I need a pair of skates

Yeah I came to this and other conclusions after I crossed town today to give my pal some cash(was not home) and along the way got the "911" on my bike. First at Capitol Hill Bikes across from the Marine Barracks, and then at Rollin Cycles on 14th st. nw. So I traveled from Minnesota ave. to 14th st. (5 1/2 miles), and got the same answer: 175-225 dollars to "fix" my bike.

It only cost me $350 4 1/2 years ago, damn what the fuck is that!

I can buy the parts like the 29.95 Shimano peddle and other gear, (fix it myself) that the guy at the Rollin shop exposed as he began to assemble parts, probably thinking I was setting him up to fix it.

"What a bloody hustle all this really is", I thought as the price kept increasing as he talked,
with his last sentence as I left the shop: "try not to ride it," he said as I made my way north on 14th...

Got to 16th Street, and continued heading north, up Meridian hill and Malcolm X park; I eye the fountain pools on this warm day, especially the dormant big tub near the light across from the corner of Crescent pl. and 16th.
"When I leave", I thought as I pushed the wounded wheelie up the hill.
Nobody home.
See not having a cell phone makes all unplanned trips problematic but 'in times of loss look for an opportunity to learn', is my motto.

Well I drag myself and my bike all the way to Capitol hill stopping first at the corner of Constitution ave. and Delaware Ave. just a yell from the Capitol of the United States. Short rest, to get that damn stone out of my shoe; I do not stay long, I need to put my tired "dogs" in some water: the fountain in front of the Library of Congress, felt jut right.
I was in no mood to fight with cops over my act but I was willing to test their hubris because if I do not do it, than...who will; besides my bloody feet hurt so let's drop them in and if they come: oh well.
"Great," that rejuvenated me; I felt the old Washington spirit alive and well; playing in fountains was a joy most took advantage of in old DC. That plus the comfort of providing a group of international travelers some hometown information about U st. made me realize how important natives are to any town.

Even one that promotes itself as: "important" and"powerful!"

Yuck

I finished walking the bike back towards 8th street, and I realized that I did not want to pay $200 or so on a bike that is second in line for my bike dollars; especially considering their scarcity. Moreover, if the economy survives in this short term chaos, I will not be desiring a long distance employment. My time and investments must be focused as close to "home" as possible. Tighten the circulation of capital during times of economic turbulence, with an influence in spending on long term physical i.e. caloric maintenance investments: food, clean water, and oils. So in these times I would rather have beans than a bike.

And considering my choices I will have each, especially if it is the 3 speed Schwinn that waits to be used again.

"Oh shit" I thought as the dark clouds rumbled, signaling my last chance to break his dictate: I hop on my bike and ride the last 2 1/2 miles home.

Got home, ate and thought of...

What else besides my dog deserves any of my money or attention.
ciao...