Paying attention

(Once again I find myself catching up. This blogging in a composition book is more work than I thought. Sorry for the dry spell...)

I embarrassed myself this afternoon.

I was on a two-lane road just outside a small town, trying to decide where I should look for a truck stop (they're thin on the ground in these parts). As I pondered this I noticed several cars pulled over in the oncoming lane, and idly wondered if there was a day-care center or the like letting out nearby.

As I went on, I noticed other cars pulled over beyond them. Widely spaced for a waiting line. Odd, I thought, and went back to planning my night's sleep.

Then I noticed one of those pulled-over drivers glaring at me. His gestures were not obscene, but they were emphatic.

What was his problem?

I checked my mirror. And swung onto the shoulder of the road. And the fire truck hurried past.

I didn't hear the siren until the truck was even with the cab. Soundproofing in modern trucks is pretty good. But if I'd been watching my mirrors I would have seen him.

There may be people who can drive, talk on a cell phone, listen to their favorite song, polish their nails (sorry, ladies) and go over their plans for tonight's date, all at the same time. I don't believe I've ever met one, but I'll entertain the possiblility. I know, however, that I'm not one of them. When I'm driving, I have to drive.