Day Thirty-Four: Brick Work

East Lawrence is a patchwork of roads, houses, people and lifestyles. Gardens tastefully landscaped with rows of brightly colored flowers are bordered by front yards peculiarly decorated with brightly colored bowling balls. Modern duplexes built close to the turn of the 21st century stand adjacent to decaying houses built shortly after the turn of the 20th. And for a few blocks scattered throughout the neighborhood, overlayed pavement gives way to the brick road underneath.

While the brick roads have their own charm in managing to keep Lawrence feeling like a "small town," they also test the shock support of the cars (and drivers) that happen upon them.

Brick sidewalks also line many East Lawrence blocks, and they, too, come with their own set of hazards for pedestrians, bicyclists, and big-wheelers alike. Here a growing tree root gives an unexpected lift to part of a brick walkway.

Discussion of (re)paving roads and rebuilding sidewalks is met with support from those in the neighborhood who have grown tired of rough rides, chattering teeth, and stubbed toes. Others would like to hold on to the history the pathways represent, not ready to let the charm of East Lawrence "hit the bricks."