So ... We're cruising through New Jersey after all the NYC excitement. It was going to be a full day, but it was another scorcher for us. We stopped at one of the big malls for a few lightweight tops, and a cool beverage with lunch.
We passes by Sesame Place ... Much to Bo's chagrin, I can still remember him wiggling out of his diapers at the end of our one visit there. (We'll know soon if Bo is reading the Journal, huh? lol) Decided to leave the memories intact, and we passed by the park.
Once in to Trenton, I relied on the tried and true method to find the local fire/police. we set the GPS for city center, then started an outward grid. Middle of a workday would pretty much assure we'd find someone in uniform ... after hours, you just roll down the windows and listen for a siren. Hey, it works! ( ;
But who knew we'd hit the mother lode on the very first turn?! Two very official looking gents with fire insignia on their lapels said we were on the right track.
Now, Trenton was a first year stop, so technically this was a return visit. Technically, because I pulled in to Trenton real close to midnight, and the better part of discretion advised me not to knock on their door that late.
But I always remembered this particular station because glowing in a brilliant red was their huuuuuuuge neon sign. Every letter was lit, and there was no guessing that this was a TFD house. Headquarters, to be specific.
This time, we arrived during the lunch hour, and this time that same discretion advised us that parting these folks from the sandwiches of varying sizes and flavors, would get us nowhere quick. So we sat down in the air conditioning and enjoyed not having the earth moving noticeably beneath us.
One by one, the guys joined us til we had a nice lil crowd for our presentation of the H2H program. Letting them play with Rookie and Chief, then setting them up with the Iraq'n'Robin glasses sealed the deal ... and all was smiles. Of course, the Hooter's frisbees didn't hurt, either.
These guys were a lot of fun, and were great sports doing the photo op in the extremely hot early afternoon.
A special touch was at the second station we visited. As did a number of other stops, we were each given a t-shirt to wear. But, they added 2 extra shirts ... one for Bo "Inches", and one for his classmate and buddy, John "Bubbles". Their written messages on the boys shirts, welcomed them into the brotherhood, but added another ornery touch to Bo's shirt. Hmmm, this and Sesame Place memoirs ... Bo may not come back to NJ any time soon. LOL
Seriously though, thank you all for your welcome. We would love to accept the invite for a return visit, and will likely see you again.
**Karen ... look closely, you'll see the shirt from T(renton)FD E-10 that was signed for you! ( ;
lj & the road crew
FYI -- This house has a wonderful fire museum onsite. If you get to Trenton, you really ought to check it out, and shake the hands of some really good guys!
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