Debora Dale Alt logo
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
where fear and passion collide
Debora Dale Alt logo
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
where fear and passion collide

They’re paving my street this morning.

Yesterday, the Department of Transportation (DOT) posted signs about roadwork and no parking. My busy, overdeveloped, main street had suddenly become a 6am – 6pm tow-away zone.

Now, I have to tell you, parking here is a major issue. When one is lucky enough to get a spot in front of their own home, it’s the envy of the neighborhood. And THEN, when that person has to leave that spot, they usually beg a friend or family member with a driveway to tag them. They pull out, the friend pulls in. When they come home, the friend goes back to their own driveway, and they get their spot back. It’s a never ending cycle. People have even followed me in their cars like a cat stalking prey as I’ve walked to the corner deli. You know they’re not looking to kidnap or hurt you. They just want your parking space. I’ve had to stop and tell them, “Sorry… I’m not pulling out of anywhere.”

So, when at 6:30am today, the DOT trucks inched up our block and spoke in clear and heavy New York accents over the loudspeaker saying, “If you have a car parked on this street, move it or it’s gonna be towed”, I have to be honest and say, some of us would have preferred a towing to searching for some other spot for our cars. At least with a tow, the car would have a place, out of view, to rest without worry of being stripped or stolen.

Today? Well, we were lucky enough to spy a spot last night and can just about see it on the side street at the corner. Tonight? Well… you can bet everyone who is in town will be racing to get onto the street at exactly 6 so they can reclaim their spot or occupy someone else’s… I’ll be taking my wheel lock off by 5:30 so when 6:00 comes, I can make the switch that much quicker. For those not in town by six tonight? Well, trust me, they’re going to be stressing all the way home about where they’re going to put their car since all the good spots will be taken by the time they get there.

Ah, city life. Love it or hate it, it’s always a challenge.

What’s the greatest challenge in your neck of the woods?