I made a very stupid, expensive mistake yesterday. I got caught in a speed trap doing 29 km over the limit. I’m a squeaky clean, law abiding citizen, I don't speed in rural areas, although at times I grow a lead foot on the open road. Unusually it’s because I’m following a long line of speeders and I'm keeping up, as long as I'm not in the last car it’s pretty safe. But today, and there’s always that but, I was late for an appointment and all caution went out the window, along with my money.
At the sharp turn in Blockhouse one patrol car was pointing the radar while a team waited up ahead to flag down the offenders. There were several cars pulled out of the line in the Fire Department parking lot and two came in after me so the province did well collecting a bit of extra tax. In those few minutes they probably amassed several thousand dollars in ticket money. Maybe they could use this influx to repair some of the roads in the county; especially Mahone Bay, our main street rearranges internal organs as you bounce up and down over the pot holes.
Anyway, I accepted my fate graciously; smiled and said I was sorry as he handed me the white sheet. He actually seemed apologetic as he removed his hat and wiped the sweat from his brow. He kinda shook his head and then said, "but you were going 79 km in a 50 km area" I shook my head disgusted with myself.
There was a lot of typed stuff on the paper but the figure $291.45 jumped off the page to meet my gasp. Things have really gone up! Imagine the wool that would buy! I could have fed two critters at Hope for Wildlife for a year! It could have gone to the food bank! Momma needs a new pair of rubber boots! That’s a nice evening out for hubby and I, hotel and meal and maybe a massage!
Ah well, serves me right thinking I’m above the law. The ironic part, now I was really late for my appointment, whereas before it was only a perceived lateness, I probably would have been five minutes early as long as I didn't get caught in every red light in Bridgewater. It sure was a buzz kill for the rest of the day.
I drove home like an old woman. Sorry, that’s insulting to older women, especially when I’m knocking on that door; but fear of a tiered ticket drove me 5 km under the speed limit, just enough that I wouldn’t get pulled over as an accident waiting to happen, but enough that I wouldn’t show up on any of the patrol car radars that parked inconspicuously along the route. My car was now red hot and not in a good way! It must be catch the bad guy week. I don’t think I’ve seen that much law enforcement in the past few years. They’re out in spades like black flies, lurking in driveways and behind signs along the road!
Foolishly, my hope was that the radar hadn't flagged me and then up ahead the officers were looking inside of vehicles, the backseat of cars and truck bodies. I thought maybe someone had escaped from somewhere. I hoped they were waving my car over because the tinted windows in the back didn't allow quick viewing…maybe they were looking for some hooded character hunched in the backseat welding a knife! There goes that imagination again. No, it was just a routine stop and you can't beat technology, it's indiscriminate, I was caught red handed breaking the law. I’m embarrassed and of course, upset about the money. At my age I should be ashamed of myself. A tough punishment to keep me in check for a bit; make me think with the brain instead of the foot. This is only the second speeding ticket I’ve received in my lifetime of 40 years behind the wheel, like I said I’m usually pretty careful, or maybe I’ve been lucky…..
And I won't complain, it's far better to get a speeding ticket, than to have a ticket tied to your toe for speeding!
At the sharp turn in Blockhouse one patrol car was pointing the radar while a team waited up ahead to flag down the offenders. There were several cars pulled out of the line in the Fire Department parking lot and two came in after me so the province did well collecting a bit of extra tax. In those few minutes they probably amassed several thousand dollars in ticket money. Maybe they could use this influx to repair some of the roads in the county; especially Mahone Bay, our main street rearranges internal organs as you bounce up and down over the pot holes.
Anyway, I accepted my fate graciously; smiled and said I was sorry as he handed me the white sheet. He actually seemed apologetic as he removed his hat and wiped the sweat from his brow. He kinda shook his head and then said, "but you were going 79 km in a 50 km area" I shook my head disgusted with myself.
There was a lot of typed stuff on the paper but the figure $291.45 jumped off the page to meet my gasp. Things have really gone up! Imagine the wool that would buy! I could have fed two critters at Hope for Wildlife for a year! It could have gone to the food bank! Momma needs a new pair of rubber boots! That’s a nice evening out for hubby and I, hotel and meal and maybe a massage!
Ah well, serves me right thinking I’m above the law. The ironic part, now I was really late for my appointment, whereas before it was only a perceived lateness, I probably would have been five minutes early as long as I didn't get caught in every red light in Bridgewater. It sure was a buzz kill for the rest of the day.
I drove home like an old woman. Sorry, that’s insulting to older women, especially when I’m knocking on that door; but fear of a tiered ticket drove me 5 km under the speed limit, just enough that I wouldn’t get pulled over as an accident waiting to happen, but enough that I wouldn’t show up on any of the patrol car radars that parked inconspicuously along the route. My car was now red hot and not in a good way! It must be catch the bad guy week. I don’t think I’ve seen that much law enforcement in the past few years. They’re out in spades like black flies, lurking in driveways and behind signs along the road!
Foolishly, my hope was that the radar hadn't flagged me and then up ahead the officers were looking inside of vehicles, the backseat of cars and truck bodies. I thought maybe someone had escaped from somewhere. I hoped they were waving my car over because the tinted windows in the back didn't allow quick viewing…maybe they were looking for some hooded character hunched in the backseat welding a knife! There goes that imagination again. No, it was just a routine stop and you can't beat technology, it's indiscriminate, I was caught red handed breaking the law. I’m embarrassed and of course, upset about the money. At my age I should be ashamed of myself. A tough punishment to keep me in check for a bit; make me think with the brain instead of the foot. This is only the second speeding ticket I’ve received in my lifetime of 40 years behind the wheel, like I said I’m usually pretty careful, or maybe I’ve been lucky…..
And I won't complain, it's far better to get a speeding ticket, than to have a ticket tied to your toe for speeding!
Hook-in Wed June 11th at Encompassing Designs Studio!!!
Tomorrow (Wed 11) is our monthly daytime hook-in from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. For treats, I'm making my grandmother's recipe for doughnuts....crispy on the outside and delicious on the inside. I've been talking about them for ages, so now is the time to taste and agree....they are the best! Served with our delicious coffee or tea!
Hope to see you tomorrow!
Hope to see you tomorrow!
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