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!

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**

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - October 30 Blog Party

Good evening! Happy Mischief Night to all! Hopefully we'll see some sort of mischief on the show tonight. Now, that could be fun. The tribes switched up last week leaving Vytas alone with the women on on tribe, Ciera alone with the men on the other. Vytas managed to last through one tribal council. But I'm not sure he can make it through another if the women decide to stick together!

Here's the latest on the blog pool from Travelin' Lifeguard Laurie:

Galang 
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
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
KAT -- Jig, Petals

Off the Island 
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924
BRAD -- Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.

Quit 
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed

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 you all know, the real party is in the comments area. Come join us!

It's Duel Time! Let's see if Kat has a complete meltdown. She sobbed and hung onto Hayden before they got started. Oops. Hayden said his relationship with her is stronger than the game. Will he take Jeff's bait and swap places with her? 

When Hayden asks what's their best longterm shot for the win, Kat said he stands more of a chance to win it all. She duels. Untie knots, release machete, hack rope, release puzzle pieces and then, of course, a puzzle. John finishes first! Laura is second, Kat is gone. John once again gives the clue to Monica. She burns it again. 

Uh-oh. Aras seriously thinks that Gervase and Tyson can be trusted. Oops.

The Immunity Challenge has the tribes chained together at the ankle, navigating obstacles, collecting bags, making bolos and throwing them. The reward is a fried chicken picnic. 

It was fairly close, but Tadhana wins. 

Gah. Laura B. tells Vytas they've decided to vote him out. I wonder if that might do her in instead.

Tribal Council time -- Laura once again says that Vytas will be leaving. @@

The tally: Vytas, Laura B, Laura B, Laura B.

She blew it for herself. She's off to Redemption Island.

Next week a person returns from Redemption Island and the merge is ON! 

The Amazing Race - October 27, 2013 Blog Party

Oh my. The show might even be on time-ish tonight here on the East Coast. I believe it might be a few minutes late. But I wasn't watching the football game, so I can't be sure.

Last week we had one of those "To be continued ..." endings with the first place team being told to keep racing. Yet, they did win their prize. Hmm. As the show airs here tonight, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. I know we have a Double U-Turn ahead.

Since there was no resolution to last week's leg, Margo's blog pool standings remain the same --

Ally And Ashley - LafayetteLisanne, Jackie,Tammy
Brandon And Adam - Donna in FL, Monty924, Sharon
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

*************************************
8:07pm ET and 60 Minutes just ended. Tim and Marie did end up giving the extra Express Pass to the doctors, Travis and Nicole. That was in exchange for Pit Stop information.

Pit Stop continuation ...
2. Jason and Amy
Then three couples came in at once. Gah! I can't keep track!
Nicky and Kim were the last team to arrive, still in it, still racing.

All teams are even again on a boat and heading for Poland.

Detour - Pose or Polka. Copy stance of Neptune statue and get money from tourists. Polka is dancing, but of course! Uh-oh. At least the Neptune people have to wear their costumes until the end of the leg. Tim or Danny (whichever) might have to wear a dress!

U-Turn is just a'waiting ahead. Jason and Amy don't use the U-Turn.

Tim and Marie decide to use their Express Pass because they fear both Detours and the double U-Turn. So far, no one has used the U-Turn.

Eek! Tim and Danny U-Turned Leo and Jamal. They're the first to use it.

Roadblock -- Who has a sweet tooth? They have to search the longest apartment building in Poland for a certain pastry ... and they need to be nice. Since Tim and Marie aren't in costume, it's obvious they used the Express Pass.

Leo and Jamal U-Turned Brandon and Adam. Sigh. I was liking Brandon and Adam.

After completing the Roadblock, the teams must meet Phil on the longest pier in Europe. The last team checking in MAY be eliminated.

1. Tim and Marie - Won a trip to Hawaii
2. Jason and Amy
3. Nicole and Travis
4. Nicky and Kim
5. Tim and Danny
6. Leo and Jamal
7. Ally and Ashley
8. Brandon and Adam -- Philiminated. Wah.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 27, 2013

Good Sunday morning to everyone near and far! Welcome to 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 hosting the blog party for The Amazing Race episode. But now we're talking off topic.

By Wednesday of this week our temperatures dipped here to a bit below average and that's where they remain. I don't mind. Sure, it's a bit chilly, but I like the nip in the air. And, at least we don't have a monster storm looming on the horizon as we did last year at this time. It even looks like the kids will have Halloween for the first time in two years around here. Last year we had Sandy with wires and trees down all over and no power. The year before we had a snowstorm with wires and trees down and no power. Sandy was a lot more horrific, but the snowstorm knocked us out for three days nonetheless.

I keep disrupting the writing of this entry to go down to the front entrance of my building looking for my Sunday newspaper. Sheesh. It was finally there at 7:15. It used to be out there by 6am. The longer it sits out there, the more of a chance it will disappear.

Often it seems that I'm the only one up early in the morning on Sundays. Not so much today. Every time I went to the elevator, it was on a different floor. Then, once I had my paper in hand, I had to go down to the basement before I could head up to my floor. A man from the floor above me was already in the elevator heading down there with his laundry. I also saw someone going up the back stairs (we have glass doors leading to them). Hmm. I hope they're not all vampires or zombies at this early hour!

Let's see. What else? Well, work is a bit hectic once again. Or still. I have a new boss who doesn't really seem to be used to a very busy atmosphere. She's learning. As for me, I can only do what I can do. I can suggest things to her, but that's about it. I'm still training new management -- she's not new, just new to us. Oh well, it keeps the roof over my head and Vincent gets his catnip, cat treats and cat toys!

Back on the home front, it looks like all the windows except for Crazy Joe's across the hall have been done. That's odd as he's been fussing about wanting new windows for nearly ten years now. Since Mario the super seems to be knocking on doors to set up times for them to be done instead of calling, maybe they just haven't caught Joe at home.

Heck, Mario was lucky he caught me. Had he tried in the evening, I usually don't answer door knocks unless I'm expecting someone. They're usually people wanting us to switch our electrical supplier, FIOS, Spanish speaking Jehovah's Witnesses or Farrakhan's Nation of Islam folks. The latter two have absolutely no interest in me. We have an intercom system. If I don't let someone in the building, I pretty much don't want to see them.

Onto this week's photos ...

Defying the season

The roses at one home on East Front Street in Plainfield want to believe it's still spring.

I see the light!

My early morning train arrives in the dark of night. Well, pre-dawn. Plainfield Train Station, NJ Transit.

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