The Laughing Wolf

I May Not Drive The Rest Of The Holiday

You can tell that it is a holiday weekend already by the amount of traffic, and by the idiocies that already abound. One of the smaller communities already has its mobile revenue enhancement operations in progress. I could not count the number of drivers who found talking on the cell phone, turning to talk to others in the vehicle, and otherwise paying attention to everything but the road far more interesting than driving. I saw speeders unnumbered weaving in and out of traffic, hanging on bumpers, and doing stuff that got them no where at all.

And I had two really fun events that just made my driving day. I pull into Costco to get gas, and was not surprised at the long lines as it is the least expensive around and it is a holiday. I was less than amused when a gentleman pulled up so close behind me that I could not even make out his grill in the side mirrors much less the rearview mirror. Pups and I would have been very annoyed had he bumped us as I thought he might. When I pulled forward to the pump, instead of stopping at the line six feet back like everyone else in all the other lanes, he pulled forward to within about two feet of my bumper. I cast an irritated look when I went by to fill up, and before I even get the nozzle out of the tank upon finishing, he starts his car up and puts it in gear. At this point I look at him and in a polite tone say (and mouth clearly) “Sir, I would appreciate it very much if you would wait until I have walked back around to do that.” The older/elderly man in the car then sticks his head out as I do walk back around and does the loud/aggressive What did you say/what do you mean thing. Another driver filling up who has watched this just looks at me, and we both shake our head. I don’t think drivers licenses should have an age limit – most days.

The second event was when I left from getting my hair cut. This female driving an SUV pulls into the lot, driving in a way to make any observant person say “uh oh.” I wait and let her get by, then pull out but do keep an eye on her. Meantime, she’s gotten further down the aisle and suddenly realizes that a car beside/behind her is going to pull out, and it is clear she wants the space. So, she puts her vehicle in reverse and, apparently without looking, zooms back fast enough and far enough that I hit the horn and start to do an emergency full forward back into my space. She appeared indignant that I both hit the horn and had the temerity to be on the road when she was there. That parking space was hers, the hell with anyone else around there.

So, I may not drive again this weekend. To one and I all I urge you to be careful on the road and to have a safe and fun holiday weekend. To one and all I also say:

When putting the vehicle in drive, do not put the brain in park

Forget world peace, visualize using your frelling turn signal

LW