I have crossed paths with Laura Dalich several times.

Once near a hospital. Once at a grocery store. And last spring, while I was walking my bike to the bicycle shop for a repair.

She had an impulse to say hello, but decided not to bother me.

So today I am presenting Laura as the poster child for all the readers I have not met in person.

If you see me and are in the mood, please say hello. It won't bother me.

Laura eventually sent me a fun email and I now regard her as a bona fide correspondent.

A couple of months ago, she offered this answer after I had asked about possible new city slogans: "Near normal, near perfect."

That sounds about right.

---

---