Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - August 12, 2012

Good Sunday morning to y'all! No, I'm not from the South. However it's better than welcoming youse guys, right? As it is Sunday morning, it's time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. If you're searching for Big Brother content, use this link to pull up those posts. Otherwise, sit back with a cup of coffee and visit my world for just a bit.

First, I realize I sound like a whiner ... but I'm so tired of this summer. We've had one heat wave after another and the humidity level is horrible even on the "nicer" days. I heard they're predicting a very snowy winter. To be honest, I think I'll like that better as long as I don't fall on ice.

My own life has become super mundane as of late. I work, I sweat, I eat, I watch BB live feeds and write up reports, I spoil Vincent the Cat. That's about it. With it so hot and me hating to sweat so much, I haven't really been going anywhere that I haven't had to go.

I have made a new friend at the bus stop near the train station. Now, tell me ... why would I (of all people) attract a 25-year-old goth/industrial music type with black fingernails? No, I'm NOT a cougar. It's not that kind of friendship! He's a smart kid, yet unemployed. When he told me I was "lucky" to have worked so long for the same company, I told him it wasn't luck at all. It was a lot of hard work and dedication, sometimes when I didn't feel like working hard or being dedicated. But I had to do it anyway. Perhaps the only luck involved was picking a company which has lasted and done well over the years back when I was about 22 or so.

Anyway, onto the photos. Clicking on an image will open it in a new window, clicking again will make it larger. Closing out that window will land you right back here where you left off.

Sunflower with a bee

The reluctant sunflowers by the edge of the sidewalk are finally in bloom so I can get some shots without dealing with a fence. East Front Street, Plainfield.

Almost idyllic

Yet in Plainfield just at the edge of the business district!

I guess he is a she

This is the same orchard spider I photographed last week. She's still hanging in there and now has a very interesting egg case. Bridgewater, NJ

**CLICK THE 'READ MORE' LINK TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS**

I'm fascinated with her

Has survived torrential downpours!

Keep in mind that although these photos make her look large and intimidating, this is actually a very small spider. Its body is probably around a quarter-inch long, but the long legs make it look bigger. It's in the orb weaver family classification, but the poor web had to make it through lots of rain this week.

Veiny mushrooms

Damp wood chips make for mushrooms! Bridgewater, NJ

If a tree falls on the Bank of America ...

... and it's after hours, does it make a noise? Or is it just indicative of yet another market crash? A wild storm passed through here last Sunday evening and this is what I saw down the street from my apartment on my way to the train station Monday morning. East Front Street, Plainfield.

What do you mean "meal for two"??

My, my, what a chubby white pigeon at the Plainfield Train Station!

Fun, fun, fun!

No, I won't be there. I would kind of like to see that movie, though. But, not in a hot sweaty crowd. I'd rather watch it in air conditioning at home!

Vampires!

This was setting up by the YWCA on East Front Street in Plainfield as I headed to work on Saturday. They never want my blood. Alas, I am now tainted with the history of blood clots.

I see dead people

Maybe the vampires got her! NJ Transit train on the Raritan Valley Line. I'll say it again -- if you sleep on my train, you're fair game for a photo!

I won't use this handrail anymore!

This is one of the handrails for the stairs at the eastbound platform of the Bridgewater Train Station. I've been wondering why yellow jackets have been seeming to appear out of nowhere as I go up the stairs. Well, duh. It's a hollow railing with a hole in it, perfect for their colony ... or whatever. Yellow jackets are quite aggressive, so I'll go up the other side of the staircase.

Just a teensy weed

I thought it was cute.

Young European starling

Considered one of the most prevalent "nuisance birds" in the United States, these birds were initially introduced here as an attempt to bring all birds mentioned in Shakespeare works to the US.

How can you go to work when I'm so cute?

Yes, he gives me the poor pitiful "I'm so cute, how can you leave me" routine every day as I head to work. Sorry, Vincent ... flinging yourself to the floor and looking forlorn won't stop me. I'm dedicated! Er, dedicated to keeping a roof over my head, that is!

How was your week?