Not sure if we will have a “summer:” this year, but I keep hearing it will be in September. Since it will be in about the middle of the month when the Pilot comes out, let’s all pray we get some really nice weather.

Most of the calls again were about ‘careless’ drivers — not being courteous or staying within our set speed limits. I’m still hearing about how “awful” the stop is at Cringle, but I’m sure that those who oppose it do not have children going to Sandpiper. That is the only way the kids that live south of Redwood Shores Parkway can cross over to get to the paths to get them to the school.

Also we all need to start driving slower knowing they are out there. Some quoted me on my ‘know where you are going and start earlier if necessary’ — so you are not rushed.

Again came up the checking of headlight, taillights and signal lights. While September and part of October may be light later darkness will overcome all sooner than we expect it. And one more time, solid lines mean staying in the lane you are in until it is clear to change.

And please, if you are making a right turn stay in the right hand lane after your turn until it is clear to move over to the left and use your signal! This was one of the biggest complaints — turning right and going all the way across to the left lane. Another of the questions had to do with the feed-in and exit lanes. H you are on the freeway and move to the right to use an exit or entry lane — but do not intend to do either of those things — when you see that the lane markers have become different in shape — that is the time to get back onto the freeway itself.

I’ve seen many cars use the Holly-Redwood Shores exit lane as a way to get around slower traffic in the right hand lane on the freeway — only problem is they cannot always get back to their left and have caused backups in the exit lane.

Also remember that the DMV says a driver should leave one car length for each mile of speed between cars on freeways. Obviously most of us do not do that, so the best thing to do is keep your eyes on the road and be alert to your surroundings! EI Camino Real is one of the roadways where 5 to 6 feet between cars is allowed.

Once more I was asked to repeat: “if you find yourself stopped at a light and are looking into the back seat of a car next to you, you really should have your eyes examined, especially before you go to renew your license. The DMV is really keeping a close eye on all of us in that matter.

And lastly, once more, our waterways are also controlled by the Fish and Wildlife, so please remember that max speed in a motorized boat is 5 miles per hour and absolutely no wake. These evenings have been so nice that there are a number of these larger boats out and most stay within the limits, but there are a few that apparently think it “cute” to see how fast they can go. How sad, because we can be told by the F&W they will no longer allow motorized boats. So everyone with a big boat, please conform — for all of us.

September should be a great month for evening cruises, so please slow down and really enjoy your ‘evening out’. Since I have physical problems I cannot use my small boat anymore. do you know of anyone who would like it they can have it and it does have a motor. And if you have space for one more I’d love to go out with you for a spin. I really miss going out in my boat as I used to several years ago. Have a good one, drive and boat carefully and hope to see you next month.

Enjoy September, it should be a delightful and warm month!

— Pat Dixon, the Swan Lady