I am in Spokane, WA. My son and daughter-in-law moved here, and I am hanging out for awhile as well! Kerry is back in Denver temporarily for school stuff, so DIL and I are doing our own thing. Yesterday: lunch at a nearby Mexican Restaurant and then pedis! Having a daughter is a gift I love!

Another young couple from Denver is also moving to this area and for now, are also staying in the newlywed’s apartment. I am reliving my young adult years, sleeping on an air mattress on the living room floor. For furniture, we are using all of my camping chairs, a zero-gravity lounge, and some TV tables.  I do the cooking for my young people! Last night we played Cards Against Humanity, and I got quite an education. To my fellow old folks: never say you have heard it all unless you play that game. Lots of new “vocabulary” has developed since we were young and crazy.

Three dogs also live in our communal setting. That means lots of walks with the dogs on their leashes and lots of little doggie “waste” bags. This is a dog-friendly apartment complex. Dogs are everywhere: giant, petite, furry, fluffy, multi-colored, solid white.  The apartment buildings are set against a wooded hill, and walking trails wind up into the forest. A lovely, large, fenced dog park sits off to one side. A sign there says, Come to Yappy Hour.  Odd, though, no dog poo anywhere.

I ask DIL about the cleanliness of the grass and trails. She informs me that each dog who lives here gets a mouth swab for DNA. If poop is left on the ground, a sample goes somewhere for analysis. Then the offending dog owners pay a fine for their oversight. I am not making this up. A quick search online revealed several companies that offer dog DNA/catch the offender services. What’s even better: the system works. According to Poo Prints, the problem is reduced by 95%.

Amazing technology. The last thing I heard about DNA testing and offenders is how many wrongly convicted people have been released. Amen to that and I am happy we won’t have any wrongly accused dogs. I like the dog DNA thing because I am tired of dog waste on trails and sidewalks. However, I think about how the benefits brought by advanced technology are so unevenly distributed around the world. Kids are dying TODAY from problems linked to malnutrition or unsanitary living conditions. Meanwhile, we are relieved that we can identify whoever is pooping in our yard.

I also learned a neat big city trick for always having a waste bag on hand: tie them to the leash. I can’t count how many times I am out walking Tango and —oops– no bag. You can even buy official handy dispensing units, although tying them on works just fine.

Here is a clever DIY version

I have enjoyed my decade living in rural areas, but I also love seeing all the new things in mainstream society. The world has progressed since I left city life and big cities are living, breathing museums of the moment. I am in awe after isolation for so long.