Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Mostly sunny...but cool...some places were in the 40s today.
Paper Guy: Blue V-neck sweater vest...with a white collared shirt underneath
Shady Gas Price: $2.69 That's crazy
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Happy fun observance:
I saw a woman walking and reading a book at the same time. She was walking on the sidewalk in front of the Museum of Science. As they say in my household, that takes skillz.
Awful sad observance:
So, most days I join the crawl to Storrow Drive via Route 28 (A/K/A Monsignor O'Brien HWY). There is a light at Leverett Circle that holds traffic up somewhat. As an aesthetic improvement to the area, they have taken down the elevated pedestrian bridges...so now people have to cross the street using crosswalks at street level. This improvement to the look of Leverett Circle does not, unfortunately, work well with car traffic. In many past posts, I have complained about this area. It's probably the most time consuming part of my ride.
Since the Big Dig tunnel closure, there has been a state police presence in the circle. They are there, I think, to make sure traffic moves smoothly as the circle could quickly turn into a major jam for people who are taking Storrow East instead of the Pike East to get to Logan through the Callahan tunnel (phew). Some state police officers I feel have been very helpful in getting traffic a-going, especially when they take an active role in directing cars to turn right on red when there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk. Other mornings, I have seen officers who do not take an active role in moving traffic along...and I feel they are more of a hindrance than a help.
Today, there was an officer who was taking an active role in directing traffic. Cars seemed to be moving just fine...not the fastest traffic flow I have ever experienced...but certainly not the slowest. I got closer to the intersection (it really isn't a circle anymore...it really is an intersection) steadily with each light cycle. When I got to the point where I knew my entry onto Storrow Drive was imminent, I noticed a small red pickup truck in front of me. It was a commercial vehicle (at least that’s what the plate said) for the home cleaning company "Maid 4 You" based in the Boston area.
Once the light turned green, traffic started moving...and the state police officer reinforced what our action should be by waving us on. A few cars went through until the red truck stopped to discuss something with the officer. At first I thought the driver was lost and was asking for directions. I was a little annoyed for the stoppage, but I forced my feeling away thinking I should be more compassionate for the lost. As the stoppage continued, you could see the officer's expression turning from surprise to anger. As the truck pulled away, the officer shouted something at the truck. I didn't hear what was shouted since I had my window rolled up but I did read a few words off the officer's lips. Let's put it this way: the phrase "have a wonderful day" wasn't used.
What the hell happened? It's not every day I see somebody piss off a Statey. Here are your choices:
• Did the guy in the pickup truck express his displeasure about the traffic direction?
• Did the guy in the pickup truck make a rude comment about the mismanagement of the Big Dig?
or
• Did the guy in the pickup truck make a sexist remark because the officer was a woman? (Hee hee, I left that part out)
You decide. I say boycott this company...or contact them to let them know their employees behavior isn't cool. Their drivers shouldn't be holding up traffic to mess with police officers. Even if you don't do anything, she took a long look at his license plate as he drove off...I'm thinking there will be some payback.
8/31/2006
8/30/2006
Don't Make Eye Contact
Departure Time: 7:12
Arrival Time: 8:03
Weather as I call it: Better...skies were lighter
Paper Guy: MIA
Shady Gas Price: $2.79
Yelled at other drivers: No...but I had to beep
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I had to fill up the old tank this morning...I was trying to stretch it out to the beginning of September...but I couldn't risk it. Thankfully, the station I went to was selling 'regulah' for $2.57 (and 9 tenths of a cent)....so a little relief...only cost $37.
Some dude in a pick-up truck was trying to change lanes on the ol' Monsignor O'Brien HWY...and I was in his blind spot. I made sure he knew I was there. I didn't make any eye contact as I passed him by so I wonder if he was mad or if he was sorry.
I guess we will never know.
Arrival Time: 8:03
Weather as I call it: Better...skies were lighter
Paper Guy: MIA
Shady Gas Price: $2.79
Yelled at other drivers: No...but I had to beep
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I had to fill up the old tank this morning...I was trying to stretch it out to the beginning of September...but I couldn't risk it. Thankfully, the station I went to was selling 'regulah' for $2.57 (and 9 tenths of a cent)....so a little relief...only cost $37.
Some dude in a pick-up truck was trying to change lanes on the ol' Monsignor O'Brien HWY...and I was in his blind spot. I made sure he knew I was there. I didn't make any eye contact as I passed him by so I wonder if he was mad or if he was sorry.
I guess we will never know.
8/29/2006
Zen and the Art of Directing Traffic
Departure Time: 7:20
Arrival Time: 8:02
Weather as I call it: Same as yesterday...dark and dreary
Paper Guy: Wearing a blue sweater. Summer is over.
Shady Gas Price: Hanging tough at $2.83
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
There were kids flooding into both the middle and high school on the main road in town today. I thought it was really going to slow me down. Taking a look at the duration, it only added two minutes to my time. Pretty darn good, but psychologically it felt like I was stuck in slow mo...waiting for the crossing guards to let me through.
Look, kids need to be safe. There is no part of me that does not agree with the notion that the crossing guards have a very important job, but (there it is! There's the 'but') there is an art to directing traffic...there is an art to keeping everything moving; cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, wild horses, etc.
Peeps, let's embrace the art of directing traffic...you can keep all things flowing if you put effort into it rather than just hacking away at stopping traffic.
Arrival Time: 8:02
Weather as I call it: Same as yesterday...dark and dreary
Paper Guy: Wearing a blue sweater. Summer is over.
Shady Gas Price: Hanging tough at $2.83
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
There were kids flooding into both the middle and high school on the main road in town today. I thought it was really going to slow me down. Taking a look at the duration, it only added two minutes to my time. Pretty darn good, but psychologically it felt like I was stuck in slow mo...waiting for the crossing guards to let me through.
Look, kids need to be safe. There is no part of me that does not agree with the notion that the crossing guards have a very important job, but (there it is! There's the 'but') there is an art to directing traffic...there is an art to keeping everything moving; cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, wild horses, etc.
Peeps, let's embrace the art of directing traffic...you can keep all things flowing if you put effort into it rather than just hacking away at stopping traffic.
8/28/2006
Summer's Almost Gone
Departure Time: 7:08
Arrival Time: 7:48
Weather as I call it: Drizzling...The themometer said 66 degrees...but I think it was lying.
Paper Guy: Raincoat...desperately wanting.
Shady Gas Price: $2.83...
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
What can I say today? It was not the most pleasant of mornings. The rain-soaked streets and the dark skies didn't make for a slap-happy drive. The Sox are packing it in. It feels like the summer is calling it quits too early as well. The snap of cool air brings back memories of school starting up again. These days, that pang in my stomach is sparked by not the dread of sitting in a classroom for six hours a day but from the dread of school time traffic. It was nice to have ten weeks of smooth sailing...but next week we are in for some serious traffic snarls.
This too shall pass.
Arrival Time: 7:48
Weather as I call it: Drizzling...The themometer said 66 degrees...but I think it was lying.
Paper Guy: Raincoat...desperately wanting.
Shady Gas Price: $2.83...
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
What can I say today? It was not the most pleasant of mornings. The rain-soaked streets and the dark skies didn't make for a slap-happy drive. The Sox are packing it in. It feels like the summer is calling it quits too early as well. The snap of cool air brings back memories of school starting up again. These days, that pang in my stomach is sparked by not the dread of sitting in a classroom for six hours a day but from the dread of school time traffic. It was nice to have ten weeks of smooth sailing...but next week we are in for some serious traffic snarls.
This too shall pass.
8/25/2006
Stay Away From The Tobin
Departure Time: 7:00
Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Rainy for the most part...noticeably cooler
Paper Guy: Green polo shirt...not looking happy in the raindrops
Shady Gas Price: $2.85 - Whoa.
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Left early...got to work early. After taking a day off, I needed to get in and get going.
Hey now, anybody else upset about the lane closures on the Tobin Bridge? I think they have been working on different parts of the bridge for two years now...it still looks like crap. Eh, I am just comparing it to the Zakim. While not a complete piece a beauty (Let's face it, those concrete arches are ugly!), at least it doesn't look like it's about to crumble down to the waterway below.
Although...it is a product of the Big Dig...and ya never know.
Thank goodness I don't take either bridge on a regular basis in the mornings.
P.S. The grooved pavement I typed about earlier this week has now been paved over. Sweet.
Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Rainy for the most part...noticeably cooler
Paper Guy: Green polo shirt...not looking happy in the raindrops
Shady Gas Price: $2.85 - Whoa.
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Left early...got to work early. After taking a day off, I needed to get in and get going.
Hey now, anybody else upset about the lane closures on the Tobin Bridge? I think they have been working on different parts of the bridge for two years now...it still looks like crap. Eh, I am just comparing it to the Zakim. While not a complete piece a beauty (Let's face it, those concrete arches are ugly!), at least it doesn't look like it's about to crumble down to the waterway below.
Although...it is a product of the Big Dig...and ya never know.
Thank goodness I don't take either bridge on a regular basis in the mornings.
P.S. The grooved pavement I typed about earlier this week has now been paved over. Sweet.
8/23/2006
Favorite Things
Departure Time: 7:20
Arrival Time: 7:58
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cooler...probably high 60s.
Paper Guy: Sporting the long sleeved shirt today with the shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.89
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
1. Here is my brand spanking new Web 2.0 logo:
Sweet A. If you would like your own Web 2.0 logo, visit the Web 2.0 Generator.
2. The Catholic school down the street from my house was back in session...sorta. There were peeps hustling and bustling to look at a whole bunch of documents taped to a fence...so I wonder if today was a type of orientation. Not sure...but they did mess up my commute a bit since kids need to cross the street and that means crossing
guards and that means delays.
3. Had a few moments of clarity this morning, probably because I was listening to John Coltrane "searching for it" Live at Newport in 1963...Today, let's not talk about things I hate...let's talk about things I like. There is a huge replica of a styrofoam Dunkin' Donuts coffee cup on the top of a Hess Station in E. Somerville. Think a "medium regular" for a dude who stands as tall as the Hancock Tower...and you get a sense of how 'UGE this coffee cup is... I guess Hess is serving up the Dunk’s coffee. Of course, there is a DD a mere 300 feet away....but that’s no big surprise.
I guess I have a thing for inflatable promotional material.
Arrival Time: 7:58
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cooler...probably high 60s.
Paper Guy: Sporting the long sleeved shirt today with the shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.89
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
1. Here is my brand spanking new Web 2.0 logo:
Sweet A. If you would like your own Web 2.0 logo, visit the Web 2.0 Generator.
2. The Catholic school down the street from my house was back in session...sorta. There were peeps hustling and bustling to look at a whole bunch of documents taped to a fence...so I wonder if today was a type of orientation. Not sure...but they did mess up my commute a bit since kids need to cross the street and that means crossing
guards and that means delays.
3. Had a few moments of clarity this morning, probably because I was listening to John Coltrane "searching for it" Live at Newport in 1963...Today, let's not talk about things I hate...let's talk about things I like. There is a huge replica of a styrofoam Dunkin' Donuts coffee cup on the top of a Hess Station in E. Somerville. Think a "medium regular" for a dude who stands as tall as the Hancock Tower...and you get a sense of how 'UGE this coffee cup is... I guess Hess is serving up the Dunk’s coffee. Of course, there is a DD a mere 300 feet away....but that’s no big surprise.
I guess I have a thing for inflatable promotional material.
8/22/2006
A Familiar Face
Departure Time: 7:28
Arrival Time: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Sunny with some thin wispy clouds in the air.
Paper Guy: Blue shirt and shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.91
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Still reeling about the Sox losing 5 in a row at home against the dreaded Yankees. You can feel the deflation/melancholy all over the city. Hey, wha' happened?
Saw a guy on a bike poised to cross Storrow drive this morning. Not sure he was ever going to give it a go...unless there was a huge break in traffic...which wouldn't occur until after 10 AM. Upon further inspection, I recognized this guy. He was a homeless guy that I used to see all the time circa 1993 hanging around the intersection of Mass. Ave and Marlborough Street. (I think Marlboro Market is still there...not sure why they left the 'gh' off their name...maybe to save money on the sign)
He wore, and seeing him again today confirmed that he still wears, a green camouflage jacket and hat. He would talk in some hushed mumbles and point violently to the sky and to the ground. Some of my college cohorts tried conversing with him, offering him some food... All at once he stopped his mumbles and his finger pointing and clearly and softly said, "No thank you." He would disappear for weeks and we would think that he was gone forever, but then when you weren't expecting him...there he was.
Looks like 13 years later he is still kickin' it in the Back Bay. God Bless ya. Now go use one of those footbridges before you get killed.
Arrival Time: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Sunny with some thin wispy clouds in the air.
Paper Guy: Blue shirt and shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.91
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Still reeling about the Sox losing 5 in a row at home against the dreaded Yankees. You can feel the deflation/melancholy all over the city. Hey, wha' happened?
Saw a guy on a bike poised to cross Storrow drive this morning. Not sure he was ever going to give it a go...unless there was a huge break in traffic...which wouldn't occur until after 10 AM. Upon further inspection, I recognized this guy. He was a homeless guy that I used to see all the time circa 1993 hanging around the intersection of Mass. Ave and Marlborough Street. (I think Marlboro Market is still there...not sure why they left the 'gh' off their name...maybe to save money on the sign)
He wore, and seeing him again today confirmed that he still wears, a green camouflage jacket and hat. He would talk in some hushed mumbles and point violently to the sky and to the ground. Some of my college cohorts tried conversing with him, offering him some food... All at once he stopped his mumbles and his finger pointing and clearly and softly said, "No thank you." He would disappear for weeks and we would think that he was gone forever, but then when you weren't expecting him...there he was.
Looks like 13 years later he is still kickin' it in the Back Bay. God Bless ya. Now go use one of those footbridges before you get killed.
8/21/2006
I Don't Like Grooved Pavement
Departure Time: 7:15
Arrival Time: 7:53
Weather as I call it: Cloudy
Paper Guy: Blue short-sleeved shirt...shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.91...wow...
Yelled at other drivers: Yes, cell phone guy
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Things I hate while driving to work in Boston:
(in no particular order)
1. Grooved Pavement. You know the stuff...It makes motorcycle riders shake in their boots. This process of tearing up the roadway to replace it, in a word, stinks. I saw on tv once that asphalt is 85% recyclable, so I fully support ripping it up so we can use it again....but the aftermath of the roadway makes for slow passage due to dangerous conditions. I bring this subject up because there is a patch of grooved pavement on Route 28 right before the 93 overpass.
2. Vans. If you have read this blog for any amount of time, you know I don't like vans.
3. Cell phone users. Ok. I use my cell phone while driving on the way home...and I think I do a pretty good job of handling both activities. Peeps who can't handle doing both driving and talking at the same time shouldn't. Here's a test: If you can rub your belly and tap your head at the same time--talk away. If not, think of the others on the road and stick to one thing at a time. Some dude almost took me out on Storrow today. When I caught up to him, he was gabbing away on his little mobile device. Argh.
Arrival Time: 7:53
Weather as I call it: Cloudy
Paper Guy: Blue short-sleeved shirt...shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.91...wow...
Yelled at other drivers: Yes, cell phone guy
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Things I hate while driving to work in Boston:
(in no particular order)
1. Grooved Pavement. You know the stuff...It makes motorcycle riders shake in their boots. This process of tearing up the roadway to replace it, in a word, stinks. I saw on tv once that asphalt is 85% recyclable, so I fully support ripping it up so we can use it again....but the aftermath of the roadway makes for slow passage due to dangerous conditions. I bring this subject up because there is a patch of grooved pavement on Route 28 right before the 93 overpass.
2. Vans. If you have read this blog for any amount of time, you know I don't like vans.
3. Cell phone users. Ok. I use my cell phone while driving on the way home...and I think I do a pretty good job of handling both activities. Peeps who can't handle doing both driving and talking at the same time shouldn't. Here's a test: If you can rub your belly and tap your head at the same time--talk away. If not, think of the others on the road and stick to one thing at a time. Some dude almost took me out on Storrow today. When I caught up to him, he was gabbing away on his little mobile device. Argh.
8/18/2006
I'm Ready For My Close Up
Departure Time: 7:10
Arrival Time: 7:54
Weather as I call it: A little bit overcast
Paper Guy: Green polo shirt, shades, and a smile
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: Not at a driver
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
1. Last night was the company's annual booze crooze...so if you're a co-worker and you're having a hard time reading this post...close your browser, get another cup of coffee, and come back when you are feeling better.
2. To the pedestrian in the orange shirt talking trash on your celly at 7:20 in the morning...wait until the light's red before you start crossing the street. (I apologize for yelling at you. It took me a moment to realize who you were---the most important person in the world---I should have kept my mouth shut)
3. There was an old guy videotaping the traffic at Wellington Circle. It was one of those VHS-sized cameras...very weird...I didn't know if I should wave or pretend as if I didn't see him. I should have asked him what my motivation was for the scene.
Lame week for the blog...please forgive me. I will try to make it a better week next week.
Arrival Time: 7:54
Weather as I call it: A little bit overcast
Paper Guy: Green polo shirt, shades, and a smile
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: Not at a driver
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
1. Last night was the company's annual booze crooze...so if you're a co-worker and you're having a hard time reading this post...close your browser, get another cup of coffee, and come back when you are feeling better.
2. To the pedestrian in the orange shirt talking trash on your celly at 7:20 in the morning...wait until the light's red before you start crossing the street. (I apologize for yelling at you. It took me a moment to realize who you were---the most important person in the world---I should have kept my mouth shut)
3. There was an old guy videotaping the traffic at Wellington Circle. It was one of those VHS-sized cameras...very weird...I didn't know if I should wave or pretend as if I didn't see him. I should have asked him what my motivation was for the scene.
Lame week for the blog...please forgive me. I will try to make it a better week next week.
8/17/2006
Summertime Blues
Departure Time: N/A
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny and clear sailing...too bad I was in a car.
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
My son had a doctor's appointment....so I came into work late today. I don't know if it is the good weather or what, but peeps are not staying in their lanes. There were two times when I had to honk the horn to let people know they were fading over the dotted lines.
Stop daydreaming about the beach and drive.
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny and clear sailing...too bad I was in a car.
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
My son had a doctor's appointment....so I came into work late today. I don't know if it is the good weather or what, but peeps are not staying in their lanes. There were two times when I had to honk the horn to let people know they were fading over the dotted lines.
Stop daydreaming about the beach and drive.
8/16/2006
A Little Coffee May Help
Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 7:57
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cooler than it has been.
Paper Guy: I didn't see him today...not saying he wasn't there.
Shady Gas Price: $2.97
Yelled at other drivers: Ish
Feared for my life: Ish
------------------------------
Sorry, I had the day off yesterday...but I am back in business today.
Some guy in an old Honda Civic decided that lane lines weren't for him...and decided to fade into my lane on Storrow Drive. I felt the panic. I thought he was going to crash into me. I told him to drink some coffee.
Arrival Time: 7:57
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cooler than it has been.
Paper Guy: I didn't see him today...not saying he wasn't there.
Shady Gas Price: $2.97
Yelled at other drivers: Ish
Feared for my life: Ish
------------------------------
Sorry, I had the day off yesterday...but I am back in business today.
Some guy in an old Honda Civic decided that lane lines weren't for him...and decided to fade into my lane on Storrow Drive. I felt the panic. I thought he was going to crash into me. I told him to drink some coffee.
8/14/2006
On The Road With Octogenarians
Departure Time: 7:22
Arrival Time: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Best August Ever
Paper Guy: Saw him briefly today. Rocking the shades as they say in my neighborhood.
Shady Gas Price: $2.97 - dipping 2 cents
Yelled at other drivers: Not really
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I saw some good stuff today. There was an old couple (I mean old...they were oooolllllddd) who were having a hard time navigating Storrow Drive. Even before they reached Storrow, they were having a grand time convincing a driver to let them in the right-most lane.
Here's the scene: I am stuck in traffic (natch). I am sitting on the metal grates of the draw bridge...right over where the Charles meets the Harbor.
In front of me is a white Elantra wagon with a dude at the wheel on his cell phone.
Old couple drives up on the left in a 1990 Oldsmobile. The elderly lady passenger rolls down her window to try to get the attention of Elantra guy. She waving and pointing...mouthing words "We need to get in"...
Elantra guy is having none of it...keeping tight with the car in front of him. He is trying his hardest not to let them in...until he has a change of heart...or he just wanted the elderly lady to stop talking to him.
Once the old couple got onto Storrow, they were a nightmare. Driving slow...fading in and out of lanes. It took me a while to pass them because everyone else had the same thoughts and ideas about the Oldsmobile.
"Sheesh! Are they drunk or old or both? In any case, get away from them!"
Arrival Time: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Best August Ever
Paper Guy: Saw him briefly today. Rocking the shades as they say in my neighborhood.
Shady Gas Price: $2.97 - dipping 2 cents
Yelled at other drivers: Not really
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I saw some good stuff today. There was an old couple (I mean old...they were oooolllllddd) who were having a hard time navigating Storrow Drive. Even before they reached Storrow, they were having a grand time convincing a driver to let them in the right-most lane.
Here's the scene: I am stuck in traffic (natch). I am sitting on the metal grates of the draw bridge...right over where the Charles meets the Harbor.
In front of me is a white Elantra wagon with a dude at the wheel on his cell phone.
Old couple drives up on the left in a 1990 Oldsmobile. The elderly lady passenger rolls down her window to try to get the attention of Elantra guy. She waving and pointing...mouthing words "We need to get in"...
Elantra guy is having none of it...keeping tight with the car in front of him. He is trying his hardest not to let them in...until he has a change of heart...or he just wanted the elderly lady to stop talking to him.
Once the old couple got onto Storrow, they were a nightmare. Driving slow...fading in and out of lanes. It took me a while to pass them because everyone else had the same thoughts and ideas about the Oldsmobile.
"Sheesh! Are they drunk or old or both? In any case, get away from them!"
8/11/2006
Evil Leader of the Pack
Departure Time: 7:12
Arrival Time: 7:55
Weather as I call it: Sunny and noticeably cooler...but that sun is still beaming down with summertime intensity
Paper Guy: Blue shirt. Smiling like he just won a million dollars.
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
No state police officer in Leverett Circle. Now that they have open up a ramp to get onto the Pike, I think the police presence will be scaled back.
I have to say I would have had a shorter duration if I hadn't been caught up by pesky red lights...sometimes you just hit them more often then not.
Overall, it was a nice summertime Friday commute...light and easy...I don't think we have many of these left.
P.S. Check out Lunch at Work if you get a chance. See you Monday.
Arrival Time: 7:55
Weather as I call it: Sunny and noticeably cooler...but that sun is still beaming down with summertime intensity
Paper Guy: Blue shirt. Smiling like he just won a million dollars.
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
No state police officer in Leverett Circle. Now that they have open up a ramp to get onto the Pike, I think the police presence will be scaled back.
I have to say I would have had a shorter duration if I hadn't been caught up by pesky red lights...sometimes you just hit them more often then not.
Overall, it was a nice summertime Friday commute...light and easy...I don't think we have many of these left.
P.S. Check out Lunch at Work if you get a chance. See you Monday.
8/10/2006
Delayed Today
Departure Time: N/A
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny and warmer.
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: Nah.
Feared for my life: Nah.
------------------------------
I had to drive my wife to the dentist today...and my li'l boy and me spent some quality time together while she got a crown on one of her molars. Fun...regular stuff tomorrow.
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny and warmer.
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: Nah.
Feared for my life: Nah.
------------------------------
I had to drive my wife to the dentist today...and my li'l boy and me spent some quality time together while she got a crown on one of her molars. Fun...regular stuff tomorrow.
8/09/2006
It Feels Like Mid-August Out Here
Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 8:00
Weather as I call it: Sunny...the weatherperson on 'the TV' said it felt like September...I politely disagree.
Paper Guy: Shades and blue short-sleeved shirt
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Are you noticing that people are calmer on the roads lately? Last week, I was sensing a widespread uneasiness out on the roads. The past few days have been...quieter...more laid back....easier...
It must have been the heat. People were really freaking out because of the triple digit temperatures and doing crazy rude things...well, beyond the normal crazy rude things...
If the weather were like this everyday, Boston would be friendlier...I guarantee it.
Arrival Time: 8:00
Weather as I call it: Sunny...the weatherperson on 'the TV' said it felt like September...I politely disagree.
Paper Guy: Shades and blue short-sleeved shirt
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Are you noticing that people are calmer on the roads lately? Last week, I was sensing a widespread uneasiness out on the roads. The past few days have been...quieter...more laid back....easier...
It must have been the heat. People were really freaking out because of the triple digit temperatures and doing crazy rude things...well, beyond the normal crazy rude things...
If the weather were like this everyday, Boston would be friendlier...I guarantee it.
8/08/2006
Hot Fun in the Summertime
Departure Time: 7:08
Arrival Time: 7:50
Weather as I call it: Sunny, drier, cooler
Paper Guy: I forgot to mention that he has a new haircut.
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: Ish
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I had to beep at someone who was having a hard time staying in their lane on Storrow. I didn't look over to see who they were as I passed them. I bet they were on their cell phone.
The state police officer today was directing traffic at Leverett Circle. I was just complaining about their presence in that area of town yesterday...they must read my blog. Getting onto Storrow was easier today because the officer took an active role. Thank you.
The dog days of summer march on. The drive to work has been fairly easy. It's hard to imagine I will be typing about snow, slush, sleet, and other frozen unpleasantness in less than 6 months.
Who wants an italian ice?
Arrival Time: 7:50
Weather as I call it: Sunny, drier, cooler
Paper Guy: I forgot to mention that he has a new haircut.
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: Ish
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I had to beep at someone who was having a hard time staying in their lane on Storrow. I didn't look over to see who they were as I passed them. I bet they were on their cell phone.
The state police officer today was directing traffic at Leverett Circle. I was just complaining about their presence in that area of town yesterday...they must read my blog. Getting onto Storrow was easier today because the officer took an active role. Thank you.
The dog days of summer march on. The drive to work has been fairly easy. It's hard to imagine I will be typing about snow, slush, sleet, and other frozen unpleasantness in less than 6 months.
Who wants an italian ice?
8/07/2006
200th post
Departure Time: 7:15
Arrival Time: 7:57
Weather as I call it: Sunny with increasing cloudiness as the trip came to an end.
Paper Guy: Blue polo shirt...it's still summer.
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I wish I could tell the state police officers to help the crawl to Storrow Drive from Route 28. People don't want to turn right on red because they are afraid they are going to get a ticket. Most times I see the officers waving the cars to enter the ramp. Lately, they have been standing on the sidewalk and making no motion outside of assisting pedestrians cross the street.
Of course, what I am slowly realizing is their presence is due to the tunnel collapse. I have seen them standing in other places around the city where the possibility of a Mass Pike related backup may occur. It all comes back to Big Dig issues...which leads me to believe that although it hasn't been bad this summer...it will be bad in September.
Arrival Time: 7:57
Weather as I call it: Sunny with increasing cloudiness as the trip came to an end.
Paper Guy: Blue polo shirt...it's still summer.
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I wish I could tell the state police officers to help the crawl to Storrow Drive from Route 28. People don't want to turn right on red because they are afraid they are going to get a ticket. Most times I see the officers waving the cars to enter the ramp. Lately, they have been standing on the sidewalk and making no motion outside of assisting pedestrians cross the street.
Of course, what I am slowly realizing is their presence is due to the tunnel collapse. I have seen them standing in other places around the city where the possibility of a Mass Pike related backup may occur. It all comes back to Big Dig issues...which leads me to believe that although it hasn't been bad this summer...it will be bad in September.
8/04/2006
Stogies
Departure Time: 7:13
Arrival Time: 7:51
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and much cooler
Paper Guy: Standing there in his blue polo shirt...the top button undone, bearing his chest hair...he look like the Greek God of Paper Delivery
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Good times today...Not a lot of people on the road. I flew through E. Somerville like it was a Sunday morning.
I saw a state cop on duty smoking a cigar. Can they do that? I have a lot of cops in my family...not sure if it is against the rules or not. Maybe somebody can answer my question...
See you on the roads next week.
Arrival Time: 7:51
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and much cooler
Paper Guy: Standing there in his blue polo shirt...the top button undone, bearing his chest hair...he look like the Greek God of Paper Delivery
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Good times today...Not a lot of people on the road. I flew through E. Somerville like it was a Sunday morning.
I saw a state cop on duty smoking a cigar. Can they do that? I have a lot of cops in my family...not sure if it is against the rules or not. Maybe somebody can answer my question...
See you on the roads next week.
8/03/2006
It's The Heat and The Humidity
Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Sunny but not as hot
Paper Guy: Shades back on today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I felt like every red light went on forever...the sun beating down...man, I know I said it wasn't as hot as yesterday, but I was in it for longer this morning and it just wasn't making me happy.
A woman forced her way in front of me in the long line to Storrow today and I tried my hardest not to let it happen. After she pulled into the lane, she held her hand up to either flip me off or wave 'thank you'...I couldn't tell because I wasn't looking directly at her when it happened. What can you do? Jump out of your car and yell at her while the lights still red.....?
Nah.
I did see a bumper sticker that proclaimed, "I love Cox". That made me smile a bit.
Arrival Time: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Sunny but not as hot
Paper Guy: Shades back on today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I felt like every red light went on forever...the sun beating down...man, I know I said it wasn't as hot as yesterday, but I was in it for longer this morning and it just wasn't making me happy.
A woman forced her way in front of me in the long line to Storrow today and I tried my hardest not to let it happen. After she pulled into the lane, she held her hand up to either flip me off or wave 'thank you'...I couldn't tell because I wasn't looking directly at her when it happened. What can you do? Jump out of your car and yell at her while the lights still red.....?
Nah.
I did see a bumper sticker that proclaimed, "I love Cox". That made me smile a bit.
8/02/2006
I Hear It's Supposed To Be 300 Degrees Today
Departure Time: 7:15
Arrival Time: 7:55
Weather as I call it: Dude, it's hot.
Paper Guy: Blue polo shirt..and curiously he was not wearing shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I am not sure why there was a huge back-up on the Central Square exit on Storrow, so I went to SmarTraveler Boston and saw this message:
Vehicles slowing to look at accident from Weston Toll Plaza to Star Market Overpass. Allow extra time.
and
Accident on the right shoulder at Star Market Overpass. Traffic is backed up to the New Balance Building. Stay left.
AW, DOOD...a Gahkablahka.
Arrival Time: 7:55
Weather as I call it: Dude, it's hot.
Paper Guy: Blue polo shirt..and curiously he was not wearing shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I am not sure why there was a huge back-up on the Central Square exit on Storrow, so I went to SmarTraveler Boston and saw this message:
Vehicles slowing to look at accident from Weston Toll Plaza to Star Market Overpass. Allow extra time.
and
Accident on the right shoulder at Star Market Overpass. Traffic is backed up to the New Balance Building. Stay left.
AW, DOOD...a Gahkablahka.
8/01/2006
Pumping Gas
Departure Time: 7:17
Arrival Time: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Cloudy but hot...the elderly should take note.
Paper Guy: MIA! Maybe he's hiding from the heat.
Shady Gas Price: Rising like the temperature: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I had to get gas this morning...I was no longer running on fumes, but the car's memories of said fumes. I am still pretty proud that I have kept my fuel intake to 2 fill-ups a month. Probably not a good thing for my car..but better for my wallet. So, my commute's duration was padded by 5 minutes at least.
After I filled up my car, I noticed I left my gas tank 'door' was still open...so I had to pull over and close it.
I thought it was an omen of bad things to come, but outside of a few tailgaters...everything was fine.
Arrival Time: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Cloudy but hot...the elderly should take note.
Paper Guy: MIA! Maybe he's hiding from the heat.
Shady Gas Price: Rising like the temperature: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I had to get gas this morning...I was no longer running on fumes, but the car's memories of said fumes. I am still pretty proud that I have kept my fuel intake to 2 fill-ups a month. Probably not a good thing for my car..but better for my wallet. So, my commute's duration was padded by 5 minutes at least.
After I filled up my car, I noticed I left my gas tank 'door' was still open...so I had to pull over and close it.
I thought it was an omen of bad things to come, but outside of a few tailgaters...everything was fine.
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