I've shopped from catalogues for years, ever since I was told I shouldn't be driving any more. In those days, the choices were Sears, Penney's and Montgomery Ward's. Spiegel came along later. Nowadays, there are tons of catalogues so we can easily defeat the Beltway Sniper and any copycat snipers as far as most shopping is concerned.

Obviously, when pumping gas your safest location is on the inside side of the pumps, or find a full-service station. Restaurants? We were at a strip restaurant last night and--thank goodness for my decrepit condition!--we were able to park right in front in a handicapped spot and hurry in and out. I'd say if you can't park in front, find somewhere else to go. Or compile a list of restaurants that deliver. If you don't have a handicapped tag, maybe you can talk your doctor into authorizing one for you. Beckie and apoc ought to be good choices, supposing Beckie's husband is still somewhat incapacitated.

Any other suggestions?

-- Anonymous, October 20, 2002

Answers

Problem with catalogues -- drop shipping. What if there are anthrax attacks on UPS, et al? That could happen close to the holidays if any slime want to disrupt our economy.

Do your holiday shopping and mailing **now** -- no need to be in the malls near the holidays. Send those cards out before Thanksgiving. Who cares if it's strange? Or just send Ecards. K-Mart has Christmas trees out now. So does Target. Holiday stuff is now available -- get it if you use this stuff.

With a well-stocked pantry and freezer, there is little need to shop. When you do go out, go at off times and check out the area. I still like shopping at Wal-Mart at 6:15 am or so. It's easy to see who's around.

Gas? Can't help you there. I have a higher priced neighborhood station I would use -- it's open, far from the freeway, and the side roads close by all have speed bumps. I would also fill up some 5 gal gas cans if shooting incidents were on the increase here.

Basically, I would avoid being out in public as much as possible. Since I have various cold weather projects going at home that I need to start, this is no hardship.

-- Anonymous, October 20, 2002

My Honda Insight means only needing to fill up the tank once a month...

-- Anonymous, October 20, 2002

For the Anthrax in the mail threat, order things that can be irradiated without damage.

Flowers can be sent easily because they are delivered to the door from a local outlet. Plants, too.

BrookS, it only takes one visit.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2002

Check out the lovely specials at Gardeners Supply - Gardeners.com. I've mail-shopped here for over a decade and always had good luck.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2002