HOW DO THOSE NEEDLES WORK?

     I saw a hypodermic needled at the edge of the sidewalk as I walked toward the back steps this morning. Doug met me at the door. I said, "There's a needle out there."
     I thought he'd probably not be concerned, but he was. He said he'd already swept up two of those by the dumpster. Then he went out and swept up the one I had seen.
     Obviously, some of us will die oblivious to reality, but I'm trying to come into the 21st century. "Doug, where do they get those needles?" I asked.
     "Those are free," he said.
     "Yes, but where do they get the stuff to put in the needles?"
     "They buy it."
     "What is it?" I asked.
     "Lots of things," he said.
     "How much does it cost?" I asked.
     "About $25," he said.
     "Well, how do they afford it, when they're living on the streets?" I asked.
     "You know, Miss Joy—it's the oldest profession in the world."
     "Ew," I said, "Who would want to do that with a dope addict?"
     "A sex addict," he said.
     He went on to explain that $25 worth of some drugs will keep a user awake for 4 to 5 days—so they don't "need" anymore for that long. Shoot, I can't even lose 4 hours of sleep without feeling damaged. It's a wonder more of those folks aren't found dead…
     In the kitchen, we enjoyed a typical Friday, sacking PBJs, breakfast bagels, and meat sandwich lunches. We served about 10 folks at lunch, then made up 35 plates for dinner... dirty rice topped with a medley of beef, chicken and peppers, with green beans and a roll on the side.
     I'm tired.