Its raining cats and hogs

It’s raining cats and hogs. Our plan to spend some time in San Fran has literally washed away. After a wet stroll that ended with us eating a lot of za at Pizza Orgasmica, we hopped in the truck and headed north to Sacramento. Somehow we managed to take a circular route back to where we began an hour earlier – but then we were on our way.

We found a Starbucks along the way (an easy task) and settled in for a late night work session. In the morning, I followed my bladder across the parking lot into the mall. All the stores were closed but the mall was alive with sneakered seniors - Mall Walkers. I’ve seen them before but never really understood why they preferred fluorescent lighting and recirculated air over sunshine and fresh air. Now I understand. On a rainy day, a mall is a great place to take a walk.

This particular mall offered two tracks (an upper and lower level) and a plethora of water fountains. At first my walking was very focused, I had come for a reason. After taking care of business I joined the ranks and took a couple of laps. I have to admit, malls are much better when the shops are all closed. The people who strolled along beside me were here to walk – not shop. Consciously taking steps towards improving their health rather than unconsciously consuming, buying, spending.

I walked past headless mannequins dressed in cheaply made clothes. Clothes that will be gobbled up by people who believe that their perfectly good clothes are no longer acceptable. I walked past a set of stairs with detailed instructions on how to use them safely: look ahead; use the railing; no running, walking backwards or baby-stollers, etc. I was amazed at the detail. I wonder how many people fell down these stairs and how many future law-suits this sign will prevent…