Working Out ..........

My Granddaughter was christened a couple of weeks ago in a church right here in Woodbridge. I knew it was going to be held there so I've been going to their early Sunday Mass for about a month. Last weekend I decided to register in that parish.

Monday, I was out early and, since the parish office wouldn't be open until 9, I ran some errands. While stopping at the A&P in South Plainfield, I saw this.

The Google Maps car was running the perimeter of the parking lot. Pretty cool if you ask me.

I got to the parish office a little after 9 and had no problem registering, so that worked out.

Wednesday, I had a Prostate Biopsy scheduled for 4 PM. I had one of these about 3 years ago and the results were negative but, since my PSA Level has continued to rise, the doctor insisted that I go through another one. I was not looking forward to it. I found it to be intrusive and I remember being very uncomfortable for several days after. While driving around, killing time, "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" came on the radio.

It reminded me of my cousin who never stopped fighting the cancer that finally took her. I took it as a sign from her to just do what needed to be done. I went through the procedure and came away feeling better then I remembered. By Thursday morning I was almost back to normal and went out as usual.

This morning, I stopped at Shoprite to pick up some stuff and found that they had those Coca Cola name bottles again. On a whim, I took a look and actually found one with my granddaughter's name which, of course, I grabbed up right away. Then I remembered that my daughter and son-in-law had found one last year - months before she was born - and have it displayed in their china cabinet. They weren't, however, lucky enough to find one with my son-in-law's so they left it at that. Now, here I was with his name staring right at me.






I dug through the display until I found one with my daughter's name and bought all three. I dropped off the two at my daughter's house and she's already added them to the one in the cabinet. That worked out great.

I drove up Rahway to Avenel and cut through a small strip mall. I saw this guy sitting in his car. It looked like he was working on some scratch-off tickets.

It works out this way, sometimes.

Point, press, Flash.

I had a nice leisurely breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts then drove to Wawa's for gas. $2.27 a gallon. Pretty good.

I had nothing left to do and all day to do it. I lowered the windows, turned up the radio, and just drove around.

At Pathmark in Avenel, I picked up a packaged salad and an onion for lunch. At FoodTown in Iselin, I picked up some hot dogs, potato salad, and bread for supper.

I was feeling good and heading for home when I saw this woman heading my way.

I've said before that I don't like bike riders on the main roads but she was roller-blading - with headphones on. I couldn't resist.

Point, press, Flash.

As I continued on home, I was thinking about what I had on my schedule for the next week. There were two things.

Breakfast on Friday at Golden Corral in Freehold with my daughter and granddaughter for my birthday.

But first, on Thursday, a follow-up with the doctor to get the results of the biopsy.

I'm not worried. Whatever they are, I'll deal with them.

Things do have a way of working out.

Timing Is Everything.....................

As I was driving home today it occurred to me that timing played a part in a lot of what happened to me this week.

Monday, I drove down early to my cardiologists office in New Brunswick for some blood work. I got there at 7:25 for an 8:00 appointment and got a spot in the lot next door. I go all the way down there because they do the work on site and I usually get my results within 24 hours. I was in and out in 35 minutes, didn't get charged for parking, and was back in the Woodbridge area before 9. And I got the results that afternoon.

Tuesday I left early and got to the Laundromat at 7:30, shortly after they opened. I got that done, had breakfast with my daughter and granddaughter, and got an oil change - all before 10:30. I had the rest of the day to enjoy.

Thursday, my daughter and I had planned on breakfast again and then we were going to pick out a Baby Monitor, so I was out early. Unfortunately, she didn't feel well so we cancelled breakfast. I used this time to drive to Merrill Park and wash all my car windows and check the car's fluid levels. I was on my way back when my daughter texted. We wound up getting the Baby Monitor at Babies R Us.

Today, I started out running some errands. I stopped at the bank, then Shoprite, then the gas station. I then headed towards Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast. I cut through Avenel to get there. On Prospect Street, I saw this guy working on his tires.

It was quiet out here, and isolated.

Point, press, Flash.

I made a few more turns and stopped at Dunkin' Donuts. I bought a Honey Bran Raisin Muffin and a medium Iced Tea, black. As I was getting some napkins and a straw a young man came over. He was maybe mid-20's and wearing a dress shirts, slacks, and a tie. I guessed that he - and his two similarly dress friends - were probably salesmen at one of the nearby car lots.

He asked me where I'd gotten the T Shirt I was wearing. I told him that I'd picked it up last year at a second-hand store in South Plainfield.

 
He said that a friend of his - a Hip Hop Artist - made these shirts to plug his act and asked if he could take a picture to send him. I let him and he thanked me and went back to his friends. They left and I sat down to eat, smiling to myself at the strangeness of the situation.

I took the rest of my Iced Tea and headed towards Menlo Park Mall. Along the way, I came up behind this woman on a bicycle.

I've said before that I don't like bike riders on busy streets. I was tempted, but she had a child seat on the back and I couldn't tell if there was anyone in it or not. I drove by.

I was doing the crossword puzzle when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone take the next chair over.

"So .. Denny ... I hear you're a grandfather." Gordon.
I looked over at him. He'd changed his hair color and grown a goatee. He'd gotten a tan. It looked like he'd put on some weight, too. He grinned at me.
"Hey, Gordon, long time no see. Uh .. yeah .. I'm a grandfather. In fact, tomorrow is the Christening. But I don't .... how do you know these things?"
His grin widened - if that's possible.
"Sorry, D, but I can't tell you. Trade secrets, you know. Anyway, I just stopped by to personally congratulate you. I know I left a card back in April but I've been feeling that that was too impersonal a gesture."
He looked at his watch then stood.
"Gotta go. Company's coming. Stay well, my friend."
I watched him walk towards Nordstrom's then turn into the exit for Barnes & Noble's.

I spent another 15 minutes on my puzzle, but I couldn't finish it. I went back to my car. As I opened the door I heard tires screeching. Looking up, I saw a black SUV pull in and stop. Doyle got out of the passenger side, looking worried.

"Doyle, what's going on?"
He ignored the question. "Denny, did anyone inside approach you, you know, talk to you or anything?"
"A guy asked me if I knew what time the stores opened and then what time it was. Just that."
"What did he look like?"

I paused a minute, weighing the situation, and then described how Gordon looked.

"Doyle, man, what's this all about?"
" Gordon's tracker popped on about a half an hour ago. He was here, somewhere in the mall. We thought he was still down in Delaware and .. you know ... with all the recent shootings and stuff we're kinda stretched pretty thin. We got here as fast as we could because I know you spend some time here on Saturdays with the paper."

The driver from the SUV called to Doyle and he went over and spoke for a few minutes. When he came back he looked at me and shrugged.
"We had units at all the mall exits at the same time I got here but no one's sounding optimistic, Denny. I put the description you gave me out but it may be too little too late."
"Wait ... Are you saying that the guy who asked about the time was Gordon? He didn't look like any picture you've ever showed me and he certainly didn't look like the same guy I saw that one time years ago."
"I know. The guy's become a freakin' chameleon!" He rubbed his face with his hands then ran them back through his hair.
"Hey ... Doyle ... take it easy man."
"Yeah ... yeah ... I know. I'm just frustrated is all." He took a few deep breathes then cracked his neck. "Look, why don't you just go and do what you were goin' to do. I'll let you know what happens. Besides, don't you have your granddaughter's christening coming up?"
It was my turn to grin, now. "Yep, it's tomorrow. Should be nice. I'm just hoping that the rain holds off until later. Thanks for asking."
"No problem, Den. Take care of yourself, alright?"
"You too, Doyle."
We shook hands. He got back in the SUV and drove off. I got into my car. I looked at the clock on the dash. It was only 10:30.

I decided to head for the library in Metuchen. I took Route 1 to Amboy and turned right. Just ahead I saw this woman walking towards the overpass.

The opportunity presented itself.

Point, press, Flash.

I stayed on Amboy, made the right onto Main, then the right onto Library Street. I parked and, as I was closing the windows, I noticed this young man. He was pacing back and forth and smoking a cigarette.




                                 

I happen to know that there's a sign by the front door that says that this is a smoke-free area. I started the car, lowered the windows, and inched up. I looked around. It was just me and the smoker.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove away, took some back streets, and wound up back in Edison. I headed for home.

It's interesting to think how a few minutes, earlier or later, can make a difference - can result in a different outcome. I guess that the old saying is right. Timing is everything.

It's Still Raining .............

At the beginning of the month, I made the last payment towards the same-day surgery I had last year to take care of that recurring carcinoma. I was now doctor bill free for the first time in quite a while. (Yes, I did have some blood work and a visit to my cardiologist last month but that bill hasn't come in yet.) All I had on my schedule were a couple of follow-up visits to other doctors.

The first one didn't go as I'd hoped. It seems that my PSA Level has gone up again, even though I'd been taking a medication to lower it and that my prostate is normal. My only option is another Prostate Biopsy. I had one done back in October of 2012 and It was very uncomfortable. Even though all 12 samples taken then came back negative, this is the only other way to rule out cancer. I scheduled it for August 5th.

Today, I had an appointment with my dermatologist and I just made an appointment with my Primary Physician because I've been having some problems with my throat lately.

It was overcast and threatening rain. I left early and made my usual stop at Shoprite. I didn't get anything but, as I started to leave the lot, I saw this guy.

They're building a T. J. Maxx on the far side of the lot and have caused nothing but problems for shoppers like me. Plus, this isn't really a good location for this type of store. I turned left on my way out.

Point, press, Flash.

I heard a large crash as I made the turn onto St. George's Avenue.

I had my breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts, as usual.

My dermatologist is in Edison, on Route 27. I took Chain-of-Hills to Thornhill and turned onto Parsonage. It was raining lightly now. Up ahead I saw this woman just walking along.

There was no one else around.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued along Parsonage and turned into the business area where my dermatologist's office is. I was 15 minutes early.

Usually, I get seen on time or earlier. Today, I had to wait in that little room for 20 minutes. I hate that. Especially since, when he finally came in, he took a quick look, said everything looked good, and told me to come back in 2 months. Less then 5 minutes. I made the appointment but I'm already thinking of cancelling it.

Next up, my Primary Physician. Well, actually, she's on vacation so I'll be seeing the doctor who's covering for her. (They're in the same building.)

I took James Street to Grove and turned right. I took this to Inman and turned right again. It was raining harder now. Coming towards me was this guy riding his bicycle.

 Now, I don't like bike riders, and I think that someone who'd do this in the rain is an idiot.

Point, press, Flash.

I got to the doctor's office early because I expected to fill out some paperwork and I was right. The staff was friendly and professional and the office was laid out nicely. I was called in early, did the usual preliminary stuff with one of the nurses, and saw the doctor just a few minutes after my appointment time. I liked that. I had my throat swabbed and got a prescription for an antibiotic. Now I'm thinking of changing my Primary Physician.

My Pharmacy is located in the Walmart on Route 9. I took Inman to Wood, drove down to Thornhill, and turned right onto Gill, through the cemetery, and up Woodbridge Avenue. I got onto Route 9 and stopped at Walmart. It was going to take 40 minutes to fill the prescription so I went to the nearby McDonald's for lunch.

My prescription was ready on time and I headed home. It was raining heavier now so I was taking it slow. I turned onto Ford Avenue. Up ahead I saw this guy who, obviously, didn't have an umbrella.

Sometimes it just feels necessary.

Point, press, Flash.

I got a good parking spot but had to run for my building.

It's still raining.

............ Good News, Too ......................

It's been a busy week for me, with one thing leading to another.

Monday, I had my semi-annual visit to my cardiologist's. (The mid-year one is with a Nurse Practitioner.) I drove down very early and got a spot in the parking structure right next to the office. I had breakfast, read the paper, and was in the office 1/2 hour before my appointment. Everything is good and they scheduled me for a bone density test. I asked, again, about the "live virus" vaccination situation with my Granddaughter. Turns out I still can't go near her but a BBQ in the back yard or a meal in a restaurant would be OK. That saves Father's Day for me.

Tuesday was very rainy. I ran some errands and went right back home.

Wednesday, I drove into Edison and had breakfast at IHOP with my Daughter and Granddaughter. We had a nice conversation and the baby slept the whole time.

Yesterday, I drove into Metuchen for the bone density test. I've been to this place before for other tests. They're very efficient and I was in and out in less then 15 minutes.

Today, I had to pick up a prescription and there was something I wanted to check out in the Menlo Park Mall - something I thought would be cute to give to my Son-in-law for his first Father's Day.

I left my apartment a little before 8. I stopped at Shoprite and bought the paper and a package of 6 knishes that was on sale. (I've had these before. 2 minutes in the microwave and they're ready. Makes a nice side dish.) I went back home to put the knishes in the refrigerator then drove down Main Street towards WalMart - that's where my pharmacy is.

I made a left onto Ford's Avenue and saw this guy up ahead.

There was no one else around.

Point, press, Flash.

I parked in the WalMart lot and went inside. There was a line at the pharmacy counter so I wandered into the toy section thinking, maybe, to pick up something for my Granddaughter. There was a young guy stocking shelves and he asked if I needed help. I said that I was only browsing and she's only 11 weeks old. He suggested that I try the Infants section. I thanked him and walked over there.  I picked up a couple of small things that I'd give to my Son-in-law. I figured that I'd still go to Menlo anyway. I got my meds and left.

I stopped at the nearby Dunkin' Donuts and had breakfast. I drove back to Ford's and headed towards Route 1. I passed this guy sitting on the side of a 7-11.

I was too close to the front of the store. I drove on.

I parked in the enclosed lot at the mall. I still had about 15 minutes before the stores would open so I went inside with the paper and my iced tea. I figured to just relax for a while and found a chair by the fountain with a table that I could put my drink on. Friday's paper has an Entertainment Section so, after I read the news and checked my lottery ticket (I lost), I read the movie reviews. Looks like Pixar has another hit on it's hands.

Just as I started the crossword puzzle, my phone rang. This very rarely happens. It was my cardiologist's office. Now I was worried because there was no reason I could think of for them to call me. I answered it.

It was the nurse that I'd talked with originally about the "live virus" situation. The nurse who - having checked with the Transplant coordinator, the Transplant Pharmacist, and one of the new doctors on staff - told me that I couldn't go near my Granddaughter for 4 weeks. She'd just heard from the Infectious Disease Specialist that she'd reached out to when I first asked, and she had to call me right away.

The recent vaccination my Granddaughter had was for the Rota Virus. According to the Specialist, as long as I don't change any diapers for 4 weeks I'll be OK (which is what the Pediatrician told my daughter). When it comes time for the Chicken Pox shot, I'll be OK unless the baby develops lesions. There is no problem with the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) at all. This is completely different from what they told me - and, I presume, everyone else in a similar situation. I thanked her for the follow-up and texted my daughter right away.

I was too keyed up to just sit there. I stopped at the store to check out the one thing I was interested in but it wasn't worth the $20 it was priced at and, besides, I'd picked up those things at WalMart. I went back to my car. As I started the engine, I saw this guy.

I was in too good a mood and he was too far away. I drove out and turned on the radio.

This was a movie-perfect moment. The sun was shining. I had all 4 windows open and there was a nice breeze. Traffic was light. CBS-FM was on the radio (singers who are fathers is their weekend theme). I was feeling good.

At least until I came across this guy on New Dover Road.

I don't like bike riders (it's a personal thing). This guy decided to turn left into a side street when he was on the right side. I had to come to a complete stop while he did this.

At least it gave me the time to look around. It was him and I.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued on my drive home. I was still feeling great.

The old saying is that no news is good news. Well - sometimes - some news is good news, too.

Good News, Bad News ...............

I've come to realize that you only get so much good news before some bad news comes up and smacks you in the face.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last night was pretty hot and humid  so I decided to leave the window open along with using the fan. I don't usually since my bedroom window opens onto the front of the building and I'm on the first floor - and it was a Friday - and there's a bar across the street - but it turned out to be very quiet and I slept really well. That's the good news. The bad news was that I was up at 6:00 on a Saturday and couldn't get back to sleep.

You gotta make the best of things, so I finally got around to throwing out some cereal and snacks that I'd bought over the past year but never finished. Without even trying them, I figured they were all stale as hell. I also decided to swap out the water bottles I'd been refilling and carrying with me for a while now. I read somewhere that these tend to degrade over time so, you know, better to be safe then sorry.

That done, I had a few things I wanted to get done today so I headed up to Wegman's. I drink seltzer at home and, as I was running low, I needed to restock. (I'd already checked Shoprite and Pathmark but they had nothing on sale.) I took Main Street. Up ahead I saw this guy on my left.

It was still early and there was no one else around.

Point, press, Flash.

I pulled into the Wegman's lot. Bad news - their seltzer was not on sale. Good news - their sparkling water was. I picked up a 12-pack of Tangerine/Lime and drove back home. I put a couple of cans in the refrigerator and went back out.

I headed towards Dunkin' Donuts. I took Rahway  and turned left onto Freeman. As I approached the train track underpass I saw this woman.

Deja Vu. This was almost exactly like my first Event all those years ago except I was not on foot this time. And I was driving right past her.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I had breakfast, picked up the paper, and headed to the Menlo Park Mall. (I call this my Saturday routine.) I got the chair to the right of the charger station, put my iced tea down, and opened the paper. I didn't win the Mega Millions. While I was reading the funnies, I was startled by a tap on the back.

"Hey, Grandpa, how're you doin'?"
"Shit! You scared the crap outa me, Doyle!"
"Oh .. sorry .... didn't realize you're so skittish."

We shook hands and he pulled over one of the other nearby chairs.

"It's not that .. it's just .. I wasn't expecting it. You took me by surprise. You haven't been around for a while, you know."
"Yeah ... well ... stuff's been happening. What with the problems with the TSA, the increase in our terrorist watch, and now the hacking of the federal computers, we've been jumping from place to place for months."

My turn to apologize.
"Sorry. I guess I should've been paying more attention to that stuff but I've been preoccupied lately."
"The granddaughter, right? How's she doin'?. I'm guessing you got pictures."

I showed him the ones I had stored in my phone while I told him about it.
"She's a real cutie, alright. She's starting to sleep better at night so she's awake more during the day, more alert. I got to babysit for her last Wednesday for a few hours and it was great."
"Sounds like you're enjoying it. I bet you're looking forward to Father's Day."

I paused and took a deep breathe.
"The babysitting on Wednesday was the good news. The bad news is that, on Thursday, she was at her Pediatrician's and he gave her a shot - a "live virus" shot."
"What's bad about that? You're not one of those anti-vaccers are you?"
"No. No. I'm not. But the week before, my daughter asked me to get the TDAP shot for Whooping Cough. To protect the baby, you know? So, I checked with my cardiologist. They OK'd the shot for me but told me that if the baby gets a "live virus" vaccine I can't go near her for a month. I can't even go into her house."

Doyle paused and sat back. Then he leaned forward.
"WOW. That sucks. But I don't understand. What does that mean, Denny? Why?"
"They tell me that after the shot she starts to shed the virus and that, since my immune system is compromised, I'm very susceptible."

We were both quiet for a few minutes. I broke it.

"Listen, Doyle, forget about it. We'll deal with it - it's just that it's happening now. Anyway, how's the .. ah .. search for Gordon?"
He looked relieved that I changed the subject. "Good news and bad news there, Denny. The good news is that he hasn't been active in months. Which is really good because we've cut back pretty hard on the staffing.  The bad news is that he's found a new way to taunt us. He's been unmasking his tracker signal for 5 or 10 minutes every couple of days or so, and he's been bouncing up and down the Mid-Atlantic area."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, one day we'll get a signal that puts him in Newark, Delaware then - 2 or 3 days later - a blip in Reading, Pennsylvania. Then outside D. C.. Then up near Blauvelt, New York...."
"Wait! You said Blauvelt, New York? .. When was that?"
He told me.
"We buried my aunt that day, up in Blauvelt."

Another pause as he took that in. He stood up.

"Seems he might still be interested in you after all, Denny. I have to get back to the office with this."

I stood, too. We shook hands. He put his other hand on my shoulder.

"Hang in there, Grandpa." He smiled.
"You too, Doyle." I smiled, too.

He walked away. I looked at my iced tea. The ice had melted. I looked at the paper but didn't feel like doing the crossword just now. There was still one more thing that I wanted to get done so I picked my stuff up and went back to the car.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I read a lot, and I pick up a lot of books at library sales to feed my habit. Once in a while, I get a bug about a particular book that I've read already so I go right to my "stacks" - the shelves in my living room. Well, I got the itch to reread 2 different books and was frustrated when I couldn't find them at home. (It took me 2 days to go through everything.) My last errand today was to check out the used book stores that I frequent. I headed toward Metuchen. I parked on Library Street and saw this woman heading towards me.

It was pretty quiet back here, but I had something to do. I got out and walked up Main Street to the book store. I started here because he only charges $1.50 for paperbacks.

Bad news. He was on vacation. He would be open tomorrow for the Street Fair. I've been to that Fair. The parking is horrendous and I don't like crowds. I can't come on Monday because I have a doctor's appointment in New Brunswick. That means that I couldn't get back here till Tuesday. Anyone whose ever obsessed about anything knows that I can't wait that long.

I went back to my car and headed to Colonia. The used book store up there charges a percentage of the cover price but I was willing to pay. I had the radio on and the windows open. It was a nice ride on a pretty day. I could see this guy heading towards me.

I was focused on something else.

I pulled into the Foodtown parking lot and walked over to the book store. When I went in, the woman greeted me and asked if she could help. Normally, I beg off but this time I told her what I was looking for. She went right to where they were and pulled them out for me. Since these were older books and older, paperback editions, I wound up paying $1.25 each. I saved money. Good news.

I headed home and came up behind this guy on his bicycle.

He was sort of weaving back and forth and was slowing me down. I looked around as I got closer. We were the only ones around.

Point, press, Flash.

I stopped at Subways for something to eat and went home. I ate my lunch with a Tangerine/Lime sparkling water.

It's not easy but I'm started to accept the fact the you have to deal with whatever news you're given, good or bad.

Feeling Better .................

Last Friday, I started to feel ill while out to lunch. I went right home, of course, and stayed there for the next two days.

Yesterday, I was feeling a little better and I dragged myself out. I had to drive down to New Brunswick for blood work. I had the windows open -down and back - and the fresh air felt good. I beat the rain home and was definitely feeling better.

This morning, I was up early. Even though it was overcast and threatening, I decided to drive up Rahway to the Motor Vehicle office. My car was due for inspection. As soon as I pulled up, they called me over. It took less then 10 minutes and I didn't even have to get out of the car, just move to the passenger side.

I headed back down Rahway towards Avenel. I saw this guy just up ahead.

I drove on by. I was feeling too good.

I drove up through Avenel towards the Dunkin' Donuts on St. George but got stuck behind a school bus picking up some kids at a corner. This time it didn't bother me and I waited patiently. When the bus pulled away I went to proceed but a mini-van that had been sitting at the cross street - at a Stop Sign - shot across the intersection. I had to slam on my brakes to keep from hitting it, but I got a good look at the two people inside. I took a few deep breathes and drove on.

When I got to Dunkin' Donuts I saw the mini-van parked it the lot. I parked on the other side.

I went inside and saw the two people who'd been in the van eating at one of the side tables. I took my order to go and went back to the lot, making sure to keep the van between us. I pointed at the engine.

Point, press, Flash.

I figured they won't be driving through any Stop Signs any time soon.

I was feeling better. Even though it still looked threatening I didn't think it would rain. I opened the windows and drove up into Colonia. I like driving through here. It's a nice residential area. I was on Wood Avenue when I saw this woman up ahead.

She had a purposeful stride to her and I left her to it. I figured that she was feeling good.

I could feel the humidity start to build. I turned down Grove and stopped at the North Edison Library. They don't usually have anything of interest to me but I was passing by. No surprise here.

I got back on Grove, Took a right on Oak Tree, and a left onto Plainfield. Up ahead, I saw this guy on one of those riding mowers.

I don't like these guys. They have no regard for anyone parked nearby and the mowers are loud, give off smoke, and throw grass clippings - and pollen - everywhere. As I passed ...

Point, press, Flash.

I noticed immediately that I couldn't hear the mower anymore. I looked in the side mirror and saw the operator slumped over the wheel. I figured that the pulse took them both out. That made me feel good.

I stayed on Plainfield, made a right onto Rte. 27, a left onto Main, and another left onto Amboy. I stopped at Wegman's and picked up a bag of pre-made salad and some diced ham. I was figuring on making a ham salad for supper.

I headed home, feeling better.

Maintenance and Upkeep .................

The only thing I had planned for today was lunch with my daughter and granddaughter. I woke early and decided to take care of some minor maintenance on the car.

I will be the first to admit that I know nothing about cars but recently, I had an oil change done and they recommended that I add Washer Fluid and Coolant. I figured I could handle these.

The manual says that the coolant has to be mixed with water so I opened the trunk to take my gallon bottle back in the house but I got lucky.

Prediluted. What a great concept.

I popped the hood and added the fluids.

I figured that I was on a roll so I headed for the Wawa Station on Route 1 for gas and to check the pressure in my tires. $2.31 a gallon. Not bad. I moved to the air pump and came across this.

These Verizon idiots had parked in an area that's clearly marked for the air pump. I managed to squeeze in beside them and check out my tires - adding some air to the front ones. I got back in my car and before I pulled out lowered the passenger side window.

Point, press, Flash.

Now they'll be stuck there until they can get their engine running again.

Feeling good about the maintenance work I was doing I considered getting the car washed - it's been coated with pollen for a few days. I turned on the wipers but all they did was streak. Time to replace the blades.

I cut through a development and made a right onto St. George. As I came up to the Route 9 connection I noticed this minivan coming off the ramp. The ramp has it's own lane but it ends just past the next light so a driver needs to merge left. There's enough time to do this correctly but she just drifted to the left immediately. If I hadn't braked, she'd have hit me.

I leaned on the horn but she didn't pay me any attention. She made the right onto Remsen and so did I. She stayed on Remsen for several blocks - slowing a bit - and so did I. She made a right onto Avenel and so did I. She made a quick right onto Demorest and so did I. She made a quick right onto Lord. I drove by. I figured that I pushed things about as far as I could before she got the cops involved. I hope I shook her up.

I made a left onto West Smith then a right onto Route 9 and headed towards the Advanced Auto in Woodbridge. They share a large parking lot with Walmart. As I pulled in, I noticed this FedEx truck.

I stopped at Advanced Auto and bought some new wipers (they install for free). The truck was still parked there, taking up about 4 spaces. I know. There was a lot of room in the lot but these guys think they can park anywhere - just like those Verizon guys earlier. I circled around the lot and came up from the other side.

Point, press, Flash.

He'll be there for a while.

I drove down Amboy. The new wipers worked perfectly.

I stopped on a side street in Metuchen just across from the library. I had 15 minutes before they opened. I got my glass cleaner out of the trunk and did all the windows and lights. I even did the sun roof. The car was looking pretty good now so I decided to skip the wash.

I didn't find anything interesting in the library and I still had a couple of hours before lunch. I took a leisurely drive up through Edison into Colonia. It was a nice day - cool but breezy. I had the windows open and the radio on.

On the spur of the moment, I decided to get my haircut. A bit of personal upkeep, if you will. I drove into Woodbridge and parked in the Municipal Lot. I passed this guy looking in his engine.

I was tempted to do the guy thing and ask him what was wrong but, honestly, I couldn't have helped anyway.

I stopped at the Woodbridge Deli for sandwiches and drove to my daughters. We had a great lunch. Relationships need upkeep, too.

I drove home feeling good about my day and all the maintenance and upkeep I'd gotten done.