"We'll Leave The Light On For You®"

Tom Bodett is gonna leave the light on for me!

Hagerstown, MD and Motel 6 (reservation has been made) is my target destination for the first leg of my Tennessee drive.

That's approximately 460ish miles into my 860ish mile trek and prolly a good stopping point for the night.

Honestly, there's no real rush, so don't want to push too hard.  Fingers crossed the weather behaves and I don't run into any snow or freezing rain conditions along the way.

Also, I'm a tad worried about how Ms. Trixie does in the car for this amount of time and distance.  However, I did reach out to her vet and picked up Gabapentin Suspension, which causes mild sedation, and Maropitant Citrate used for nausea and vomiting. Just want to make sure she's comfortable and doesn't stress.

T minus 6-days and counting...

The Boy Scout Motto

While at The Home Depot to pick up new smoke alarms, I also bought myself an 1800 lumen Husky flashlight.  It cost more than I wanted to spend but I thought it was a good investment and good idea to have a solid working and bright flashlight for my upcoming solo drive to Tennessee!

You know, just in case -

"Be "Prepared"

Playing In Traffic!

I had a doctor's appointment this morning at 8:40AM.

The appointment was at the Brigham and Woman's hospital in Boston, some 50+ miles from home.

I left my house at 6:45AM

And walked into the doctors office at 8:50AM.

Two hours and five minutes, UGH!  Stop and go. Lights. Stop signs. School busses. Assholes galore.

I do NOT miss the morning commutes AT ALL!  Thinking back, I'm not really sure how I did it every day and for SO long?!  However, the commute these days seems more aggressive in general and there are clearly more cars on the road too, which adds to the chaos.

I wouldn't let the doctor take my blood pressure reading initially, told him I need a bit of time to decompress 😁 

The drive home was SO much easier.  It was after the morning rush and going in the opposite direction, so it was nice to be able to relax and take my time. I took a different route home, one I haven't driven in years, which was nice to reminisce and see how things have grown and changed.

I stopped at Volante Farms in Needham to grab a mid-morning snackie for the rest of the ride home and scored myself a delicious spinach and feta cheese croissant!  Truth be told, the croissant didn't last past the first stop sign outta the parking lot!

MMMM, SO good!

Boston Day 3

I spent another full day, UGH, in Boston this past Thursday.

Good news, I wasn't expected until 10:45AM, so I didn't need to get up at the ass-crack of dawn and rush to the train.  I got into the city about an hour before my appointment and since it was a nippy but beautiful day I just walked, a Forest Gump kinda walk, just killing time.

I came across a couple of these odd, huge pink inflatables; one in a tree in the PO Square common and the second, pervertedly peering into a building on Congress street.  Seems these balloon are called "Mr. Pink 3" and is part of art of the Boston Winteractive outdoor art exhibition.

Mr. Pink 3 ("Monsieur Rose")

The brown building behind Mr. Pink 2 is where I had been working for the past~7-years -

I used to work in this building pre 2018, which is literally across PO Square Commons from the building referenced and pictured above -

Took my lunch break on this swinging bench and almost didn't make it back in time, HAHA! Slowly swaying back and fourth in the sun just about put me to sleep.  I need one of these at the house - 

This is a medium Dunkin Donuts coffee.  I remember, "back in the day" maybe late 80's, early 90's, when this was called "The Big Gulp" and cost only $0.95 cents.  The coffee pictured below cost me $3.91 in South Station, Boston, OMG - 

Looking for train and track number on the South Station big board, along with many of the other commuters and travelers -

Taking the commuter rail into and out of the city makes a long day even longer and adds 2-hours to my day, GRRR

Boston Here I Come!

Seems like it was only yesterday that I was taking the MBTA commuter rail into Boston for my full-time job.  I got to relive this wonderful <not so much> experience, as I've spent the last couple of days in Boston.

I can honestly tell you that I do NOT miss it!  The hour train ride in and the hour train ride out is exhausting; the whole process is actually.

I was expecting much more volume on the train too but, nope, it wasn't bad at all.

It was a beautiful day on Monday, so an outside lunch was in order, as well as taking in some people watching!  South Station, the commuter rail hub, is pictured below -

AHH, Regina Pizzeria I missed you SO SO MUCH and SO darn good -

I did my best to start and stop my Strava app in an effort to capture all the walking I got in and the below is what was logged.  However, I did do quite a bit more walking than what's showing -

Hoping Thursday is the last day I need to go in.  It's too darn expensive to park, purchase the rail ticket and eat in the city...

Birds Eye View

Here is a shot of the Expressway on Wednesday afternoon, taken around 2:30 from the 27th floor of my office building in Boston.

You can see the southbound lanes already bumper-to-bumper, which is typical.

I can't imagine driving into and out of the city on a regular basis, especially during the work week, what chaos!

Not that the MBTA commuter rail is much better but at least I can sit back and relax (not that I can really relax being in such close proximity to people, gross!) and not be all stressed and tense operating my car in commuter traffic.

Either way, it's always such a relief when I finally get home.

Nope, No "I Think I Can"...

Last Thursday, 2/1, I went into the Boston office for the day.  As I always do I took the MBTA commuter train from Franklin into South Station and from there it's a 2-minute walk to the office.

The ride in on the 6:02AM train was uneventful and arrived on time as scheduled.

The ride out departed on time at 3:20PM but the train started having power issues after the second stop.  At one point we were idle on the tracks between stops for some ~30-minutes. The train was able to eventually limp into the Hyde Park stop, again where we sat for another ~15-minutes or so before we ALL had to deboard.  From there we walked about a quarter mile up and over to the other side of the tracks, where we waited another ~40 for the next scheduled Franklin commuter rail train, another train was NOT sent to pickup the stranded passengers.  Fortunately, it wasn't raining or snowing and not too cold, so could have been worse. Frustrated and hungry I didn't get home till after 6PM and was met by a dancing crossed legged Trixie.  Kudos to her for not having an accident in the house.

Now I understand unforeseen mechanical issues arise, that is not my issue.  Frustrating yes but these things happen.  What IS frustrating was the utter lack of communication by the onboard commuter rail crew as to what was going on, what the delay was, etc.  Also, the typical to be expected canned reply I received from the MBTA when I reached out to them regarding this issue.  They basically told me TFB and deflected my questions and never addressed what their policy is for keeping the on-train commuters informed or why a train was not sent to pick up the stranded.

For those not local and not following along, the MBTA has been riddled with problems and issues the last several years, from ongoing delays, pieces and parts falling from old train station ceilings onto commuters, lengthy repair delays, slowed commute speeds in sections deemed in need or repairs, derailments and on and on, all the while increasing fares.

Yes, the MBTA is a great service for commuting in and out of Boston, so we're fortunate.  However, there is a lot of room for improvements, upgrades and general all around communications.  They suck very much like the USPS!

A Visual Perk Working In Boston

I went into the Boston office yesterday.  First time I've been in this office in over a year I'd guess.  It's a nice change of pace working in the city for the day.

I snapped these pics from the 27th floor around 9ish.  It was overcast and hazy but still, great views of the city from this vantage point!

My commuter train ride into the city was uneventful and on time.  However, my train ride home was anything but, UGH!  We weren't out of South Station by two stops, when our train came to a complete stop and where it stopped, is where we sat for 2 hours, YES 2 HOURS! Apparently, there was a disabled train on the tracks in front of us. SO, we had to wait until the broken train could be towed out of the way.  Fortunately, the car I was in had AC but sitting and waiting is tough, especially on a Friday afternoon.

Commute Hell

I've made the trek into the office a handful of times over the last month.  Although, there's very few folks in the office today, I will admit it's a nice change of pace to go in.  I was quickly reminded just how much I despise the 120 mile round-trip commute, the sheer volume of traffic in general and just how aggressive, rude and mean drivers are today - young and old, male and female, expensive vehicle or POS.

It doesn't take much to upset the delicate flow of the commute, from a fender bender to a nasty crash to a vehicle pulled over by the state police.  Accidents aside, the "rubber-neckers" are some of the worse.

Here are a couple screen shots from Waze on my commute home the other evening.  A small car crash caused miles and miles of delays, UGH!

Boston Office For The Day

I went into the Boston office the week of Memorial Day.  First time in over 18 months.  Although, we're still work-at-home and our offices not officially open till Labor day, it was a nice change of pace. We essentially had the place to ourselves, so we were able to accomplish everything we went in for.

As I used to do I once again took the MBTA commuter rail in, the purple line.  Perhaps because it was a short week and one that kicks off summer vacations, there were not too many commuters.  However, I was thrown for a loop when I pulled into the commuter parking lot and found that I was the only vehicle there!  Granted it was just before 6AM but there's typically a handful of cars there by the time I arrive, at least pre-pandemic.

Here's a view from the 22nd floor looking out at the Charles River -

New building going up next door.  Amazed at the progress, as the last time I was in the office they were just beginning this build.  Look at it now -

Here's another view of the Charles with the gold dome State House off to the right -

This new building of ours is great.  Open floor concept, which allows you to see out all sides from almost anywhere inside.  However, Boston working is too expensive for my liking.  Costs me $24 to park and take the commuter rail, $5 for my morning coffee and muffin and $18 for lunch, and all I had was a chicken Caesar salad, so it adds up quick.

On The Road Again (NOT)!

While sitting in my car the other day I noticed the Zippity care care sticker affixed to my windshield, first photo below.  I had the oil changed in my Jetta back on 01-21-2020 by Zippity while I was at the office working.

Our company went full work-at-home on 03-12-2020, where I've been working since.  In that time, I've driven to the office for the day on 3 separate occasions, otherwise my driving is down to almost nil - doctors appointments, errands and visiting a couple friends, otherwise no driving.

Doing the math I've driven only ~4700 miles since my oil changed back in January.  Normally, had I been making my commute to the office at 120 miles per days.  Multiply this by 3-days a week and we're at 360 miles per week.  Now multiply this by 4-weeks a month and we're at 1,440 miles per month.  Finally, multiply this by 9 month and we're at 12,960 miles.  Of course these are estimates and only for commuting to the office.

All in all this equates to less time on the road, much less wear and tear on my vehicle and more quality time at home.

Current mileage as of last week -

Into Boston I Shall Go...

I worked out of our Boston office last week, which means taking the MBTA commuter rail into South Station versus driving north to the Andover office.  Meh, not a big fan of being crammed into tight spaces with people but once in a while, for a change of pace, I can tough through it.

Here's a pic looking south from the 22nd floor, with the famous Boston gas tank just above the flag and the Expressway on the right.

In The Boston Office For The Day!

The view from the 22nd floor, Boston looking out over the Charles River!

You can see for miles on a clear day.

Looking South you can see traffic on the Expressway, almost always moving at a crawl.  Thank goodness for the MBTA commuter rail.  No driving, just sit back, relax and enjoy the train ride in and out of the city.

Summer in the city is great.  Endless lunch options all within walking distance, then dining in the park.  A nice change of pace.

Where Do All The AHoles Come From?!

I don't know what is it lately but my commutes home from the office have been terrible!

Guessing the average ride home these last couple of weeks has been 1.5+ hours, UGH!

Fortunately, there haven't been any accidents, rather it seems like volume and the large semi-type trucks.  Well, let's not forget that most are frick'n aholes too, which adds to the utter madness and frustration...

Black Ice Bad

Route 495 north came to an abrupt stop about 3 miles into my commute.  The next 1.5 miles took me approximately 1 hour.  It was 6:30ish and it was an icy morning.  We had rain the day before and the temperatures dropped below freezing over night, so perfect condition for dangerous conditions.  The side roads were particularly bad, most untreated, so speeds were way down for me.  The highway appeared to be in better condition, which could have contributed to this accident.

I counted 10 Massachusetts police cars and 2 tow trucks pass by as we waited, so you knew it wasn't good.  I was frustrated, have to be honest, but since I was headed to the office I was more tolerant.

A I made way forward and closer to the accident all traffic was being funneled into a single lane to get by.  As I neared the scene I readied my camera and snapped this picture - a rollover in the fast lane, YIKES!

It was only later that night did I learn the driver, a 23-year-young-man was killed.

I-495 Rollover in Hopkington

Sad for sure and helps puts things more into perspective.  I would have happily sat in the traffic longer if the outcome could have been better.

Rise and Shine!!

I was greeted by an awesome sunset the other morning while walking to catch the 6AM train into Boston.  What a way to start a morning!  Sure made the morning commute more pallet-able 

Two Heads Are Better Than One!

A couple of BIG dogs keeping an eye on the owners truck while parked in a no-parking zone.  But really, is anyone gonna say anything...

Boston Views From The 27th Floor

Here are just a few of the awesome views from the 27th floor of our new office building in downtown Boston - 

South Station - Boston's busiest transit hub -

The USS Constitution, aka Old Ironsides, out for harbor sail -

The Massachusetts State House - 

American flag whipping in the wind -

What Could Go Wrong

This looks safe right?

The stuff I see during my commutes to and from the office, yikes!

Icy Roads, Careful...

A there's the cause of the 6:30AM traffic jam on Rt. 495 south.

I don't know the cause of this but can only assume this dipstick was driving way too fast for the icy conditions that morning, and texting too.

I hope the driver didn't cause anyone else to crash or get hurt themselves.  However, it would be great to know that the driver shit their pants (literally)!