Compassion alone stands apart from the continuous traffic between good and evil proceeding within us.

-- Eric Hoffer

I grew up in a time in which Sunday drives were common. After church, after dinner, the family would get in the car and drive around to look at things.

I don't mean parks or monuments or anything impressive. I mean maybe a new building going up. Maybe just new neighborhoods being built. Cows out in the field counted, too.

All it cost was gas and (sometimes) ice cream for six.

Everybody did it, and the leisurely pace of slow traffic inspired the term "Sunday driver."

I haven't heard about this trend returning to family life, but I think the driving habit has.

Sunday afternoon traffic seems to be growing, and seems to be slowing.

I notice because I am usually in a bit of a hurry. (OK, I'm always in a hurry.)

I have to keep telling myself to slow down. Don't be so pushy. Don't be "that guy" -- the one who irritates most of us in the rear-view mirror.

If there is a day of rest on our schedules, Sunday should be it.

Take a deep breath. Count to 10. Ease off the gas and think of something pleasant.

I usually think that somebody's probably getting ice cream.

THINGS CHANGE: Everett Fernandez shares this insight into aging and modern life.

Things that we don't want to see:

- A nose ring and bifocals

- Spiked hair and bald spots

- A pierced tongue and dentures

- Miniskirts and support hose

- Ankle bracelets and corn pads

- Speedos and cellulite

- Midriff shirts and a midriff bulge

- Bikinis and liver spots

- In-line skates and a walker

TODAY'S JOKE: Our aging theme continues with the story of an 85-year-old couple who, having been married almost 60 years, unfortunately died in a car crash.

When they reached the pearly gates, St. Peter took them to their mansion, which was decked out with a beautiful kitchen and master bath suite and Jacuzzi.

As they oohed and aahed, the old man asked St. Peter how much all this was going to cost.

"It's free," St. Peter replied. "This is heaven."

Next, they went out back to survey the championship golf course the home backed up to. They would have golfing privileges every day, and each week the course changed to a new one representing the greatest courses on Earth.

The old man asked, "What are the green fees?"

St. Peter's reply: "This is heaven; you play for free."

Next they went to the clubhouse and saw the lavish buffet lunch with the cuisines of the world laid out.

"How much does it cost to eat?" asked the old man.

"Don't you understand yet? This is heaven; it's free!" St. Peter replied with some exasperation.

"Well, where are the low-fat and low-cholesterol tables?" the old man asked timidly.

St. Peter lectured, "That's the best part. You can eat as much as you like of whatever you like and you never get fat and you never get sick. This is heaven."

With that the old man went into a fit, looked at his wife and said, "It's all your fault!"

"What are you talking about?" she asked.

"If it weren't for your blasted bran muffins," he fumed, "I could have been here 10 years ago!"

Reach Bill Kirby at (706) 823-3344 or bill.kirby@augustachronicle.com.