I was flooded with comments concerning my last column entitled "And the lines are where?". Most people are still very confused how these lines are suppose to make the traffic flow better. A number of people suggested a left turn light (this suggestion was made when the new system was implemented) but they are frustrated the recommendation was ignored. This would certainly help at the intersections that are controlled by lights. The other comment was regarding the overhead arrow signs at the four-way stops. Readers felt the signs were an insult to their intelligence. As a rule, a stop sign would determine whether you go left, right or straight - not rocket science to most.
My favourite comment came from my better (so he thinks) half. After many conversations on this subject, he said to me, "It's not who's right, it's what's right." I totally agree....so let's make it right for the citizens of Weyburn.
In addition to the 'lines on the road' subject, I was also bombarded by remarks over the city's cleaning (or lack there of) on our streets. Another concern (and this has happened to me), is when they finally scrape streets, they leave piles of snow everywhere. They turned my double driveway into a single because apparently the grader operator had his blade down only part way through the scraping. So I thought, no biggie, I'll just shovel it off (like I haven't done enough chipping and shovelling this year). Well, to my surprise (not really) the piles were filled with ice chunks so that there was no way I could budge them. After a few choice words, I thought to myself, "how do elderly homeowners handle this? If they don't get any neighbourly or family help, how do they get out of their yard?"
I've been in this city long enough to know that when it starts to thaw, the roads are crappy. That's just part of living in Saskatchewan. My question is when it is thawing, isn't that the time to be grading the roads? The one road that was graded enroute to my house this winter, was done when it was -35. Prior to the grading, ruts were so deep, drivers were all over the road. After the grading, all was left was shards of ice sticking out everywhere and throwing drivers all over the road again. Should this not have been done when it was warmer and before the ruts were being formed?
I do work downtown, so I must give kudos to the great snow removal system the city has in place for the downtown core.
Well, I think I've brought up most of the concerns brought to my attention. Remember (and I know this won't ease all your frustrations) it could be worse. You could live in Estevan. Their idea of cleaning streets is piling mounds of snow down the middle of the street. This system is used as the centre line divider and God only help you if you need to make a left hand turn. You and your car may never be seen again!!!
On the lighter side, I want to share something my friend Gloria sent me.
Friends are like panties (my daughter hates that word, ha! ha!) Some crawl up your butt. Some snap under pressure. Some don't have the strength to hold you up. Some get a little twisted. Some are your favourite. Some are holy. Some are cheap. Some are naughty. And some actually cover your butt when you need them too. Isn't that the truth!
Maxine's saying: I believe that everything happens for a reason. Usually, the reason is that somebody screwed up. Ha! Ha!
Pet peeve: When kids have to bring their cell phones to the table. Really, parents?! Can't you instill at least ONE disciplinary rule and keep the cell phones away from the family table? Do people even eat together as a family anymore? You might actually communicate with your kids and find out what's going on in their lives if you did. Just a thought! Maybe that's just melet me know what you think!.
