It feels a little surreal to us that we derive such a high level of satisfaction from life within walking distance of virtually everything we need in a small apartment in the suburbs of Portland. I mentioned Lorena’s community garden spot ($28 $22–correction from Lorena–for a good little plot for the whole season, including the first tilling and all the water she needs). The produce to the left, a radish and some cilantro, are the first fruits of all her efforts. She chats daily with the other gardeners, mostly little old ladies and enjoys herself thoroughly.
She has started her next foray out into the community by getting her transcripts sent from all over the country to the local community college. She spoke with a lady from church who has been an administrator at the college for years and found the college has an office just a few blocks from our house. Lorena went there and the facility was really nice. She is not sure she will be able to take all the classes she needs to finish her degree in Wilsonville, but she will be able to get her academic advising done her.
We are certainly not in an always and forever living situation in the little apartment–at least we think we are not–but we certainly are enjoying it for now.
Update: Corrected one more time. Lorena sends this note along: “La verdad, hay señoras jóvenes con niños chiquitos u mujeres de mi edad. Pero las las viejitas son las más amables.”
Betty Blonde #326 – 10/15/2009
Click here or on the image to see full size strip.