NOW ..............

I'd slept well for the first time in weeks and on Monday the 28th I started to drive down to New Brunswick. I had a Covid Test scheduled for 8AM prior to a medical procedure on Wednesday. I didn't get far. The police were out early redirecting traffic to accommodate the construction going on all over Woodbridge.

I had to take a less direct route but managed to get back to Main Street near Amboy Avenue and had a straight run from there. It was a Drive-through in the parking lot of the closed school across from the hospital. I found it easily enough and pulled in. No one was ahead of me. The nurse asked me the usual questions then handed me the nasal swab to do myself, which was interesting. I was in and out quickly, no pun intended, then drove home.

Tuesday the 29th I went to my 9:00 Therapy session at JFK in Edison. Afterwards, I headed down James Street to my 10:00 appointment with my Dermatologist. It's less then 5 minutes but I had to wait in my car until they called me. I finally got around to fixing the minutes on the clock in my car.

Of course, I'm gonna have to do the hour in a few days.

Wednesday the 30th my ex-wife drove me down to RWJ in New Brunswick for the medical procedure I mentioned - a Heart Catheterization. She dropped me off at 8:15 AM and picked me up around 7:30 PM. The procedure only took about 1/2 an hour. The rest of the time I spent on my back waiting for them to decide when the opening they made into one of the arteries in my groin was healed. At least they let me pick from a menu for dinner.

October started quietly. I went out every day to run errands and ordered all my Christmas presents online.

The 6th was a Tuesday and I drove to my weekly 9:00 Therapy session. I was planning on getting there early and eating breakfast in the car. That didn't happen. As I made the turn onto James Street this guy pulled out from a local parking lot. 

What should've taken 10 minutes turned into 20. I got there on time but breakfast had to wait.

There were only a couple of other appointments on my calendar and they were pretty well spread out over the rest of the month. Regardless of the weather, I went out. I used to like just staying home but now I needed to get out. Mask on and socially distanced, I needed to get out.

Friday the 9th, I stopped by my local Church. 

I said a few prayers and lit a candle. I figured it couldn't hurt.

While driving around on Monday I passed this guy.

Another person out without a mask. I kept driving. I was tempted but I didn't.

Tuesday I took Rahway to Main on my way to Therapy. I had a few bills to mail and I prefer to drop them off at the Post Office. There have been instances of "fishing" in the area and I didn't want to take any chances. As I passed the construction going on where the strip mall with my favorite bagel place was I noticed this woman.

I've seen her on and off over the years. I understand that she's homeless and has taken up staying on this bench which is diagonally across from the Municipal Building where the Police Station is. She's supposed to be harmless but I've also heard that she can be nasty. As I passed, I noticed that she was wearing a mask. I dropped off my bills and went to Therapy.

The next day I had an appointment with my ENT at 11:20. I thought that my earache was back. He checked me out, including scoping my throat, and said that there was no sign of an infection and he said that it could be TMD. He asked me to get a CT scan of my neck and to come back for a Hearing Test. I was able to schedule the scan for the next day at 9:30.

Thursday the 15th,I drove up to RWJ in Rahway for the scan. It was a nice, sunny morning but when I parked in the lot I noticed this woman.

It looked like she had all of her possessions in the cart. I couldn't help noticing that she was wearing a mask just like the woman on Main Street the other day.

Things were pretty quiet, again, for the next several days but the weather changed - it was getting cooler and clouding over.

My Therapy session was cancelled for Tuesday the 20th but I did have a follow-up with the Dermatologist. I took the back roads to get there and, at one point, saw this woman coming in my direction.

Again, no mask. But the area was too wide open.

Friday the 23rd, I was on my way up to the Library. I don't have a printer at home so I go there to use theirs. I stopped at the light at Richie Sambora Way and saw this guy.

I've seen him before also. I call him the Umbrella Man because he's always carrying one. And he had a mask, too. I wondered why those people I saw who are without had masks and those that are  "with" don't. 

I went to Mass on Sunday the 25th. I hadn't been there in months and it was interesting. The pews were marked where people could sit and the Priest and Deacon went around with Communion. They didn't have Altar Servers but they did have a small choir which was nice. On my way back home I was on Main Street when I had to stop.

That homeless woman was up and moving. "Good for her" I thought although I had no idea where she was going.

The new Managers for my building have been making some big changes to the structure since they bought it, most of which I haven't had a problem with. But when I came home yesterday after being out for several hours I was met with this.

They're replacing the flooring and steps in the vestibule and I had to carry my bags up a board to get in. I felt like a tightrope walker.

They worked all night and when I left to go to my last Therapy session this morning they'd made great progress.

The board was gone by the time I got home.

I went back out around 5:00 to check my mail. I got 2 bills, 2 pieces that don't belong to me (if the

mailman doesn't recognize the addressee he leaves it in my box. 9 times out of 10 I throw it away), and a blank envelop. No name, no address, no stamp. I don't know how it got in my box but I could feel that there was something in it. I opened it and found this.

A small coin taped to an index card. The word "NOW" is stamped into it. The only other marking was the letter "D" written on the back.

"D"?

Doyle?

I didn't know. And I don't know what it means. Is he warning me about something? Is there something he wants me to do? Is there something I missed that I should be doing?

I don't know. All I know is that it must mean something. Whatever it is it's ...

NOW.

 Smell The Roses ......

By Saturday the 19th I was pretty stressed out. I felt like every doctor I deal with had something worrying to say or something they wanted me to do. I needed a break and, since the Covid test and catheterization had been postponed for a week, I was about to get one.

Tuesday the 22nd I had a Swallow Therapy session that went well. We agreed, again, to cancel the Friday session and meet up the following Tuesday. I now had 5 days to myself, unless something popped up unexpectedly. I called my Cardiologist's office and asked when I should get the flu shot. I usually wait until the end of October but I was concerned about the current situation. They said the sooner the better.

Wednesday, I headed out to get my shot and, on a whim, decided to swing by my barber. 

I just wanted to see if they were still taking reservations but I saw the Early man sitting at the desk. I parked, put on my mask, and walked in. He took me right away and I was done in 20 minutes. Feeling good, I drove to my Pharmacy and got the flu shot without a problem.

Thursday was pretty quiet but I did get some interesting mail.

Besides the invoice for my October rent I got my Mail-in Ballot for the upcoming Presidential Election. I wasn't going to mail it back but intended to wait until the Ballot Drop-box was put up in front of City Hall.

Friday I was out running errands and decided to swing by the Municipal Building.

The Ballot Box was out already.

Saturday I drove up early to drop off my Ballot. I knew there was a Farmer's Market that uses the Parking Lot on Saturdays so I wanted to get there before they opened at 9. I got a space and cast my vote. Walking back to my car I noticed this.

I didn't know that there was a Rain Garden there even though I'd passed by several days a week. It made me wonder what else I'd missed seeing in my own neighborhood.

This morning, I set out to drive around and see what was out there. I drove up Rahway Avenue and stopped at the Barron's Art Center, pulling into their lot.

They have this great, bronze statue of a Native American that I'd never really looked at before.

I turned onto Freeman Street and pulled over on the right.

There's a very well preserved, house that someone actually lives in that dates back to 1685. The house itself is pretty non-descript but they do have one of these outside.

If I'd had a horse I would've tied up here. A little further up Freeman I pulled over on the left to get a better view of this.

It was a small Lion's Head Water Fountain outside of a wall surrounding a house. It was badly overgrown but I was impressed by how good it looked.

I drove around for another hour or so and found several other Historical Markers and architectural features that I thought were interesting including one outside of the Knights of Columbus building on the corner of Main Street and Amboy Avenue. I had no idea that George Washington had ever been to Woodbridge.

On my way back home I was on Linden Avenue when I saw this and had to pull over.

I had heard about these Free Libraries that people put out in front of their own homes but I'd never seen one before. It made me realize that there really were good people in the world, some of whom live by me.

Back at home I was feeling relaxed. I know what was coming up next week but it didn't worry me anymore. I think that there's a real benefit in the old saying. 

From now on I will make the time to stop and smell the roses.

 It Wasn't Going To  Last ...........

August ended well and September started out promising. I was enjoying driving again and I had very few doctor's appointments. I was feeling good but I should've known it wouldn't last.

Friday, August 28th, I had my first Swallow Therapy session at JFK Rehabilitation Center in Edison. It's a short drive and the parking was free. The session was half an hour and I could actually feel a slight improvement. I headed home listening to the radio when I came up to this.

Road work. The bane of every driver in New Jersey. Fortunately I wasn't going that way. I made the left.

Tuesday, September 1st, I left my house early to go to Shoprite before my Therapy session. I knew they were working on the construction site across the street and that police were always assigned to watch. This cop seemed to be uninterested in what was going on and was on his phone.

I've always thought that cops assigned to these sites was a waste of money. Useless, I thought, as I turned right.

I picked up a few things in Shoprite and got back in my car. 

It wouldn't start.

I tried it a few more times and I could hear her cranking but she didn't kick over. Thankfully, a cop had just finished shopping and came over to help. He got it started for me. I figured they weren't all useless. I cancelled my therapy and took the car to my mechanic. He called me later that afternoon to say he couldn't find anything wrong.

I picked up the car the next morning (no charge but I gave him $20) and started out to run some errands. It wasn't long before I started having problems again. She stalled out, which annoyed me, and I headed back to the mechanic. She stalled out twice more before she died completely on West James Street. I had to call AAA.

The mechanic called me later in the day. The Distributer needed to be replaced and it would cost about $400. I needed the car so I agreed.

I picked up the car the next morning again.

He told me I was going to need rear tires.

Everything was working well until Sunday the 6th. One of the dashboard lights came on.

I didn't know what it meant but I did know the mechanic was closed until Tuesday because it was Labor Day weekend.

Turned out I couldn't take her back on Tuesday because I had Therapy that morning at 9 and I'd already cancelled one session. Plus, I had a follow-up with the Dermatologist at 2. Therapy went well and I went home to have lunch. On the way to the Dermatologist I saw this guy.

.

We were the only ones around and I don't like bicyclists but he was walking his and he had a mask. I drove past.

I went to the mechanic the next day and he took a look at it. He said it was the exhaust system and a catalytic converter would be expensive. For now, he turned off the light and said to come back before the Registration was up and he'd turn it back on.

That Friday the 11th I had an appointment with my ENT. My ear had been bothering me again and I thought I should take care of it. It was at 10:15 so I drove there straight after my Therapy session. Turned out to be another ear ache. He explained that because I have a deviated septum I was very susceptible. He had a prescription for an antibiotic called in to my pharmacy.

I headed up to pick up the med the next morning and came up behind this woman.

She didn't have a mask but I recognized her. She's a Librarian in the Main Branch nearby. Besides, I thought, she probably has a mask in her bag. I drove on.

Monday the 14th my ex-wife drove me down to RWJ in New Brunswick for my annual Nuclear Stress Test and Echocardiogram. She didn't stay because the tests take about 4 hours. She dropped me off at 7:40 and I called her that I was done at 1:10. Later that afternoon I got a call from my Cardiologist. A part of my heart wasn't getting enough oxygen so they were going to set up a Catheterization to see what the problem is. Also, there was an indication that I might have some form of pneumonia in my lungs and would be contacting my Pulmonologist.

Tuesday the 15th I went to my Therapy session. The Tech said I was doing good so we cancelled Fridays.

Wednesday the 16th I drove back down to RWJ for blood work. I was in and out quickly and drove home. I was looking forward to nothing on my schedule for the rest of the week. That didn't last long. I got a call from my Primary who'd heard from my Cardiologist regarding my lungs. She insisted that I see the him as soon as possible so I managed to get an appointment for the next day at 11:15. A hour or so later I got a call from the Cardiologist that the catheterization was scheduled for Wednesday the 23rd at 9. Then I got another call from them. I need to have a Covid test before the procedure so we agreed on Monday the 21st at 8. It's a drive-thru so it won't take long. Still ...

Things were starting to pile up.

Thursday morning I had some time to kill so I did my wash, stopped at Shoprite, and had breakfast. I was at the Pulmonologist about 1/2 a hour early. He was worried about the test results and called in a favor setting me up for a CT scan of my chest for the next day. He couldn't get a specific time so recommended that I get there early.

I got to the Outpatient Center at JFK at 7:45 expecting to wait a while since I didn't have a specific time. I was lucky and was taken in around 8:50. The scan didn't take long and I waited for the film disc to take to the Pulmonologist. I dropped it off and when I got back to my car I saw this guy.

He was watching me as I got in and grinned when he saw that I noticed him. It wasn't Kellerman but was probably another one of Jones' flunkies. 

That afternoon I heard from the Pulmonologist. He's concerned about the spots he sees on the film and said I should postpone the procedures by a week while I take a stronger antibiotic that he prescribed. I rescheduled both the Catherization and the Covid test by a week.

Today I drove up to my Pharmacy and picked up the antibiotic. I stopped at Dunkin's and bought a medium iced decaf French Vanilla coffee and a Veggie Omelet sandwich. I was looking forward to a few days of nothing on my schedule. Again. But I knew ... 

it wasn't going to last.

 Public Service ....

Now that I was driving again - and having started to use the Flasher again - I found myself with a new mission. People who are out in public without a face mask pose a health risk to everyone else. Especially to me and my family. Somehow this seemed selfish to me. Fortunately, I had a way to deal with it.

Monday the 17th, I stopped at the Quick Check on Main Street to get a cup of ice. I needed it to make the iced coffee I'd left in the car colder. When I pulled in I saw these folks.

I figured that 2 of them were employees and the 3rd was a migrant worker waiting to get picked up. None of them had masks on. I didn't stop.

Wednesday the 19th I was out early and noticed these 2 cars.

They were in a yellow zone so they were parked illegally. In fact, the SUV has been parked in that area for at least the last week. Normally I wouldn't bother but they were now  blocking my view of oncoming traffic when I pulled out. I looked around. No one.

Pont, Press, Flash.

Hopefully, I got both of them. At least I knew the SUV wouldn't start. I got in my car and took the long way to Amboy Avenue.

Thursday the 20th I had the appointment for a Swallow Test at 8 AM in the JFK Rehabilitation Facility.

A staff member met me at the door and took my temperature. He gave me one of those blue surgical masks because cloth ones like I was wearing weren't allowed. The Tech asked me a bunch of questions then had me sample various foods/beverages. After she saw my reactions she recommended that I have a Barium Swallow Test which would actually let them use x-rays to see what was happening. I already had a scrip for it (because my Pulmonologist knew what would probably happen) and we scheduled it for the next day.

Friday the 21st I went back to JFK for the new test. After some more food/beverage samples that were treated with Barium the new Tech recommended that I set up an appointment with an on-staff Therapist. 

Saturday the 22nd, just as I started the car up I saw this  guy.

No mask but no  opportunity. I went ahead with my errands.

Monday the 24th I stopped at Dunkin's for a fresh iced coffee and saw this.

They were taking up way too much space which has always annoyed me. I looked but I was alone.

Point, press, Flash.

I went in to get my coffee and saw  2 guys I assumed were from the truck just getting their food. When I got back to my car, the guys were trying to get the truck to start. I got in and drove away.

That afternoon, I went back to the Dermatologist and he removed the cancerous growth from my jawline. He's done this sort of procedure for me so often that I knew what I'd have to do when I got home.

Yesterday I was out early. I hadn't slept well but I had things to do. I made a food run, stopping at Shoprite, Fresh Grocer, and Stop & Shop. I picked up a few things and headed down to my Pulmonologist's. He was supposed to leave a scrip for me so that I could schedule the Evaluation. The easy way there was closed due to road work and I had to take some back roads. Along the way I saw this guy coming towards me.

No mask. I was already aggravated so I closed the gap.

Point, Press, Flash.

I picked up the scrip and made the appointment for today.

This morning I drove back to JFK for my 9:30 appointment. Again, very helpful people who explained things to me and then ran a few tests. I was given some exercises to do and we set up a schedule for visits - every Tuesday and Friday at 9 AM for the next 5 weeks.

As I was leaving I realized that I hadn't taken my Zyrtec and my allergies were kicking in big time. I stopped at the nearest place - Target - and wound up buying their version which was $20 cheaper and had more pills. As I was getting back in my car I noticed this guy getting out of his.

I didn't pay any attention until I heard ..

"Mr. O'Neill please turn off your car."

I looked at the guy again. A bit on the heavy side but with a nice suit, crewcut, and holding hisbadge out in front of him. I'd seem similar ones before. DHS. I didn't turn the car off but I did lower the window.

"Yes?

"I'm S. A. Kellerman and I was sent to tell you that Mr. Jones is pleased that you've decided to rejoin the program."

I waited a couple of minutes but he didn't add anything to his statement.

"OK. Thanks for that, Kellerman...Wait ... Where's Wells? He's the one who usually brings me Jones' messages?" 

"I've been told that he's in Quarantine, having been exposed to the Virus." He put his badge back in his jacket and turned to go back. I took a chance.

"What do you know about S. A. C. Doyle?"

He stopped then turned to me. "Who? I don't think I know that name."

I shrugged and said,  "Never mind." Then rolled up my window. He walked away.

As I drove home I smiled to myself. Jones thinks I'm doing things for him but I have a different motive.

I consider what I'm doing a Public Service.

Do What They Want ...... 

Being in my own apartment on my own again  and doing what I want to do is great but there is a catch. I wasn't allowed to drive yet - the Physical Trainer and Visiting Nurse have to sign off first. Still, there are a few places I could walk to.

The last week in July, I started by walking to my local Walgreen's.

It's down on the next corner and across the street and I take my time getting there. I would pick up the paper, maybe a snack or two, and whatever over-the-counter med I needed.

The Physical Trainer came by on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, signing off on her involvement at her last visit. The Visiting Nurse came by on Wednesday but wanted another session the following week so I still couldn't drive.

I still had to rely on my ex-wife to drive my to my doctor appointments and so I could do whatever shopping I needed to get done.

Saturday the 25th, we drove to my ENT in Edison for a follow-up. My ear infection was gone.

Tuesday the 28th, we drove to the Radiologist's in Rahway. He checked me out and said I was looking good. That afternoon, we drove to my Dermatologist' in Edison. He took off a piece of the small growth on the side of my face to have a biopsy done.

Thursday the 30th, the Visiting Nurse came for the last time. She signed off on my case. Now I could drive again.

Friday the 31st, I drove up to Atlantic Tires in Avenel (my ex-wife followed me).

I knew there was a problem with the front driver's side tire but I wound up replacing both front ones. I didn't care about the cost, I was just happy to be driving again.

From Saturday August 1st through Monday August 10th I had my first real "exposure" to what the current pandemic situation was really like. I guess I wasn't paying attention while I was hospitalized and recuperating but now that I was on my own I noticed things. People in store and doctor's offices wore masks but a lot of those out just walking or jogging didn't.

Mostly younger people but it annoyed me. I understand that they're looking after their health but I'm more concerned about mine. They should have masks with them.

Tuesday the 11th, I had a teleconference scheduled with my dermatologist. Since I can't do that with the equipment I have, I drove up to my ex-wife's. While I was warming up the car I saw this guy.

I used to be happy to see him out there in the morning getting his exercise but not anymore. He didn't have a mask. 

The dermatologist said he needed to remove the entire growth and we scheduled it in his office for the 18th (rescheduled for the 25th).

Wednesday the 12th, I had a 1:40 appointment with a pulmonologist. I had a CAT scan of my chest done last month and my Primary wasn't happy with what she saw. I was out driving around when they called and asked to move my appointment up to 10:00. That was fine by me. He was a nice guy and thought that it wasn't serious but he wanted me to have a Swallow Test done at JFK. I scheduled it for Thursday the 20th at 8. On my way back I passed this woman.

Another jogger without a mask.

Friday the 14th was my Birthday and I met my ex-wife and her husband at the Denny's in Avenel.

They finally set up a tent outside and we enjoyed a really good meal. Later on, we got together again for lunch at their house and were joined by the kids and our granddaughter. It was a great day.

That night I got a text from Doyle. It was then that I realized that I hadn't heard from him in a while. He wished me a Happy Birthday and was glad that I was almost back to normal. Then he said he'd be out of touch for a while because they were reassigning him. He closed by saying, "If you think hard about it, Denny, you'll do what they want."

I was up most of the night trying to figure that out.

Yesterday the 15th I was driving around when I saw this guy up ahead.

Another guy without a mask. 

I was going to drive past but I changed my mind. There was only one thing to do.

I turned the corner, checked the area while I waited for the jogger, then ..

Point, press, Flash.

I drove home.

I was out again this morning but it was raining and I didn't see anyone else. I did follow this car up Rahway Avenue though.

It looked like the same make and model as mine so it was like following myself.

I've been thinking a lot about why I used the Flasher yesterday and about Doyle's message. I stopped  originally because I didn't believe in the mission anymore and then Jones threatened my family. It was  veiled but still. Shortly after that, Doyle mentioned that Jones was never a Field Agent and I realized that I could use the Flasher on him since he wouldn't have a Tracker in him. But how would I get close enough? 

Starting again might be the way of getting close to Jones and I could use the Flasher on these walker/joggers who don't wear masks. Seems simple to me. Just ..

Do what they want.

Home Alone .............

As I mentioned before, I was released from the Rehab Facility on Thursday June 18th. Today is Saturday July 18th. One month. I spent a month recuperating at my ex-wife's house. Looking back on that time, it doesn't seem that long. Of course, there was a lot going on which kept things moving.

Friday, June 19th, I had an early morning phone conference with my Oncologist. He was just checking in. That was the first day that I found out that my ex and her husband liked to eat their meals on the deck out back.

It was a comfortable spot as long as I was covered by the umbrella.

Tuesday the 23rd I had an appointment with my Primary Physician at 9:00 who ragged on me for not telling her I was hospitalized. Oh well, you can't please everyone. That afternoon I had a telephone conference with my Visiting Nurse. We discussed what would need to be done and set up a schedule. She would come by 1 day a week and the Physical Therapist would come by 3 days - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Thursday June 25th I was finally able to get my haircut. I had a 9AM appointment at the Main Street Barber Shop and was seen by Daisy, who did a great job of covering up the amateur attempt I did in the Rehab place. That afternoon, I had a follow-up appointment at 3:45 with the doctor who'd been handling me during my Hospital/Rehab stay. On the way back, I suggested that we hit McDonald's for dinner (so my ex wouldn't have to cook). I paid and we ate on the deck. I had a McNuggets Happy Meal and wound up with this.

A Minion! My Granddaughter will get a kick out of this.

Monday the 29th, we drove down to RWJ in New Brunswick for Blood Work at 8AM.

Thursday July 2nd, I had a 9:45 appointment with my Urologist. My Prostate has shrunk and they drew blood for a PSA test (Prostate Specific Antigen). I'd get the results in a few days.

Monday the 6th, I had a 1:30 appointment with my ENT. Turned out I have an ear infection and he gave me a scrip for antibiotics and a nasal spray. That afternoon after the Physical Therapist left I decided to add something to my routine.

I started going up and down the stairs to the attic. I could handle them pretty well but it was really hot up there.

Thursday the 9th, we were back in New Brunswick for Blood Work at 8AM and a visit with the Cardiologist at 9. Everything seems to going well.

Friday the 10th was a big day for me. P. C. Richard's delivered the Mattress Set and Recliner that we bought on the 4th (they were over 35 years old so it was time). The Mattress/Box Spring set is excellent and the chair ....

isn't just a Recliner, it's a Rocker too! I have to tell you that it's great!

I had a tele-conference that afternoon with my Dermatologist and showed him a growth on my right jaw-line. We agreed that I'd go to see him on the 28th to have it removed. I called about my PSA and was told it was down to 0.03. Excellent!

Monday the 13th was a tele-conference with the Oncologist to discuss my Hemoglobin Levels. It's good - going up slowly but good.

Tuesday the 14th I was at RWJ Rahway at 9 AM for a CAT scan of my chest.

Wednesday the 15th, I had a 9 AM follow-up with the Radiologist. Again, all good. We swung by my apartment and cleaned around to prepare for my return.

I stopped to check out my car and she started right up again. The Visiting Nurse said I can't drive until they sign-off. Hopefully, that will be soon.

Thursday the 16th, we had breakfast outdoors at our local Perkin's.

It was a bit breezy but enjoyable. The food, the service, and the company were great. We stopped at Shoprite to pick up some stuff for my refrigerator. Then, we went to my place.

I was home.

Friday the 17th my ex and her husband took me to Miller's for lunch. Afterwards, they came to my place with a new TV and stand for my Living Room. Unfortunately, they couldn't get the stand put together so they took it to their house.

Today I'm alone in my own house. I went in to the hospital on May the 13th so, except for a few short visits, I haven't been here in over 2 months. I slept better last night then I have in a while. I ate on my own schedule and I did my exercises sitting in my new chair.

I love my family but nothing compares to being ....

home alone.