Have You No Shame, Stranger?

Picture a wide, tree-lined street... and that is the street I live in/on.

Now picture a lady in a fitted knee length shirt and a figure hugging blouse, and that is the stranger that I 'met' yesterday.

One of the unexpected perks of spending a couple of hours in the front yard with a novelty painting glove is that it gives you the opportunity to get that little bit closer to the passing parade of Marrickville, mostly as an observer.  Angry conversations are there for the overhearing, the drivers of antisocially noisy cars can be shot deserved greasy looks and the mischevious local teenagers' comings and goings can be monitored from a respectful distance.  And there are also opportunities to be of use to the community - an elderly european neighbour asked what I was doing with my fluffy glove because she had one at home and didn't know what to do with it... and she thanked me when i told her and said the she would do the same.

And then there was the stranger.  The stranger in heels, with perfect hair and too much make-up for the weekend.  She 'double parked' her flash car a few car spaces down the road, which I only noticed because it prompted a toot from the car behind (I suspect she didn't indicate).  She got out of the car, looked around (notably at me, and at another person on the other side of the street), then walked across the road, looking lost.  Eventually, I asked if she needed help.  'Yes... can you park my car for me?'

I guess I was so shocked (yet also pleased for the opportunity to demonstrate my parallel parking prowess) that I didn't hesitate to agree.  I scrubbed my hands (turps was involved) and headed off to complete my good samaritan deeds.  As I got closer to the car, I asked whether I should just guide her in, and she was insistent that I 'just do it'.  Of course, I didn't realise her elderly mother was in the car until I hopped in... and she was very meek and apologetic as I put the chair back into a position I could drive from, and flicked the car into reverse.

The park went off without a hitch, but I am intrigued... how does this woman get through life in her fancy new Mazda 2?  This street is wide, there is only ever one other car to contend with as the spaces are separated by trees... i'd almost recommend that people bring their l-platers to the street to learn how to parallel park.

Does she rely on the kindness of strangers to complete every car expedition she starts?