CHATHAM-National Grid

well I am surprised I did not blog about the gas leak here in September 2018. I was going to add to it :).
Unsure  whether coincidence or kismet or what is involved. But I will start at the beginning.
September 2018
It was early  ( before 8am) and I heard rapping on the wall and opened the window and yelled down "what? who is it?" It was one of the bay owners working below replacing the outside wall. I popped below and we chatted and then Jer's workers showed up and helped with the removal and replacement. So we are joking around and Patrick the man doing the work remarks that he smells a gas leak. funny I had been complaining about the smell for months. Jer showed up and called the gas company. Dig safe showed up immediately and then National Grid. Jer called up to me to not burn incense or strike matches etc. okay no problem. I ventured down there after a while. The entire gas line in the ground was rotted and had to be dug up and replaced. Maybe 5 guys involved. Back up stairs I have my window open and can hear their muted conversations. Swearing joking. Then one guy starts talking about going to the doctor. oops that's when I turn on youtube loud to drown out whatever ailed him. That's just me.
I had told them to knock when they were done.
Got to be lunch time and I looked out front and there was the National Grid guy windexing his truck mirrors. LOL I went below and asked if he was all done. Yes . He did not want to go in the garage and turn the gas back on with no one here. Jer was still on his errand. So I followed him in. He had knocked but my music was too loud I guess.
Idle chatter. Told him how when power was out for two days I realized on the 2nd day that I had hot water! yeah that draws low wattage etc. So Jer shows up and they get to talking at the meter. Ages are brought up guy 55 Jer 66 me 70. Guy says I don't look 70. Nice try at sarcasm LOL  I immediately thought of my new found cousin Amy she was born in 1963 as well. I am not old enough to be their mother though Guy is mighty fine looking nice stature dark beard, not a beard. and beautiful blue eyes. Eyes just like Jack Cook. oh my. So we are out front yacking away and one comment he made- made me laugh- he was talking about  his fat stomach. I wanted to say what stomach. But resisted. That job done. oh I mentioned that I said on facebook that National Grid must hire for looks. Jer said to him that I was complimenting him with that.  I like to keep the inappropriate conversation rolling.
A few weeks later maybe in January I was walking behind the bays across the way and smelled a gas leak. Called and got the same guy. >swoon< LOL  He ended up tightening and greasing 5 different meters. He asked if I had kitties. I guess I look like a cat lady  :) sadly no more. I asked him if he was here for the gas explosion across the way in Mid December- he said no- but it must have been  propane. Yes it turned out to be propane leveling a  building etc. what a mess.
We had other gas leaks and a meter change in the mean time but he did not show up. I was driving my brother's truck down  rt 28  last winter and noticed him marking gas lines near where Chelsea Gardens used to be. I slowed down for him to cross as that is what it looked like he was about to do. Sysco truck behind me was not happy with me slowing down LOL and guy from National Grid was not crossing. so...
So fast forward to October 30 2019.
Went on my 6am walk in the dark. It used to be perfect for picking up litter but now too dark to see the litter or even see where I am walking. I now carry a small flashlight. Today I wore a reflective vest. Funny it was like target practice- I have never had so many close calls! I may stop wearing the vest. It was a nice walk no wind and air was warm for October. Got back here Did my knit & walk and ate breakfast. Did my internet chores and emails. So anxious and almost depressed etc. I needed to get out on a walk again. I fed the birds and broke down the recycling items and then went for a trash walk. Had two bags with me and my "grabber". Headed toward the rotary near Chatham Fish and then the loop I usually walk. Then down rt 137 on the dog kennel side. That filled a produce bag and I put that in the trash at the bike path. Grabbed the other bag and headed towards the post office. picking up litter along the right side and crossing the street and grabbing litter on that side. Got back to the bike path and got rid of that full bag. Decided to head back to apartment via short cut near Skippers. As I was approaching my area I saw a National Gris truck. I had on my regular sunglasses so could not see clearly. But the truck turned in here and turned around and drove out I looked to make sure where he was going. He came back and pulled beside me - I asked if he was looking for leaks. We had had another one here a week or two ago.
No he was looking for #150. I said 154 was opposite me and I was 152 . Then he said Bartholomew  and Enterprise. Then he said- oh I remember you and  all those gas leaks. I laughed and said I remember you too- blue eyes :). Nice seeing you again. And off he went.
so if I had not taken the short cut back I would have missed him.
So I will not flatter myself into thinking he used the mixed up in addresses to see me. They do have a computer screen though with the reading and map right there in front of them LOL
I can dream can't I? :)
So I get in here and on the facebook Chatham Chronicle has an article about the West Chatham construction being held up for 4 months because gas lines were laid incorrectly along that route.

So much for supervisors supervising.

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