Some old city neighborhoods are very diverse, with a wide variety of businesses lining their streets. For example, University Avenue in St Paul has a mix of stores, usual and unusual. In fact, unusual shops are fairly common. This makes them, well, usual. The unusual is usual.

Recently I walked a stretch of University Avenue. Here's what I found, some of it R rated.

                                                                         * * * * * * * * * *

This storefront church shares it's space with other churches.

                                                                         * * * * * * * * * *

It seems appropriate that the Deeper Life Bible Church is next door to the Transformation [Beauty] Salon.

                                                                         * * * * * * * * * *

These two businesses specialize in things for the bedroom.

                                                                         * * * * * * * * * *

As you age you may not get as big a bang-for-the-buck [in the bedroom] as you used to, so it only makes sense to save money and shop for "toys" at an outlet store.

                                                                         * * * * * * * * * *

This landscape service truck is innocently parked next to a Viagra sign. However, my mind saw a bit of irony:  "We turn your thing into a brick, man." And I suppose if the truck is parked there longer than four hours it should seek medical attention.

                                                                         * * * * * * * * * *

Here is where I would go to find out where I am going to go.