Friends,
I never thought I’d see the day, but the folks paid a visit to the Festival Of Dirt this morning. We took the tour of the medical clinic, currently under construction, the computer labs that have been off-line for a day, even the lunch line. Meatloaf, people! Mom’s comment, “Um, that’s really red.” It could’ve even been ketchup. Not so sure what was discoloring the mashed potatoes though. By the way, what sounds better for lunch when it’s 112 degrees outside? Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, of course. We escaped to a dive Mexican restaurant. Why not? It’s Indio. Delicious naturally, even now. Urp.
Mom and her friend were smitten by the Children’s Services facilities, what with the bright colors, positive messages, and adorable children scampering about. “Hey Bob,” I hear you ask, “were you able to crap on their positive experience?” I guess so. The kids there are desperately poor, most are homeless. Way to bring it down, eh? Sorry. That was quite the buzzkill.
What’s the best way to impress people on the whole homeless shelter scene? Show them the tent, our giant soft-sided shangri-la. Lordy. The A/C units were blasting, trying beat the swamp coolers at their game. It was noisy, dark, and full of people sleeping in the middle of the day. “How many people stay here?” “Eighty or so…” Then the most astounding comment was issued by Mom’s friend, “this is very nice, actually.” Better than an SRO hotel, it turns out.
It’s pretty interesting to see how people from the outside see your workplace. The eyes get bigger. You guide the tour around a corner and the chit-chat stops. The unspoken comment was simply this; you work here? every day? good lord.
Indeed.
– bob