Since the week began, we have been really busy. The Tyrrell-Washington Partnership for Children banquet was a monumental success. The patrons raved about Bernice's (our cook) Collards and Smothered Chicken. Not sure if you like collards cooked in with a streak of lean and a streak of fat with red pepper and sugar, but 100 folks did that night. The chicken was phenomenal. The group leader wanted to know if we could save the chicken for a Door Prize. Obviously the answer was "NO!" But we were filled with flattery.
Jackson Middle School came all the way from Greensboro for Environmental Education and Rock climbing activities. The 80 os so kids here had a phenomenal time with our great program staff and fun activities...Kali "The Beast" taught Food Webs, while AJ, Casper, and Lil' MeMe belayed their hearts out at the climbing wall.
On top of all of this action, I have been training our 3 new cooks. Training cooks is a long process, but if done well, can save lots of time down the road. Staff training for Camp Staff, a process I am much more familiar with is just days away!
This weekend, we have a GIANT wedding reception here...I'll be busy all day Saturday...There is also a family reunion on Sunday, and I'll be "On Call" for that, too!
Enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend...
May 27, 2010
May 24, 2010
The Week ahead
This week at the Eastern 4-H Center, one can expect to see people everyday, everywhere. Today, though, we have a break in the action as the crew turns around buildings for Tuesday nights banquet, Wednesday's Program Group, Thursday's program group, Thursday's Board Meeting, and Friday's & Saturday's Wedding reception set-up and carryout. Sunday there's a family reunion, too.
I have about two weeks to put the finishing touches on my summer camp plans. Registration for many camps is so close to being closed that, well, I t is just really close.
The Scuppernong Gazette named it's monthly Man of the Month. It's Lee Scripture, our very own Center Director, Head of all Honchos, and the Biggest of Cheeses. He's no Cheez Whiz, though. One day, I'll be Man of the Month. I have a sparkling resume'. I once completed the "gallon of milk in an hour" challenge. Lee has earned it, and it maybe overdue, so congralations to him. Also in the Scupernong Gazette, one can find interesting readings on the Red Wolf. There are endagered species, and then there is the Red Wolf. Alligators and Eagles were once endangered, but they recovered enough to rob me of downed waterfowl on the black waters of the Hushmouth. I have seen a few Red Wolves, but never in the Duck Blind. Odds are the Rd won't recover like the aforementioned species. There's plenty of room and board for the wolves right now, but they probably will not cross the western boundaries of Tyrrell County's pocosin.
In related news, my vessel now has a new fuel line. I rarely fix things, in the mechanical sense. This could be one for the books. With Memorial Day around the corner, the craft must be ready for the open waters, though. Those were my marching orders from my lady friend. She ordered, I marched.
Enjoy the day...
I have about two weeks to put the finishing touches on my summer camp plans. Registration for many camps is so close to being closed that, well, I t is just really close.
The Scuppernong Gazette named it's monthly Man of the Month. It's Lee Scripture, our very own Center Director, Head of all Honchos, and the Biggest of Cheeses. He's no Cheez Whiz, though. One day, I'll be Man of the Month. I have a sparkling resume'. I once completed the "gallon of milk in an hour" challenge. Lee has earned it, and it maybe overdue, so congralations to him. Also in the Scupernong Gazette, one can find interesting readings on the Red Wolf. There are endagered species, and then there is the Red Wolf. Alligators and Eagles were once endangered, but they recovered enough to rob me of downed waterfowl on the black waters of the Hushmouth. I have seen a few Red Wolves, but never in the Duck Blind. Odds are the Rd won't recover like the aforementioned species. There's plenty of room and board for the wolves right now, but they probably will not cross the western boundaries of Tyrrell County's pocosin.
In related news, my vessel now has a new fuel line. I rarely fix things, in the mechanical sense. This could be one for the books. With Memorial Day around the corner, the craft must be ready for the open waters, though. Those were my marching orders from my lady friend. She ordered, I marched.
Enjoy the day...
May 21, 2010
LeaderShape update
Quick chance to blog, so I'll take it...
Leadershape is going GREAT....all remarks about the Team Challenge Course, facilitated by our very own Kali, Mea, Casper, and AJ have been stupendous. Even the food is good...which I can take 2/3 credit for, as I have cooked 2 meals a day, every day this week, all while cmpleting staff training lesson plans and hiring. Oh, and planning next weeks activities for Jackson Middle School, 2 banquets, and a wedding. WOW.
In aquatics related news, I took my first 200 m swim of the season yesterday...fininshing at 3:08...that's only 1 minute off the pace of a former world record. Better yet, I demolished the dreams of Kali, professional lifeguard and program staffer. She attempted to beat me. FAIL. In fact, she regailed that it was her best time ever, but it was my first swim of the season. Oh, I beat her in a sprint, too. So, I out-competed a girl! And, YES, I am proud of that. She's not any girl. She's the "beast".
Will try to blog when I can...enjoy the weekend.
Leadershape is going GREAT....all remarks about the Team Challenge Course, facilitated by our very own Kali, Mea, Casper, and AJ have been stupendous. Even the food is good...which I can take 2/3 credit for, as I have cooked 2 meals a day, every day this week, all while cmpleting staff training lesson plans and hiring. Oh, and planning next weeks activities for Jackson Middle School, 2 banquets, and a wedding. WOW.
In aquatics related news, I took my first 200 m swim of the season yesterday...fininshing at 3:08...that's only 1 minute off the pace of a former world record. Better yet, I demolished the dreams of Kali, professional lifeguard and program staffer. She attempted to beat me. FAIL. In fact, she regailed that it was her best time ever, but it was my first swim of the season. Oh, I beat her in a sprint, too. So, I out-competed a girl! And, YES, I am proud of that. She's not any girl. She's the "beast".
Will try to blog when I can...enjoy the weekend.
May 17, 2010
3 weeks and counting...
Only 3 weeks to go until Staff Training starts...things are finally starting to shape up! This past weekend saw the Roanoke Chowan Hospital Board of Directors and the Royal Ambassadors come and go...by all accounts the food, educational programs, and lodgin were fantastic...it's no secret to us, though.
I spent the majority of the weekend in the Kitchen, again, cooking and serving, along with the Program Staff, who offer to pitch in early and often. They are a giant help to me and the Center as a whole. They are talented, or at least capable of doing almost everything here, with the exception of fixing things. But they would if they could.
Leadershape arrives today! The LeaderShape Institute of NC State comes every spring for a week long training on leadership. I, as well as the program staff, will interact with them heavily. Last year, as I was doing icebreakers with a group of 20 or so, astonished the masses by memorizing everyone's name, hometown, and major - while blindfolded - in alphabetical order!!!!! There's only one way to be the best Challenge Course facilitator - beat me.
I'll be doing some food service training this week, as well as programming...so I'll be busy.
In unrelated Boating news, I took my Skiff out yesterday for the shortest bat ride in history. The fuel line coupling was gunked up...I made it about 200 yards, just long enough for all of the fuel in the outboard motor to burn before halting to a stop. I am glad my paddles require no gasoline. I beat the rain by .0002938 seconds. All the while, saying not so good things about the lineage of my outboard motor. A $4 fix alleviated the problem.
I also spent the better part of Sunday night practicing my new hobby - decoy painting. I think I chose the most difficult decoy to paint - the Surf Scoter (see it here by clicking). Although the body is solid black, the face is ornate and colorful. Little is needed to fool these birds, but a nice paint job should make it even easier! I managed to paint about 15, but still have 29 to go. I converted old, damaged, and dilapidated mallard decoys to form the new fakes. Also - They'll all be "longlined" for easy setting and pick-up when pursuing them in the Pamlico.
Enjoy the day!
I spent the majority of the weekend in the Kitchen, again, cooking and serving, along with the Program Staff, who offer to pitch in early and often. They are a giant help to me and the Center as a whole. They are talented, or at least capable of doing almost everything here, with the exception of fixing things. But they would if they could.
Leadershape arrives today! The LeaderShape Institute of NC State comes every spring for a week long training on leadership. I, as well as the program staff, will interact with them heavily. Last year, as I was doing icebreakers with a group of 20 or so, astonished the masses by memorizing everyone's name, hometown, and major - while blindfolded - in alphabetical order!!!!! There's only one way to be the best Challenge Course facilitator - beat me.
I'll be doing some food service training this week, as well as programming...so I'll be busy.
In unrelated Boating news, I took my Skiff out yesterday for the shortest bat ride in history. The fuel line coupling was gunked up...I made it about 200 yards, just long enough for all of the fuel in the outboard motor to burn before halting to a stop. I am glad my paddles require no gasoline. I beat the rain by .0002938 seconds. All the while, saying not so good things about the lineage of my outboard motor. A $4 fix alleviated the problem.
I also spent the better part of Sunday night practicing my new hobby - decoy painting. I think I chose the most difficult decoy to paint - the Surf Scoter (see it here by clicking). Although the body is solid black, the face is ornate and colorful. Little is needed to fool these birds, but a nice paint job should make it even easier! I managed to paint about 15, but still have 29 to go. I converted old, damaged, and dilapidated mallard decoys to form the new fakes. Also - They'll all be "longlined" for easy setting and pick-up when pursuing them in the Pamlico.
Enjoy the day!
May 12, 2010
Return!
I'm back, but swamped...my blogging will begin to either get shorter or more sporadic!
I enjoyed my trip to Alabama to see my parents. My mom celebrated her 27th Mother's Day, I celebrated my 27th Birthday, my sister graduated Law School, with the Merit of the Order of the Samaritan (whatever that means), I went whitewater kayaking (finally - and I am really awesome at it), a Coosa County Cold Case was solved, I visited my grandfather, ate "real" barbecue, and saw my other sister! Olivia, my lady friend's schnauzer, was bitten by a spider in her mouth. She has been miserable, but is finally recovering.
We have a giant week or three in a row. Opening Doors is here, followed by Roanoke Chowan Hospital doubling with Royal Ambassadors over the weekend. LeaderShape rides in on their coattails Sunday through two Saturdays from now, with two banquets thrown in for good measure. The following Week, Jackson Middle School comes in from the Triad, along with other groups from our local school system. Then Staff Training, then SUMMER CAMP!!!!
I am really excited, but I am also cooking for a lot of our day groups. I am working to train some new cooks and servers, as well.
Enjoy the day...
I enjoyed my trip to Alabama to see my parents. My mom celebrated her 27th Mother's Day, I celebrated my 27th Birthday, my sister graduated Law School, with the Merit of the Order of the Samaritan (whatever that means), I went whitewater kayaking (finally - and I am really awesome at it), a Coosa County Cold Case was solved, I visited my grandfather, ate "real" barbecue, and saw my other sister! Olivia, my lady friend's schnauzer, was bitten by a spider in her mouth. She has been miserable, but is finally recovering.
We have a giant week or three in a row. Opening Doors is here, followed by Roanoke Chowan Hospital doubling with Royal Ambassadors over the weekend. LeaderShape rides in on their coattails Sunday through two Saturdays from now, with two banquets thrown in for good measure. The following Week, Jackson Middle School comes in from the Triad, along with other groups from our local school system. Then Staff Training, then SUMMER CAMP!!!!
I am really excited, but I am also cooking for a lot of our day groups. I am working to train some new cooks and servers, as well.
Enjoy the day...
May 4, 2010
Early Birthday Treat
It is May 4. Raining. Finally. It's also 3 days before my birthday, which is not really important to the staff here, since I will be out of town on my birthday.
Not so fast...Sara, Terri, and Teresa, our resident plotters, foiled my escape attempt. Rarely am I here on my birthday anyway...I go to visit my parents and wish my mom and Happy Mother's Day. This year will be no different. Other than my sister graduating from Law School at Bama, the weekend expects to be docile. And I do deserve a break, from work. 500 hundred working hours in two months is quite a bit. But I work for 4-H, so it actually make s working fun, worthwhile, and, well, tough at times.
So anyway, I appear at my office at 7:32 Eastern...from my door, which is on the left side of the narrow hallway, I notice three balloons - pink, red, and blue. Dang! I had hoped to escape without the "celebration" of another anniversary of the day of my birth...Don't get me wrong, I like to celebrate birthdays around here. Employees are usually treated to special treats. Mine was always cheesecake, but I grew to hate cheesecake - which does NOT make me communist. I like to keep my favorite treats a secret, so that I am not deluged with them at every occasion. Chocolate and biscuits, though, are my favorite. And what do you know, I am surprised with those confections on this rainy morn. Molten chocolate, flaky crumbly biscuits, and a giant strawberry or four can turn a birthday into a bright day. I am lucky to work with folks that take the time to recognize big days and treat them as such...
So anyway, if anyone else wishes to surprise me, do so with these:
Chess Squares
Lemon Icebox Pie
1 Dozen Model 72 Herter's BLuebill Decoys or 1 dozen Church's Superstandard Canvasback decoys
4 Fried Quail
1 Car Wash
A phone call
Enough self indulgency. Would like to re-visit Dock of the Bay, but only briefly. My lady friend was able to wander and wonder about on Saturday night, without me asking her to do anything. She wouldn't be voluntold into work, this time around. According to her, she was the hit of the party, but failed to learn shagging...she insisted on dancing "Mis'sippi" style. And she can dance as well as I run from it. By all accounts, the Dock of the Bay was great, as it follows evolutions route into the greatest fundraiser/party in the world. I had rave reviews for my steamed shrimp. I don't like pats on the back for a good job, as I generally expect to do good, and I am generally disgusted by the prevalence of acceptable mediocrity, but those shrimp were pretty incredible. I warned Lee that putting me in charge of them endangered his slef-proclaimed title of Best Heater of Mass Quantities of Meat...You put a boy from the Deep South in charge of the shrimp, and he'll do it right. I call it Voo-doo Magic. Other folks call it Old Bay... Yet, you have to love every meal you cook, especially if you want the folks eating it to love you back. Sure, I steamed 150 pounds of shrimp, but I personally checked each one for appropriateness and afterwards discarded the unacceptable to a vat located in my belly.
Mother's Day is upcoming...my Mom is pretty much the reason I am here today. Mom is a great mom. In my life I have also watched her be a great sister, wife, and daughter. My dad had a Mom like that, too. And while this will be his first Mother's Day without his mom, I know that he'll be happy for my mom. I wrote "mom" a lot in theat paragraph, but mom's are everywhere and everybody has one. Even Lee. And she's a good one, too.
I'll be out for a bit to check on my parents down in Dixie...I will be back next Monday. This weekend, we have the Prom and Elections here...The following week, two retreats, then Leadershape. Before we know it, Summer Camp 2kX. I am still looking for 1 female cabin counselor. Only those interested in working long hours with loud children need apply.
Congratulations to my sister for a storied academic career who will be earning her Juris Doctorate this weekend. We always knew she was special, and almost as smart as me. I feel sorry for any litigant who dares to oppose her. She has always made straight A's - at least until law school. She would have cried over making a B in college, while my parents and I would have celebrated such an occasion for me.
Oh - I'll be 27 on Friday...yes, Dad, that's old - but not nearly as old as you...
Enjoy the day...
Not so fast...Sara, Terri, and Teresa, our resident plotters, foiled my escape attempt. Rarely am I here on my birthday anyway...I go to visit my parents and wish my mom and Happy Mother's Day. This year will be no different. Other than my sister graduating from Law School at Bama, the weekend expects to be docile. And I do deserve a break, from work. 500 hundred working hours in two months is quite a bit. But I work for 4-H, so it actually make s working fun, worthwhile, and, well, tough at times.
So anyway, I appear at my office at 7:32 Eastern...from my door, which is on the left side of the narrow hallway, I notice three balloons - pink, red, and blue. Dang! I had hoped to escape without the "celebration" of another anniversary of the day of my birth...Don't get me wrong, I like to celebrate birthdays around here. Employees are usually treated to special treats. Mine was always cheesecake, but I grew to hate cheesecake - which does NOT make me communist. I like to keep my favorite treats a secret, so that I am not deluged with them at every occasion. Chocolate and biscuits, though, are my favorite. And what do you know, I am surprised with those confections on this rainy morn. Molten chocolate, flaky crumbly biscuits, and a giant strawberry or four can turn a birthday into a bright day. I am lucky to work with folks that take the time to recognize big days and treat them as such...
So anyway, if anyone else wishes to surprise me, do so with these:
Chess Squares
Lemon Icebox Pie
1 Dozen Model 72 Herter's BLuebill Decoys or 1 dozen Church's Superstandard Canvasback decoys
4 Fried Quail
1 Car Wash
A phone call
Enough self indulgency. Would like to re-visit Dock of the Bay, but only briefly. My lady friend was able to wander and wonder about on Saturday night, without me asking her to do anything. She wouldn't be voluntold into work, this time around. According to her, she was the hit of the party, but failed to learn shagging...she insisted on dancing "Mis'sippi" style. And she can dance as well as I run from it. By all accounts, the Dock of the Bay was great, as it follows evolutions route into the greatest fundraiser/party in the world. I had rave reviews for my steamed shrimp. I don't like pats on the back for a good job, as I generally expect to do good, and I am generally disgusted by the prevalence of acceptable mediocrity, but those shrimp were pretty incredible. I warned Lee that putting me in charge of them endangered his slef-proclaimed title of Best Heater of Mass Quantities of Meat...You put a boy from the Deep South in charge of the shrimp, and he'll do it right. I call it Voo-doo Magic. Other folks call it Old Bay... Yet, you have to love every meal you cook, especially if you want the folks eating it to love you back. Sure, I steamed 150 pounds of shrimp, but I personally checked each one for appropriateness and afterwards discarded the unacceptable to a vat located in my belly.
Mother's Day is upcoming...my Mom is pretty much the reason I am here today. Mom is a great mom. In my life I have also watched her be a great sister, wife, and daughter. My dad had a Mom like that, too. And while this will be his first Mother's Day without his mom, I know that he'll be happy for my mom. I wrote "mom" a lot in theat paragraph, but mom's are everywhere and everybody has one. Even Lee. And she's a good one, too.
I'll be out for a bit to check on my parents down in Dixie...I will be back next Monday. This weekend, we have the Prom and Elections here...The following week, two retreats, then Leadershape. Before we know it, Summer Camp 2kX. I am still looking for 1 female cabin counselor. Only those interested in working long hours with loud children need apply.
Congratulations to my sister for a storied academic career who will be earning her Juris Doctorate this weekend. We always knew she was special, and almost as smart as me. I feel sorry for any litigant who dares to oppose her. She has always made straight A's - at least until law school. She would have cried over making a B in college, while my parents and I would have celebrated such an occasion for me.
Oh - I'll be 27 on Friday...yes, Dad, that's old - but not nearly as old as you...
Enjoy the day...
May 3, 2010
Dock of the Bay wrap
DOB has come and gone...it appeared to be the most attended event ever...early reports say that 360 people were on site for the event. That translates into phenomenal amounts of camp scholarship contributions! Thanks to all of the sponsors and visitors for making the event special!
My DOB duties placed me in the kitchen...here is what we turned out for the evening, food wise:
Steamed Shrimp: 130 pounds (Thanks SYSCO!)
Beef Tenderloin: 100 Pounds (Thanks US FOODS!)
Crab Dip: 5 Gallons (Thanks Capt. Neill's!)
Cocktail Sauce: 1.5 Gallons
Marinated Mushrooms: 4 Gallons
Grilled Veggies: 18 pounds
Fresh Vegetables: about 60 pounds
Mashed potatoes: 50 pounds
Chicken Wings: 75 pounds
Brie: 6 pounds
Chicken Salad: 8 gallons
Seafood Salad: 8 gallons
Rolls: 250
Assorted Cheeses: 24 pounds
Cookies: 520
Blondies: 175
Brownies: 175
Marshmallows: 600
Rice Krispie Sqares: 200
Fruit: about 100 pounds
Drinking cups: about 1250
Plastic plates: about 850
Chocolate Fountain: 30 pounds of molten chocolate
That's literally a TON of food, give or take a shrimp or three...it was a busy and fun night. Servers, cooks, and me grew nervous as the buffet line inched closer to the Washington County line. Eventually, only stragglers and returners made their way into the buffet room. Even the scraps at the end were a fine treat. The cooks and servers worked in heroic fashion to see that only the stacked plates ran low on one occasion. A crowded room, with salivating crowds can be tough for a tiny server to navigate. It takes bravery and gumption...
Enjoy the day...
My DOB duties placed me in the kitchen...here is what we turned out for the evening, food wise:
Steamed Shrimp: 130 pounds (Thanks SYSCO!)
Beef Tenderloin: 100 Pounds (Thanks US FOODS!)
Crab Dip: 5 Gallons (Thanks Capt. Neill's!)
Cocktail Sauce: 1.5 Gallons
Marinated Mushrooms: 4 Gallons
Grilled Veggies: 18 pounds
Fresh Vegetables: about 60 pounds
Mashed potatoes: 50 pounds
Chicken Wings: 75 pounds
Brie: 6 pounds
Chicken Salad: 8 gallons
Seafood Salad: 8 gallons
Rolls: 250
Assorted Cheeses: 24 pounds
Cookies: 520
Blondies: 175
Brownies: 175
Marshmallows: 600
Rice Krispie Sqares: 200
Fruit: about 100 pounds
Drinking cups: about 1250
Plastic plates: about 850
Chocolate Fountain: 30 pounds of molten chocolate
That's literally a TON of food, give or take a shrimp or three...it was a busy and fun night. Servers, cooks, and me grew nervous as the buffet line inched closer to the Washington County line. Eventually, only stragglers and returners made their way into the buffet room. Even the scraps at the end were a fine treat. The cooks and servers worked in heroic fashion to see that only the stacked plates ran low on one occasion. A crowded room, with salivating crowds can be tough for a tiny server to navigate. It takes bravery and gumption...
Enjoy the day...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)