My last post was on Monday when I mentioned my cat, Lucky. He died on Tuesday. If you’ve lost a beloved pet you know how tough it is to go through this. This was especially devastating because he was relatively young (His 10th birthday was, perversely this last Saturday), in apparently good health and the illness hit him quickly and hard. Our family spent a mellow and blessedly warm last day with him on Tuesday and then said our goodbyes.
Lucky, a dear and constant companion. So much loved and so terribly missed.
When I left for work and the carpool early Tuesday morning, I did not know how sadly the day would end and felt optimistic in the glorious sunny summer morning. The air was deliciously warm and I felt exposed leaving the house without a coat or sweater. I was tired and stressed about Lucky who at that point was undiagnosed. The vet said she’d have the test results this morning. I rode in the back seat of a spotless Lexus with two crisply dressed executive types in front. They sounded like work colleagues, rather than social acquaintances and were engrossed in work chatter during the commute. The driver declined my toll offer, “My company picks up the tab.”
The freeway was packed and the carpool lane was the place to be. We cruised along at about 55 mph. Moving past Berkeley, I looked across the bay at San Francisco basking in the morning sun, and just above the horizon of the hills south of the city was a fine dark line of – oh no, could that be smog? In San Francisco?!!!
Wednesday passed in a sad daze. Still wonderfully warm. I rode in a Toyota sedan, paid my toll, which was unacknowledged by the fellow driving. Air conditioning was going full blast, cold but it felt good this day and helped wake me up. The city looked soft and welcoming in the warm morning haze. The driver maneuvered through several lanes trying to find an opening in the sluggish traffic, but to no advantage. We made up for lost time zooming through the toll gate and were in the city in good time.
Thursday, today. Brrrr. The air from Alaska has returned and it is a windy gray morning. About a 10 minute wait for a ride. I get in the back seat of a big Ford Explorer. Large older guy with his young son, about 11 or 12 years old. I pass up 4 quarters. The driver lays them out in his palm and says “It’s $1.25.” I explain that I usually pay one dollar. “You’ve ridden with me before”, he scolds. “That’s what it is.” I don’t remember riding with him, but I will surely try not to do it again. I feel quite annoyed and would have left the car had we not been on the freeway entry ramp, but I pass up the additional quarter. Good grief. Like I’ve said before it’s not the money it’s the attitude and this guy’s attitude needs some work. But if a quarter is what it takes for him to make it through the day he’s welcome to it. Driving a behemoth like this Explorer he undoubtedly needs to collect whatever he can to pay for the gas. To hell with the planet, right? He clutches and sips at a super-sized paper cup of Cibolo Mountain Coffee throughout the ride. Traffic is heavy and once again the city and bay are invisible under the thick fog. I am grieving, feeling sad and vulnerable and am sorry to be riding in such an unfriendly car.
Filed under: Car Pooling, Car Pooling Etiquette, Casual Carpool Bay Area, Casual Carpooling, commute, casual car pool, Environment, Today's Commute, Tolls for car pools, Uncategorized |
Getting There 
I am so sorry for your loss of your lovely Lucky. We have several pets and we love them too. How sad you had to ride with the snarky Ford Explorer guy. What a prat. The toll issue seems to be bringing out the best and the worst in people.
Hi Victoria and thanks for the note of comfort. Glad all the rides aren’t so harsh. You’re right – the toll reveals a lot about people. CG
Sorry to hear about Lucky. He looks like character in the photo.
Hey Paul! Thanks. I sometimes thought Lucky was a human disguised as a cat. A very sensitive intelligent fellow. I’m missing him like crazy. CG
I look forward to your posts and have been reading since they announced the toll would be added to carpools.
I was so sad to hear about Lucky. I can’t imagine how devastating it must be to lose a pet, which as far as I’m concerned is a member of the family. I hope your fond memories of Lucky bring you comfort when you need it.
Erin, very much appreciated. And there are many fond and funny, too, memories. So glad you’re liking the posts. CG
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your cat “Lucky.” In a strange coincidence, we had to put our cat of 17 years “Annie” to sleep the day before on Monday, August 26. I have NEVER been through such terrible grief as I have with her loss (and I have been through the loss of a lot of humans). She was our little girl (no kids). Unless you have gone through it – it is hard for folks to understand. I hope you have found comfort in all of the support of those who have posted and been through this too.
This is the first time i have been on your blog! I will be checking back – thanks! I have been riding Casual for the last 5 years. It has been interesting. This toll thing really does suck for everybody whether you ride or drive. I appreciate those who post notes nicely in their vehicle on what is expected. Elimates the awkward misunderstandings up front.
Please remember people, be NICE to one another. Remember the spirit behind this Community and what it stands for. There is no need to be unkind to one another. Let’s get through this together – not divided.