For Your Consideration

I love living in New England this time of year. The leaves, the smells, the crisp autumn air is what it is all about. Walks have become more enjoyable for both Sonya and me. If we get out in the daylight there are so many busy squirrels for her to chase, and I get to bring my camera to take a few pictures. But if we go out after dinner and it is dark, things are not always so pleasant.
I have found the people of New England to be some of the most generous people I have ever met. Every charity, every fund raiser, every time you need anything, you just have to ask. Yes, the people of New England are giving and kind, but I would not say they are considerate.
When we go walking after dark I wear a reflective vest and Sonya wears a reflective leash. Some of the streets have sidewalks and some do not. None have a speed limit over 35mph, and yet people fly down the street past us. Some move over, even as far as the wrong side of the street, but still they do not slow down. Moving over is helpful, but the speed still causes stuff to spit up at us, or blows the wind and rain at us.
Walking with Sonya is not the only time I’ve witnessed this kind of inconsideration. I see it even more when I am among the drivers. People are in such a hurry, and it seems that where they are going is much more important than yielding the right of way, or taking turns, or using signals. These things are not just the law, they are good common sense.
Drivers are not the only culprits, I notice that people do not hold doors open, or even notice that someone is behind them when they are entering a building. Walking down the aisle in a store people rarely allow you to pass unless you make a lot of noise. They just do not seem to notice that any one else is there, or would like to browse the same things that they are.
My mother always reminded me to be observant of my surroundings. She usually said this as she was driving her country kids around the big city, letting us know how easy it was to become lost. These days I find it is so easy to become lost in oneself. In your schedule, your to-do list, your messages and your crazy, busy, stressed-out life. So much to concentrate on that you don’t have time to notice the changing of the seasons, or the woman and her dog walking in the twilight.