This column is being written the day after the Vikings’ embarrassing loss to the Detroit Lions. I had high hopes for that game.
Let me back up. When the season started, I figured the Vikings would be doing well to win five or six games. Then things started happening, and I’m sure I’m not alone when I say the team was a pleasant surprise to their fans. It’s been a while since I felt optimistic about them, but I started to feel better and better with each win – they seemed to find ways to achieve the “W”.
Who could have scripted it better than to have two teams in the same division with 14-2 records play the last game of the regular season for the division championship AND home-field advantage in the playoffs?
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say the loss to the Lions was very disappointing. The play of the Vikings during that defeat reminded me of their losses in the four Super Bowl games they played – it seems so long ago. By the time you read this, the Vikings will have played their first playoff game – I don’t know the results because the game won’t be played until a week after this column was penned.
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This might seem like an odd topic, but here goes – roundabouts (they call them traffic circles as well). I remember when there was talk about the roundabout at the intersection of Red River Avenue, County Road 2, and County Road 50 in Cold Spring. That section of road has been an area of traffic congestion – especially when school is in session. That roundabout was badly needed to aid in keeping the traffic moving, and I’m sure most of the people using it will agree it works well.
When we moved to Florida, one of the first things I noticed was the use of traffic circles where we live. Several roads have many – by many, I mean 17 in a twenty-mile stretch. There are two of these roads that are the main north-to-south roads. I would guess there are at least 50 in total. The only problem with these traffic control circles is that there are too many who don’t know how to use them properly – others are forced to pay close attention while navigating the circles. One thing they do well is keeping the traffic moving without the use of signal lights. I’d venture to say there will be more and more of these traffic circles showing up where traffic congestion is a problem. Once you use them enough, you get to appreciate them.
Have A Good Week!
