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

I had a good jump on the Christmas Season this year having gotten most of my presents in November. I was hesitating on the last few because I wasn't sure which way I wanted to go with them. Then it snowed.

Sunday, the 10th, I woke up to this.

Not too bad, but sloppy. I went out around 10 AM and cleaned off my car.

Monday, the 11th, I woke up with a really bad stomach virus that lasted most of the week. By Friday I was better. Saturday, I went out to pick up some groceries. Sunday, I picked up the last of the presents, wrapped everything, and put out my decorations.

I was feeling good.

Monday, the 18th, I had an appointment with my Dermatologist. 

It was for 9:45 and he saw me at 9:50. He wound up taking a carcinoma off of my neck and I have to go back in a few weeks for a follow-up.

Tuesday, the 19th, I drove up to Walmart to pick up a prescription that they had ready for me.

The Pharmacy opens at 9 AM and I was there on time. I picked up my scrip and then spent the rest of the morning with my Granddaughter.

Wednesday, the 20th, I woke up early so I decided to do my laundry.

I like this place because they use a card system that I can reload using my Debit Card and I don't have to stockpile quarters.

Thursday, the 21st, I had a Urologist Appointment.

It was for 10:45 and I didn't get called into the private waiting room until 11:30 and I didn't get out of the office until 12:25. I have to find someone else.

Today, I woke up around 6 AM and I couldn't get back to sleep. I decided to drive up to Wegman's to pick up a few things. As I drove along Main Street, I noticed this guy.

I've mentioned before that I don't like bike riders but this guy was on the sidewalk, which is OK by me.

I picked up a few things and dropped them off at my apartment. I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast. I spent some time with my Granddaughter.

I swung by Shoprite on my way home. The woman in front of me stopped short in the entryway so she could look at a display and wound up blocking it up. I was only there for 1 item but the aisles were clogged and the self-checkout was backed up.

I was annoyed and I left.

When I entered my building, I saw this.

I've been here for almost 20 years and that artificial tree has always been there. This is the first time that it's been decorated. We have a super now and, although he comes across as gruff, he seems to have a soft side.

I'm feeling the season now.

Working On It .............

It's been a long month and I'm still working on my "No Events" policy, especially since Doyle, last month, suggested that I continue with it. He said that they were worried about Gordon who's signal has popped up a few times near Trump's Bedminster Golf Course. Their thinking is that Gordon has been living vicariously through what I was doing and - now that I've stopped - he might decide to shift his attention to me. 

I'm doing what I have to do but I've amped up my attention to who's around me.

Wednesday, the 1st, I drove up to Walmart to pick up a prescription they had ready for me.  I was in and out quickly and as I started to drive out I noticed this.

I really don't like people who take up too many spaces and I was tempted but, as I drove by, I noticed that the driver was visible in his side view mirror. 

I kept going.

Thursday, the 9th, I drove down to New Brunswick for Blood Work. I take Main Street to Amboy Avenue to Route 27. On a good day, I can do this in about 35 minutes. On a bad day, about an hour. 

This was a good day.

I was on my way home when I saw this guy.

It's getting easier to drive by.

Thursday, the 16th, I dove back to New Brunswick for an appointment with my Cardiologist. I got there very early and had breakfast in the cafeteria in the hospital. Long story short, things look good and they asked me to stop a couple of meds and to schedule my annual tests.

I got back to my car in the lot and found a note on my window.

Crap.

Doyle was right. Gordon was watching me.

On Monday, the 20th, I drove into Metuchen for a Bone Density Scan. It's a nice neighborhood and, along the way, I came up behind this person.

It's getting easier. I parked my car and walked the two blocks.

Thursday, the 23rd, was Thanksgiving and I had a great day with the family.

Friday, the 24th, was my 9th Anniversary as a Heart Transplant Recipient and I had a nice breakfast with some family members. 

Next up is Christmas and I've done most of my shopping online. I have a few things I still have to get but I'm working on it.

Kicking It Back A Notch .............

Things have changed a bit since last month.

Not everything, just some things.

I still get up early, but I tend to go back to bed for a while. I still see my Granddaughter twice a week. I still go out every day and the car has always started. Still, I've noticed an increased police presence in the area and there have been fewer people out by themselves. I don't know why this is happening but I've decided to stop "Eventing" for a while.

It hasn't been easy. I've realized it's become an addiction and going "Cold Turkey" is tough. There was this guy early in the month.

I was warming up my car when he walked by. I had a jacket on and he was wearing shorts. I was tempted but I pulled out, made the right, and drove on. 

A week later, I was on my way to a doctor's appointment when I came up behind this guy.

It was tough, but I passed by.

Last week, I was headed towards Walmart to pick up a prescription when I saw this guy.

It's gotten easier to keep on going.

There are still, however, things that tick me off. When I got to Walmart I saw this truck taking up way too many spaces. 

I relapsed. Point, press, Flash.

I was expecting some heavy rain this morning but there was just some mist. I picked up the Sunday paper and a medium, decaf coffee - French Vanilla, just a little milk (I stopped the iced tea because of the caffeine) - and drove to the Menlo Park Mall. The stores wouldn't open until 11 so it was pretty empty. I found a spot to sit, read the paper, and do the crossword puzzles.

I had been there for a few minutes when I heard someone sit down in the other chair. Curious, I looked up.

It was Doyle.

"Hey, this is a surprise. How're you doin'?" I reached across to shake his hand.

"Good, Denny, I'm good. Just busy. This new POTUS has us stretched pretty thin."

"POTUS?  .. What the ...Oh, never mind, I got it."

"Yeah, between covering him and his family and tracking down people that he's pissed off things are tight. But I'm here for a different reason.""

Doyle looked serious.

"OK, so what's up?""

"This is gonna sound strange, but we've noticed that you've stopped ..... you know .......... umm ..."
""I know what you mean. And .. Yes ...  I have. It wasn't easy but there were reasons."

Doyle nodded.
"Been there, done that, Denny. It's never easy."

He stood up and paced around. I could tell that there was something on his mind.

"What's going on Doyle?"

He sat back down, rubbed his face with both hands, and looked me right in the eyes.

"Here's what's goin' on, Denny. Gordon's tracker signal has popped up several times near Trump's golf course in Bedminster and we're worried about it."
"OK, but what does that have to do with me?

"We want you to continue not using the Flasher. The Brains think that, somehow, he's been following what you've been doing and he enjoys it. Now that you've stopped, they think he'll react."
"React how?"

Doyle paused for a moment.

"They think he'll come after you."
"Why?'
"Because you're not doing what he wants you to do."
"What does he want me to do?"
"What he could do if we weren't looking for him."

It was my turn to pause.

Before I could say anything, Doyle's phone went off. He answered it, listened for a minute or two, then snapped it closed.

"I have to go, Denny .Somethings come up."

He stood up and walked away. No handshake, no "Goodbye". He just walked away.

I sat there for a while and let it sink in.

This was serious.

A September To Remember ............

My Daughter is a Teacher and had August off so I didn't get back to Babysitting my Granddaughter until after Labor Day. Since my Son-in-law is still working nights I only swing by on Tuesdays and Fridays. I used to show up by 7:30 AM but there's been a change. They started the Potty Training process and decided that one of the Parents should be there when the Little One wakes up and develop a routine. I didn't have a problem with that and agreed to wait until 9:30.

That first Tuesday, the 5th, went well but I had a problem starting my car when I left. It also stalled out on me several times over the next couple of days. That Friday, the 8th, after my visit, I drove up to Walmart to pick up a prescription. I came back out, started the car, and it died. I tried for about half an hour without success. I wound up calling AAA. While waiting for the tow truck, I saw this guy heading in my direction.

I was tempted but it wasn't a good time.

The truck showed up and towed me to my mechanic on Main Street. I walked home. It turned out to be a problem with the Ignition System. He managed to get the parts and fixed it that day (for $330).

I walked up the next morning, the 9th.

He showed me what he replaced but, frankly, I don't know anything about cars so I just nodded, paid, and left.

Sunday, the10th, I stopped at Shoprite to pick up a few things. I always use the self-checkout. I decided to pay with my Debit Card and take an additional $10.

It was declined.

I called my Bank and found out that someone tried to use my card for a $115 electronics purchase and a $130 clothing purchase - both in China. My bank didn't think these charges were real and tried to contact me. When they couldn't, they blocked my account. I had to go in person to resolve the matter. Thankfully, they have Sunday hours (although not until 11 AM).

I was there when they opened and walked out about 15 minutes later with a new card and some peace of mind.

A few days later, Wednesday the 13th, I came home and found a couple of my neighbors in front of the building discussing some mail they had gotten. No one said anything to me - which is not unusual since I don't know them -  so I got my mail out of my box and went inside. Turns out the Landlord has decided to bring on a Property Manager and they've sent every tenant a new lease. I haven't had a lease in over 15 years and - although there is a rent increase - I'm OK with this.

Since the increase wouldn't start until November, I didn't act right away.

Tuesday, the 19th, I got this Certified Mail notice in the mail.

I was pretty sure I knew what it was.

Wednesday, the 20th, I stopped at the Post Office in Woodbridge to pick it up.

I was right. The Management Company had also sent the new leases by Certified Mail. I've been through this before. It's a legal way to prove that they mailed you something. I stopped at a local Dollar Store and picked up a large enough envelope to return it in (actually it was a 5-pack but for $1 it was worth it).

Thursday, the 21st, I was out early. Rather then wait for the Post Office to open at 9 AM, I bought a book of stamps at Shoprite and dropped off my signed copy of the lease in the Avenel Post Office

This morning, the 22nd, I woke up and realized that I had nothing to do. I slept in a bit, ran through my morning routine, and picked up breakfast at Dunkin Donuts. I stopped at Shoprite but didn't get anything. While I was back in my car eating, I noticed this guy.

My Daughter is a Teacher and she's off today for a religious holiday so I presumed that every school district was off today as well. When I saw this guy using a school bus I thought that he was taking advantage. I drove over.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove up into Colonia and noticed that there were the usual crossing guards and a lot of minivans dropping off kids.

Apparently I was wrong. The school's in my Township were open today.

My bad.

This is definitely a September I'll remember.

Lazy Days Of Summer ..........

I took a couple of weeks "off". By that, I mean that I didn't have to Babysit and - since it's been pretty hot - I would only go out for a couple of hours in the early morning to run my errands. (Also, the sun's been pretty strong during the afternoon and I try to stay out of it).

Last week, I had a Birthday and some family members treated me to a lunch at Miller's Ale House on Sunday and a breakfast at Perkin's on Monday. Thursday, I drove down to New Brunswick for Blood Work. There were some problems with the system that prints out the labels but I only had to wait an extra half hour. 

Friday, we had some really heavy rain - on and off - and I actually had to pull over one time because I couldn't see.

Yesterday the sun was up and there was a nice breeze. I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts, as usual, for breakfast, and took a leisurely drive around Woodbridge. About 10 minutes later, I got a text so I pulled over and parked. It was a "Good Morning" message from my Daughter. I put the phone away and was ready to move on when I saw this guy.

It was a nice day and I was feeling good. He looked like he was enjoying an early morning walk. I wished him well. 

There's a way to get to Shoprite through a local development and I had plenty of time. That's where I saw this jogger.

Good for her. I drove on.

I picked up a few things and headed for Walmart - I had a prescription to pick up. I took the side streets on the way home and noticed this guy.

It was tempting but a bit too open.

Today was another great one. I needed gas so, first thing, I headed up to the Wawa in Avenel. Just as I was about to make the left to get to the station this truck came off Route 1 and cut me off. I had to slam on the brakes. 

I'm not a confrontational person so I pulled into one of the other pumps and filled up. I drove back towards Amboy Avenue along some side streets. I stopped at a sign and saw this guy smoking a cigarette in his truck.

This is the guy who cut me off and he wasn't paying attention to what was going on.

Point, press, Flash.

I picked up a protein drink at Walgreen's. I stopped at a Krauser's for some Lottery tickets. I wound up passing by the Middle School my Daughter attended. There are several groups that use the ball fields for Cricket and I thought I'd check it out. I've always wanted to see a game. 

I was back in my car in less then 10 minutes. It was  more boring then Baseball.

I took the right turn by the school heading for home when I saw this guy.

It's not something I would wear while taking a walk around the neighborhood but this is not my neighborhood. 

I went home and read the paper

I have a few things coming up this week. Nothing serious.

Just some things to do on some lazy days of Summer.

When Stuff Happens, Ask For Ray.........

The car has been running fine and things have been going good for just about a month. Of course, that never lasts.

I'm still babysitting two mornings a week - Tuesday and Friday - so my Son-in-law can sleep in (he works nights now). I spread out all my errands over the other three days (I try to stay out of the stores on the weekend). A couple of weeks ago, as I usually do, I stopped at Shoprite to see what they had. There's a Storage place next door and I noticed that their truck was taking up 4 parking spaces.

PICTURE NOT AVAILABLE. *

I drove around the lot, came up beside the van and ....

Point, press, Flash.

I parked in a spot in a few rows away and picked up what I needed. I drove away.

Last week, I went out early as usual. I picked up breakfast at the Dunkin Donuts on Amboy Avenue and ate it in the car while listening to the Morning Guy on NJ101.5. I headed up to Walmart to pick up a scrip that they had ready for me.

As I was making the left turn into the lot this guy made the right. Maybe he had the right-of-way but it still annoyed me. I saw where he parked, then parked myself and went inside. I picked up my scrip, got back in my car, and drove around so that I had a clear view of his car.

PICTURE NOT AVAILABLE. *

Point, press, Flash.

He wouldn't be going anywhere soon.

I drove home, got a parking spot on the side street, and went inside.

My door wouldn't open.

I kept trying the key but it wouldn't move.

PICTURE NOT AVAILABLE. *

I called the Landlord but it went to voicemail. I called the new Management Company he hired and wound up in Voicemail, again. I wound up going to the local library and looking up Locksmiths. I got someone who said he'd be out in about 1 1/2 hours. It turned out to be closer to 3, but I spent the time with my Daughter and Granddaughter.

I went back to my Apartment just after the Locksmith called that he was on his way. On a whim I tried my key.

The door opened. I felt bad but I cancelled the Locksmith.

Things were good again until this past Sunday.

My morning routine is getting up, feeding the cat, checking my vitals, taking my meds, and then logging on to my laptop. I like to check my email and see what's happening on Facebook  (also, I check my bank account). Yesterday, my laptop didn't work.

That really annoyed me.

Thankfully, I know a guy.

A friend introduced us about 4 years ago. He works at the local P. C. Richard's store.

He fiddled around with it for a while and it still wouldn't work. Long story short, I bought a new one. The list price I saw was $549 and it was on sale for $449. He sold it to me for $300. He even set it up for me  (although I could've done that).  He also promised to try and recover my pictures from the old laptop. Maybe I got played but I felt good about it.

Yesterday, I filled up my tank, got an oil change, and went back to see my guy. He gave me a Flash Drive with everything that was in the File Explorer. He even showed me how to access it. He had to charge me for the Drive, of course, but it was only $10. (I also got my old laptop back. Not sure what I'm gonna do with it.)

I've spent the last few days linking back to some of my Favorite sites and hope to get around to working with the Flash Drive soon.

(* These pictures are - hopefully - on that Drive.)

The moral of the story is that if you need anything electronic and you're in the Woodbridge, New Jersey area stop in at P. C. Richards and ask for Ray.

A Busier Month Then Usual .............

June started out pretty quietly.

As has been our routine, I've been swinging by on Tuesday and Friday mornings to watch my Granddaughter and let my Son-in-law sleep in a little (he's now working nights). Then things started to pile up.

Tuesday the 6th, I was up early so I swung by Shoprite before Babysitting. I knew that they had some mini-muffins on sale and I know she likes them. When I came out, I noticed this truck.

I've said before that truckers who park this way annoy me. I was peeved but I had to be somewhere. Then I noticed that it was a Bud Light truck. I drove around the lot and came up behind it.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove down to my Granddaughter's and had a nice morning.

Thursday the 8th, I drove down to New Brunswick for Blood Work. I took Route 27, as usual. It was early but I thought that the traffic was pretty heavy. Along the way, I saw this guy.

He seemed to be waiting for a bus. There were too many people around.

Friday the 9th, I Babysat.

Monday the 12th, I drove up to the MVC in Rahway. My car was due for Inspection. I knew they opened at 8 so I got there about 7:45. The line was all the way out to the street. It was just too hot to wait.

Tuesday the 13th, I Babysat.

Wednesday the 14th, I decided to bite the bullet and go for the Inspection. I stopped, first, at Dunkin' Donuts to get some breakfast to take with me. I saw this guy parked outside. He was in the "No Parking/Fire Zone" Area.

I see someone doing this almost every time I stop here and it annoys me. I usually just let it go but today - anticipating a lengthy wait at the MVC - I reacted. I drove out one exit and in the next.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove up to Rahway and - to my surprise - was in and out in about 10 minutes.

Thursday the 15th, I had my semi-annual appointment with my Cardiologist in New Brunswick. My appointment was for 9:20 but I got there 2 hours early in order to get a spot in the garage next door. I had a leisurely breakfast in the hospital cafeteria (I actually like their food). Things went well, they took me early, and everything is good.

On a whim, I took Route 514 back. That's where I saw this woman.

I figured that she was heading for work.

I drove by.

Friday the16th, I Babysat.

Tuesday the 20th, I drove over to Babysit and saw this guy.

Not sure why he was there but I drove by. When I got to my Granddaughter's house and pulled up to the curb something ripped a hole out of my front-passenger tire and it blew. I didn't call AAA until 11 because I was having a good time. The AAA mechanic put on the donut that I had and I drove home.

This morning, the 21st, I was up early - again - so I picked up some breakfast and went up to Atlantic Tires on St. George Avenue to get a replacement. I was out in about 1/2 hour and, when it was done, I took the side street out and rode up through Avenel. That's where I noticed this.

This is another thing that annoys me - parking the wrong way. I slowed down. I looked around. There was no one else around.

Point, press, Flash.

Good luck moving that car now.

I headed for home smiling.