Manners, Manners

When I was out walking with my dog yesterday, we headed toward a nice park about two blocks from home. There are tennis courts, which are mostly used for pickleball these days, a playground, a wooded area, and a large open grassy area. I was on the long drive leading into the park, when a big burly guy in a large SUV pulled up next to me and rolled down his window. “Would you mind if I let my dog off leash over in the field so I can throw the ball for him? He’s very friendly.” Seattle has leash laws that are strictly obeyed but I told him it was fine as far as I was concerned. It amazed me he would ask but then, I’ve found that people tend to be more polite here than a lot of other places I’ve been. Another thing: Pedestrians rule. Look like you’re even thinking about crossing the street, even in the middle of the block, and traffic in both directions comes to a screeching halt to yield you the right of way. Drivers rarely honk their horns at people who are daydreaming when a light turns green. Everyone stands and waits respectfully when there are lines in stores. Pedestrians wait for the “walk” light to appear before they go across the street, even if it’s raining. Even if no cars are coming. I probably shouldn’t have been surprised that the man asked about his dog being allowed to run free and play ball near where Luna and I were walking. I’m okay with things being like that.

Image courtesy Peggy_Marco at Pixabay.com