There is no such thing as Wednesday. There is either Only Wednesday, or Already Wednesday. Today is Already Wednesday for me. A week ago was Only Wednesday, which may, in part, account for why today is Already Wednesday.

Yesterday (only Tuesday) I was approached on the way home by a wiry fellow asking me in broken English (for which he was apologetic, his native tongue being Ukranian) if I was familiar with the area. I said I was, and he then launched into a very detailed story about trying to get to Portland, having his car towed, the towing company advising him to hitchhike, but giving him a jacket out of pity, the church and shelters not being able to help, his being an artist, an abstract artist, and his willingness to bestow upon me--an intelligent looking fellow who, to all appearances will dispel any prejudices about Americans not being trusting and helping--a painting of his entitled "Kiev Empire" (he had to repeat this a couple of times. I initially heard "Key of Empire") if I could only supply him with the money he was short of $50 greyhound.

I allowed him to finish his 5+ minute tale, and gave him my standard, intentionally ambiguous response for all people who ask for money on the street: I cannot help you with money.

The remainder of the walk home was spent in the inevitable state of doubt about the whether I actually passed up an opportunity to help someone. When I related the tale to Patti, she said: "In front of Trader Joe's right? I ran into this same guy last month."

Damn. The poor bastard has been trying to get to Portland for weeks now.