I can’t believe my time here is almost over. Only one week left and I’m just beginning to feel like I’m getting into some kind of routine. I’m trying not to freak out wondering how the devil I’m going to fit all my stuff back in my car!

This last week involved more exploring and spending some time with friends. I’ve probably eaten out much more than I should, but there are so many places to try and very convenient. Today I discovered the farmer’s co-op a block from my office. It reminded me of another happy time in my life when I lived near Linden Hills in MN and was a member of the local co-op. I love shopping at little markets like that. As much as I appreciate a number of things in my ‘hood’, I’m not convinced it’s the place for me. I’m not sure I have much in common with the local folks; and, it’s a bit spooky around here at night.

Last night I stayed at the office until dusk thinking that there would be enough activity happening on a Saturday evening to feel safe walking home. It got dark fast and, at the first stop light, a “friendly” man decided he’d like to have a conversation (I couldn’t tell whether he was drunk or on drugs). I think he thought I looked sad when I really was anxious about waiting at the stop light with him. I was relieved when a couple showed up to wait at the same light. Then, another man approached me on my last block home. I don’t like that I don’t know whether or not I should be afraid of people and I’m not sure how to react to people who approach me like that. I don’t want to be rude, or provoke them in any way, yet ignoring them isn’t satisfactory. I’ve decided I’m not walking home in the late evenings.

I have been eyeing another area of the neighborhood. Like a lot of places, if you cross a main avenue or a river, you enter another world. I found such an area nearby.