I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday with fine food, family, friends! I'm thankful for all the friends I've met through blogging over the years!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday with fine food, family, friends! I'm thankful for all the friends I've met through blogging over the years!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Survivor: Blood vs. Water - November 27 Episode Blog Party
Happy first night of Hanukkah and Thanksgiving Eve to all! I realize many folks might be on the road tonight or getting ready for the holiday, but the party is still on here at the blog! It seems that, unlike other years, this is actually a new action-packed episode tonight instead of the clips show. Woot!
As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh this page to get the latest! But, as always, the real party is in the comments area. Come join in on the fun!
The latest blog pool standings from the Esteemed Lifeguard Laurie:
End of Week 11/20
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TYSON -- Delee, meb
Redemption Island
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
Jury
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
Survivor fans ready?
While Vytas wonders why no one votes out Tyson, the duel is about to happen. Much ado about Ciera voting her mom out of the game.
The Redemption duel -- retrieve and stack four color cubes so that no one color is repeated on any side. Laura wins! Thanks to Laura's help, Tina came in second. Sigh. Vytas will go to jury with his brother. Laura gives the idol clue to Ciera. Ciera burns it.
Tyson tries to work all against Katie. Hayden want to blindside Tyson. I knew the kid could think! Gah! Ciera rats them out to Tyson! Tyson thinks Caleb should be the target.
Immunity -- Holding onto a rope with a bucket containing 25% of their body weight. Twist -- if someone feels secure, they can feast instead of trying. Tyson, Gervase and Ciera decide to eat. Hmm. Katie is out first. Caleb is out. It's down to Hayden and Monica now. Hayden's out. Monica wins her third individual immunity!
Aha! Hayden and Caleb convince Tyson that Ciera's trying to turn them on each other. He's not sure he trusts them that much, but is definitely suspicious of Ciera.Now Ciera seems to the the latest target.
Tribal Council time. The tally -- Whoa! Tyson plays the idol! Now, the tally -- Ciera, Caleb, Ciera, Ciera, Caleb, Caleb, Caleb.
Caleb is off to Redemption. It's a shame it wasn't Ciera! But Tyson's idol was totally wasted. Heehee!
Happy Hanukkah!
It's rare indeed that Hanukkah coincides with Thanksgiving! I wish all those who celebrate, the best Hanukkah ever!
Sunday, November 24, 2013
The Amazing Race: November 24, 2013 Episode Blog Party
Oh my. Yet another week on time here on the East Coast? Sure, spoil us. Then crush our dreams of a show which actually airs at its scheduled time!
As the show airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! But, as always, the real party is in the comments area. Please come in and join in on the fun!
The Magnificent Margo's latest blog pool standings:
Ally And Ashley - LafayetteLisanne, Jackie,Tammy
Jason And Amy - Nicklepeed, PDXGranny, Brian, DLA
Leo And Jamal - MEB, Margo, Brenda, Caela
Tim And Marie - SueGee, DKNYNC, Rbennie
Travis And Nicole - Delee, Laurie, Lynn1, Merrilee
Sorry you have been PHILIMINATED
Hoskote And Naina
Rowan And Shane - ML, Becky, Cheryl in NC, KayBeeRN
Chester And Ephraim - Buzzmaam, Donna in AL, Sharon S
Brandon And Adam - Donna in FL, Monty924, Sharon
Tim And Danny - JOKATS, Dusty, Zoetawny
Nicky And Kim - Nana in NW, Jennasmom, David
Are you ready? ...
The teams are flying off to Indonesia. Once there, they need to transport two rams to an event in which the rams butt heads, then transport them back. I'm not talking Dodge Rams, either.
They're off to a train station for the next clue.
Detour -- For the elephants -- feeding elephants or For the Birds -- deliver love birds and encourage the birds to sing.
Tim/Marie and Jason/Amy are an hour behind the other teams. But Ally and Ashley are lost.
The Roadblock has them building a local wood instrument and then playing it to a student's satisfaction.
Pit Stop --
1. Leo and Jamal - won $7,500 each
2. Tim and Marie (boo)
Nicole is falling apart at the Roadblock. They were the first team there and everyone is passing them. Amy is helping her. Now the stragglers, Ashley and Ally have arrived.
3. Jason and Amy
4. Travis and Nicole
5. Ally and Ashley - Philiminated
There goes my blog pool pick. I'm a free agent now!
Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - November 24, 2013
It's Sunday morning and, guess what? 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. Later on tonight, I'll post the blog party for The Amazing Race. If you watch the show, c'mon by!
It turned cold this past week. I fear that's here to stay for a while. This year I'll face it in a new winter coat with the best hood ever. While I'm a firm believer in layering and usually tend to layer with a hoodie ... forget that hoodie hood! This one is down, fluffy and warm. It was more than I usually spend on a winter coat which I mainly use to go back and forth to work. But I had the last coat for the past three seasons or so. So, if this one lasts as well as that one did, it will be worth it! (No, I'm not talking thousands of dollars. But I do tend to jackets and coats under $100. This was more than that.)
It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is upon us this week. I know they're going on about it being the latest possible day for that holiday, but it still seems like I blinked my eyes and it's here. Perhaps our bouts of warm weather confused my mind; I don't know. It just all of a sudden is looming at me. It will be a four-day work week for me, something that's always welcome. I hope everyone has a nice holiday and a safe one if you're out on the roads.
Hmm ... I don't really have much to say about this past week. I guess I'll get on to the photos --
The late day sun was at a perfect angle to photograph this hawk. I only wish I had a closer shot. Over the Plainfield Police Station.
After a dismal walk to the train station, the sunrise was trying to do its stuff on Monday morning. Bridgewater, NJ.
I went in late to work on Tuesday and came across a huge amount of fire apparatus for what apparently was a rather small fire in the Chotola apartment building on North Avenue in Plainfield. The fire was on the first floor rear of the building isolated to one apartment. One resident of the fourth floor was treated on the scene for smoke inhalation.
Responding companies: Plainfield Police and Fire Departments, Scotch Plains, North Plainfield, South Plainfield, Westfield, Union County OEM, Haz-Mat and EMS. Oh my. By the next day, I saw the taxi place on the first floor open for business and the residents were back in. Well, except perhaps for the one apartment where the fire was contained. More photos to follow ...
It turned cold this past week. I fear that's here to stay for a while. This year I'll face it in a new winter coat with the best hood ever. While I'm a firm believer in layering and usually tend to layer with a hoodie ... forget that hoodie hood! This one is down, fluffy and warm. It was more than I usually spend on a winter coat which I mainly use to go back and forth to work. But I had the last coat for the past three seasons or so. So, if this one lasts as well as that one did, it will be worth it! (No, I'm not talking thousands of dollars. But I do tend to jackets and coats under $100. This was more than that.)
It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is upon us this week. I know they're going on about it being the latest possible day for that holiday, but it still seems like I blinked my eyes and it's here. Perhaps our bouts of warm weather confused my mind; I don't know. It just all of a sudden is looming at me. It will be a four-day work week for me, something that's always welcome. I hope everyone has a nice holiday and a safe one if you're out on the roads.
Hmm ... I don't really have much to say about this past week. I guess I'll get on to the photos --
 |
| Hawk in flight |
The late day sun was at a perfect angle to photograph this hawk. I only wish I had a closer shot. Over the Plainfield Police Station.
 |
| Dawn's reflection |
After a dismal walk to the train station, the sunrise was trying to do its stuff on Monday morning. Bridgewater, NJ.
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| What's this? |
I went in late to work on Tuesday and came across a huge amount of fire apparatus for what apparently was a rather small fire in the Chotola apartment building on North Avenue in Plainfield. The fire was on the first floor rear of the building isolated to one apartment. One resident of the fourth floor was treated on the scene for smoke inhalation.
Responding companies: Plainfield Police and Fire Departments, Scotch Plains, North Plainfield, South Plainfield, Westfield, Union County OEM, Haz-Mat and EMS. Oh my. By the next day, I saw the taxi place on the first floor open for business and the residents were back in. Well, except perhaps for the one apartment where the fire was contained. More photos to follow ...
***CLICK THE 'READ MORE' LINK TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS***
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Survivor: Blood vs. Water - November 20 Episode Blog Party
Okay, we have Aras, Vytas and Tina on Redemption Island. Does Tina have any chance in heck to win a duel with those two? Unless it's some sort of endurance in which less heavy and smaller feet come into play, I think she's going to be a goner. Your thoughts?
The latest pool update from that Loverly Lifeguard Laurie is:
End of Week 11/13
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TYSON -- Delee, meb
Redemption Island
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
Who will win the duel tonight? And, who will join the remaining two on Redemption Island? As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! But, as always, the real party is in the comments area ... come join us!
Ah, the duel is a suspended table maze. Maybe Tina has a chance! They have to hook three bags of balls. Tina is indeed in the lead early. Uh-oh! She drops the ball through the wrong hole! Vytas wins! Tina gets in right and it's Aras going to be the first jury member. He leaves with class. Vytas picks the clue to Katie who keeps it.
Tyson wants to target Laura. Hayden and Caleb (and, of course, Gervase) plan to vote for her. At least that's the pre-Immunity Challenge plan.
Immunity Challenge - Standing on small platform over the water leaning back, the angle changes. Reward is a feast of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, French fries and soda. Hayden is the first out! Sheesh. Then Caleb. Down a notch. Gervase, then Ciera out. Katie out. Laura out. It's between Tyson and Monica. Tyson out. Monica wins Immunity! She can invite one person for reward. She says she will give it all to the others. So they eat and she doesn't.
Ciera lied to Katie and convinced her she has the idol. So now Ciera knows Katie doesn't have the idol. None of them think Tyson actually has it.
Tribal time. The tally: Laura, Katie, Laura, Laura, Laura, Laura. Laura is headed to Redemption.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
The Amazing Race: November 17, 2013 Episode Blog Party
Oh my. It's actually starting at its scheduled time of 8pm here on the East Coast. Be still, my heart! As the show airs here, I'll update this post with the major happenings -- refresh the page to get the latest updates! But, as always, the real party is in the comments section. Come join us!
As last week was a non-Philimination leg, the Magnificent Margo's latest blog pool update remains the same:
Ally And Ashley - LafayetteLisanne, Jackie,Tammy
Jason And Amy - Nicklepeed, PDXGranny, Brian, DLA
Leo And Jamal - MEB, Margo, Brenda, Caela
Nicky And Kim - Nana in NW, Jennasmom, David
Tim And Marie - SueGee, DKNYNC, Rbennie
Travis And Nicole - Delee, Laurie, Lynn1, Merrilee
Sorry you have been PHILIMINATED
Hoskote And Naina
Rowan And Shane - ML, Becky, Cheryl in NC, KayBeeRN
Chester And Ephraim - Buzzmaam, Donna in AL, Sharon S
Brandon And Adam - Donna in FL, Monty924, Sharon
Tim And Danny - JOKATS, Dusty, Zoetawny
Let's RACE!
The teams have to use their satchel of coins from Norway to unlock SUVs and they're heading into the dunes. U-Turn ahead.
They have to drive dune buggies across the desert to find their next clue. Nicky and Kim burned out the clutch (and almost buried) their dune buggy and had to get a replacement. So, not only are they last, but they're LAST.
Detour - Wedding guest, fix and prepare wedding dish. Beauty Contest has them primping camels.
Travis and Nicole use their Express Pass to bypass the Detour. They hit the double U-Turn and snag Leo and Jamal.
Due to the Express Pass, Nicole and Travis are at the Roadblock -- raft through rapids and grabbing three flags.
Tim and Marie are running around literally clueless. Heh. It sucks to be them right now, huh? (They're my least favorite team this season.)
Pit Stop -
1. Nicole and Travis - each won their choice of any "eco-boost" Ford
Jason and Amy U-Turn the bunnies (Nicky and Kim)
2. Jason and Amy
3. Tim and Marie (boo)
For Nicky and Kim's speed bump they have to make their way through a wave generating pool.
4. Leo and Jamal
5. Ally and Ashley
6. Nicky and Kim -- Philiminated
Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - November 17, 2013
Good morning! It's Sunday morning, time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. Later tonight I'll be posting The Amazing Race blog party as the show airs here on the East Coast. Stop on back for the party!
This wasn't a great week for me. Oh, nowhere near the worst times in my life, but definitely irking. On Tuesday I tripped on a branch under about six inches of leaves as I walked to the train station. Yes, this was on a sidewalk. Had I been shuffling my feet through the leaves, I wouldn't have fallen. In trying to keep from falling on my knees, I twisted my left ankle. Yeah, then I landed on my right knee and elbow. Gah. The knee is fine, bruised but good. The ankle is still swollen and painful. I took Tuesday off from work, but have worked every day since. I'll live.
As a result of limping about, I don't have a ton of photos for you this week. While I do like some (like the first one here), no real works of art. Well, Vincent thinks he's ALWAYS art, but ...!
Hmm. I don't have all that much to say. Maybe some random musings and observations:
Soon the sun will be even lower in the sky as I leave my workplace. Sure, it's not as bad as Alaskan winter nights. But, still ...! Despite the "dramatic" skies of this shot, there was no storm. Taken at the Bridgewater Train Station.
Pickings are good for the squirrels right now. Then again, they tend to stay hardy all winter long due to these good pickings days now. Plainfield Train Station.
This wasn't a great week for me. Oh, nowhere near the worst times in my life, but definitely irking. On Tuesday I tripped on a branch under about six inches of leaves as I walked to the train station. Yes, this was on a sidewalk. Had I been shuffling my feet through the leaves, I wouldn't have fallen. In trying to keep from falling on my knees, I twisted my left ankle. Yeah, then I landed on my right knee and elbow. Gah. The knee is fine, bruised but good. The ankle is still swollen and painful. I took Tuesday off from work, but have worked every day since. I'll live.
As a result of limping about, I don't have a ton of photos for you this week. While I do like some (like the first one here), no real works of art. Well, Vincent thinks he's ALWAYS art, but ...!
Hmm. I don't have all that much to say. Maybe some random musings and observations:
- My upstairs neighbor sings loudly in the shower. I hear the shower. I hear him. Still the quietest one up there in all the years I've lived here.
- Whenever I talk on the phone at home, Vincent thinks I'm talking to him and comes running to droop over my shoulder. Living alone and not being a huge phone talk person, most of the time I'm talking in here, I AM talking to him.
- Either that or I'm insane and just talking to myself.
- The big green stickers on automatic doors mean you go through that door. The red stickers mean you don't go through that door. Is it that hard to understand?
- When you get off a train or enter/leave a store, keep moving. Don't just stop and act confused, text or whatever. Keep it moving and get off the traffic path!
- For the pickers of Peapod grocery delivery -- four six-packs of Coke Zero at $2.50 each are NOT to be confused with one six-pack with two bottles removed at the same ten bucks.
- Yes, that happened. Yes, they credited me for the four six-packs and I ended up with four free bottles. Yes, they gave me a rain check for the sale price. But, sheesh. Common sense, Peapod pickers!
- I've seen some houses with the outdoor Christmas lights on already. Oh my.
- I'm not scared of clowns.
- Well, except for Pennywise the Dancing Clown. He's creepy!
- Crumbled leaf debris has infiltrated the first floor of my building. Until they're all down, it will be a battle. Thankfully, it's limited to the first floor and the entrances to the building.
- Why are all the younger women at WCBS 2 (NYC) going through pregnancies one by one?
- If you're riding a train, get up and ready to go BEFORE the train stops. When those doors open, it's train etiquette to let others get out before you board. If you straggle when getting off, you mess with the cosmos.
- That's just bad mojo, y'know.
- I can't believe it's been 50 years since JFK was assassinated. I shouldn't be able to vividly remember that far back.
- But I do.
- I can't be that old. I refuse to be that old.
- Those projects on the west side of town are just about completely boarded up now, including the entrances. That must put a crimp in the drug dealers and gang-bangers daily doings.
- Maybe they'll go get jobs.
- BWAHAHA! I crack myself up. They'll just relocate and terrorize other parts of town. Hopefully not my neighborhood.
 |
| Dramatic skies |
Soon the sun will be even lower in the sky as I leave my workplace. Sure, it's not as bad as Alaskan winter nights. But, still ...! Despite the "dramatic" skies of this shot, there was no storm. Taken at the Bridgewater Train Station.
 |
| Mmm ... acorns! |
Pickings are good for the squirrels right now. Then again, they tend to stay hardy all winter long due to these good pickings days now. Plainfield Train Station.
**CLICK THE 'READ MORE' LINK TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS**
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Survivor: Blood vs. Water - November 13 Episode Blog Party
Well, last week we saw Vytas win the first individual immunity of the season while brother Aras got the boot. Tyson, playing perhaps the sneakiest game this season, has the idol but was in no danger all along. Actually, unless you're Aras or Vytas, it made sense to get rid of Aras as he has a real chance to win it all. And, after all, he just might still have a chance as Redemption Island started up all over again.
As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this post with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! But, as always, the real party is in the comments area ... come join us!
Here are the latest blog pool standings from that elegant Lifeguard Laurie:
End of Week 11/6
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
TYSON -- Delee, meb
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML
Redemption Island
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
Survivor fans ready?
Oh my, Immunity Challenge is coming only seven minutes into the episode! It's the icky food comp ... fun to watch, but I couldn't do it.
40 mealworms (live, of course)
3 ounces pig intestines
It's between Monica and Gervase for the win.
2 live grubs
Monica wins immunity!
The plan seems to be to split the votes between Vytas and Katie. Tribal is coming early in the episode, too -- 8:22pm. Hmm. Something must be up or VERY entertaining ahead!
The tally -- Vytas, Katie, Tyson, Vytas, Vytas, Vytas, Vytas.
Rats. He'll have duel with his brother to return.
Second Immunity Challenge -- Balance a sword on a shield, with other hand balance coins on the sword's handle.
Katie wins Immunity!
Due to Monica's wild vote for Vytas last tribal, she's a target this time ... perhaps more so than Tina. Still no one knows that Tyson has the hidden idol.
At Tribal Council, Tina hints she might have the idol.
The tally -- Monica, Tina, Tyson, Tina, Tina, Tina, Tina.
Her ploy didn't work. I personally would have preferred it if Monica went.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
The Amazing Race: November 10, 2013 Episode Blog Party
Once again, the show isn't even scheduled until 8:30pm and football's running even later. Sigh. Once it finally starts here, I'll remove the word verification from comments and update this entry with the major events. Refresh the page to get the latest! As always, the real party is in the comments. Be there or be square.
I'll say it now before it even starts ... aren't we due for a non-Philimination leg? With my luck it will be Marie and Tim saved, my least favorite team. Actually, I think they're the only team I outright dislike this season. So, surely they'll be saved!
The Magnificent Margo has the latest pool standings as of the end of last week's show:
Ally And Ashley - LafayetteLisanne, Jackie,Tammy
Jason And Amy - Nicklepeed, PDXGranny, Brian, DLA
Leo And Jamal - MEB, Margo, Brenda, Caela
Nicky And Kim - Nana in NW, Jennasmom, David
Tim And Marie - SueGee, DKNYNC, Rbennie
Travis And Nicole - Delee, Laurie, Lynn1, Merrilee
Sorry you have been PHILIMINATED
Hoskote And Naina
Rowan And Shane - ML, Becky, Cheryl in NC, KayBeeRN
Chester And Ephraim - Buzzmaam, Donna in AL, Sharon S
Brandon And Adam - Donna in FL, Monty924, Sharon
Tim And Danny - JOKATS, Dusty, Zoetawny
Let's get this show on the road!
8:47pm ET and the show is finally starting here. Grr.
Teams will fly to Abu Dhabi. Leo and Jamal are on a flight that lands ten minutes earlier than the rest of the teams.
Detour - Sort it Out or Sew it Up -- the first is to duplicate a food platter, the latter is making a fishing net. Both tasks are quite difficult.
The Roadblock has them dropping 200 feet (?) on a zip line into a race track, taking a lap with a professional race car driver and noting the name of the winner of a race on a sign in order to receive their next clue.
Pit Stop:
1. Leo and Jamal - won a trip to Paris.
2. Jason and Amy (fourth time in second place)
3. Nicole and Travis
4. Tim and Marie (grr)
5. Ally and Ashley
6. Nicky and Kim ... but it's a non-Philimination leg and they're still in it!
Another double U-Turn ahead next week. Will someone PLEASE U-Turn Marie and Tim? Please? Thank you in advance!
Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - November 10, 2013
Good morning, peeps! You've arrived at my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. Yes, this is Sunday morning and this is the view from here in New Jersey. No, not the real industrial New Jersey you see from the turnpike immediately outside the city. Nor is it the almost New England type farmlands and woods like Northwest New Jersey. Nope, this is northern Central New Jersey -- one of the most densely populated areas of the most densely populated state; a whole bunch of towns close together in what they call the Greater New York City Metropolitan Area.
As a result of locale, many folks commute from around here into Manhattan daily. I don't. Yet I have a love for the city. I'm awaking to news that some idiot shot two people at the skating rink in Bryant Park. Geez. Isn't anything sacred? When I go into the city with my camera around the holidays, Bryant Park is almost always on my agenda as it has a wonderful holiday atmosphere and I can actually get close enough to photograph the skaters (unlike Rockerfeller Center). Apparently not a random shooting, there had been a verbal confrontation between one of the shot skaters and the gunman. At this point, both victims (both skaters) are alive. But ... sheesh. What is WRONG with people?
In other local news, I want to grouse about change. Yes, I know change is always going to happen. But there has been a wooded area next to a brook just as my train approaches the town of Bound Brook. I've often seen deer there from the train. Plus, a man in a maroon truck drops off tons of breadcrumbs daily for at least the past ten years for the geese. This man has been at it daily, dumping about a big wastebasket size amount of bread. Daily ... rain, shine, snow, no matter the season. In the last week, they tore down all the trees and bulldozed it flat. Wah. I don't know what's going to go up there, but I'll surely miss what was.
Let's see ... I must have some good news. Hmm. Well, Vincent the Cat is doing well. But he does kind of have the life of leisure. So, he's bound to do well. There haven't been any more mice incidents.
On a positive local change in Plainfield note, now that the leaves are thinning on the trees, I can see one of the more notorious crime-laden public housing projects in Plainfield from the train. They've been talking about razing it for years. Well, it looks like that's imminent now. People are moving out and, as they do, each apartment is getting boarded up. Sure, the thugs who took it over years back will just find new places to do their "business." But, hopefully, it will be a new start and a much safer life for the innocent children who lived there and the elderly residents. No one should be afraid to walk out their doors in the daytime.
On the other hand, here at my apartment building, it's not cheap to live. Yes, some of the apartments are subsidized for elderly and a few families. But, for the most part, people in my building need to work for a living. As a result, it's safe to take trash out to the Dumpster at 2 in the morning if you feel so inclined. You're more likely to get frightened by a raccoon rather than Riff-Raff. Our latest landlord has really been doing well with upgrades and repairs. The elevator hasn't been out of order for more than a few hours at a time for months now. The new windows look spiffy. I'm pleased with the place and I haven't always been.
This week was rather mundane, so are my photos ... but I do have two Vincent photos for his fans! Later tonight I'll post the blog party for The Amazing Race. If you watch the show, come watch with us! We have cyberdrinks and snacks!
Plainfield has its holiday decorations up on the street corners downtown. Sigh. Taken from the corner of East Front and Church Streets looking towards Watchung Avenue.
It can't be the holiday season already! Roses are still growing on East Front Street just two blocks away!
As a result of locale, many folks commute from around here into Manhattan daily. I don't. Yet I have a love for the city. I'm awaking to news that some idiot shot two people at the skating rink in Bryant Park. Geez. Isn't anything sacred? When I go into the city with my camera around the holidays, Bryant Park is almost always on my agenda as it has a wonderful holiday atmosphere and I can actually get close enough to photograph the skaters (unlike Rockerfeller Center). Apparently not a random shooting, there had been a verbal confrontation between one of the shot skaters and the gunman. At this point, both victims (both skaters) are alive. But ... sheesh. What is WRONG with people?
In other local news, I want to grouse about change. Yes, I know change is always going to happen. But there has been a wooded area next to a brook just as my train approaches the town of Bound Brook. I've often seen deer there from the train. Plus, a man in a maroon truck drops off tons of breadcrumbs daily for at least the past ten years for the geese. This man has been at it daily, dumping about a big wastebasket size amount of bread. Daily ... rain, shine, snow, no matter the season. In the last week, they tore down all the trees and bulldozed it flat. Wah. I don't know what's going to go up there, but I'll surely miss what was.
Let's see ... I must have some good news. Hmm. Well, Vincent the Cat is doing well. But he does kind of have the life of leisure. So, he's bound to do well. There haven't been any more mice incidents.
On a positive local change in Plainfield note, now that the leaves are thinning on the trees, I can see one of the more notorious crime-laden public housing projects in Plainfield from the train. They've been talking about razing it for years. Well, it looks like that's imminent now. People are moving out and, as they do, each apartment is getting boarded up. Sure, the thugs who took it over years back will just find new places to do their "business." But, hopefully, it will be a new start and a much safer life for the innocent children who lived there and the elderly residents. No one should be afraid to walk out their doors in the daytime.
On the other hand, here at my apartment building, it's not cheap to live. Yes, some of the apartments are subsidized for elderly and a few families. But, for the most part, people in my building need to work for a living. As a result, it's safe to take trash out to the Dumpster at 2 in the morning if you feel so inclined. You're more likely to get frightened by a raccoon rather than Riff-Raff. Our latest landlord has really been doing well with upgrades and repairs. The elevator hasn't been out of order for more than a few hours at a time for months now. The new windows look spiffy. I'm pleased with the place and I haven't always been.
This week was rather mundane, so are my photos ... but I do have two Vincent photos for his fans! Later tonight I'll post the blog party for The Amazing Race. If you watch the show, come watch with us! We have cyberdrinks and snacks!
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| No, no ... not already! |
Plainfield has its holiday decorations up on the street corners downtown. Sigh. Taken from the corner of East Front and Church Streets looking towards Watchung Avenue.
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| But, but ... |
It can't be the holiday season already! Roses are still growing on East Front Street just two blocks away!
**CLICK THE 'READ MORE' BUTTON TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS**
Wednesday, November 06, 2013
Survivor: Blood vs. Water - November 6 Episode Blog Party
It sounds like tonight should be action-packed -- someone returning from Redemption Island and the merge is on! I do think that all those people who worried about Aras and Vytas getting together and thinking they should do something about it may have wished they had done so!
Lifeguard Laurie has returned to the real world after a splendid well-deserved time away from home. Here are the latest pool standings:
End of Week Three 10/30
Galang
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML
Tadhana
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
TYSON -- Delee, meb
Redemption Island
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! As always, the real party is in the comments area. Come join us!
Survivor fans ready?
Duel time - this time it's do or die. The winner returns to the game; the two losers go home. It's an endurance duel -- hanging onto a pole as long as they can. Not surprisingly, due to size and weight, John is out first. Laura M. seems the most secure although Ciera would rather play her own game. Laura M. returns to the game -- Laura B. and John both out for good.
Drop your buffs. The merge is indeed on.
Even though she could have kept it for herself, Laura threw the Hidden Idol clue in the fire.
Tyson found the idol and says that he isn't going to tell anyone. We'll see about that! They always seem to tell.
First individual immunity up for grabs! They will be shown a series of pictures and each must show them back in order on a cube. Monica out first. Caleb and Katie out. Tyson and Tina out. Hayden out. First round done.
Second round. Laura out. Ciera out. Gervase out. It's down to Aras and Vytas. Vytas wins immunity! (It's a shame Aras is a big target for others.) Gervase and Tyson still go for an Aras exit.
The tally: Laura, Laura, Ciera, Ciera, Aras, Aras, Aras, Aras, Aras ... rats. I liked him! The Tyson/Gervase plan worked. But, Aras is going to Redemption. He's not booted yet!
Sunday, November 03, 2013
The Amazing Race: November 3, 2013 Blog Party!
Once again, tonight's show isn't even scheduled until 8:30pm ET here in the NYC viewing area. That's due to football, of course. Now, I'm not really optimistic that it will even start at that time. Nonetheless, I'm posting this entry at 8pm ET. I'll take off the word verification for comments at 8:30pm-ish and joining in at that time.
Here are the latest blog pool results from Super Margo:
Ally And Ashley - LafayetteLisanne, Jackie,Tammy
Jason And Amy - Nicklepeed, PDXGranny, Brian, DLA
Leo And Jamal - MEB, Margo, Brenda, Caela
Nicky And Kim - Nana in NW, Jennasmom, David
Tim And Danny - JOKATS, Dusty, Zoetawny
Tim And Marie - SueGee, DKNYNC, Rbennie
Travis And Nicole - Delee, Laurie, Lynn1, Merrilee
Sorry you have been PHILIMINATED
Hoskote And Naina
Rowan And Shane - ML, Becky, Cheryl in NC, KayBeeRN
Chester And Ephraim - Buzzmaam, Donna in AL, Sharon S
Brandon And Adam - Donna in FL, Monty924, Sharon
Once the show (finally) starts in this area, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. As always, the real party is in the comments area. Come join us!
Okay, the show will be starting at 9PM ET here. Grr. I'll be here then.
Finally, it's starting. Seven teams remain. Who will be eliminated NEXT?
My least favorite team, Tim and Marie, are leaving first. They're heading to Austria by train. At least their Express Pass is now gone. My blog pool team is the last to depart. All the teams meet up at a layover in Poland. So, all are once again starting out even. Jason and Amy were there first, but can't jump due to the wind.
They're at the Vienna Opera House -Detour -- Light Brigade has them making a chandelier or Masquerade has them attending a Vienna Waltz in costume while matching their masks to a dancing couple. There is a Fast Forward. All that clue says is that it's weather-dependent. The FF is a 500-foot bungee jump. Child's play! Uh-oh. It's too windy. Jason and Amy decide to head back to the Detour.
Heh. Tim and Marie can't get a cab!
Roadblock - Teams must join the choir at the Vienna Boys Choir and sing a song to the satisfaction of the choir director.
Travis was the first to make it through the singing.
Nicky and Kim almost took Jason and Amy's waiting cab once the taxi driver himself took their bags out. He was tired of waiting. Then Tim and Marie took someone else's. They plan on blaming Leo and Jamal.
Next, they're searching for a clue in a maze. Then it's off to the Pit Stop!
Pit Stop order:
1. Nicole and Travis - win a trip to Anguilla. Travis is hoarse from singing.
2. Nicky and Kim
3. Leo and Jamal
4. Tim and Marie
5. Jason and Amy
Cool. Almost fisticuffs at the Pit Stop due to the cab theft.
6. Ally and Ashley
7. Tim and Danny ... Philiminated.
Aw. Sigh.
Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - November 3, 2013
Hello, welcome to Sunday! This is my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. Later tonight I'll be posting the Amazing Race blog party post. If you watch the show, please come join in on the fun as the show airs!
Did you set your clocks back an hour? This is the time change I enjoy rather than that annoying "spring forward" change. I recall last year that wasn't the case, though. Last year I was still deep into a power outage from Hurricane Sandy -- daylight was precious and not to be wasted. As I wasn't working the clock change day, I actually slept in. When I awoke and realized (thanks to my cell phone) that it would be dark an hour earlier in the evening, I almost cried. My candles and batteries were both running low at that time into the ordeal. No open stores for miles seemed have any. Thankfully I had plenty of batteries for my MP3 player which is also a radio. That was my big link with the outside world.
Last year at this time I was living in a weird post-Sandy surreal kind of existence. This year was much different. Our weather this week was mostly sunny with above seasonal temperatures. Overnight last night, the colder air crept in. Oh well, it is that time of year. Last year around this time we had snow on top of the Sandy woes. I can't complain.
On Wednesday it was overcast, but I made my way over to Westfield for a Mindowaskin Park and Trader Joe's visit. As a result, lots of fall foliage and (of course) duck shots in today's entry. I've always loved Trader Joe's, but thought it was small and cramped. Oh my gosh, I love it even more now because it's more than doubled in size! I noticed during my latest visit that, in addition to the wine and beer they carry, they now have a small section of actual hard liquor. Most are name brands, but I did pick up a bottle of Trader Joe's brand "Rum of the Gods." It was very reasonably priced and I think I'll make cookies with it and have an occasional rum and Coke. I'm not a big drinker, but I occasionally will imbibe.
The kids actually had Halloween in the city this year after two years of it being canceled. Last year was Sandy, the year before a six inch snowstorm. Both resulted in downed wires and downed trees for Halloween. Even though the holiday was on, I kept up with having no trick-or-treaters here at my apartment. I haven't had any for the dozen years I've lived here. As I arrived back in town after work, I did see the downtown streets full of children in costume. Good for them!
On Saturday, I had the day off from work to attend the Plainfield Library Photo Contest Exhibition opening and awards presentation. Going into the contest this year, I had trouble with the theme of "Plainfield Celebrates." I usually work on Saturdays when they hold the fun city events. I also had trouble getting the Saturday off to attend the event as a new boss didn't like the short notice although I've said I needed a Saturday off in November for nearly two months. I just didn't know which one!
Much to my surprise, I won first prize for a photo I really love, but thought too somber for a win. I won a third place prize for a photo I took the 4th of July parade the last knee replacement recovery summer (which is why I had the parade Saturday off). And I won a Special Time Capsule Award for a photo I took during Sandy recovery, the only Sandy-related photo entered. The photos in the competition become a part of the local history archives in the library. Just as we look back on photos of days gone by, someday in the future folks will be checking these photos out for a clue about what our lives are like.
On the home front, the workers showed up yesterday to do Crazy Joe's (across the hall) windows and the common area/stairway windows. It's amazing how much better the building looks with all the new windows! I think the only windows which remain to be done are the ones in the stairway by the elevator. They'll probably show up this morning to do them. If my "huge" five dollar rent increase hadn't gone down in the beginning of September, I'd be very worried about a rent hike with all the building improvements.
Eep, this is way long-winded and there are tons of photos, as well. Let's get to it! If you click on an image, it will take you to the Photobucket page with a larger image. Close that page to return directly back to the blog!
Unfortunately I didn't get any great photos of it. I spotted it flying over my workplace near the Bridgewater Train Station. At first I thought it was a large hawk, but then I noticed the white head and tail. EAGLE! Woot! Woot! I watched it for nearly a half-hour. Alas, it decided to either fly too high or to soar too fast when flying low and this was the best shot I got of it. But, man ... an eagle here in Central Jersey! While I've seen some in the far north part of the state and also in Connecticut, it's a first for here.
In front of the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield on Park Avenue. I also can't help but notice the Amazing Taste lunch truck in the background. Mmm.
These were growing in a planter on Elm Street in Westfield.
Did you set your clocks back an hour? This is the time change I enjoy rather than that annoying "spring forward" change. I recall last year that wasn't the case, though. Last year I was still deep into a power outage from Hurricane Sandy -- daylight was precious and not to be wasted. As I wasn't working the clock change day, I actually slept in. When I awoke and realized (thanks to my cell phone) that it would be dark an hour earlier in the evening, I almost cried. My candles and batteries were both running low at that time into the ordeal. No open stores for miles seemed have any. Thankfully I had plenty of batteries for my MP3 player which is also a radio. That was my big link with the outside world.
Last year at this time I was living in a weird post-Sandy surreal kind of existence. This year was much different. Our weather this week was mostly sunny with above seasonal temperatures. Overnight last night, the colder air crept in. Oh well, it is that time of year. Last year around this time we had snow on top of the Sandy woes. I can't complain.
On Wednesday it was overcast, but I made my way over to Westfield for a Mindowaskin Park and Trader Joe's visit. As a result, lots of fall foliage and (of course) duck shots in today's entry. I've always loved Trader Joe's, but thought it was small and cramped. Oh my gosh, I love it even more now because it's more than doubled in size! I noticed during my latest visit that, in addition to the wine and beer they carry, they now have a small section of actual hard liquor. Most are name brands, but I did pick up a bottle of Trader Joe's brand "Rum of the Gods." It was very reasonably priced and I think I'll make cookies with it and have an occasional rum and Coke. I'm not a big drinker, but I occasionally will imbibe.
The kids actually had Halloween in the city this year after two years of it being canceled. Last year was Sandy, the year before a six inch snowstorm. Both resulted in downed wires and downed trees for Halloween. Even though the holiday was on, I kept up with having no trick-or-treaters here at my apartment. I haven't had any for the dozen years I've lived here. As I arrived back in town after work, I did see the downtown streets full of children in costume. Good for them!
On Saturday, I had the day off from work to attend the Plainfield Library Photo Contest Exhibition opening and awards presentation. Going into the contest this year, I had trouble with the theme of "Plainfield Celebrates." I usually work on Saturdays when they hold the fun city events. I also had trouble getting the Saturday off to attend the event as a new boss didn't like the short notice although I've said I needed a Saturday off in November for nearly two months. I just didn't know which one!
Much to my surprise, I won first prize for a photo I really love, but thought too somber for a win. I won a third place prize for a photo I took the 4th of July parade the last knee replacement recovery summer (which is why I had the parade Saturday off). And I won a Special Time Capsule Award for a photo I took during Sandy recovery, the only Sandy-related photo entered. The photos in the competition become a part of the local history archives in the library. Just as we look back on photos of days gone by, someday in the future folks will be checking these photos out for a clue about what our lives are like.
On the home front, the workers showed up yesterday to do Crazy Joe's (across the hall) windows and the common area/stairway windows. It's amazing how much better the building looks with all the new windows! I think the only windows which remain to be done are the ones in the stairway by the elevator. They'll probably show up this morning to do them. If my "huge" five dollar rent increase hadn't gone down in the beginning of September, I'd be very worried about a rent hike with all the building improvements.
Eep, this is way long-winded and there are tons of photos, as well. Let's get to it! If you click on an image, it will take you to the Photobucket page with a larger image. Close that page to return directly back to the blog!
 |
| Eagle! Bald eagle in flight! |
Unfortunately I didn't get any great photos of it. I spotted it flying over my workplace near the Bridgewater Train Station. At first I thought it was a large hawk, but then I noticed the white head and tail. EAGLE! Woot! Woot! I watched it for nearly a half-hour. Alas, it decided to either fly too high or to soar too fast when flying low and this was the best shot I got of it. But, man ... an eagle here in Central Jersey! While I've seen some in the far north part of the state and also in Connecticut, it's a first for here.
 |
| True dat |
In front of the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield on Park Avenue. I also can't help but notice the Amazing Taste lunch truck in the background. Mmm.
 |
| What? Mums again? Yes! |
These were growing in a planter on Elm Street in Westfield.
**CLICK THE 'READ MORE' LINK TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS**
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