Took a Dump

Gorgeous day on the farm, a bit overcast and no rain, not a drop!

Had trouble falling asleep then once I did, seemed as though I just closed my eyes and everyone was getting up since Eva and Yago left for Germany. Dario had to pick up veggies and fruits from another farm then collect Ian at the bus station. Think it was 4am. Could not fall back asleep after that.

Got up to Ana’s mom complaining that there was nothing to fix for breakfast. I cut up a huge papaya that was going bad…always having to eat the produce that wasn’t sold so it is not always in the best shape. Had mine, seeds and all (they are a bit bitter) with a dollop of vanilla yogurt. Coffee is always a must, everyone is savoring the Dunn Bros Ethiopian coffee I brought. Grinding it in a meat grinder each day. Guzzled about four glasses of water before heading up to the fields. Forgot to get a count on the cabbage and eggplant requests so I trudged back down the hill, past the chickens (I always holler hello to the “girls”) and come back to the house. Retrieved my Swiss Army Knife as well to cut the eggplant. A few times up and down each day make me feel like Jack(aline) Lalane (sp?)  Doubt I have lost any weight but I do feel better physically.

Picked cherry and small roma tomatoes, looking out for the snakes in the grass. Also cut eggplant (up and down six rolls to collect the biggest of the lot-the restaurant requested 12 kg.) and cabbage leaves (tore off four rows to equal two big baskets) and poked seven papayas with a stick, careful to grab them so they won’t hit the ground. They have two types here on the farm, one small and roundish, the other long and fat.

Popped down with the full wheelbarrow and took a shower, washing my shorts and panties in the shower. Cleaned my skanky whitish socks and two t-shirts in the sink out back. Afterwards, lunch with Ana and her mom (she was raving about the coffee shops in the states, how she could lounge there for hours in cozy chairs and no one shooed her out) Beans and rice, steamed squash and some kink of pepper, leftover meat (couldn’t stand to even look at it actually) and coke.

Weighed the produce to deliver in the morning. Will stamp the egg cartons tomorrow and load up the car. I am encouraging Dario to bring the remaining produce in the car and sell it as he drops things off. No sense having it sit around and rot. The papaya and little tomatoes won’t keep until the next delivery on Thursday.

Now I am at the office, with Preta the black dog, writing and checking emails. Will clean out the bunker room for Ian afterwards.

We are keeping a tally of my chores for the licensing of the farm. Not sure but I believe they are receiving a grant to have volunteers..that would be cool. I am also documenting the hours I spend on the bookkeeping and organizing for the other volunteers. We decided to make a list of chores so everyone could sign up when they arrive. A lot of upkeep involved.

About the dump part in the title.....if you don't already know..when you are a vegetarian your poop floats...so, I could very well be spending far too much time in the bathroom off the verandah. I do not always remember that I cannot flush the tp. The plumbing cannot handle it. Also, the toilet doesn't always work very well. It does not pull everything out so there could be a lot of flushing involved. Usually I end up laughing like a hyena or being completely frustrated with the process. Reminds me of the Big Bob story by David Sadaris.

Really would rather sit and read a bit but…gotta get back to work!