One of the things that I miss about downtown Seattle is that it is so lively. There are so many characters, so many signs of life - real daily life, not just strictly business. In the last year or so Dallas has finally started to build up it's abandoned downtown. Adding new lofts and even a grocery store and of course the ubiquitous Starbucks. But, there is still a lack of invitations to browse. No flower shops, no street musicians, no hot dog vendors (although I think a taco vendor would be way better here) not even a lot of people just walking to get a lunch. It still has a ghost town feel to me. But, yesterday there were signs of hope. It was a beautiful spring day in the high 70's with a gentle breeze. A wonderful relief from the two frightening and record breaking 98-100 degree days just past - in April. Oof. Anyway during my lunch hour I walked to buy a frappuccino (1. i lived in Seattle for 10+ years 2. resistance is futile.) And behold! Little dog poops on the sidewalk! Gross, is of course the initial reaction one should have to excrement baking in the sun and I was disgusted mind you, but- this meant that some one was walking a little yappy thing - downtown - in Dallas! It is something so simple but so rare here that I was excited. Excited about poo. Happily, I continued my walk. As I was approaching the windows at Neiman Marcus, a BMW pulls up to park. Out steps a man in his 50's - neat graying hair, balding a bit. He was wearing a really nice navy suit. I scanned down and literally stopped in my tracks. He was wearing matching navy hose and sensible women's shoes with a low heel. Nothing more. Nothing less. No shorts, no skirt, NO PANTS. It was truly an unexpected sight. He was so professional from the waist up and so free and freaky from the waist down. It was just so odd to see such a conservative look with such an alternative look. But, I love him for being risque and he is a wonderful sign that down town Dallas is starting to mix a little pleasure in with it's business.