I know I'm moved into the castle on the hill because not only have I waved at my neighbors, which they returned by using all of their fingers, but I know the school crossing guard, Dennis. Dennis is a ten-year veteran of the Appleton School District crossing guard organization. He volunteered that his wife is also a crossing guard.
Dennis also expressed his happiness in that our house was occupied. He was watching it lay empty for the last two years. He knew the lady that occupied the house before. She was taking care of her invalid mother when the bank finally foreclosed on her. Ouch! that kind of hurts.
He was a little surprised when he discovered that I didn't come out of the house to introduce myself to him, but I was actually waiting for the bus. I had an interview downtown for my restaurant column in Appleton Monthly.
I've mentioned before in this space my enjoyment in meeting the people who run restaurants in the Fox Valley. Many of these establishments are places in which we have been customers, often many times. Mostly,I didn't know who the owner was. Meeting them is always a surprise. The owner or manager never seem to be what I envision. What is strange to me how often they are shy and self-deprecating.
I think what impresses me most is that the work is very hard and many of these folks have left careers that would offer them more time with family, but they persist. I'd say that all of them seem to think they are doing something with their food, bar or service that is unique. Looking at their place, I can often see what they are trying to do, but anyone not informed might have a problem seeing the difference.
Once I interviewed a chef who for sure had watched too much of the cable TV cooking shows. he could talk the talk and be unrelentingly arrogant about his skills and his products. Upon further review, they both seemed to be lacking.
I'm grateful for the good practitioners of this profession. Since I worked in food service when I was younger, I appreciate the sacrifices they make so we can enjoy having fabulous food provided for ourselves on demand. On the other hand, I wouldn't wish the life on anyone.
Dennis also expressed his happiness in that our house was occupied. He was watching it lay empty for the last two years. He knew the lady that occupied the house before. She was taking care of her invalid mother when the bank finally foreclosed on her. Ouch! that kind of hurts.
He was a little surprised when he discovered that I didn't come out of the house to introduce myself to him, but I was actually waiting for the bus. I had an interview downtown for my restaurant column in Appleton Monthly.
I've mentioned before in this space my enjoyment in meeting the people who run restaurants in the Fox Valley. Many of these establishments are places in which we have been customers, often many times. Mostly,I didn't know who the owner was. Meeting them is always a surprise. The owner or manager never seem to be what I envision. What is strange to me how often they are shy and self-deprecating.
I think what impresses me most is that the work is very hard and many of these folks have left careers that would offer them more time with family, but they persist. I'd say that all of them seem to think they are doing something with their food, bar or service that is unique. Looking at their place, I can often see what they are trying to do, but anyone not informed might have a problem seeing the difference.
Once I interviewed a chef who for sure had watched too much of the cable TV cooking shows. he could talk the talk and be unrelentingly arrogant about his skills and his products. Upon further review, they both seemed to be lacking.
I'm grateful for the good practitioners of this profession. Since I worked in food service when I was younger, I appreciate the sacrifices they make so we can enjoy having fabulous food provided for ourselves on demand. On the other hand, I wouldn't wish the life on anyone.
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