I was sitting in the comfortable chair out on the front porch today, watching traffic enter I-10, when a petite, 50ish woman walked by me on the sidewalk. We didn't make eye contact, but I had her figured out in a heart beat. She had a nice backpack on and was carrying a couple luggage style bags in each hand.
Around here, that only means one thing. Anyway, as she headed down the street I went into the kitchen. I had left the door open and suddenly saw her out on the street looking my way, so I went back out. I stood on the sidewalk with her and she asked me how to get to Palafox Place.
Well, she was asking the right old man, who has learned these streets, and I told her how. As she turned to walk away I asked if she was homeless, and she said yes. I asked if she did the Kitchen down the street, and she did this morning.
I told her I volunteer there and we had a nice chat about it. I was there this morning, bright and early, but the three ladies running the show had it down, so I split.
Otherwise, I would have met Janet this morning. She asked if I had a couple bucks for water, and I gave her enough to get a sandwich to go with that.
Maybe I'll see her tomorrow, and I'll give her a hug.