Living In A Van Down By The Gas Station Chicken Store

The new year is upon us, and it wouldn't be complete without a handicap parking scofflaw! No time wasted. Not even two weeks into 2026, and here it was:

It was a bright sunny day, but the balmy temps are gone. Might have been in the upper 30s by this time in the afternoon. I pulled into the FREE AIR space to wait. There were only two other cars out front at the gas pumps. How long could it possibly take for somebody to do their business in the Gas Station Chicken Store? They don't even sell chicken anymore!

I waited. And waited. No handicap plate, nor handicap placard in this red van. I really didn't want to walk twice as far. My worse knee was really creaky, and it was COLD. I waited some more. I still had shopping to do at 10Box. I thought of going there first, but decided no, because I was getting some frozen things, and would want to get straight home with them.

Five minutes went by. A white car pulled in behind me, wanting FREE AIR. They sat and waited. That's too bad. My space is not designated as the FREE AIR space. It just happens to be located by that sign next to the hose. It's not like there's a decal painted on the pavement. Besides, that hose is plenty long, and there's room on the lot. 

With the white car behind me, I couldn't back up. I probably could have squeezed by to go out forward. But I wanted to get my tickets over with, and see Fave before shopping. Besides, the white car person had gotten out to pump some FREE AIR. So I slid out of T-Hoe and hobbled through the frigid wind.

Inside, there were a woman and man standing at the side of the counter, over by where the chicken case used to be. Fave greeted me. 

"Oh, they're here first."

"No, don't worry. She's just gabbing."

Indeed, The Woman was on her phone, chatting away. She had a fountain soda and snack on the counter in front of her. The Man just stood behind her. They were together. Early 40s, I think. Neither seems to have any infirmities that would cause them to need a handicap parking space.

Gotta say, I was A BIT ANNOYED! They were the only other people there. No cars out front anymore. She didn't park in my rightful handicap space because she needed it, or just to dash inside. She was hanging out! ON THE PHONE. At this rate, she might have been there all night.

I got my tickets and left, to hobble back to T-Hoe. Twice as far. Without even the satisfaction of The Woman and The Man coming out to see my hobble. 

I felt cheated. Twice.