Boxes and wrapping are better than toys

Most parents have experienced a child unwrapping a toy and then playing with the box it came in - or the wrapping - for longer than the toy (yes, that is her toy box behind her).

Our dog, Bailey is well trained and doesn't tear up things in the house (not since she was a puppy, anyway).

However, when we moved we ordered almost everything we needed for the house online. That meant that UPS and FED EX were delivering packages frequently for well over a month.

Bailey soon learned that when a box comes, there is usually bubble wrap or cardboard or some kind of protective coating around the item. Bailey goes crazy for the packaging. Her favorite thing is bubble wrap.

Seriously, Bailey will take bubble wrap - holding it between her paws - then she will pop each air pocket between her teeth. She uses a back and forward motion like she is eating corn on the cob. It is so funny to watch that relatives and friends now save their bubble wrap for her. (Don't worry she is always closely supervised).

Today, she was disappointed. We ordered some folding chairs and while they were well protected, it was not with bubble wrap.

Nevertheless, she had a ball shedding the padding. She makes a big mess but it cleans up easily and she obviously has so much fun with it. Yes, Bailey is spoiled, but she makes every delivery seem like Christmas!

The building of a pond

A water feature is a nice thing to have when you live in a compact neighborhood. So, prior to our move, I started investigating, fountains, ponds, waterfalls and every other type of water feature. I had decided on a small, pondless water feature as our new house has more of a back patio than a back yard; it is only 40 feet long by 13 feet wide.

The goal was low maintenance; Jim said he was not moving the lawn mower. I was concerned we would be left wit a concrete slab or decorative rock. The developer had "back yard tours" to see what others had done with the small spaces.

They seemed unimaginative. As most landscapers had suggested to me, there were patios with retaining walls or patios with concrete sitting walls or maybe a small patch of grass. Most reminded me of property in the desert. I wanted more of a mountain retreat. There had to be a way to do it.

Shasta College Community Education to the rescue. I enrolled in a landscape design class. Our pondless water feature turned into a a three level waterfall - with a nine foot stream flowing into a Koi pond. The pond has a 3 foot culvert tunnel, buried underground, so the Koi can hide from predators.

I would have never thought about doing a feature that large in a such a small space without the encouragement of the instructor. He said it could actually make the space look larger.

The next decision was to put in artificial turf - no, not astro turf. It has long blades, more like the turf at Big League Dreams. We actually paid more to have 'dead' brown and yellow blades mixed in with the green to make it more realistic -seriously. We are so happy with the results, no mowing, no watering and it always looks great. The grass is bordered by flowers, ground cover and my mini -vegetable garden.

This is a new hobby for me. I have never liked gardening or working outdoors. Of course, having cool mornings and evenings makes a huge difference. Still, it surprises me how much I enjoy checking on the Koi in the morning, feeding them at night and plucking a weed out of the borders here and there.

Having coffee outside watching the Koi is icing on the cake.

Can't slide anything past your sister

You can always count on your sister to know everything about you. Yesterday, I talked about how much I enjoy a pedicure. As a visual learner, I like to have pictures with my blogs.

I went searching the Internet to find a picture of a pair of feet with toes painted in a spring setting. Let's just say you want to be careful when you Google "feet" pictures. I never would have thought to add that word to Net Nanny!

Not finding suitable pictures,or non copyrighted ones, I finally decided it would be a lot faster to take a quick picture of my feet in our back yard water feature. I figured no one would know the difference. So that is what I did.

Less, than an hour later, I get a one line email from my sister, Dennie:

"OMG, you put your FEET on your blog !!!!! I can't believe it. "

Jim, never recognized my feet; I am sure no else cared or recognized them either.

It just goes to show, you can't slide anything past your sister - no matter how small!

Rest In Peace

There are some that go about their daily routines quietly - touching other peoples lives and hearts and asking nothing in return.

They are the unassuming ones.

They are the ones that you know you can always ask for help.

They are the ones with the quick smile and kind words.

When they are gone, there is left a big void, not only for their family and friends, but for the entire community.

Rest in Peace Terry Quibell.

My one indulgence

Jim calls me an easy keeper (maybe that is why we have been married for 37 years).

I can go from the bed to coffee, shower, and out the door in a half hour. Towel dried hair is fine with me; a little lipstick and I am good to go. The quick hair cut places are just as good as the expensive ones as my hair always does what it wants anyway -no matter the cut. I color it with hair dye that is on sale. I've thought about letting it just go gray, but then another good sale pops up.

I have never had a message,nor do I want one. BUT, the one indulgence I love is a pedicure. Having a pedicure during sandal weather is the ultimate indulgence for me. A manicure is a waste, as the polish chips within a day. For some reason, a pedicure doesn't chip and lasts nicely until the next time.

I think I have just talked myself into a nice relaxing pedicure today!

Camelot

Following a beautiful spring day, it rained last night. This morning the ground glistens with the evidence of just enough moisture for the budding flowers and my newly planted vegetable garden.

It reminds me of the movie and Broadway play, Camelot. A place of beauty, where it is decreed that “it only rains at night” in Camelot.
We use the word Camelot to describe our vacations. We are usually very lucky in enjoying great weather - even when it has rained the prior week or is expected to rain the following week.
Today, I feel like we are enjoying Camelot right here at home!

The results of the complaint to California State

Some may remember me writing about the incident that happened at Crystal Cove State Park where a ranger denied my right to walk on the beach with my service dog, Bailey. The saga is recounted here.

I did file a formal complaint against the ranger and asked for two things, 1) that the park be provided ADA training, specially related to service dogs and 2) A formal complaint be put in the personnel file of "Ranger Rick".

Yesterday, I received a call from the "Human Rights Office, Department of Parks and Recreation. " The representative was very pleasant and wanted to let me know the results their investigation.

First, ADA training was provided to all the rangers in that district and the south district. They even shared the access information I provided to other parks in the state.

Second, Ranger Rick was "counselled." She stated they have a progressive discipline policy and they could not skip the verbal counselling step. Having worked in personnel, I understand that policy.

The Human Rights Officer asked me if I was satisfied. Yes.

I was so flabbergasted that California State Park employees had not had any ADA training, related to service dogs, that I felt I had to file the formal complaint in order to initiate change.

Case Closed.

Dog Park 101

Dog parks are generally so much fun - for both the human and dogs.

There is such joy in watching your pet run loose and find new play companions.


They also give humans a chance to get out and interact with others.



Some dog parks even have walking trails for owners to use while Rover is playing.

My Favorite place to run Bailey is Huntington Beach Dog Park.

One walks down a 20 foot cliff' to three miles of beautiful white sand beach.

The dogs are safe to run with ocean on one side and the cliff protecting them from Pacific Coast Highway on the other side.

It is also a great spot for visitors to watch the local surfers. The parade of dogs - every size and breed -

the sea breeze, crashing waves, and near perfect weather, makes this my #1 choice. It is one of the cleanest beaches in southern California.

But, as with anything, a few inconsiderate people can ruin the dog park experience. Here is Dog Park 101 from the W.O.O.F. (We Offer Off Leash Fun) committee that oversees the three large dog parks in Elk Grove.

• Dogs must be leashed when entering or leaving the safety entrance of the Dog Park. (Do not keep your dog leashed inside dog park).
• Dogs and children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Maximum of 3 dogs per adult.
• Dogs that are aggressive, in heat or sick are not allowed.
• All dogs must have current vaccinations and license.
• Owners are required to pick-up and dispose of their dog’s feces both in and out of the Dog Park.
• No strollers, carriages, bicycles, or children’s toy allowed in Dog Park.
• No smoking, alcoholic beverages, food or dog treats allowed in Dog Park.
• Owners must carry a leash and closely supervise their dog(s) at all times.
• Owners are liable for injuries or damage caused by their dogs.
• Owners use the park at their own risk.

Most of the rules are common sense. A leashed dog inside an area of unleashed dogs is vulnerable. Having children running around the park unsupervised can be an attraction for some big dog to chase them or two dogs running may not be watching the children and run into them -possibly causing injury. Strollers or bikes can cause obstacles for running or may be damaged by dogs. Smokers tend to leave cigarette butts that are poisonous to dogs. Someone carrying a treat or sandwich in their pocket can find themselves cornered by dogs with sensitive noses. The best guideline is to have control of your dog -even off leash.

Since Bailey is my service dog, I am often asked if she ever gets to be "just a dog." It's obvious by the smile on her face that she really enjoys dog parks!

Pictures: top left; two unknown dogs at dog park
top right: Bailey and Zetta at Huntington Beach Dog Park
center bottom: Bailey at HP dog park

Dog Parks

Dog parks are generally so much fun - for both the human and dogs.

There is such joy in watching your pet run loose and find new play companions.

They also give humans a chance to get out and interact with others.

Some dog parks even have walking rails for owners to use while rRover is playing.







My Favorite place to run Bailey is Huntington Beach Dog Park.
One walks down a 20 foot cliff' to three miles of beautiful white sand beach.


The dogs are safe to run with ocean on one side and the cliff protecting them from Pacific Coast Highway on the other side.

It is also a great spot for visitors to watch the local surfers. The parade of dogs - every size and breed -
the sea breeze, crashing waves, and near perfect weather, makes this my #1 choice. It is one of the cleanest beaches in southern California.

But, as with anything, a few inconsiderate people can ruin the dog park experience. Here is Dog Park 101 from the W.O.O.F. (We Offer Off Leash Fun) committee that oversees the three large dog parks.

• Dogs must be leashed when entering or leaving the safety entrance of the Dog Park. (Do not keep your dog leashed inside dog park).
• Dogs and children must be accompanied by an adult.
  Maximum of 3 dogs per adult.
• Dogs that are aggressive, in heat or sick are not allowed.
• All dogs must have current vaccinations and license.
• Owners are required to pick-up and dispose of their dog’s feces both in and out of the Dog Park.
• No strollers, carriages, bicycles, or children’s toy allowed in Dog Park.
• No smoking, alcoholic beverages, food or dog treats allowed in Dog Park.
• Owners must carry a leash and closely supervise their dog(s) at all times.
• Owners are liable for injuries or damage caused by their dogs.
• Owners use the park at their own risk.

Most of the rules are common sense. A leashed dog inside an area of unleashed dogs is vulnerable. Having children running around the park unsupervised can be an attraction for some big dog to chase them or two dogs running may not be watching the children and run into them -possibly causing injury. Strollers or bikes can cause obstacles for running or may be damaged by dogs. Smokers tend to leave cigarette butts that are poisonous to dogs. Someone carrying a treat or sandwich in their pocket can find themselves cornered by dogs with sensitive noses. The best guideline is to have control of your dog -even off leash.

Since Bailey is my service dog, I am often asked if she ever gets to be "just a dog." It's obvious by the smile on her face that she really enjoys dog parks!

Pictures: top left; two unknown dogs at dog park top right: Bailey and Zetta at Huntington Beach Dog Park center bottom: Bailey at HP dog park

edited 10:35

We do too

The person that said, "women don't sweat, they glow" never lived in Redding or went through menopause!

No More!

How many times have I missed fun events because I was worried about what I would look like in shorts - or worse , the dreaded bathing suit. No more!

I was always worried about running into someone I knew - what would they think? I didn't join water aerobics for years because of the bathing suit thing. After I tried it once, I realized everyone is in the same boat and no one really cares what I look like.

This evening while riding my bike IN SHORTS, I made a decision. I have just as much right to enjoy the pool and other spring/summer activities as skinny people do. I am not going to worry about what I look like. It is what it is. No more yo-yo dieting and obsessing about my weight and how I look in cool clothing.

I can never get back all the time I lost not participating in social gatherings, not going to the lake with the kids and not accepting invitations that involved being outdoors in the summer.

At this stage in my life, all I need to worry about is eating healthy and staying active - no matter what I look like to others.

I need to do this for for me.

I keep thinking of this lady

If you have been living in a cave for the last couple of weeks (or have a life) you might not have seen the number one You Tube video. Believe me, it is worth the 3 minutes to watch it - click here.

I believe the reason it is on top is because it reminds us of ourselves. We know we have something wonderful to offer the world, if only people wouldn't judge us before they get to know our inner strengths and talents.

Remember the store clerks in the movie Pretty Woman? Julia Robert's character has a lot of money to spend but was dressed as a hooker - so they ignore her - Big Mistake.
I think of the person that doesn't get a job because they are fat or not as "polished" or disabled, has tattoos ,or is just different than the interviewer thinks they should look.

But the video is successful because we also see ourselves rolling our eyes and smirking when Ms. Boyle first came onstage. I confess, I identified with both perspectives while watching it.

It is humbling to be reminded again that one shouldn't judge books -or people - by their covers.

Frumpy and Invisible

If you have been living in a cave for the last couple of weeks (or have a life) you might not have seen the number one You Tube video.
Believe me, it is worth the 3 minutes to watch it click here.

I believe the reason it is on top is because it reminds us of ourselves.

We know we have something wonderful to offer the world, if only people wouldn't judge us before they get to know our inner strengths and talents.

Remember the store clerks in the movie Pretty Woman? Julia Robert's character has a lot of money to spend but was dressed as a hooker - so they ignore her - Big Mistake.

I think of the person that doesn't get a job because they are fat or not as "polished" or disabled, has tattoos ,or is just different than the interviewer thinks they should look.

But the video is also successful because we see ourselves rolling our eyes and smirking when Ms. Boyle first came onstage.

I confess, I identified with both perspectives.

It is humbling to be reminded again that you can't judge books -or people - by their covers.

Green Bananas

Overheard last night at a meeting regarding long term planning in our senior community.

" AT THIS POINT, I DON'T EVEN BUY GREEN BANANAS!"

Dude, you're next..

What do you think of sales clerks or service providers that call you "dude?"

How about if you are a woman?

What if it was your hair stylist and she used the term to refer to you?

My sis reported trying a new hair stylist in Redding. The first impression of the salon was favorable; clean and relaxing. Then she noticed every stylist there looked like she was still in high school. Okay, no biggie, as long as they can cut her hair, sis thought.

But then the stylist kept referring to my sis - who is in her 50's- as 'dude'.

I just hope they have lots of younger customers - they will need them to make up for customers they offend and won't return .

Ferdinand Desoto

There is a little quiz going around Facebook about he first five cars friends have owned. Their first car creates a picture on my mind of their youth. Cars listed included a '57 Chevy, many VW's and VW buses , and a 1991 Nissan Sentra.

My first car was a 1949 Desoto, given to my sister and I in high school in 1968. Just putting it on a list wouldn't do it justice.

The car had literally been the "Sunday" car of my paternal grandfather. He drove a blue ,paint -splattered station wagon to work everyday - where he painted billboards and houses. When he died, our grandmother , who never drove, gave the car to us -with all of 39,00 original miles. We were so thrilled we named it Ferdinand after the explorer, Ferdinand De Soto.

We were free! We no longer had to take a bus for over an hour down rural roads from Penn Valley, down hiway 20 to Smartville, Timbuctoo (real towns, check the map) then up to Nevada City to school - yes, even in the snow :).

Visualize the best years for fast, sleek, muscle cars; Mustangs Road Runners, Hemi Cudas, Super Bees, GTOs - oh, be still my heart. I lusted after THOSE cars.

Now, visualize two sisters in a 1949 Desoto. Okay...... that's enough -it wasn't' THAT funny!

Actually, everyone loved Ferdinand. He was the best for cruising on Friday or Saturday night. Ferdinand wasn't sleek or fast (at least off the line) but we could easily fit 8 teenagers in the huge bench seats. Gas was 34 cents a gallon when I started driving him. Eight teenagers could scrounge up enough pocket change to keep cruising all night. Hooking up with friends was easy - nobody could miss the big green tank.

If we wanted to go to the drive-in Ferdinand was the best. Not only could we fit 8 comfortably -or 10 squished - in the front, we could fit another 6-8 in the trunk without the spare!

Gotta love the carload price of drive-in theaters. Years later, my sister would surprise workers at the feed store by asking them to put 2 large bales of hay in the trunk - it wasn't even a tight fit.

Of course there were no seat belts, but parents knew their teens were much safer in Ferdinand than in the little VWs or Corvairs of the time. Some other funky features of Ferdinand:

• Fluid Drive; push down the gas until a certain speed, let off, clunk , it would shift into the next gear. This was a precursor to the automatic.


• Air cooled air: there was a metal cage with a squirrel wheel that hung on the OUTSIDE of the rear window. A curved vent slipped into the 4 inch opened window. You would put a five pound block of ice in the cage, the moving car would cause the wheel to turn , blowing air over the ice and transferring the cool air in the car!

Aaahh, the memories....

TAX TIME

Why can't I just think of paying the taxes the same as paying any another bill?

Anything marked IRS or County Tax Assessor, puts an immediate stress load on me the equivalent of a Mack truck.

I was writing checks for the property taxes. I am so afraid of making a mistake. I just have this paranoid fear about missing a tax payment, the check getting lost in the mail, the clerk not crediting the right account.

Then I have to take it INSIDE the post office to make sure it gets a date stamp. The thought process ends somewhere with me being hauled off to jail in front of my family and neighbors by burly IRS guys . Then they put padlocks on my front door.

Totally illogical, but I go through that twice a year with property taxes, then for state and finally federal.

I hear the federal prisons are much nicer - but that is probably just a rumor.

I am so happy we mailed our state and federal taxes today. We did not wait until the last minute - this time.

edited 4/14/09

Fleetwood Mac Tickets $25.00

Even the price of concert tickets are coming down - as evidenced by this email from Travelzoo this morning:

OAKLAND--APRIL 14, 2009-- Tickets to see Fleetwood Mac at Oakland's ORACLE Arena on Wednesday, May 20 have been cutto just $25. This 45% OFF deal is for Upper Level seats that regularly sell for $47.50.
This is the only discount ticket offer available for this stop on Fleetwood Mac's popular "Unleashed: Hits Tour 2009."
To buy tickets, click below. Use code LANDSLIDE to get this offer. An additional charge of $9.65 per ticket will be added by Ticketmaster.http://www.travelzoo.com/Newsflash.ashx?568933-24390945

Role reversal

There is a time in life when the adult children start taking on the parental role to their parents. I am not sure when this is SUPPOSE to happen but I saw evidence it WAS happening this weekend.

Our two adult children came to visit us for Easter. When I found out they were coming, I made sure we had enough eggs to dye, a chocolate bunny for each of them and Peeps sitting on a bed of Irish moss. Hey, I know they are too old for baskets - Laura is 31 and Jeff is 27 years old!

Okay, I admit, I was the one that suggested we try the toothpick jousting Peeps in the microwave. They humored me and came to watch (the yellow peep got an early lead and stabbed the pink one to win the match).

When we went out, they drove. True, Jim's collar bone is still healing from his recent bike crash in Vietnam. Still, I believe he would rather have either one of them drive - and so would I.

Jeff opens the door for me and makes sure I have my seat belt on. He did this so naturally - it made me smile. When we were in PetSmart, I tried a new harness on Bailey. I wanted to make sure it was comfortable for her so I walked her around the store. When we were leaving, Jeff asked me if I remembered to pay for it-yes!

Laura is an amazing advocate for me with my medical stuff and was for Jim when he was injured. She still is so protective it makes us feel good.

Coming out of our favorite Mexican Restaurant they were both ahead of us. When we caught up with them in the parking lot, they were talking with an lady, dressed in her Easter finery, who told me she was 88 years old. She was parked next to us and had a flat tire.

We observed Laura offering to change the tire and Jeff doing the actual change. While Jeff was changing the tire, Laura looked like an operating room nurse as she handed him the jack, pulled the spare from the trunk and put things away. Jim and I just stood there as we watched our two offspring jump into action to help a stranger. They had the tire changed in less than 10 minutes.

I think back at all the times I worried if they would grow up to be giving, loving adults. I realized I didn't have to worry at all.

We had a wonderful Easter - even if they did "forget" the eggs I dyed for them :)

Good Intentions

I don't lack for good intentions. I intend to:

Try Zumba (Gold) -again - but now, with my new prism glasses, I am hopeful they have improved my balance enough that I can do it.

Eat better. No, I will never diet again, I have already done the yo-yo thing too many times.

Write real (not email) notes to people; thank you notes, thinking of you notes, great job notes.

Gosh, before I do that I need to really work more and being able to write my letters again. I can barely read my writing.

Do a load of laundry a day - including folding, steaming, hanging and putting away - should two people really have a load a day?

Invite more people over for coffee. I always feel it has to be a big production- but it doesn't have to be.

Spend less time on the computer and more time DOING.

Well, I guess that is the end of the list - as I intend to turn off my laptop now.

This makes my blood boil

I saw a well dressed, young women, next to her big SUV on our street. The women was standing outside the closed driver side door -in the rain -taking on the cell phone. No biggie, right?

Here is the thing, she was holding a baby about six months old, bald head, dressed in an adorable pink dress, no coat, no blanket so the baby was getting wet while mom talked on the cell phone!

Of course, mom had a baseball cap on, but the baby was just blinking her eyese with her little bald head getting wet.

I know as moms we have all done things that were dumb or we regretted, but seriously, I didn't understand this at all.

Out of the mouths of babes

The sun was setting and a cool breeze had come up as we were walking along the beach . We came across a father playing with his three children.

The children all looked to be under 8 years old. They were laughing and chasing the waves. As we passed, the smallest girl, wet from the waves, ran passed us and said,

"Daddy, I am so cold!"

The dad looked back at the kids and replied, " Okay, it is time to go inside now."

The girl yelled back, " No, Daddy, I was wrong, I am not cold anymore!"

I hope he will hold that in his memory forever.

Airfares from west coast cities to east coast cities are a bargain

Having just returned from a great beach vacation, I check my email to find the following airfare reductions and additions:

First, Southwest Airlines will begin flying to LaGuardia on June 28th for - get this - $99 or less each way!

Virgin Airline cut the cost of flights out of San Francisco this spring to $49-$119 each way!

Tickets must be purchased by April 20th.

It looks like SFO to Las Vagas, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, or Seattle is $49 -$59; Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C is $109-$119 each way.
The higher fares are for travel on Mondays, Thursdays,Fridays and Sundays.

I hope someone is able to take advantage of these great fares. As for me, I am looking forward to being home for awhile.

Photo by Joshua Davis (jdavis.info)

Pictures of Life Savers

There was an unbelievable show of strength and stamina right outside the front door of our vacation cottage. It was the annual try outs for Chrystal Cove Life Guards.

First there was a competitive elimination swim. It was 1000 yards out the surf, around a buoy, and run back up to the finish line.

Think about it; that's the length of 10 football fields!

The returning life guards were first. The announcer told the first timers applicants to watch how they judged the surf and current.

Then the second group lined up. They took numerous head counts to make sure they had everyone out before the next group started.

I would guess altogether there were maybe 75-100 applicants.

There was one swimmer that had to be picked up by a life guard on a long surf board, transported to a jet ski and then brought to shore. Oh, how embarrassing. The shore was lined with friends and family cheering on the applicants.

After the 1000 yard swim. The announcer said this was the toughest competition in the state park life guard history. He encouraged those that didn't make it to come back next year and take master swimming classes and do "lots of body surfing."


They were only able to select the top 15 swimmers to proceed to the next physical test.

As they called out the last of the numbers, it was heart breaking to see so many fast swimmers disappointed. I think a couple of first timers made it (they stood out in bathing suits - returning LG all wore wet suits).

There was only about a 10 minute break between the 1000 yard competitive swim and the next test; the Run/Swim/Run test.

The applicants had to run 200 yards, jumped into the surf, swimming 400 yards out around another buoy and back.

Then run the 200 yards back to the starting line.

Very, Impressive.

The end to a perfect day

Meeting with Supervisors

By request, here is the summary of the meeting with the supervisor of "Ranger Rick."

For a re-count of the incident that lead to the need for this meeting, click here.
To read a response to my description of the access issue and understand more from another's
perspective, click here (Thank you so much, Peter).

Okay, on with this saga:

The supervisor of badge heavy, ignorant, Ranger Rick, said he would come to our cottage after the life guard tryouts on Saturday morning. As a side note, those tryouts were very impressive and I intend to blog about it and post some pictures.

Anyway, about 3:00 PM, I got a call from the supervisor and he said he and another officer would be coming by shortly. They were both very polite and professional. I described the incident, probably giving them too much detail - I have to remember, "just the facts, ma'am. "

My goal was twofold:

First, I wanted make sure there was training provided to the staff regarding peoples right to have equal access; even though they must use a service dog.

Second, due to Ranger Rick's horrible, demeaning, badge heavy, attitude and the fact that he flat out made up "facts" to try to intimidate me (like service dogs must be registered with the state dept. of parks), I wanted a formal complaint in his personnel file.

I waited four days to make sure I was as objective as I could be under the circumstances; but as hard as I tried to make excuses for his behavior, (bad day, fight with the wife, late in the day, etc.) there was absolutely no reason to teat any person in the manner.

With regard to the training; I was flabbergasted to learn that both of the supervisors were unsure and confused about the definition of service dog and regulatory authority. They said they had tried unsuccessfully to research the subject themselves. They had conflicting information and found it frustrating to deal with the number of dogs on the beach.

I totally agree there is a problem with people thinking they can slap a scarf or jacket on their pet and call it a service dog. There is a huge amount of training, and steps necessary to train a dog (and the person). Not to mention, the person has to have a NEED for a service dog - even if they don't look like it!

For the record, saying a pet, companion dog or even a therapy dog is a service dog, is illegal and there can be a hefty fine - the same as stealing a handicap parking placard and using illegally. Shame on them.

One supervisor stated, in twelve years of working the beach, he had only seen two service dogs; until the last two years. Now there seem to be "hundreds" of them. I said I was hopeful I could provide them with resources and law references to point them in the right direction. We pulled up the website w.servicedogsforliberty.com and I was able to show them the legal section. In addition, I was able to give them the State Parks own policy section (#4312) that addresses service dog access.

I am optimistic that by asking for this meeting, and giving them additional resources they will start the steps necessary to better train the staff.

Regarding the second goal, the supervisor told me he would talk to Ranger Rick but that I had to file a formal complaint. Ranger Rick had numerous opportunities during the course of the incident to let it drop, say good bye, have a nice day, or even send someone over to the cottage say they were sorry and we wouldn't be bothered again . None of that happened. Because he made up lies and was so far over the line, I will proceed with the formal complaint.

Did this incident ruin my vacation? No.
But it did ruin that day and we did wait around all day today for the supervisor. I have spent a lot of precious vacation time on this issue.

I am hopeful the time and effort will help staff be better trained.

I am hopeful the next time a disabled person with a service dog, is so full of joy for being able to walk on the beach, they won't be crushed by an ignorant staff person harassing or telling them they have no right to be there.

I am so tired of it - end of subject.

The power of the Internet

From a stranger responding to my previous post regarding the incident with "Ranger Rick" I find strength and understanding. I hope by talking about access issues- and sharing Peter's response to me -others will learn.
Peter's 10 year old son, Cameron, has autism. Cameron's Service dog is Werin:

"Darcie,
I know that feeling as well and your story reminds me of so many experiences. It can be really hard to remain calm, yet direct in those situations. I didn't grow up being a "fighter", but when I'm confronted with Cameron, the hotness starts welling up inside of me making me want to fight, then afterwards, I feel like I never want to go through that again, so "wouldn't it be best to avoid that place" - which isn't the right response.

I've learned from those on the board that there is more at stake than just my feelings, so a great response is to report or complain, which it sounds like you are doing. On our recent trip to Washington D.C., I held my ground a number of times and then complained to the companies, which gave great satisfaction. I'm also learning about complaining to the DOJ, which has some real consequences.The closest experience we had to "Ranger Rick" was Cameron, Susan and I were staying at the Embassy Suites in New York City, which is next to where the WTC was. Early in the morning, about 7:30am we were walking down to the Statue of Liberty ferry through a park by the water. Werin had already taken care of business before entering the park. A City park attendant drove up in a golf cart style vehicle and we smiled and said Good Morning. She immediately started yelling at us to get out of the park because there were no dogs allowed.
I remained calm and said, "Thank you, but this is not a pet, but a service animal" She insisted multiple times that were were no dogs allowed in the park getting more and more intense. I then explained we were just walking through the park to get somewhere else and we would be on our way and she left us yelling, "Never come back" We continued on. I didn't raise my voice, but was firm that we were allowed, which is my general response. Afterwards though, my thoughts generally turn to, "how are we going to get back in the afternoon" "Do we have to walk around the park to avoid a confrontation or just go right through again?" and trying to figure out how to avoid another incident.I know it is not really comparable, but sometimes I imagine what some of those brave individuals in the Civil Rights movement went through. Of course, virtually all of our public interactions are pleasant, enjoyable and have no issues, so comparisons are so small, since they had to confront similar issues all the time, not just sometimes. But when we go somewhere new, or have a new situation, sometimes I think, I wonder whom will confront us this time - who will try to take access away. Whom will be yelling at me in front of my 10 year old. Will there be a scene in "this restaurant"? Will this security guard stop us to tell us no dogs are allowed? Do you ever notice that when you walk in a room with the service dog, everyone in the room stops and looks. For a guy whom normally likes to blend in an be part of the crowd, it can be unnerving.

I lived for a year in Sri Lanka before getting married to Susan or having Cameron and the same thing happened there. A 6'4" man walks into a room in Sri Lanka at the height of their civil war where there weren't any tourists and everyone stops for a second to take you in. I find the same thing happens with Cameron and Werin. We are always being "taken in", just for a moment - before everyone proceeds with what they were doing. It has given me a greater appreciation for what celebrities go through where they don't really have a private life.

After living in L.A., I used to see it all the time. Someone from the movies would be out, you would see them and constantly people are coming up and talking to them while they are trying to eat or shop. It's not bad, but just different and I can understand why some celebrities don't like it or feel it can be a burden to be in public.I joke with others that it takes twice as long to do anything like shopping or getting around because so many people come up, stop and stare, or point with their kids at us going by. It comes with the beauty of the service our dogs do for us. A trade off which is worth it for the gifts they give us.

So Darcie, I understand what you went through this week at the beach. The feelings of anger, hurt, fight, and whatever else that came. Many times people's ignorance is not intentional, so I'm glad you are taking care of the situation and using it to educate and help the park service recognize the laws that are in place, so that it can be better for all those that come after.

Peter

How one badge heavy idiot ruined my day at the beach

People constantly stop to ask about my Service Dog, Bailey. I am sometimes stopped from entering an establishment with her. After explaining she is my service dog, I am allowed to proceed - until yesterday.

I was with Bailey at Crystal Cove State Park. Ranger Rick (not his real name) Badge #007 (not his real badge number either -even though he seemed to think it was) approached me and my husband, Jim, all puffed up like a toad. " Lady, there are signs all over that say no dogs on the beach!" I responded I was aware of that, but Bailey was my service dog. I pointed out the service dog vest even though he was standing beside her. I offered him three different forms of ID. I also told him she was registered at the office. What office? he asked. I informed him we were staying at Cottage#1 - the handicap accessible cottage ON THE BEACH.

He spit out, "THAT IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH!" He went on to say, service dogs needed to be registered with the State Parks Department. "Really? I said, and exactly where would they register?" He stared at me a moment, unsure, then I offered, "on www.parks.ca.gov?" "Yes, he said, they have to be registered there!"

Gosh, should I check with Raley's and the Library and any where else I want to go to see if I need to "pre-register" my service dog in order to enter.

Since federal ADA laws supersede state laws, I said I would buy him a cup of coffee if one had to register dogs on the park web site.

I walked away; angry, embarrassed and sick of him trying to intimidate me. Most of all, I was so very, disappointed my long awaited walk on the beach could be ruined by this ill trained, badge heavy, ranger. In tears and shaking, I returned to our cabin. Jim stayed behind and asked the ranger, "What would you like us to do?" Ranger Rick just walked away from him.

Once in the cottage, I immediately went to the web site where, surprised, surprise, I did not see any place to "register service dogs." However, I did see the complaint forms.

I left to find Ranger Rick. He was sitting in his truck. I told him I looked on the web site and I thought he owed me a cup of coffee. So much for the humorous educational approach as he responded with, " I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS JOB FOR 30 YEARS AND THERE ARE NO DOGS ON THE BEACH! Again, I said, except service dogs. He said "How did I know it was a service dog? I couldn’t see it from the truck." I reminded him he was standing right next to her wearing her vest and I showed him ID.

I was extremely upset. I cannot convey the horrible attitude of this man. He was belittling me and trying to intimidate me. He was still arguing about dogs not being allowed on the beach. He couldn’t seem understand that service dogs ARE NOT PETS. Again he repeated, "I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR 3O YEARS!" I then informed him the ADA was passed in 1990 and it might be time he read it.

I asked for his name and badge number. Ranger Rick gave me his card, and said the web site was on the card - it wasn't.

I don't mind being stopped and asked if Bailey is a service dog. She is a whippet, not a common breed for service dogs. I don’t look "handicapped." I am used to people asking questions.

In the past, I have provided rangers at Crystal Cove: ADA literature; Service dog brochures for public access from Delta Society; Department of Justice information and, ironically, I have provided the access policies as published on the State Parks web site. The last time I was there, I even offered to give up some of my vacation time to give an in-service (free of charge).

I understand the beach is a fragile environment. What the rangers don’t understand or haven’t been trained to understand, is that a service dog is to be regarded as medical equipment- just like a wheelchair or a cane.

This time I am filing a formal complaint asking that staff be trained on ADA.