Whereas the last few years I mostly saw stroller-pushing parents or neighbors from the next block out the window on the side yard woodchip path, this year I’m seeing more of a variety – childless (and more Portland-looking) 30something couples, 20something and college roommates, even teenagers. A good sign.

And again, a source of pride given that was a muddy, broadleaf-infested tunnel dim with overgrown vines and trees leading into a trash-strewn, weedy block of social decay where car thieves stripped them for parts just 7 years ago when I moved in and more than anything it was my personal attention that improved it.

(I mean yes, the block kind of flipped up at least half a class level in that time but a. I claim at least a share of credit there and b. that works by bringing in people like me)

Bike riders too, I think people have realized that using it and another shortcut (of the type that shows up on your Saints Row GPS after taking it once) down the way you can cut to a good North-South bike route