For those who are waiting to hear the latest developments in my workplace happenings, it is best summed up as "where I find people, I find something to interest me" but of course a summed up statement doesn't make much of a post, does it?
Somebody recently asked me about work and I confidentially said that sometimes it feels just like feeding my family: there is always someone who doesn't like what is given to them, one or two who are always gracious and there is usually someone who has the perfect use for something i have bought with another use in mind. Who knows who might be insulted by that comment so keep it confidential, would you, dear readers?
You might remember that I was employed with the idea that good morning teas might help flagging morale so I have taken this on board and try hard to provide food people like, keep a range of herbal teas in stock (they are very keen on herb teas, who knew?) and be friendly to all including delivery drivers and the post man.
The gardner is a slightly grumpy middle aged man who used to always come late to morning tea so I always checked in to make sure he'd got something to eat. I'm going to assume I managed some kind of morale boost with him because he arrives on time these days, has a chat and even offers to bring supplies he's found in the nooks and crannies of the under used site. My daughters find this hilarious and suggest that I have " a thing" for him. Funny girls, he's no Mellors and I'm no Connie :)
The ladies auxilliary is coming for morning tea this week and I have very specific instructions on what will please them (nothing hot, they're old!!!!) so my planned additions of strawberries and chocolate to a standard cheese plate will be a surprise and look pretty, too.
I could tell more tales but the battery is dying......cest la vie.......i need to get to bed soon anyhow.......
Mellors and Connie? Like George and Amal? It sounds like things are going well at work. I feel like I am always the picky person, but it is allergies. You may be the first person around the venue that has been welcoming to the guy. That is quite a coup.
ReplyDeleteMellors and Coonie are the main characters in Lady Chatterly's Lover, similar to George and Amal.
DeleteI notice a lot of people saying hello to the gardener but by nature of his job, he is isolated and that can have it's own challenges
I suspect Linda is right. You have recognised him as a person, not as a job. Chocolate and strawberries is an inspired addition to the cheese plate. Watch and see what goes first.
ReplyDeleteLoved the reference to Mellors...
I just had to prove I have read at least one piece of literature :)
DeleteIt looks, Kylie, as though you were the only one who had read this particular piece of literature.
DeleteMaybe that will teach me, Graham....
DeleteWell, it looks like your morning teas are appreciated, especially by the now not-so-grumpy gardener. Strawberries, chocolate and cheese is a great combination.
ReplyDeleteStrawberries always come across as luxurious, I think although they are cheap at the moment. A dollar a punnet
DeleteI want to attend your teas! (even though I'd be one of the picky ones, due to GI issues, but I love seeing a prettily arranged plate)
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't surprise me that you are a person of warmth in your offline life, as that is one of the things I appreciate about you online.
I don't mind picky really but i do get a tiny bit miffed when there's a variety put out and someone has to go to the fridge for the thing I didn't serve!
DeleteI like pretty plates but I need to know the tricks! all suggestions welcome :)
That would be off=putting! I suspect people like to be special and getting out something not offered makes them special.
DeleteThe only tricks I know are: a variety of colours on a plate, and don't drip sauce or crumbs everywhere! I know, that's pretty basic, ha ha
DeleteAnother phone post!! Well done you.
ReplyDeleteFood is an important morale booster and you are on the right track Kylie.
It is always a smart move to look after the delivery men and the gardener might have only needed a bit of recognition.
The rest, with its occasional challenges will all fall onto place as the goes by.
Alphie
The food part is a bit of fun. I usually try to be nice to people but I have only recently realised that it's not just a nice thing to do but can be super valuable in an organisation
DeleteHere is something I do. I take a footed cake plate, brownies cut small, and strawberries with the green cap still on. Alternate between brownies and strawberries around the edge of the plate and then fill it in with both. Make a second layer, leaving the outside layer exposed and so on for about three layers with a strawberry on the top. I took this to a garden party my friend held. Now, you can use brownies or other chocolates. I went to the grocery store and bought chocolate iced brownies, uncut, and cut them into small squares about an inch and a half square or 4 cm. Cut the size that works.
ReplyDeleteI use a footed cake plate. You can use any flat dish. Another thing I do is take nice leaves, shiny, and wash them quickly and dry quickly. Then, I tape them around the edge of the plate letting the leaf cover the tape on the previous leaf. This is just and idea of what I do. You can change it and make it your own. You can use other chocolates than brownies.
Young women at the garden party said this was a sexy dessert. I am quite sure the older people will appreciate this, too.
That sounds spectacular, Linda! Thanks for typing all that :)
ReplyDelete