Neighbor #2 and #3

The next two neighbors were accosted at the bus stop in front of the very big and loud Gameworks in downtown Minneapolis. The woman immediately agreed, chuckling happily as I fumbled with the camera to take her picture. She had a serious smoker's voice, very deep and scratchy, and had a full, hearty laugh.

Where do you live?
"1707 3rd Avenue South. Oh I hope the rest of the questions are going to be as easy as this one!"

What do you do?
"I'm on disability."

If you could have any super power, what would it be?
"Ooh, good question. Well, I wish I could fly around without worrying about vehicles."

In three adjectives, how would you describe yourself?
"Friendly, loving, very happy."

What's your favorite city or town?
"Tucson, Arizona. That's a really nice place to be in."

If you won the Powerball, what would be the first thing you'd do?
"I'd give it to the church."

In three words, how would you describe the United States?
"Oh boy, [that's] hard to describe... Well, it's free, friendly, could be cooler. You know, weather-wise."

Do you own a gun? If not, would you?
"No, but I used to have one."

Who is your favorite movie star?
"Oh, I love that Linda Wagner. Does it have to be only one? Can I pick a guy? I like Michael Landon, too."

What's the strangest thing you own?
"Own something strange? I don't own nothing that's strange." [after a few suggestions from her friend, she finally settled for] "strange collection of lighters."

What's your favorite restaurant in Minneapolis?
"Market BBQ."
Where is that? I don't think I've been there.
"Oh you have to! Their ribs are soo good! It's on 15th and Nicollet."

Can you sing?
Laughing, she said "Can I sing... with headphones on, yes."


Neighbor #3


Though a tad more subdued than his female companion, he too was very nice and friendly.

Where do you live?
"Same as her. In a different apartment though."

What do you do?
"I'm on disability too. Oh, and I do street evangelism, freelance work."

If you could have any super power, what would it be?
"Be able to leap tall buildings... ha, just kidding. Well, I'd choose healing. No, wait. That's more of a gift. I'd choose super strength."

In three adjectives, how would you describe yourself?
"I'm real nice. I smile a lot, born-again Christian." [friend agreed, wished she had chosen that too]

What's your favorite city or town?
"Youngstown, Ohio. I was born there. I haven't been there since."

If you won the Powerball, what would be the first thing you'd do?
"Give to the church."

In three words, how would you describe the United States?
adamantly, "It's a good country to live in. I'd say it's free. And there's finally a good Christian president. Yes, a born-again Christian."

Do you own a gun? If not, would you?
"No, not really. Every time I save up the money, I buy something else." He paused, reflecting on this. "What's the use, you can't carry it anywhere."

Who is your favorite movie star?
"Gregory Peck. I like his work. And female? Oh easy, Sophia Loren."

What's the strangest thing you own?
"I don't really have anything strange. Hm, well, I used to have a hi-fi console/record player with an 8-track. I'd say that's pretty strange. I don't have it any more though. I sold it."

What's your favorite restaurant in Minneapolis?
"Market BBQ. Can you tell we're [nodding to his friend] are good friends?"

Can you sing?
"Yes" and he started to hum a little tune, laughing good-naturedly at himself.