First Eleven Hour Night

Oh, MG do I feel my age this morning or afternoon rather. That first shift of 11 hours of work was a killer. They sure didn't much out of us that last hour, that's for sure! The lower back is aching and the hands are throbbing this morning. This is only week three with six more weeks after this....I don't know folks....it's really hard on the body. Plus Jim gave me his cold and they are smoothing out the new cement road in front of the rv park...brother! Jim went to buy another pair of shoes as it really makes a difference if you switch off each day.

We're having homemade chicken soup for dinner tonight and the leftover meatloaf from yesterday for lunch tonight. Both came out really good.

Thanks for letting me gripe to you. Remember, you are loved.

Alligator bites

We hosted a happy hour yesterday with Bill, Lesle, Dave, Marie and their friends Maria and Tim. Marie brought soft tacos, I made shrimp dip and Lesle brought over alligator bites she bought in Alabama last spring. Jim breaded the bites in panko and deep fried them and then served them with cocktail sauce. Everyone really enjoyed this unusual treat.

Lesle noticed a group of four couples together chatting around an rv, so she went over and invited them to join us; in a little while they came over and we introduced themselves. So we had 14 for happy hour. As fellow workampers at amazon.com we had the usual stories to share. On couple from Amarillo also owned a lot at River's Edge in South Fork, Colorado, where we send the summer. So we definitely will be exchanging social cards with them and plan on getting together next summer in South Fork. We had so much fun together we planned on meeting again next Saturday for happy hour.

Lesle and Bill drove to Wichita to deposit their paychecks at a branch of their bank. They found a good place to eat called Nu Way that have loose meat sandwiches. There is also a Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives restaurant called Brint's Diner in Wichita, so we may go with them next week to check it out. After next week the automatic deposit should kick in.

I'm cooking meat loaf for dinner today and will then take sandwiches for "lunch" tonight. Want to come over for dinner? There's plenty!

Remember, you are loved.

Is it worth......

I've got a new way in deciding to buy something or not. Is it worth an hour working at amazon.com? Last Wednesday when we got up and were trying to decide what to have for "dinner" Jim suggested going to KFC. I said "no" their food wasn't worth an hour of working at amazon.com. Then Thursday we saw a Pizza Hut ad for any size, any topping, any type of pizza for $10 - now that WAS worth an hour on my feet at amazon.com. It is surprising how many things I haven't bought based on this philosophy.

I had another "ah ha" moment when I was cooking pasta and almost made it mush because I was cooking it too long. Did you know water comes to a boil faster in lower altitude than a high altitude....of course, you do! I've lived in Colorado for 29 years at 7,544 feet and got use to putting water on to boil a good 20-30 minutes before you needed it because it took that long for it to come to a boil. Then I wake up in Coffeyville, Kansas, at 738 feet elevation and water boils in mere seconds! I don't have to add 1/2 cup of flour to a cookie or cake recipe or reduce the yeast in rolls so they rise too fast.

I woke this morning to a delightful smell! Jim was making beignet from a mix Lesle bought when in New Orleans. Oh, what a wonderful creation that is!!!! Better than donuts by far.

Yesterday was laundry and lazy day...did laundry just so I didn't feel completely out of it. Today is shopping and happy hour with the Dengates and Thomas-Borger.

Remember, you are loved.

Minimal Soreness

How do you like the new photo of the pups? They are seven years old now, but look pretty good. Chorizo especially likes to pose....Poncho says, "hurry up and get it over with already, Mom".

Jim and I are suffering minimal soreness when we wake up in the morning-afternoon. Now I'm not saying we don't moan and groan when we get off work and get in and OUT of the car. Oh, it is so hard getting out of the car when we arrive back home!!!

I took a new photo of my work outfit---this is Ninja Girl 2009---instead of a headband I wore last year now I use the bandanna as a kerchief.



Yes, we wear shorts and sleeveless shirts even when it is cold out as inside it gets hot.

Last night Jim and I were assigned to Stowing so we walked a lot. It is a nice change to mix it up between Receiving and Stowing.

Yippee we got satellite tv again. We called the "authorized DISH dealership" and a couple of new connectors here and tv adjustments there and presto we got a signal...dish was aimed in the wrong spot. So it was good to happen as Jim learned a few more things to consider when we set up.

We worked on the new Receiving line the other night. It's a complete new set up with new computers, monitors on a poll, new handheld scanners and new tables, etc. The new line has a 2-3 inch lip on the top so you have to lift up the boxes instead of sliding the boxes across to the desk. Then you have to lift up the totes when you have filled them and carry it over to the conveyor belt to go on it's way. Before there was a little chute at the end of the table you pushed the tote on and there were rollers that took the tote down to the conveyor belt. It's harder on your back because you are carrying each full tote.

So it depends if you want a sore back from Receiving or "screaming puppies" as Jim describes his feet after a night of Stowing. But all in all I'm feeling good after a night's sleep; no soreness at all.

Well, that's another episode of the Tales of Amazon.com. Remember, you are loved.