Traffic in a small town

I live in a small town. (Sounds like an old Mellencamp song, doesn't it!) Not village small, but the usual small mid-America town of about 11,000 people. We have two N and S state highways and one E and W US highway running through town.  On state highway 15, on the north side of town are all the fast-food restaurants, banks and shopping areas.  The city planners, bless their hearts, thought that letting Burger King, Hardee's, Wendys, Taco Bell and Arby's build on the north side of town, they would be closer to the US highway dual lane 24.  Okay, that's good. But they didn't plan an access road, so all of these things, plus 3 banks, 2 strip malls, a church, a furniture store, and 2 pizza parlors all have open access to 15, or Cass Street as it is called withing the city limits.  Anyone wanting to make a left out of any of these businesses is stuck waiting. I have waited behind cars for up to 10 minutes trying to go left. Now, if I am at any one of the businesses, I just make a right and go WAY out of my way to get home.

I live in East Central, an old part of town, so to get to any of the businesses, including Walmart, I have to travel north. I am finding it easier to use surface streets to get the the dual lane then head to Cass Street coming back into town from the north. It's frustrating, too, because the city is working on some of the surface streets, especially one called Alber Street, which is a main surface street headed north, and it is closed to through traffic.

All in all, it's just easier to stay home!  Or go South, through the downtown area, and 16 miles South to another town where they have the usual array of fast food places, and a Hobby Lobby.

I guess getting older makes me somewhat impatient, but waiting 10 minutes to make a left turn would make anyone develop a bit of "road rage."

Until next time,
Peace,
JE

Another birthday, another year!

Today is my birthday!!! Wow! #71. Where the hell did the time go?  When I look back at my life, I have to ask myself that question. It seems like only yesterday that I was handed my high school diploma and began my "adult" life.

My life has had many bumps and curves and even some slow and "danger" signs along the way, but never has it had a "stop" sign. Maybe if it had, my life would have been a bit different.  Who knows? And at this late date, who cares?

As I reminisce, I realize that I had the chance to have the one great love of my life.  We shared 38+ great years together. Even though our life together was cut short way too soon, I wouldn't change one thing about our time together.  I have two wonderful children and 4 (going on 5) grandchildren, all who help keep me young and centered.  I have great friends who make my life more interesting and fun.  I was lucky enough to come from a home with two parents who not only loved each other, but loved me to the moon and back. I have an older brother who accepts me, warts and all, and has been the best teacher, especially in the area of "do it, just don't get caught by Mom."

My life is full. What more can a fella ask?  So, if it's okay with all of you, I am going to lift a glass of wine and toast myself. And hope for many more years to celebrate this great life I have been given!

Until next time,
Peace,
JE