Chicken

On Saturday, I was surprised to learn that I was on the work schedule for Monday’s shift from 4 to midnight.  I had an appointment with Medicare advisers at one and got off work at 8 a.m.  I was trying to figure how I would get in some sleep, keep my appointment and still work an 8-hour shift starting Monday afternoon.  (I didn’t get any sleep.)

Getting that out of the way, I concentrated on what to make for dinner for the men I work with.  I had discussed chicken tenders with my replacement Monday morning and when I arrived at the house, the tenders were on the counter thawing.  I asked the guys what they wanted with the tenders and all were in agreement with mac & cheese and some other vegetable.  We decided on corn.  Yes, I know.  Two starches are a no-no, but I decided what the heck.  The guys were sticking to their diets otherwise and it wouldn’t hurt them to splurge.  Since one of the men needed to check his blood sugar (according  to the nurse) two hours after eating and she would be there at 7:30, we had to have dinner out of the way by 5:30.  I started prepping everything, pre-heated the oven and got the meal underway in a timely manner.

We sat down to eat at 5:15 and the guys scarfed down their meals like they had not eaten for days.  I was pleased with my cooking abilities since all three of them cleaned their plates and put the dirty dishes in the sink (There is no dishwasher.).  Two of the men take turns washing the dishes and they were done in no time and draining by the sink.  The guys settled in to watch “Walker, Texas Ranger” on the Hallmark Channel and I stepped outside to have a cigaret.

All went well and since the guys had to go to work the next day, they were in bed by 9.  That left me three hours to watch TV or find something to do until my replacement arrived at midnight.  Actually, she showed up 15 minutes before the appointed time and I briefed her on my shift’s activities.  She enlightened me on several things about the men that I did not know, but could use for future reference.

By the time I got home, I was ready to climb the walls instead of going straight to bed.  I watched some TV and finally went to bed around two.  But, my sleep was short lived and I was up yesterday morning at five.  I felt rested at first, but sleep was inevitable and I went back to bed at two and didn’t get up until almost seven.

Today, it’s once again cloud and overcast.  My cat is resting somewhere in the house and I’m getting ready to make a pot of coffee.  The last few days have been rewarding for me and the rest of the week is full of challenges.

Until later.