This week, I've been off work so I've taken the time to get out more.

Last night I walked the streets for hours. No time for bars. I've got nowhere to go, nothing to do, no one to be home to. I've had a lot of time to waste, which is good. I feel that by walking I can get an even closer look into things; see the glint of broken glass on the pavement first hand. I missed the bus on University Ave and had to walk all the way to 58th to catch the last one of the night. Buses don't run late here, no later than 11:30pm which is outrageous compared to the Baltimore/NYC or any major city standard. The air has settled into a nose-drying, throat coughing briskness. No moisture. Aired. There is a tinge of static electricity in the atmosphere that keeps the hairs on your arms standing upright, and if you're not sick or ill from it, the feeling keeps you alert and awake. Makes you want for coffee or mint tea. Still walking to the stop in the darkness, hands in my pockets. I'm surrounded by auto repair shops, tortillerias, adult boutiques and old movie theaters converted to episcopalian churches. We're near Euclid Ave now, the 'Bend as it's called because University Ave literally 'bends' mid-city around Oak-Park. I've even heard it referred to it as 'the elbow' for the same reason but also pertaining to the frequent muggings and beatings that happen here. But on this Sunday, they're wasn't much going down. A perfect night for observation gleaming. Across the street from 58th stand two Moreton Bay Fig trees, planted ages ago when the city was young and have become synonymous with this city - A giant stands in Balboa Park that I climbed as a boy. Strange things emerge and disappear from the shadows - the local hoodlum take on a ghastly appearance, shifting back and forth under the lamps of crime-light inspection. The bus arrives and I'm on my way home. Back to the safety of my room. More to come Later this week.