Maybe it's because we're deep into summer, but I find my mind wandering a lot lately. Yes, I've been guilty, once again, of DWW -- Driving While Wondering:

* If the lanes of the Beltline are distinguished by the "inner loop" and the "outer loop," should we call the lanes of the Outer Loop the "inner Outer Loop" and "outer Outer Loop?"

* What is my reaction supposed to be to those oval-shaped window stickers? Why should I care where someone goes on vacation, or where their kid goes to school?

* Why do we pay more for coffee without caffeine -- or food with less fat?

* Why are there four schools in North Raleigh with "Millbrook" in their names even though only one of them is on Millbrook Road?

* How is it that the verb and noun forms of "hamper" are so unrelated? I mean, do the verb and noun people even talk to one another?

* Speaking of words, if the United States and England are such close allies, why can't we work out a treaty on how to spell such words as "enterprise" and "labor?"

* How is it that some new restaurants can get all their equipment, finish their interior, prepare a menu, hire a wait staff and do all the other things it takes to open in less time than it takes to get a permanent sign to hang out front?

* How come I can remember the jingle to an ad for Polaroid Swinger from 40 years ago (excerpt: "It's more than a camera, it's almost alive, it's only 19 dollars and ninety-five.") but I can't remember where I put that piece of paper I had in my hand five minutes ago?

* Were there acres and acres and acres of forested land near Crabtree Valley Mall when I moved to Raleigh in 1998, or was that just a dream?

* Will there be Home Depots in heaven? And while we're on spiritual matters, is there some Bible verse against taking up two spaces in a parking lot?

* Does summer have to end?