Mother Nature Takes a Break on the Homeless

Well, the weather is being called strange, because it's 10-12 degrees cooler than the average of the past years.

Frankly, 75 degrees is fine for me and most people. People would agree that 87 degrees would be OK as long as you don’t have direct sun. It’s only strange because it’s different.

But come on, Californians. We’re spoiled by the pleasant weather. I think something like 290-300 days of the year have been blessed with outstanding weather—that's three-fourths of the year. I thrive on good climate.

Mainly I notice, because I have a nice bike, a 21-speed KHS, with extended handle bars and something I’ve never had before: 700-series tires. They’re like 10-speed tires but a little bigger and more durable. I’ve always had knobby mountain bike tires. They were always OK, but when you get some real street tires, the difference is more noticeable, and the extra speed is a rush.

Everything is more enjoyable when you’re moving about town and doing what you have to do. You see, I don’t have a car and I don’t plan on buying one soon. Basically, I can’t afford the luxury: gas, insurance, wear and tear, traffic.

I suppose, when I make more money one day, I would buy a small truck with a camper shell. In other words, something practical. And once there, I'd use it only if I absolutely needed it in case of bad weather, transporting somebody, furniture or perhaps a small camping trip. With just a bike, it’s a real pain in the butt when the rain is heavy and there’s no end in sight.

This is where proper armor has to be on your shopping list, because when you’re homeless, the most irritating thing is when you get wet or face freezing weather to cope with when you’re outside.

When you're homeless, you learn really quick how important it is to stay as dry as possible—unless you live in a house or apartment with a dryer at your disposal. Oh, that reminds me, I’ve got to do laundry.