US highway 64 passes through several small towns east of Memphis. Most of them have oddball speed limits that change at random, but Somerville is a real speed trap, with no convenient way to bypass the town. After getting tagged once, I was always very cautious whenever I had to drive through there on the way to Memphis. One day I was creeping through about 5 MPH below the 30 MPH limit when the blue lights came on. "Oh great- - - -Barney Fife is going to hassle me again!"
As usual, I presented my driver's license and carry permit, which changed the conversation somewhat. Once Deputy Dawg knows he's not the only one packing, his attitude usually changes. Some are paranoid and terrified, while others get friendly.
"Where ya headed?"
"Memphis"
"Are ya packin'?:
"Yep"
"Whatcha packin'?"
"A 1911- - - -I said I'm headed for Memphis!"
"Yep- - -I agree- - - -get that burned out brake light fixed before ya head home!- - - -Have nice day!"
