Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Category: Uncategorized

  • Beating Percussion Sounds With My Hands


    Dearest Readers:

    Yes, I know. I haven’t written or posted anything in months. I plan to share that story later — perhaps titled ‘MOVING — A COMEDY OF ERRORS!’

    I promise. That story will be shared; however, today, I have a strange piece of humor to share. You might laugh until you ache!

    Last night – in the early morning hours just before dawn, I awaken hearing a boom, crashing sound by the new house. I sit up curious as to what was going on outside.

    I rush to the ladies room, deciding to go outside to see what happened. Still half asleep, I open the back door. I do not check to see if it is still locked. After all, I left the door open! Gusting winds are creating a graceful ballet of swaying trees dancing all around me. Tall pine trees. Oaks. Magnolias. Sycamore. All are dancing such a beautiful ballet.

    From the porch I admire this beautiful dance of nature. Suddenly, I hear SLAM! The back door closed. Uh. Oh!

    I’m locked out of my house and it is still dark outside. What? Do? I? Do?

    I jiggle the door handle. LOCKED!

    Deciding to knock on the door, I realize Phil is sound asleep. He will not awaken.

    I make fists of my hands, knocking on the door. Of course, no one responds, and so I decide to knock with a rhythmic method of percussion.

    Bang Bang. Knock Knock. Bang de Bang. Bang de Bang.Bang de Bang. Bang de Bang.

    Stopping because my fingers ache, I glance outside. The motion lights are on and it is still so dark. What do I do now?

    Of course, my cell phone is inside the house, charging. I continue banging.

    The only thing I know to do now, is either continue banging, hoping Phil just might hear something, or I can go outside into the gusting winds and rain and get on the front porch and ring the doorbell. HUMPH! I doubt he’ll hear the doorbell, so I continue my rhythmic drumming until my fingers are throbbing.

    Stepping onto the porch steps, I shake my hands so they’ll stop hurting from the drumming.

    Something tells me not to step into the dark of night. Again, I drum the sound of percussion from my fingertips and hands.

    Maybe I should pray!

    I flex my fingertips. Dear God, please let Phil hear me. Maybe he’ll come check on me to see if I’m ok. He knows I sleep on the sofa now since I can’t get comfortable in bed due to this aching back. My back brace is inside. My back will start hurting if I continue standing here. Please, dear God, let him hear me.

    I’m still standing on the porch, dressed in leggings and shorty PJ’s and socks. If I step outside to walk around to the front of the house I’ll be soaked. Just what do I do now? My back hurts.

    Please dear God, awaken Phil.

    As I turn away to step outside, I drum on the glass once more. The hall light comes on! God is helping me!

    I see Phil standing by the sofa. I knock on the glass again, beating a rhythm of HELP! help. HELP!

    Phil opens the back door. I practically jump into his arms. Thank you! Thank you. You heard me!

    He yawns. “What are you doing out here?”

    I heard a noise so I wanted to check. The gusting winds shut the back door, locking me out.

    I walked to the sofa, rubbing my aching back. Phil tucks me in. It is 5:15 am. Still so dark!

    Phil decides since he is awake, he might as well go to work, provided I’m OK. He touches me. I moan, anxious to fall back to sleep.

    I kissed him, touching his face. Thank you for rescuing me, again!

  • VETERANS DAY, 2019


    Dearest Readers:

    Today is Veterans Day in the USA. A day to give thanks to those who served. Those who gave all. And those who served, fought and came home to America.

    My husband is a Veteran of the Vietnam conflict. Notice, I said Conflict, not war. Durng that time, the legislators referred Vietnam as a conflict, not a war. Yes, a play on words. Believe me, Vietnam was a war.

    I refuse to get political about a play on words because Vietnam taught America a lot about what a war is and how our Veterans should be respected.

    A few weeks ago, I answered the phone, only to discover another robocall; however, this time, it was a robocall about the benefits of veterans. I almost hung up. Much to my surprise, the voice on the end spoke to me, thanking me for my sacrifice as the Wife of a Veteran.

    I was shocked. No one has ever said thank you to me for my sacrifice and many times when we get those types of calls, the party on the other line only wants to speak to the Veteran.

    So for today, I would like to say thank you to all Veterans, but most especially, to the Veterans of Vietnam. I am so blessed and proud to know many of these Veterans.

    May your day as a Veteran be blessed. May your family share their pride and love for all of you. Happy Veterans Day!

  • Customer Service SUCKS at JC Penney’s Hair Salon

    Customer Service SUCKS at JC Penney’s Hair Salon


    From a Facebook of yesterday. You’ve asked: “What’s on my mind???” Here goes: Earlier this week, I made an appointment at JC Penney Hair Salon to have my hair trimmed and shaped at 2pm today, Saturday, November 2, 2019. Fighting traffic on I-26, traffic headed west came to a stop. I fought it all the way to Northwoods Mall. Still don’t know why a police officer with blue lights flashing stopped the traffic. Finally arriving at Penney’s I tell the receptionists (seems there were three on duty at the front desk) I had an appointment with Patty. They gave me a perplexing look. “Patty isn’t here today.”

    Years ago – when customer service was good – I would get the decency of a phone call. NOT TODAY!

    “Then why couldn’t ONE OF YOU have the decency to call her customers to let them know???”

    No one answered me. Their body language said it all!

    Think I’m done with getting haircuts at J C Penney Hair Salon. Never will I be treated like that again.

    Now, to find a stylist who listens and will only TRIM AND SHAPE my hair along with someone who believes in customer service. Understand. I’m not holding the blame on Patty. The receptionist is to blame. On the phone, when I made the appointment, something told me she lacked customer service skills! Was I EVER RIGHT! I suppose I should mention, I’ve been a customer at that hair salon for over 20 years — BUT — NO MORE!

    Oh well. Goodbye, JC Penney Hair Salon!

    So much for customer service!

  • Reminiscing While Fighting Depression

    Reminiscing While Fighting Depression


    Dearest Readers: It’s been a while since I’ve posted. I’ve been depressed. Extremely busy. Overwhelmed. Stressed. Too many things happening right now. Sometimes, my hands shake. I do my best to relax. To cope. Telling myself ‘this too shall pass.’ Then, I find myself thinking of my father, Walter W. Perkins. ‘If only I could talk to him. He’d cheer me up. He’d tell me to keep my chin up. He’d ask me to smile, my beautiful dimply smile. He’d remind me to hold my head high. The world is my pearl, and I should grab it in my hands and hold it tight. Yes. Dad would boost my spirits, and I would feel the burdens of life releasing from my chest. The tears falling on my cheeks would cease to exist. I would breathe a long deep breath. Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. You’re going to be all right. Sometimes I do not feel all right. It’s challenging to move forward when someone so significant to my life is suddenly gone. After I lost my dad on July 6, 1999, I had a vision – a visit from him – on September 9, 1999. It was early morning, barely dusk. I felt something touch my left foot. “Yes,” I whispered. My toe wiggled. I glanced at my toe, seeing a vision of a man – my father – dressed in white clothing. He said: “Barbara. You need to move forward. Stop grieving about me. I’m all right. I’m happy. You must move forward. Let me go. I’m all right. I’m. All. Right.” I rose from the bed. The vision was gone.

    Initially, I planned to write about my father on July 6. Instead, I was busy. So. Busy. Can’t recall what I did, but the day passed away, just like my father did on that sad day. I remember the nurses telling me they could bring him back. Just say the words, Barbie. We can bring him back. I couldn’t. I remained in a chair. Tears rushing down my face. Yes. I wanted to say bring him back but, I knew better. His quality of life had disappeared. He was so weak he could hardly walk. He no longer escorted me to the exit of Sandpiper Convalescent Center, to kiss me on the cheek and tell me goodbye. His breathing was shallow, and daily, he would aspirate his food. He insisted on eating.

    “It’s the only thing I can do, and I’m going to eat – even IF it kills me.” He said. And. That is what happened on Tuesday, July 6, 1999. As he was struggling to eat his dinner, he choked. Coughing profusely, he aspirated his food and was gone.

    Bring him back? No. I could not allow that. I knew I would miss him. I knew I would feel like an orphan. I had lost a man who adored me from my childhood through my adult years. I saw the gleam in his eyes when he mentioned me. Funny. I just remembered that. My childhood was so painful; I locked all of those emotions away. Now, at times, some of them come rushing back – dancing into my brain, and I remember how much my father, Walter W. Perkins loved me.

    It has been 20 years now. Still, I ache for my father. I hurt to hear his voice. I hunger to sing harmony with him, and I crave to hug him – just one more time.

    People told me the grief would ease, but it hasn’t. Although I want to open some of his scrapbooks and diaries, I cannot. The pain of his loss is still much too fresh. I have learned to walk through the grief, and when I battle to get to the other side of grief, there appears to be a thick, dark cloud blocking me.

    I keep telling myself One day I will open those scrapbooks and look at them, but not now. Not today. Maybe never. I miss him so much.

    So, today, as I battle depression once again, I’m keeping myself busy. Earlier, I emptied the dining room hutch. Admiring the depression glass collection. Christmas china collections. Crystal and other items. Now, I must polish the furniture, clean the dishes and put them back. Or. Maybe. Not.

    Not today. Today, I wish to reminisce about my father, Walter W. Perkins. I want to remember him and his identical twin brother. I never met him. He died much too young, shattering my father’s life for a bit.

    Today, I pray the Perkins Twins can harmonize in Heaven. Maybe one day, when I join them, I can sing in harmony too, but for now, I must get busy with life.

    After all – tomorrow is another day, and I plan to walk the pier again. Something I haven’t done in weeks. I know. I need to get back to life, and I will. Tomorrow!

    I must continue fighting this depression – before it gets the best of me. I must take one step tomorrow morning. Then, I’ll take another step and rush to the pier — just to feel the sea breeze kissing my face. Yes, to feel the humidity of the late summer kissing my face and body with glitter. After all – ladies, especially Steel Magnolias do not perspire. We GLITTER! Tomorrow will be a new day. I must approach tomorrow with my sassy, feisty attitude, and my wiggling swag as I dance around the pier while collecting my Glitter. Yes. Tomorrow!

    How about you readers? What will you do – Tomorrow?

     

  • Customer Service in America…


    Dearest Readers:

    Yes. It’s true. I, along with many friends, complain about customer service in America. Years ago, when phoning a company to express a complaint, we were transferred to a department that was capable of taking care of our needs. Now, normally, when phoning, you get transferred to one department…then, another department…dare I say it — placed on HOLD for what appears to be eternity, and finally in defeat – we hang up.

    Yes. That is my style. Today, things changed.

    I’m having difficulty with my Garmin Vivofit 2. In March, the battery died, so I took it to Batteries Plus to get another battery. When I originally replaced the battery, about a year ago, I purchased the lifetime battery, so this year, my battery was free. My Vivofit 2 was working fine afterwards. About three weeks ago, things changed.

    In case you didn’t know, I purchased a Garmin Vivofit 2 after my Fitbit Alta band broke, and the Fitbit Alta wasn’t working properly. Defeated, I removed the Fitbit, deciding to toss anything made by Fitbit into the trash. Instead, I placed my Fitbit One and Fitbit Alta in a drawer. I purchased a Vivofit 2 on Amazon.com after losing confidence in Fitbit products.

    On one occasion, a friend shared her experience with customer service from Fitbit — praising them, so, I decided maybe I should try. Fitbit wrist bands never hold up, so I phoned – sharing my diplomatic manner with them. Meanwhile, I wore the Garmin Vivofit 2.

    While speaking with the customer service rep, she wanted me to take a picture of the wrist band and the Fitbit. I responded I threw the tacky wrist band in the trash! She placed me on Hold!

    Finally, she returned, telling me she spoke with a supervisor. “Normally, we require proof that the wrist band was defective, but this time, we will send you another wrist band and we’ll replace your Alta.”

    Proof of a defective wrist band? In all honesty, those wrist bands are not exactly a quality product!

    So now, I wear two trackers. They make interesting conversation!

    Today, I decided to contact Garmin. For about three weeks, I’ve had difficulty reading the screen of the Vivofit 2. I see a garbled number on screen, and when I go to sync it, I cannot tell if it is on the sync screen. Yesterday, I managed to move over 17,000 steps; however, with the Garmin Vivofit 2, I couldn’t comprehend IF it synced until I checked the website on my computer.

    So, here I go, making a phone call while sipping my morning cup of Joe. The customer service rep pulled up my history, and moments later, he said he will send me a new device. No fee. He simply wants me to be happy with Garmin products! He mentioned I would be getting a confirmation email soon. Think I’ll check email in a few minutes, just to see.

    How’s that for customer service? I was totally prepared to get the runaround. Yes. Diplomacy and kindness works!

    Wouldn’t it be wonderful IF all companies trained their customer service reps in such an amazing way! I wasn’t required to “take a picture” so they could tell it was defective!

    I didn’t need to get angry. I confess. I’ve worked in customer service for many years, and I’ve been rewarded with Excellent Customer Service Awards, on many occasions, I know what customer service SHOULD be in America, and beyond!

    Eureka! I checked email a moment ago. The confirmation email stating I will get a replacement is in my inbox folder!

    Today, I can truly say, there is nothing like customer service in America. At least…for today – Tuesday, July 23, 2019!

    May you have a great day, and if you must deal with customer service, I do hope you will be treated with kindness, respect and great customer service. Thank you, Garmin!

  • Happy Independence Day!


    Dearest Readers:

    This will be a short post. Since it is July the Fourth in the USA, I wanted to wish all Americans a Happy Fourth of July, Independence Day, 2019.

    Please celebrate our freedom in America and give thanks to our soldiers who are still fighting for freedom in harm’s way.

    Please, if you love fireworks and are planning to shoot them into the skies today and tonight, Please consider the animals who will hear them. The Veterans with PTSD who will almost jump out of their skin when they hear them. If you plan to have a celebration with fireworks, go to a safe area to do this, not the neighbors lawns, or near animals.

    I plan to keep my pups inside tonight since some of the residents in our neighborhood love to stand in the middle of the road and ignite fireworks — in my yard. Along my windows. No consideration for my husband who has PTSD. Last year, the children igniting fireworks thought it was funny to aim them near my windows. I went outside, asking them most diplomatically if they could ignite them somewhere else, and I asked Where are your parents? You’re supposed to have adult supervision.

    They laughed. I considered calling the police, but I imagine they were busy since so many people consume way too many ‘adult beverages’ and drive and text while driving.

    If only our neighborhood and community made the fireworks illegal here. Wouldn’t that be nice?

    Finished with my complaint. Now I wish everyone Happy Independence Day. Please stay safe. If you drink, please do not drive.

    Happy Fourth of July.

  • Fitbit Charge 2 — SUCKS!


    Dearest Readers:

    Today is a day for me to vent. Why? Simple – I’m aggravated with my Fitbit Charge 2 activity tracker. Earlier, I walked on the pier from 9:20 am until 10:54 am. While walking, I occasionally sit down to rest since I do have Asthma. At times, my breathing gets a bit shallow, so I rest and check my activity points. At first, it noted 4284 steps. Then, it drops to under 2000 steps, with zero activity minutes???

    After walking another lap on the pier, I check the infamous Fitbit Charge 2 again. Today, it was doing the same as yesterday. Dropping activity steps and activity minutes.

    After completing three laps, a bit winded and much too hot, I chose to head towards the car. Glittery pieces of glitter (since some women do not sweat, we secrete glitter) were falling from my forehead, my hair was a bit ‘glittery’ too and I was just a bit tired. Sliding into the car, I checked Fitbit to see what it was calculating this time. 6487 steps. Arriving home, I checked it again. Approximately 3480 steps???

    How can that be? I had the same issue with the Charge 2 yesterday. I reset the Fitbit. I fussed. Maybe I said one or two not so nice words, and then I phoned Fitbit. Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. Just don’t lose your cool. Be nice! After all, you have glitter on your arms and you need to relax.

    I spoke with a nice customer service rep. She attempted to walk me through the process. Following her instructions, my Fitbit had the upper hand, losing more steps.

    Why is it my Garmin says I have over 8400 steps and my Fitbit says 3480?

    She didn’t know. This Fitbit is possessed. I’m sick of Fitbit. I hate Fitbit, and I’m not one who hates, normally!

    She placed me on hold for a moment. Returning to speak with me, she mentioned I will be getting a new Fitbit Charge 2.

    I just checked my Fitbit, now it reads 3372 steps? When did America start reducing numbers to be the greatest??? At golf, but not in life!

    Until I receive the new Fitbit Charge 2 I think I’ll stick with my Garmin. At least it calculates steps correctly!

    Moral of this story — please do your shopping and research to see which activity tracker will work for you. I’m beginning to think my Fitbit is a possessed antique. I’ve only had it maybe a year or two? I’ve forgotten when I bought it! Yes, it is true, technology changes daily. Heck. Maybe now it changes hourly and cannot calculate your activity points correctly.

    Now, I must get to work. I’ve got more writing (and primping) to do!

    Have a ‘glittery’ day!

  • Happy Father’s Day, 2019

    Happy Father’s Day, 2019


    Dearest Readers:

    Today, Sunday, June 16, 2019, is Father’s Day. I will celebrate this glorious day with my husband, while spoiling him just a bit more.

    Unfortunately, I lost my father, Walter W. Perkins, on Tuesday, July 6, 1999. Father’s Day hasn’t been the same without him.

    Today is a day to show your love, appreciation and gratefulness for your father. Now that I am an orphan, I feel my father’s loss immensely. How I remember the day he left me.

    Working a bit late on that date, I drove to the nursing home to check on him and visit with him a bit. He was battling esophageal cancer at that time. Terminally ill. It was just a matter of time before he would leave us. Daily, I visited, unless I was ill.

    Walking into the nursing home, I noticed a nurse pushing an oxygen tank. Much to my surprise, she and I placed our hands on my father’s door at the same time. I screamed. I knew. This is it. My father is dying.

    At 5:45pm, I heard nurses working on him. One came out, asking me to give permission to resuscitate him. “No.” I said, tears rushing down my face. “He’s a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate.)

    After that night, I failed to sleep. The remainder of that week is a blob to me. I remember planning his funeral. I vaguely remember seeing family members.

    Now, almost 20 years later, I still ache to be with him, speak with him, sing with him, and enjoy our time together.

    For all of you who are blessed to still have your father in your life, please do not take him for granted. Do not assume he will always be with you. There will come a day when he will leave you never to return. You will be devastated. Life is too short, so please be kind to him and appreciate all that he is and will be in your life.

    If he shares stories of his childhood and early adulthood, please write these stories down. How I wish I had. I told myself I could remember those times and I could jot them down at a later time.

    Poof! Those stories are gone. I cannot sit down with him now.

    How I miss Father’s Day with my dad. Please take the time TODAY, to share your love. Thank him for being in your life, and make time to jot down the stories he’s shared so you will remember them.

    Happy Father’s Day, Walter W. Perkins, in Heaven. I shall love you, always! May everyone who is a father enjoy this precious Father’s Day, 2019.

  • Weight Watchers…Or Is It “WW?”

    Weight Watchers…Or Is It “WW?”


    Dearest Readers:

    I suppose most of you are aware Weight Watchers is now called ‘W-W!” A new branding for a wonderful organization. Still, I refer to it as Weight Watchers, and “WW” since my friends and I have referred the lifestyle organization as WW since we joined.

    I confess, I believe I joined in 2011. I still remember my first meeting. If I could’ve found a brown grocery bag, I am convinced I would’ve entered the meeting with it over my head. Why? Simple. I have a web presence as a writer, and I still wasn’t convinced the weigh-in meetings were confidential. Still, I remember the meetings I attended for only a short time years ago. A beige curtain covered the scales. These scales were the antiquated scales we still see occasionally in doctor’s offices. I was convinced that every time I weighed someone, probably the next person in line, would see my weight and tell others how much I weighed.

    For those of you who’ve never had a weight problem – how blessed you are. For those of us who constantly dread weighing, we simply cannot understand how great it must be to never have to be concerned about weight.

    The day I joined Weight Watchers — this time — was when Jennifer Hudson was the spokesperson. She claimed she lost 80 pounds with them, and I must say, she looked gorgeous. So, I checked the Weight Watchers website, hoping to learn new information. I read about “confidential weigh-ins, Confidential weigh-ins, I whispered, Just how confidential is a beige curtain?

    I knew I needed to lose weight. After I lost my father, I was so devastated, I gained weight. I detested shopping for new clothes – in a larger size. I despised looking in the mirror. Let’s don’t even discuss posing for a photograph, or wearing a swimsuit. Disgusting! I kept telling myself I would lose weight, but the scales refused to move to a lower number.

    Entering the meeting, I completed the necessary forms, staying after the meeting to discuss the program.

    Carefully, I ate. The challenge was eating out with my husband and friends. I did not tell anyone I joined Weight Watchers. It was my secret! I was ashamed to share!

    Silly, foolish me. The next week, I stepped on the scales, convinced I’d lost at least three pounds. Surprise! I looked at the card the receptionist returned to me, and I screamed — Six-tenths of a pound. Six-tenths of a pound?

    On that date, I became the founder of the Six-tenths Club! Today, I lost eight-tenths! Guess what? I’ll take it!

    I grabbed my handbag and headed towards the exit. Fortunately, the leader of the meeting came after me. “You know, any loss is a loss. Please don’t get discouraged. Give us a chance, and yourself a chance!”

    Almost in tears, I strolled to a chair and sat down. I stayed for this meeting too and discussed what I might’ve done wrong.

    I have to consider: 1) I was a Type 2 Diabetic. 2) I kept to myself, not letting my husband or anyone know I joined WW. 3) I failed to believe in myself. 4) As an asthmatic, there are times my doctors prescribe Prednisone – a steroid…Steroids do not like me! Each time I take them, I gain weight! Did you know, after taking steroids, it takes about eight weeks to get them out of your system! It’s no wonder I jump on a roller coaster at these times, and I do not like roller coasters!

    Ever. So. Slowly. My weight is dropping. Even when I have gains, I tell myself to get back on the wagon and continue this journey. Don’t. Give. Up!

    Now, a few years later, I am devoted to my Thursday morning meetings, and I attend every week, unless I have a doctor’s appointment, have a migraine headache, or simply do not want to face the music, or scales!

    What have I learned?

    *I’ve learned to like myself.

    *I’ve learned to focus on the positive, not the negative. Years ago, I thrived on the negative and it came close to destroying me. I grew up in a family filled with hatred, fights and negative thoughts. I was told not to love myself. Fortunately, I broke away from the toxic family environment and chose to make myself a better person.

    *I’ve learned food is not our enemy, but our friend. After all, we all have to eat food to live!

    *Another important lesson I’ve learned is – we must be accountable for our actions and behaviors. Weight Watchers, aka ‘WW’ teaches us how to become stronger individuals and we focus on how we can become better people by working towards our goals in life. Whatever those goals might become. Also, we learn to treat ourselves well. Years ago, I would practically beat my head against a brick wall while telling myself what a horrible person I was. I focused on the negative from my childhood. Now, I’m proud to say, I’ve discovered I am a nice person and a great friend. Imagine that!

    Just look how far I’ve come! All to the growth, (and the loss) I am living as I adventure into a wonderful life with Weight Watchers…the friends I’ve made, and the life I am living now.

    Today, while at the meeting two ladies thanked me for all of the experiences in my life that I share. I am more open-minded now, not dwelling in the clouds of darkness I lived for much of my youth and early adulthood. These two lovely ladies said I inspire them!

    Now, when my friends ask me If I am STILL DOING WEIGHT WATCHERS, I correct them, saying: Actually, I am still doing WW, and I will never quit! WW is a part of me. A proud part of me!

    I still need to lose about 30 pounds. At least, that is the goal I’ve chosen for myself. Will I achieve it? Of course I will! Since April, I’ve lost six pounds! And so, the story goes, along with my journey. Weight Watchers, aka “WW” — This I do for me!

  • Golf Cart Safety


    Dearest Readers:

    Today is June 1, 2019. I admit it, I’ve been negligent about writing on a regular basis in my blog. Recently, actually, if I’m correct, I’ve been negligent since I upgraded to a better service with Word Press. So, now that it is officially summertime, the time of year where we start to be concerned about the weather and hurricanes, I thought I might create a new resolution — a bit late. Oops. So sorry. My resolution is: to write about topics of concern on a regular basis!

    My subject today is golf cart safety. We have an amazing number of golf cart drivers in our area of the Old Village, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Earlier this afternoon, I saw a green golf cart turning onto my road. Would you believe the driver was a child – at the most six or seven years old. He was small for his age. An adult sat in the passenger side. The child was driving!

    Since most golf cart drivers fail to give signals, I suspect golf carts do not have signal lights or safety belts! Just how are we, the residents and drivers, to know when a golf cart plans to turn? Good question. I don’t have an answer.

    Doing a bit of research, I discovered this site:

    http://www.golfcartsafety.com/safety-fundamentals

    Listed below are the 16 Fundamentals to Be Safe In a Golf Cart:

    “THE FUNDAMENTALS (16 WAYS TO BE SAFE)

    1. Never drive recklessly or joy ride. Drive courteously. Obey all vehicle traffic laws and rules of the road. THE MAJORITY OF GOLF CART DRIVERS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD DO NOT FOLLOW THIS RULE!
    2. Never drive intoxicated or under the influence of any drug or narcotic. THE MAJORITY OF GOLF CART DRIVERS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD DO NOT FOLLOW THIS RULE!
    3. Avoid distractions while operating the golf cart just as you would in an automobile. Be safe and attentive — avoid talking, texting, or reading while driving, reaching for objects, applying makeup or eating. THE MAJORITY OF GOLF CART DRIVERS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD DO NOT FOLLOW THIS RULE! I’ve observed much texting and playing with phones!
    4. Golf carts should be equipped with seat belts for driver and all passengers. The driver and all occupants should utilize available seatbelts anytime the vehicle is in use. THE MAJORITY OF GOLF CART DRIVERS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD DO NOT FOLLOW THIS RULE!
    5. Only carry the number of passengers for which there are seats. THE MAJORITY OF GOLF CART DRIVERS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD DO NOT FOLLOW THIS RULE! Many times children are hanging on the back of the golf cart!
    6. Drivers and all passengers should keep all body parts (arms, legs, feet) inside cart while vehicle is in motion, except when signaling a turn.
    7. Do not allow anyone to ride standing in the vehicle or on the back platform of the vehicle. Do not put vehicle in motion until all passengers are safely seated inside vehicle. THE MAJORITY OF GOLF CART DRIVERS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD DO NOT FOLLOW THIS RULE!
    8. Operate the vehicle from the driver’s side only.
    9. Always use hand signals to indicate your intent to turn due to the small size and limited visibility of the turn signals on a golf cart. THE MAJORITY OF GOLF CART DRIVERS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD DO NOT FOLLOW THIS RULE!
    10. Check blind spots before turning. When making a left hand turn, yield to the thru traffic lane and merge into that lane before turning left. Never make a left hand turn from the golf cart lane.
    11. Carefully turn and look behind golf cart before backing up.
    12. Avoid sharp turns at maximum speed, and drive straight up and down slopes to reduce the risk of passenger ejections and/or rollover. Avoid excessive speed, sudden starts, stops and fast turns.
    13. Reduce speed due to driving conditions, especially hills or other inclines or declines, blind corners, intersections, pedestrians and inclement weather.
    14. Do not leave keys in golf cart while unattended and make sure the parking brake is set. THE MAJORITY OF GOLF CART DRIVERS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD DO NOT FOLLOW THIS RULE! Let’s just say, several neighbors have had their golf carts stolen.
    15. Always yield to pedestrians and be cognizant of motor vehicles. THE MAJORITY OF GOLF CART DRIVERS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD DO NOT FOLLOW THIS RULE!
    16. Use extreme caution in inclement weather. Although a golf cart may shield you from the rain, it may not protect you from a lightning strike.”

    I’m astonished how many children are driving WITHOUT SUPERVISION in my neighborhood. It’s my observation they believe golf carts are simply adult toys they can plan with, and if they approach a car, they will turn in front of it and laugh, or some of these precious children use finger art to make a point. No respect to other drivers, after all, they are allowed to play on the golf carts!

    I confess, I do not have a golf cart. I’ve though about purchasing one, deciding we really do not need one. After all, if we want to drive somewhere, there are two vehicles parked in our driveway.

    According to an article in the Post & Courier, October 17, 2018, golf carts are supposed to adhere to the following rules. Maybe Mount Pleasant, SC is exempt? Perhaps not, after all – we are in Charleston County!

    “To drive a golf cart in South Carolina, you must:

    • Be at least 16 years old
    • Have a valid driver’s license
    • Have the cart registered with the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles
    • Have proof of liability insurance
    • Display a state permit decal
    • Only drive during daylight hours
    • Only drive within 4 miles of the address on the registration certificate
    • Only drive on roadways with a speed limit of 35 mph or less
    • Not drive on a bike path.”

    Although golf carts are not supposed to be driven at night, I’ve seen many of them driving on the roads at night – without headlights! Also, children, including infants should not be held by the driver, and since there isn’t a place to safely buckle a child they should not be included in the golf cart.

    Golf cart safety is really about common sense and SAFETY! While I imagine it might be fun to ride around the neighborhood in a golf cart with your children standing on the rear of the cart, and little children held in the arms of the driver, a little bit of common sense might be utilized.

    I would hate to think a child was either seriously injured or killed while riding in a golf cart, or an older child – not a teenager – driving the golf cart! Freak accidents can, and will happen.

    Safety first! Let’s protect our children and neighbors, please!