Roundabouts are becoming more and more common in northern Colorado, and since here in my hometown I tend to know where I’m going, it’s a simple (sort of) matter of choosing the right gap to enter the flow of cars.
In France, they’re everywhere. David and I had plenty of experience with them: on the way to Saint-Émilion. . .
and Tours and the châteaux of the Loire Valley.
Since I was navigating, I had to try to read the little signs as they flashed by on our way around. Sometimes it took an extra lap or two to find the road we wanted, but we eventually made it, hence the photos. You’d think David would have been a roundabout pro by the time we headed here. . .
to Saratoga Springs, New York, in August of 2014, but no. We encountered one, the bulk of it only slightly raised from the surrounding roadway, maybe a small planting of something or other in the very center. David accidentally drove right over it, to the horrified fascination of all onlookers, myself included. Fortunately, on all our adventures with Jacky and Pascale in France, Jacky drove. Merci encore une fois !
Mostly, David and I found the right road. Jacky always did. But life sometimes flings us off the roundabout and onto a road we didn’t see coming and wouldn’t have chosen. I’ve had news recently of several friends facing heartbreaking situations, and others suffering pain or worrying uncertainty. Maybe you have, too. I pray grace, peace, strength and comfort for them every day, and that those of us in their orbit would know how to help.
I do know a bit about sudden sharp turns. David would have been 71 today, and he is still so sorely missed.
For those who knew and loved him, I pray your day is filled with wonderful memories of him, even if you didn’t get to witness the unforgettable roundabout kerfuffle.
Here’s hoping your roundabouts and the roads they send you out upon are navigable, with many shining moments of beauty and joy. Bonne route !
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Movable Assets 
Ahhh, 71 years ago the earth received a gift and I’m thankful I got to experience a bit of that “gift.” I’m okay missing the NY round about shortcut!
Hahaha! Yes, it was startling to say the least. I’m grateful for you in our lives as well. Miss seeing you!
Great picture of a great guy!
God bless
David E
Sent from my iPhone
Thank you, David!
Beautiful pictures with many crazy turns in life. I just had one too. Your picture of David is so real it looks like he could walk off the page
Thanks, Laurie! I just discovered this photo, or rather noticed what a great shot it was of David and cropped it from a larger photo (sorry Eb and Doug). It was from our nostalgia tour to Dayton, Oakwood and Indianapolis. I wrote about it in November 2017 in a post called “Memories.” I am ever grateful for all the great memories!
One thing about the Rotary’s in France, is the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way.
Yes! The car ENTERING the roundabout has priority, which makes zero sense, if you ask me. Same rule out on small country roads. Any random vehicle entering a roadway from your right has the legal right to make you slow or stop to let them in, no matter how fast you’re going. AND to make it even more complicated, it’s changing a bit, so sometimes there’s a sign telling one or the other they DON’T have the priority, which may or may not be noticed or heeded by the drivers. GHAAAA!