drive carefully, everyone

This morning on my way to work, about a mile from my exit on the brief stretch of freeway I drive, I noticed flashing lights up ahead. I slowed down and pulled into the left lane, wondering if I would be able to get on to my exit.

Before I even saw anything, I knew it wasn't good. The sheer number of emergency vehicles, the lane closure, and even a couple snowplows (not plowing snow, I think they were there just for traffic control) suggested tragedy. When I saw the two vehicles involved, my heart sank. A small pickup, front end obliterated. A compact car, wrecked.

All morning I kept checking online news reports. About half an hour ago I found the first report: two dead. Head on collision. Young woman lost control of the car, crossed the median and struck the pickup truck, killing the 50 year old male driver. It happened about 45 minutes before I drove by. The freeway was in good driving condition.

Sometimes it seems like my daily commute is an automatic act. I forget what an incredible land speed 70 mph actually is. Humans were not meant to travel so fast. I may think I'm in control, but my life is in the hands of every other driver out there...so be careful.

The famous Hermit, and his famous dog

I didn't want to let the cat out of the bag, but Sunday morning The Hermit had a visit with Doug Smith, outdoors reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Today there was a full page feature article on The Hermit, including pictures with Hope the hyper idiot Brittany whom I guess is a pretty good bird dog after all. The article focuses on The Hermit's work as a ruffed grouse biologist, and can be found here. Congratulations Hermit!

Well, at least Minnesota's on the map now...

Unbelievable. I'm sure by now most of you have seen reports and footage of the bridge collapse in Minneapolis. I didn't hear of it until about 1 AM, when The Hermit got up for midnight Web surfing. Actually, I had talked with my grandma on the phone earlier in the evening and she mentioned something about how my dad had crossed "the bridge that went down" earlier that day. It didn't occur to me to ask her; sometimes she gets a little confused about things, and I just thought she was talking about some small bridge somewhere.

This wasn't no small bridge. It is THE major north south route through Minneapolis. I was on it two weeks ago when we picked up the new car.

As far as I know, no friends or relatives were involved. My prayers are with those who were.