'Tis The Season ............

I haven't been out and around much this past month. There's been a change in our family circumstances so I haven't had to Babysit and - at the same time - my slight hip displacement flared up. I've been taking extra-strength Acetaminophen, using IcyHot with Lidocaine, using a cane, and doing a series of exercises to strengthen the tendons. It was tough for a while but these last couple of weeks have been good. I stopped using the cane and cut way back on the pain killers but I'm still doing the exercises.

I had done most of my Christmas shopping on-line and did the rest in about an hour in one store. I was on a roll and got everything wrapped that same day.

I spent Christmas with the family and it was great!

I did not go to the stores yesterday. I'm not a fan of crowds.

Today, however, I did have a couple of things I wanted to get done. I wasn't in any rush so I didn't leave my house until about 8:30. It was overcast, but warm. I took Rahway to Freeman, heading towards the bank. Along the way, I came up behind this guy doing that fast-walking thing.

Like I said, I haven't been out too much.

Point, press, Flash.

I stopped at the bank and made a deposit. I drove over to Shoprite to pick up breakfast at their Dunkin' Donuts counter. I pulled into the lot and went for a spot but some woman pulled into it from the other side. I had to take another spot but I wasn't happy about it. I got out and watched as she went into the store.

If she wanted the spot she could have it until roadside assistance showed up.

Point, press, Flash.

I picked up my breakfast to eat in the car and then drove up into Avenel for the paper. I turned up the side street by Denny's and saw this guy behind the local garden center.

I'm not sure what he was doing but I saw a police car in my driver's side mirror so I drove on by.

I then headed to the Barnes & Noble's at the Menlo Park Mall. I'd gotten a book for Christmas that I didn't really care for and - luckily - it came with a gift receipt. I didn't have to wait long and took a store credit (which I then used to buy a gift for my Daughter's upcoming Birthday).

When I got back to my car, I found a black SUV parked next to it. The passenger-side window slid down and a hand came out.

"Happy Holidays, Denny!"

"The same to you, Doyle."

We shook hands.

"Sorry I haven't been in touch much lately but with the new President-elect spending time in New York, New Jersey, and Florida we're kinda stretched thin. But I have been checking on you and glad to see that your Lab results are good and that you're working on the leg. Have they scheduled your tests yet?"

If there's one thing that doesn't surprise me about Doyle is that he really does keep an eye on what's going on.

"No, not yet. I'm gonna wait until after New Year's before I follow up."

I decided to put him on the spot.

"So ........ I'm guessing that you know where I was on Christmas. Where were you?'

He ducked his head for a minute then looked up with a sort of grin on his face.

"OK. Fair enough. I know what you did so you should know what I did."

He paused.

"I spent the day with my Brother's family. I try to do that every year but it's not always easy. He's got 3 boys - 9, 11, and 12. We open presents, toss around a football in the back yard, and lie about what we do for a living. Oh, and his wife is a good cook."

"Sounds good..... I'm happy for you."

It was getting awkward.

"Look, Denny, I gotta go. ... Just wanted to let you know .."

"Yeah, I know. Happy New Year, Doyle."

He reached out and we shook again.

"Happy New Year, Denny."

The window rolled up and they drove away. It was only then that I realized that I forgot to ask about Gordon.

Oh, well.

I headed for home. I saw this guy on a bike just up ahead.

This stretch of road is empty, has very little traffic, and I really don't like bike riders.

Still ....

I'd just had an interesting conversation with a friend and I was feeling good.

I drove on by.

'Tis the season.

A Good Day ..........

This year, I had to renew my Driver's License in person. I only have Thursdays available because of my babysitting schedule so I waited until today, the middle of the month. The closest office to me is in Rahway but that place is always crowded. I decided to drive down to the one in Airport Plaza in Hazlet.

I knew that they opened at 8 so I left my house at 7:15. I took Route 9 South to 35 and then took the left onto 36. Traffic was lighter then I expected and moving quickly. I had to keep checking my speed to keep within the limits.

Just before I got there, I noticed this guy.

I was going to turn off soon so I took the chance.

Point, press, Flash.

I got to the office at 7:50, 10 minutes before they opened. There were 4 people in line already.

In New Jersey, you need 6 Points of Identification in order to get/renew a License. These are a combination of documents that include a Digital License that you already have, a Social Security Card, a Medicare Card, a Birth Certificate, etc. I had everything ready.

When they opened, I was directed to the appropriate line, waited a few minutes, went through the process, picked up my new License and was on my way back up by 8:15.

I stopped at Shoprite and picked up a few things.

I bought my Lotto tickets at a local Krauser's.

I went to Walmart to look for some winter shoes but didn't find anything I liked. I did get some Multi-vitamins though.

I headed home. Along the way, I saw this guy coming towards me.

It happens that way sometimes.

Point, press, Flash.

When I got there, I checked my mail and found a package from Amazon that contained a Christmas present that I'd ordered for a family member. I was a little worried about this because I'd had a problem a few weeks ago with another delivery but this one worked out.

I'd been home for a while when I got a call from Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick. I had a Nuclear Stress Test scheduled for 9 AM on the 25th but she told me that they wouldn't have a doctor available and would like to reschedule. We agreed on December 1st. Now I won't have to get up early on the day after Thanksgiving.

It was a good day.

An Extra Day ............

Yesterday was Thursday so I didn't have to babysit but I did have things to do. I had an early morning appointment with my Radiation Oncologist so I was up and out at my usual time. It was actually pretty nice out so I didn't mind.

I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts and picked up some breakfast. I took Inman to Jefferson and turned right. That's where I saw this guy.

I've mentioned before that I don't like bike riders but at least this guy was staying close to the curb. I passed by.

I was in and out pretty quickly. The Nurse took my vitals, updated my meds, and then the Doctor came in. He checked my glands but - because I have a really bad gag reflex - he couldn't look down my throat so he just took my word for how I felt and wants to see me in another 3 months. I set up the appointment but I'm thinking of not going back.

I took the back streets past the Hospital towards St. George. I saw this guy clearing the leaves away from the curb.

Have you noticed that they wear mufflers over their ears because the noise is so loud? So have I. I find the noise very annoying but this area was too open and I had to drive by.

I made a quick stop at Shoprite and headed home. I was expecting a package from Amazon and, since they screwed me the first time, I wanted to be home for this one.

(Let me explain. Just after Halloween, I came across some things that I thought would make great Christmas presents and I ordered them from Amazon. I was notified that they shipped within 2 days and would arrive on Monday, the 7th. When I got home that day there was no package so I logged in and checked my order. It was listed as having been delivered the previous day - Sunday, the 6th - and left in my mailbox. There was no way the package would fit in my mailbox. Long story short - I spoke to an Amazon Rep and the Post Office. Amazon agreed to resend the items and the Post Office would look into the situation and get back to me within 72 hours.)

The first thing I did when I got home was to check my status and it said that my order was out for delivery. I checked every half hour or so and spent a lot of time looking out the window. Apparently I missed the guy because around 1 in the afternoon the status changed to "Delivered, signed by Rivera". I don't know anyone named Rivera - in fact, I don't know any of my neighbors - but I went out into the hallway to check things out. Turns out that Apartment 4 was recently vacated and the people who were cleaning up before rerenting had signed for it.

I had my package.

I tried calling the Post Office about the original delivery but all I could get was an automated message that they were working on it. just before 7 last night, I got a call from someone at the Woodbridge Post Office. They hadn't found anything yet but they'd call me again on Saturday.

We'll see.

This morning I slept a bit longer then usual because I got an extra day off this week - there's a Teacher's Conference and my Daughter is off. I wanted to sleep in but I had something to do so I dragged myself out. As I was warming up the car, this pigeon landed on my windshield.

I honked the horn but it didn't bother her, she just strutted back and forth as I sat there. I was about to drive away when she left on her own. Turned out that one of my neighbors has been tossing out food for the neighborhood birds and she was just waiting for breakfast.

I drove up into Avenel. I promised a friend that I would check on her dog while she was away. That's where I came across this guy.

He was walking in the street when there was a perfectly good sidewalk nearby.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued on my way. I let the dog out and made sure that she had enough food and water.

I stopped at Shoprite and picked up some pre-cooked meals. I headed home to put them in the fridge. I took Freeman and saw this guy across the street. I pulled over, parked, and pretended to use my phone until he passed me.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued on my way.

There's nothing I like better then an extra day off.

Waiting ..............

I don't like to wait unnecessarily. I understand that there are situations where waiting is required and I can accept them. It's the times where a wait occurs unexpectedly - or when the expected wait becomes too long - that I don't like.

______________________________________________________________________________

This past Saturday, I went out to run some errands. I had no specific plan but I was hoping to take the paper to the Mall and spend some quiet time there. Things were going well until I headed towards Menlo. That's where the traffic got backed up because of these people.

It seems that every Saturday and Sunday there's some group out at every intersection asking for money. These guys, I think, were asking for support for their sports/cheerleading squads at a school that's no where near this corner. I had to wait for the light to change twice before I got this close.

I was tempted but there was nothing I could do.

Sunday I stayed home and waited for it to stop raining.

Monday was a free day for me. School's were closed because of Columbus Day so I didn't have to Babysit. It was cold when I left the house and I actually had to do the "clear the windows" routine for the first time. I made a few stops, one of which was a local convenience store to get my Lottery tickets. When I came out, I saw this guy.

I think he was looking for something in his pocket and I waited a while, watching him. It annoyed me that he was out there in a sleeveless T and shorts and I was cold. I backed out, turned to the right, and drove around behind the building. As I passed him ...

Point, press, Flash.

I had everything I needed so I drove home.

Tuesday I Babysat. The only waiting I did was while my Granddaughter napped.

Yesterday, I was "off" again for a School Holiday. I slept in and then decided to get a haircut. They open at 8 but I've been going there for years and know that the early guy is always late. I got there at 8:10 and still had to wait 10 minutes before he showed up. Still, I was the first customer there.

I then drove to the Comcast office in Avenel. The TV box for my Living Room set died several weeks ago and, since I had some free time, I drove over to swap it out. On the way, I saw this guy.

Another one of those "right place, wrong time" things.

Point, press, Flash.

I got to Comcast early and had to wait about 10 minutes before they opened. There was one woman ahead of me. When they opened, there were 2 clerks at the desk so I didn't have to wait long. I got the replacement box and the guy wrote down the number I needed to call to activate it.

When I got home I connected the new box, called the number, and got the unit activated. My Living Room TV was working again.

Ironically, when I went to write this up and post it yesterday afternoon everything went dark.  There was a "service disruption" in the area and they expected that service would be restored by 9 PM.

I had to wait until today to post this.

Last One For Weeks ..............

The last couple of weeks in September were busy ones.

I Babysat 4 out of 5 of the weekdays, and we walked up to the Library or the Park when weather permitted.

I had doctor's appointments on both Thursdays and on one Saturday. No real bad news but one guy wants me to get an x-ray on my throat. The good news is that the MRI  results were in. There's no sign of herniation in the discs and no cancer in the bone. I have an exercise regimen and a follow-up appointment in 3 months.

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Saturday, October 1st, was the first day of a 4-day weekend for me (my Daughter is off today and tomorrow). I was up early and headed up to get an oil change. I cut through Avenel so that I would come down St. George and saw this guy up ahead.

Sometimes, this is how it happens.

Point, press, Flash.

I stopped at the oil change place and, since the price seemed reasonable, had my wipers replaced also.

It was still early so I drove up St. George and made a left on Inman. I stopped at the Foodtown in Colonia but didn't get anything. On the way out, I noticed this guy trimming the hedges in front of a nearby bank.

There was a light mist out there and I figured that he was miserable enough. I made the left back to St. George and stopped at Shoprite. I bought some fried chicken and a can of chili and drove home.

Sunday, October 2nd, was another dreary day. I was out a little later then usual and picked up the paper and my lottery tickets. I stopped at the Denny's on St. George for breakfast - an omelet, wheat toast, and unsweetened iced tea. Afterward, I cut through a Krauser's parking lot to get to Avenel Street. That's where I saw this guy.

Just another guy having to do a job on a Sunday in crappy weather.

I made the left on Avenel down to Rahway and headed home.

Two blocks away, I saw this guy.

I made the right into the parking lot as he turned the corner.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove around the building, made a left onto Freeman, a right onto Rahway, and headed home.

This morning, the 3rd, I slept in even later but I did have an appointment with my ENT at 10:30 so I was out around 8:15. I stopped at Shoprite and picked up a box of Honey Nut Cheerios on sale (my Granddaughter likes them). I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts and read my book while eating a Blueberry Muffin, toasted, with butter and a Medium Iced Tea, Black. I took the long way to the doctor's office and came up behind this guy.

I've said before that I don't like bike riders on major streets. I particularly don't like guys in spandex and helmets. They think that they own the road. I waited until I was very close.

Point, press, Flash.

I got to Parsonage Road and turned right. This becomes James Street in Edison. I took this to Grove and turned right again. I followed this up and turned right on Inman. Two blocks later, I made a left onto Progress and turned into the first lot on the right.

I waited 20 minutes past my appointment time before he saw me which is actually not too bad for him. Long story short, things are looking good and I don't have to go back for 6 months.

On the way out of the complex I noticed this guy.

The sun had broken through for a bit and I was in a good mood. I got to the corner and turned left on Inman.

I stopped at Subway's and picked up a 12-inch Pastrami on Italian with Swiss, Sweet Peppers, and Mustard.

I went home.

I'm "off" tomorrow and I'm "off" Monday and Wednesday next week. More importantly, I don't have anything medical scheduled for a while.

Today was the last one for weeks.

Back At It ..............

I took most of August "off". Sure, there were opportunities for an Event but I chose to ignore them. Instead, I did my back exercises, celebrated a Birthday, and read a few books. And there were a few doctor appointments.

I saw an eye doctor on the 13th and ordered a new pair of glasses (a Birthday present from my Daughter). I went back to my Primary Doctor about my back on the 29th and she diagnosed my problem as a slightly dislocated left hip. She gave me some different exercises and an appointment in a couple of weeks.

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September started with some aggravation. On the 1st, I got a call about my glasses. They were in but one of the lenses was warped so they had to send it back. I'd waited over 2 weeks already and now I'd have to wait another week and a half.

I got back to Babysitting the day after Labor Day so my "free" time - when I can schedule appointments and run errands - is again limited to Thursdays and Weekends.

I had my quarterly Blood Work done on Thursday the 8th at RWJUH in New Brunswick at 8 AM. I had a nice drive down, got a good spot in the garage, and was out by 8:30.

I had my follow-up with my Primary on Saturday the 10th and I headed up there early. I took Chain-of-Hills to Grove and turned right. Up ahead, I saw this guy heading in my direction.

I've said before that I have this thing about bike riders on the road. I am now adding skate-boarders to that. He was weaving back and forth and wearing head phones. I had the windows down.

Point, press, Flash.

I turned right on Inman then left on Progress and parked in the first lot on the right. The doctor put me through some exercises and now thinks there may be a herniated disc or a pinched nerve. She gave me a scrip for an MRI and I made another appointment for Saturday the 24th.

I had the MRI done in Metuchen on Thursday the 15th at 7:30 AM. I left my house early and took Green Street towards Amboy Avenue. I saw this guy as I was passing a Quick Chek.

I'm good with a guy who's walking his bike on the sidewalk.

I got to the lab early. The MRI took about 20 minutes, and I got the disc and drove home. I had the rest of the day to do my wash and get some food shopping done.

This morning I had to pick up a prescription at Walmart. I was up early so I stopped by Shoprite to get a few things and to grab some breakfast at the Dunkin' Donuts counter in the store. On my way out, I spotted this woman on the corner.

It was a pretty open location but the glare level seemed good. Then I recognized her. She works in the Main Library that's just down the road. I let her cross before I made the right turn.

I got to Walmart a few minutes after their Pharmacy opened and picked up my meds. Normally, I would take Ford Avenue to Main Street on my way home but there was a Street Fair going on in Woodbridge. When that happens, they close off Main at Amboy and all the traffic backs up on Green.

I took Ford towards Route 1. That's where I saw this guy.

All the perfect elements were there.

Point, press, Flash.

I took Route 1 to Amboy then Freeman to Rahway then parked on Claire. I planned on walking up to Main Street to check out the Fair.

Again, no call that my glasses are in.

It's September and I'm back at it.

What I Expect ..............

Since my Daughter is off for the month of August, so am I. I've been trying to space out a lot of errands but I'm also trying to get a lot of doctor's appointments out of the way while I have all this free time. I don't know about anyone else but, when I go to a doctor, I have an expectation of what will happen - especially if it's someone that I've seen before.

When it comes to someone I haven't seen, I look him up. That's one of the benefits of the Internet. I've been having a Post Nasal Drip/Acid Reflux thing going on for a while and my ENT suggested that I see a Gastroenterologist. I picked a guy close by and the reviews he had said that he was personable but the wait time was very long.

I made an early appointment, so I drove up Rahway and turned left on Freeman. I saw this woman coming my way.

I was focused elsewhere and drove by.

I got to the office about 1/2  an hour early and filled out the paperwork. I settled in with my book but was called after about 5 minutes passed and the Doc came in about 10 minutes later. Since my problem was something that he couldn't actually see, I expected that he'd say that he'd have to do some kind of procedure that would involve him looking down my throat (which, I'm pretty sure, meant going to a hospital). Instead, he prescribed some meds and said I should follow this treatment for 2 months before we took any other action. That sounded good to me. I had the new scrip filled.

Yesterday, I had 2 appointments scheduled.

My early one was a follow-up with my Radiation Oncologist. I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast to go and drove up St. George. I took a right on New Brunswick and saw this guy up ahead, riding his bike.

I drove by, again.

As I expected, the Radiation Oncologist saw me early, took a cursory look at my neck, didn't even try to look down my throat, and told me to come back in 3 months. I made the appointment but we'll see.

Next up, a PSA test at my new Urologist in Edison.

I was running a bit early and, since I knew that they were milling on Inman Avenue, I took the long way using Chain-of-Hills and Oak Tree.

I saw this guy moving along at a pretty brisk pace.

He was on the wrong side of the street and I had to make a right.

I found a good spot and was in the Urologist's office about 15 minutes early. I was called a bit late and put into one of the waiting rooms. After another 15 minutes of hearing some of the staff talking outside, I opened the door and reminded them that I was only there for a PSA test. There was some confusion after that and I was told that the Doctor was going to do a Prostate Exam.

I've had this before but it was not what I expected and, frankly, I wasn't going to do it.

They did the PSA Test and I left.

Today, I went to see my Primary Physician - a General Practitioner who I go to from time to time. Frankly, my back's been bothering me and I want to get things squared away before I go back to babysitting. She's in an Industrial Park on Progress Street off Inman in Edison. As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed this guy.

I drove past him, parked the car, and went upstairs. I was a bit early but the Doctor was there already.

I admit that I haven't been there for a while so we spent some time updating my file. What I was expecting was that she'd give me a scrip for a back x-ray. What I got was a complete physical, some recommended exercises, and the x-ray scrip.

On the way home, I called a place that I've been to before and they said that I don't need an appointment for an x-ray, I can just walk right in. I plan to go the first thing in the morning.

Of course, that could change. Not everything turns out to be what I expect.

One Thing At A Time .............

My daily schedule has changed pretty significantly over the last few weeks. My Babysitting duties have been reduced to 2 days a week while my Daughter teaches Summer School. To help out, the Grandma is taking the other 2 and also took the whole first week of July as well. I find myself with some welcome free time on my hands and I've gone back to a lifestyle that I lived prior to September of last year - I spread my errands out so that I only do 1 - maybe 2 - a day.

Early in the month, I drove up to Walmart to pick up a prescription that was ready. I was in and out pretty quickly and, when I was back in my car, noticed this guy walking through the parking lot.

We'd just had a great Holiday Weekend so I was in a good mood. I watched him pass by. I stopped at the nearby Dunkin' Donut's and enjoyed my breakfast.

The next day I made my first Library Run in a long time. I was up early so I picked up some stuff at Shoprite and got breakfast at the Dunkin Donut's Counter. I got to the Main Library at 9 but didn't find anything interesting. I hit the Libraries in Rahway, Colonia, and Metuchen with no success. As I headed towards the Library in Iselin, I saw this guy coming in my direction.

It looked like he was carrying a couple of heavy bags from the nearby Krauser's so I left him alone. I stopped at the Library and found the first 3 volumes of a Young Adult mystery series set in late 1800's London for $.50 apiece.

On another day, I drove up to the Thrift Store in South Plainfield that I like to check out. I was hoping to get another pair or two of shorts for the summer but had no luck. Back in my car, I noticed this young man.

He was circling the SUV for some reason. I watched him for 5 minutes or so then started me car. As I pulled out ...

Point, press, Flash.

I don't know why he was doing what he was doing but it freaked me out.

I had a follow-up appointment with my ENT at the end of the week. My throat was still bothering me and I was hoping that he could prescribe something. I wound up waiting 1/2 an hour past my time before he saw me, which annoyed me. Long story short, he's guessing that I've got an Acid Reflux situation that's being aggravated by the Post-nasal drip. He said we should wait until after I see the radiology Oncologist - next month - then, maybe, I'll need to see a Gastroenterologist. That just increased my annoyance.

On my way home, I came up behind this woman.

Point, press, Flash.

That didn't help, I was still annoyed.

Last week I did a Supermarket run, hitting Shoprite, Foodtown, Acme, and Stop & Shop. I picked up some Cheerio's for my Granddaughter (she likes Honey Nut), some fried chicken for myself, and  12-packs of Schweppes' Sparkling Seltzer Water in different flavors (4 for $11.00). From there, I took Oak Tree Road down through what is known as the Little India section of Edison. That's where I saw this guy.

He was moving along at a brisk pace and there were a lot of people around. I drove on home.

In the middle of the week, I decided to renew my Registration so I headed up early to the MVC office in South Plainfield figuring to be there shortly after they opened at 8. Apparently a lot of other people had the same idea.

The line was already outside of the office and stretched down towards the next business. I turned around and drove down to Monmouth County. I stopped at the MVC in Hazlet and was done in less then 1/2 hour.

Monday, I went to get my haircut. I was there slightly before 8 and beat the barber by 10 minutes. I go that early on purpose because I like the way the early guy cuts my hair and I wasn't disappointed. Afterwards, I took a ride through the Ford's Section of Woodbridge and came up behind this person.

It was a nice morning and I was feeling good. I drove on by.

When I got home, I decided not to wait until August to find out what my throat problem is. I went onto the Medicare site and checked out Gastroenterologists in my area. I wound up making an appointment with someone nearby for Thursday at 10 AM.

This morning, after breakfast, I went back to the Thrift Store in South Plainfield and found a pair of shorts that I could add to the Summer rotation. I've heard that it's going to get really hot again so an extra pair would be good to have.

I took the long way home and stopped at the Subway store in Avenel.

I'd stopped for a Tuna Sub but saw that they were running their Hot Pastrami Special.

I got the Hot Pastrami and went home.

Tomorrow, I have that doctor's appointment. Hopefully he'll be able to suggest something.

Friday I'll be Babysitting.

Next week, I'm only Babysitting Wednesday and Friday. On those other days I'll find something to do. One thing at a time.

So It Goes ..................

Last Wednesday was the Last Day of School for my Daughter the Teacher. She's now off until she starts to teach Summer School on July 5th. This also means that I won't be Babysitting until then so I'm on "vacation" until then. The few days that remained in last week were spent doing errands so this didn't start feeling like a vacation until this past Monday.

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The only thing I have to do this week is a favor to some friends in Avenel. They're on a Cruise so I agreed to swing by their house every morning and let the dog out for a while, make sure she had food and water, turn on the Pool pump and then swing by on my way home to turn the pump off (other people are involved in taking care of the dog during the afternoons and evenings). Sounds pretty simple.

Monday, I left my apartment early and, while I was letting the car run for a bit, I saw this guy pull into a non-spot between my building and the next. Not only that but he was blocking the sidewalk.

Like I said, it was early and, as I watched the driver get out and walk away, I knew what I was going to do. As I pulled away ...

Point, press, Flash.

I took Rahway up towards Avenel.

I knew that some work was being done by the Township on the corner by my friends' house. It had something to do with putting in Handicapped Access Ramps. I was expecting that. I wasn't expecting to find that the entire street was closed off.

Apparently, they decided to mill and repave the entire street - from St. George up to Routes 1&9 at the same time as they did the Ramps. They were only just starting but I could see that there was going to be a problem. I had to park on the next block down and walk up to the house.

Afterwards, I did some food shopping then drove to the Second-hand store in South Plainfield. I've been invited to a Baptism in July and I wound up picking out a shirt and a pair of slacks to go with a jacket I own. On the way home, I came up behind this woman walking along Woodbridge Avenue.

I was on vacation and feeling good so I drove on by, stopped to turn off the pump, and went home.

I had a plan for Tuesday. I was going down to check out a few Libraries in Monmouth County. I headed up to Avenel to take care of the dog and found that the block I hoped to go down was now closed also.

I had to go down to St. George and come up one of the cross streets to do what I had to. Afterwards, I stopped at the local Dunkin' Donuts and got a large Iced Tea and a Wake Up Wrap and drove down to Monmouth.

They had predicted rain but I only ran into some brief sprinkles. I picked up a book about Gettysburg for $.25 at the Hazlet Library and an anthology of stories set in The Bronx for $1.00 at the Middletown Library. On my way out, I saw this guy reading a book at a table out back.

Good for him. I headed back.

 I stopped to turn off the pump and drove home. All in all, it was a good day.

Wednesday I drove back up into Avenel. Again, the streets that were closed had been changed and I had to maneuver around until I found a way to get closer to my friends' house.

That's when something began to dawn on me. There were police officers all over the area who were - basically - just standing around checking stuff out on their cellphones. I'm gonna look into this, I thought.

I stopped at the house and made sure things were good.  had arranged to stop by my Daughter's house to spend some time with her and my Granddaughter so I drove down to the Dunkin' Donuts closer to her. Along the way, I saw this person.

It was quiet here, and we were alone.

Point, press, Flash.

I had a great time with my girls and then drove back up to Avenel to turn off the pump. This time, I took a few side streets off of St. George to get there. That's where I saw this guy heading in my direction.

I was in a good mood and drove on by.

I took care of the pump and headed home. The milling had been done and, although the repaving wasn't finished, the street was open. I took it towards Avenel Street, being careful around the raised manholes. When I got to Avenel and made the left onto the raised roadway when I heard a clanking noise. After that, there was a constant dragging sound from under the car. Obviously, something had come loose. I wound up going directly to my mechanic on Main Street by the Train Station. Turned out that my muffler broke and  would need to be replaced.

I left the car and walked home.

(I looked into that "cops at street construction" situation. Turns out that they get paid $50 an hour for the overtime but we taxpayers shouldn't worry because the construction company picks up the tab. Digging a little deeper, I found that these companies include this expense in their bids for the jobs so we wind up paying for the overtime anyway.)

This morning, I picked up my car and headed back to Avenel. The access was easier, the repaving was coming along, and the cops were still out there doing nothing.

I took my breakfast to the Menlo Park Mall and read the paper. I did the crossword puzzle. I drove to Babies' R Us to see if I could find something for my Granddaughter. I didn't find anything but I did come across this woman walking across the parking lot. She was texting or whatever and totally oblivious to where she was and what she was doing.

Point, press, Flash.

I stopped to turn off the pump and drove home.

As I was updating my checkbook  (I used my Debit Card for the mechanic's bill) I realized something - because I'd been Babysitting 4 out of 5 days a work-week my shopping habits had changed and I'd been able to save some money. That just got eaten up by the repairs. It seems that every time I start to get ahead, something happens.

So it goes.

Something Old, Something New ..............

My allergies have progressively gotten worse over the last week. My throat has been constantly sore, my ears have been ringing, and my coughing has gotten so bad that I haven't slept well the last 3 nights. I decided last night to go to a walk-in Medical place that my daughter uses.

I woke up around 6:00 this morning and, since I couldn't get back to sleep, went online to check out the place and saw that they opened at 7:00. I checked my vitals, fed the cat, got dressed, and headed out. As I sat in my car letting it run, I noticed this guy checking out the garbage area behind my building.

It was a little cool out but it was bright and sunny. The glare was enough for me.

Point, press, Flash.

I got to the walk-in place a little after 7 and was the second person there. I saw a Nurse Practitioner who understood my situation because she was going through the same thing. She called in a prescription for some cough medicine for me and recommended that I get some Vick's Vaporub and add it to some boiling water then breathe in the vapors. This would open up my airways. I was out by 8 and, since my Pharmacy wouldn't open until 9, decided to get some things done.

I took the back way towards Shoprite. The sun was still shining brightly and there was still a glare on my front window. Up ahead, I saw this guy walking towards me.

There was no one else around but I was happy about how things had gone with the Nurse Practitioner and drove on by.

I picked up a few things at Shoprite and cut through a nearby development to get to Wawa's in Avenel. I topped off my tank and headed for the nearby Dunkin' Donuts. I saw this guy out early mowing his lawn.

I know it was after 8 and it's legal but, come on, it's Saturday morning.

Point, press, Flash.

I picked up a large iced tea and a ham breakfast wrap and drove to the Menlo Park Mall. I had the newspaper with me and spent the next hour eating breakfast and working on the crossword puzzles. It was now going on 10 so I headed for my Pharmacy, which is in the Woodbridge Walmart.

I took Parsonage to Route 1 then turned up Ford's Avenue. This turns back on itself and, just after crossing Route 9, ends up at Walmart. I've mentioned before that one of my pet peeves is that truckers take up way too many spaces. Today, I came across this.

I went inside first and picked up my cough medicine and their version of Vaporub. When I got back to my car, I made sure to drive around the far side of the RV.

Point, press, Flash.

As I drove away, I wondered if that burst would affect the minivan they were towing.

I headed for the Subway's on St. George and picked up a tuna sub. I drove home along Freeman. That's where I saw this guy.

It was starting to cloud over and I just wanted to get home. I drove on.

Before I ate lunch, I checked out the cough medicine.

It's not a liquid. It's a bunch of small, round jell-like balls. I'm supposed to take one 3 times a day for ten days.

Vaporub and cough syrup in a pill form.

Something old, something new.