Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 22, 2017

Good morning! Since it's a Sunday morning, it's time for my off television topic reflection of the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. If you're not interested in either, please feel free to check out my previous and newer posts I will put up after this -- they will be television related! You can find my Survivor posts at this link.

My apologies for not posting last week. I'm still tired and not feeling all that great this week. But at least I took some photos! I'm still working on improving my photo-taking with the new cell phone. Most of the shots here are from my actual camera unless I note cell phone. 

Nothing much is happening here -- the weather has been incredibly nice, temperatures in the 70s most days and chilly evenings. We're now at the point that we need rain, though. I'm sure it will decide to rain as I'm out and about heading to work and have to be caught in it.

Last night seemed to be party night in my apartment building. No, not for me! After I got home from work, I had my own party of one with a cat companion. (Someone may have imbibed too much catnip.) On the first floor in the front of the building, it was incredibly loud as I got home. Today when I went down to the front door of the building to get my Sunday newspaper, I saw busted balloons -- dozens of them -- all over the corridor floor, stairs and in the elevator. I know they were popping some in the front wing of my floor last night, too. I wasn't really sure WHAT the noise was, but I knew it was NOT gunfire. Now I know. The guy upstairs also had a party. Since he's been quite amazingly quiet for months, I tolerated it even though the noise went beyond 11pm. It wasn't as loud as he's cranked it in the past. But he definitely invited some real clodhoppers up there. Thank goodness he has carpeting in that apartment.  

I'm hoping for a quiet peaceful Sunday.

Here are the photos for the week -- clicking on an image will open a larger version.

De train! De train!

Oh, wait. That was Tattoo yelling, "De plane! De plane!" on Fantasy Island. I'm certainly aging myself with the memory of that television show, eh? The sun was almost set to the left just out of this photo shot as my train home from work arrived at the Bridgewater Train Station one day this week. A more colorful sunset would have been nice, but ...!

If the NJ Transit bus breaks down ...

... he has wheels of his own. I've noticed more skateboarders on the trains and buses since the Skate Park opened in Plainfield. I keep telling myself I need to get over to the park with my camera. Unfortunately, I haven't really felt well enough to be out and about more than I have to be lately. I took this photo with my cell phone, making it accidentally a video. So I edited a still from said video.

White and Yellow Lamps

Well, I will say that keeping the eastbound side of the train station so brightly lighted at night seems to have cut down some of the ne'er'do-wells who spend the evenings/nights there. As it was just after sunset when I took this shot, you can't really see the white brightness. NJ Transit Police and the Plainfield Police still need to move along the non-passengers during the daytime hours. Now they tend to hang out right on the platforms taking up benches for people who want to take the trains. Plainfield Train Station.

Let me pose for you

A posing squirrel on a fence post on the west side of my apartment building. My windows look out on the east side and only have a chain-link fence.

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

Survivor 35: Heroes-Healers-Hustlers - October 18 Blog Party

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll be updating this entry with the latest happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! The party itself is in the comments -- join in on the discussion!

Tonight we will see a shake-up with the tribes. I suppose I'm evil because I'd rather the possible showmance to be split. Heh.  My own pool person got the boot last week, so I'm a free agent. I'm entertained by fellow Jersey boy Ryan. Hmm ...

Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool and here ya go:

Levu Tribe (Heroes)
JP H. - Cheryl in NC, Kristen from Ohio, Shannon 
Alan B. - Ed in Ohio, monty 924, Terry is a Texan 
Ashley N. - Donna NY, MikesGirl, tbc. 
Ben D. - Donna in FL, Merrilee, Tammy. 
Chrissy H. - Donna in Alabama, meb, SueGee, KelseyNY 

Soko Tribe (Healers) 
Cole M. - Dolores in Hollywood FL, Marthalight, Stormy 
Desiree W. - Delee, Mario Lee, Skyriverblue, Buzzmaam 
Jessica J. - ChicMc, Silk, Sharon N. 
Joe M. - Cheryl ICNY, Krysa Gibson, Sharon C. 
Mike Z. - Becky, Janice, Rbennie, PDX Granny 
Roark L. - Auntie Leigh, Indiana Jane, Pam 

Yawa Tribe (Hustlers) 
Ali E. - Dr_Celine, Monnie8, Tennistoe 
Devon P. - David, Margo, Laurie, Fred aka TwoBlackAces 
Lauren R. - Brian, Jennasmom, Rochelle, Judi Sweeney
Ryan U. - Anonymouse, Glenn Allen, Nickelpeed 

Flame Extinguished 
Katrina R. - Pool People moved to a different teams.
Simone N. - 4nancie, Nana in the NW, weenabe
Patrick B. - Beachbound Gmom, Jackie, Petals, Sara Welty

Survivor fans ready?  

Fifteen are left, who will be voted out tonight?

It's right to "drop your buffs" time. Jeff passes out new buffs. It's a brand new game.

Ashley, Alan, Desi, Joe and Devon -- Levu
Ryan, Ali, Chrissy, JP and Roark -- Soko
Jessica, Mike, Cole, Lauren, Ben -- Yawa

Reward challenge has them playing for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and potato chips. No second place. They have to untangle a rope using teamwork, hook a sled, pull sled, solve puzzle.

The yellow tribe (Jessica, Mike and all) -- I'll eventually get the tribe names -- wins the challenge, followed by orange -- Ryan and company. The blue tribe was sunk from the beginning and Alan only made things worse by not being able to hook the sled and not letting anyone else try. 

Whoa! Jessica got a secret advantage in her bag of chips. She can block one person from voting at the next tribal council. Like Ryan, if her tribe wins immunity, she has to send it to someone who is going. So she tells Mike and Cole. Cole tells Ben. Why don't they just write it in sand? Then he tells Lauren. 

Chrissy, of course, was the recipient of Ryan's advantage. They're both from New Jersey and now they're both on the same tribe. He tells her it was him giving her the super idol.  A bond is forming.

Ashley isn't too thrilled that Alan is still on her tribe. They attempt amends. Joe isn't as confident because he's used to winning. At least he has an idol. He tells Devon the two heroes want him out.

Lauren told Mike about the advantage. Since it was only Mike, Jessica and Cole who initially knew, it's obvious Cole told the others. He apologizes to Jessica, but she's not happy.

Time for the Immunity Challenge! Race out to crate of puzzle pieces, bring it through obstacles, solve puzzle. The first two tribes are safe.  

Yawa wins first, then Soko. Levu will go to Tribal.

Devon confronts Ashley telling her that Joe said she was going to vote him out. She denies it and thinks they need to target Joe. Joe thinks he's going to have to use his idol, but they might vote Desi out. Joe tells them all he's voting Ashley and they need to keep a strong tribe. I don't know -- I keep seeing Alan perform poorly in challenges and Joe irks them all. Then Desi's name gets thrown in there. Joe tells her he has the idol. She wants him to use it on her.

Aha! Devon got the secret advantage from Jessica! 

Time for Tribal Council. Jeff needs to ask his Probsting questions of them all. 

No wonder they don't work together as a team. They certainly aren't one. 

Devon opens his advantage -- it's being used against you by another player to block him (Devon) from voting. GAH! That's no advantage! He can't vote!

Joe plays his idol. For himself.

The tally:
 Joe, Joe, Alan, Alan ...

Alan is voted out. A wise choice methinks.

Nothing Here to See This Sunday - October 15, 2017

I think I need to nap with Vincent

I didn't take many photos this past week and I'm exhausted. Not sick per se, but I just feel so tired. It's been a long week.

I'll be back for the Survivor post on Wednesday and I will post my usual off television topic photo post next Sunday.

Survivor 35: Heroes-Healers-Hustlers - October 11 Blog Party

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll be updating this entry with the latest happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! The party itself is in the comments -- join in on the discussion!

Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool and here ya go:

Levu Tribe (Heroes)
JP H. - Cheryl in NC, Kristen from Ohio, Shannon 
Alan B. - Ed in Ohio, monty 924, Terry is a Texan 
Ashley N. - Donna NY, MikesGirl, tbc. 
Ben D. - Donna in FL, Merrilee, Tammy. 
Chrissy H. - Donna in Alabama, meb, SueGee, KelseyNY 

Soko Tribe (Healers) 
Cole M. - Dolores in Hollywood FL, Marthalight, Stormy 
Desiree W. - Delee, Mario Lee, Skyriverblue, Buzzmaam 
Jessica J. - ChicMc, Silk, Sharon N. 
Joe M. - Cheryl ICNY, Krysa Gibson, Sharon C. 
Mike Z. - Becky, Janice, Rbennie, PDX Granny 
Roark L. - Auntie Leigh, Indiana Jane, Pam 

Yawa Tribe (Hustlers) 
Ali E. - Dr_Celine, Monnie8, Tennistoe 
Devon P. - David, Margo, Laurie, Fred aka TwoBlackAces 
Lauren R. - Brian, Jennasmom, Rochelle, Judi Sweeney 
Patrick B. - Beachbound Gmom, Jackie, Petals, Sara Welty 
Ryan U. - Anonymouse, Glenn Allen, Nickelpeed 

Flame Extinguished 
Katrina R. - Pool People moved to a different teams.
Simone N.

Survivor fans ready?

Sixteen are left. Who will be voted out tonight?

Interesting -- Hustlers are checking out clothes left behind by Simone. Devon and Ryan have decided they both like and relate to Ali -- which doesn't fare well for Lauren. Meanwhile, Lauren is trying to fit in with Ali. She's going to try her best to get the focus off of herself and onto Patrick. 

On Heroes, Ben is a bit too confident, methinks. He thinks he and Chrissy are running the tribe. Yes, Alan is a hothead and he'll probably sink himself sooner rather than later. Heh. He can't get a coconut open. In other news, Ashley is falling for JP and he's being the fish-bringer for the tribe. Of course, Alan is the one who was all concerned about them being a power couple. So Ashley wants him gone.

On Healers Joe is worried because Cole knows he has an idol. Meanwhile, romance seems afoot with Cole and Jessica. Oh my. She just said on national television that she's a virgin. That's new and different. Heehee -- Cole told her that Joe has the idol. Well, that secret didn't last long!

Dawn arrives and Ryan is leery because Patrick is out there searching for the idol. Ali gives Patrick a heads up that the others might hold looking for the idol against him. I never understood that. I would think everyone would be out looking for an idol.

Over on Healers, it looks like Joe is alienating himself more. Even his buddy Cole thinks it might be a good idea to blindside him, send him home with an idol in his pocket. So, he spreads the word around. Eep, Jessica isn't too thrilled that he's doing that so early. 

Time for the Immunity Challenge! Race through obstacles, sandbags knock blocks off ledge, stack blocks. Reward is four chickens -- one rooster, three hens. The second winning tribe gets a dozen eggs. Mike sits out on Healers to even up the tribe numbers. 

Hustlers are way behind because Patrick refused to switch out when throwing the sandbags. Healers almost win, but were missing a block.  

Heroes win first place! Healers win second.

Hustlers will go to Tribal again. 

Uh-oh. Since they made a point of Lauren pointing out to us that Patrick should go home, he probably won't. 

Patrick apologizes to all. It seems the guys are on his side. Hmm. He wants Lauren to go home. Lauren tells him that she has twenty-five years experience in pitching. She tells Patrick that she knows she's a target. So, she goes to Ali about Patrick. Ryan feels that it's all up to him and Devon to pick the target. Devon thinks that Lauren is tougher in challenges and Patrick has let them down in them. It's looking like it's leaning towards Lauren going unless something happens in Tribal and Patrick sinks himself.

Tribal Council time. Sure enough, Lauren brings up Patrick and his insistence on solely throwing the sandbags. Ali is trying to stick up for her buddy Patrick. And on it goes with the questions. Lauren and Patrick, Patrick and Lauren.

They vote for each other, of course.

The tally:
Patrick, Lauren, Patrick, Patrick.

There goes my pool boy! I actually think they made the right decision. 

Next week, while not the merge, there will be some sort of tribe switch up. That's good because the Hustlers are now down to four! 

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 8, 2017

Good morning! Since it's a Sunday morning, it's time for my off television topic reflection of the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. If you're not interested in either, please feel free to check out my previous and newer posts I will put up after this -- they will be television related! You can find my Survivor posts at this link. 

I had pretty much of a sucky worrisome day yesterday with relief only coming in the evening after I returned home from work. As some of you who know me might know, I'm SO not a phone person. I only bought a cheap prepaid cell phone about eight years back because of the lack of pay phones as time went on. I do have a landline -- just a very basic one which even works in power outages. But I've had the same prepaid flip phone for eight years. It cost me about $20 back when I got it. 

It is (was) a dumb phone. Yet, due to today's society and the fact that it can screen calls better than my landline, receive texts and more, I use it for almost all of my online stuff. The number for it is the one hooked into the intercom system to know if someone is at my apartment door for me and more. GAH! Without that number, I'm a bit lost. I also use it as an alarm clock and have stopped wearing a watch because I use it for the proper time.

The phone fell out of my pocket on the train going to work yesterday. I know I had when I got on the train. And, when I got off the train, as the train was pulling out, I went to check the time. OH NOES! It was gone! Now, if I were anyone else at my workplace, I could have either waited for the train to make its next run back to the station with that crew and retrieve the phone. If I worked in just about any other place, I would have access to the internet to at least suspend the service online. 

But ... NOOOO. I had new employees coming in which had me going into work an hour earlier than usual on a Saturday morning. I'm the ONLY one there who knows how to do all the paperwork, the computer programs needed (Oracle and Kronos Workforce Management) and stuff to get them in the computer system and to do the actual orientation for new employees. The one other person who knows it, but does things a bit haphazardly if I do say so myself, is on vacation.

While I didn't have outright banking information or anything like that on the phone, the payment system for the phone is hooked to my debit card. I had just put more money on it and someone could go to town with calling stuff on the phone. I worried all day. And, instead of working an hour extra due to my early arrival, I went home an hour early after doing the orientation for the new hires and the accounting. 

Now, it's been years since I bothered with the Verizon wireless web site. But I had made an account there and managed to get in to it from my home computer. The actual phone account is now suspended and I have a new phone ordered from Amazon set to arrive at my workplace on Tuesday. I can't have it come here as I would have no clue if someone rang my intercom buzzer! I need it by Wednesday as I have a Peapod grocery order coming and they text me. At this time, the worst case is that I will lose my contact list. With the new phone I'm getting (same number), my contacts will be stored on the Verizon cloud -- not sure of the old phone contacts or not. I'll find out.

The phone I'm getting finally puts me in the smartphone world. But I'm still getting a prepaid one. And, while I'll probably take advantage of some available apps, I refuse to be one of those people addicted to the phone. I'm buying the next to cheapest 4G Android phone (Samsung) I could find on Amazon with good reviews. It will still be more expensive than the one I lost. Grr. One reason I never bothered with a smartphone is because I'm cheap ... er, frugal. I'm just SO not a phone person and didn't need the extra expense. 

But one pro to it is that I will be able to take decent photos and video and finally get to have an Instagram account without a bunch of software on my computer to act like I'm posting photos from a cell phone. My dumb phone had a camera, but it was a pain to upload the bad photos to the online Verizon site which is the only place I seemed to be able to make them go and the reason I even had an account on the Verizon wireless site to begin with! Plus, the new phone has a much better camera and I can take more candid photos on trains and such without pulling out the actual camera I carry.

One last thing about this fiasco ... NJ Transit really needs to get more professional staff answering the phones for lost and found. When you call a business representative, you really don't need to hear someone say, "We ain't got nuthin' turned in today." AIN'T GOT NUTHIN?!?! My own workplace has strict standards for greetings and handling business calls. It reflects on the business itself.

Wait ... one more last thing! (Really.) Because losing the phone was all new to me -- I don't lose things and even still have an eight-track player that works -- I did the chat bit on the Verizon Wireless site last night to make sure I could keep the number and suspend the service until I got the new phone. The person I dealt with in the chat was delightful -- polite, not just canned responses, friendly, spelling and punctuation were professional and she did exactly what I needed done. Oh, and she told me it was her birthday. Happy birthday again, Casey! We ended up small-talking a bit while we waited for the computer to bring up my account. She was such a gem!
  
Onto this week's photos ... clicking on an image will open it in a larger version.

Starling in its fall coat

They go from glossy black with highlights in the sheen to spots over the seasons. 

When you see tracks, always ...

... think junkie. Er, um, train. Last night at the Plainfield Train Station as I arrived home from work. I guess I'm just too cynical.

Tiny flowers ...

... in the weeds. Make me feel happy. Make me forget my needs.
Or something to that effect. 

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

Survivor 35: Heroes-Healers-Hustlers - October 4 Blog Party

We got off to an interesting start with last week's season premiere. I can't help but wonder why, at this point, some of the castaways are so cutthroat within their own tribes. I would think that this is the time for the tribes to work at bonding together and attempting to stay intact as best they can until the merge. Ah, what do I know? Heh.

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll be updating this entry with the latest happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! The party itself is in the comments -- join in on the discussion!

Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool and here ya go:

Levu Tribe (Heroes)
JP H. - Cheryl in NC, Kristen from Ohio, Shannon 
Alan B. - Ed in Ohio, monty 924, Terry is a Texan 
Ashley N. - Donna NY, MikesGirl, tbc. 
Ben D. - Donna in FL, Merrilee, Tammy. 
Chrissy H. - Donna in Alabama, meb, SueGee, KelseyNY 

Soko Tribe (Healers) 
Cole M. - Dolores in Hollywood FL, Marthalight, Stormy 
Desiree W. - Delee, Mario Lee, Skyriverblue, Buzzmaam 
Jessica J. - ChicMc, Silk, Sharon N. 
Joe M. - Cheryl ICNY, Krysa Gibson, Sharon C. 
Mike Z. - Becky, Janice, Rbennie, PDX Granny 
Roark L. - Auntie Leigh, Indiana Jane, Pam 

Yawa Tribe (Hustlers) 
Ali E. - Dr_Celine, Monnie8, Tennistoe 
Devon P. - David, Margo, Laurie, Fred aka TwoBlackAces 
Lauren R. - Brian, Jennasmom, Rochelle, Judi Sweeney 
Patrick B. - Beachbound Gmom, Jackie, Petals, Sara Welty 
Ryan U. - Anonymouse, Glenn Allen, Nickelpeed 
Simone N. - 4nancie, Nana in the NW, weenabe 

Flame Extinguished Katrina R. - Pool People moved to a different teams.

Whichever castaway goes tonight will also have their torch snuffed in the blog pool! We only "forgive" the first gone.

Survivor fans ready? 

On Heroes, Chrissy is feeling more secure in her standing as the others had been quibbling at Tribal. She also has the thought that she can use the now powerless idol as a power ploy, make people think it's real if she's at risk. Ashley is now very leery of Alan. The Core Four is no more.

On Hustlers, Devon and Ryan are still bonding well. But Ryan points out that Simone is a rather weird one. Hmmm ... she hates the outdoors. Such a great show for her to be on! Welp, she can gut a fish just after having read about it. Maybe she will make it. 

The Healers are having trouble with spear fishing. A crush is developing with Cole and Jessica and Joe is still being suspicious of Mike. Mike is still wanting that idol! Meanwhile, Joe thinks he's found a clue to the idol. Now he thinks Cole might have found it. Joe tells Cole about the clue and Cole seems to have a different take on the "map." They went searching together and Joe has the idol. He's concerned because Cole knows. Cue dramatic music now.

Oh my, JP speared what looks like a lobster ... they're eating well in Heroes tonight! Now he's even confiding in Chrissy and denying that he and Ashley are a power couple. Chrissy is analyzing the pros and cons of working with others. She thinks Ben is her best bet. It looks like Alan burned his bridges with Ben. Now Chrissy and Ben are a power couple -- although they will deny it.

On Hustlers, it looks like Patrick wants to be the class clown. He's wearing the nerves of some of the others. Lauren talks to Ali about him. Now, Ali and Patrick were planning to work together, but she just might drop him like a hot potato. Watching his antics, I think he'd irk me, too. I would want to put crabs in his pants. 

Immunity Challenge time! Ryan sees Chrissy is still there and hopes down the road his good deed of giving her the idol will pay off. 

It's a diving to retrieve puzzle pieces then solve the puzzle. First tribe gets the Ultimate Survivor Fishing Kit, second tribe gets a smaller kit. Joe and Lauren sit out of their respective tribes so the playing field is even. 

Hustlers have the early lead with Heroes taking up last place. But they took up the slack -- Healers win first place! Heroes take over the second place! Hustlers will have to go to Tribal Council. 

Devon, seeing that Simone can't solve puzzles (in addition to her other quirks), tells us he thinks she's the one to go. We'll see. Since they showed that clip, she'll probably remain. 

She might not like the outdoors, but she's observant. Simone knows she's a target and has picked up on Patrick annoying others. She tries to work her mojo on Lauren. Ryan and Devon think it will be Simone going. Ali talks to Ryan about the logic of keeping Simone over Patrick because Patrick is so unpredictable. Has he bought it? It seems he did. We'll see.

It's time for Tribal Council. Jeff has to ask his Probsting questions. Patrick voted Simone. But did anyone else?

The tally:
Patrick, Simone, Simone, Simone, Simone.

She's out. That's rather surprising. But, for the strength of the tribe, it's probably a good move. While she could be trustworthy, she really isn't cut out for this experience. At least that's my opinion ... and probably theirs, too.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 1, 2017

Good morning! Since it's a Sunday morning, it's time for my off television topic reflection of the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. If you're not interested in either, please feel free to check out my previous and newer posts I will put up after this -- they will be television related! I am over (SO OVER) Big Brother 19 -- I personally have no interest in what the hamsters are doing since the show ended. Yes, I know Cody and Jessica will be on the next to be filmed season of The Amazing Race. At least a dozen people have told me. I don't care! If I had my druthers, I'd never have to see anyone from BB19 ever again anywhere. Meanwhile, you can find my Survivor posts at this link. 

In weather news around here, we finally seem to be rid of summer temperatures and into autumn. Yes! While some folks love the summer heat, I personally enjoy the days with temperatures in the low 70s and chilly overnights. Now, I don't want those overnights TOO chilly as I don't think the landlord turns on the heat until October 15, but ...! The heat has really been getting to me this past summer. As I get older, it seems harder to take and I feel like I've been on the edge of heat stroke at times. That's not good. But, when the autumn temperatures kick in, I feel so much better!

Random bits and pieces:

• I found out that my longtime across the hall neighbor Joe is in the Aristacare rehab place across the street. That's where I almost went for a knee replacement recovery but went home instead. I was worried that he passed and squatters moved in. It's now his daughter and her (at least) two children in the apartment. Oh, well. She doesn't let the kids run the halls of the building. But it is odd to see Joe's apartment door all decked out for Halloween. That is so not Joe!
• We're not into fall foliage yet around here. However, I've noticed some trees have just had their leaves turn brown and die. Hmm.
• Because I often have a ride with a friend to work these days, I'm not on the train every day. I no longer buy monthly passes as, economically, they don't pan out. Now, after my recent birthday, I can get my train tickets for less than half-price. I only pay $1.35 each way! But getting the tickets out of the machine is a hassle. You can buy individual round trip tickets, but I can't seem to make the machine understand I want like five round trip tickets. After the first round trip, I end up with tickets all going one direction! Thankfully, the conductors accept them for either direction. But it really should be easier to buy multiple round trips.
• Surfers are enjoying the off shore hurricane waves as of late on the Jersey Shore. But I think more people have died this past season than most years due to rip currents. While I love the ocean, I myself am a bit leery after getting caught in a rip tide back in the 80s. I not only thought it broke my shoulder by whipping my arm around to my back, but I was sure I would drown. I ended up nearly a quarter mile from where I had been. 
• I wonder if that might be a reason I seem to have developed such arthritis in my right shoulder. Hmm. It could be the water-skiing I did for years or just plain my body falling apart. Of course, I could blame Vincent. That's the shoulder he favors for draping over purposes!
• I would guess it's a combination of aging and stuff I did over the years. I do have a relatively new annoying health thing -- my neck wants to make noise every time I turn my head. Sheesh. 
• I need to find the fountain of youth, methinks.

Onto the photos I took this past week. I didn't take tons of them. Clicking on an image will bring up a larger version. 

Aesthetics down the drain

On one trip to work this week, they were working on the lamps on the eastbound platform of the Plainfield Train Station. In addition to replacing the bulbs that have been burnt out, some for years, they replaced lamp poles which were down, missing or damaged. Um. What is this?!?! The new poles aren't anything like the old ones! Ack! Now they've pretty much totally blown my train station lamps photos for good. Plus, when I got home last night after dark, while the train station's new white bulbs do make the station a lot brighter, there are still the golden bulbs mixed in. It looks all out of synch. Gah.

Sunset from a shopping center

Bridgewater Promenade Shopping Center (no, not an infamous New Jersey mall) as I sat outside of the Target store waiting for a friend to pick me up.

Blast from the past this week

On Monday's commute to work I was greeted with a single level NJ Transit train. Oh, my. Pink walls, blue seats, the dreaded three-seaters on one side, seats that flip the backs so you can seat groups ... I didn't quite know where I needed to sit to get out at Bridgewater where only one door opens on the platform! It was also longer than the double-deckers which serve the Raritan Valley Line -- eight cars with the end one closed. Hmm. I had to sit up in the front of the second car from the end to make getting out easier. It was a quiet car. I can always deal with that! I think this makes twice in the last eight or so years that I've taken a single level train on my usual train line.

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

Survivor 35: Heroes-Healers-Hustlers - Season Premiere Blog Party

What? Only an hour show for the season premiere? What's up with that?

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll be live-blogging the action the best I can as I'm not familiar with this group of castaways yet. Everyone is welcome to join in on the party in the comments area!

Due to the recent season of Big Brother, I'm laying down some ground rules for comments. Hopefully we won't see it happening here with this show and castaways with more success in life and labors. Some of these are rules we've had all along, but may need a reminder --

• Keep comments to a PG rating. Do not quote from other sites that don't follow that rule. All asterisks if you feel you must.
• Absolutely no hate speech which includes derogatory comments and slang.
• While the castaways are fair game for commenting on as they are in the public eye, no comments on physical characteristics which they might not be able to control. 
• No nicknames, please. When posting about a castaway, real name. It just makes things confusing. Thank you.
• No comments directed at "fans" of castaways you might not like. Say why you don't care for said castaway, but leave the "fans" of him or her out of it. Commenters are free to like whomever they choose without feeling they themselves are the target of other comments.
• If someone trolls the comments, please do NOT reply to them. I will remove the troll comments and replies give me more work to do!
• Remember ... this is a TELEVISION SHOW. It's not your life!

For those who might have missed it -- the blog pool match-ups are in this post right here. Starting next week I'll be including the updated list each week in the blog party post. Lifeguard Laurie is in charge and she rocks!

Survivor fans ready? 

Now, you can bet Jeff Probst didn't climb up that peak! He's telling the new castaways about the Heroes, Healers and Hustlers breakdown. They do the old boat is loaded with supplies, get what you can. Each tribe has a burning urn on their beach. First tribe to raise one of their members to light a torch gets fire. Second gets a flint. 

Ohhh ... Jersey boy Ryan from Hustlers finds a secret advantage clue as they are getting the supplies. 

Healers got fire, Heroes flint. 

Healer Joe wants to manipulate people. There's also a bit of a rift on the Heroes tribe. Already! 

Whoa! Ryan's clue is actually a super idol! It can be used AFTER the voting. It has to be used in the first tribal council. If his tribe doesn't go to council, he must anonymously pass it on to someone on the losing tribe.

Healer Joe is already making more waves. While, yeah, Mike went looking for an idol. But who is Joe to call him out on it on the first day? 

Oh, geez. Ryan tells Devon that he found the clue and the super idol. An alliance is formed ... kind of early, methinks. 

Alan on Heroes is the Healer Joe of his tribe. He thinks two (JP and Ashley) are a power couple already and is accusing them of having an idol. 

First Immunity Challenge - pull a cart up a doohickey, ride it down, table mazes, another mazing challenge. First two tribes win Immunity. Hustlers are also playing for fire. Jeff tells them tie votes are back in this season.

Healers win first Immunity! Hustlers win Immunity! It will be the Heroes going to Tribal Council. Uh-oh. Chrissy from Heroes (my local castaway) almost collapses. That might hurt her chance to survive. But, then again, Ryan has to give his super idol to someone. Hmm.

Alan is paranoid. As he should be with his behavior so far. It looks like the consensus might be Ashley. Chrissy and Katrina have also been mentioned. Hmm. I guess Alan shouldn't be paranoid? Yay! Chrissy is the recipient of Ryan's idol!  

Tribal Council time! Chrissy tells Jeff she didn't feel like she belonged in the tribe. She thinks the Power Four -- everyone but Katrina and herself -- will run the show. They talk about Alan strip searching JP for an idol. Katrina and Chrissy are the two "older women" on the tribe. Ben seems to speak with logic, but Alan keeps piping in. 

Remember -- the super idol is played after the votes are read.

The tally:
Katrina, Ashley, Katrina, Katrina, ... Katrina out.

Chrissy does NOT save her. And, there goes the only chance to use that super idol. Ashley apparently would have gone out in Katrina's place had she used it, at least I think that's how it works. I might be wrong.

Survivor 35: Heroes, Healers, Hustlers - Blog Pool Match-Ups!

Survivor 35: Heroes, Healers and Hustlers begins TONIGHT! My apologies for not getting castaway news out and about -- my real work has been very hectic as of late. However, Lifeguard Laurie has indeed been on the job!

Here's Laurie's message regarding the blog pool:

Here are the teams! We did a random pick. All but one team has 3 people, that one has 4. As usual, nobody goes home on the first night, so those people will be randomly added to another team.
 

Levu Tribe (Heroes)

Back row, left to right: Ben Driebergen, Alan Ball, John "JP" Hilsabeck
Front row, left to right: Chrissy Hofbeck, Ashley Nolan, Katrina Radke

Blog pool match-ups:
JP H. - Cheryl in NC, Kristen from Ohio, Shannon 
Alan B. - Ed in Ohio, monty 924, Terry is a Texan 
Ashley N. - Donna NY, MikesGirl, tbc
Ben D. - Donna in FL, Merrilee, Tammy
Chrissy H. - Donna in Alabama, meb, SueGee 
Katrina R. - Buzzmaam, KelseyNY, Sara Welty

 

Soko Tribe (Healers)

Back row, left to right: Cole Medders, Jessica Johnston, Roark Luskin
Front row, left to right: Joe Mena, Mike Zahalsky, Desiree Williams

Blog pool match-ups:
Cole M. - Dolores in Hollywood FL, Marthalight, Stormy 
Desiree W. - Delee, Mario Lee, Skyriverblue 
Jessica J. - ChicMc, Silk, Sharon N. 
Joe M. - Cheryl ICNY, Krysa Gibson, Sharon C. 
Mike Z. - Becky, Janice, Rbennie 
Roark L. - Auntie Leigh, Indiana Jane, Pam

Yawa Tribe (Hustlers)

Back row, left to right: Devon Pinto, Patrick Bolton, Ali Elliott
Front row, left to right: Lauren Rimmer, Ryan Ulrich, Simone Nguyen

Blog pool match-ups:
Ali E. - Dr_Celine, Monnie8, Tennistoe 
Devon P. -David, Margo, Laurie, Fred aka TwoBlackAces 
Lauren R. - Brian, Jennasmom, Rochelle, Judi Sweeney
Patrick B. - Beachbound Gmom, Jackie, Petals 
Ryan U. - Anonymouse, Glenn Allen, Nickelpeed 
Simone N. - 4nancie, Nana in the NW, weenabe

Survivor fans ready? TONIGHT! 

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - September 24, 2017

Good morning! Since it's a Sunday morning, it's time for my off television topic reflection of the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. If you're not interested in either, please feel free to check out my previous and newer posts I will put up after this -- they will be television related!

If you want to be in on the blog pool for the upcoming Survivor season, you need to head to this linked post and sign up only there by Tuesday! Every season we get folks trying to sign up after the cut-off, including some of the very regular blog commenters. PLEASE! C'mon, you know the show is coming. If you want in on the blog pool, PLEASE sign up on time! Laurie is kind enough to be running the pool and really does have the right to say no to stragglers after the cut-off!

I'm so thankful the latest season of Big Brother is over. Several of the long standing BB fan communities have given up -- even Hamsterwatch is about ready to throw in the towel. I don't think she will, but you never know. She certainly earns more money off the show than I do. I don't have the capability to sell CBS Access with a cut for myself. There was a time when, with the paying writing gig, BB paid my rent all summer. Not so these days and this season was more headache than fun for me. Because of the issues this summer, I will be implementing a few ground rules for posting comments on future show posts.

In other stuff, my week back to work from vacation was about what I expected -- chaos, disorganization and more. For decades I had planned to retire on my most recent birthday. I just don't dare do it due to the cost of health insurance. While I would have my pension, my 401K, Social Security and a great discount on life insurance from my company ... the group health insurance would vanish and Medicare wouldn't kick in for three years. It all feels so defeating.

Sigh.

Oh, well. Onto the photos I took this past week -- at least I didn't accidentally delete them from my memory card like I did last week. 

I met a praying mantis

Oh, well. Maybe it's a preying mantis. Either way, it was HUGE -- longer than my entire hand. While I fear its days may be numbered, it was alert enough to follow my camera and my movements with its eyes. This was on the fence netting by the TD Ball Park in Bridgewater adjacent to the train station. When I walked through after work, it was gone.

Hanging in there

While there were dozens of flower of an hour blossoms a month ago, only a few still blossom today.

Let there be lights

One morning at the Plainfield Train Station, I saw all the lamps lighted on the eastbound platform. An NJ Transit dude was (finally) replacing the burnt out bulbs. I used to be enthralled taking photos of the lamps. But, the neglect in replacing knocked-down poles and bulbs over the last several years, plus the influx of ne'er-do-wells hanging out at the station, have inhibited my photos of the station.

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

Survivor: Heroes-Healers-Hustlers Blog Pool OPENS!

Come one, come all! The blog pool is OPEN for Survivor 35! I'll be looking more into the cast between now and the show's season premiere next Wednesday night. 

Yet the POOL IS NOW OPEN!

The Lovely Lifeguard Laurie has once again graciously offered to run the blog pool for the show. She, but of course, rocks!

I want in! What do I do?

If you want in to the blog pool, you need to sign up in the comments of this post and this post only! Please don't try signing up on any other posts -- we might miss your comment.

Is there money involved in this?

Of course not! You needn't pay anything to get into the pool. You don't need to buy a pool pass or anything! Mind you, you don't win any money either. What you do win is bragging rights until the next season and the smugness that goes with it.

How does it work?

Lifeguard Laurie makes random picks for the castaways and the blog folks. You cheer on that castaway all season until they either win or get their torch snuffed along the way.

When is the cut-off for entering?

All pool requests must be in comments to this here post and submitted by Tuesday, September 26, 3pm ET. Be there or be square.