We don't get many loonies on our Borders' roads; we don't get all that many sane people either as they are normally deserted. Especially at 12 noon on a dreichy Sunday. But to day Huttonian on his way back from Duns on the a very quiet stretch of E class road in the '
Lesbian Witches' neighbourhood where there is only room for a narrow car and not too many passing places suddenly found the hill he was descending alive with the sound of something. First two elderly cyclists, standing on their pedals, red of face, puffed of cheek and gasping in pain. I happened to know them -they frequently tell me that they cycle for enjoyment. They were a distance from their normal habitat and had quite a lot of enjoyment left before a well deserved lunch (not dinner, being middle class incomers) My wave was not reciprocated-perhaps wisely as they were in an advanced state of wobble and both hands desperately needed.
Unremarkable perhaps but hot on their heels came a jogger. Three humanoids in fifty yards a Borders record, surely. Male, beautifully attired-Solomon in his glorious designer jogging suit could not compare to him. I waved-what a dangerous morning. He suddenly started waving both arms, grimacing and mouthing-I thought about stopping to ask if he was alright but decided against it in case he wasn't and it was infectious. Also he looked wild and possibly dangerous and I am afraid the politically incorrect epithet 'loony' crossed my mind, however unfairly. I drove down the hill he was ascending and noticing in my mirror that he was running strongly now waving one arm and shaking his fist, occasionally swinging around to observe my retreat.
If he should read this post-many apologies for any unintended slight. Loony is a medically imprecise term and no specific condition is implied. If you were angry because I was in a car and you were on feet and briefly an intruder in your space. Sorry. If you were angry at being overtaken on quite a steep hill by two doddery cyclists three times your age may I apologise on their behalf? No offence intended, I can safely assure you. If you were just angry for no good reason and want to take it out on the nearest person; please be very careful. If you ever make such gestures at one of our local boy racers I really can't answer for the consequences. Otherwise have a good day.
