BUS-Free Bus Wednesdays part 2

  One more to Festival Mall and then I will end the edits to this post!

Hello,

I used to drive and this was not an issue.

I frequent Home Goods, Shaws and a few other stores in that area. Now I use the buses and shuttles.

I have contacted the mall where KMart is located and Southwind Plaza about benches for bus people to use while waiting. I figured I may as well cover all the territory. I cannot mentally picture any benches near Shaws. The Cape Cod Mall has them. So could you check and if there are none please install one or two.

Thank you

Sincerely,

Cynthia Moore

 ***
 egads copy & paste is not my friend today almost screwed up this entire post
 So I wrote to KMart Plaza too:

Hello,

I used to drive and this was not an issue, but have to take the bus everywhere so now it is more obvious to me. I patronize KMart and Old Navy in that complex. There are no benches to sit on and wait for a bus that I could see. Panera does have tables and chairs out front but I doubt they would be thrilled with bus people plunking themselves down and not paying for a meal.

So! Could you please install a bench or two for those of us who use the buses.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Moore

 November 3 2018
I have done a few Wednesdays no pix to speak of last week was to get an abatement on my excise tax. Denied because it was under 5.00 it was 4.85. So I have that to "fight" Then took  the bus into Hyannis and used the shuttles to get to Home Depot. As soon as the bus drove over the Chatham border I felt better. I love where I live but there is constant bureaucratic shit to deal with. I know it is every where but.
So finally got shoe glue for my woolen clogs and my Timberland hiking boots. Did that repair yesterday. And an outdoor thermometer to replace the yellowed one that said 45 degrees most of the time- that one was full of dead flying insects too. LOL into the trash it went. Wandered into AC Moore for yarn and stitch markers and then waited outside in the sun for the shuttle to take me back to the terminal. Leaning against the building and eating buttered bread and mineola orange sections felt uneasy and standing and eating doesn't go well with me. Like that stuck pill syndrome. So lack of benches was an issue I tackled yesterday as well.
letter to Southwind Plaza company
Hello,
I patronize Home Depot, AC Moore, Bed bath & Beyond and Kohl's in Southwind Plaza. I used to drive and this was no problem. But now that I use a bus I notice there is no place to sit and wait for the shuttle buses in the area. The Cape Cod Mall has benches and at least near Panera & KMart there are tables outside.
Just a suggestion but could you please place a bench somewhere near Kohl's. It would be very much appreciated. Leaning against the building and eating a snack while waiting I feel like a 70 year old hooker.
Thank you
Sincerely,
Cynthia Moore

and got a prompt reply.
 
Thanks for the message Cynthia. We forwarded your email to our property management team. I’m all for adding some benches!

October 10 I took the bus from South Chatham to the South Chatham cemetery to find a few gravestones. Ended up taking over 100 photos in there many of which were not on findagrave yet. I am slowly adding those but wanted to catch up here first. The pull cord on the bus did not work so I had to call out my stop a bit further LOL
Walked the entire cemetery looking for Hermon Howe's parents. Or so I thought. Went back to the beginning section and looked on the BACK of a stone and there they were. Leslie and Huldah Howes. Hermon Howes was a  doctor who lived and practiced in South Yarmouth for many years

only two others stood out as more than interesting-
The Eversons who died in 2017 a few months apart and were in their 90s!

 and Freeman Phillips brother who I do not think I ever met- a plaque for him with no death date. I was able to look up his birth date though. An unusual temporary marker

so after an hour more or less in Bethel Cemetery I started to head to rt 28 and walk and wait for the bus. It was 30 minutes late and I kept thinking as always- did I sneeze or blink and miss it. I was going to stand at the sign where the official bus stop is located kind of across from the old Cumberland Farms which is now the Talkative Pig or something. But alas, the cesspool was being pumped in the area, and no thank you. So I walked toward Chatham- constantly looking over my shoulder for the bus.
When the bus finally did show I thought gee I could have walked to Chatham center in that amount of time. It was a beautiful day!
Up & down rt 28 South Chatham

Levi Eldridge store small but fascinating

Baker's Hardware- closed for the season! I was going to wander inside. oh well.

Finally the bus showed up! Got into Chatham stopped to pee and then walked to the library. I wanted the dvd of Tess and the book Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As soon as I walked out of the library I regretted having that book in my bag oh my it was so fucking heavy. And fast forward a bit. The dvd was fine but left out the special ending of  her asking Angel to take care of and marry her sister. oh well. And at night I started to read the Miss Peregrine's book and it was too heavy and awkward to hold and boring! 5 pages in I gave up.
so Walked around town a bit and took photos and then had time to spare and walked to Seaside. Nice day thank goodness but wow another late late late bus,

***

September 12 2018
I was determined to finish the photo requests in Pine Grove cemetery so off I was, skipping coffee and catching the 9:17 bus. I had with me a baby hat to mail somewhere along the line. Never a light traveler.

It was a varied crew of passengers, a dull sky day, and I was really tired. Picture every "oddball", me included, in one room- they were there. So I decided to play a mental game with myself and have inappropriate thoughts about everyone, driver included. The most interesting conquest was the young woman who got on the bus on the way back. She wore a skirt just short enough for the guy next to me to feel uncomfortable- He kept his back pack on his lap. She did too. Kept waiting for a peek at the crotch. Hope my gradient sunglasses were dark enough to conceal my thoughts LOL

so back to reality. The bus was fucking freezing ass cold- you could have stored meat in there. Got off at the Mercantile building and the guy next to me was right behind me. We both exclaimed. "wow it is hot!"
Walked to Pine Grove. Much more comfortable than  the last time when it was 90 degrees in the shade and overcast. Was just plain over cast. Not sure I have even been in there on a clear day anyhow. Well maybe in February or March with icicles on my nose.

Found the three surnames I was looking for. I had written down descriptions of where they were from the online map I even drew a little diagram. Funny nothing looks the same from the ground as it does from satellite view. That took thirty minutes I had another 30 to use up before the next bus back so decided to pee at the rest rooms by Bass River. Nice and clean and soap! but the door would not lock. oh well doesn't really bother me- "Buyer beware"

Then meandered through the neighborhood that borders Bass River. Years ago when I was driving through there I remembered quite a few homes with a widow's walk one huge place may have had 2 or 3 of them. But I could not find that one . Many lovely homes, a few on the National Registry for historic sites and a few widow's walks. That took 20 minutes and then I thought wait do I remember my way out??? sure. Brief panic subsided.

This is from leaving the cemetery. now I see why it did not show up "blue" last time- then I was taking a straight on photo. Wonder why paint a house two colors like that- oh well still intriguing.

 a bit of whimsy in a front yard on my way

headed to the rest rooms saw this sign in a window LOL

 Benoni Baker House- "Cat Alley" 1799 on National Registry of Historical Places

 stone you can see in the lower part of above photo. I cannot decipher any letters  so wonder what it is all about.

 And I know most people are attracted to the splendor and opulence of a mansion or country manor. Me I find the old crumbling neglected one more fascinating.

 Headed back to rt 28. This is a ladder back sign for sport fishing boats in Bass River. A new found first cousin in July her name is Amy :)

So it was time, a bit before 11am , to catch the bus back to Chatham. I decided to walk the bridge and head that way- looking behind me every few minutes to see the bus coming.
Saw a man fishing on the bridge and asked if he caught any.

The river and some boats

so still looking over my shoulder I tramped along. The sidewalks are either non existent or in poor shape , big ruts in the shoulder of the road. I had to be careful of every step- tripped a couple of times- and the constant traffic. Not much has changed along the way Bass River Marina is pretty shabby but I hear they are turning that into condos and the lot next to it- they were demolishing the house. I took pix, looked over my shoulder and whoosh- there went the bus.

So now what do I do to amuse myself in West Dennis for a solid hour. I groaned inside. So kept walking and headed to West Dennis Cemetery. I figured there would be a memorial bench in there somewhere to sit DOWN! And I was hungry for my pita pocket & Smart Balance LOL
The old Howard Johnsons which was a burrito place last is still unoccupied but sold so says the sign. I get to the cemetery and wow someone has been busy with whitewash or D3 cleaner for gravestones.. A cool breeze and I grab my pita pocket and munch away. Careful to NOT stuff my face and choke. No water with me.

so a whole 15 minutes used up. I leave there and headed for rt 28. Kind of hoping the library is open and I can cool off and maybe read and not miss the bus again. But it looked dark in there.
photo of an old building used to be a candle or candy place among other things looks like storage now then into the Thrift shop and some shoes LOL

new shingles!
 So thought I would go in to Christmas Tree Shop to cool off.
Looks like a new ice cream shop never saw that sign all Summer, the Columns is still there and for sale, some seasonal stuff in the store.

Legs are really tired now but I have cooled off and head out to stand and pace and wait for the bus. I ended up walking toward Hyannis so there would be no chance of me not seeing the bus and ended up on the corner across from where Bob once leased a guest house to run.

Next trip I hope for some blue skies water views and cool breezes. dream on.

***
 September 5 2018

well on my trash walk at 6am the air was breathable and there was a cool breeze so I decided to do a Free Bus today in spite of the weather forecast calling for temps in the 80s. Don't get me wrong- it was hot in the sun- but thank goodness for the shade of trees on rt 28!

Waiting for the 9:27 bus which was later than usual I saw this flower flourishing in the pavement on the highway!

Got to the library after a trip to pee at the rest rooms I knew I would not last the entire time. I forgot to bring my email and password for using- but miracle of miracles  I remembered it all. Good brain exercise.
Printed up the letter to Greenwood Cemetery. The whole time wondering if I had typed Greenwood and meant Greenmount or or variations there of. oh well it will come back I had my correct return address I hope.

Mosaics in the entrance to the library

 no more shoe salon!  Now Fisherman's Daughter

 some artwork, the Squire and the Mayflower reincarnation.

 Brick row

 Artful Hand Gallery- I worked there in 1998 for the original owner

 Lilly!

 Squire sign, Sundancers sign ( I still have dresses from there over 20 years old) and Yellow Umbrella Book- I was looking for the street cam there.

Ducks!

historical plaques

Flower boxes at the Chamber of Commerce

two benches in front of Saint Christopher's one newly varnished the other Douglas Kiker's

saw my brother in the post office and he offered me a ride. I needed the walk thanked him and was able to walk through Seaside cemetery and find Francis Jone's stone. He died a couple of weeks ago and his date has been carved in the stone already! Good job. People usually forget!

The "home stretch" waiting for the bus.
ride into Chatham fire police and ambulance passed us. Standing waiting for the bus ambulances passes by and a funeral procession.

 the old Cumberland Farms that used to be Goodspeed's Gulf

 was tempted go ask in here when the bus would arrive- it was almost 20 minutes late.

and last but not least- on my walk back found this- not easy to photograph a piece of clear glass. A friend on facebook says it is a broken piece from a replacement headlight cover from an old model A

***

 Well. August 22 the free bus Wednesday they predicted rain late morning and later in the evening. It was sunny one minute and that blasted glare the next- so I gave up the idea of doing it free. Thursday rolls around and I am psyched , but the body didn't want to go until the 9:30 bus. I wanted to get out early and get back. But I leave here a little after 9 and am on the sandy path of the short cut and realize I forgot my cell phone. I scurry back here grab the phone, pee again and set off. No way of me knowing if I missed the bus or not so I stood at the "stop" until 9:45am. No bus. So I trudged back here fixed coffee and my cordless keyboard stopped working. Ugh haul out the old Dell with faded keys.

so Friday rolls around I figure screw recycling and I leave early to do food shop- even took time to go to CVS there for nose drops and Blistex and checked out the flip flop situation again. They had the right flip flops this time but all small sizes. shit. Hustle back here and unload the car and put away the cold stuff. Change clothes pee and make sure I have my cell phone and snacks and keys! All set.Leave here at 10am catch the bus and get there around 11am. Realized when on the bus I forgot my list LOL The bus driver drops me off near the park near Riverway Lobster house. I didn't want to have to deal with crossing heavy traffic more than necessary. So walk to Pine Grove hoping I remember where the gravestones are that I am looking for I seemed to remember all of them being on the perimeter. Only remembered one name of the oddball ones Scully and could not find it. Wow it was hot in the sun and I was hungry. So I stood by a "fence" and ate my pita pocket and chewed on some ginger. Appeared to me that they had cleaned up a lot of older stones. Head back towards rt 28 take pictures of interesting houses along the way. Had trouble crossing but a woman ready to make a left let me out saying "we have to watch out for each other!" yay . Thank you. walk along near the Mercantile building and then toward Bass River Bridge so I can cross over where the road is narrow. Take photos  of the water but the light was too bright and no contrast so those sucked. Got back here a bit before 1pm , boy did that coffee sound good.

The people. on the bus did not disappoint this time either. Getting on in South Chatham laden down with back pack and water bottle. Had 12 quarters ready for the dollar fare just in case I dropped a few and my id. I was struggling with the slot and asked if he wanted my id  or do I look the part, when the bus driver joked- next time when you feel wild and crazy load $5.00 on that card. I thought the money expired but he said no . I wanted to quip- " If I feel wild and crazy can I sit on your lap and drive the bus?" but thought better of it- in this day an age it   may be mistaken for sexual misconduct on my part. I wasn't even in my seat yet and a random guy sitting there taps my shoulder and says Hi. LOL Hi back. Seems he was a former bus driver. He was flipping the steps up when someone would leave and he helped a woman with her bicycle on the rack. He gets off at Swan River and had a bike. and of course he gets back on the bus on my ride back. A lot of happy people this ride. One guy gets on in Harwich Port at Shaw's and reminds me of someone. Has white hair and a cane but looks like he could have been a red head when younger. And I'm thinking either a teacher or a retailer from long ago. So he was sitting across from me and this character gets on that I recognized from other rides. Looks like he could be an Eldredge or a brother to a guy who pumps gas at the shell station. He sits to my left and plunks down a bag next to me I sneak a peek and it is full of old clothes and a cap.??? THEN another guy gets on and sits to my right. He is big. I am small. He has no idea what "personal space" means. So I sat there crunched in between two guys. Not like we fantasize about either. 15 minutes of shallow breathing.

The driver on the way back was younger than usual and was nervously  stroking his head the entire drive. Long day, headache, trouble at home, tired whatever all I could think of was Dennis Hopper on Speed. LOL and to top it off there was a black guy across from me to the left talking on his cell phone with a headset and microphone- very animated and laughing. Damn if he wasn't the comedian Eddie Murphy's double with that laugh.

Finally back here and had my coffee.
some pix from the trip and back.

nothing terribly enthralling in the cemetery said Hi to Norma Crosby while there. I miss "graving" but older car, older me and the price of gasoline. And besides a clear Winter day is best for the light and lack of bugs. oh well I fulfilled 4 photo requests. But Rip Van Winkle was a chuckle :)

 behind that fence was two tiny yapping dogs ready to rip my throat out if they escaped.

house opposite the entrance being painted and repaired- looks nice and the "blue" house color not showing up because of the bright light oh well.

favorite of the day- love that door color! and the gate!

this next one either for sale or being renovated I forget

tractor on my way back and a happy daisy in the yard

***
wow got a little carried away  and too hard to find  stuff. Maybe I should have done them by the month
oh well here it is. Hope this coming Wednesday is cooler that it has been.