The Space Needle. One of the most recognizable structures in the world and one I saw almost every day for nearly a decade and a half as I rode the ferry to work from my hometown to Seattle. I live in a smaller town and you would expect to be able to make connections with local people and create long-lasting friendships. Things one might not consider in a small town is why is it small? How come it doesn’t grow? Why are the locals rather unfriendly to newcomers? How is it that there are so few jobs in relation to the number of people here? How is it that when you do get a job, the employers pay so little in relation to what you can earn in the city just 12 miles away? After twenty years I think I can answer those questions. Some are a little more obvious and some are not. One thing is certain for me. I now have better tools to evaluate a new place to live before I ever pack the first moving box in an effort to move should I decide to.
Rowland Ramble - 