I Don't Know What's Going On …………

So far, the Spring Season has been a bust. The days are warmer but we've had more overcast days (and rain) then clear ones. On the plus side, the pollen levels have been kept down which is great for allergy sufferers like me

I'm feeling better - stronger - every day. I still have a ways to go but I'll get there.

Saturday the 20th I had a 9:15 AM appointment with my Primary. We rehashed the blood work results that she'd called me about and - for once - didn't give me any flack about anything. I agreed to a follow-up in 3 weeks. I drove away from her office on Progress, turned left on Grove, and left again on New Dover. I was headed back to Woodbridge and was almost there when I caught a Stop Sign. This guy crossed in front of me.

He was an older guy so it took him a while. I waited. I figured that if he was gonna push himself to ride his bike on such a dreary day the least I could do was leave him alone.

Wednesday the 24th I had an 8:00 AM appointment for Blood Work at my Cardiologists in New Brunswick. I went down early and got a spot in the garage next door. I was in and out quickly enough so that it didn't cost me to park.

Starting today, Friday the 26th, and running through the weekend my local library is holding it's Annual Book Sale. I have to admit that I look forward to this every year because you can't beat the price - hard covers are $1 and soft covers are $.50.  They opened at 9 and I got there at about 9:15. It's held on the lower level, in and around their meeting room. I had picked out a few books and was scanning another table when someone came up behind me.

"Don't turn around and try not to react Old Friend. Oh, and don't speak. I won't be long."

Gordon!

I stayed the way I was - still scanning the books - and waited.

He spoke again. "It's good to see you again, Denny. I'm impressed with how well you're recovering. I'm sorry I haven't been around much but I've had some other things to do. Be that as it may, I set off my Tracker just now for a 10 second burst so Doyle and his boys should be swarming around soon. I want to play again and I hope you'll join us."

There was silence for a few minutes and, when I turned around, there was no one near me that fit my recollection of how Gordon looked. I called Doyle's number but got no answer - not even the voicemail which I thought was odd. I sent him a text.

There was nothing else I could do so I continued browsing. I wasn't as into it as I had been but I did pick up a half-dozen books for $3.  Pretty good.

I left the library and walked right into Doyle and 2 of his Associates waiting for me.

"Hey, Doyle, I sent you a text! Gordon was just here!"

He nodded. "Thank you, Mr. O'Neill, I'm aware of that. Would you come with us, please?"

"What the hell, Doyle! What's going on? It's me .. Denny!"

"We know who you are Mr. O'Neill. Please come with us. Someone wants to speak with you."

I was confused but I didn't see any other choice. I followed them to the back parking lot where there were 2 of those ubiquitous black SUV's.

We approached the closest one but before we got there Doyle stopped me.

"Wait here please, Mr. O'Neill."

He left his 2 Associates with me and went over by himself. Just before he got there the rear window was lowered. He leaned in for a few minutes then turned and gestured for us to come over. We were about 3 feet away when the Associates stopped and I went on alone. When I got there, Doyle moved aside and pointed to the window.

"Mr. Jones would like a word with you."

Mr. Jones, I thought? THE Mr. Jones? This should be interesting.

 I walked up and looked inside but it was too dark to see anything. I was turning back when I heard the voice.

"Thank you Mr. O'Neill for taking the time to see me."

It was a strong voice but slightly high-pitched.

"I won't take up much of your time, Mr. O'Neill. I have a lot to do today so I'll ask you to hold any questions you may have until I finish speaking. We had decided to up our pursuit of Mr. Gordon because he's spent a considerable amount of time - as far a we can tell - in and around properties held by the President. This is no longer acceptable. We asked you several months ago to resume your work for us but have been disappointed that you have not. We were on our way here to speak to you when we got word that Mr. Gordon had actually gotten here first. What did he have to say, Mr. O'Neill?"

I told him. He waited a few minutes before responding.

"Good. That's exactly what we want. Please don't disappoint us."

Before I could object, he raised the window and the car's engine started. I felt the back draft as they drove away and turned to Doyle.

"What's going on Doyle? C'mon, I thought we were friends."

He looked towards me but not at me. He wouldn't meet my eyes.

"I apologize if you misconstrued our relationship, Mr. O'Neill. This is strictly a DHS Operation. We hope you'll do what Mr. Jones has asked of you."

With that, he and the others got into the second SUV and started to drive away, Doyle in the back seat. He seemed to be looking at me through the tinted window and I thought I saw a pained expression there. Wishful thinking, maybe.

I stood there in the lot for a while until it started to rain and the bag of books started to feel heavier and heavier. I got back in my car and went home.

 I made a cup of tea and sat down in my recliner in the Living Room, the bag of books left in the hallway for now.

Gordon shows up acting all villainy. Doyle show up with other agents acting as if we didn't know each other. Mr. Jones shows up (even though I couldn't see him) and basically agrees with Gordon.

Things have changed and I'm not sure why. To be honest ….

I don't know what's going on.

Things Are Looking Up ………..

March didn't end any better then it began. My Primary Physician didn't like my Glucose Level so she asked me to come back and she'd draw a sample herself.

Friday the 29th I showed up early for my 12 Noon appointment only to have her tell me that I was supposed to fast which no one told me. I agreed to come back the following week at a  much earlier time. I was annoyed but I needed to pick up some stuff and pulled in to the local Stop N' Shop. I bought their pre-cooked Shepard's Pie. It's a bit expensive but it's Family-sized so I can get 4 meals out of it. On the way out, I noticed this guy heading towards me.

I got to the exit just as he turned the corner. I was still annoyed but the angle was off and there was another car coming from my left. I drove by.

April, so far, has had more overcast/rainy days then sunny ones but at least it's been warmer.

Tuesday April 2nd I went back to my Primary at 8:45 AM for the Blood Work. It took her 3 tries but she finally got a sample she was happy with. Annoyed again, I drove home.

Wednesday the 3rd I drove up to RWJ Rahway for a PET Scan. I took St. George to Stone and turned left. That's when I noticed what was happening.

The trees were blooming which meant that Pollen would be swirling around soon. I'm gonna have to add allergy meds to my daily regimen. The Scan was faster then I remembered and I was done about an hour earlier then I'd thought.

Monday the 8th I had an appointment with my Oncologist at 9:45 AM. Turned out he didn't have the Scan results yet but he examined me and said that the area they were focused on looked really good. Tuesday the 9th at about 5:00 PM he called me. He had the results and there was no sign of the Carcinoma. I slept well that night.

Thursday the 11th was WaWa's Anniversary and their coffee was free.

I got a large, Decaf, French Vanilla. It was good but it got cold quickly. I prefer Dunkin's.

Monday the 15th I got a call from my Pharmacist. Their records showed that I had a scrip ready for renewal. I told them to go ahead with it. I'd gotten a little lax with these so I appreciated their attention to my account.

Tuesday the 16th was one of the few sunny, warm days we've had lately. I drove up to Walmart to pick up my scrip. On the way home I was stopped at a red light when I noticed this guy.

He looked like he was just out enjoying himself on a nice Urban Stroll. He made me smile.

That night at around 5:20 I got a call from my Primary. The Blood Test results were back. Turns out I might need to take Thyroid meds but my PSA Level is down dramatically. This was another night I slept well.

I still have a few other appointments with a couple of different doctors this month. I'm not sure what I'll have to deal with then but I've never had 2 Doctors call me personally to give me good news.

Things are looking up.