My ancient Volvo finally went to Vallhalla with a proper Viking funeral. I was without a car for a week and, in California, did the unthinkable- I walked. 'Developers' have filled every nook and cranny with buildings here and are now digging into the very hillsides if not knocking them down. The final bit of untouched hill just got assaulted by machines that would do Mordor proud. Sadly, I was walking by the first day and literally saw homeless people scurrying out like ants from a disturbed nest. There was a whole community unseen with an economy and culture we wouldn't dare even contemplate. I care little for the reasons that put them there. I do know it is inexcusable and many of us are a few paychecks from the same circumstances. Years ago I returned from a weekend field trip and missed my ride home. There was no public transportation, nobody I could call. SO, that sunday night I simply slippped into the campus arboretum and unrolled my sleeping bag. Funny thing, I wasn't alone <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />. there were 2 other guys camped out there- students without housing! This time of year I like to slip a spare blanket, mittens etc. to these folks. Who knows? i might need there survival knowledge someday <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />