Where the Sidewalk Starts

This collection takes up no room in the house!

Some things don't change

I have so much to be grateful for, including being able to walk over to the bookshelf and take down my childhood photo album.

I used to take lots of pictures of the sky. At least this picture had clouds. I don't think my parents were thrilled to develop my film and find nice blue rectangles!

I thought of my old album as I was taking this picture a couple days ago.  If I thought I could capture the sky I would still take nice blue rectangular pictures!

Almost, but not quite

I heard from a swim friend that the US national water polo team
would be playing at the pool on the Pomona College campus,
just a bike ride away. Sounded like fun so we headed over.

What the link on the national page neglected to mention was that it cost $20 at the door to see the game ($15 online or $10 with a coupon code, which we didn't have). I wasn't quite that excited since I can see great water polo for free in the fall and spring. You can read about the game here.

We have gone to a few basketball games this season. The most exciting was seeing the men beat the undefeated Whitman Blues (formerly the Whitman Missionaries). It was recently announced that in a few years we'll be watching the Sagehens compete in a new facility.

Chirp, chirp!

Fall colors

We had some cool nights and warm days, which may have led to a beautiful fall. Or maybe it always is and I wasn't paying attention?

In addition to all the trees and leaves, there are all sorts of other sources of color (not shown - roses).

More local losses

About 2.5 years ago I wrote about removal of trees in the neighborhood. At least I had a little warning. Just a few blocks away four trees were gone before I could take their picture.

I have taken several pictures of my favorite tree, but I am going to start taking more tree pictures.

Big Public Library

On a different scale, I was so excited that our local public library has re-opened after a seven-month remodeling project.

Looking at the information desk in the adult section.

The circulation desk, with self-checkout stations.
Along the wall are the books for sale, which used to be in front
of the information desk and in the eastern entrance.

The new changing table is behind me, in its own section.

Other changes include an all-gender bathroom, laptops available to check out for library use, and modern water fountains with a bottle-filler station.

I was especially happy to see the magazines, which had not been available at the temporary library annex and the neighboring libraries did not have the selection our community has.  Having access to a full library so close to home brings joy to my life!

Little Free Library

My parents gave me a Little Free Library, which D. and A. assembled and painted. D. carefully built the plinth and now it is ready to go! Already it is creating community by giving neighbors something to talk about. Most of them are talking bringing books to us, but I hope some of them will also take a book.