Wednesday

[susandennis]

I'm thinking about moving my bank accounts (checking and savings) again... from Citi back to Capital One. I have a variety of reasons for doing this, none compelling. I think it's just part of the oldpeople-focused-ontheircash syndrome. I've done it enough to know that it does not hurt anything so NBD. I still have accounts at BECU and I might just move everything there instead. They are a little annoying but I can walk into a branch if I need/want to and while their telephone tree is a bitch to climb, once there, I do get good service so maybe.

I'm having foot problems again on the treadmill. I'm pretty sure it's because of my flat feet. Changing shoes around usually fixes it for a while so that's what I'm doing. I got through a little more than 20 minutes today before I had to quit. The big issue is that the pain is a massive sharp jab across the area where my toes join my foot. It comes on with no notice and I'm afraid it might cause me to fall off the treadmill and break something. I got NO interest in that. It's not as perilous when I'm walking off the treadmill so I guess I'll do my cross parking lot gig today and add a little to make up for the 5 mins I cheated this morning.

I'm kind of low on eggs, flour and kosher salt so I was going to go up to the bakery market that is also near the chinese place and get groceries plus chinese food. But, then I remembered that the chinese place is closed on Wednesday. Oh well. I have enough to try those almond cookies I've been thinking about.

I live in Seattle's historic district. It's never been safe suburbia. When I first moved here, my Seattle friends all told me that buying this condo in this neighborhood was both ridiculous and dangerous. When I first moved in, I could see and hear gun shots in chinatown which is across the football field parking lot. Over the years it's been bad and it's been good. It was the heart of the tech boom of the 90's and the heart of the tech bust of the 2000's. There has been a lot of nice development, additions and improvements in the past few decades.

But, now, it's suffering worse that really I've ever seen. People without permanent addresses have pitched tents and moved into doorways and taken over sidewalks and nearly every park. And they are aggressive. Yesterday morning a guy who lives downstairs was walking his dog over in one of the least sketchy areas and was stabbed in the face. Another neighbor (actually a HOA board member and lawyer) saw the whole thing happen while she was walking to work. (And yet another neighbor who lives down the hall, covered it on TV.)

Our police who, last Summer took a major 'defund' hit, are losing numbers right an left and even more now that they are required to be vaccinated. So when businesses call 911 for help, they get 'we chose not to respond.' The city counsel blames the mayor who is a lame duck and who blames the county, state and feds. It's an ugly mess. Without a lot of encouragement that it's going to get better any time soon.

At least, so far, the stadium parking lot (my now daily walk) is relatively safe. I think I'll get into the shower and then head out.

Comments

[dadi.livejournal.com]

Oh ugh. That sounds scary :(

[billinaction.livejournal.com]

Philadelphia inherited the Seattle police commissioner. I wonder if her departure has anything to do with the police situation

[susandennis]

Actually Philadelphia got Portland's chief. Our chief (also female and black), retired last summer when the mayor and city council would not allow her to do her job. She's the best. And her name is Carmen Best! She's still here in Seattle doing this n' that.

[lenine2.livejournal.com]

That is frightening. It sounds like everyone is pointing fingers at each other. I often wonder why people go into public service if they don't want to serve the public, whether the police or public office. I hope you continue to stay safe on your walk.

[chocolate-frapp.livejournal.com]

mmmmmmmmmm, almond cookies

[adafrog.livejournal.com]

That's horrible about the police.

[opakele.livejournal.com]

I fear it will get worse before it gets better.

I am so grateful the previous owner of this place had iron bars and gates put on all windows and doors of this house. When we bought the place, I vowed they were the first to go. Now, I believe any really determined thief or assailant will move on to easier pickings. I can also keep windows and doors open in the heat and be safe.

Seattle has changed a lot. It is so sad.

[siglinde99.livejournal.com]

Do you have the combined problems of opioids, mental health (our mental health institutions were largely closed down and people left to fend for themselves, with most treatment inaccessible to those without private insurance), and unaffordable housing? I know it is a major issue in places like Vancouver, and even here in Ottawa the number of homeless is about double what it was just a year ago. I hope your neighbour downstairs makes a full recovery.