Corn Hill: revitalization

In Rochester one acquaintance (not one of our friends) moaned how Corn Hill used to be full of beautiful old houses, but they had been torn down. I wonder when he last explored the neighbourhood. Obviously, certain parts had indeed been levelled and replaced with townhouses in the 1980s. But many entire blocks of heritage buildings remain. Consideration had obviously been made so new would harmonize with old. gmjambear and bigmacbear live in one of the townhouses. Monday morning before departure, I spent an hour strolling through this historic district.

Besides good companionship and sightseeing, the trip left me with an afterglow. Apparently the keen sense of sexual adventure I felt during my 30s is still attainable. This is a relief, because I had felt it waning.

At home I find myself back on the front lines of the mood war. The anxiety group and textbook are providing valuable tools, and yet I feel overwhelmed by the immense task of making my life liveable.

Parts of me, like Corn Hill,—entire blocks of habitual behaviour and thinking—need to be razed and replaced with something new. Others need to be appreciated for their goodness and beauty, perhaps reinforced and rejuvenated.

( +1 )

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(Two more images from Corn Hill are posted in doorwindowwall.)

Also, many more pictures from Rochester can be viewed in these galleries:

• Downtown Rochester
• Lilac Festival
• Corn Hill

Teen gender bending

Next week is spirit week at Marian's school, and every day has a clothing theme. Tuesday is grunge day.

"My favourite is Wednesday," she said. "Opposite sex day! Isn't this a great school?"

"Opposite sex day, at an all girl's school?" I said.

"Well there are male teachers," she explained.

"What are you going as?"

"I dunno," she said thoughtfully, and was silent for a moment. "I guess I'll wear a moustache and a dress."