E.T. in Dayton, WA

One of my favorite Main Street moments. I catch a glimpse of awesome E.T. sculpture on the porch right next to an intimidating sign advertising a strict shooting of visitors policy. After a few quick snaps, I see the blinds jostle. And then the door opens. I’m freaked.

Out comes a tall, lanky man. In a casual, friendly voice he says, “You like E.T.?” I reply, “Yeah. He’s great.” I tell him about the project and he says, “Wow. That is so cool. When can I hear everything on NPR?”

View down Main Street in Santa Cruz

While walking down Santa Cruz’s 3 block Main Street, I noticed a guy standing next to a pick up truck holding a fishing pole. I asked him, “What do you catch out there?”

He said, “Mostly Striped Bass. I’m out here to take my girlfriend’s kids fishing.”

Then he put his hand on my shoulder, looked me in the eye and said, “But if you had caught me 5 years ago, I would have been out here sidewalk fishing.”