…at the inaccessibility of handicapped wheelchairs in stores.

Problems:
1. You have to make your way over to a service desk to obtain a key to use the chair.

2. When you’re done with the chair, you have to return it back to the place where you got it from and walk to key back to the service desk.

3. Most of the wheelchairs are in atrocious condition. The leather seats are cracked. The armrests catch your clothing. They’re very dirty. Many of them make as much noise as a lawnmower.

4. The aisles in the stores are so tight that, in many cases, you can’t get through. Also, the cashiers are so close together it’s difficult to get through, especially in grocery stores.

5. Half of the chairs aren’t charged and you get stuck in the middle of the store with a conked out machine.

6. The instructions are often not clear on how to make the chair work. They all start differently and it’s difficult to figure out. Some of them have long, retractable cords that won’t retract and you have to figure out how to wind it around something – the seat or handlebars…

7. There are times when I come into the store and there are no more handicapped carts available for me to use. Outside in the parking lot, there are a tremendous number of handicapped parking spaces, but only 2 chairs in a store to accomodate these people. Does this make sense? Also, there are times where there are people driving these carts in the store who are visibly not actually handicapped and don’t really need this service, while I’m trying to maneuver my way around the store in pain – or I simply leave the store and go somewhere else.

8. Some stores have a simple wheelchair without a basket that is manual. How in the world could I shop with this? Not only is it difficult to manually push myself around, but I can’t actually shop! I suppose the idea is to have someone else pushing you around. What good is that, though, if you can’t also push a cart at the same time. It’s useless…

9. When you’re ready to cash out, you actually have to get out of the chair and manually load your groceries out of your cart onto the conveyor belt. Couldn’t there be someone there to assist you? I’m not just here for a fun day out. They’re necessities you need and all the while, we’re in pain. All of us don’t always have friends or family available when we’re ready or in need of going shopping.

10. When you finally do get through the aisles and get your stuff paid for, you are not allowed to take the chairs outside to your car to load your bags. You are expected to take your bags and put them in a regular cart. Then, get that wheelchair back to where they belong, then return the key to the service desk, and if you’re alone, hope your groceries you already paid for and have in a cart left by itself are still there. Then, you have to walk that cart outside, usually by yourself, and load those groceries and return that cart to a recepticle.

11. Restrooms in stores do have a handicapped stall, but have you ever tried opening the door to get into the restroom in the first place. It must weigh 50 lbs…Now try maneuvering through it with your chair…come on – put one of those automatic buttons to assist us…

Solutions:
1. At the very least, the chairs should be clean and in perfect repair and charged.

2. The chairs should be where the keys for the machines are instead of a service desk that you have to search for and is further away. In our Niagara Falls, Ontario Wal-Mart, the chairs used to be located at the very back of the store in the layaway section…The service desk is up front…What’s going on here? I have 2 canes I walk with…Try organizing all of that – your purse, canes, wheelchair, keys, and your in pain trying to walk around to collect all of these items to get a chair for yourself.

3. It would be an appreciated courtesy if there was someone at the service desk who would at least ask you if you needed any help getting the wheelchair machine, assisting you with groceries because many of us cannot reach items above chest level seated in this chair, and if we need help transferring groceries into the new cart, loading your vehicle and returning the chair and the keys. “Are you in need of assistance today?” Simple!

4. People who are handicapped, and not just lazy, would have a handicapped sign for their vehicle, at least in Ontario…Bring that in to get y0ur wheelchair and prove that your are, in fact, handicapped. I am tired of having no machine to use and seeing people around the store who do not seem to be handicapped in the least bit using them while I’m hobbling around in pain.

5. Put one of those automatic buttons on the outside of the restroom door that will automatically open up the heavy door for us.

I represent a tremendous percentage of purhasing power among the mobility challenged people in this world. Please, give us some simple and equal consideration and some assistance if you want us to frequent your establishment.

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I hope you found this Life post interesting on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Ingrid

P.S. Need a motorized chair of your own? Check out this really cool model:

Shoprider Streamer Streamer Sport Power Chair Red The Streamer Sport 888WAB offers the latest in styling with a dramatically sloped shroud articulating front end and large 10quot; rear wheels. Standard features include on board charger swing away controller and 22.5quot; wheel base which gives this power chair the ultimate in functionality. Great for indoors as well as outdoors. Easy Access on-board charger. Joystick control for the most responsive performance. Disassembles easily for transportation. Easy to reach and operate freewheel levers

Technorati Tags: wheelchair accessibility, handicapped chairs in stores, handicapped chairs, motorized wheelchair for shopping, motorized wheelchair, handicapped bathroom, hadicapped issues, handicapped rant, mobility challenged

I’ve read this beautifully written novel by Tolstoy and enjoyed every moment of it…

I wasn’t able to put it down to eat and sleep – it was so entrancing.

The beautiful Anna, who finally finds love in the arms of Count Vronski, after living so many years in a loveless, expressionless marriage, becomes a victim of the chauvinistic separation & divorce laws which force her to give up her son in order to experience the comfort of her love.

Having been exiled to live in Spain, she longed for her Russian homeland and her son, Sergei, who had been told she was dead.

This twisted road lead her to disappointment, exclusion and deep depression which brought her to committing suicide under the horrific wheels of a train headed for Moscow.

I give the story a 5 star rating – it’s unforgettable and the characters are so authentic that the pain of their pain, their love, their joy touch you to your very soul.

I recommend this read and watching the movies to anyone, but the book has much more detail, depth and historic information and the backgrounds of each character are so much more tantalizing.

However, the sets, scenery and costumes in the movies are so beautiful and really bring this story to light.

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I hope you enjoyed this Book Review on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Ingrid

P.S. See the 1961 DVD version of Anna Karenina for yourselves:

Anna Karenina (1961) (DVD) Anna Karenina (Bloom), the young wife of Russian diplomat Karenin (Goring), is on a mission of mercy to help her brother Oblonsky patch things up with his wife after an injudicious affair, when she meets the dashing soldier, Vronsky (Connery). Anna is soon swept off her feet by Vronsky and begins an affair of her own. When Karenin finds out, he offers to forgive Anna if she will leave Vronsky, but she refuses, a decision which will have tragic consequences. Tolstoy’s novel of infidelity and its haunting aftereffects has been adapted for film many times but none so moving as this deeply poignant, neglected gem.

Technorati Tags: Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy, classic novels, Russian novel, novels, tragic love affair

My daughter, Lisa, and I went to take our dogs to the dog groomer the other day and we had 5 dogs in the car (between my dogs and Kim’s).

We dropped them off and were on our way to do a little bit of shopping and run some errands. We got 5 minutes down the street and my car broke down…it said – Shut Engine Off Immediately!

Apparently, I have a problem with an oil pressure valve or something like that.

Thank goodness it didn’t happen before we dropped the dogs off at the groomer.

We had enough time to get towed to automotive shop I like to get my car fixed at and picked up my daughter’s car to pick our babies back up!

A very eventful day, but we’re all alright! LOL…

That’s just how life goes – you just have to learn to roll with the punches!

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I hope you enjoyed this Life post on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Ingrid

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Technorati Tags: life, car breaking down, car problems, oil pressure valve

The leaves are changing, it’s sunny, but cool and everything starts to bring us together as families – with Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner.

Brides choose such lovely bridesmaid dresses in awesome autumn colours. One of my daugthers got married in October and chose a fabulously lush cherry red for her bridesmaid dresses – so stunning!

The most stressful thing for a bride is finding Cheap Wedding Dresses with Latest Styles.

Now, I found a website today, zmnm.com (not sure what that stands for, but anyway)…

They specialize in the newest wedding dress styles on the market, but at discount prices. They have some really gorgeous dresses!!!

Now, guess how much this wedding gown costs…I nearly fell off my chair – it’s only £96 – that’s approximately $157.00 USD! That’s unbelievable!!!

It looks like it just came off the catwalk in Milan – beautiful!

That’s not all they sell there, but it got me thinking about fall weddings. They also sell great quality, discount priced golf clubs (yes, golf clubs), jewelry, shoes, bags, clothes, furniture and paintings! Eclectic, but great prices.

It’s a great online store for beauty, fashion and elegance…

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I hope you enjoyed this Fashion Tip on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Ingrid

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Technorati Tags: cheap wedding dresses, trendy wedding dresses, wedding dresses, zmnm.com, fall weddings, weddings

…and I know why…

When my husband and I coached one of her softball teams when she was a tween, unlike previous or later coaches, we made sure the girls were decked out! They were the St. Catharines Crystals!

They had a choice of 4 uniforms, 2 colors of jackets, bags, 3 cool embroidered hats, cool socks and stirrups and anything else we could get our hands on.

Afterall, parents, your kids only get to be kids once – they only get to live those years one time – make them memorable – make them fun!

We did a lot of fundraising and actually, had a lot of fun doing it, which also helped the girls bond and work towards something that was worthwhile.

Honestly, isn’t it worth the few dollars to get some promotional bags printed with your team’s logo on it to get the girls excited, feeling good and looking intimidating to other teams. It made them feel special!

In fact, I know my daughter has still saved some of that year’s gear – I guess it’s memorabilia, or for nostalgic purposes, and from what I’ve heard from the other girls I’ve bumped into over the years, that’s what they remember most…and they’ve also saved their stuff from that year.

Our softball league was a little upset we changed the logo to something much cooler, but we did it custom and it was awesome – the girls loved it! Isn’t that really what matters – isn’t that all that matters?

So, if you have to go and get something cool made from imprinted promotional products like bags, towels, water bottles, umbrellas, coolers or whatever – you only get to do it once! Do it right!

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I hope you enjoyed this Pareting Tip post on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Ingrid

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Technorati Tags: imprinted promotional products, embroidered hats, promotional bags, sports bags, sports hats, screen printing, coach info, sports uniforms, sports apparel, parent coaches, parents coaching sports, parents coaching

I don’t know about you, but in our family a dirty pair of running shoes is a serious fashion faux-pas – a pet peeve, if you will.

There is nothing like a nice, clean, white pair of running shoes! This is kind of how we feel about clean sneakers – Check out this funny Foot Locker video:

…And there’s no reason your running shoes shoud be dirty when you can clean them so easily!

Find out How to Wash Running Shoes on my daughter’s blog…

You simply cannot leave home in white running shoes that are dingy!

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I hope you enjoyed this Fashion Tip on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Ingrid

P.S. If your white running shoes look less than stellar and you’ve already tried to wash them, you might want to consider just starting out with a brand new pair:

adidas – Driver Prima (Running White/Running White/Bubble) – Footwear Zappos.com is proud to offer the adidas – Driver Prima (Running White/Running White/Bubble) – Footwear: Earn your right to be a “Prima Donna on the course in the Driver Prima! ; Full-grain leather upper combines beauty with durability. ; External TPU Heel counter offers a sporty and technical look and added rear-foot stability. ; FitFoam sock liner’s molded PU composition conforms to the foot’s contours to promote greater lateral stability and comfort. ; ClimaProof cool and dry inside which employs a combination of technologies to deliver 100% waterproof protection. The first layer wicks inside moisture to the shoe’s surface, while the second layer surrounds the foot with a waterproof membrane. ; Removable insole. ; Low-profile midsole/outsole creates a sleek and feminine look while adding stability to promote improved footwork. ; Durable adiWEAR rubber outsole with TRAXION. ; TRAXION provides great grip in all conditions. A high-traction outsole featuring tapered, kidney-shaped lugs that hold firmly and prevent slippage in all types of grass and conditions while remaining putting green-friendly. ; Clog resistant DTAC Cleats (Dynamic Traxion AC) provide improved grip, stability and comfort. ; adidas’ new Driver Last features the familiar sleek Driver Series profile but with a widened forefoot with more room up front for an improved fit, increased stability and enhanced performance. ; 2 year waterproof warranty. ; 14.00 oz. ; Product measurements were taken using size 7. Please note that measurements may vary by size.

Technorati Tags: clean running shoes, white running shoes, running shoes, how to wash running shoes, clean sneakers, white sneakers, how to wash sneakers, Foot Locker

Who couldn’t love Mr. Bean, Hyacinth in Keeping Up Appearances, or Absolutely Fabulous?

Here’s a new up-and-coming British comedy that might just knock all of our socks off too…Check it out:

Looks like it could be a winner…What do you think? Leave a comment below to let us know.

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I hope you enjoyed this Entertainment post on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Ingrid

P.S. Grab the awesome Absolutely Fabulous Collections 1-3 on DVD here:

Absolutely Fabulous – The Complete Collection: Series 1-3 (1992-1996) This is an absolutely fabulous boxed-set featuring all 18 episodes of the substance-abusing British sitcom, plus a bonus program, HOW TO BE ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS, featuring clips, interviews, and a revealing look at AbFab-inspired drag queens. Episodes include: FASHION, FAT, FRANCE, ISO TANK, BIRTHDAY, MAGAZINE, HOSPITAL, DEATH, MOROCCO, NEW BEST FRIEND, POOR, BIRTH, DOORHANDLE, HAPPY NEW YEAR, SEX, JEALOUS, FEAR, and THE END. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.

Technorati Tags: Gavin and Stacey, Gavin & Stacey comedy, Absolutely Fabulous, British comedy, English comedy, Mr. Bean, Absolutely Fabulous collection, Hyacinth, Keeping up Appearances, television comedy, comedy

So many thoughts go through your head watching this video…

I wanted to post this video because every child deserves a mother and a father – it took 2 to make this child.

I’m not condemning, or picking on anyone – this situation “is what it is”.

This Danish woman is very courageous because I’m sure she is embarrassed and upset at what people will think. She’s willing to tell the world what happened and is willing to sacrfice her pride for the love of her child.

If you have any information about this situation, email this woman or email the man she is looking for.

A child is a miracle from heaven.

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I hope you enjoyed this Family post on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Ingrid

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Technorati Tags: Danish woman, Danish mother seeking father, mother seeking father, Danish mother, seeking father, Danish mother video

However, this way of shopping for craft supplies can be pricey.

Once you find a yarn you enjoy to use, i.e. the thickness, color, feel, etc, make sure you write down the brand name and other identifying information about it.

A problem you could have with starting a crocheted project is that you must have enough yarn to finish it too. What if you run out of yarn and the store you bought it from runs out (or you buy them out)?

If you wrote down that important information, you are able to order it online from craft suppliers.

I tend to use a lot of pinks, purples, blues, and whites. So, I often would buy the stores out with their limited supplies.

So, in order to get your yarn for cheaper prices, as much as you want of it, and the colors you like, try buying online.

Click here to find out more about my Handmade Crocheted Afghans and how you can get one!

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I hope you enjoyed this Crocheted Afghan info on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Ingrid

P.S. Check out this pattern book for Just Scarves (for this coming winter season) to Knit & Crochet:

Lion Brand Yarn: Just Scarves: Favorite Patterns to Knit and Crochet Lion Brand Yarn: Just Scarves: Favorite Patterns to Knit and Crochet

Technorati Tags: crochet, crochet yarn, knit, knitting patterns, crochet patterns, crochet scarves, cheap yarn, craft yarn, crafts

As the years roll on, you have to get more and more advanced art supplies, calculators, binders and the like, and as they age, they want to choose their stuff more and more – Gone are the days of choosing all those cute, little pink bunnies and sparkles!

However…when they are young, you get to pick all of that cute stuff that they’ll love.

My daughter told me about a place called PosyLane.com where you can get a lot of personalized and customizable gifts – i.e. monogrammed, embroidered, etc.

I went to look at their site today and it is as great as Kimberly says!

If you’re in need of an insulated lunch tote – you’re in luck! Plus, they’re adorable.

Now, if you are a regular reader of my blog, you know I love sparkly things! LOL…

Also, I don’t know about you, but when my kids were young, I didn’t like them using “communal” things at school like nap mats, helmets for sports or anything like that…So, for those of you out there who are like me, check out these “too cute” nap mats for kids:

I’d never heard of this brand name before – it’s from “Oh Mint”! Yes, my favorite color is pink – as if you didn’t already know – and yes, I love animal prints too!

Plus, I love to match – so in keeping with that theme, I would show you the matching toddler backpack that goes with the nap mat, but I’m going to show you another style…

You always need to pack their toys, maybe some snacks, a drink and some clothes, just in case – this is perfect for that!

Purple is my next favorite color after pink… :p

I love the colors, patterns, variety and the fact that you can put their names on their items! Perfect for Back to School!

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I hope you enjoyed this Family Tip on Ingrid Turner Today! Until next time…

Ingrid

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Technorati Tags: toddler backpack, nap mats, insulated lunch tote, PosyLane.com, Posy Lane, back to school items, embroidery, family tip, kids gifts