A Couple Of May Days ..........

I've mentioned before that I've had a problem with my car starting on damp, rainy days. Also, that there's been some problem with my Blood Work (partly because I couldn't get there because of the car). A couple of weeks ago I decided to be proactive. I went down to RWJ for a follow-up test then dropped off the car at my mechanics. Rain was predicted for that night and the next day so I was hopeful that he'd be able to finally identify the problem.

It poured.

He called around 4 to say that the car started without a problem. I got a call around 5 from my Cardiologist's. My numbers are back to normal.

I can't explain why these things happened but I'm glad they did.

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I've been out, driving around, ever since then. I spent so many days in my Apartment because the car wouldn't start that I feel obligated to get out there every day.

Saturday, there was a Merchant's Fair scheduled for 11:00 AM on Main Street which is very close to where I live. When they have these events, the parking around my block becomes difficult. I was out early and started at Dunkin' Donuts.

As I passed the blue car in the Handicapped spot I noticed that he didn't have plates or a hanger. There were several people ahead of me on the line and a few others eating at the tables. I picked up my order and left. That car was still there.

I drove around the Parking Lot and slowed beside it.

Point, press, Flash.

He's gonna have to call for a tow and, hopefully, get a ticket at the same time.

I picked up some food for lunch/supper, got a good spot by my place, and - actually - walked up to check out the Fair (and meet up with my girls).

Sunday was sunny and a bit warmer. I slept in a bit longer then usual and headed out about 8:30. I hit the Dunkin' Donuts in Avenel and then took New Brunswick Avenue up to Iselin. I came up behind this guy.

He was minding his own business and I decided to, also.

I stopped at Foodtown and picked up some Spare Ribs. I decided to head towards the Target in Edison. I didn't need anything but I was enjoying the drive.

I made the left onto Grove and saw this person up ahead.

There was no one around.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued on Grove then turned onto James Street. This becomes Parsinage Road on the other side of Route 27 and leads up to Target. I browsed around for a while but didn't get anything. I headed home.

I wound up on Thornall Road that leads to a Business Complex and the Metro Park Train Station. That's where I saw this guy.

It looked like he was headed to work. Since it was a Sunday, I left him alone and headed home.

Today is another dreary, rainy day. I was tempted to stay home but I worry that, if I do, the car won't start tomorrow. I went out around 8.

I took Rahway to Freeman, heading towards Amboy. That's where I saw this guy.

It was not a great day to be walking around and I drove by.

The rain got heavy at times so there weren't too many people walking around. I was out for about 2 hours and got home a little after 10.

I had some French Onion Soup for Lunch.

Just a couple of normal days in May.

So Far, So Good ............

It's now 2 weeks into April and, for the most part, things have been going smoothly. My only problems have been several requests to repeat my recent blood work and the continuing saga with my car not starting when it was raining overnight.

Last week, we celebrated my Granddaughter's 2nd Birthday. It was Wednesday, and it was just the immediate family. Pizza, presents, and Birthday Cake. Sunday, as many of our extended family who could came out for a great time in the back yard and the warm weather.

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We're in this great streak of warm weather although that has a tendency to make the Pollen Levels go up and I have to deal with that. Monday morning I spent some time with the Baby. Tuesday, I ran some errands - driving around with the windows down just enjoying the warmth. Today, I decided to make a Library run, which I haven't done in a while.

I was out early and stopped at Shoprite. I picked up a few things and bought my breakfast at their Dunkin' Donuts counter. Back at my car, I noticed this guy.

Here we have 2 of my pet peeves at one time - School buses and people taking up too many spaces. I drove through the lot and came up behind him.

Point, press, Flash.

Feeling good, I stopped at the Main Library branch on Amboy. There was nothing interesting.

I've had some luck with the Rahway Library so I headed up there. It's in their Municipal Complex and surrounded by a Residential Area. On my way there, I saw this woman jogging.

Good for her. I drove on. Again, I didn't find anything. That didn't bother me - I was just enjoying the drive.

I headed toward Metuchen. I took Inman to Grove then cut through a development. That's where I saw this guy. I think he was waiting for a ride.

He looked right at me as I got closer and I just drove on by.

Nothing interesting in the Metuchen Library either.

Since I was close, I decided to stop at Target. Easter is coming up and I wanted to pick up some things. When I got back to my car, I saw this guy.

I thought that it might be Doyle or someone he sent considering it was one of those black, anonymous SUV's. I waited in my car but nothing happened.

I drove home.

I have to go to New Brunswick tomorrow to finish up the whole Blood Work situation (I hope).

All in all, I'm having a good April.

So far, so good.

March - Just Saying ............

I've arranged with my Daughter and Son-in-law to swing by a couple of mornings a week to spend time with my Granddaughter. We chose Tuesday and Friday mornings. The first week, I went over when I got a text that she was awake and she's had breakfast, which was usually around 9:00. Then I got to thinking ... my Son-in-law works nights so if I were to go over when my Daughter leaves for work around 7:20, I could go in and watch the monitor while he sleeps in.

I would wake up around 6:00, do a few routine things, and drive to Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast which I would eat in the car. That first week, I noticed this white SUV parked off to the side. The only other place that's open this early is a Pre-school so I figured it must belong to someone in there.

I text when I'm on my way and it worked out pretty well.

The following week, I was sick with a stomach virus so I missed out.

The week after that, we got hit with a snow storm on the Tuesday. Fortunately, it was only about 4 inches and I cleaned off/dug out that afternoon. Unfortunately, they plowed me back in and it froze over. I had to wait for my Son-in-law to come over on Thursday to help me out. I was able to go Friday.

Last week, we moved my days to Wednesday and Friday. Wednesday, I was back at Dunkin' Donuts and so was the white SUV.

My Granddaughter and I had a good time and I left around noon. I decided to pick up a sandwich from Quick Chek. I pulled into their parking lot and saw this guy.

He was just standing in the Parking Lot scratching off a lottery ticket. It's been a while.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove to Subway's instead.

Thursday, I drove down to New Brunswick for my quarterly Blood Work. I was early and out quickly. I took my usual Route 27 drive home.

There was still a lot of snow around the corners. I noticed this bike rider darting in and out of my lane because of it.

I don't like bike riders but it was just too open.

Friday, I was back Babysitting and, again, left around noon. I tried for Quick Chek again, this time for their Steak Shredded Potato Bowl.

This time, I came across this poor guy.

I figured that he was having enough trouble, besides, I really wanted that Bowl.

Saturday, I picked up some Board Games for my Granddaughter's Birthday in April.

Today it was raining when I went out and the car wouldn't start. I'm beginning to think that she won't start when it's damp out.

I just got a call from my Cardiologist's office. For some reason, they didn't get my tacrolimus level results. They need that to keep my anti-rejection meds in balance.

I have to go back Thursday morning.

March can't end soon enough for me.

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.