Being the "Grey Man". Fail. in A small but passable life.

It's a given fact that most law enforcement personnel I've ever encountered have been basically assholes. The two city cops that came with flashlights and then a knock on the window when I thought I could just not move and not be noticed, proved to be an exception.

No, it is not illegal to sleep in a van parked legally on the street. Yes, there is a chance that there will be another call about someone possibly sleeping in a van. And with an additional call in, the next set of responding cops may not be so understanding. There is also the possibility that I could be ticketed for having a "derelict vehicle" due to the busted window and the fact that the battery is dead and I wouldn't be able to "move on" if asked to. And that could lead to being towed off. This was all laid out in a rather decent conversation shortly after midnight.

I shook the man's hand and they left.

So, maybe being parked for nine months or so in the same spot didn't last as long as I was hoping it would. And my efforts at being a "Grey Man" sliding along on the fringes of society are a failure.

Jassy called last night and said they may be in town Friday morning. If they are I'll jump the van and send it home with her. I haven't talked to her today yet, because she's having a long workday.

I'll pack up the bare minimum I think I'll need in my knapsack and leave the rest of everything in the van. I won't need much now that the weather is warming up.

During my whole life I've never been without either a vehicle or a residence. I've always had at least one of the two. So I guess I'm fixing to find out how millions of other people are doing it. They say you're never too old to learn something new.

At least I won't have to worry about it any longer. I can wander the city at will, hang out anywhere, and not worry about sneaking in and out of the van (which apparently didn't work in the long run).

I just wish I had a knapsack bigger than that stupid book bag and smaller than my full-size backpack. That $80 Northface Recon daypack I've had my eye on for years would be perfect, I think.

I've made a list of everything I've used, except for clothing, on a daily basis for the last five years. It's not a long list. As far as clothing, besides what I'm wearing, I'll take an extra pair of socks and boxers and my long-sleeved wool shirt, my windbreaker, and several bandannas. That should do it. I'll take my cell phone and charger, my paper journal and a couple of pens, and both pairs of my reading glasses. Oh yeah, that brand new poncho I've never used should be fine for lying on or wrapping up in on chilly or rainy nights.

Let the adventure begin!