This Time of Year I'm Reminded of Two Things....

The first thing that I am reminded of is don't fall for the pan handler's game. The second thing that I am reminded  of  is don't fall for the pan handler's game because of two things.

Thing Number One.


 Several years ago, maybe ten---twelve years ago--- I was in line at a Sam's Club membership desk. The lady in front of me was adding someone to her business account. The business---panhandlers unlimited. I had been passing this woman at a major intersection on the way to work for a few years prior. When it came time to pay for her membership renewal after adding another person, she pulled out of her bag several envelopes all stuffed with $1bills; $5bills; $10bills;$20 bills. And yes, she had envelopes stuffed with $50 and $100 bills, too. When she turned around an saw me behind her in line, she said something to the effect that she guessed that the cat was out of the bag....chuckling as she walked away

Thing Number Two.


Panhandlers are not always doing what they appear to be doing....panhandling. They can be and sometimes are  undercover cops.  They have been and continue to be crooks scoping out what  you have in your car. Have you ever looked in your rear view mirror in your anxious moments to get away from that 'guilt trip' they cause pulling on your heart string? Don't be surprised to see them giving hand signals to a car along side yours. You might have already been had before you get to your favorite store's parking lot or garage.

And while I am thinking about it, I haven't heard the news cast this year reminding people not to support the panhandlers because of a city ordinance on panhandlers. Did they win their lawsuit, maybe?

I see them all over the city working street medians. Where the city has done away with medians and made double left-turn lanes, the pan handlers became confined to the side walks, not the middle of traffic lanes. It seems to be working much better than an ordinance, anyway. Traffic Engineering 1. City Council Ordinance Writers 0.


I am also reminded of  a friend who was a college professor. He always carried a pocket of 20- one dollar bills. He gave each panhandler a $1 bill. He had a good heart and a good soul. He is also six feet under and the panhandlers he gave the $1 bills to are still standing on the corner today.

I've also watched panhandlers over the years with their little game. You see them coming back from the local C-store or a Mc Donald's with a big plastic cup of soda pop. They set it down behind a sign post, walk to their "post", wait for the lights to cycle one full turn then start down the next line of cars with a limp. Funny thing. Walking back from the C-store, that limp wasn't there.

And, back to the woman with the Sam's Club Business Membership. She  later revealed that her take on a daily basis was a little over $500. Of course, she had a prime spot. Not all intersections are the same for revenue. Intersections that are split  by interstate highways even have "workers". It is their job to stand there all day. How do they report their earnings, I wonder.

 What to do

Each and every one of us have a tender heart. Even the hardened hearts soften this time of year at lease some. The best and the most good comes from the agencies that know how to help those who need help. The Salvation Army's Red Kettles or their cost per meal donations. United Way Campaign  donations can be made through your work.

And Remember what J.P.Morgan said,"  The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are." 


 Some of those panhandlers got somewhere ten years ago. They wave at you each morning and afternoon. Did you decide to state where you are?

 The red shoulder was hanging out at the same tree and location yesterday. That was where he was the day before. The only difference is that his mate, arrived and whizzed right past him. The look afterwards that he had was somewhat comical.I've seen people do the same twist in the neck.

Business as usual overlooking the territory

Check out the neck position after the mate flies by

The mate is in the territory. They are already looking for a nesting sight. Now is the time of year when you have to follow their lead to see where they  settle if you want good images of my baby red shoulders when they branch later on in the season.