I realize I’m a recent transplant – having only lived here for about 12 years. I don’t own a Tesla or even a Prius.

But I had to share a couple of observations from this week.

Dropping off at the Boys and Girls Club is now the equivalent of a gladiatorial battle. And frankly I am not amused (toparaphrase Russell Crowe).

Parking is thankfully not a problem at 8:30 a.m. — parks are freely available — especially now that school is out. Woo hoo!So why, why, why do the range rover set think it’s OK to hover while Jemima or Jack climbs out of the SUV, then stops andchats, then grabs more gear, creating a big hazard of distracted drivers and distracted pedestrians? Here’s a solution: Pullinto a vacant parking spot and (extra credit) indicate. (Hint — that’s those wonderful flashing lights that can indicate whereyou want to go in the Whole Foods parking lot.)

Great! Thank you.

Next — pulling into the parking lot at the Boys and Girls Club is not a license to go as fast as you can, because last week, Ithought I was on “Fast & Furious” (minus Vin Diesel). I mean, I get it, heaven forbid that you should be late for your powervinyasa class or golf game — but please slow down.

See, I feel better already!

Next — I had the uncommon thrill of being flipped off by a car of high school girls. It’s true. I was waiting behind them atthe intersection and the light turned green. No response. None. Nothing. So I subtly tapped my horn. This was met withcomplete outrage because the driver had to put down her cell phone and hit the go pedal.

Her passengers were so explicit in their language and finger gesticulations, although I must confess, I don’t think thosewords are on the SAT.

Joanna Henaghan

Mercer Island