Smooth Sailing ............

Another Thursday, another doctor's appointment. Actually, just some blood work but I go down to my Cardiologist's office in New Brunswick because I get the results quickly. I like to get there early so I was on the road by 6:45. I had on a long-sleeved T-shirt, a sweatshirt, a light jacket, and my Cleveland Indian's cap.

I took Main to Amboy then got onto Route 27. Surprisingly, there was very little traffic and I was making good time. Up ahead, I saw this guy.

It was too nice a day. I passed him by.

I got a great spot in the attached parking structure, left my cap and jacket in the car, and wound up 1/2 an hour early for my appointment. They took me right away and I was back at my car in 15 minutes.

Doyle was waiting there.

"Hiya, Denny. Good to see you."
"Hey, Doyle. Same here."
We shook hands.
"I heard that the throat cancer you had is all gone, right?"
I was no longer surprised by what he knew about me.
"Yeah. Just a little scar tissue and my throat's gonna be sore for quite a while but it certainly was good news. Now I just gotta wait on the next PSA test before making a decision there."
"What are your options?"
"The new Doctor says we might consider radiation or the Cyberknife. We'll make that call when we get the results."
"New Doctor? I thought you were at the office in Avenel."
"Yeah, but that guy is out dealing with Chemo himself so this new guy is covering. Get this - his name is Doctor Noh."
"Seriously?"
"I didn't catch it at first because he introduced himself as Robert Noh, but I got it when his office called to set up the follow-up PSA test."
"When will that be?"
"May the 5th at 10:30, so I have a couple of months."
"I'll check into this guy and let you know."
Thanks. So .... is my health the reason for this visit?"

He paused. I got the feeling that he was a little embarrassed now.
"Partly. I .. you know ... just wanted to know how things were going with your Granddaughter."

I had to stifle a smile.
"Everything is great. Thanks for asking, Doyle. She's got a tooth now and is starting to walk. It's just amazing watching her develop."

He paused again, awkwardly.
"I .. ah .. remembered that her First Birthday was coming up and I just wanted to .. you know .. congratulate you."
"Ah, thanks." This felt like the right time to change the subject.
"So ... any word on Gordon? Is he still laying low?"
He looked relieved. "Actually, he's popped up again in a couple of places over the last several weeks. He hasn't done anything, just his tracer pinging on for a couple of minutes."
"Where?"
"Strangely, outside of what we thought was his "Comfort Zone". He's been id'd in several locations in Massachusetts, but we don't know why."
"But you do know that he's still out there."
"True." His phone chimed and he checked it out.
"Duty calls, Denny. Gotta go. I'm happy to know things are well with you."
"Thanks again. Be careful out there."
"HAH!  A 'Hillstreet Blues' reference I like it."
We shook hands again and he walked down the row of cars to where a black SUV roared into life. He got in and drove away. I got in my car and reviewed the conversation. What struck me this time was that Doyle really was interested in my life and I didn't know anything about his.

I headed back up Route 27 to Amboy to Main and then down St. George's Avenue. It was still early and I decided to get an oil change. I cut through Avenel so that I could get to the garage when I came up on this guy.

Maybe Doyle's visit put it into my mind.

Point, press, Flash.

Going early on a weekday, there was no one else waiting. I was in and out in 10 minutes. I stopped at Shoprite and picked up some stuff. They have a Dunkin' Donuts inside and I picked up a Wake Up Wrap and my first Medium Iced Tea of the year.

I headed for the Barnes & Noble's in Menlo Park. St. Patrick's Day, Easter, and my Granddaughter's First Birthday were coming up soon and I was looking for anything that I thought she'd like. I left the sweatshirt in the car.

I didn't find anything interesting so I thought that I'd try Babies R Us on Route 1. When I got back in my car and started out I saw this truck driver block an entire lane and then walk away.

I'm not a big fan of truck divers who park wherever they like.

Point, press, Flash.

Instead of getting back on Route 1, I took the back roads. It was still a nice day and I had the radio on.

A left here, a right there, and I wound up on a small road that winds it's way through a cemetery. The day had clouded over but it was still warm. As I made my way through I saw this guy.

I had no idea what he was doing but, at least, he wasn't riding his bike in front of me. I drove by.

I stopped at Babies R Us and found a flip-up book for Easter that I think my Granddaughter will like. (I also picked up one of those bubble-blowers. I'm not sure how that's going to go over but we'll see.) I took the back roads, again, towards a Subways on St. George's Avenue. That's when I saw this guy.

It was a perfect opportunity but I passed it by.

I stopped at Subways and picked up a sandwich.

I headed home.

The whole day was like one thing led easily into another. In nautical terms, it was smooth sailing.