edge of the continent

Another flower opened on the little orchid that I brought to the office a few weeks ago:

“It is the steepest decline in vehicle miles traveled ever recorded,” [Jim] Ray says. “What we’re estimating now for the 2007-2008 figures are 30 billion miles. So we’re seeing a difference of 60-fold.” – “Feds: Americans Driving Less” on NPR.

I took a wrong turn on Sunday while driving to the store, but as I got off the freeway to right myself I spotted a small sign that promised to take me where I needed to go. That it was pointing away from my destination in the valley didn’t deter me, and soon I was coasting through a small but lovely stretch of shady trees and wheat-colored grasses. As the nearest cross-street emerged in the distance - the very street I needed to get to - I smiled. How had I never taken this road before?

I last filled my car’s tank three weeks ago, right before leaving for France. Since that time, gas prices have risen some $0.60 per gallon locally. I drive a small, fuel-efficient car, so shelling out over fifty dollars for the first time to fill the tank was painful.

As gas prices have risen this past year, I’ve become even more mindful of my driving habits. While extra-careful grouping of my errands has been relatively painless, it’s the cutting back of my meandering drives around city that has taken some getting used to. The discovery of that little passage tucked away behind the condo developments and concrete was a happy surprise that reminded me of a small - and now pricey - pleasure I have been missing.

Today marked the first day that gay marriages would take place in San Diego County after the state’s Supreme Court overturned a ban on such unions last month. The local paper published a terrific wedding album of the day’s ceremonies, where anyone can witness their joy, hope, and love.

At the Marché aux Fleurs, Paris.