Later. I did want to see what the chalk mural looked like when it was finished, so I took a bus downtown to take a picture or two and have a cup of coffee (out in front of the bagel shop) in the City Center. Innovative way to spend one's late morning, don't you think?

Anyway, the mural hadn't been scrubbed off the tiled surface yet, they seem to have an agreement that allows them to put one of them down on a Friday and they won't scrub it off until later on the weekend, either later today or tomorrow. OK, interesting agreement.

A walk down the way through Old Oakland, all of three or four blocks of it, and then on to the Asian Cultural Center to check out the ice cream shop as I had time before the next bus arrived. I didn't buy any ice cream for some reason, bought one of the small boxes of Japanese candy I like, but discovered it was probably old and stale, the individually wrapped pieces hard as rock. So much for the Japanese candy as it went in the trash.

Home now on an early sunny afternoon, maybe a walk down later to the morning café, maybe not. The day seems to start well. I did take another semi-nap before heading out on the bus, cleared the head in what seems to now be a routine. In the past I might have driven somewhere with the camera; gotten on a bus to somewhere; walked in a different direction. In this last year, however, I seem to have lost the spark. Well, lost it slowly over the last five years is more like it. If we have to we will live with that.

So?

So it's noon, a quarter after, we'll maybe lie down for a while and see what comes up.

Later still. An hour's nap. Not hungry, although I'll want something later, but, when it's later, I know I won't want to go out and get anything to eat. And I won't. I still have some popcorn I can pop, filling, but not very nutritious. I'm saying this without even shrugging, knowing I'll do nothing about it. I could use another picture or two for the day. The farmers market is closing now that it's after two, won't be much there if I head out now and I've already been by the lake. Recently. A lot.

And?

Well, we just got up, the engine is obviously still revving up, we'll see if ambition kicks in within the next several minutes. It is nice out there (as I may have mentioned).

Later still again. A high of seventy-nine, and it does feel like it, so much for my “it will be cool day” conceit. OK, I took that walk to the morning café, but only after I'd waited too long and their kitchen had closed. Still, a croissant, ice cream and lemonade.

A walk back taking a picture of the Grand Lake Theater marquee. I should probably use it on November 6th. I'm not big on conspiracies, although you never know. My own reaction to their question is a question of my own: “because their owners discourage curiosity on their part?” But enough.

A walk back along the lake, a picture, more a quick snapshot to nail the beast. Better to have used a much longer lens for the pelicans and even then they're too far away. Still, I did say I wanted more pictures.

Evening. We'll talk about this particular evening tomorrow.