A few days ago, I drove home from the grocery store in a torrential downpour typical of Southwest Florida during a rainy season afternoon.  The same conditions up north would strike fear and a strong hibernation instinct in most drivers; here, the development of white-knuckled nerves of steel is essential, else we’d be hibernating about six months out of the year.

As I approached a major intersection close to home, I saw a hawk sitting high upon a utility pole. He stood stark against the rumbling skies, seemingly impervious to the pelting rain.  Immediately after I saw the hawk, things happened fast; the light turned yellow, I applied the brake, and the car hydroplaned.  The light turned red, and the car slid perilously closer to the intersection, seeming to gain momentum rather than lose it.  I released the brake and turned the wheel. The car slid sideways. CLICK to read more…