October 18, 2003

Omens...

I made it home safely, despite three "omens" that could read to the contrary:

1. While on I-76, heading out of the city, after the South Street exit, there is another left exit. Me: in left lane, doing 50, approaching the exit, not intending to go up the ramp. Him: a pickup truck in the right lane, doing 25 or 30, with right blinker on. He pulls in front of me with no warning, and goes up the exit ramp. This is taking place maybe ten feet from the beginning of the ramp, if that. I slam on my brakes, they squeal, and jam on the horn with my arm while steering left. He continues on his way; no contact, no acknowledgement. I continue on mine, a little bit nervous.

2. While on the George C. Platt Memorial Bridge, the bridge one crosses to get to the Airport or I-95 from I-76. Its a two lane bridge. Right lane is blocked for repairs. A quarter of the way over, I see flashing lights in my rearview coming from the right lane. Philadelphia policeman in jeep points to me to keep still. Behind the jeep is a hearse. I allow funeral procession to pass by, hoping things might look up soon.

3. Probably the simplest of the three, but all traffic came to a halt on I-495 in Delaware for a carfire...worst part of this was that it seemed to have been put out minutes before crossing through. This thick acrid smell hung in the air, like soot and tires and gasoline all mixed together at once. I just merged over, drove on, and prayed everyone was all right.

Other than that, it was a pretty uneventful trip.

Posted by Matthew at October 18, 2003 01:18 AM
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