Mugging attempted at 7 a.m., Second and Calder, by shirtless black man, 40ish, armed with a broomhandle walking stick. Police were scouring the area. No other details. Where is that Police Log that the mayor promised us a month or so ago? . . . June sale is now history. Went okay considering the economy; paid a few pressing bills. About 10% responded to the mailing which is a good return. Thanks to all of you. Major interest this year was in placemats and napkins--we will have to restock. Last year everyone was buying the tin signs for patio decor; don't think we moved a single one this time around. . . Will be closed Saturday for the holiday; please be safe.

Man assaulted 3 a.m. by two black men on bicycles near Sawyer diner on Second Street. One bike reportedly found abandoned nearby. Anyone have more info? . . . Went to see George and Wendy at State Street Copy. (Great place for print jobs.) Whoever designed the "beautiful sun-baked vista" leading up to the Capitol had his head up his stovepipe. Fire trucks have to ride curbs to get through. Street sweepers can't get into the crannies thus there is trash everywhere. The paving bricks are already crumbling and there are weeds in the center of the sidewalk. The "grassy knoll" down the middle isn't grassy. Surely someone in city government must realize that this is a real eyesore and anything but an asset.

Ours is such a desirable neighborhood so why the sudden exodus? Mike and Elizabeth are heading to the northern suburbs. Lonnie K. and Mike B. are going east. Pam and Ty C. are headed to their new home in Florida. Robert M. is going further uptown. Even Clint, JJ, and JT are giving up their rental for individual digs. We old people don't deal well with change; this is still a great place to live. If you want to join us give Jacquie Kirby Hensel (761-6300) a call. Matt and Sharon throw great sidewalk picnics.

Felled by a sinus problem and spent the day in bed. Had to forego the Art of the State reception at the museum. Sorry, Janet R.

Tyler S. was five today. He collects Campbell's soup labels for his school. We contribute; bring yours in. . . Worked on inventory. Doesn't anyone do Delft anymore? I remember the days when every kitchen had a couple of the Dutch blue and white tiles for decoration. We've cut the price by nearly half and still only a few takers. . . Frank H. needed another Bluebird of Happiness. Glass worker Leo Ward designed this item in the '70s and has sold over seven million of them worldwide. Frank has certainly helped. . . JC (Harrisburg Locksmith Service) stopped by; guess he has come to the rescue of nearly everyone in the neighborhood at one time or another. . . Bob served franks and beans for supper; I thought the June sale was going better than that!

Hot, ozone alert. Bob installed a/c unit, well anchored. Burglars push these in to gain access; are yours secure? Ordered metal figurines and bookends, American-made! Had a flatbread pizza from Zephyr Express; tasty and recommended. Rampant rumor: gay bar to open on Restaurant Row.

Hung the awning; it is shoddy but will have to do. Eric W. helped format this blog. Bob pruned the bushes and made spaghetti. A beautiful day but only two customers. JJ and his little sister stopped to visit, and Bob got to practice his parenting skills. JJ couldn't say Cecilia at first, so he named her "Bowl of Cereal" and she has been BOC ever since.

Warm day, quiet street. Spent the evening trying to get a handle on this blogging thing. Pretty dumb when it comes to technology. Got to get friend Eric W. in here to give me a hand.