Hi Sandman,
I was actually online looking up hippo hands and found your post. It made me smile so I read some more of your stuff, once I got to the 300 pound woman, I said I HAVE TO MAKE FRIENDS! Plus I thought I was the only one who ever said PITA. You're not that far away, my husband and I ride to Richmond every now and again. Anyway, you made me laugh and that's not easy!