Good Friday..........

It's late, and it's only been sticking around for about 1/2 a day at a time, but Spring has finally shown up. It's getting warmer day by day and just seeing the sun makes me feel better. I left my heavy coat home this morning, and wore a lighter jacket.

There was less traffic around, probably due to it's being Good Friday - the start of a lot of Spring Break weeks around the area. I drove over to the Hess Station on Route 9 for gas. I've been using them since the big storm hit back in October. The price is competitive and they don't charge more for using a debit card. I pulled right up to a pump, was served, and was on my way in less then 5 minutes. Feeling good.

From there, I took the side road that feeds into Woodbridge Center Drive, heading back to Main Street. That's where I saw this guy heading towards me. He'd probably parked in the lot and was using the back road to reach the nearby office building.

I looked around. The road isn't used often and we were the only ones on it. I was ready as we passed each other.

Point, press, Flash.

I turned onto Main Street, made a left onto St. George - making the light for a change - and headed to Dunkin' Donuts in Avenel for breakfast. There wasn't as many customers as usual. I ordered a bagel with cream cheese and a decaf coffee. By the time I'd paid and gotten my coffee, my bagel was ready. I got a table by the window, and enjoyed my breakfast and the warm sunlight. Still feeling good.

The libraries that I usually frequent are closed today, so I decided to ride up to the thrift store in South Plainfield. I took Chain of Hills road towards Edison, and came up behind this person.

It was still early, and this stretch of road is usually quiet. I slowed a bit matching her speed and checked my mirrors. No one else around. I sped up a bit, and as I passed...

Point, press, Flash.

I Turned onto Green Street, took the road that passed the Metro Park train station, and headed towards Route 27. I just missed making the light there, but I did see this woman walking on the opposite side of the street. I sat there, looking around, as she walked passed the corner and continued on her way. When the light turned green, I made the left, coming up behind her.

Route 27 usually has a lot of traffic, but the holy day worked to my advantage.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued on, turning right onto Grove Street, then left onto Oak Tree Road towards the thrift shop. I spent about 15 minutes in there and picked up a T-shirt of the Flying Karamazov Brothers for $1.00. Doing good, feeling happy.

I drove back through Metuchen and Edison, thinking to do some browsing in Barnes & Nobles in the Menlo Park Mall. About half-way there, I changed my mind. I was enjoying the warmth and the drive so I just stopped at Roosevelt Park and sat in the car for a while. It felt good.

The warm weather brought out parents and their little children so it was starting to get noisy. I didn't stay long. I headed for home, deciding to stop at Subways for a sandwich. As I turned onto Wood Avenue I saw this woman heading towards me.

I only had enough time for a cursory glance in the mirrors before she and I passed.

Point, press, Flash.

I stopped at ShopRite for some snacks and picked up some chocolate cake from their bakery that they had on sale. Two slice for two dollars. A good deal.

There were no other customers in Subways when I got there. I picked up a 12-inch Tuna on Italian with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sweet peppers and mayo. Good service.

When I got home, a book I'd ordered from an online thrift store was in my mailbox. This was the second time that I'd used this company and their service was still good.

It was definitely a good Friday.