By the time this is out in the October Pilot we will be in ‘autumn’, with no explanation of where our summer went. That really is not fair!

This is what I received from several of the calls. Let’s all hope that will change by next spring. I will say that the pelicans here in the Davit Lagoon were having a great time as the fish were really jumping. I have never figured out how they can dive in head first and then come up backwards. I’ve sat there and watched them for a long period of time and I still don’t get it. If anyone knows PLEASE let me in on it — it is truly fascinating.

A lot of the calls were of people walking their dogs — some on leash and some loose — but a goodly number not picking up the feces. That is illegal here in the Shores and should a Police Officer see you he can give you a ticket. Also, there is more to it in that should the dog that left the mess have a disease your dog can pick it up just by letting him sniff those remains. And again, if you allow your female dog to urinate on a lawn it will burn the grass and leave a large brown spot. So if you have a female and walk please take a small bottle of water with you to counteract her ‘deposit” and also kill any “smells”.

Next came a lot of calls about speeding, so once again please remember that our main parkways — Marine, Shell, Shearwater, Redwood Shores, etc. are all 35 miles per hour max. Our other streets are 25 max and the various complexes are marked, mostly are 10 max. This really needs to be watched as with the new school open there will be many children walking to school off both Marine and RWShores Pkways.

Also came a number of calls about 2-lane metering ramp lights. I chuckled at this one as it has happened to me many times and at some point if a motorist gets mad enough there will be an accident. When there are two lanes coming to a metering exit or entry lane there will be two signal light posts. The driver in the right lane is supposed to watch the light on his right and the driver — you guessed it — on the left watch his light on the left side. I have been cut off many times by one of these careless drivers just going whenever either light turned green — his side or mine.

Lastly, I am thinking of possibly downsizing and after 25 years here in this unit, I have accumulated a large amount of figurines of our various wildlife. Some are even serving size, so should anyone have an interest, please feel free to call.

I was very surprised at the number of calls that came for my boat. The Mom in the family that took it was very happy that they can all go out for a ride now as the only ‘watercraft’ was a kayak. Let’s all hope we have a “sunny ?” October to put us in the mood for Thanksgiving.

See you in November and do take care.

— Pat Dixon, the Swan Lady

(Note that Pat’s phone number for calls to contribute to “On My Soapbox” are usually included in The Pilot; the number has been omitted from the website version of this article. You can send a message to Pat by emailing with the words “For Swan Lady” in the subject line. )