What just happened?
I drove down to New Hampshire last night to visit with family near Manchester.
It was rush hour, traffic was thick, and it was hot out. Perfect conditions for road rage.
Exiting I-95, the toll booth leading onto Route 101 was backed up solid.
That's okay. Stay cool. Relax.
After passing through the toll, the mass of cars were forced to queue into a single lane because of construction.
I noticed a car coming up on my left. Massachusetts plates. So I slowed and waved the car on.
But he didn't move.
Instead the driver waved me on.
No, no, I thought. Please you go.
He wouldn't budge. And waved me on again. With a smile.
Hmmm.
So I pulled out and onto the ramp and drove off.
And gestured thanks with a wave and a nod in my rearview.
What just happened?
A car with Massachusetts plates. A courteous driver. With a friendly wave. And a smile.
What the hell is happening to the world?
Not to worry.
Returning home this morning on the Maine Turnpike I looked in my mirror to see a car barreling down on me at high speed, seemingly intent on driving straight up my tailpipe.
But at the last possible second he changed lanes, nearly clipping my bumper, and passed me just inches from my driver's door.
The plates on the car: Massachusetts, of course.
Now that's more like it.
Ahh, all is well with the world again...
