I really do need to get out more. I went to visit someone who lives in a gated community. I had the gate code which would let me reach the owner who would then let me in electronically.
In my defense, I have to say that the first time I went there, a gate code had not yet been issued. I telephoned the owner who actually had to meet me at the gate and let me in. This time though, I drove up to the gate only to discover that there was no push button array on the entry box. Just a slot into which to insert a key card.
I backed the car out of the gate entryway and looked around. Luckily no one was waiting to get in behind me. A man who had been mowing the front area drove his riding mower over and asked if he could help. He pointed out the intercom box far behind my car. It was partly surrounded by decorative greenery and fronted by protective uprights which were painted bright yellow. Oh. That box.
Leaving my car, I walked back and punched in the code. A voice which I did not recognize answered me. I apologized and disconnected. Then carefully punched in the correct code. I was so sure I had the right number that I hurried back to the car and belted in. I could hear, faintly, a familiar voice hello-ing from the box, well to the rear.
I was not about to go back to the dratted box with the gardener watching and trying not to seem as amused as I think he was. Luckily, the gate started moving and I started up.
Next time, I will be so blasé about it.
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My last visit to a gated community had a similar tone. The person said hello, the gate should open any minute. Meanwhile there are two cars behind me wondering why I can't get the gate to open. Again, I punched the code and the person told me they would open the gate for sure this time. Well after a long wait, I punched the number again and mentioned the gate is not opening, and I drove to the back of the line which now consisted of three cars. Each one entered without any problems. Now, here we are at the call box again. This time when I punched the call box, the gate opened. Another member of the house hold answered and knew how to open the gate correctly.
At least you knew where to stop and punch in the code. I do, now . . .
Thats great. Codes and passwords seem to be a requirement for just about everything we do.
In the who-done-its, the would be entrant waits closely behind someone who already has the code keyed in. When the gate slide open, both cars enter. Always thought it was kind of a sneaky thing but well done. Kind of like pressing all the buttons on buzzers to an apartment building, knowing that SOMEone will let you in.
AA told me when exiting to stop and make sure the gate sensed we were there. I would be the person the entry gate crushed in her car as it closed. There was a defective gate that actually killed a pedestrian who tried to get through it. Here in our county. Sad.
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