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Interesting Sight on the 90

By Robin Walters

As I was headed to Buffalo on Sunday afternoon, I stopped at the Clarence service area. As I went to enter, I saw these two young folks with their dog.

Now to be honest 4 years ago, I would probably have not given them the time of the day, but because of where my faith walk is now, I stopped to chat with them.

Meet Timmy, Katie and Rodeo. They are on their way to Orgeon. They left New Jersey three days ago. They told me it was an interesting three days. When asking them about financing their trip and such, Katie told me she had worked while going to college. They said they have some money but are living off of "waste". Timmy said you would not believe the waste there is. Last night's dinner was a bag of pasta from a restaraunt in Rochester that was throwing away all this food.

They sleep under the stars and Rodeo protects them. Katie has to be back for college late August, so they hope to make it all the way out and back. They have no family or friends  there, but they just want to "live the dream"!

I prayed with them for safe travels and that the Lord would meet each need along the way. I got to give it to them, they are just walking in faith.

Karen Miconi

Robin, How Heart Wrenching.... I think you were called to find them there. They look like they are in love, and happy, dispite their struggle. The desperation gets my heart. To think some of us take luxuries like vechicles, food, and shelter for granted. I wish them all the prayers, and prosperity I can muster. Live Your Dream Tim and Katie. I will be prayin for ya!!! (:
Ps: Pay no mind to the comments below, I think they need some Snapple CompasionBerry at TOPS. LOL
Pss: If you read above, you would know
"They have NO family - Hellooooooooo

May 24, 2010, 10:53am Permalink
Richard Gahagan

Cut it out these dumb kids are eating garbage and people try to make it look like god has or will have something to do with it. Hope the dog smartens up and runs away cause those two kids are idiots.

May 24, 2010, 9:19am Permalink
JoAnne Rock

Heart wrenching??? People that lost loved ones and everything they own in the << insert natural disaster of your choice here >> is heart wrenching. Timmy and Katie's "struggle" is an exercise in self imposed selfishness. Not to mention the dangers they open themselves up to by hitchhiking.

If they want to "live the dream", more power to them. But how about doing it the old fashioned way: hard work, determination and perserverence, instead of the new fashioned way: feeling entitled to something for nothing and relying on the inevitable "tug of the heart strings" of good people to pick up the slack.

They are not homeless and the only apparent "desperation" is that probably felt by Timmy and Katie's parents.

May 24, 2010, 10:17am Permalink
JoAnne Rock

If they are truly hippies, why was their plight viewed as a heart wrenching, desperate struggle?

They aren't looking for peace, love and harmony...they're looking to garner enough sympathy so they can get a free trip and a free meal.

I think they give real hippies a bad name.

May 24, 2010, 1:55pm Permalink
Karen Miconi

Jo, For gods Sake, it was just MY opinion. You know, 1 person out of thousands. Thats what this site is about. I wont let Robin's blog be tainted with such hatred. Remember it was just MY opinion, not everyones. I have a right to it, as do you. So if your gonna quote just me, please refrain.
Sorry Howard, I had to clear the air.

May 24, 2010, 2:16pm Permalink
JoAnne Rock

Karen...please point out where I "tainted" Robin's blog with "such hatred". I said nothing hateful and I resent the implication.

I, like you, offered MY opinion, which happens to differ from everyone else (except Richard) that commented.

If you are not interested in dissenting opinions, may I suggest that you write PLEASE REFRAIN FROM COMMENTING after all of your posts. That is something I can respect.

This site is about Community Views...I offered mine.

If Howard deems my post hateful, he will delete it...but again I ask...where is the hate?

May 24, 2010, 2:42pm Permalink
kevin kretschmer

What's "heart-wrenching" about a couple of Freegans wandering around the country? There's no real struggle in what they're doing. They made a conscious decision to see America as cheaply as possible, nothing more.

May 24, 2010, 3:54pm Permalink
JoAnne Rock

Karen said:

Pss: If you read above, you would know
"They have NO family - Hellooooooooo

Hellooooooo....maybe you should re-read it. It says they have NO FAMILY THERE (in Oregon), they are just going there for fun of it.

I'm sure they have loving parents somewhere that are worried sick about their little adventure.

You should have had a V8!!

May 24, 2010, 4:18pm Permalink
Lorie Cook

I noticed that too JoAnne. I feel sorry for that poor dog. Dogs should not be dragged across the country...how many folks do you really supposed want a couple strange kids and a dog in their vehicle? And a bag of pasta is hardly a meal for a dog. I just hope they don't decide it is too hard to travel with a dog and just leave him somewhere.

Is Karen the new TOPS spokes person?

What Robin did was very kind-hearted!

May 24, 2010, 4:36pm Permalink
kevin kretschmer

I understood the part about no family out West when I read the original post. It's implied.

One of my guides went on one of these similarly stupid adventures several years back. Hopefully the Freegans journey will go vastly better than his did.

May 24, 2010, 4:38pm Permalink
Karen Miconi

No girls its Snapple. Didn't you watch the season finale of the Celebrity Aprentice? (eye roll) LOL Hey I'll comment whenever and whatever I like, and Ill always stand up for myself. (eye roll) LOL (brushing my shoulders off) To each his own. Ill dance as long as you want to, though its childish. I hope Joe Rock above is not my neighbor, are you? Oh and I do feel sorry for the doggie too (: V8 has too much sodium. (shrug) LOL Hellooooo Teeheehee

May 24, 2010, 5:25pm Permalink
JoAnne Rock

I kinda wish you were my neighbor...it would be funny to watch you try to walk with one foot in your mouth, cuz apparently it's still there. (eye roll) LOL (shrug).

May 24, 2010, 5:45pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

Karen, they're trying to "live off the land" in a clumsy way. Students and young adults have been doing this for a long time. Like I said, they're not bothering anyone, just taking what people don't want. Kevin called then "freegans" We have no idea where they come from, and all this supposition would probably blow their minds. I really think everyone has gone off the deep end

May 24, 2010, 6:08pm Permalink
kevin kretschmer

It's got nothing to do with pride. They're Freegans. It's a conscious lifestyle choice that is a growing sub-culture in this land of plenty. You can find them in most major metropolitan areas. They don't live like this because they have to, it's because they want to.

May 24, 2010, 6:10pm Permalink
Lorie Cook

Karen, these are choices THEY made! Where does it say they go to dumpsters for food? And again, they made the choice to do this...that poor dog did not!

You don't think hitchhiking is sort of begging? How do you know they do not beg?

Funny because the only person I see making personal attacks is Karen calling folks "nasty and sarcastic."

May 24, 2010, 6:21pm Permalink
JoAnne Rock

I agree Dave, this conversation has gone off the deep end.

Instead of admitting that she read the story wrong, she accused me of being hateful and lacking compassion.

Karen, I don't know you or your husband. If I did meet him and I was nasty and sarcastic to him, chances are he deserved it...just like you did.

May 24, 2010, 6:28pm Permalink
JoAnne Rock

Now I know who your husband is. I just looked at your pics.

Funny...the ONLY conversation I ever had with him was to compliment him on his craftsmanship. He showed me pictures of his handmade furniture - how nasty is that?

It's a shame that he is badmouthing me just to appease you.

May 24, 2010, 6:45pm Permalink
Lorie Cook

wow, joanne, sorry she went there. Guess the kids pride is hidden behind that sign begging for curly fries. Have some class folks! If you are going to come to Buffalo and beg for food, at least beg for buffalo wings!

May 24, 2010, 8:13pm Permalink
Robin Walters

Happy Tuesday, been a bit busy and have not had a chance to check back in until today. I never thought just a casual picture would bring so many comments.

Thanks to all of you for your comments, and opinions.
This is what I love about the Batavian, it is here so we can express ourselves.

I thoroughly enjoy being able to express myself through picture taking and writing and having this free opportunity on here to do so. Thank you Howard! I remember the very first article I wrote here and you said how about some pics.. then I got heavily involved with Care-A-Van Ministries and I love being the PR director and being able to share pics and writing of the good things being done here in the city. Be sure to check Care-A-Van Ministries out on facebook, there are lots more pics of the good things beind done here in Batavia.

What amazes me and what I am learing about writing is the articles you think folks would comment on , have no response, but a casual picture taken on a thruway starts up interesting conversation. Have a great week all!

May 25, 2010, 10:28pm Permalink
Michele Case

Thanks for the picture and the story, it was interesting and insightful. Sad that so many comments are so judgemental, but I appreciate the fact that we are in a free country and free to express ourselves. I hope that couple have a safe trip and find what they are looking for.

Jun 9, 2010, 7:44am Permalink
JoAnne Rock

Michele said:

"Sad that so many comments are so judgemental"...

You DO realize, that calling OTHERS judgemental, is being judgemental yourself...right?

It's too bad that you can't read the nasty, personal attacks that Karen wrote about me in this thread because Howard deleted them.

I don't think it would have mattered much to you anyway; in light of how you chose to admonish Lorie for her comments in the "sex in the park" thread, while giving Roxanna a complete pass. Why? Because Roxanna is a Christian? How do you justify someone that professes to help those that are less fortunate one minute, then vilifies them the next?

Sex and Religion are 2 topics that I generally steer clear of. They are emotional issues and I prefer to dabble in the realm of logical debate, but I am going to make a one time exception...just for you.

You asked Lorie to "Take it easy on us Christians,K?"

True Christians do not use their faith as both a sword and a shield...think about that!

Jun 9, 2010, 11:59am Permalink
Michele Case

Whoa there Jo... I responded to Lorie for grouping all christians together as if they are the same. I don't necessarily think she believes that, just was trying to bring her attention to what she had said and how others might view it! Why is it any different than calling someone an ethnic slur? I did not agree with Roxanna, but I did not respond to her for the simple fact I thought you girls (and others) did a good enough job on your own. I think she let her emotions get the better of her, as some do, Christians or not. I try not to judge, not my job. I am not your enemy. I try to be a good person, thats all. What good would it have done for me to make comment of Roxanna, I think everyone pretty much told her what was wrong with her thinking. Our (everyone, not just Christians) good deeds are what they are, not a free pass or excuse. I agree with your last sentence.

Jul 15, 2010, 11:30pm Permalink
Michele Case

PS...I do not need to read the personal attacks from Karen, I can see by reading the rest that your comments to each other did go too far. I don't think it really matters who was worse, I am sorry it digressed to where it did. Life is too short! Treat each other kindly...it will make you happier!

Jul 15, 2010, 11:47pm Permalink
Joe Lullo

PS stands for "post script", so when you want to add something after your initial "PS" then it's "PPS" because it's after your first post script so it's post post script.

Jul 16, 2010, 12:08am Permalink

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