I won't tell you my real name, 'cos nobody don't call me by that anyway.  I go by "No-Socks", 'count I very rarely wear socks, even during the winter.  

I live on the streets in Sandusky, Ohio.  I did work, in the auto industry, but it went south, and the plant closed long ago.  Been on my own since, the last five years on the streets.  Couldn't afford to pay my rent, it got six months past due, so the landlord kicked me to the curb, and here I am since, fending to stay alive.  

I don't mind livin' here, but I hate livin' so close to Cedar Point Amusement Park.  In fact, I hang around so close I can almost smell the cotton candy and popcorn in the air or hear the screams from the people riding the rides.  I'd love to go there but can't afford it, so all I can do is dream of fun times gone by.

I have always loved rides.  The scarier they are, the better.  There's nothing more satisfyin' to me than to get flipped out in all directions, and not knowing where you are going or where you are at.  I love the gutwrenching feeling in my belly whenever I get flipped on a ride.  Yet now all I can do is dream 'cause, as I said, I don't go to the park anymore.  Instead I live on the street and try to survive as best as I can.

I have some friends here on the streets: some of the pastors and people from the missions church have befriended us homeless bums; they at least talk to us like we're human or try to get us some clothes or even food; they know that we are needy, so they go out of their way to help us, which is greatly appreciated!

And tomorrow, for the Fourth of July, the pastors and church people are pickin' a bunch of us homeless folks up and are going to take us to the parade downtown; then we're going to go to Cedar Point, where they are gonna pay our way in.  Which means that I get to ride all the rides I want before they shoot off the fireworks at night.  It's gonna be a fun time!!

After the fireworks, the pastors will take us to the church, where we will bed down for the night.  At least if it rains we'll be warm and dry.  It's rained a lot here lately; I'm more than ready for some sunshine and dry weather!!

At least I can think about riding the rides!  I hear they have some goodies there.  The new ride this year is this swing ride called "WindSeeker".  Hear it's really spectacular.  And now I get to see that for myself!  I can't wait!  It's been a long time since I last went to "The Point"; I am sure it's changed a lot since I was last there five/six years ago.

Well, I'm gona see if I can get something in my stomach; I'm a little nauseasted.  The humidity doesn't help it.  It is just making it worse.  I will write in here again soon; I will tell you all about my Exciting Adventure tomorrow another day, so stay tuned for that!  Until then, take care and God bless; pray it doesn't rain tomorrow so I can ride the rides and see some fireworks!  I'd greatly appreciate it!  And pray I find somewhere to live or a job; being homeless is nothin' but a pain!  Thanks in advance!

~No-Socks.

~To be continued.~