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.

Some Free Time ...............

This week - due to a couple of chance circumstances - I only had to Babysit on Monday and Wednesday. I got all of my weekly errands done on Tuesday and that left a 4-day stretch of pretty nice weather for me.

I started out Thursday morning a little later then usual. I stopped at the Wawa's in Avenel and filled up (at $1.91). I drove through the nearby neighborhood and came up behind this guy.

He had headphones on and was bouncing a Basketball in the middle of the street. If you're going to be an idiot, you get what you deserve.

Point, press, Flash.

I made a right onto St. George and headed down to Shoprite. I saw this guy, out for a morning stroll.

There was no one else around but it was still too open an area.

Friday, I stopped at the Dunkin' Donuts in Woodbridge and got breakfast to go. I stopped at the Dollar Store near the Wegman's. I picked up some toothpaste and some soap. On the way out, I noticed this woman.

It was tempting but, again, it was just too open.

I drove down Woodbridge Center Drive and took Route 1 towards Menlo Park and the Barnes & Noble's there. Up ahead, I could see this guy.

We were the only ones around and it only took a minute for me to catch up to him.

Point, press, Flash.

I stopped at the book store. I go to browse the children's books for the "Lift the Flap" ones that my Granddaughter likes but didn't find anything new.

Saturday I drove up St. George's and took Inman to the Colonia FoodTown. Occasionally, they have stuffed peppers in their Deli area. It's a very quiet, peaceful drive. Along the way I came up on this guy.

It was such a nice day - my windows were open and the radio was on. I drove on by.

I didn't stay out very long. Woodbridge was having a Street Fair on Main Street. These draw big crowds, especially on nice days. That means that the parking around my apartment gets taken up quickly. I got lucky.

This morning was sunny but the wind was strong. I woke up early, so I was out early. I stopped at Shoprite first. I'm back to Babysitting tomorrow so I picked up some lunch meat and some pre-made dinners that will carry me through the next 4 days. I got breakfast to go from their in-store Dunkin' Donuts.

I drove up to Wegman's and picked up some French Onion soup. They have the best price.

I drove from there to Walmart and picked up a Febreze car air freshener. To me, these are the best and Walmart has the best price. On the way out, I saw this guy.

Again, it was another one of those "too open" situations.

It was starting to cloud over. I got on Ford's Avenue, then turned onto Woodbridge Avenue, which becomes Main Street.

 I saw this woman up ahead.

This wasn't too open at all.

Point, press, Flash.

I headed home. It's always nice to have some free time.

Another Busy Thursday ..................

It's Thursday again which means that I have to get as many errands as possible done. I started in-house and cleaned the litter box and took out the recyclables. I was out of the house by about 7:30.

First up, getting the laundry done. I headed to the Laundromat in the strip mall with Shoprite. When I pulled in, I noticed that the trees were in bloom

It wouldn't be long before my allergies kicked in.

I put the laundry in and had 1/2 an hour to kill. I went into Shoprite and bought some yoghurt. I stopped at the They have a Dunkin' Donuts counter inside and I picked up an Iced Tea and Wake-up Wrap for breakfast. I ate in the car then picked up my wash and drove home to drop it off.

Next, I went to get my haircut. I go to the barber on Main Street in Woodbridge because it's local and they have a senior discount. The Township is doing road work so I had to go through some side streets to get there. I saw this guy up ahead.

There was no one around but, by the time I caught up to him, the pickup truck was in the way. I parked in a nearby lot and walked over to the shop. I got lucky because one of the barbers was idle and I got taken right away.

It wasn't even 9:00.

I headed up St. George's Avenue then right onto Avenel Street. I stopped at a Krauser's for the paper and Lottery tickets. I got back on St. George's and headed up towards Rahway. That's where I saw this guy.

It was pretty sunny out and there was no one in the immediate vicinity.

Point, press, Flash.

I took the next right onto Industrial Avenue then turned left onto Inman. The radio was on and the windows were open.

I was heading towards the Foodtown, sometimes they have Stuffed Peppers at the Deli Counter. Along the way, my phone rang. I pulled over and listened to an automatic message from the Walmart Pharmacy. A prescription I had renewed was ready. I skipped Foodtown and headed up there.

I made the left onto Wood Avenue, crossed Route 27, then made a left onto Middlesex Turnpike. I took the first right, cut through a cemetary, and came out on Woodbridge Center Drive. I was starting to itch all over - my allergies were kicking in early. I saw this guy up ahead.

It was a bit more open then I would've liked but the itching was annoying.

Point, press, Flash.

I picked up my prescription and headed home.

It was another busy Thursday.

Just Passed The Half-way Point ..........

For the first time in more years then I care to admit to, I get to enjoy Spring Break. My Daughter is a teacher and she's off so I don't have to babysit. This started last Thursday and I've been able to stretch out the things I need to get done and still have time for myself.

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Even though I can, now, I still wake up around the same time every day - some time between 6 and 6:30  - because it's become routine. I take my vitals and then some pills. I've tried to go back to sleep but, as I lie there, I start to think about what to do for the day. I wind up checking my e-mail and several other sites  for about an hour and I'm out of the house between 7:30 and 8.

Last Thursday, I started out by stopping at Shoprite. In the lot I came across this truck.

This is the first time that I've seen a pick-up truck park like this but it's still one of my pet peeves. As I passed it on my way inside ..

Point, press, Flash.

I hope he bought something to eat while he waits for road-side service.

Friday, I had a follow-up with my Oncologist down in New Brunswick. These always annoy me because, although I'm always early, he's always very late so I wind up waiting in the examination room for about 1/2 an hour.

I went down early figuring on getting a spot in the garage across the street and then having breakfast in the cafeteria. I took my usual route and wound up on Route 27. That's where I saw this guy.

It was overcast and it looked like he'd have a long way to go. I figured that he was miserable enough so I passed him by.

My appointment was at 8:45. The tech took me on time, the doc showed up quickly, and I was out of the office by 9:05. And I don't have to go back again. Excellent.

Saturday - for the first time in months - after having breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts, I took my coffee and the paper and spent some relaxing time at the Menlo Park Mall. Afterward, I drove up into South Plainfield to the thrift store I frequent. After I parked, I noticed this guy.

I couldn't tell if he was on the phone or not so I just went into the store. I didn't get anything.

Sunday was Easter and the weather was changeable. The family had planned to get together around 2:30 for dinner so I had a lot of time to kill. Most stores were closed and I spent a lot of time just driving around. Somewhere in Edison, I came up behind this guy.

I was bored.

Point, press, Flash.

We had a nice meal at an Italian buffet in Avenel.

Monday, I had to pick up a prescription at Walmart and, since I was early, took the long way. On Woodbridge Avenue, I came up on this guy.

Another pet peeve of mine.

Point, press, Flash.

I wound up getting there early and had to wait for the Pharmacy to open. I was OK with that.

Tuesday, there was some road work being done on my side street (which was annoying) so I had to drive around the block in order to get on my way. When I got to the corner of Green Street and Rahway, I saw this guy.

He's a regular in the neighborhood and used to live in my building. I've always thought that he had a problem. I drove on by.

Yesterday, I went to do my wash at the place in the Shoprite strip mall. They've lowered the price to $1.99 and they use a "debit card" kinda system so I don't have to have a pocket-full of quarters. When I was done, I drove around the back and saw this guy just sitting there.

Some things you just can't resist.

Point, press, Flash.

This morning, I drove up to the local KMart. I need a new pair of sneakers and I've been pretty lucky with the choices there. I thought that they opened at 8 but it turned out that it wouldn't be until 9. As I sat in the car, this woman walked by.

Some things you can't resist and some things you can.

I didn't wait, just went about my business. Like I said, I'm enjoying my Spring Break and I just passed the half-way point.

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.

A Warm Weekend ...........

I finished my radiation treatments on the last Friday in January. I had a follow-up visit with the Radiation Oncologist on February 4th and he said that the outside of my neck is healing well. I met with the ENT on February 8th and he checked the inside. Except for a very small spot (which he thinks is just scar tissue) the growth is gone.

By the end of last week, I'd stopped using the medication and the skin lotion. I still have the cough drops because I still get the "tickle-in-my-throat" sensation.

This week started off cold but I've been feeling more like my old self every day.

Yesterday I slept in a little and came out to a beautiful, warm morning. I headed up Rahway Avenue towards Avenel. As I came up towards the railroad crossing, I saw this guy up ahead.

Sometimes it comes down to the right place and the right time.

Point, press, Flash.

I turned left on Avenel and headed up towards Route 9. I had only driven a couple of blocks when I got a text message. I pulled over and parked (yes, I'm one of those people). It was my daughter commenting on the weather. I sent her a quick reply and as I looked up to start my car this guy popped up, startling me.

I let him get about half a block further then came up behind him.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove on, made the left onto Route 9, and headed for Walmart. I had another prescription ready to be picked up. I was in and out quickly and decided to drive around a bit.

I took Amboy Avenue towards Metuchen and came up behind this guy riding his bike.

He was on the sidewalk, which is okay by me. I drove on.

The library wasn't open yet so I got onto Route 1 and headed towards the Target store in Edison. My Granddaughter's First Birthday is coming up soon and I wanted to check out a few prices. I pulled into the parking lot off Parsonage Road and came up behind this guy.

Another "place and time" situation.

Point, press, Flash.

I parked, checked out what their prices were, and spent an hour or so just driving around before heading home.

This morning wasn't as sunny but it was still warm. I had a few stops to make but I didn't head out until 8 o'clock. I drove towards the Post Office - I had some bills to mail and figured to just drop them in the box out front. When I got back in my car, I saw this guy walking on the other side of the street.

I might have used the Flasher but I was distracted by how bad my side windows looked.

I headed towards Shoprite. Since I started babysitting I try to pick up some stuff to bring for breakfast and lunch so I can eat while the baby naps. I took one of the side streets and cut through a development to get to St. George Avenue. As I slowed to match the development's speed limit, I saw this woman up ahead.

By the time I caught up to her the SUV was in the way.

I picked up some lunch meat and some yoghurt then drove down St. George and made the right onto Main Street.

I was heading for Wegmans'. I wanted to see if they had the soup I like on sale. As I pulled into the shopping area I saw this guy up ahead on the left.

Opportunity finally presented itself.

Point, press, Flash.

The soup wasn't on sale but Wegmans' price was lower then other stores so I picked up a couple of cans. I headed home.

All in all, the perfect way to spend a warm weekend.