Expect Change

We went in this morning for the 8:00 a.m. volunteer meeting and guess what? Thinkgs have changed again 8-) Suddenly we weren't driving today. Instead we were scheduled for the 4:00 p.m. kitchen duty. It turns out that one of the couples will not be able to make it, so the schedule was completely reworked.

So, figuring we were free until 4:00 p.m., we headed out on our morning walk. We went over to the Escapees campground office, where they sell Escapees merchandise, to pick up a lanyard. Some of the other folks here wear them: it simplifies putting on your name badge along with a CARE Volunteer badge and a CARE bear.

We were on our way back home when my phone rang. It was Dan (the volunteer coordinator) calling to say that the lady who was supposed to come in today to do the residents' laundry would not be available and asking us to do the job. I told him we had to make a quick trip to the grocery store and we'd be right over.

Fortunately the housekeeper, Lesley, had actually collected and started some of the laundry. She went and picked up some more, so we had plenty to do, especially keeping track of whose laundry was where and how they wanted it done. Some want their clothing on hangers; others want it all folded. There were several special requests. We were making pretty good progress when we found out that there was one more resident who needed her laundry done. Her file card had not been pinned in the Thursday section of the bulletin board.

Another complication is that the machines have to be sanitized between residents, which means running an entire cycle with a sanitizer, plus one of the three dryers isn't working. We were definitely finding it a challenge, but (mostly) keeping things running smoothly, when Myrna, Dan's wife, showed up to take over and sent us home to rest up before our 4:00 p.m. assignment. (Thanks, Myrna!)

We were back over at CARE to help with the evening meal and cleanup. The good part is that we got to eat crawfish etouffee over rice with salad and banana pudding before we had to go help with the cleanup.

Friday mornings are special at CARE. Bobbie fixes a big breakfast, and lots of outsiders come to eat. She gets in very early to start. We don't have to be over there until 6:30 a.m.!

We did our grocery shopping at HEB today. The selection is not as good as in bigger cities, but definitely better than in some of the small towns we've visited. We'll check out the Brookshires next.