As I'm walking down the street with Dakota, I see a newer four-door sedan pass by, going the other way.  Nothing stands out about it.  Plenty of smaller, blue cars these days.  And, always plenty of traffic on the street during our morning walks.


Next vehicle to travel in that same direction is this big-ass, full-sized, extended-cab pickup.  You know the one; lots of chrome, big bush-pusher up front, shiny steel rims, raised letter tires.  It looks like it just came out of the detail shop.  Well, it stops right in front of this one house, and the passenger jumps out.  She, most likely the wife of the driver, heads over towards the curb, and grabs the recycling bin. 


At first, I thought they were going to steal it.  Stranger things happen on garbage day.  I've seen folks going around on bicycles grabbing bottle and cans.  Sometimes you see an old beat-up pick-up truck hauling metal junk.  Or, someone just grabbing some "whatever" just because it might be something they think they could use.  Not this couple, though.


I see her put the bin on the rear bumper of the truck, and she starts tossing empty bottled water bottles into the back, two at a time.  There had to be quite a few, because it was taking a lot of her attention to complete the task.


At the same time, however, I notice that sedan is now backing up in reverse.  OK.  Maybe he missed an address he was looking for.  NOPE.  I suddenly notice the double-hit, strobe red lights in the back.  That's an OGV (Official Government Vehicle).  The gentlemen, dressed in a polo shirt and khakis, steps out of the car.


"Stephanie."


"Stephanie!"


"STEPHANIE!"


She's too busy to even acknowledge his calls.  I don't know what he would've done anyway.  He, and his conscientious recycling wife, have been snagged.  Trying to "run" would just be stupid.


"What are you doing?", asks, what I now have to presume is, the police detective.


Some illegible grumbling is heard from inside the cab of the pick-up.


"Well, we're just going to have to issue you a ticket for that.  The first offense starts off with a fine of $125.00!"


Louder grumbling from the cab.


I don't wish to be noisy, but I take a quick glance back and see the "ticket pad" in the officer's hand.


Don't garbage pick in Tonawanda. 


And, here,  you thought Kenmore was bad.