My Saturday Routine ..................

I may not have mentioned this before but, at times, I can be a creature of habit. I find a certain comfort in routines and I do have a few of those. Don't get me wrong, I can adapt quickly to change - seen or unseen - but I prefer routine.

Today is the first sunny day we've had in a while and it's a Saturday. I have a routine I like to follow on Saturdays and, since I was unable to follow it for the last couple of weeks, I was looking forward to it this morning.

I do almost all of my shopping during the week so I don't have to deal with crowds on the weekend. (This works especially well during the holiday season.) I picked up the paper and headed for Dunkin' Donuts. I go there a lot, but I really like to eat breakfast there on Saturdays. It's usually pretty empty and I can sit be a window and read a book while I eat.

That didn't work out.

There was only one table available and that was between a group of local High School cheerleaders and a group of adults. They were all happily gabbing away about some sports event that was going to take place later. I took my breakfast to go.

I drove up Avenel Street towards Route 1. Along the way I came up on this guy.

Point, press, Flash.

I got to Route 1 and made a right turn. I headed towards the Menlo Park Mall.

This is the part of Saturday's routine that I really like. I take my coffee and the paper into the Mall and pass a quiet hour or so catching up on the news and doing the crossword puzzle. The seating location I like has been converted into Santa's Workshop so I headed for the fountain area and picked out a nice, comfortable chair.

I'd just opened the paper when a young man took the nearby chair. He seemed antsy and was talking softly to himself. I admit that I was tempted to move but I didn't. I'd already lost my Dunkin' Donuts routine, I wasn't about to lose this one.

The young man didn't bother me and left after a few minutes. I noticed that he stepped on and off the rug a few times before he went on his way - some type of obsessive-compulsive thing, maybe. I finished my coffee and the crossword about 45 minutes later.

My Saturday routine now calls for a stop at the Metuchen Library. I was enjoying the sunshine and the car was warm. I slid open the sunroof.

I picked up an historical novel about the Lincoln assassination at the Library and, since it was still early, decided to check out some of the local supermarkets in search of an idea for lunch and supper. While this isn't really a part of my Saturday routine, it did give my a reason to continue driving around.

I drove up to the local A&P.

When I got there, I found this truck in the lot. It took up 2 spaces and was left running, noisily.

There was nothing in the store that appealed to me and, when I came out, the truck was still there. I got in my car.

Point, press, Flash.

As I drove away, I smiled to myself. I would have liked to stay and see the driver's face when he found his truck inoperable, but that's not something I routinely do.

I drove to the FoodTown in Colonia. This was a nice ride down New Dover, up Grove, and down Inman. Along the way, I saw this guy, up ahead, where they were redoing a gas station.

Point, press, Flash.

I picked up some fried chicken at FoodTown. That would be for supper but I still needed lunch.

I drove back to Woods Avenue and turned left. I took this all the way to Thornall then took that to Gill Lane. I turned right and headed up to Wegman's. This is a quiet, winding stretch of road and, as I made one of the turns, I saw this guy coming towards me.

Point, press, Flash.

I picked up some knishes to go with the fried chicken and several can of Progresso French Onion Soup (4 for $5.00). I now had lunch and I headed home.

Like I said, I can be a creature of habit and one of those habits is ....

my Saturday routine.

Downs And Ups .............

Maybe it's because I just passed my Sixth Anniversary as a transplant recipient. Maybe it's because we just passed Thanksgiving - the used-to-be get-together-with-the-family Holiday. Maybe it's because today was one of those cold, overcast days that are harbingers of the coming winter. Whatever the reason, I left my house this morning in a mood.

I wouldn't call it depressed. I'm not one of those people who spend a lot of time questioning things, and I never feel sorry for myself. Still, I guess, everyone must feel down every now and then.

I stopped at the Library a little after 9 and found that they wouldn't be open until 10. Down.

 I stopped at Shoprite and picked up a box of decaffeinated tea bags. I stopped for the paper. I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts and had a toasted cinnamon raisin bagel with butter and a medium decaf coffee. I had a book with me and sat by the window to eat. There was not enough butter on the bagel. Down.

I got back to the Library at 10 to 10 and they'd opened already. I went in to print out my checking account statement but they changed things. You now have to have a Library Card in order to access the system. I have a card. It didn't work. Down.

I waited at the main desk and renewed my card, then logged in, printed my statement, and left. I decided to head towards the Metuchen Library and took Avenel towards Chain-of-Hills. Along the way, I passed this woman.

She's a fixture in this neighborhood. I've seen her walking around here for years. I've heard that she lives in a nearby SRO and that she carries all of her possessions with her because she's afraid to leave anything in her room. A sad story. A Down.

 I drove on. I decided to head up through the Clara Barton section, which would take a little longer, but I now had my radio tuned to CBS-FM and they were playing their traditional Top 500 for the weekend. That always makes me feel good. Up.

Along Amboy Avenue, I passed by this guy sitting on a bench in front of a Senior Citizen's Home.

I'm sure he had a story. I wondered, briefly, what it was. There he was all bundled up and sitting in the cold, all alone. It looked like a sad story. Down.

I pulled up in front of the Library in Metuchen, and saw this man walking towards it.

Another guy, carrying some books, looking all alone. I imagined that he walked up here - maybe weekly - to take out some other books. Another sad story. Down.

I went inside and headed towards the sale books. I noticed the guy from outside was now at the main desk, returning the books. As I browsed, the guy went past me, humming, and went upstairs to the meeting room. I heard voices greeting him. I walked over there and read the sign - there was a meeting of the local Historical Society going on. This guy wasn't alone after all. Up.

That's when I realized that I'd let my own mood color how I saw things. Maybe the guy in the Clara Barton section wasn't alone either. Maybe he was waiting for someone to pick him up. Up.

And, maybe there was more to the story of that old woman in Avenel then the locals knew about. At least now I was willing to entertain that thought. Up.

I went back to the sale books and picked out two. As I left, I held the door for a woman coming in, probably to attend the meeting. She thanked me. Up.

Then, as I headed towards my car, I saw another woman carrying a couple of bags. I offered to help but she said it was OK. Still, I went back and held the door. She thanked me  and said that the bags held some cupcakes that she'd baked for the meeting. Up.

I drove home feeling better. Everybody has moods. Everybody has a story. And we tend to allow our moods to affect those stories. Everybody has ...

Downs and Ups.

No Real Plan For The Day ..............

Yesterday was overcast and foggy, but warmer. Today, we have a cold front starting but it's sunny. I went out early.

I had a few things to do but no real plan for the day.

I stopped at Shoprite and picked up the paper and my lottery tickets. I drove into Avenel to pay my cable bill. I parked on Lord Street and walked over. They weren't open yet but they have a drop-box out front for payments. As I walked up, I noticed this guy down along the side of the building.

I was ready as I walked back.

Point, press, Flash.

I got to my car and drove to the Post Office to mail my electric bill. (I know, I could pay this - and other bills - online but, frankly, I'm leery about doing that. I'm all in favor of modernization but - in some cases - I prefer to stick with what I know.)

I drove back towards St. George's Avenue and Dunkin' Donuts, for breakfast. On the way down Avenel Street, I came up behind this UPS truck.

Here's another annoyance that I come across while driving. These guys stop wherever they want. In this case, he was blocking the through lane. I waited till I could pass then ..

Point, press, Flash.

I realized later that by taking out his engine he'd be blocking traffic for a while but it was satisfying when I did it.

I enjoyed my breakfast and took the rest of my coffee with me. Today being a Thursday, the Thrift Store I like up in South Plainfield had their weekly card-holders-only sale. I'm going to a Brunch Cruise out of Perth Amboy on Sunday to celebrate a family member's birthday and, since it's supposed to be cold, I thought I'd look for a heavy sweater.

I took Chain-of-Hills Road and came up behind this person.

I didn't have a clear view and there was a merge with New Dover Road just ahead. I drove on by.

On a whim, I made a left on Grove and stopped at the North Edison Library. I picked up a mystery that has Mark Twain as the hero. I gotta admit that I'm a sucker for fiction that uses historical people as central characters. I headed back down Grove to Oak Tree when I came across this guy.

I knew he was surveying something and I also knew that he had a partner that he could see but I couldn't. I drove on, made the right on Oak Tree, and stopped at the Thrift Store. I picked up a nice, heavy, green sweater for $6. Feeling good, I decided to swing by the library in Metuchen.

I know the way there but not the street names. Along the way I came across this guy.

These landscape guys are a pet peeve of mine and here was one using a ride-on leaf blower in the street. I looked around but saw no one else.

Point, press, Flash.

I skipped the Metuchen library and just headed home.

I took 27 to Middlesex Turnpike and got back on Chain-of-Hills. Around one of the curves I came up behind this guy.

An isolated stretch of road and another annoyance.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued on, towards home.

Sometimes, the best plan is to have ....

no real plan for the day.

Things Just Don't Work Out .........

I got up early this morning because I was hoping to get something done. I'd gotten this idea over the weekend and, as sometimes happens, I got a little carried away.

After I came into possession of my "new" car, I realized that the radio didn't work. Since then, I've found out that it may work but - because of something that the previous owner had done - I needed a security code (which she didn't have) to get it working. Several frustrating phone calls later, I found out that the only way to get the security code from the car company was to give them the serial number of the unit. That's where I ran into a problem.

In order to get the serial number, I need to have the unit removed from the console. This is not simple on a "99 Honda Civic. I came across an on-line video that shows how to do it but, after watching the guy contort himself to take out some screws, then seeing him pull out the glove compartment to get at some others, I turned it off. There was no way I was gonna do that. Here's when I got my idea.

I know that P. C. Richard's sells car stereos and that they do the installations themselves. I've bought a few things there over the years - and so have some family members of mine - so I thought that I'd ask them to get the serial number for me. I was willing to pay for that, if it wasn't gonna be too much. But you never know, so I looked up a few other car stereo dealers in the area, just in case.
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I left my apartment around 8, which was too early to check any of the shops out, but there were a few other things I wanted to get done. As I sat in my car, warming up, I saw this guy across the street.

The sun was shining brightly which would've hidden the Flash, but it was too close to home. What's that old saying ... you don't shit where you eat, right? I drove away and, since P. C. Richard's is in the same strip mall I decided to stop at Shoprite.

I picked up some soup and some snack food. Richard's wouldn't open till 9 so I had about 1/2 an hour to pass. I drove up through Avenel, making random turns. That's where I saw this guy up ahead, raking leaves.

I was ready but, by the time I'd gotten there, he'd moved to where I didn't have a chance. It was almost time.  I drove back P. C. Richards.

As I was parking in the lot I noticed this guy loading groceries into his car.

I was temped but, since I was going to go to Richard's, I just parked and got out.

I spoke to a salesman and explained my situation. He told me that it would be up to the installer who wouldn't be in until 10. I had another hour to kill. I decided to get breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts and drove up St. George's Avenue. I parked in the back. There was a guy washing the windows.

Again, I was tempted but I was also hungry. I parked and went inside. I had a toasted Blueberry muffin with butter and a medium iced tea, black.

I still had some time so I went into the nearby auto-parts store. They sold car stereos so I waited for the counter-guy to be free. When he was, I told him my story but he said they couldn't do it. Yes, they sold some stereos but they also sold installation kits. It would be up to me.

I drove back to Richard's and spoke with the installer. He couldn't do anything without a purchase order, which meant, basically, I had to buy a radio in order to get the help I was looking for. We did speak about how complicated it would be and I got the feeling that if he could've, he would. I went back to my car.

I decided to call the numbers I'd written down. The first was no longer in service. The second had a long menu to choose from. That led me to believe they wouldn't do it without a purchase, either.

My only option was to make a service appointment at a Honda Dealer and pay the minimum one-hour labor cost. I'm gonna have to think about that.

It was still early and still sunny. I knew that I had some fried chicken at home that I could have for lunch so I thought I'd make a few stops and see what I could come up with for supper.

I didn't find anything interesting at Foodtown and headed for the A&P. I was driving down Inman Avenue when I saw this guy coming towards me.

I passed him by. I just didn't feel like it.

I picked up a Pepperoni and Cheese Calzone at the A&P that had a 50% off coupon attached and it was microwavable. Supper was only gonna cost $2.25. Not bad. When I got back to my car, I noticed that it was starting to cloud up. I decided to head home.

Sometimes things go your way and sometimes ..

things just don't work out.

Assumptions ..............

Yesterday morning, I went back to the plastic surgeon. He said everything was healing normally, including what remains of my left eyebrow which I was concerned about. He said I could stop using the bacitracin ointment and the bandages - which I was assuming - but I should use a moisturizer for a while to deal with the scarring. That I didn't expect and - being a guy who lives alone - I had to stop and buy some.

Last night, I got a text from Doyle. It's funny how our interactions have evolved from face-to-face conversations to quick text messages, but I guess that's the way most of us communicate these days. The gist of the message was that he didn't think the scarring looked too bad.

I had two assumptions here - he was still out-of-state and one of his team must've sent him a picture, so they're still following me, even if it's loosely.

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Did you ever wake up with a song in your head? Or the desire for a particular food? Well, that's what happened to me this morning - both of them. "My Sharona" by the Knack was buzzing around in my head - I don't know why - and I wanted some fried chicken - not for breakfast, of course, but for lunch and/or supper.

I started at Shoprite because I assumed they'd have some out but it was kinda early and they didn't. I decided to head for Pathmark. I drove up through Avenel, where I saw the guy coming towards me.

It's quiet up here and there was no one else around.

Point, press, Flash.

I stopped at Pathmark but they didn't have any fried chicken. I headed to Foodtown in Iselin. I drove up St. George's Avenue to Inman Avenue.

Now, when I drive, I try to obey the rules of the road and I have a set of assumptions that I follow. Several of them now came into play.

One, if the guy in front of me keeps slowing at intersections, he's looking to make a turn and it'll probably be a quick one. I give him plenty of room. Two, whether or not the guy in front of me has his blinker on, he's probably gonna make a turn. I give him plenty of room. And Three, the guy behind me is probably pissed that I leave a lot of room in front of me but I don't care.

Foodtown didn't have any fried chicken, either. Probably still too early. I remembered that there was an A&P in South Plainfield so I headed there. I decided to kill some time by driving through a couple of strip malls, one of which had a Burger King. There was a landscaping crew working. This guy was using a leaf-blower and had on earphones. I always assume that they get wrapped in the silence and will just step out into the street without looking.

I slowed as I passed him.

Point, press, Flash.

I decided to stop at the North Edison Library. I've been here before and don't usually find anything so I assumed that would happen again. I was wrong. I picked up the 4th volume in Dean Koontz' Odd Thomas series and a book called "Myths And Mysteries of New Jersey" -  a cover price total of $25 but out-of-pocket only $.50.

I continued on towards the A&P.  Up ahead I saw this woman walking along the side of the road.

In a situation like this, and in this area, I always assume that the walker - not seeing anything coming towards them - will forget that there is traffic coming up behind them and just cross the street.

Again, I slowed as I passed by.

Point, press, Flash.

The A&P had the fried chicken that I'd been looking for, and I picked out a dozen legs - my favorite part - which should last me for a few days.

When I park in a lot, I tend to leave a lot of space between my car and others. Largely because there are so many SUV's and other large cars that - sometimes - I can't see while pulling out and I wind up inching out, which I find annoying. As I walked back to my car, I noticed a black SUV parked right next to me, on my driver's side.

I assumed it was Doyle or one of his men. As I got closer, I couldn't see anyone in the vehicle because the windows were tinted. I got in to my car, started her up, and lowered the windows a bit. That's when I heard the voice.

Gordon.

"Hello, Denny. I've been meaning to come by and see how you were doing with that squamous cell carcinoma situation but, frankly, I've been quite busy these last few weeks, leading our friend Doyle a merry chase through Delaware and Maryland. But, I've managed to leave him a few red herrings down there and I'm up to see how you are."

He had lowered the passenger side windows in the SUV, but I couldn't see him. I assumed that he was staying out of sight because of Doyle's people.

"I'm fine, Gordon. There's a bit more scarring then I would've liked but they tell me all is well. We'll see."
"Very good. I'm glad to hear that, my friend. ... You do realize that I consider you my friend, don't you Denny?" He started off confident but ended ... I don't know ... desperate?
"Sure, Gordon. I know that. .. I'm doin' good. So ... how's things goin' for you?"

He laughed.

"Everything is falling into place. It shouldn't be too long now before I make my statement. I'm happy to hear that you are well, Denny. Please stay that way."

The windows started to go up on his SUV.

"Please leave the lot now, Denny."

The windows closed completely.

I drove away, heading home. Gordon was up here in New Jersey while - I thought - Doyle assumed he wasn't.

Sometimes we're right and sometimes we're wrong. but we all make ...

assumptions.

A Few Minor Annoyances ............

I was up and out early today, as usual. The change in seasons means that the sun doesn't stream through my bedroom window as early, but it is also the time of year that I am constantly annoyed by the Landscapers/School Bus parade.

When I grew up in The Bronx I knew nothing about School Buses - you either walked or took Mass Transit. Now I live in New Jersey and, although there are several schools close by, the School Buses start stopping out in front - or around the corner - or across the street - as early as 8 AM, honking their horns if the kid(s) aren't waiting. This is added to the last gasp for the local Landscapers who are now adding the sound of leaf blowers to their repertoire.

Now, the noise is bad enough but just try driving anywhere before 9 AM. The Landscaper trucks and trailers are parked everywhere - on both sides of the street - and narrowing down the amount of space we drivers can use. Add the constantly stopping School Buses to this mess and it's almost impossible to get around.

Trying to bypass these annoyances, I drove around the block and took Green Street to St. George. Yes, the nuisances were there but Green is pretty wide and mostly commercial so I only had to deal with a couple of Crossing Guards. (Another annoyance - they need to learn how NOT to swing their Stop signs around indiscriminately).

I headed up towards Pathmark. I live with a cat and the only litter she'll use is from there. On a whim, I took a right onto Avenel Street and found myself coming up behind this woman.

I got to her just as she reached the tree line.

Point, press, Flash.

A couple of quick lefts then a right and I stopped at Pathmark. I picked up the litter and one of those cereal-on-the-go, single bowl units of Special K to eat in the car.

The Pathmark area in across St. George from a Home Depot and there's a traffic light there. Common courtesy dictates that cars leaving from both sides should use their blinkers so that the car across the way knows what you're going to do. I had my left blinker on and so did the car exiting Home Depot. When we got the green light I started to turn left and had to slam on my breaks because the idiot drove straight across. We both stopped in the middle yelling and gesturing but English wasn't even close to his second language and I just drove around him, annoyed again.

I stopped at the Main Library and used one of their copiers. Then, browsing their sales books, I picked up one by Dan Brown and a recent addition to James Patterson's Alex Cross series.

They're doing some road work (another annoying thing) at the Library's entrance so I had to drive out through the back lot. That's where I came across this guy.

He just kept staring at me as he strolled by and, frankly, that annoyed me too.

Point, press, Flash.

I came out in some side streets, made my way back to St. George, and headed for Metuchen. Since I'd had some luck with new books, I thought I'd check out the Library there.

I parked on Library Street and headed for the back entrance - as I always do - only to find that they were replacing the door so I had to walk around to the front. Again, something annoying. I did pick up a novel by Herman Melville that was a fictionalized account of his year on a Man-of-War. I walked around to the back and drove towards South Plainfield.

I stopped at the Thrift Store and picked up 2 button-down flannel shirts for less then $10 total. I headed back.

Along New Dover Road, I saw this guy heading towards me.

I was almost over all my annoyances. Almost.

Point, press, Flash.

I stopped at a Subways and picked up a sandwich.

As I drove home I thought about the morning. I'd had a pretty nice drive. I'd picked up about $28 worth of books for $1.50. I had 2 new flannel shirts for the coming cold weather. I had a 12-inch sub that would be my lunch and supper. All in all, it had been a pretty good day although there had been ..

a few minor annoyances.

Rain ..................

It looked like it was gonna rain when I woke up this morning. They predicted it, but for later in the day. I was kinda hoping it would. I've replaced a front head light and the windshield wipers and I'd like to see how they work.

My morning rituals continue to include bandaging my forehead.

I met with my oncologist and plastic surgeons last week, separately of course. The oncologist said they got everything and it looked clean, but that's what he said the last time and it grew back. (If the radiology people suggest it, I think I'll opt for some this time). The plastic surgeon said my forehead looked good and I could wash it now with soap and water then continue to apply the bacitracin ointment. As far as the bandaging was concerned, I didn't need it at home and he'd be OK with my not wearing them out. To me, my forehead is still "a work in progress" so I decided to continue the bandaging when I go out.

I had a scrip to pick up at my pharmacist's in Walmart but they wouldn't open until 9. I decided to kill some time by running some quick errands. I drove up into Avenel and stopped at the Post Office to mail my electric bill. I took some back streets, heading towards the Wawa's on Route 9 and saw this guy up ahead.

It was quiet back here - no one around.

Point, press, Flash.

I stopped at the Wawa's and had the tank filled up. $3.09 a gallon. Not bad. I decided to swing by Shoprite. It hadn't started raining yet but I could feel the dampness in the air. Turned out they had Campbell's Chunky Soups on sale, 4 for $5. I picked up some New England Clam Chowder, a Sausage and Chicken Gumbo, and some Jambalaya. (The Gumbo and Jambalaya are new and - I'm hoping - as tasty as the pictures on the cans look.)

I drove up to Walmart, picked up my scrip, and stopped at the near-by Dunkin' Donuts. I had a decaf coffee (my first of the season) and a blueberry muffin.

It still hadn't rained so I headed for Metuchen. I drove along Amboy Avenue and saw this guy walking his bike along the sidewalk.

I didn't know why he wasn't riding it, but we were the only ones around.

Point, press, Flash.

I took the next right, cut over to Fords Avenue and, after a couple of turns, took Woodbridge Center Drive to Route 27, still heading towards Metuchen.

It was starting to drip now, but not enough to use the lights or wipers.

Route 27 along here is known as Lincoln Highway. I was still in Edison when I came up behind this guy.

I was tempted but it was just too open. I drove on into Metuchen and stopped at the library. I didn't find anything interesting and, since it was only 11, I decided to just drive around for a while.

I made a few left turns and got on to Main Street and actually stopped to take this picture.

Looks like Autumn is coming on fast.

I decided to head for home and drove up through Colonia and Iselin.

It misted for a while so I did get to try my wipers and lights.

As I sit here now writing this, I look out the window and there it is ...

Rain.

Running Some Errands ..................

After the surgery last week, I was a bit self-conscious about the bandaging so I kept a low profile. As I mentioned in the last post, those bandages were removed this past Monday and replaced by a coating of bacitracin ointment covered by a couple of non-stick pads and wrapped in gauze. Starting on Tuesday, I did the daily bandaging myself, which was basically the same but without the gauze wrapping.

Although, as I mentioned, the bandages covered my forehead, I was no longer self-conscious about them and started going to some of my usual places - including Dunkin' Donuts where the counter girl asked about them. I kinda shrugged it off because she knew me, but it's happened every day since then.

For instance, yesterday I went to the Verizon store by the Woodbridge Center Mall. I'd bought a phone there several years ago that came with a package of screen covers. The one I had on my phone had gotten scratched up a lot over the years and I couldn't figure out how to replace it myself. As I sat there waiting for my name to be called, the manager came out and took a long look at me.
"Weren't you here yesterday?", she asked. "You look very familiar."
I looked up at her and saw the reaction in her eyes. She saw the bandages under my cap. "Nope... Sorry.... I think you really would have recognized me."
She got a bit flustered and I got my screen cover replaced.
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Have you ever noticed that when you run out of something you start to notice other things that you're really running low on? That happened to me this morning. Actually, I didn't run out of toilet paper but when I put in a new roll and it's the last one it's time to restock. Then, while I was washing my hair, shaving, and replacing the bandages, I realized that I was gonna need some bar soap. And, while I was at it, I could use some new kitchen sponges.

Today would be a day for running errands.

It was a little before 8 when I left. I had several stops to make but most of them weren't open yet. I headed to Shoprite first. I took Rahway to Freeman towards St. George. On Freeman, I saw this guy mowing his lawn.

Judging by the condition of his grass it looked like he was gonna be busy for a while. I drove on by. I was only out today to run some errands.

I bought a four-pack of toilet paper (store brand, two ply) and a package of scrubber sponges (a 3-pack with a bonus sponge thrown in) for what I thought were reasonable prices but I couldn't bring myself to buy the soap there. I knew where I could get it cheaper.

I drove down St. George, made the right on Main, and stopped at the Loewe's strip mall. They have a Dollar Store there. I picked up a 2-pack of Irish Spring for $1. It was getting close to 9 when the Pharmacy at Walmart would open.

I've used this Pharmacy since July of 2008, when I was first diagnosed, and I've never had a problem.Sure, there's been some personnel changes but they've always made sure that I had what I needed even if they were still waiting for authorization for a renewal.

There was some roadwork being done to the main entrance so I had to drive around back.As I pulled in, this guy was just up ahead of me, not paying too much attention to where he was or what he was doing.

I just drove on by. I had a prescription to pick up and I needed some over-the-counter stuff.

(Interestingly, the new pharmacist was the only one there when I got to the counter and she started up the system. She doesn't know me yet so I had to go through the "name-and-date-of-birth" routine. After a minute or two, the young girl who normally works the register came in and, as soon as she saw me , asked what had happened to my head.)

My next stop would be the Woodbridge Main Library but, since this is August, I knew that they wouldn't open until 10. I had time for breakfast so I figured on just going to the nearby Dunkin' Donuts. I cut through a couple of parking lots to get there and came across this guy loading some stuff in his trunk.

I figured he was doing what I was doing - running some errands. I drove by.

I don't go to this Dunkin' Donuts often but I enjoyed my breakfast and, surprisingly, they were giving away the paper for free.

It was about 20 minutes to 10 when I headed for the Library. The fastest way is to take Ford's Avenue to Route 1 and cut through the Shoprite parking lot to St. George. I had all 4 windows open and was enjoying the day. I even slid back the sun roof even though I should stay out of the sun. I figured that I deserved a little break. Just up ahead I could see this woman jogging.

She was enjoying the day, too. I drove on by.

I got to the Library a few minutes before 10, parked in the small side lot, and joined the 4 or 5 people waiting by the front door. I was here to print out a copy of my checking account statement and to make some copies of a log sheet that I use to keep track of my daily vital signs - blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, and weight.

I do this every month.

(I know .... I can look at my checking account on-line, and I do, but I'm kinda anal about balancing my check book). The woman at the check-in desk remembered my name but made no comment about my bandages. It only took about 10 minutes to get the printout and make the copies.

Doyle was standing by my car when i got back to the lot.
"Hey, Denny! Nice wheels!" He gestured behind him.
We shook hands.
"Thanks, Doyle. I got lucky and it was a good price."
"So I understand." He chuckled... Seriously ... He chuckled.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, when you registered the car you put down that the purchase price was $50. I'm just sayin' that seems like a really good price for a '99 Honda Civic."

He had me there so I tried changing the subject.
"So .... is everything OK? I haven't heard from you in, like, a month and it must be closer to two since I've seen you. Have things changed with Gordon?"
He shook his head.
"Nope. Nothing new there. He's still keeping us busy in the Delmarva area. He's like 'The Scarlet Pimpernel'."

I was kinda stumped by that. I knew who the character was, of course, but I was surprised that Doyle would make that kind of reference.
"Wait .. What? Where did that come from?"
He grinned. "I read. Well .... I used to read, when I had the time. I think the quote goes ..'They seek him here, they seek him there. Those Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven or is he in hell? That demned elusive Pimpernel.'"
"HA! You never cease to amaze me." I thought about that for a second or two. "So, if there's nothing new there then why are you here, Doyle?"
He looked embarrassed. "Well, to be honest, I felt bad that I wasn't able to come up last week after your surgery but this was the best I could do. I understand that everything went well but I wanted to know how you were doing."

I told him everything that had happened since last week and he didn't interrupt, just nodded from time to time. When I was done, he actually slapped me on the shoulder.
"Good for you, Denny. Happy to know you can change a bandage by yourself."

I understood what he meant. We're guys. Again, I tried to change the topic.
OK. So .... what are the plans going forward?"

He grinned. He understood, too.
"We keep doin' what we've been doin'. I don't know any other way."
"OK, then. .... Good luck, Doyle." I stuck out my hand.
He grinned and took it, then walked down the hill to where I could see a black SUV parked. He got in and drove away.

I got in to my own car and sat there for a few minutes. It's funny what can happen when all you planned to do was ...

running some errands.

Almost Back To Normal ...................

I've mentioned before that I've been had this situation with a recurring carcinoma on my forehead, just above my left eyebrow. Well, a week ago I went down to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick for some same-day surgery. (Thankfully, my daughter drove me down and stayed through the whole process.) I was knocked out completely but, I understand, the Oncologist went first and the Plastic Surgeon finished up with the reconstruction. When I came to in Recovery, I had this incredibly ugly-looking set of bandages covering my entire forehead and instructions on not getting it wet until I got to see the Plastic Surgeon again.

I had to wait until yesterday for the office visit, which meant that I couldn't wash my hair and was reduced to sponge baths for this past week. Thankfully, I found an old Rangers cap that I could wear over the bandages  so that I didn't feel too self-conscious going outside.

Yesterday, one of the nurses took off the bandages and the doctor took out some staples and some stitches (both of which I was unaware of). He said that everything looked good. Then the nurse applied some more bandages, wrapped my head in gauze, and gave me an appointment for two weeks from now. I would have to change the bandages myself every day until then but at least I won't have to use the gauze "turban".
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This morning, to be honest, I was a little concerned about the bandages but everything went well. I washed my hair, shaved, and put on the new dressings without a problem. Of course, the new bandages still cover my entire forehead but they're nowhere near as conspicuous as the prior ones.

I was feeling good and I decided to take a ride and see what would happen.

I was tempted right off the bat. While getting into my car, I noticed this guy doing some landscaping across the street.

Conditions were good but it was just too close to home. I drove away. I stopped at Shoprite and wound up buying a sandwich that I could have for supper. This meant that I would need to swing back by my place to put it in the refrigerator. I took Freeman Street back and, as I stopped at the sign on Church Street, I saw this guy across the street.

This is one of those strange intersections where you really have to look around for traffic before proceeding. There was no one around and I made the left turn.

Point, press, Flash.

I dropped off the sandwich and headed towards the Dunkin' Donuts in Avenel. This would be the first time since the surgery that I felt comfortable enough to eat out. I had a Ham and Cheese Breakfast Wrap and a medium Iced Tea. Although the counter-girl did notice the bandage under my cap and asked about it, no one else paid any attention to me. As usual, I had a book with me and just sat there enjoying my breakfast. When I was done, I decided to head towards the Metuchen Library.

I drove up the block and made the right turn heading towards Avenel Street. That's where I saw this guy.

There was no one around but, as I watched this old guy push himself to keep going up the hill, I decided to drive by. I figured that if he could drag himself out to take a walk who was I to interrupt him.

Avenel Street becomes Chain-of-Hills Road which turns right into New Dover. As I drove along I could see that some of the side streets were closed due to different kinds of street work. On a whim, I turned up Wood Avenue and came across this guy working on some overhead wires.

This one was easy.

Point, press, Flash.

I kept going and made a left onto Inman.

I stopped at the library and picked up 2 new books. I thought about heading towards South Plainfield and the thrift store up there but decided against it.

I headed home, taking Main Street to Route 27. When I got to Grove Street, I made the right and headed up to Amboy Avenue. No particular reason, just enjoying the ride. That's when I saw this guy heading towards me.

It was quiet. It was peaceful. And he was already in the shadows.

Point, press, Flash.

I made the left on Amboy, the Right on Woodbridge, and followed that around to Rahway, parking on Claire.

It had been a good day and I was feeling ..

almost back to normal.

They Remain The Same.......

Over the last couple of weeks several things that I've had for years just stopped working.

 First, it was the Blood Pressure Monitor that they gave me when I left the hospital back in December of 2008. I had to replace that. It's a different unit but the readout is the same.

Then, there was the pedometer that I've been using since early '09 but I didn't replace that. Frankly, I really haven't been keeping track of how far I walk each day so wearing the pedometer was more of a habit.

Then my watch stopped. I thought about not replacing it but I've worn one for over 50 years and that quick-glance-at-the-wrist gesture is hard to break. Besides, I prefer analog to digital when it comes to telling time. I had to replace it. It's a different color but the make and model is the same.

Now we come to the big one.

A week ago Thursday, I dropped off my car because I had a problem starting her up in the morning. When I went back Friday morning, my mechanic showed me that there was a gas leak in the engine and said that I was lucky that she hadn't burst into flames while I was driving. He'd never seen this before and it would cost at least $600 to fix the problem, assuming he could get the part from the Dealer. (I know what you might be thinking, but I trust this guy. He's treated me well over the years.)  He said he'd hold onto her until I decided what to do.

Of course, I would have to replace her, but I wasn't sure how. That's when I got lucky. A friend was selling a car to someone else who had an older car but was going to donate it. Long story short, I got the older car which, interestingly enough, is still newer then the car I had. The price was "minimal".

And this was how things went.

This past Tuesday, we all got together to arrange the exchange.

There was a lot of hurry-up-and-wait, and we had some trouble getting the plates off both cars, but Tuesday night is the late night at the MVC and we got all the paperwork done. I drove home in a 1999 Honda Civic.

Wednesday morning I went back to my mechanic. He agreed to just take the car and sell it for parts and I spent some time emptying the trunk and cleaning out the inside.

I drove away, leaving my old 1991 Chrysler New Yorker behind. I still had some things to take care of.

I ran a couple of quick errands then stopped at the Woodbridge Municipal Center. Because of the easy access to New York City by bus or train, we have some interesting parking restrictions where I live. I needed to get a Resident Parking Permit Sticker for my window so that I wouldn't get ticketed.

The last thing I had to do was to return the license plates (I had agreed to return them all). I went to the MVC office in South Plainfield and the whole exchange took less then 5 minutes.

Thursday and Friday were spent getting used to the "new" car - adjusting the driver's seat and the mirrors, learning the lights and wipers, just getting comfortable. I found out that the radio didn't work, which wasn't a big deal since the radio in the Chrysler didn't work either. (Again, a friend tried to help me out but that didn't work out).

When I woke up this morning it was raining but it had stopped by the time I went out. I had a few errands to run and was in no rush.

I stopped at the Post Office in Avenel and mailed my rent check.

I stopped at Shoprite for the paper.

I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast.

I stopped at the Menlo Park Mall and sat in a comfortable chair in one of the side courts, reading the paper and doing the crossword puzzle (It's sort of a Saturday ritual for me.). When I left there, the sun had broken through. I took the long way home, enjoying the ride and the hum of the engine. That's when I saw this woman up ahead.

I couldn't resist.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove on. I was feeling good. Maybe 10 minutes later I saw this guy up ahead.

I caught up to him just as he reached the trees.

Point, press, Flash.

I headed for home.

I was thinking that over the last week or so I'd had to change my Blood Pressure Monitor but the display was the same. I'd had to change my watch but the make and model was the same. I'd had to change my car but the color and number of doors stayed the same. It just goes to show - the more things change, the more ...

They remain the same.

Unexpected .......................

I've fallen back on some old routines lately, like going to certain places on certain days and following the same routes to get there. Eating the same things. Stuff like that. But, over the last couple of weeks, some things have happened that were ..... unexpected.

For instance, I had a Dermatologist's appointment that I thought would be just a quick follow-up. He'd removed a small spot from over my left cheek bone 3 weeks ago and I figured he'd say things looked good. Instead, he said it was definitely a squamous cell carcinoma and excised a larger area.

I was not expecting that.

And .... this past Sunday, I got a call from my Pharmacy. They noticed that I had a prescription that was due and wanted to know if I'd be refilling it.

Now that kind of service is really unexpected.

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I had some errands to run today and, since I'd gotten up early, I figured to just take my time. I drove up Rahway Avenue into Avenel and stopped at the Post Office. It's a personal quirk of mine. If I have something to mail, I prefer to drop it into the slot inside the Office and the vestibule opens at 8 to accommodate box holders. I left there and took some side streets towards Shoprite.

These are two-way streets and very narrow so, with cars parked on both sides, only one car at a time can drive through. I don't mind pulling to the side to allow an oncoming car to go first but I expect a hand wave in acknowledgement, which I rarely get. Today, the passenger in the car I let through waved and the next car pulled over to allow me through (which I acknowledged).

I was pleasantly surprised at this unexpected behavior.

Further along, a guy in a pickup truck pulled out of a side street behind me and started to crowd me. He even had the nerve to pound on his horn. I pulled over and let him pass but I fell in behind him. A block or two later, we came to a red light where there was also a left turn only lane. I pulled up next to him.

He didn't look at me but I looked at him.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove on but he didn't.

I bet he didn't expect that.

I stopped at Shoprite and, as I got out of my car, I noticed a Health Department van that had parked in such a way as to block in a particular car. The officer was standing outside looking around. As I passed, I realized that there was a dog locked inside the car and the officer was waiting for the owner. I went inside, picked up what I needed, and left. By now, a police car had joined the Health Department van and both officers were standing there.

I wondered if they had gone inside and had an announcement made. I hadn't heard anything while I was inside.

There have been a lot of stories lately about children or pets locked inside cars but I never expected to see one.

I stopped at Walmart to pick up my prescriptions and took Amboy Avenue towards Metuchen. I made a right onto Main Street and another Right onto Library Street. The Library wouldn't be open for about 15 minutes but there was this one guy in the parking lot, rummaging through whatever he had in the back of his car. I passed by and drove around the block. He was still there.

I didn't expect that, but I didn't pass up the opportunity.

Point, press, Flash.

I decided to swing by Barnes & Noble's to see if they had anything by Charles Portis. I'd just read his "True Grit" and enjoyed it (Yes, I did see the John Wayne version but I always like to read the source material when I can). I wasn't going to buy anything but I did want to read any of the blurbs to see if I might be interested. I was in the Fiction section, walking through the aisles, when I noticed this guy.

I've mentioned before that I don't like to see people sitting there, reading like this was a library. I walked down past Graphic Novels and turned into Mysteries. I came up behind him.

That's when I heard the voice behind me.

"Let him be, Denny. It's hot outside."

Gordon.

I turned but before I could say anything he blurted out .. "What the hell happened to your face?"
I explained the whole Dermatologist/Oncologist/Plastic Surgeon thing. It took a few minutes but he didn't interrupt - just nodded occasionally. When I was done he suggested that we go downstairs to the Starbucks for some coffee. I passed on the coffee but agreed to sit down with him.

We lucked into a table and, after he'd gotten his coffee, he started right in.

"So ... have you heard from your friend Doyle lately?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." I hoped I sounded sincere.
He grinned. "I know more then you think I do, Denny. I've known for a while that Doyle has been in touch with you - on and off. I appreciate your loyalty to him. I hope you've given me the same courtesy." He sipped his coffee.

I mulled that over but decided not to answer. Instead, I said, "Why are you here? I mean ... why put yourself at risk by approaching me out in the open like this?"
"I'm not at risk here. Doyle's boys may be out in the parking lot but they're not in here. I'm pretty sure of that."
"How can you be sure?"
"I've spent the last two months running around and having some fun down in Delaware and Pennsylvania. I'm pretty sure Doyle is down there now waiting for my next appearance. My guess would be that he's only got a skeleton crew following you."
I remembered that when Doyle called last he was out of state. I don't know where Gordon was getting his information but he was on the mark.
"OK. I'll buy that", I said, " So, why are you here now? I haven't seen you in months and, besides, you usually just surprise me in my own apartment."

He'd been drinking his coffee this whole time - almost gulping it - and he finished it now. He got up, threw the cup away, then sat down again, looking me straight in the eyes.

"I've been playing a little game with Doyle. Did he tell you? A couple of months ago, I would unmask my tracker to allow his people to get a "look" at me, usually within a few feet of you. I'll bet he told you .... you can admit it."
I nodded. He nodded also, and went on, although now he seemed be twitching a bit.
"Then I went down to Delaware .... but I told you that already." He started to look around.
"Is something bothering you, Gordon?"
"No ... no ... of course not." He Laughed, but it was forced. "I came here for a reason, Denny."

He leaned across the small table and whispered, "I wanted you to know that everything will be straightened out by the end of the year. Yes .... that's it ... the end of the year."

He stood quickly, turned, and left.

I sat there for a while trying to figure out what just happened.

That was totally unexpected.

In The Mid-day Sun.................

Doyle called last night. He's out of town but he wanted me to know that he's heard about the carcinoma that has grown back again. He said he knew it would have to be cut out - again - and that a plastic surgeon would need to be there to help with the closing. He had his people check the guy out and he's one of the best so I shouldn't worry. I thanked him for that and we hung up. I won't actually meet the plastic surgeon until Monday and then he'll call the oncologist to schedule the procedure. I'll just have to sweat it out and, in this weather, that's pretty easy.
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I was out very early this morning. Partly because I had some things to do and didn't want to be out too long in this heat. Partly due to the sound of a mower coming through my open windows at 7:30. I fed the cat, dressed lightly, and took my stuff - including 3 extra bottles of water and a package of mini-muffins - to the car. As I pulled out, I saw the source of the mower sound.

My windows were open already.

Point, press, Flash.

The first thing I wanted to do was to get my wash done so I headed directly to the Laundromat, located in the Shoprite strip mall. I like this place because they use a card-operated system so I don't have to bother saving up quarters and - since I usually go mid-week and early - it's not very crowded. Plus, I can get whatever shopping I need done while the wash in on.

Half an hour later, my wash was done and I dropped it off back at my apartment. Whatever breeze we had earlier is gone now and I can feel the humidity.

Next, I headed to the Main Library in Woodbridge. On the way, I came across this woman.

I don't know why she was out walking but at least she was on the shady side.

When I got to the library I asked to use one of their computers. I'd found the website for the plastic surgeon and they had a link to a PDF file with all the forms necessary for new patients. I don't have my own printer so - whenever I need to - I use the library's. This way, I'll fill them out ahead of time rather then go through that hassle you get on a first visit.

I left there and headed up to Avenel. I wanted to pay my cable bill. I could start to really feel the heat on my left arm and tried to move it out of the way, not very successfully. I made a right onto Remsen Ave. and another right onto Lord St. There was this guy working on his front lawn.

 He was using one of those loud, gas-powered weed whackers and the noise and fumes were obnoxious.

Point, press, Flash.

I parked on Mina St., dropped my payment in the box, and drove off.

I got gas at the Wawa Station on Route 9. $3.39. Not bad.

I had one more stop to make but it was only a little after 10, although the heat and humidity have been building. I've been drinking my water and eating my muffins so I decided to take the long way through Woodbridge Center. I entered off the Drive and cut through the Sears lot. That's where I saw this guy.

Smart guy, I thought. Taking his time. Staying in the shade.

I got back on the Drive and, after a few turns, got onto New Dover Road. At the intersection with Chain-of-Hills Road, where I was going to make my left, I saw this guy up ahead. I was ready when I made my turn.

Point, press, Flash.

I could feel the sweat on my back now. I headed for my last stop.

I picked up a 12-inch Tuna sub on Italian with lettuce, tomato, onion, sweet peppers, and mayo from the Subways near Pathmark. I headed home. I figured I'd be in by 11:30 at the latest.

In this kind of weather I always remember that, according to Noel Coward, only mad dogs and Englishmen go out ..

in the mid-day sun.