Reason No. 48 to love living in this area:

There were plenty of parking spots along the lake side of eastbound Genesee Street in Skaneateles. But there were also a couple right in front of the Sherwood Inn, which is where I planned to have lunch. And an open parking space in downtown Skaneateles is only bettered by a closer open parking space.

So I did what any generally law-abiding motorist would do.

A U-turn.

The parking spot was right in front of the restaurant. I had to chance it. I know a U-turn is probably a violation, but it was in front. In Skaneateles. During Christmas shopping season. Those type of parking spots are on the endangered list, and need to be photographed and verified by an archaeologist just to be believed.

After parking, I got out and was beaming. A front row parking space. Directly in front of the restaurant. I took my time stepping out of my car, and slowly walked to the curb like a proud hunter, wanting everyone to see me and the parking spot I had bagged.

I stopped at the parking meter, gladly put in enough money for 40 minutes, and then slowly walked into the Sherwood, still bursting with pride.

This was surely the greatest day of my holiday season, even better than finding a ridiculously low, mismarked item at the shopping mall.

Now .... I don't know where the meter maids in Skaneateles come from. We were eating at the Sherwood Inn, I was facing the lake and my closely parked car, and I never saw anyone get near my windshield. These meter fairies in Skaneateles must be as magical as the Dickens characters; they just float swiftly down and fly away before you see them.

When I returned to my car - in what I was sure was less than 40 minutes - there was this mystical white envelope under my windshield wiper.

It was, what they call in Skaneateles, a "courtesy" ticket. It stated: "Our meterperson found your vehicle parked overtime. We realize you may have been detained and have given you an additional 15 minutes. Kindly help us maintain this courtesy fund by placing a donation in this envelope and drop it in the mail slot at the village office."

My gosh, the honor system is alive and well and in an envelope on my windshield. Now it's clear why so many people love (or are jealous of) Skaneateles. Sheesh, they pick up schoolchildren at their front doors, they plow the sidewalks, they give out courtesy tickets, they'll warm up your cars and scrape your windshields in the winter, they pick up your dry cleaning, and they help you when you're stuck on the Sunday New York Times crossword.

No wonder the homes are expensive. I could only afford a home in the village if they also offer "courtesy" mortgages ... you know, an envelope is left on your porch each month, and they trust you to give as much as you can afford that month.

Is there honor among meter violators?

Skaneateles apparently believes so.

That's because this ticket is a fine on your integrity. A parking ticket can make you feel angry, but a courtesy ticket makes you feel guilty. The ticket may look like it's placed under your windshield wiper, but really it's being wedged beneath your conscience.

So I will be paying my "courtesy" ticket.

And I'll be sure to put plenty of money in my meter out front of the village offices while I'm inside paying the ticket, because I may be in there a bit longer than most.

I also need help with 23 Across.

Editor Mikel LeFort can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 230 or e-mail mikel.lefort@lee.net