Hello and happy almost end of summer! It's been a fun one, though full of deli working and sleepiness. They've had me working mornings at the deli and it's so hard to wake that early! I have a feeling I'm going to be a swinger for life. Swing shift, I mean. They call it second shift here.
Here is pretty good. I've met some fun people at Ingles deli and I hope to maintain relationships with some of them beyond me working there. I am an expert meat slicer and suggestive seller of cheeses. I can make sub sandwiches like a pro. And I've never been better at pulling chickens apart. I don't believe that this is my new life's work, but it's pretty fun anyway. It's currently 8:20pm on a Thursday, and it's so warm and sticky it's almost unbearable. I'm thinking a shower is in order. I also fly away in two days to visit my lovely hometown and see the wee nieces and sister and brother and sis in law and mother and father and all my friends that I miss so much. Thank you so much for the assistance in this, Little Smell!
Speaking of assistance, I don't think I've ever been this broke. And it's a very interesting place to be. Living below the poverty line is something that I've never done, and it's uncomfortable and fascinating. I wouldn't recommend it, but there are amazing ways to save money. Like don't spend it. I've been going on hikes and watching movies and cooking chickens at home and not buying anything new. When I have money again I desperately need to clothes shop! All part of the adventure, the learning curves of life. I start a new job when I get back from visiting home, at the Asheville Airport. Hopefully this will help yank me out of this hole I've dug for myself. No worries folks, I'm really doing fine. I can still afford wine every once in awhile, so life is good!
Another thing I've been doing is spending lots and lots of time with friends' animals. Arnie, Dali, Emmy Lou, Gram, and Mack the kitty. Friends like me to watch their critters, and I have to say it's something I'm awesome at. Here they are, in a summer picture show for your enjoyment!
Arnie and Dali and their Auntie Shanti on the couch
Not an animal, but a summer moon
My Turkish the bad kitty. I love her even though she can't stop peeing on things
Dali and a cool bendy tree on a hike to Skinny Dip Falls off of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Me! At Skinny Dip Falls
Bathing beauty Kate and Dali in her pink life vest. Awesomeness. And speaking of Kate, she's gone for two months gallivanting on the other side of the world. Lucky girl!
My garden! Peppers! Basil! Oh my!
Pic of the field by our house at dusk. Camera is pointed at our house, waaay on the other side. There are many many tomatoes in this field.
Arnie and Dali cuddle, while Emmy Lou looks on
Handsomest Arnie on a hike with me to Bradley Falls
Couch of babes
Kate played a show, and opened for this guy's band. This guy also plays the chicken cage. He was a hoot!
Hades is black and therefore hard to see while we snuggle
A NC stream on the way to Bradley Falls take 2
I'm watching my friend Jaci's kitties, and this is Mack. He has lots of toes. Like, 7 per paw
Black and white spots spotted on the front porch table! Taken this evening.
So that's been my summer in a nutshell. Working and playing as often as possible, dealing with grouchy kitties and multiple doggies and loving all the furry ones. It still rains a lot here, though not as much as last year. It's still mega humid, but it's kinda normalizing for me now. Sort of. And I'm sort of dating a dude now, which is nice. No future plans there, very very day to day. But though men are confusing and ridiculous at times, I do so enjoy them.
Gosh, I'm just stoked to visit home. And start a new job. And figure out life some more. Thanks for sticking with me through all the changes, trials, tribulations, and stuff. Love you all.
XOXO
Shanti Elena
