That is literally the real world. We see something like this, and it automatically computes; no confusion. We know what it is, all of it, and why it looks that way. The casual work of the brain is quite amazing.

The opposite of this view was something I saw on the same day:

Minnehaha Falls. I went to a post-work farewell for a co-worker at the park, arrived early, spent some time in the ancient spot. The water that flows in the creek a few blocks from my house (I've lived close to the creek since we moved  back in '94)   tumbles down here to join the Mighty Miss and head to the Gulf.

There were many people around on a sunny perfect Minneapolis day. Buskers, people having a beer in the pavillion, couples on the grass. Not a mask in sight.

		Meanwhile and elsewhere:

I met a co-worker I hadn't seen in a month or two, and we instinctively shook hands. Saw the co-worker who was leaving, and gave her a hug.

		Anyone who thinks Mpls has become a total nightmare should come to this place. It's bright and green and safe, and feels like a timeless part of the city. And it all felt so normal. As if nothing had every happened. Anywhere.
		Drove home on the long green parkway, passing cyclists, dog walkers, parents with strollers, retired flaneurs, people on scooters - the usual citizens of summer, out and free.
		There are days when you tell yourself it's all okay, and there are days when you know it won't always be okay, but the best days are the ones in which it just simply is okay. The joy of driving, the curves of the road, the sight of an old neon sign for donuts at a commercial node, the thought of dinner and a stroll, the long twilight, the weekend to come. It's over. And it will only get better.

I was in line at the Walkin' Dog today, behind the guy who runs security at the 333 building, my building's RIVAL; we always nod, wave. During the dark times we would chat now and then, when there was no one else to talk to. He was schooling the two women in line in front of him how to order. They were from England, and the panoply of red-hot options were baffling. He sauntered up, asked for his usual with a splash. I told him he should drag it through the garden.

When it was my turn I noticed that the owner had a sign saying he'd be closed on Friday, because his son was getting married, and he was catering. I don't know the son, but he posts on Reddit about his dad, which is heart-warming. When I got my dog and walked off I saw the line had reformed, four people long, almost like the old noon-hour crowds. Give it a month or two.

After a nap I made a quick supper, because Wife had tennis. She texted later that she was having a beer with the gals afterwards. The place, she said, was hopping.

Daughter said she had a nice bike ride today, even though it had been a while. You know what they say: once you learn, you never forget how to do it, no matter how long it's been.  The gears mesh and the chain finds its sprockets, and you remember it all, and you go.

At some point it's going to top off and be fully sheathed, and we'll have a full accounting of its success.

I have my premonitions about the final verdict.

The weekly sweep:

The Larking is now as bricked as it will be. The rest will be some other color. Stay tuned for more exciting developments!

.

Good thing Tiny's speech balloon didn't cover up the clock.

Yeah, well, prove it copper

Solution is here.

More from Mr. District Attorney.

The theme in the early 50s version. It's one of the best law-and-order themes of its era, I think, and the voice-over is the finest, noblest cheese.

		They had to include his face, or people wouldn't think it was safe. He never made you listen to anything hard.

		Another ad that has one word which says it all, but says a few other words too. You either know that voice or you don't.

That'll do! Thank you for your visits, and we'll see you Monday morn.