NEW JOB

I've been busy this month training for a new job. I'm working in a coffee shop/deli at the Justice Center in Castle Rock. Training has been five days a week for three weeks, but now that I'm learning the ropes, I'll just be working 3 days a week.


I'm learning to be a barrista (hey isn't that similar to barrister?), making cappuccinos, lattes and smoothies. The manager used to have a deli in Castle Rock and our sandwiches, which are made fresh on demand, are bursting in size and very tasty. We have enough fixings that vegans can be happy with the veggies that are available. Plus Shelley, the manager, just whips up great apple pies and banana bread for extra treats when the mood strikes and the fruit is available. The blueberry scones smell so good when they are baking. Right now the staff is comprised of four women, with an occasional fill in from the boss's catering company, and it feels like the Whistle Stop Cafe from Fried Green Tomatoes, only we don't have the barbecue and giant cauldron bubbling in back of the restaurant getting rid of dead bodies.

The job requires being on my feet for 6 hours at a stretch, and my muscles are needing a lot of stretching to keep the aches away. But I figure that will help bone density issues that may arise with aging. And I've already lost 5 pounds. Plus, I get to take home some of the food that is left over but cannot be served at work any longer. My family is enjoying that aspect.

Yesterday one neighbor who disappeared after getting divorced showed up in the cafe to tell me when my security clearance badge would be delivered. He's working right down the hall now. It was good to see him and catch up.

I didn't realize there is a morgue in the courthouse and the jail has its own little medical center to keep the prisoners healthy. Because of the jail we have to lock our knives in a drawer and count them morning and at the end of the day to make sure they are all there.

Our cafe is supposed to be a respite from the pressures of the jobs that are performed within the walls of the Justice Center. So even judges are treated on a first name basis when they come in, so I don't have to use the "Your Honor" that was required in the courtroom.

One other very, very nice aspect is that I can wear jeans, tennis shoes, and a polo shirt provided by the catering company that runs the cafe. No shopping for fancy clothes and no PANTYHOSE.

HAPPY MAY DAY!!!!

Here is our 1/2 inch of total snow accumulation that was predicted. This is after 2 hours of snow, and it's continuing, but now not quite so thickly. There are tulips coming up in the garden in front of the fence. There is also a buddha head totally obscured by snow in the photo. Good thing I sent my 9 year old off to school with her winter coat. We are ready for spring!!!!