This post was originally listed on January, 20 2008.
I must admit, that the weekend was off to a bit of a shaky start. I had plans to see the production Me, Myself and I at Princeton’s McCarter Theatre on Friday evening. Upon leaving my house, I discovered that an inconsiderate owner of a shiny, black Honda Accord was blocking half of my driveway which prevented me from leaving. Not, pleased I called the non-emergency police number to ask that an officer be dispatched to write the owner of the car a ticket. I was told that a car would be sent over. My neighborhood has the good fortune to have the virtual omnipresence of at least a police vehicle or two, so I was confident that I would see a marked car in 2 or 3 minutes.
As I wait for about 10 minutes, fuming because I’m sure to be late for my date for an evening of culture, I notice that there is a Lexus SUV parked directly in front of my neighbor’s driveway across the street. “What is going on, a party?” I wondered. Even with a number of unfamiliar cars parked on the street, there are still an ample amount of part spaces for those visiting.
After getting tired of waiting and giving up all hope of a theater experience in my immediate future, I decided to walk a few blocks where I was certain to find a marked car posted. As I was taking my brisk evening stroll, I again called the non-emergency police number to inquire as to the status of the car dispatched to my place of residence. The dispatcher, whom I spoke to during my first call told me her dispatch number when I inquired as to her name, informed me that a higher priority incident took place ant the dispatched car was rerouted.
At this point, the illuminated tail lights of a Ford Crown Victoria were visible and I inquire if the police car sitting idle at it’s post was a higher priority than giving attention to my issue. After the dispatcher repeated that another car was dispatched and then was called to a higher priority event, I asked her to inform the officer sitting in the car that I was coming up from behind to request assistance. I didn’t want to chance startling anyone sitting in a car on a dark evening that has easy access to a firearm.
When I arrived to the side of the police vehicle, I waved to get the officer’s attention. He rolled down the window and I then explained the situation. He was surprised that I walked “all the way” from my home to where he was posted and offered to drive me back to my place of residence.
I was pleased to hear from the officer that one of his pet peeves was people parking in front of driveways and that he loved writing tickets.
At the end of the night, two illegally parked cars received tickets, but I still missed out on a Friday night theater experience. To the police officer – Thank You. To those who choose to illegally park – don’t do it in front of my driveway!
Saturday faired far better. I met a girlfriend for a late morning cup of hot chocolate at downtown Trenton’s Cafe Ole. My evening included a tasty meal and stimulating conversation at Ewing’s Villa Rosa Ristorante with a group of friends and acquaintances followed by dessert at neighbors home.
The balance of the weekend looks promising with Sunday’s schedule to include a free morning cooking class at the Williams-Sonoma in the Marketfair Mall in southern Princeton and then an afternoon visit to friends to watch football, eat and relax. Monday will include my annual attendance of a breakfast event honoring the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Trenton Marriott hosted by a local alumni chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. sorority.
How do you like to spend your free time? If you are interested in expanding your culinary mind for free or on the cheap, contact your local Williams-Sonoma (www.williams-sonoma.com) and your local Whole Foods store (www.wholefoods.com) for some great options.
