:
>
>> "Edwin Pawlowski" > wrote in message
>> t...
>> >
>> > "itsjoannotjoann" > wrote in message
>> >>
>> > I don't mind people having the handicap stickers/placards/plates at
>> > all. There are some who truly need to be parking in those spaces.
>> > Then there's a girl I work with who's aunt is a deaf mute and the aunt
>> > has a placard to park in those places. Yes, she is 'handicapped' but
>> > it has nothing to do with her ability to walk. She's a huge fan of
>> > yard sales and flea markets and never misses one.
>> >
>> > You have to wonder about her doctor. You need a doctor to sign off on
>> > the
>> > application and evidently hers is over liberal on the reasons for
>> > using
>> > one. Unethical, IMO. She does not have a mobility problem.
>
>> I have to agree, Ed. True, deafness is a handicap but it doesn't mean
>> the
>> person gets to park closest to the front door of the shop.
>
>
> And here we see the true colors of the personalities that Nancy was
> posting about. People are *jealous* of the handicapped? Would Jill be
> happy if some thug broke her legs in so many places that it couldn't be
> fixed, and she too could park in a handicapped spot? I would rather
> walk a little farther than be handicapped.

There actually are some people who are jealous but they don't know the full
picture. They have visions of us lolling around in bed all day or sitting
on the couch watching TV and eating bonbons. They pay no mind to the
constant pain we might be in, or the fact that we can't just go out and do
whatever we want when we want to, or that the money we receive on disability
is not enough to live on, or that sometimes getting through the day and
doing simple tasks like dishes, laundry or even cooking dinner can be next
to impossible.

"Puester" > wrote

> Nancy Young wrote:

>> I think some of the meanness surrounding handicapped spots comes
>> from people's desperation to park as close as possible! to the front
>> door. I mean people with no handicap.

> The whole crux is that you can't TELL if a person has a handicap
> just by looking.

I'm talking about people I've been in the car with ... I don't know why,
but a lot of people really feel it's important to get close to the door.
It was the same way where I worked, people would park in spots
they weren't supposed to so they wouldn't have to walk. Not
handicapped people hiding some injury.

> There are millions of people out there with painful
> backs or knees or feet who don't think they are "entitled" to a
> handicap placard or who are in denial about how bad they are so
> they cruise looking for a close parking spot to save themselves
> a few extra steps of pain. (Don't ask how I know this!)

I'm sorry to hear that.

> I have a cousin who had a leg amputated due to a brain aneurysm.
> She has manged to get around well enough so she doesn't attract
> attention but often has people tell her off when she parks in a
> handicap space, She has told more than one "Do I need to take
> off my artificial leg to shut you up?"

I promise I do not going around harassing, eyeing or otherwise even
noticing who parks in handicapped spots. I do notice cars clogging
the rows because someone might be leaving any minute now and if
they just wait, it's closer! Frankly, there are usually a lot of empty
handicapped spots where I live, I think they might regulate places
have more than is needed.

Heh, your cousin would not have had to threaten me with her
detachable limb.

nancy

Julie Bove wrote:

> There actually are some people who are jealous but they don't know the full
> picture. They have visions of us lolling around in bed all day or sitting
> on the couch watching TV and eating bonbons.

I confess to being somewhat envious of those pikers who actually get away with
pulling the wool over people's eyes to get time off work and disability
pensions. I worked with a guy who was trying to figure out how to get disabilty
for a enjury that could not be disproved. He decided on a back injury. He ended
up with light duty and a 10% disability pension. He didn't have to do the dirty
part of our job and made a lot more money (not) doing it.

I worked with another guy who claimed to have a degenerative disease that
caused a lot of pain. He too got light duty. One Monday morning he showed up at
work all banged up and bruised. He had been doing a concrete job on the weekend
and the power trowel got away from him. He was so ill that he got light duty at
work, but moonlighted doing work that was much more strenous than his regular
job duties.

People like that give a bad name to those with legitimat problems, and we all
know people like that.


> They pay no mind to the
> constant pain we might be in, or the fact that we can't just go out and do
> whatever we want when we want to, or that the money we receive on disability
> is not enough to live on, or that sometimes getting through the day and
> doing simple tasks like dishes, laundry or even cooking dinner can be next
> to impossible.

"MG" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Nancy Young" > wrote in message
> . ..
>>
>> "Dan Abel" > wrote
>>
>>> "Julie Bove" > wrote:
>>
>>>> Would be nice in some instances though like going to the fair. Not
>>>> that I
>>>> think I will be going there again any time too soon. Once through the
>>>> gates it is hard for me to get around. I spend my time looking from
>>>> seat to
>>>> seat and the amount of walking I have to do there leaves me laid up for
>>>> a
>>>> couple of weeks afterwards.
>>>
>>> Have you thought about a wheelchair or walker? I believe some walkers
>>> have built-in seats. Either way, you can always find a seat, since you
>>> brought it with you.
>>
>> Or the previously mentioned granny cart with seat. Handy.
>> I could have used that at one time, for sure.
>>
>> nancy
>
> what about one of those battery powered ride-on scooters? though they can
> be a bit of a menace when driven on the road (would you believe it??) most
> people drive them on footpaths, carefully and considerately

Husband wanted to get me one of those but we can't afford it for starters.
Would have no place to store it where we could easily get it in and out.
And we live far enough away from places that it wouldn't do me much good.
Yeah, I could take it to the mailbox, but where else? No place else close
enough and it wouldn't fit in the van. We'd have to get some other kind of
vehicle (big van?) and have it modified in some way with a ramp or something
to get it in and out. Not really an option.

<sf> wrote in message ...
> On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 06:15:14 GMT, "Julie Bove" >
> wrote:
>
>>I haven't tried
>>to get a handicapped sticker because too many times I have seen people
>>being
>>harassed for parking in there when they don't appear to be handicapped.
>
> I have *never* seen anyone harassed for parking in a handicapped spot
> just because they didn't "look" like they needed it. In fact, I've
> never seen anyone harassed at all. Is this yet another example of
> what people who say "it's not my place to judge" do?

I've seen it and I know people who do it. They seem to make a career out of
approaching people who don't look handicapped and harass them for taking a
spot they shouldn't have. I know there are all sorts of things that aren't
visible. A heart condition is one such. I would never do such a thing.

"Dan Abel" > wrote in message
...
> In article > ,
> "Edwin Pawlowski" > wrote:
>
>> "itsjoannotjoann" > wrote in message
>> >
>> I don't mind people having the handicap stickers/placards/plates at
>> all. There are some who truly need to be parking in those spaces.
>> Then there's a girl I work with who's aunt is a deaf mute and the aunt
>> has a placard to park in those places. Yes, she is 'handicapped' but
>> it has nothing to do with her ability to walk. She's a huge fan of
>> yard sales and flea markets and never misses one.
>>
>> You have to wonder about her doctor. You need a doctor to sign off on the
>> application and evidently hers is over liberal on the reasons for using
>> one. Unethical, IMO. She does not have a mobility problem.
>
> Perhaps you should talk to her doctor about it.
>
> Handicapped people do not necessarily have a mobility problem, as far as
> being able to walk. I don't know any deaf people, but I've read that
> they have problems walking in parking lots or across streets. Drivers
> just assume that pedestrians can hear them. Deaf people can't. There
> is some (ridiculous) talk about putting noise generators on electric
> cars, because people just can't hear them, and walk right in front of
> them.

It has nothing to do with deaf people.

Without noise how will a BLIND person know a electic car is cumming.

Robert

> --
> Dan Abel
> Petaluma, California USA
>

In article > ,
Edwin Pawlowski > wrote:
>
>"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>> My problem is I can't walk very far or stand for very long. I haven't
>> tried to get a handicapped sticker because too many times I have seen
>> people being harassed for parking in there when they don't appear to be
>> handicapped. I can just envision myself having to stand there and explain
>> what all my medical problems are while my legs are locking up on my from
>> standing in one spot for too long. So I just hope for the best, and most
>> of the time I am able to get a spot next to the handicapped or fairly
>> close.
>
>If you qualify, your doctor will fill out his section of the paperwork. Who
>cares what other people think?

Absolutely!

>Yes, the placards are abused but there are
>plenty of people that appear to be healthy but cannot walk a distance for
>some reason.

Two words: Invisible Disability.

People who don't realize they exist will probably get a rude awakening at
some point in their lives.

(And having had a debilitating illness that I "didn't look sick" during,
with bad negative consequences, I'm personally inclined to give others
slack. Karma will catch up with the cheaters in my opinion.)

>I've seen people sneer at the fact that the handicapped person
>had a nice car too.

Yes, some people are just jerks.

Shouldn't keep you from getting a placard if you qualify.

ObFood: Fed my young friend Goldfish crackers during coffee hour - yay
fish! He ate them all up.

Charlotte


--

"Edwin Pawlowski" > wrote in message
t...
>
> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>> My problem is I can't walk very far or stand for very long.
>> I haven't tried to get a handicapped sticker because too many
>> times I have seen people being harassed for parking in there
>> when they don't appear to be handicapped. I can just
>> envision myself having to stand there and explain what all my
>> medical problems are while my legs are locking up on my from
>> standing in one spot for too long. So I just hope for the
>> best, and most of the time I am able to get a spot next to
>> the handicapped or fairly close.
>
> If you qualify, your doctor will fill out his section of the
> paperwork. Who cares what other people think? Yes, the
> placards are abused but there are plenty of people that appear
> to be healthy but cannot walk a distance for some reason.
> I've seen people sneer at the fact that the handicapped person
> had a nice car too.
It's envy of course. The thought has been known to go thro' my
mind that how can a person with crutches enjoy driving a
high-powered Jaguar. Then it occurs to me "Why the hell not?"
and it's probably psychologically good for them to have control
over a capable machine. There is even a form of therapy where
disabled people are taught to ride and control horses.



--
Jim Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

In article >,
"The Ranger" > wrote:
>
> ObFood: Apricot Ham with a large helping scalloped potatoes.
>
> The Ranger

What is Apricot Ham, Ranger? Sounds good. Ham with some kind
apricot-based glaze or sauce?
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com;pics of my no-knead bread posted
Laissez les bons temps rouler!

"enigma" > wrote in message
. ..
> Blinky the Shark > wrote in
> news >
>> Hey, it this a new thing in signage, or have I just not
>> noticed it?
>>
>> A stop sign with a subsign that says cars on the cross
>> street don't stop.
>>
>> http://blinkynet.net/stuff/stop.jpg
>
> i've never seen one of those. where do you live?
>
>> Uh......for what, maybe 80 years now, hasn't STOP meant
>> "STOP", not "STOP LIKE ALL OTHER DIRECTIONS ARE DOING"?
>> The other street not stopping is the default, innit?
>> Unless, of course a sign *states* "4-WAY" (but of course
>> then it's not a default situation).
>
> is it possible that the intersection was formerly a 4 way
> stop, but changed recently to improve traffic flow?
> it amazes me how many people don't understand the procedure
> for a 4 way intersection anyway. it's not "I got here first!"

Yes, it is. Do you think you have to wait for someone else to get there,
before you go?

Dave

On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:19:47 +0000 (UTC),
(Charlotte L. Blackmer) wrote:

>In article > ,
>Edwin Pawlowski > wrote:

>>If you qualify, your doctor will fill out his section of the paperwork. Who
>>cares what other people think?
>
>Absolutely!
>
>>Yes, the placards are abused but there are
>>plenty of people that appear to be healthy but cannot walk a distance for
>>some reason.
>
>Two words: Invisible Disability.

I have a handicapped placard. I have two replaced hips, and while I
can walk just fine now, I still have a problem with steps. Most
people don't see that, as I don't go up and down steps that much. My
doctor had no problem filling out my application.

And I don't care what others think. I use the regular spots when I
can, but if there are steps involved, I go for the handicap ones. I
am trying to walk further and further, but the muscles in my thighs
are just not good now. And my knees are not good: my kneecaps
subluxate/dislocate and steps put a strain on them. People have no
idea of this looking at me, but who cares.

Christine

enigma wrote on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:17:23 +0000 (UTC):

??>> Hey, it this a new thing in signage, or have I just not
??>> noticed it?
??>>
??>> A stop sign with a subsign that says cars on the cross
??>> street don't stop.
??>>
??>> http://blinkynet.net/stuff/stop.jpg

e> i've never seen one of those. where do you live?

??>> Uh......for what, maybe 80 years now, hasn't STOP meant
??>> "STOP", not "STOP LIKE ALL OTHER DIRECTIONS ARE DOING"?
??>> The other street not stopping is the default, innit?
??>> Unless, of course a sign *states* "4-WAY" (but of course
??>> then it's not a default situation).

e> is it possible that the intersection was formerly a 4 way
e> stop, but changed recently to improve traffic flow?
e> it amazes me how many people don't understand the procedure
e> for a 4 way intersection anyway. it's not "I got here
e> first!"

Yes, it is! First in, first out. You'll make yourself very
unpopular around here if you ignore it. That being said, most
people are willing to give someone else the benefit of the doubt
and there can be a series of wavings-on until someone decides to
accept it.

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

E-mail, with obvious alterations:
not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

In article <N6lwj.19135$6t3.1790@trndny07>,
"Julie Bove" > wrote:

> "Kathleen" > wrote in message
> ...
>
> > It sounds like you need a wheeled walker with hand brakes and a built-in
> > seat. This video gives an excellent demonstration of all the
> > possibilities.
> >
> > http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=GgM0jXi7HaA
>
> I didn't know there were any with brakes on them. But for the most part the
> wheels wouldn't help me. And there would still be the issue of my purse. I
> am lost without my purse.

Sounds like it is time for you to check these things out, instead of
just dismissing them out of hand (just to be pushy here). All of your
objections (except the cost, but what is the ability to get around
worth?) can be overcome. There are wheels, brakes, light weight, bumper
holders and places for your purse. There are a lot of engineers
spending a lot of time designing just about everything you could
imagine.

--
Dan Abel
Petaluma, California USA

Charlotte L. Blackmer > wrote:

>Edwin Pawlowski > wrote:

>> Yes, the placards are abused but there are plenty of people
>> that appear to be healthy but cannot walk a distance for
>> some reason.

> Two words: Invisible Disability.

>>I've seen people sneer at the fact that the handicapped person
>>had a nice car too.

>Yes, some people are just jerks.

>Shouldn't keep you from getting a placard if you qualify.

What should keep people from getting a placard is dangerous driving.

How to go about enforcing that, I'm not sure.

Steve

"Charlotte L. Blackmer" > wrote in message
...
> In article > ,
> Edwin Pawlowski > wrote:
>>
>>"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>>> My problem is I can't walk very far or stand for very long. I haven't
>>> tried to get a handicapped sticker because too many times I have seen
>>> people being harassed for parking in there when they don't appear to be
>>> handicapped. I can just envision myself having to stand there and
>>> explain
>>> what all my medical problems are while my legs are locking up on my from
>>> standing in one spot for too long. So I just hope for the best, and
>>> most
>>> of the time I am able to get a spot next to the handicapped or fairly
>>> close.
>>
>>If you qualify, your doctor will fill out his section of the paperwork.
>>Who
>>cares what other people think?
>
> Absolutely!
>
>>Yes, the placards are abused but there are
>>plenty of people that appear to be healthy but cannot walk a distance for
>>some reason.
>
> Two words: Invisible Disability.
>
> People who don't realize they exist will probably get a rude awakening at
> some point in their lives.
>
> (And having had a debilitating illness that I "didn't look sick" during,
> with bad negative consequences, I'm personally inclined to give others
> slack. Karma will catch up with the cheaters in my opinion.)
>
>>I've seen people sneer at the fact that the handicapped person
>>had a nice car too.
>
> Yes, some people are just jerks.
>
> Shouldn't keep you from getting a placard if you qualify.
>
> ObFood: Fed my young friend Goldfish crackers during coffee hour - yay
> fish! He ate them all up.

I don't even know if I could get my Dr. to qualify me. Alas, I have a
variety of medical problems that add up to my not being able to walk well or
stand for long. I can not find one Dr. to address them all. They all want
to focus on their specialty and nothing else. And just one problem at
random does not make me disabled.

"Andy" <q> wrote in message ...
> Edwin Pawlowski said...
>
>>
>> "Andy" <q> wrote in message
>>>
>>> I'm not deaf but they're NOT handicapped! A fortunate feature, if you
>>> ask me!!!
>>>
>>
>> If you think it is a benefit, simply hammer a couple of nails in your
>> ears and you too can reap the benefits of hearing loss. Report back
>> when you do.
>
>
> Not funny!
>
> Andy

Wasn't meant to be. It just shows what a dumb statement you made. If you
think it is an advantage, you can easily make yourself deaf. Don't you want
to be fortunate? Come on Andy, tell us the truth.

"Dan Abel" > wrote in message
...
> In article <N6lwj.19135$6t3.1790@trndny07>,
> "Julie Bove" > wrote:
>
>> "Kathleen" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>
>> > It sounds like you need a wheeled walker with hand brakes and a
>> > built-in
>> > seat. This video gives an excellent demonstration of all the
>> > possibilities.
>> >
>> > http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=GgM0jXi7HaA
>>
>> I didn't know there were any with brakes on them. But for the most part
>> the
>> wheels wouldn't help me. And there would still be the issue of my purse.
>> I
>> am lost without my purse.
>
> Sounds like it is time for you to check these things out, instead of
> just dismissing them out of hand (just to be pushy here). All of your
> objections (except the cost, but what is the ability to get around
> worth?) can be overcome. There are wheels, brakes, light weight, bumper
> holders and places for your purse. There are a lot of engineers
> spending a lot of time designing just about everything you could
> imagine.

At present I don't need the walker. And I would never put my purse in some
spot on a walker. We live in a really bad area as far crimes go. We were
already robbed once. No need to leave my purse somewhere where it can be
easily grabbed. If you've never had to use a walker, you wouldn't know what
a pain they really are. They also take up a lot of room in a vehicle.
Yeah, they fold down but they're still pretty bulky.