We are all familiar with those gaping holes that develop in our roads during our cold winters. The ones caused by the freezing and thawing action of water that collects in cracks and small loose patches of the pavement. The ones that make you spill your coffee and drop the cell phone while racing to work in the morning.

Have you ever wondered why they are called "potholes?" Why not just road holes, street holes, or pavement holes?

Believe it or not, this is a true story. Yesterday, I was driving through the neighborhood at 24 mph (in a 25mph zone), minding my own business, when I saw something really weird out of the corner of my eye. I immediately stepped on the brake, put my cell phone and hot coffee down, turned the radio off, tried to remember how to operate the turn signal, looked in the rearview mirror - all in a split second - and pulled over to the curb.

Fortunately I had my camera with me and was able to get out of the car, after undoing my seatbelt of course (I am, after all, a careful driver), and photograph this remarkable occurrence. (See photos) Now I know why they are called potholes. Duh! To my knowledge this is the first ever documented sighting of this phenomenon in Parker.

Just goes to show how an ordinary person can be a part of history if we remain alert at all times. You too might spot something really unusual one day. Just hang in there and drive carefully.