Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - July 19, 2015

I hope everyone is having a fine Sunday morning! Since it is indeed Sunday (and even still morning), welcome to my weekly off television topic reflection on the past week in both words and photos I've taken along the way. If you're looking for the latest Big Brother postings, they can be found via this link right here. The show and live feeds only last three months while this off topic weekly post is year 'round. You are free to skip over it if you wish!

It's really hot, hazy and humid here this weekend although we had a few beautiful dry and reasonable temperature days during the week. Once again, my windows are closed and the air conditioning is on. It was nice while it lasted! Today we're back to heat advisories and air quality warnings. I believe I'll stay in all day.

I saw my downstairs neighbor for the first time since the Screaming Child Thumping Family neighbors moved downstairs next to him. He says they're horrible. I knew that. I doubt their lease will be renewed in February. He also complained to me that they raised his rent $40 more a month. Hmm. I didn't tell him mine only went up $5 again. I think they want him out, too. I find it disturbing that he told me he had a kitchen fire due to leaving food cooking on the stove -- a grease fire that destroyed his cabinets over the oven and damaged the wall. I didn't know about that. He doesn't have renter's insurance (which we're supposed to have) and the landlord is suing him for $3,000 in damages. He also keeps sneaking in dogs against the No Pets rules; I have special grandfathering for Vincent. To be honest, if he's getting that careless (he's had a stroke, heart issues and more and yet likes his alcohol a bit), I'd rather he move.  His case worker is working on finding him a new place. Mind you, he's a few years younger than I am and hasn't worked in the ten years or more that I've known him!

That said, I myself have set off the smoke/carbon monoxide detector in my apartment while cooking. But there was never any fire! It's just a touchy alarm! And, I've never set off the main building fire alarm! The only thing I ever leave cooking while I'm not in the apartment is my slow cooker on low. They're made for that kind of thing and I make sure nothing is near it on the counter. I do have renter's insurance but have no desire to use it.

Onto this week's photos -- clicking on an image will give you a larger version.

Islamic Center at night

When I arrived at the Plainfield Train Station very late on Monday night, I saw the Islamic Center on North Avenue was all lighted up and folks were coming and going. Ramadan ended on Friday with Eid al-Fitr -- thus breaking the month-long fast from sun up to sundown for Muslims.

Plainfield Train Station busker?

I didn't see any obvious place to leave tips, so he might not be a busker. Plus, the Plainfield Train Station is not a good place to earn tip money. Yet, there he was, playing his keyboard and he was actually pretty decent. It was kind of refreshing to get off the train to peaceful organ music and not walk through a crowd of drunken bums using the outlets to charge their phones.

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

You can't hide, Mr. Cardinal

The cardinals and mockingbirds at the Bridgewater Train Station seem to be having some sort of territory dispute. Both seem very territorial. And, neither will stay still long enough for a decent photo!

Open for the day

The chicory blooms close every night. Plainfield Train Station.

I've looked at clouds from both sides

The skies in between storms one day.

Eid al-Fitr is here

On Friday morning, every parking space near the Plainfield Train Station was filled as families streamed into the nearby Islamic Enlightenment Center for Eid al-Fitr, otherwise known as the Breaking of the Fast. The celebration marks the end of the month-long fasting for Ramadan. I saw many covered dishes and trays of food being brought in. And, then my train to work arrived. (Sigh.)

Backyard flowers

No, not my backyard. I don't really have a backyard. I have a parking lot drive around the back of the building. This is the backyard of the house on the corner of Richmond and East Front in Plainfield ... where I take many photos of her front yard flowers.

Bird is the word

Beautiful pinkish-red blossoming tree

Richmond and East Front, backyard.

Little plane, big banner

Japanese beetles

Pigeon on a ledge

Don't jump! Bridgewater Train Station

Y'know, I can fly

I'll jump if I want to jump!

Time for Eid al-Fitr feasting!

And, the Mormons snagged me

I was innocently waiting for the bus after getting off the train. I knew they were Jesus ladies when they parked across the street. Most Jesus ladies (not to be confused with Church Ladies in Hats) around here only speak Spanish, so I'm usually safe. Nope. An Irish accented one and an Asian Jesus lady. Gulp. Well, it was new and different. Mormons, not Jehovah's Witnesses. I didn't realize Plainfield had a contingent of Mormons. I accepted a copy of The Book of Mormon, mainly because I've never read it and I'm a reader kind of person. But don't expect me to go all Mormon on ya!

The sunflowers have started to bloom!

Fancy flowers!

I don't know what these are -- perhaps some kind of lily just judging by their shape. But they're so cool, so intricate!

Rose of Sharon bloom

The blossoms are still going strong in the bush-size plants, but the tree-size ones seem to have passed. East Second Street, Plainfield.

You can't have my new scratch pad!

Yeah, Vincent ... like I would want your new scratch pad or that cat treat by your foot! Of course, I am the one who pays for all the fine things in your feline life! Then you put your nose in the air and refuse to share!