294. How quickly things turn, part 2.

What a fine morning it was. It stopped raining long enough for me to get into my car and go to my neighborhood café. In my cheery state, somebody scolded me! When I finally arrived at my studio to check e-mail and read blogs, I discover that a certain somebody called me a "ho bag!" (Maybe I'm too old to appreciate the sentiment.)

I still feel fine. Just a bit self-conscious. Ho bag??!! (Who have you been talking to? I deny everything!)

On Tuesdays, I work at a law office. I mainly do research and investigation. I used to Bart in, but a scare in the form of a large intimidating man coupled with my ride not showing up on time put an end to that.

I drive to work now. I actually have to be leaving in a few minutes, but I wanted a second opinion regarding something that happened this morning before I head out. (I start my work day there at a respectable 11 o'clock!)

I've even included an illustration. (Mine's not as good as MT's. Kudos to her, Moral Turpitude. Computer illustrations aren't easy to do!)



As my drawing shows, I made a u-turn and parked in front of my neighborhood café.

I turned as the car across from me turned (bad ratio and scale! we really didn't collide), and since the car behind him was stopped for pedestrians, and soon more pedestrians, I went. There was a pedestrian heading toward the corner as I turned, but he was at least 10-20 feet away from the curb. I'm a slow and cautious driver in areas like my neighborhood-- a lot of pedestrians, unleashed toddlers and dogs, and cyclists. Plus, I don't want my car to get banged up! By the time I made my u-turn and stopped at the sign, the pedestrian was in the street crossing. I waited for him to pass and he smiled at me. (Other drivers aren't as patient as I am, and take advantage of slow crossers.)

I parked my car, grabbed my purse, and headed toward the café. "Her" marked on the illustration, was a woman in her early to mid-fifties. She was sporting big Milano sunglasses, and her hair was ugly. Bleach blonde, bob-cut with bangs. Her hair was wearing the sunglasses. I didn't make this harsh analysis until I saw her shaking her head at me as I approached.

I held her stare.

"What you did was really stupid."

"Oh? What was that?"

"You made an illegal u-turn."

"It was not an illegal u-turn."

"This is a commercial street."

?! "Huh?"

"You almost hit 2 pedestrians!"

"I most certainly did not almost hit 2 pedestrians."

"I watched you."

"Uh-huh. Well, you should learn how to drive."

Did I just say, "you should learn to drive?" Idiot!

I should've said, "Well, I do own the road."

So, readers. Who is right? Did I make an illegal u-turn? The road lines were all dashed--I didn't cross a double yellow line. There isn't a sign that says "No U-Turns."

I do care about being a lawful, safe driver. If I'm wrong, I will duly note it, and not do "stupid things."