It is funny how people behave. I had what I thought were friends or so I thought! I knew people who’d lost friends during a divorce – they’d split into either his friend or her’s, seldom anyone was a friend to both afterwards; it never occurred to me that something similar happens when you become homeless.
    I had a one that would even pretend not to hear the dog barking at the door when I knocked or rang the bell. I caught on quick though as to who was giving me the cold shoulder. It might have been more acceptable if it were a matter of thinking I had not protected the young lady or done something wrong and horrible but it was simply that I was now not accepted because I was homeless. Maybe they were afraid I’d ask them for food or money. What I was hoping was they knew someone who was hiring!
    What a wicked way to be! I forgive them all now. It wasn’t an easy thing to come to do and sad to say there still are days I wish they could experience all that I did. I may be excused I hope if I occasionally feel this way but it doesn’t change what a nasty thought it is.
    From the first there were a few loyal friends, if I had just contacted her I would have known that Jenn was foremost among them. But a close second were my next-door neighbors. Many mornings I would drop by and John would share his coffee with me. On the weekends I could catch him and his wife Celia at home and we’d just talk over coffee or a coke. John is a fan of classic cars; I once accompanied him to the Rt. 66 car show they stage yearly in San Bernardino. That was quite a blast; I had a lot of fun! He also collects Coca-Cola™ memorabilia.  Celia has a commemorative spoon collection, her dolls and elephant themed collection. She loves music from the fifties and sixties and loves to do hooked rugs and hanging pieces. They were a big encouragement to me back then.
    Now that I have my own place and things to do I don’t see them as much, which is one of the few things I miss from that time.
    I could read by the light of the street lamp with the help of a cheap pair of high-powered reading glasses from the dollar store. When I could afford it I bought a small florescent book light that ran on AA batteries. On the main I tried not to stay up to late as the alarm on the wristwatch I bought was set to 5:30 a. m. Though I will admit to having a hard time not reading a book by Terry Pratchett or Piers Anthony in one setting. Though I will admit to having the same problem with the Maggody mystery books by Joan Hess or the mysteries Rita Mae Brown writes with the assistance of her cat Sneaky-Pie!
    Removing my shoes and socks I was nearly ready for bed. If I had any I sprayed the socks and inside of the shoes with one of those sprays for killing odors on fabrics. This also was a ninety-nine cent purchase at the dollar discount. I then put on my thick heavy socks, even on summer nights. Any colder night would I’d also wear my knit cap and maybe my gloves
    And with this I would put my book away, turn off the light if I’d used it and close my eyes ready for sleep.
    Good night!
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