I avoided a parking ticket at 8.55am this morning by the skin if my teeth. I had just dropped off Kate to work and decided to buy the paper (Irish Independent with free 2006 World Cup DVD), and parked in main street Blackrock. I had no change for the parking meter, but sure I was only dropping into the shop for a minute. Returning to my car I spotted "Rita" approaching my car, so I jangled my change. Sure enough, she spotted that there was no pay-and-display slip in my window and took out her ticket book to write me a ticket and an €80 fine. I called out Wait - I had to get change!, and much to my surprise she walked away without writing me a ticket!
Indeed she was "lovely" - so in tribute (and thanks) to her I am singing the famous Beatles song from Sgt. Pepper...
Lovely Rita (Lennon McCartney)
Lovely Rita meter maid, nothing can come between us
when it gets dark I tow your heart away
Standing by a parking meter, when I caught a glimpse of Rita
Filling in the ticket in her little white book.
In the cap she looked much older
And the bag across her shoulder
made her look a little like a military man.
Lovely Rita meter maid, may I inquire discreetly,
When you are free to take some tea with me?
Took her out and tried to win her,
Had a laugh and over dinner
Told her I would really like to see her again
Got the bill and Rita paid it,
Took her home and nearly made it
Sitting on a sofa with a sister or two.
Oh, lovely Rita meter maid, where would I be without you,
Give us a wink and make me think of you.
~The Beatles 1967
Album: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Graphic above is a link to a "Lovely Rita Meter Maid" drawing by ~SioUte.
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