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.
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.
