I am finally back in NJ, after a great week in Maine, and then a horrible drive back. We had to pull over to the side of the highway because a bike fell off the bike rack. Twice. After the first time, we tried to put the bikes on the rack differently, in hopes that it would help them stay on. It didn't. After the second time, we put one of the bikes into the backseat, which already contained a whole bunch of bags and a beach chair. Miraculously, the bike that fell twice doesn't seem to have any major damage -- it's scratched up, and has a flat tire, but nothing looks like it's bent out of place or anything.

I've taken a half dozen calls on deer in the roadways today (and must admit it's almost a nice change from the incessant fireworks calls) but it's also silly. I live in an urban area. This is getting out of control ridiculous. One caller even suggested that his particular deer MUST have RABIES because it was in the middle of a highly trafficed treet and didn't move for an oncoming car. Um, it's a DEER. That "deer in headlights" metaphor exists for a reason. *sigh* Now there are apparently 2 elk on the freeway by the zoo, so half the callers thinks they must have escaped from the zoo. We called the zoo yesterday (same animals, same problem) and an employee said all their elk died last year. I think the zoo should go grab these two and set up a new herd! And get them away from the freeway. Of course the police aren't going to do anything until there's actually an accident, they are rightfully scared of large animals with hooves and hornes and drive by in their cars and close out the calls with notes like "deer noshing on blackberry bushes out of traffic." *sigh* Can't wait till end of shift when I can get in my workout, finish my sandwich, and watch an episode of Downton Abbey on my comfy sofa while snuggling with the kitties.

Here in rural Oregon, I've learned that deer or elk in the road at this time of year is just part of the morning commute - which, to be fair, extends it from five minutes to seven minutes for me so it isn't much of an inconvenience. It's like living in the middle of a "Northern Exposure" episode!

I have deer hanging out around my apartment complex--in the middle of town--all the time. We have to be careful coming in the driveway, especially in the evening, to avoid hitting them. There was a mother with a spotted fawn munching the lawn this morning. They're beautiful, but I'd rather they didn't see my garden as their own greengrocers.

I live in a major city and there are deer in front yards and 4-lane streets pretty often as we drive to the kids' school. We do not call 911 about it, though we do rubberneck.

I agree the zoo should capture the wayward elk. They clearly WANT to be in the zoo. (But first the zoo should figure out why all their elk died. That doesn't sound good.)

For months I've been saying I'd call the community college to make an appointment and talk about going back to school.And I finally called today and did it. I have an appointment for next monday.

I think my stroke is over. Mostly.

Good for you, askye!

Also good for you, P-C!

Lifting those bikes all day yesterday made my arms and shoulders hurt. I need to do laundry, but I'm not sure if it would be better for me to wait, rather than carrying the basket up and down the stairs.

Do you have clean underwear? Then it can wait for tomorrow.

Glad your brain's no longer attacking, P-C.

Good for you, askye - any idea of a field, or General Eds to start?