Construction Everywhere

We are doomed. We are surrounded. Forget about finding parking. It’s bad on an average day and is even worse when the whole neighborhood is under construction. It’s a never ending nightmare that never goes away. Once the equipment, noise, and aggravation ends, it starts all over again. Not only is the street behind us and down the block being ripped up - again - the building across the street is having some major rework done. The equipment alone blocks up sorely needed street parking spaces. Aside from those projects that have nothing to do with us, there is now an extensive water mediation French drain renovation surrounding our building. Every morning I am awakened by tapping and drilling and feeling like we live in a fishbowl because the workers are right in our windows. Access to the courtyard is limited, our patio is destroyed, and it’s taking a very long time. Hopefully it will accomplish what is necessary to maintain and protect our 1890’s building. This is one time being retired and living at home during the day can test your patience. We could leave the neighborhood for errands, but we will never find a place to park on our return. We won’t have a choice sooner or later. I will never get used to it even after living here twelve years. 

Sixty Miles to Washington DC

Now that I'm looking for one a New Jersey license plate cannot be found. It was by far the most seen state we saw on our unexpected road trip that started last Friday. We are now about sixty miles away from DC and the traffic is already getting congested. We left St. Pete Florida yesterday after tending to both of my parents who landed in the hospital at the same time. It's been quite a while since we drove a long distance. The google maps is an important addition, but the McDonald breaks, rest stops, trucks, RV's, road construction, emergency traffic delays due to accidents haven't changed. We always stay at Hampton Inn and made reservations on line before we arrived. Even with my familiar pillow neither my husband nor I can sleep when we are away from home. We were also able to transport back two rolls of art canvas for my sister who was trying to figure out a way to get them to Maryland. I can only say my parents are better and I did not miss going to work, or listening to the news. The straight and flat roads and laid back lifestyle of the place I grew up will soon be replaced by the hustle and inconvenience of living in the nation's Capitol. For now that will just have to do - until the next emergency.