Princeton--Small Town America in New Jersey--Garden State

Many years ago our North Carolina governor, James Hunt, warned that our state could become like "creeping New Jersey"--just one big urban area.  Parts of New Jersey are probably like that but the Princeton area is not.

We drive to Jeff and Susan's on two lane roads lined with trees.  We take a similar route to McCaffrey's Groceries and to the doctors we have seen.  Going in the other direction to the Plainsboro Library and Meadows of Middlesex Golf, the roads are broader but they wind their way through large commercial campuses that are hidden from the road by large trees.  It's taking the scenic route daily.  I anticipate the beauty of autumn when the leaves change color.

There is a disadvantage to this rural feel.  We hit a fawn dashing across the road a few weeks ago.  We just missed a much larger deer crossing our path this morning.








Skillman's Furniture Old and New has been our place to buy numerous bookshelves and a TV stand.  The store is a mess of crowded furniture but we found exactly what we needed at a very reasonable price and it was delivered to our door for a minimal fee.  Mr. Skillman has long grey hair and he rings up the sale by hand.  We have been happy to "buy local."

Ace Hardware stores are everywhere but the one in Princeton Shopping Center is amazing.   There is always someone to help you find what you need and give advice.  Our purchases include picture hangers, a dust buster, a set of screw drivers, pliers, and coasters.  It definitely is better than wandering around the big box stores.

Jim broke a tooth shortly after we arrived.  He was not in pain  but it needed care.  We found a dentist who took our insurance for exams but not for procedure.  He booked with her anyway.  He went in on a Saturday and met her in a very old house on the main street in Kingston.  She had no assistants, took an x-ray herself and showed it to Jim without putting it on a computer.  She did not ask for payment ahead of time. Jim saw her again today in a similar situation but said she seemed very competent and he paid her for half the cost. He has at least one more appointment scheduled.

When I looked for a scanner to check out my book at the Plainsboro Library and couldn't find one, I asked for help.  There were no self service scanners-the librarian at the desk claimed he was a lot better looking and he checked out books.

With the exception of the Division of Motor Vehicles, everyone who has waited on us or helped us has been very friendly and kind.  I hope we continue to feel as if we are living in a small town in a garden state.