Yesterday was a routine commute, until I got within a half mile of home. My state apparently issues driver's licenses to the north end of a south-bound horse, and one of them drives a large pickup. Said pickup pulled out right in front of me, stopped in the middle of the lane so the horse could check for traffic, and then proceeded 20 yards to the traffic light. After slamming on my brakes, I followed the truck, hopped on the sidewalk, and pushed the Walk light button. Normally I'd follow the traffic through, but after he was in such a hurry, I thought it only fair he sat waiting for another 35 seconds so I could cross the intersection and get out of his way. Fun little bit of passive-aggression, the cager won't ever know if it was malicious payback or just the way I normally ride.

This morning I heard the train coming as I hopped on the bike. There's a different intersection a mile into the ride where all roads are stopped for the track crossing both roads close to the light, so I hustled as much as I can with a couple panniers and got there while the train was still blocking the streets. Across two lanes, down the turn lane, left turn and I've got a clear road. And talk about timing -- the train had cleared the next street in time for all the stopped traffic to get out of my way!

I was a bit surprised to see a tree swallow near the field where I usually see bluebirds in the spring. I didn't think there were that many mosquitoes to eat in the field!