And about those roundabouts, (aka “traffic circles” in most of the US, “Rotaries” in Massachusetts). Horst’s comments are elucidating.
Years ago, the Army Reserve sent me to Cape Cod for summer training. As an officer, I was permitted to take my pov (privately owned vehicle). I found the numerous traffic circles intimidating, and there seemed to be signs everywhere saying “Rotary.” Rotary??? Like the Rotary Club? I’m embarrassed to say that it took me two days to make the connection!

BTW, my new year’s resolution is to be kind to everyone. I already put it into practice this morning, when some dumbass flashed me with his brights on the freeway for some reason beyond my comprehension (we’re in traffic, man, and boxed in by trucks, what am I supposed to do, fly?).

BTW, Horst, I had the dream *before* reading on your blog that you have been reviewing music lately.

Again, re parking: when I lived in the city of Buffalo, NY, there were very few houses with driveways, so we had to park in the street, where there were no delineated parking spaces. I always tried to park considerately, i.e.,I would make sure the car in front of me had room to back up, while trying (if possible) to leave room for someone to park behind behind me. Of course, after I parked, other cars would move, leaving my car positioned in a relatively different way. I was surprised, one morning, to see that someone had left a note on my small sedan accusing me of taking up three parking spaces!! Not too annoyed, though, because the ignorance of the writer was apparent!

My friend and all those involved in the story are, I think, roughly my age, give or take.

On a completely unrelated note, I am proud to report that Beta, who has a driving test coming up at the end of the week, is a far, far better parker than I was at her age. I only recently developed my parking fetish, and my daughter also seems to turn up her nose at cars (usually large urban 4×4 vehicles) parked over two spots etc.

Fetish, I say fetish. I don’t think either of us would kill someone over a bad parking job, though.

The story would be better if I could say they were arguing because one didn’t like the other’s parking, but if my mother-in-law knew the reason for the argument, she never told me.

And notice that I said “men” and not “people,” (who end up in court,I mean). In California you might get shot if you even make eye contact with someone whose driving you think needs improvement!

I think you are my new hero. For real.