Jessie and I spent some time this afternoon in the park. She watches the squirrels attentively, shivering with anticipation of the chase. Unfortunately for her but fortunately for the squirrels, that chase never comes! This afternoon however, we met Edwina taking a rest from her cycling. We chatted a bit - which turned into a shared peach and the exchange of email addresses. Perhaps some day I'll be able to share food with her again on Vancouver Island.

The subway is much like the BC Ferries....the first two rides are fun! I found myself feeling somewhat claustrophobic after that, without the option of going outside that the ferries offer. In spite of all it's variety and opportunities, I find the "big city" difficult. The noise, the rush and stress of speed wear me down. At home, people look at each other and smile. Here, even dog walkers avoid eye contact. Well, most of the time. Some people I've met are "friendlier". I think there are so many people here that if they were as friendly as we are at home, no one would ever get anywhere...they'd all be stopped in the street visiting each other! The "groups" are more visible here....the Men's Chess Club, the Italian neighbourhood, the Ukrainian neighbourhood, etc. And there are people sitting on porches or in cafes in the little groups. It must be lonely for people who don't have a "group" or family.