June 1, 2016:

Downscale strip in an upscale city. Sooty pastel storefronts: Nails by Nancy, E-Z Cash, and Nails by Patrice.

There are only babies and old people in the Baskin-Robbins. Very old people who walk stiffly; very young babies in uncomfortable-looking strollers. No children or teens or young couples. Putting my best foot forward I attempt to represent the middle-aged. There may be some irony in that.

The sky is on fire. Something large is burning to the north, behind the already burned-out hills: a brush fire probably. If the wind changes there'll be ash falling on upscale streets and downscale alike.