I'm doing a little jogging again. So far, so good in terms of knees (knock wood). This time around, I've wanted to go where there are other people, so I've tried Lake Merritt in the evenings a couple times. They've put a lot of money into improving the paths, landscaping, and water quality of the lake in recent years, and it shows. Returning there after a long time away, it's nice to find the lake looking beautiful and so many people out exercising, chatting, rowing, and relaxing -- and playing the odd guitar or bongos. The sky has been pretty amazing there, too. It's been a good place for feeling alone and part of things all at once. And it's a nice reminder about what's good about Oakland.