Close To Normal ........

For a February, It's been a long month. Early on, a family member drove me down to New Brunswick for my annual Cardiology tests. I've driven myself the last few years but I've been having problems with my car and I was afraid of getting stuck down there. (Plus, last year, I had a really bad reaction to the Nuclear Stress Test and I was worried about that.)

A week later, I had a CT scan done in Metuchen.

A week after that, I had an Esophageal X-ray done in Edison.

The results were all good.

And then we had a snow storm.

I went out around 2 in the afternoon and dug out/cleaned off my car. While I was doing that, I started her up and let her run. The next day was warmer and I pulled out of my spot and headed for Shoprite to pick up a few things.

That's where I saw this guy.

I'm wearing a heavy coat in my car and he's out there in just a sweat shirt walking home. I was tempted but you gotta give credit where it's due.

A couple of days later, I drove up to Walmart to pick up a prescription that was ready. I saw this School Bus parked in their lot.

I'm not a big fan of School Buses but I understand what they do and I always stop when necessary. However, I do get annoyed if the driver decides to take up 4 spaces in a parking lot.

Point, press, Flash.

I didn't wait to see what happened.

I got to see my Granddaughter on Valentine's Day, so that was great (although my Daughter was ill and couldn't make it).

I was out and about a day or two later and was sitting in my car drinking my morning coffee when I saw this guy.

I watched him come down off the highway and make his way through the lot. He passed by and headed towards the stores behind me. If he was willing to walk that far for work I thought I should let him do it.

I met my Daughter and Granddaughter at Denny's for breakfast on Saturday. That was fun. When I got home, I checked my mailbox. Turns out, I have a parking ticket from Newark.

I haven't been to Newark in years and I've never driven there. My options were to plead guilty and pay the ticket or to contest it and go to Newark Municipal Court. I'm guessing that the Meter Person made a mistake with the plate number or - when it was entered into the system - it mas mistyped. Either way, I bit the bullet and paid the ticket rather then have to go to Newark Municipal Court.

This morning, I headed out to enjoy the day and pick up a few things. I took Rahway to Green Street heading to a nearby Dunkin' Donuts. It's actually on Amboy but it's in a strip mall that has a side turn-off on Green. I was doing the 25 MPH speed limit and - just before I was about to turn - a car came from behind me and cut me off, turning into where I was going. I had to brake hard, then followed him in.

I saw him park and pulled in near him. It looked like he was on his phone.

I waited a bit but he didn't get out or look at me. I went in to Dunkin's and picked up some breakfast. On my way back to my car, the guy who cut me off was coming in. We looked at each other. I smiled and wished him a good day. He nodded back. I got in my car, started it up, then looked out my side window.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove away thinking that now he'd have time to enjoy his breakfast while he waits for a tow truck.

I drove up Amboy and took the jug handle to Shoprite. I saw this guy trying to keep the hood up on his coat.

I'm in my car in a light jacket because I didn't think it was that cold out. Still, everyone is different.

I drove into the lot, parked, and picked up a few things.

       

I haven't been babysitting my Granddaughter for a while because my Son-in-law's work shift has changed. Yesterday, my Daughter and Son-in-law both texted me and suggested that I come by once or twice a week anyway. Tomorrow I'll be there with Apple Sauce, Strawberries, and some Chocolate Donuts.

Not quite the same but close to normal.

Before The Storm ..........

It's been a long couple of weeks.

I'm still exercising my hip and leg, and they're getting better. A couple of my doctor's have asked me to get some scans because they have some "concerns" about some recent test results so I have to schedule those. Also, I've got my yearly Cardio Tests scheduled for the 31st so I have those to deal with, too.

I mentioned before that circumstances have changed but I did get to spend some time with my Granddaughter. She's so enthusiastic about things and her vocabulary has really increased - although, sometimes -  I do have a problem understanding what she's talking about. I did promise her that I'd get her a simple jigsaw puzzle for our next visit.
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Just after New Year's Day, when school started again, I added another type of person to my "I Don't Like You" list - Crossing Guards. They wave that sign around for no apparent reason and they disregard the law.

It didn't make a difference to this guy that there's a street light right there - if someone wanted to cross he stopped traffic. Unfortunately, I couldn't do anything about it.

I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast. (I recently got this free travel mug from them that holds an extra-large coffee and, until the end of March, it's cheaper then a medium. I can't drink it all but I'm saving money.) I drove up into Avenel to pick up the paper. That's when I saw this guy.

I was still kinda annoyed but it was cold out and he was walking.

I drove home.

A week later, I went out and had a problem starting my car. I did the whole cranking the key/pumping the gas thing and she finally kicked in. I drove up Rahway to Freeman and headed towards Auto Zone. I saw this guy up ahead.

I was too concerned about the car to do anything.

I spent about an hour at Auto Zone and got a new battery.

I was out and about for the next several days.

Last week, I went out to run some errands and the car wouldn't start again. This time I wound up calling AAA. They sent a guy out to check the battery but that wasn't a problem since it was new. I wound up getting towed to my mechanic's. He called me later in the afternoon to say that they checked everything and couldn't find anything wrong.

I picked up the car the next morning and she started right up. At least he didn't charge me.

I headed towards Walmart. I was still leery about the car but I wanted to see if I could find a puzzle for my Granddaughter. Along the way, I saw this guy.

I've been dealing with a lot.

Point, press, Flash.

I found a really great puzzle at Walmart and I can't wait to see my Granddaughter's reaction.

Yesterday, I left my house around 9. My Pharmacy had called the day before and told me that they had two scrips ready for pick up. Of course, the car wouldn't start again.  I tried several times over the next couple of hours but nothing happened and, since my mechanic is closed on Sundays, there was nothing I could do. I had a friend pick me up so I could get my meds.

I went out this morning just before 9. I was expecting to have to call AAA again for a tow but the car started right up. I let her run for a while then drove to the mechanic's. He said that they'd checked everything last week and I should give it another few days. I wasn't happy about that but what could I do?

Since there's a Nor'Easter coming in I drove up to Shoprite to pick up some things. I parked near this guy. I've mentioned before that I don't like it when a bus/truck driver takes up too much space but this guy pushed it too far.

Four spaces? Really? New York plates?

Point, press, Flash.

Enjoy your stay in the Garden State.

I felt a lot better.

I bought a few things and drove home.

I'm ready for the storm.

'Tis The Season ............

I haven't been out and around much this past month. There's been a change in our family circumstances so I haven't had to Babysit and - at the same time - my slight hip displacement flared up. I've been taking extra-strength Acetaminophen, using IcyHot with Lidocaine, using a cane, and doing a series of exercises to strengthen the tendons. It was tough for a while but these last couple of weeks have been good. I stopped using the cane and cut way back on the pain killers but I'm still doing the exercises.

I had done most of my Christmas shopping on-line and did the rest in about an hour in one store. I was on a roll and got everything wrapped that same day.

I spent Christmas with the family and it was great!

I did not go to the stores yesterday. I'm not a fan of crowds.

Today, however, I did have a couple of things I wanted to get done. I wasn't in any rush so I didn't leave my house until about 8:30. It was overcast, but warm. I took Rahway to Freeman, heading towards the bank. Along the way, I came up behind this guy doing that fast-walking thing.

Like I said, I haven't been out too much.

Point, press, Flash.

I stopped at the bank and made a deposit. I drove over to Shoprite to pick up breakfast at their Dunkin' Donuts counter. I pulled into the lot and went for a spot but some woman pulled into it from the other side. I had to take another spot but I wasn't happy about it. I got out and watched as she went into the store.

If she wanted the spot she could have it until roadside assistance showed up.

Point, press, Flash.

I picked up my breakfast to eat in the car and then drove up into Avenel for the paper. I turned up the side street by Denny's and saw this guy behind the local garden center.

I'm not sure what he was doing but I saw a police car in my driver's side mirror so I drove on by.

I then headed to the Barnes & Noble's at the Menlo Park Mall. I'd gotten a book for Christmas that I didn't really care for and - luckily - it came with a gift receipt. I didn't have to wait long and took a store credit (which I then used to buy a gift for my Daughter's upcoming Birthday).

When I got back to my car, I found a black SUV parked next to it. The passenger-side window slid down and a hand came out.

"Happy Holidays, Denny!"

"The same to you, Doyle."

We shook hands.

"Sorry I haven't been in touch much lately but with the new President-elect spending time in New York, New Jersey, and Florida we're kinda stretched thin. But I have been checking on you and glad to see that your Lab results are good and that you're working on the leg. Have they scheduled your tests yet?"

If there's one thing that doesn't surprise me about Doyle is that he really does keep an eye on what's going on.

"No, not yet. I'm gonna wait until after New Year's before I follow up."

I decided to put him on the spot.

"So ........ I'm guessing that you know where I was on Christmas. Where were you?'

He ducked his head for a minute then looked up with a sort of grin on his face.

"OK. Fair enough. I know what you did so you should know what I did."

He paused.

"I spent the day with my Brother's family. I try to do that every year but it's not always easy. He's got 3 boys - 9, 11, and 12. We open presents, toss around a football in the back yard, and lie about what we do for a living. Oh, and his wife is a good cook."

"Sounds good..... I'm happy for you."

It was getting awkward.

"Look, Denny, I gotta go. ... Just wanted to let you know .."

"Yeah, I know. Happy New Year, Doyle."

He reached out and we shook again.

"Happy New Year, Denny."

The window rolled up and they drove away. It was only then that I realized that I forgot to ask about Gordon.

Oh, well.

I headed for home. I saw this guy on a bike just up ahead.

This stretch of road is empty, has very little traffic, and I really don't like bike riders.

Still ....

I'd just had an interesting conversation with a friend and I was feeling good.

I drove on by.

'Tis the season.

A Good Day ..........

This year, I had to renew my Driver's License in person. I only have Thursdays available because of my babysitting schedule so I waited until today, the middle of the month. The closest office to me is in Rahway but that place is always crowded. I decided to drive down to the one in Airport Plaza in Hazlet.

I knew that they opened at 8 so I left my house at 7:15. I took Route 9 South to 35 and then took the left onto 36. Traffic was lighter then I expected and moving quickly. I had to keep checking my speed to keep within the limits.

Just before I got there, I noticed this guy.

I was going to turn off soon so I took the chance.

Point, press, Flash.

I got to the office at 7:50, 10 minutes before they opened. There were 4 people in line already.

In New Jersey, you need 6 Points of Identification in order to get/renew a License. These are a combination of documents that include a Digital License that you already have, a Social Security Card, a Medicare Card, a Birth Certificate, etc. I had everything ready.

When they opened, I was directed to the appropriate line, waited a few minutes, went through the process, picked up my new License and was on my way back up by 8:15.

I stopped at Shoprite and picked up a few things.

I bought my Lotto tickets at a local Krauser's.

I went to Walmart to look for some winter shoes but didn't find anything I liked. I did get some Multi-vitamins though.

I headed home. Along the way, I saw this guy coming towards me.

It happens that way sometimes.

Point, press, Flash.

When I got there, I checked my mail and found a package from Amazon that contained a Christmas present that I'd ordered for a family member. I was a little worried about this because I'd had a problem a few weeks ago with another delivery but this one worked out.

I'd been home for a while when I got a call from Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick. I had a Nuclear Stress Test scheduled for 9 AM on the 25th but she told me that they wouldn't have a doctor available and would like to reschedule. We agreed on December 1st. Now I won't have to get up early on the day after Thanksgiving.

It was a good day.

An Extra Day ............

Yesterday was Thursday so I didn't have to babysit but I did have things to do. I had an early morning appointment with my Radiation Oncologist so I was up and out at my usual time. It was actually pretty nice out so I didn't mind.

I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts and picked up some breakfast. I took Inman to Jefferson and turned right. That's where I saw this guy.

I've mentioned before that I don't like bike riders but at least this guy was staying close to the curb. I passed by.

I was in and out pretty quickly. The Nurse took my vitals, updated my meds, and then the Doctor came in. He checked my glands but - because I have a really bad gag reflex - he couldn't look down my throat so he just took my word for how I felt and wants to see me in another 3 months. I set up the appointment but I'm thinking of not going back.

I took the back streets past the Hospital towards St. George. I saw this guy clearing the leaves away from the curb.

Have you noticed that they wear mufflers over their ears because the noise is so loud? So have I. I find the noise very annoying but this area was too open and I had to drive by.

I made a quick stop at Shoprite and headed home. I was expecting a package from Amazon and, since they screwed me the first time, I wanted to be home for this one.

(Let me explain. Just after Halloween, I came across some things that I thought would make great Christmas presents and I ordered them from Amazon. I was notified that they shipped within 2 days and would arrive on Monday, the 7th. When I got home that day there was no package so I logged in and checked my order. It was listed as having been delivered the previous day - Sunday, the 6th - and left in my mailbox. There was no way the package would fit in my mailbox. Long story short - I spoke to an Amazon Rep and the Post Office. Amazon agreed to resend the items and the Post Office would look into the situation and get back to me within 72 hours.)

The first thing I did when I got home was to check my status and it said that my order was out for delivery. I checked every half hour or so and spent a lot of time looking out the window. Apparently I missed the guy because around 1 in the afternoon the status changed to "Delivered, signed by Rivera". I don't know anyone named Rivera - in fact, I don't know any of my neighbors - but I went out into the hallway to check things out. Turns out that Apartment 4 was recently vacated and the people who were cleaning up before rerenting had signed for it.

I had my package.

I tried calling the Post Office about the original delivery but all I could get was an automated message that they were working on it. just before 7 last night, I got a call from someone at the Woodbridge Post Office. They hadn't found anything yet but they'd call me again on Saturday.

We'll see.

This morning I slept a bit longer then usual because I got an extra day off this week - there's a Teacher's Conference and my Daughter is off. I wanted to sleep in but I had something to do so I dragged myself out. As I was warming up the car, this pigeon landed on my windshield.

I honked the horn but it didn't bother her, she just strutted back and forth as I sat there. I was about to drive away when she left on her own. Turned out that one of my neighbors has been tossing out food for the neighborhood birds and she was just waiting for breakfast.

I drove up into Avenel. I promised a friend that I would check on her dog while she was away. That's where I came across this guy.

He was walking in the street when there was a perfectly good sidewalk nearby.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued on my way. I let the dog out and made sure that she had enough food and water.

I stopped at Shoprite and picked up some pre-cooked meals. I headed home to put them in the fridge. I took Freeman and saw this guy across the street. I pulled over, parked, and pretended to use my phone until he passed me.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued on my way.

There's nothing I like better then an extra day off.

Waiting ..............

I don't like to wait unnecessarily. I understand that there are situations where waiting is required and I can accept them. It's the times where a wait occurs unexpectedly - or when the expected wait becomes too long - that I don't like.

______________________________________________________________________________

This past Saturday, I went out to run some errands. I had no specific plan but I was hoping to take the paper to the Mall and spend some quiet time there. Things were going well until I headed towards Menlo. That's where the traffic got backed up because of these people.

It seems that every Saturday and Sunday there's some group out at every intersection asking for money. These guys, I think, were asking for support for their sports/cheerleading squads at a school that's no where near this corner. I had to wait for the light to change twice before I got this close.

I was tempted but there was nothing I could do.

Sunday I stayed home and waited for it to stop raining.

Monday was a free day for me. School's were closed because of Columbus Day so I didn't have to Babysit. It was cold when I left the house and I actually had to do the "clear the windows" routine for the first time. I made a few stops, one of which was a local convenience store to get my Lottery tickets. When I came out, I saw this guy.

I think he was looking for something in his pocket and I waited a while, watching him. It annoyed me that he was out there in a sleeveless T and shorts and I was cold. I backed out, turned to the right, and drove around behind the building. As I passed him ...

Point, press, Flash.

I had everything I needed so I drove home.

Tuesday I Babysat. The only waiting I did was while my Granddaughter napped.

Yesterday, I was "off" again for a School Holiday. I slept in and then decided to get a haircut. They open at 8 but I've been going there for years and know that the early guy is always late. I got there at 8:10 and still had to wait 10 minutes before he showed up. Still, I was the first customer there.

I then drove to the Comcast office in Avenel. The TV box for my Living Room set died several weeks ago and, since I had some free time, I drove over to swap it out. On the way, I saw this guy.

Another one of those "right place, wrong time" things.

Point, press, Flash.

I got to Comcast early and had to wait about 10 minutes before they opened. There was one woman ahead of me. When they opened, there were 2 clerks at the desk so I didn't have to wait long. I got the replacement box and the guy wrote down the number I needed to call to activate it.

When I got home I connected the new box, called the number, and got the unit activated. My Living Room TV was working again.

Ironically, when I went to write this up and post it yesterday afternoon everything went dark.  There was a "service disruption" in the area and they expected that service would be restored by 9 PM.

I had to wait until today to post this.

Last One For Weeks ..............

The last couple of weeks in September were busy ones.

I Babysat 4 out of 5 of the weekdays, and we walked up to the Library or the Park when weather permitted.

I had doctor's appointments on both Thursdays and on one Saturday. No real bad news but one guy wants me to get an x-ray on my throat. The good news is that the MRI  results were in. There's no sign of herniation in the discs and no cancer in the bone. I have an exercise regimen and a follow-up appointment in 3 months.

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Saturday, October 1st, was the first day of a 4-day weekend for me (my Daughter is off today and tomorrow). I was up early and headed up to get an oil change. I cut through Avenel so that I would come down St. George and saw this guy up ahead.

Sometimes, this is how it happens.

Point, press, Flash.

I stopped at the oil change place and, since the price seemed reasonable, had my wipers replaced also.

It was still early so I drove up St. George and made a left on Inman. I stopped at the Foodtown in Colonia but didn't get anything. On the way out, I noticed this guy trimming the hedges in front of a nearby bank.

There was a light mist out there and I figured that he was miserable enough. I made the left back to St. George and stopped at Shoprite. I bought some fried chicken and a can of chili and drove home.

Sunday, October 2nd, was another dreary day. I was out a little later then usual and picked up the paper and my lottery tickets. I stopped at the Denny's on St. George for breakfast - an omelet, wheat toast, and unsweetened iced tea. Afterward, I cut through a Krauser's parking lot to get to Avenel Street. That's where I saw this guy.

Just another guy having to do a job on a Sunday in crappy weather.

I made the left on Avenel down to Rahway and headed home.

Two blocks away, I saw this guy.

I made the right into the parking lot as he turned the corner.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove around the building, made a left onto Freeman, a right onto Rahway, and headed home.

This morning, the 3rd, I slept in even later but I did have an appointment with my ENT at 10:30 so I was out around 8:15. I stopped at Shoprite and picked up a box of Honey Nut Cheerios on sale (my Granddaughter likes them). I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts and read my book while eating a Blueberry Muffin, toasted, with butter and a Medium Iced Tea, Black. I took the long way to the doctor's office and came up behind this guy.

I've said before that I don't like bike riders on major streets. I particularly don't like guys in spandex and helmets. They think that they own the road. I waited until I was very close.

Point, press, Flash.

I got to Parsonage Road and turned right. This becomes James Street in Edison. I took this to Grove and turned right again. I followed this up and turned right on Inman. Two blocks later, I made a left onto Progress and turned into the first lot on the right.

I waited 20 minutes past my appointment time before he saw me which is actually not too bad for him. Long story short, things are looking good and I don't have to go back for 6 months.

On the way out of the complex I noticed this guy.

The sun had broken through for a bit and I was in a good mood. I got to the corner and turned left on Inman.

I stopped at Subway's and picked up a 12-inch Pastrami on Italian with Swiss, Sweet Peppers, and Mustard.

I went home.

I'm "off" tomorrow and I'm "off" Monday and Wednesday next week. More importantly, I don't have anything medical scheduled for a while.

Today was the last one for weeks.