Informal Survey-Would you do this???

[LG & Sadie]

OK, now-there is a lot of background to this story, but since the gentleman who acted in the manner I am questioning didn't know it-I won't include it. Although-some of you who know Sadie and my story will have an advantage. Here is the scenario. It is a Hot, hot, hot, and super humid Sunday in July. While out on a Sadie outing with my partner (who is driving) we pass an orchard that has a wonderful store which sells assorted orchard veges, fruits, and some bakery items-that are amazing. It is rare we get out to this location. So, my spouse parks me and Sadie in the shade in the absolute furthest space available and leaves the car running while running into the store. No-not earth, enviro friendly. I know. But, like I mentioned earlier-a lot of background to the story. This is what happens a few minutes later. An elderly man who I watched play with two young girls feeding the ducks (I actually reviewed 1 man CPR in my head over).....knocks on my window......I roll it down a crack-and he says, " Next time leave the dog home"! I used the sweetest voice I could conjure up, and said, "Please mind your own business".  Now-fellow doodlers, I need to know, would you do or not do that I did; and why if you care to share? and, Would you do or not do what he did; and why if you care to share?

[Donna K & Quincy]

Not sure why older people feel their age entitles them to be rude. They have had a long time to learn some manners.

[Carol and Banjo]

We've had some very (unusual for NH) hot weather here this summer. We don't have air conditioning in the house and there were several days we actually planned errands and all went to enjoy the comforts of the car air conditioning. DH would run in to the store(s) while Banjo and I sat in the car and waited. It was a welcome relief for both of us! I would have just smiled at the old geezer and put the window back up.

[LG & Sadie]

Oh, I am so glad to have posted this! The negative smudge this man made on 15 minutes of Sunday has been replaced by my laughing out loud. Thank you all~ I won't respond individually to spare you all of the emails-but try to explain as best I can. From what I would imagine, his issue could have been the car running w the a/c running as it was super hot & humid is bad for the environment-emissions wise.....but, I have a new(or newer 2007) car and with emissions I think that makes a difference. Um, I definitely agree, a cranky old man with bad manners was likely a cranky young man with bad manners. The person who suggested the physical limitations was pretty close actually! That was a surprise-I am recovering from back surgery-and coincidentally Sadie-the doodle has epilepsy. But, is thankfully well managed on meds. I was quite tempted to tell this man detail by detail every rod and screw in my back-boy, just ask my friends and family-this guy got off very easy :-) When I replayed the incident in my head-I had scenarios going about it being a mistake to roll down the window-so that response cracked me up-the responses about cussing were not far off on the replays either, and another thing that has me laughing is the "potential casualty" I happen to do this everywhere I go! I am not sure if it is the product of a chaotic childhood-but, I always figure out a plan for what is the worst thing I dream might happen. Yep-I am a lot of fun at parties!!!! Luckily, all of this stuff is going on in my head! Again-Thanks so much doodle loving people~

[F, Calla & Luca]

You are lucky to have someone to run in and someone to sit in the car. Lately the doodles have been left home a lot because there is no way I can leave them in the car. I was just thinking today that some malls should have dog sitting areas, rather than excluding dogs. But why lump all elderly people together as some here have done. Since I'm rapidly approaching this demographic it bothers me : ) Yes, I do believe we of a certain age may speak our minds more freely, which overall I consider to be a good thing. But there's no excuse for being rude at any age!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

You make a great point "F". Now that I'm benefiting from the Senior Citizen Discount, I probably need to rethink my position on "the elderly". LOL

[shelly]

I think you were VERY nice.. I'm not so sure I would have said PLEASE or what else would have come out of my mouth.. depends if my kids were with me or I if were alone... if I was alone, I may be going to confession tomorrow for my poor choice I probably would have made. It also would depend on how pathetic he looked... I have 'a thing' for feeling bad for old men - especially if they're in a restaurant/diner, etc. eating alone - LOL

[Kyoko]

I probably gave him a finger....

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

In reality, I probably would have been so shocked by his rudeness that I might not have responded, BUT I have a quick temper so... Most likely I would have said, 'Next time leave yourself home."
What in the world did the dog have to do with anything? You were sitting in the car with the air running if that was his beef.
My mom is 87 and says the rudest things when we are in public and doesn't even realize she is being rude or worse! And she thinks she is whispering!

[Carol and Banjo]

Oh Nancy.....my mom would do the same thing in public....we'd all want to slide under the table.....for some reason she was at her worst in restaurants. I know she never meant any harm, she had no idea she was being offensive. Will I get like that too???? phlugh....................... Actually, the way my kids look at me sometimes....maybe.....oh boy......................

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Did we have the same mother? I used to leave the server an extra tip, I was so embarrassed!
And yes, my DD tells me I am getting like that too. :(

[Carol and Banjo]

hahaha.....I did the same thing with tipping!!!!!!

[Melissa & Porter]

I have a pet peeve about idling because I live across from an elementary school with prolonged drop-off and pick-up, and I have asthma/COPD. (Yes, I am always trying to convince my husband to move to the wilderness.)

Nonetheless, my pet peeve is reserved for people who leave their car running when the outside temp is pleasant. I know this is a matter of personal taste, but over 90 degrees is very hot IMO and under 45 is cold. Between that, you can adjust the interior temp by opening your windows for fresh air or getting out of the car, or keeping the windows closed to retain some heat for 10 min. then start the engine again.

I am always torn between wanting to say something to people (parked next to a "No Idling" sign, BTW) who leave their car on when it is 72 degrees outside. The car doesn't have to be on to make the car stereo work. I am not sure people are aware of this!

I wouldn't have said anything in your case because you describe hot temps. Nor would I say something to someone who wants privacy and climate control with a baby in the car.