FRIDAYS ARE NOT BORING!

     Doug and I had the place to ourselves today, except for the occasional office worker who came in for coffee. The weather allowed us to leave the back door open, and we got a view of Kevin's "apartment" in the fenced-in vacant lot across the street. He has a large trash can (for sleeping), a metal folding chair, and sundry other items that complete his home.
     We watched him scrutinizing the ground for rocks and other treasures; he waved.
     Later we heard the rumble of a large plastic container in the street. A young man dressed in a "yellow vest" was hauling the container and some traffic cones up near Kevin's place. He stopped there and began a lengthy visit with Kevin. It didn't take Doug and me long to realize that the fellow was just as "free" as Kevin.
     Doug gave Kevin some hand signals, telling him to not let the other fellow come inside his fence, and that worked well. Then the two street urchins began chatting and having a bit of show and tell through the fence. Doug wanted to worry, but I told him, "They're playing. You need to remember they are just little boys in their minds."
     The new fellow had large black plastic bags, and he spent some time putting street trash in them. The only visual that separated him from a "city employee" was his backpack. Eventually, our visitor took his big plastic cart and literally rode it down the street, as one might ride behind a grocery cart.
     The Fancy Lady came to lunch asking, naturally, for special favors (different salad dressing, real milk for her coffee). I didn't tell her our milk expired last Sunday. Yes, she could have used the powdered creamer. Anyway, I'd heard she was moving out, but there is no evidence of that.
     Lunch, you understand, was just sack lunches, and only five or six folks came for one.
     For dinner, Doug made fried okra, turnip greens, fried catfish and cornbread. We filled 40 plates, he mopped, and our day was done by 2 o'clock! "Miss Joy," he said, "I just love it when you are here!" One must assume it's the company because my physical labor surely didn't amount to more than 45 minutes' worth.
     A couple came to the shelter today looking for food. They had a 2-year-old child. The only problem was that the child was a totally different color than the couple. They are homeless. Many questions need answering. Someone called Social Services. I wish all three of them well.