Well as well, as well

Toe,
Today I went to that depressing little town we visited together once, E-town let's call it. I didn't find it so depressing, however, today. I found another town just to he east of it that makes E-town look like a thriving metropolis. Now that was depressing. I was following the trace of a railroad that no longer exists, thinking that my G-father (what the hell, let's continue with this) left town on that rail line, and it goes through this little town that is now barely a town. It consists of maybe 100 houses, some of which have been abandoned and are crumbling in on themselves amidst overgrown trees and brush. Other houses in the town are in livable shape, and I even saw someone out mowing a lawn. It just struck me, someone was taking care of their property in this town that is in the process of disappearing. I had been taking pictures of the little towns I've been going through, on this little ghost railroad tour, but this one I could not bring myself to photograph (well, accept to document the little bumps of the former embankment on which ran the train tracks through town). God it was depressing.

Anyway, been looking into the history of E-town. It was a thriving little city 100 years ago, about the time G-dad left. They had a movie theater, some restaurants, women's clothing stores, a few newspapers, a passenger train that went through town twice a day. Unbelievable.

The Plains states are dwindling, and have been for the past 100 years. I looked at population records for E-town, and its highest population was about 100 years ago, and its gotten smaller ever since. Farms have gotten larger, with fewer people needed to actually operate them, thanks to machines, so the towns get smaller as people run to the cities.

So, I am getting a little writing done this week, but mostly I've been thinking and researching. I feel happy with life. I like this vacation, even with the depressing aspects.

Hope you are well my friend, and that E is well as well, as well as the baby.
Love,
E-word

For all the shut down strangers and hot rod angels

Toe,
It's been ages since I wrote anything here. I think I haven't written much anywhere, aside from at work, where I write quite a bit actually, but none of it really seems to be written by me, per se, or rather, none of that writing contains anything that is me. When I write for my job, I am using my skill, but I am not putting myself into it. It is sort of a cold, technical thing.

So, here I am, writing, about me. And the thing is, I don't have a ton to say. It was good to see you last month. It was great sharing that muddy fucking mojito.

I want to write more. Life is just too much right now. Work. Sick cat. Bored spouse. Too much drinking. Not enough exercise.

My garden is going well, although I started some plants quite late. I'll give a full report of the harvest in September.

How is your garden?

How is E? I hope you all are well and are gearing up for the August excitement.

I'm going out West a few states over to write, starting the end of next week. If I get to an internet connection, I will update you.

Love,
E-word