NOT THERE, NOT THERE

         I wrote to Bonnie today: I thought of you all morning... knowing the kitchen would come to life soon, and missing it. I hope everyone had a good week, and that you aren't working too hard! I sent letters to Joey and Aaron this week, but I know it's too soon for them to have arrived. I'm sorry I didn't let you know, so they could be on the look-out. Anyway, now they'll be a surprise.

       It's cold here now—and gray. I miss my comfortable bed with flatscreen tv... and I'm working too hard. Hopefully, the work will run out, and I'll have warmer weather to go with my free time.

       Afterward Bonnie sent her report: It was a really busy Sunday, seemed like all the residents showed up for lunch. We ran out of Pizza in the end. Joey told me Aaron may have a job, but when I spoke to Aaron he spoke to someone at a Hotel in town and they are keeping him in mind. He has a long list of places to contact this week, so hope something comes of it. His daughter's 6th Birthday was last week, she went bowling for the first time. Aaron didn't get to go; guess "they" wouldn't let him.

       Joey is seeing an oral surgeon this week, may have all his wisdom teeth pulled.

       One resident—a new guy I never met—was pretty rude to me. I had the plates up on the counter with pizza and onion rings. He came up to the counter said he's allergic to onion rings and gave me a stinker of a look, then came back and said "may as well have the Pizza." Well, Joey went flying out into the eating area and ripped everyone up one side and down the other. Said that we try our best to supply a good meal but we only have so much to work with and treating me like that is totally unacceptable—on and on. I didn't hear it all as I stayed in the kitchen, but he got his point across. I thought good for him. And don't worry about me, I have a good Scottish tongue in my head and only do as much as I want to do, if I want to do a little extra I will, if not, I won't. 

       I'm in the store today as it's my Dear One's birthday and I'm covering for him this afternoon to give him a treat. Monday is my day off. It's gorgeous here, 71 degrees, blue sky and the spring flowers are coming up. Try to have some fun, it will be over before you know it.

       I replied: Good Lord! There is more drama in that kitchen than I've EVER seen! And I am missing all of it!
 Wish your Dear One a bon anniversaire for us and ENJOY that beautiful weather. WE have learned that 46 degrees without rain and wind is quite tolerable--"lovely" even. 



       Isn't Joey well spoken? I have great admiration for his ability with words and his assertiveness with the people. While I would shy away from giving instructions, he is SO able to do that, and I marvel at his WAY. He metes out the rules with an apology—like, "Don't DO that! And remember I'm just trying to save you from the boss!" 

I could never do his job.

 A good Scottish tongue... bravo! It looks to me as if you are becoming one with the kitchen... and how can you not? It's so inviting... and it gives back so much. It's a shame that more people don't SEE what you and I see in that kitchen... and it's really GOOD that they don't, because there isn't enough to go around, is there? 

Thanks for the report, Bonnie! I miss the place. This week I will seek volunteer opportunities in Troyes at the office of tourism. It's a start. Meanwhile, there are two teachers here who've invited me to attend English class (as a guest who speaks perfect English, I suppose). The experience should prove interesting, if nothing else. 

We ARE having fun... in fits and starts... like in real life. I know it will be over in a flash!