This morning, on the way to somewhere. I tortured my wife with a game of “When I was a kid. We were so poor.” After starting several truths with the same “When I was a kid…” I knew that her tolerance was thinning. Whether she knew my intentions or not. The subject soon turned to coffee and I recalled how my Father never had anything but the leftovers of a six pack of Heineken and last nights take home from the bar. Despite owning a coffee maker. The only purpose it served was as an anchor in case the counter top decided to run away. While visiting on the weekend. He would always sleep until noon or so before he opened one eye enough to locate me looming by the doorway to say, “Coffee, Black. Two.” It was then, and only then. When I’d take whatever amount of money left on the side table or his pants. Usually enough for two cups of coffee. A dill pickle, (Those were good.) and a soda. Times were different. So two dollars would not only cover it, But provide with the loose change I needed to start my days adventures. As my wife suggested to stop at the local Starbucks to get some work done. I agreed. Thinking devilishly, of that Cafe Latte she’d purchase to keep me occupied and quiet while she had her nose in the computer. However, spending six to eight buck for a fucking cup of coffee and getting a funny look when you don’t adhere to their contrived sizes of Tall, Vente, and Grande. Imagine a construction worker, or bus driver ordering from those choices. I bet it’s like a kick in the balls. While I consider myself a realist, and I don’t expect a cup of coffee to cost thirty five cents in 2024. Wouldn’t we be better people if we made our own coffee and/or limited related outings to mom and pop or independently owned spots? Just a thought and an All-American rant. Drink Deep.
However, moving to Seattle has reintroduced me to some of those somewhat dark times. On the day this picture was taken, we had witnessed much of what Seattle has succumbed to. The homeless camps and tent cities on the sides of the highway, the mentally ill clashing with random passerby’s, and people are shooting up on the sidewalks, allies, and in public bathrooms. While I can’t help but feel for these people and their suffering. I can’t help but feel the atmosphere created by the politicians and appointed authorities foster it. Ax much as I’ve loved and appreciated my almost three years here. I can’t help but wonder when the powers that be will get off their duffs and find real solutions that can be put to work to help these people while saving their own city and state. Only time will tell.
When leaving the house this morning. I left with no intentions of checking my camera’s battery or making sure the card inside had been cleared, or for a better word, “formatted” the last time I uploaded a session to my laptop. As of late, my newer camera bag. The one I bought to house a rather large 70-200 lens. Seems to be getting heavier and heavier.
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