Well it’s been a while since anything exciting has happened around here. We normally volunteer in the warehouse, sorting items as they come in, but this weekend is the big BBQ so it's all hands on deck to be used where needed. The BBQ is sponsored by the Optimist Club (OC). The OC has been doing this as a fund raiser for Sunshine Acres (SA) for over 40 years.

They start with over 1000 lbs of beef, then cut it into chunks using a band saw.

Then they spice and wrap the meat into aluminum foil sheets. This whole process takes about 8 people about 7 hours.

Once all the meat is prepared, it is placed inside a basket

and lowered down inside and inground fire pit (about 5' x 8'). 

As they were installing the fire bricks someone forgot to use mortar between the concrete wall and bricks. Everyone is hoping they do not collapse. (update, the walls did collapse, but they were able to get the cage of meat out.)

Anyway, after they lowering the basket/cage inside, a lid covers the pit and about 2 feet of dirt is placed on top. The cooking process will take bout 24 hours.  Then the will be lifted out with the help of a front end loader and prepared to be served. 

Time Slowly Passing in Mesa

Well it has been over a week now since we landed at Sunshine acres. The work is easy and mostly without stress. The only stress is what you make it. Over in the warehouse, it is mainly sorting items as they come in. Across the way, it is organizing linens, clothes, electronics and housewares prior to their hitting the sales floor. 

Susan, as always, is very organized and jumps right in making excellent decisions on whether to keep an item and how to price it.

Sorting of incoming "stuff", is a little different.  There is a decision making process, but only 1 or 2 people know what that is. Once someone explains it, then I can make those snap decision, which are the best ones. Take Christmas items, if it is worth $5 to you then keep it, otherwise trash it. Some people take too much time in deciding the issue. 

During this time, I have spent time in repairing the generator Pre-Heat/Start switch. I removed the captain's chair to access the kick panel on the left side.

 I spent time cleaning and straightening up the wire harness.

As you can see everything is now better organized. I also located a source of air leakage, which I plugged up. All in all it was a successful project.

Oh least I forget, today and Sunday is the big book sale over in Phoenix. This is the largest single book sale of its kind in Phx. Every single type of book can be found there. 

VNSA Book Sale Link

When we lived here I would go every year and purchase books of all kind, but now that we live full-time in the rig. We have no room. Anyway if you are in Phx in mid-Feb. do check it out. 

Remember Alfa owners, April is the Casa Grande Rally.

Anyway safe travels from Susan, Della, Tilly and me.

Da Girls Rv S/N 1084

  

Jobs at Sunshine Acres

Well, it has been about a week now since we landed in Sunshine Acres Children Home. Since then we have pulled warehouse duties (thrift shop extraordinare)  along with kitchen police (KP) duties (dishwasher +). I seem to like the KP duties the most so far. More organized as to what to do and how to do the work, along with the fact you are near a snack if and when you need it and very busy in cycles. 

The kitchen staff is friendly and helpful. Eric and Eve are the main chef's and are very creative in planning the daily meals for everyone. 

Anyway, safe travels

Dale