That’s me when I was little next to Mom’s Irises when we lived in Greeneville. Photo is from about 1970.
A bearded Iris is my favorite flower. It has been for as long as I can remember. I think this is why. I loved it when the irises next to our driveway in Greeneville, Tennessee in were in full bloom. It was a riot of color and scents just my height. One of my fondest memories of living in town (besides having playmate just across the street) was the bloom of the irises followed by the big old lilac bush at the corner of the house. All are gone now.
When Greeneville started hosting the Iris Festival back in 1994 it was the right choice in my mind. (more…)
Day five in Naples started with me waking up to say “Honey it’s 6:30” when he intended to get up at 5 and I wanted to get up at 6. We both dashed to get ready. I skipped shower as I had to be at the roundabout outside the gate at 7:15 to catch the bus to the boat for my day on Capri. I got there and then learned about Italian time… it is approximate. I was the only one there until 7:30 which is when the bus was to depart and up strolled three couples from base. The bus rolled in about 7:45. It’s all relative… except when it comes to boats going to Capri. We were rushed from the bus to grab our tickets from Aldo, our guide, and dash aboard a hydrofoil to Capri. Once again I got the most envied of all seats the middle of the middle. I could see nothing. Dosed off for the hour over. Once there we caught mini buses to Anacapri.
View from Anacapri.
Anacapri is the settlement on the top of the rocky island. Villa D’Capri is the one that rings it down by the sea. The island has been human inhabited since 5,000 BC Capri in Eutruscan meant boar – the island is where they hunted boar. Later Romans moved in and brought goats Capra thus inn Latin Capri means of goats.
We took off from the port in a small bus covered in ads for a tacky watch covered in Swarovski rosetta crystals of various colors called a Capri watch. It sells for 300 euro about $450 US. The road we took clings to the rock cliff and is called the Etruscan road hewn by the Greeks & Etruscans to trade easier with Anacapri.
If you look there on the side of the rock you’ll see the Etruscan road to Anacapri. See it there with the supports?
It has not been widened since before Christ and has a granite wall on one side and a drop to the blue blue Mediterranean sea on the other. It is wide enough for two of their one goat wagons or just wide enough in parts for our minibus and an adventurous scooter driver. The drivers radio to one another when they are heading what direction on the road the others wait in the wider spots. Oh and by wider I mean where they barely pass… BARELY. But don’t think that slows down any driver because it doesn’t. Nor do the pedestrians on the road flinch for bus, car, truck, or scooter horn. I rode in the front seat on the way down to get a shot of the wider parts.
Wider part of the Etruscan road.
Once in Anacapri he we toured the graveyard where burials have been for 1000s of years. Then saw Tiberius’s vineyard. Seems the white grapes grown there make an impeccable wine that Emperor Tiberius
View of Emperor Tiberius Vineyard. Still in private operation today.
loved so his vineyard still growing grapes today for a family’s private wine but given to VIPs who visit Capri. You cannot buy any. Then we followed this narrow walk way to the center of Anacapri where we were set free for about an hour and a half.
I headed down to the red museum which was the nautical one. Found it and even could read the sign’s times. It opened at 10 am now it was 11 am but still not open. I look about the vendors now opening their stores and bringing out their displays. I asked one about the museum.
View through the closed gates of the Red Museum on a “freddo” morning. Photo by me
“It is a cold day, they will open later when it warms up.” It was in the low 60s F (teens in C). I went back made a few pictures and looked over the sign, no where did I spot anything about closed when “freddo” mornings arrive.
So I strolled out to the overlook past the just opening shops all bidding me “Good morning, open soon. Very cold this morning.” The funny thing is on the “cold” morning the ice cream stand was the only one open on time. The over look was beautiful, again made some photos. Walked back and kinda had to go to the bathroom but it is “50p to pee” as Aldo told us. The smallest I had was 20 Euro and we were going to lunch next where a bano would be available. So I just enjoyed sitting in the warm Med sun at the meeting point.
It was then another ride down the Etruscan road to where we had lunch. It was a house with a nice covered patio. The people have a restaurant-like business feeding tour groups that book them. First we had rigatoni with tomato sauce, made from fresh tomatoes. Then ravioli stuffed with 3 cheeses (buffalo mozzarella, ricotta from sheep, and goat feta) that was topped with a veggie sauce. Next you could choose from roast pork (called roast beouf here from some unknown reason), herbed chicken (cooked over open fire on spit), or the Capri traditional dish of pan cooked squid (calamari Capriese). I went for the squid – when in Capri do as Capriseans. This was accompanied with a basic garden salad topped with a light vinegar and fresh olive
The meal was so good I didn’t think to take a foodie until it was too late. But as you can see I enjoyed it.
oil. All this was with warm fresh crusty bread they kept bringing and kept bringing and I swear forced everyone at my table to eat at least a loaf each. That is our agreed upon story- that they forced us- and we at table 9 are sticking to it! It was capped by a vanilla gelato (ice cream). It all was to DIE for food. All the squid I’ve ever had has been chewy. This was melting in your mouth tender it broke with slight pressure from a fork. Very buttery with garlic and basil flavor and briney sea flavor. Mmmm-MMmm The pasta was perfect al dente not mushy. It was all so fresh. Oh, and I got to use the bano without having a 50p coin.
Next he took us to the Capri lemon shop. Lemons there are Caesar lemons. Think the size of a large navel orange or small grapefruit. They are sweet-like lemons. There I got some lemon chocolate and orange chocolate. Drat 5 Euro change still no 50p for the bano!
Now was a walking tour to the south side of the island where the rich live. We went up into the medieval walls and walked there. Originally these were the sentry walk and barracks.
The walk through the sentry walls of Capri. Photo by me.
Now it is a public walk with non-tourist shops in the former barrack rooms. It was interesting to see that one side for a good distance was a grocery. One barrack room vegetable produce then pay and move to the fruit produce pay and move down to the bread pay then sweets and so on through canned goods, dry goods, etc. Some were small pizzerias with workmen crowded in the skylight courtyards eating their lunch. We came out on steps filled with flowers that were a florist’s display.
North Capri steps to sentry walk now used partially as a florist display. Photo by me
Then to square of the important – tables set up with chairs and various upscale restaurants. Here the important people of the island gather to drink wine, play chess, and in good Italian tradition argue. We went down a winding street of all the upscale name shops you can name. Yes you too can own a Dolce Gaban t-shirt that says Capri on it for only 800 euro ($1000) or dress your babe in Grey Flannel brand baby clothes for only 1200 euro for one outfit. Oh and get a gelato for 16 euro looking much like the 3 euro gelato I saw for sale on the south side.
We moved on to the Sanatorium which was where people with lung disease came to be treated by the good sea air. It is now a four star hotel. Passed it and down Via Rupp a nice stone walkway made by a German named Rupp. We went to another major industry on the island besides Caesar lemons (for many a Lemoncello) is perfume. We toured the perfumery’s garden and I loved it as Aldo knew much about the plants flowers and uses. The views from there were glorious.
This is a view of the Via Rupp on north Capri
It was there Aldo said he’s meet us back at the buses on the south side. I got a bit of a fright hoping I could remember my way back! Then I thought, eh, it’s a small island keep following the coast and I’ll find the other side. However bano was NOW calling. I went in asked the attendant for change for my 5 euro. She was nice and had to call the men’s room attendant for help but between the two of them they made change. I thanked them both and tipped each a euro. Trust me I’d gladly given them the whole 5 for one 50p to pee! Now I dropped my coin in the slot (I had many as he opened a change box to get me change I’m sure he thought “Touriesta!”) And was relieved.
Then I started navigating my way back stopping by the Swarovski store in the rich section. Swarovski is a prized crystal jewelry piece maker. They are made in Austria and I deal with them regularly making jewelry. So I know many of their prices in US. There in the store a crystal that is about $0.75 US was selling for 14 euro ($21) a crystal pendant $3 US was selling for 118 euro ($170). I chuckled to myself at the snobby shoppers and headed for the sentry steps that were now a florists display case. Then through the walls past the grocery and down a few streets and I found the buses in plenty of time. Some were not so lucky so Aldo fretted about his babini (children is what he called us, his children) until they came from the opposite direction from what he had taken us. Seems they got turned around and figured as I did keep following the coast and the wall you’ll have to pass it being an island.
It was another harrowing bus ride down to the port. There we had to wait for the boat. We were running late it was 4 pm already and originally we were scheduled to be back at base at 4:30. Being a good papa Aldo let those who needed to use his cell to call babysitters, loved ones meeting them etc to tell of the delay. Me eh, Mike is in a secure area and I’ll get back when I get back.
The hydrofoil ferry we took to and from Capri. Photo by me
So it was an uneventful hydrofoil ride back to the bus to the walk to the base then the walk to the inn on base. I got home as Mike did. He wanted to walk out to a restaurant for dinner. I gave him the very fatigued “I’ve walked all over Capri all day” stink eye and we got sushi at the food court.
Even though I didn’t label them all, all photos are by me. You can click on any one to see it larger and go to my Flickr account where there are many more of my day on Capri.
One of my necklaces in my new online store ML’s Designs. This one is called Nature’s Beauty.
I’ve been talking about it for YEARS but I finally did it. I have an online store! I overcame procrastination got the ability to take credit cards and made an online store. Like so many things I procrastinate about, it was easier than I thought it would be. Really, the hardest part was… (more…)
Okay ladies I know you’ve been wondering where the perfect man went. Well search no more, he’s mine! Mike, my soul mate and best friend, has a birthday today! I won’t say how old he is because age bothers him more than me. Suffice it say, he’s like a fine liquor and gets better with age.
If you know him or follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and such please stop by and wish him a great day. If you don’t but want to leave good wishes for the best husband ever – you can do it here. I’ll be reading them to him tonight as he opens presents and eats cake.
View of Vesuvius from the bus to the support site.
Sorry no posts on this for some time. Coming back to real life brought real life responsibilities – work, jewelry show, house cleaning, pet care, snow shoveling, etc. Actually two of those collided thanks to Mike and Paula for manning the booth at a craft fair while I worked at the J-O-B. Oh then Mike went off to Europe for his civilian job. The truck got a flat and AAA couldn’t help. We got our first snow. And I worked….
Bread from my visit to the Buffalo Mozzarella factory. Sorry fresh Italian Bread was so good I couldn’t wait for you…
Any way Happy November 17th aka Homemade Bread Day.
So we left off with my arrival to Naples and checking into what was known on the bases as the Capo Inn (Navy Inn on the main base, which is the smaller base but has the work offices). This was yet again supposed to be Mike’s swan song last two week active duty in the Navy. (the last one was to be that and when we got back found out there’s a chance there might be more). Any way I was in a holding pattern on plans until he got his schedule then I’d build around any time he had off. If he had any.
View out our bedroom window of Mount Vesuvius on a dreary day.
As you saw from the last post, I was packed and ready to go. Our flight was on Luftansa and left O’Hare at 9:40 pm we connected through Munich to Naples. Yep we were flying economy but were able to get seats together. Actually when we got the plane we had the two seat section of the row so it was just us mooshed together in those pre-school seats, with little leaning back room. I can say our part of the flight was uneventful, it departed and arrived on time. We were fed, Mike slept, I watched movies. I can’t sleep on a plane. Mike felt queasy once and hot, but once the air kicked on and he fell asleep he was fine.
Mike contemplating his $4 water in the Munich airport
However, there were events on the plane. We were just out over the Atlantic when a call went out for a doctor or medical personnel on board. Oxygen tanks were carried forward by an attendant. Mike went to the rest room and said a group was attending a person passed out on the galley floor. Never found out what the emergency was but I’m sure they and their family weren’t having a good flight. Just south of Greenland over the Atlantic, yes about where the Titanic sank we hit turbulence. So flight attendants had to sit and buckle in, we were seat bound and it bounced. Kind reminded me of driving too fast on an East Tennessee dirt road. Not to bad, not violent just very bumpy.
Honestly, I did doze for about twenty minutes but mostly passed the time watching movies. Saw Captain America 2 again (still good) Rise of Planet of the Apes (better than expected), Malnificent (Eh, just okay) and an episode of Ray Donovan (too cheap to buy pay channels but good show). By then my legs were yelling for mercy, swelling and restless. I’d had it about the time we were over London. Thank goodness it wasn’t far to Munich.
Ahh, to stand and walk felt good. Customs/immigration into the EU was easy. I was entering for leisure as military spousal accompaniment. Got the first stamp in this passport. FINALLY!! I’ve used for about five countries and NO stamps but the EU came through and put one on it! So take that Caribbean and Canada!
The Alps from the air on our flight to Naples
In Munich airport we had time. I was screwed up on my regular med, so took the next dose which was morning and had to have some water. We each got a bottle of ‘still’ water and paid $4 for each bottle. I felt officially welcomed to Europe. We lounged and enjoyed stretching our legs and walking. Then time to board the flight to Naples or Napoli as called when boarding. There we filed through the boarding pass check, down three flights of steps (Where Mike helped a lady with a stroller by carrying the front) and out to the bus that would take us to our flight. You know it had to suck to pay all that money to fly first class and then be crammed on a bus with us plebeians. On that flight I got the most enviable of seats – middle of middle! I was next to Mike so all was good. I dozed a bit and with the help of Mike got some pictures out the window of the Alps as we went across.
Finally we arrived in Naples. The airport is known for losing luggage 33% of the time. We had three pieces checked (my one his two uniforms are space takers). As we waited and looked at ads for gaudy watches called Capri Watch, we debated which one wouldn’t make it. We voted it would be mine since all I had was undies in my carry-on. However, fate smiled upon us and we beat the odds getting all three bags. (Sorry lady who lost 2 of her three, it had to go somewhere).
The base is next to the airport. Cabs can’t go on base so we walked. It’s about a mile and half walk. Yep glad I packed light as I knew I’d have to haul it. So after ID check (I got a salute?!?) we made our way to the Capo Inn on base. There we had a small apartment reserved. Heck we found out we had two when we got there. Our place had a to die for view of Mt. Vesuvius. (see the one at the top of this post it was a dreary day but the rain missed us.) Literally I mean if that thing blew we were goners. Still it was beautiful in the dreary afternoon.
The sunset shows why the Amafi Coast is called the golden coast as we flew in.
Next on the agenda was laying in of breakfast food and snacks. It was off to the base Exchange that had a grocery section. After putting those away in the room it was now the evening of the 24th. I had started out the evening of the 22nd. Travel is great but it is also exhausting. We were tired, me more so as I didn’t get to snore on the long flight like some people did. So it was off to the food court for mediocre pizza by Italian standards but excellent pizza by ours. We took it to the base pub and Mike had a beer while I had a diet soda.
Back to the room for a shower and Mike was off to bed. He had duty starting early in the morning and would get an idea of his schedule. I stayed up to unwind a bit from all the action. Emailed home and enjoyed the night view out the window. The nice thing about staying on an American base was we needed no adapters it is wired for both local and mainland outlets. SWEET!
Oh I really got use out of my bluetooth keyboard in my tablet case. So nice to carry something so light and be able to write, draft posts like this, and enjoy the base free Wi-Fi. After a hot cup of mild tea I was off to bed and crashed out hard.
So ended my first day in Naples – just settling in and getting the lay of the land.
Wow I see I’ve not posted in some time. I really have no excuse except for the last 11 days or so when I’ve been on vacation.
You see, Mike had a NATO exercise he participated in as part of his active duty for the Reserves. I tagged along to have a free place to crash. Where did we go? Yep Itlay. Naples Italy. Now before when I’d tell people I was going to Italy on vacation they’d smile and say “Oh! Where are you going there?” Then when I’d say “Naples” Their face would fall into an ‘I’m so sorry.’ It was almost like that look you’d give someone being excited that they were going to American on vacation then you asked them where they’d be and they said Detroit. I heard it called ‘the armpit of the world’ and ‘where the Mafia went when run out of Sicily’ and so on. Let me say that first, yes it’s got issues but the garbage strike that gave it the armpit status has been over for years. Second yes it has crime but name a city with three million people that doesn’t. And yes ancient streets with lots of cars makes for harrowing rides… but all the people I interacted with were wonderful to me from water buffalo farmers, to shop keepers, to Limoncello brewers, to archaeologists, to tour guides, bus drivers, and train patrons. All were welcoming, smiled and encouraged attempting their language and were helpful. The city has been there since Etruscan times and I LOVE the history. So if this is the armpit I guess I’m happy in armpits.
Packing cubs in use.
Now before I could get to Italy I had to pack. I’ll be honest I try hard to pack light. I mean I did London for two weeks with two carry-ons. So I figured 10 days in Italy one small carry-on size roller and my back tote. Yep I did it. I used ebags packing cubes for the first time. I can now sing the praises of them from dawn to dusk. Easy packing easy unpacking to dressers when I got there easy packing to go home. Wonderful things. I got the set there in the link I provided. As you can see I got them in University of Tennessee Orange GO VOLS! I had one in my back tote for my meds and emergency undies (in case of unplanned overnight layover). One Mike used for his carry-on extra uniform. The large one held all my shirts and pants and the other small ones were, bathroom things, undies, socks & jewelry. It all fit in nicely into my luggage as you can see. When I got there I pulled them out, put them in drawers of the end table (no dresser), unzipped them and I was unpacked. I kept my clean clothes in them after laundry and when it came to pack I zipped them up, dropped them in the suitcase and was packed.
The other neat thing that helped with packing was the large Grid-It I got for all my electronic support stuff. You know the charger for camera batteries, phone charger, tablet charger, camera, cables, and so on. As you can see it’s great to get it all organized and stored in one flat place that laid nicely over the packing cubes. I left my cords on it unless I used them and when done tucked them back on the board so packing was again a breeze. I liked it so much I’m getting the smallest one for my briefcase to carry the few chargers I take with me.
Grid-It loaded up and ready to pack.
Also knowing that RIFD chip reading is big in Europe as all their credit cards have gone to it. (Two of mine recently renewed have it) I got a nice purse/tote that was RIFD safe and Mike gave me neck wallet for the notorious pickpockets. The purse was great as the middle section would carry my journal or my tablet when using here in the US. It is slash proof, has a cross body strap, and is very light – all the things I need in a travel purse. I have to admit when in Italy it never carried anything a purse theif would want – cough drops, protein bar, tissues, flashlight (wait till I tell you about the underground), notepad, and occasionally my backup camera. My money was mostly in my neck wallet under my shirt and in my bra. A bit of walking money in my pocket along with my phone (for photo purposes only). Neck wallet had one credit card and my military ID required for base entrance. So I traveled about light and thankful it was a cool fall not a sweltering Summer they had back this past July when I first considered going.
Grid-It flipped over and put on packing cubes. It has a nice zipper pouch for any small things (Pens, papers). So like that I stuck my name where I was staying in Italy and my home info on top (Always good to put in your luggage in case it gets lost and they open it) zipped it up and was ready to go.
So I was all packed, I had my passport ready, and it was time to head off to Italy. We flew Lufthansa. Great service. I have to say nice Airbus plane. Only thing is crowded. I long to one day make a trans-Atlantic flight in a chair that doesn’t feel like I’m visiting a pre-school. But let’s face it I’m an economy class kinda gal, I just can’t see spending $6,000+ US for round trip ticket. The nice thing is we only had one connection in Munich, Germany. So we left at 5pm and were off on my Italian vacation his active duty…
Oh I get nothing from endorsing these products. I don’t won stock in them or any thing. I just found them VERY useful and thought I’d share. Besides it’s a good way to start my Italy series of posts – packing to go!
You know you are in for something different with a subtitle of Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking. Actually that’s why I picked up the book, was that subtitle. You see despite all my cheery disposition I’m a cynic at heart. Actually, just like Garfield admitted to Jon he is a cynic wearing a cat suit, I’m one wearing a human suit.
I’ve not embraced my inner cynic much beyond comedic effect I thought but Burkeman taught me what I had labelled as a cynic all these years was really an ancient Stoic. No, not stoic in the modern sense of enduring things without a peep of complaint. (What why are you laughing? I don’t complain THAT much do I?) But rather as the ancient philosophy of accepting the unpleasantness of life as reality that can’t be avoided makes the pleasant things sweeter and frees us to enjoy them more.
Okay, I see you are confused. Let me use the example Burkeman does in the beginning to illustrate this concept. DO NOT THINK OF A WHITE BEAR. What’s the first thing that came to mind reading that? Yep, a white bear. Burkeman explains the psychological reason for that and why the more you try not to think of the bear more bears there are in your thoughts. But the point is the basis of positive thinking is DO NOT THINK NEGATIVE THOUGHTS. So what comes to mind… that’s the point of the book. The more you try not to be negative, the more you check to see if you are happy, the more you notice things that make you unhappy.
Once he’s established that concept Burkeman goes through several ways and philosophies that embrace the negative aspects of life in order to enjoy life. He dedicates a chapter to the ancient Stoics and even visits some jolly modern ones. He explores how Buddhist techniques of watching thoughts go by without engaging them or why not letting what you think define you brings happiness. That the passing thoughts are ‘the noisy breather in the week long silent meditation retreat is out to get me so I’ll get him first’ doesn’t mean you are a bad person or will act on it. Yes Burkeman goes to such a retreat and has similar thoughts.
In the end when the book was over I found out I was happier for having read it. I didn’t feel the need to go DO something that wasn’t me. I’d learned my old technique of cheering myself up with “It could be worse it could be _________” and filling in the blank with the most rotten thing I could think of… was the basis of Stoic philosophy. I learned that in many ways I’m Mexican in my view of death. That the corpse meditation of Buddhism didn’t threaten me as much as other lesser phobias. I am more comfortable with death, the worst case scenario, and facing being uncomfortable than I am with positive thinking. Actually I’m happier among those things than I would be at a motivational seminars. I now know why affirmations make me feel worse not better, at times to the point of evoking anxiety. Sure life sucks sometimes but that makes the times it doesn’t that much more remarkable, sweeter, and for a Stoic (former cynic) like me happier in those moments.
If you are like me and the ‘rah-rah let’s get going to do this thing’ speeches make you roll your eyes and think PUH-leeze! Or if trying to visual success just makes you feel like you have too far to go, or affirmations just reinforce that you aren’t there yet – this book might be for you. We aren’t rainbows, glitter, and unicorn kind of people and that’s okay- we can be happy too. Burkeman just reminds us how to do it our way.
This isn’t the post I planned for today but it’s the post I encountered. I ran to the local grocery to pick up a few things for the next few dinners (burritos tonight – gazpacho & pasta salad tomorrow). My list took me all over the store getting an item here and there. While waiting at the deli for their tortellini (for the pasta salad) I encounter a woman grilling a deli work on the contents of some pre-made salad. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t think it’s bad for a customer to ask questions. However, it’s who you ask and how you ask that can go from customer seeking service to obnoxious person. This deli worker had the lamented recipe card and was attempting to answer the queries. Honestly I was impressed they made the stuff there on site and the person dishing was involved in the making. Cudos store! However, said woman wouldn’t wait for the answer but instead barked another question and looked as if she thought the worker was trying to lie to her. I moved on having been served by another worker and gave a sympathetic smile to the man in the white hat holding the lamenated card doing his best at being drilled over salad.
Later I was in the meat department. I made my selections I hear a scathing voice say “So are these the ones you normally gouge us $6.00 a pound for?” I glance over my shoulder and yes, you guessed it! It’s her. Oh had she has 3 pounds of potato salad in her cart so I guess deli guy passed inspection. The butcher stands at attention with hands folded behind his back, I kid you not. As the woman leans over packaged custom made gourmet burgers from the meat department on sale. “M’am we usually charge $6.50 per pound for those as they have bacon and cheese in them. The $6.00 per pound are the seasoned beef ones. However both are on sale today for $5.00 per pound.” She squints at him. “Why? Are they going bad from the holiday weekend?” I make my selection and start moving on but as I push my cart I hear… “No m’am we make them fresh this morning. This stamp tells you the date…” I catch a woman’s eye as I move on she rolls her eyes at the poor butcher standing at attention, I smile and shrug. Whatcha gonna do when in the retail industry but deal with customers.
I enjoyed my time in the dry goods and dairy without any grating voices or being spectator to any interrogations of staff. However I did have to get some crusty bread at the bakery for dinner tomorrow. As I go ponder just what kind of bread I want and how much (I’m still getting used to shopping for two not two with a teenage boy)… I hear “BUT the ad shows chocolate ones! Get the head baker I want to speak to him NOW!” Yep there she is! The stocker dutifully runs off to fetch the baker and is thrilled to leave the snarling customer I am sure. The baker,who is a woman not a him, arrives just as I head to the checkout lane.
As I am finishing up my transaction there’s a cart banging on the conveyer belt before the register. I look up and it’s her. She’s banging her cart against the frame “BOY, oh bag boy come unload my cart. I can’t because I can’t bend over.” I wanted to say “You seemed to bend just fine looking for a chocolate one in the bakery.” (one what I’ve not a clue but oh well). The young man at the register turns to her. “He’s finishing up with this lady’s order then he’ll be right with you.” He turns to me and smiles as he waits on the receipt to finish printing out coupons generated.
“Tell him I want plastic bags in paper ones and pack lightly!” She says despite the bagger is just 10 feet away. He looks up at me and I say it’d fine don’t bag the soda’s they are easier to carry in the six packs. He smiles gratefully.
As I claim my cart I hear the woman ask. “I forgot my coupons for these can I get the coupon price and bring them to you later.” The cashier turns to look at me with a ‘please kill me now’ look on his face, I chuckle sympathetically and smile. “Good luck!”
On the drive home I thought about it. Really it’s fine she wanted to know what’s in her potato salad, if the burgers were ground chuck or sirloin, if the product was available in chocolate… all legit questions if you have them. However there’s a right way and wrong way to ask a question and get an answer. First off, remember people working retail aren’t your servants just because it is their job to serve you. Second kindness to those who help you costs nothing but yields so much. Third you can ask people available and not demand their supervisor, if they don’t know the ask them to please find out. I was taken aback that she expected to get a special price on something without her coupons. Gods forbid the deli worker, butcher or baker make an error and ask her to make accommodations. However if she makes one the store should take extra special actions for her.
Bottom line in this for me is two fold – treat those you encounter in service industry as humans like you because they are. Treat them as you would want to be treated should you be in that job. Second – the customer isn’t always right and sometimes every other customer in the store knows which one is in the wrong.
This is the first year of gardening without having a dog. What do the two have to do with one another? Well, read on and learn how a dog lazing in the yard helped the garden’s yield.
It all started this spring when Mike was ranting that the rabbits were eating the peas down to the dirt. (Yes my husband does a great Mr. McGregor of Peter Rabbit fame impression.) However one day when I was going to the garage I spotted the real culprits – not rabbits but baby squirrels.
Cut to earlier this week. I was sitting here at my desk working. My office window was wide open as it was a warm day. Outside I hear messy eating sounds, slurping, smacking… I look and on the end of our fence near my window sat a large squirrel holding one of our good big red tomatoes just eating away. He’d hit a seed pocket and SLURP it up then look up with seeds on his cheeks and a pink tongue darting about to clean his whiskers.
Then yesterday again heading to the garage I scared a passel (yes you fellow Southerners know how many I mean, the rest of you it’s kinda like bunch) of squirrels from the garden. Some chomping roma tomatoes, others nibbling peppers – heck one had the guts to take a whole big bell with him while his compatriot ran off with a green beefsteak tomato!
It’s bad enough that they are raiding us blind of veggies and our rabbit fence does nothing to stop this climbing buggers – but now they are waking me at three am with their arguments, drunken singing or whatever in the hell it is that possesses squirrels to scream and chitter amongest themselves at that hour! I kid you not! I can set my clock by it. There’s barking like calls, then chirping, then screams followed by barking again. Mike says Mr. Squirrel comes home drunk and Mrs. Squirrel is giving him what for. It reminds me of the BBC ad where the ground squirrel keeps barking “Allen, Allen” then he says “That’s not Allen that’s Jack! Jack, Jack, Jack…”
We’ve had issues before with them. One year when our apple tree had hard knotting apples due to the drought, they threw the apples at us. No, really I’m serious. They would sit on the awning over the back door and when we opened the door drop the apple that would roll down and hit us in the head or shoulders. We learned that season to just wait a moment for the apple to fall before proceeding out the door.
Now back to the dog and the garden, you see when we had a dog the squirrel raids were limited to the apple tree. The doggie scent about the yard kept them from dining upon the produce. Now dear Belle is long gone and this is the first summer without Rappy… and the squirrels are taking over.
As I’m typing this I see one run the phone line with a small pepper in his mouth. I hope it’s a ghost pepper and it burns his mouth and gives him heart burn all night long – as long as he doesn’t shout about it at midnight to wake me twice tonight…
Mary Louise Eklund 