Have things changed a lot?

[u/jpzygnerski]

So, I've been gone for a while, but I'm so happy to be back in Lower Duck Pond. My journalism took me all over the US. I tell you, if I never see the inside of a decommissioned Soviet-era Siberian gulag it will be too soon!

Anyway, I got back a couple of days ago and it seems like things have changed a little bit. I got in touch with my (former) landlady, who told me she had rented my (former) apartment to a bunch of broke college kids who paved over it and put in a drive-through chicken restaurant that closed after a week. She said she's suing them but I doubt she'll get anything because they seem to be broke college students with no capital after the restaurant shut down. They didn't even own the land (see above)! She offered to let me stay in the restaurant but there's no shower and it's mostly windows. I don't even know where I would get 20' long curtains.

Besides the new drive-through chicken restaurant (now closed, see above) I noticed a few things have changed. That really nice Pakistani restaurant on 3rd seems to have changed hands and is now a Pakistani-Indian fusion sushi joint. The comic shop is also "closed for renovation," which in my experience usually means "gone for good." Please tell me that's not so! I have a lot of X-Men to catch up on! Soviet-era Russian comics get boring after a few years, especially if you don't read Russian. Я не читаю по-русски и не планирую учиться.

It's such a relief to return after a trying few years. My time away, touring the country, has shown me a new perspective. Just one, unfortunately. I've also developed a taste for Russian food. If anyone wants to open up a Russian restaurant, I know an available property. It even has a drive-through.

It was awesome to find out that my old job at the paper was waiting for me. Apparently they haven't had a writer since I left. I'll be looking through the backlog at some point, but I want to hear from you guys first.

EDIT: I had some extra time while I was traveling so I wrote up a few obituaries. Basically I have one for everyone in the town. They're a little out of date and I wrote them from memory so they might need some revisions. It was sad to hear that Sally P died, especially when I hadn't gotten to hers yet. Anyway, if anyone wants a copy to proofread just let me know.

EDIT2: If anyone has an apartment to rent I could use a place. I'm not picky. I only ask that it be bigger than 10x12 and with no bars on the windows.

[u/DrowningInDrama]

Goodness, Josie, I'm afraid you've only seen the surface of what all changed! It's good to have you back. It's been as chaotic as LDP has always been (and I love it 🙌). I just moved and my former landlord Mr Lorrin hasn't put out an ad for the apartment yet since he's wanting to renovate it a bit. Maybe you can snag off the market it early! I'll just send over the contact info, good luck!

[u/jpzygnerski → u/DrowningInDrama]

That would be great! I'd be living in my car right now but I don't drive and don't own one.

[u/Odd-Obligation9800]

Omg josie! Its so good to see you again! Its been SO long. I can't make it out to welcome you home in person (I'm laid up in the recovery wing at the hospital; long story) but yes so so much of the town is nearly unrecognizable.

The owners of the Pakistani restaurant merged with the Indian restaurant out on alpine road when their kids got married. I love their name choice; the Radcliffe line cooks. When they close up shop at sundown, they put on these really elaborate locking the doors for night ceremony. It draws a crowd and has made it a really popular spot. Plus the food is absolutely divine, you've gotta try it.

Welcome home old friend. I'd love to take you out for lunch and hear your stories from traveling, when i get out of the hospital of course. You must have seen some truly incredible things.

[u/jpzygnerski → u/Odd-Obligation9800]

Maybe we'll hit up the fusion place. I'm sorry to hear that you're in the hospital. If you want I can come visit and you can tell me the story.

Oh, but what's the deal with the sushi menu?

[u/Odd-Obligation9800 → u/jpzygnerski]

The owners and kitchenstaff are always taking classes and trying new things on their own time, and whenever they come up with something that hits their palette just right they'll add it to the menu for a while. The sushi is amazing. Apparently they had a master sushi chef from Seattle here to give a class for a month.