Helped the dust bin man trim plants on the roof deck while his little boy played. Due to the heat the little boy asked to do number two. Rather than have the dust bin man bring him back to their hovel I let them use my bathroom, it was more dignified for them that way.

I learned that the little boy's especial joy is to ride buses and that his father spends money thrice a week just to take him on a bus, going nowhere in particular and then back to Cubao.

I love staying on the roof deck. Whenever I am there I feel that I am in an enchanted place far away from city life.

The dust bin man offered to repair the gnome house that I bought in Tayabas, Quezon and also saw off the branches of the dragon tree outside that are now too close to the roof deck and the house roof. I learned something new from him: rather than paint the sawn-off portions of a tree to ensure that it does not grow in that direction again, one can, instead, drive two, long iron nails into the sawn-off portions.

Most interesting. I have always known that there are many magical spells cast involving trees and iron nails, but I never knew that particular gardening tip.

Cerefina recognized the dust bin man because I sometimes hire him to give Cerefina a bath and clean the back area. The dust bin man, however, calls Cerefina "Brownie".