Pas Le Même

Not The Same. Working at the peach stand, like many other places, can get monotonous. Everyday I get up at 6:45AM, get ready, arrive at the Orchard at 7:30AM where I pick up my peach-laden truck. I then head down to the Greer stand and pick up some other stuff...usually blueberries, plums and tomatoes. I then drive to the Greenville Farmer's Market and make a delivery. After unloading the truck, getting baskets back, and getting paid, I drive over to my stand where I unload my truck, set up the stand, and sell peaches until 1:30 on an early day, or 6:30 on a late day. I then load all the empty baskets on the truck and drive it back to the orchard. This would be the reason I haven't written as many blog entries of late. I simply haven't had much to write about. I worked 45 1/2 hours last week selling peaches, and that doesn't leave too much time for anything else.

Well, I'm telling you about my boring, ordinary days, so that I can tell you about an exception. Today, wasn't quite like every other day. I still had to get up early, which was bad since we had a BBQ thing last night to celebrate the 4th (a day early since Dad was off that night, but not tonight). The day actually started off kinda sucky, because I went around a corner and dropped a peck of plums (that's a small basket for those of you that aren't produce savvy) off the back of my truck. They spilled all over the road. I was so mad at myself and scared of telling my boss, but she actually just laughed and said things like that happen sometimes and it was no big deal. Yesterday her grandson dropped 15 big watermelons off the back of his truck, so at least my plums aren't too bad in comparison.

When I got to the Farmer's Market, still kicking myself about the plums, it was nice to see and talk to Juan, the guy that works at the Farm I deliver to, and unloads my truck. We've been talking a little more each day that I've been working there, and it's become more and more apparent that he likes me. Yesterday he asked for my number, and I gave it to him. Today he asked if I would date him. I decided to be honest and tell him I didn't know. I explained that it could be difficult because we are very different, and he said to take my time and think about it. He gave me a 1/2 gallon of fresh-squeezed orange juice too, which really has nothing to do with anything, but it was nice. So, I think what I'm going to do is tell him we'll take it slow and see how it goes...get to know each other better...hang out and go out somewhere away from produce and see if there's any potential there.

My work then continued as usual, with the exception of it being so hot that I thought I would melt any minute and having to endure hearing about where people are going on vacation, and what they're making with their peach purchases all day. Then, at about 1:00PM this man came in that often comes in during my morning shift to buy a small bag of soft peaches. He bought his usual order, and then asked me a question no one else down there ever has...have you had lunch? I said no, but that I was getting off soon, and then would get lunch. He insisted on bringing me lunch. We went back and forth for a while until finally I broke down and accepted the offer...expecting just a hamburger on a paper plate or something simple like that. Well, he came back about 30 minutes later and gave me a feast! First he handed me a ceramic plate full of homemade chicken and rice served with fresh lemon and lime wedges, mint, basil, and parsley and covered in a grilled tortilla. I was amazed at that, and thanking him profusely, when he handed me a bowl of salad with a homemade vinagrette. Again I thanked him, and then he handed me a mug of ice, and a bottle of Coke. He even brought a fork and spoon. I was floored. I told him I had no idea that he was going to give me so much and told him I needed to give him free peaches, but he wouldn't hear of getting anything in return. I split the lunch with J and it was truly amazing, and such a luxurious meal to eat under a road side tent that doesn't even have electricity. I don't even know that man's name, but I'm so very grateful for his kindness...I will have to strive to be like that to people that I meet!

So, my day wasn't that different than any other day. I still answered dumb questions all day, sorted through itchy peaches, and sold a ton of produce, but the day had a refreshing feel to it...but then, maybe that's just those peaches...they are so darn refreshing!

Only 4 days left 'til Florida, I really can't wait!!!