NO. 109

       Hard to believe, but this is shelter-kitchen post #109. Looking back, much has changed, and not much has changed. I'll never take the can opener for granted, and I've come to accept that there will never be good knives that "stay" in that kitchen.
       Joey has a knock-down, drag-out sinus infection—so he "let" me prepare all the food. I was going to anyway. We made 8 quiches (cheese & broccoli for the vegans), and bacon and cheese (and broccoli) for the normal folks. We served steamed broccoli and fruit cocktail on the side. Each slice of quiche was finished off with a black olive on a toothpick. Just like last time, there were wonderful reviews and many thank-yous, but I'll be honest, that kitchen was hotter 'n hell today, and I won't be planning to BAKE anything until this "real summer" lets up.
       Rick is still keeping the gate. He's much more relaxed than when he first came there—and why not?
       Phil was at lunch, and obviously happy. Still can't imagine how he got in prison in the first place. One of our other pre-release fellows is having his last day today. He was almost sad to be leaving. I asked him what kind of job he was going to, and he said he was "waiting for disability." Here again, the world confuses me. This is a tall, very overweight, strong, handsome young man. He's been working out, so he pumped up his arm, and asked me to feel his muscle. It felt like a boulder! So I encouraged him to lose weight (he's lost 40 pounds while at the shelter), and let him know that he's a handsome man. Then he gave me a full rundown of his recent physical: perfect blood count, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol... everything. Healthy as a horse. It's true that he may be emotionally disabled, but it just doesn't show when he comes to Sunday lunch… I wish him well.
       The family with the 6-year-old girl is still there. I think a lot of that young couple. The family with the greedy kids has left, and another family has come in—a mother and four pre-schoolers. I didn't get to meet them. The adorable 2-year-old is still there, but she wasn't at lunch either. Honestly? It was NICE having an opportunity to spoil my favorite 6-year-old without having to consider the feelings of others.
       On the whole, today's time at the shelter was fairly bland—probably a good thing. Stay cool.