(last updated January 2006)

I'm also collecting the proper addresses for some of the merchants that have been so helpful in the five years that I have lived here.  I cannot think of a place where I've ever lived where being poor did not mean unhappy.  If a million dollars fell into my lap tomorrow, still where I'd like to live.

Lately the telephone poles have sprouted plastic bag dispensers so everyone will have one handy to pick up after the dog (everyone can forget to take one), or someone else's dog.  Didn't take a formal order from the city operations people either, just a neighbour.  The diligence with which members of the community spend a little time picking up messes left behind by people is admirable.  I do see you picking up, at night and during the day, I'm sure many others do as well.  We may have more potholes here, but they are tidy potholes. Amazing how even during elections our potholes are never filled.

To the inconsiderate asses in SUV's etc., fresh off the Second Narrows - HEY, some of us CAN'T walk any faster and blowing the horn at pedestrian crossings doesn't help!

Can Coast Mountain please stop short-turning the number 10 in the evening, so uninformed or unaware riders are put off the bus in the owrst part of town to be standing and waiting in?  Hastings and Richards instead?

I noticed the fortune teller closed up shop on Hastings Street - s/he couldn't see that coming?

Observation by a similarly disabled friend:
"We're all just one crumpled brown bag away from being like everyone else."

I do not endorse these businesses because I receive payment, rather I am repaying their kindness shown me.  Businesses with which I have no positive personal experience just do not appear here.

Cafe Moka - unusual menu includes venison, alligator - owned and operated by Augusto and Rena - formerly owners and chef of "The Savoury of Deep Cove" 1974-1998) - spiced to suit; personalized catering for in-home dinner parties; unusual gourmet items may be purchased, when in season and prices vary according to markets (where else can you get alligator, rattlesnake, muskox etc.; coffee and desserts are fabulous; Rena has offfered her walls up to my paintings and one of these days I'll get it together and take them there. Located on Nanaimo just below Hastings on the Northeast corner
The pet store, 2200 block, north side, healthy fish (no mortalities in my tank), live food (my tarantula Theo is delighted), and a constantly changing array of other pets and the supplies to go with them
Donald's Grocers, on 2200 block E. Hastings, south side, very friendly, good prices, will deliver
Rio Friendly Meats, on 2300 block E. Hastings, north side, very friendly, good prices
Como Market, on 2300 block E. Hastings, north side, very friendly, good prices, good selection; will deliver - will always gratefully remember when they insisted delivering my groceries because I looked ill
Lisbon Bakery, unbelievable Rhubarb Pies, and the pan buns are better than most croissants, on 2300 block E. Hastings, south side, very friendly, good prices
Top Value bargain store on 2300 block E. Hastings, south side, very friendly, good prices
quick.com, for groceries delivered to your door without leaving home from a variety of stores, you can also call my neighbours Tom and Joanne at 604-639-5300
London Drugs, not the whole chain, this particular store's service is a standout; on 2300 block E. Hastings, north side, very friendly. helpful knowledgeable pharmacy staff, who'll treat you without condescension -strong shelving, a must for when you're unsteady
BCBiomedical (in mall on southeast corner) exceptionally pleasant and my source for the article on how to do CPR when you are alone.