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Borrego Springs, CA

Friday, April 27, 2012

I quit!!!

After an incredibly boring day in the VC on Thursday, I decided to lock everything up at 3:00 and head for home.  There were only three visitors total for the day, and no one was in the parking lot.  So I made that executive decision, and just before I walked out the door, I shouted, “I Quit!”  Of course no one was there to hear me, but it made me feel good anyway.  My volunteer stint here at Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR has come to an end for another year.  No farewell luncheon for us five volunteers leaving here this weekend this year.  It’s kind of anti-climatic.  We were each given a free pass for a boat trip to Ship Island, but by the time we got it, time had run out to use it.  I had thought of going today, but it’s an all day trip, and I had to get busy packing things up and getting ready to roll.  Since there is only one of me, it takes a little more time than with the couples. 

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Yesterday, before I went into work John helped me fix one of my MCD shades. (passenger’s window)  The night shade would not retract.  I had called MCD a while back about it, and they sent me a new one of these:

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It’s the spring that goes inside the shade roller that automatically pulls the shade back up.  The note inside the package that was supposed to be directions for installation turned out to say to call them for instructions.  John, being the handy person that he is, decided not to do that.  Instead, within 45 minutes, he had the whole thing figured out, the new spring installed, and mounted everything back where it belonged.  I found it very interesting to help him as he vocalizes his thinking as he goes along.  I learned a lot.  Should the other shade develop the same problem, I now think I could fix it myself with another pair of helpful hands.  I get by with a little help from my friends.  Send a kiss

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I finished with my meds yesterday, so I was finally feeling half human today.  It’s a good thing because I had lots to do.  The rig has been sitting under several large live oak trees for months now, and had developed a brown coating on everything that was kind of like mold.  I broke out the ladder and my new gallon of ‘The Solution’ and went to work.  I was certainly not up to doing the entire rig, but I got the front 1/2 of it done and all the major windows.  While I found it marvelous to use on the fiberglass, I’m not that impressed with the film it left on the windows.  Seemed like I made a hundred trips up and down that six foot ladder today, and with all the rubbing with my arms, I’m thinking I might be a little stiff tomorrow.

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I took a break at lunchtime and grilled a package of hotdogs that I had on hand for when the grandkids were going to visit.  Thanks goodness John and Diana joined me for a picnic lunch and ate up some of those dogs.  No way I was ever going to eat them all.  Then I packed away the grill, tablecloth, and my outside rug.  I piddled with several other packing things outside, and eventually called it a day.

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Tomorrow I’ll check all the air in the tires, take down the DISH, and do the inside prep after stocking up on groceries.  I’m not sure when I’ll post next, as I have no idea whether or not I’ll have reception at the next two COE parks I’ll be staying at.  I guess I’ll just see you down the road…

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

38 comments:

  1. Sounds like this refuge needs to take a refresher course in how to treat volunteers.... We've had a few duds in our time, but those are the ones we don't go back to. Glad you got all those great photos... kind of makes it all worthwhile! Safe Travels!

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  2. I agree -- it's nice to be able to say "I quit" even if no one hears you! I would be sooo sore if I went up and down a ladder all day -- be safe as you continue to prepare to head down the road!

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  3. Well, I for one appreciate your time and hard work there at the refuge! I agree seems like they could show a bit more appreciation, or at least timely appreciation! Have a safe, peaceful and enjoyable journey onwards!

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  4. George Stoltz said

    I am not impressed by the lack-luster way you volunteers were treated. I know you got a free space and hook ups, but I think you were taken for granted.

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  5. I came to the same conclusion about....The Solution. Wished I had a dollar for every job I walked away from with the words...."I Quit"

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  6. Sorry to hear your duties ended without any fanfare-- that's no fun. But you'll be seeing new exciting things in no time and will soon surely recall fondly all the wonderful nature you experienced & fellow volunteer friends you enjoyed the past few months.

    Safe travels to you and Emma!

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  7. I'm sure the visitors appreciated you - especially the ones to whom you showed the cranes. And your flower pictures will help visitors ID the local wildflowers. No good deed goes unpunished, I mean rewarded.

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  8. Add my voice to the fact thry did not seem to appreciate your vast knowledge and hard work. an expired coupon, give me a break, that's tacky, personally to me thats worse than nothing. I know you have great pride and satisfaction at the wonderful job you did, but they could have acknowledged it properly
    Donna W.

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  9. You have the knowledge that you did a great job whether they thanked you or not. Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

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  10. I am VERY surprised and disappointed with the Staff at MSHC Refuge! Even if they didn't acknowledge your hard work, know that many others did. You are a treasure for any Refuge to have! Have a safe trip... BTW - isn't it great to say "I Quit" before you are fired? :)

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  11. Is this the same place where volunteers had to appreciate their own cooking while standing up? Sheesh.

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  12. Not sure that would be a place I'd want to volunteer because they sure don't seem to appreciate you. But it's time to move on to more fun places to see and explore. Glad he could help you get that shade fixed.

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  13. Whoo hoo Judy, on the road again! Sure hope you have a connection, I love COE parks and want to see and hear about yours.

    I'm wondering how The Solution does on oxadizing fiberglass. I need to get something for some areas on my 8 year old girl.

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  14. Sorry your work seemed unappreciated...unusual for a NWR. Hey, I bet it did feel good to say I quit!

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  15. Like the others I know the visitors appreciated your guided tours.
    How tacky to give you something that wasn't any good. Same on them. If they keep it up no one will return to help out.
    Safe travels to you and Emma.

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  16. Hope you will have a good trip and that your good health stays with you for a long time.

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  17. We didn't have the same problem with the Solution on the windows, but the Ritz Carlton in DC suggests 1 part vinegar to 1 parts water, a squeeze of lemon, and newspapers to clean glass surfaces without streaks ... the local news NBC station interviewed the head housekeeper for tricks of the trade not long ago. Safe travels.

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  18. Glad to hear you're feeling better. Have a safe, restful and enjoyable trip. We haven't had a chance to stay at many COE parks, but have loved the ones we've been at. I'm looking forward to hearing about the ones you will visit.

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  19. It has been fun reading your posts at this lovely park! Yep, breaking camp can be a bit of a chores.
    Hope you DO have Internet at the next two COE's. They are our favorite camping places. I want to see them through your eyes. Safe travels! Your little friends will miss you!

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  20. I think its a shame that the paid staff don't do anything, as the volunteers prepare to leave. One would think even a small reception with cake and ice cream, wouldn't cut into their budget or time too deeply. They are lucky you enjoy what you're doing, or you would have pulled out a lot sooner. Safe travels to your next destination.

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  21. E Squared is right on about window cleaning..Vinegar and water in a spray bottle, wipe it off with newspaper. Other than the carbon it leaves on your hands, it works fabulous..I use it on everything, house, RV, and mirrors...Yep, it's time to "ease on down the road"...You are such a hard working knowledgeable volunteer...it's time some other park got some of your love of nature and expertise...Be safe, and try some of the COE parks..They are our fav's!!

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  22. I know you enjoy seeing the wildlife in the places you serve, but it would be nice to have a little appreciation shown for your efforts. In a few years they will have new people in charge and things will hopefully be very different. Good luck in your next assignment.

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  23. We head to a COE park in KS on Tuesday for 6 days then another one up in NE for 5. We love 'em

    Take it from one of your visitors at the Refuge, you are appreciated.

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  24. It's always nice to have handy friends who can help you fix things.

    Safe travels.

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  25. I find it interesting that some hummers actually grab the little bar and seem to sit when feeding, and others hover and eat. Great close up photos.

    Onward and upward, huh? :) Have a good trip to the next spot.

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  26. You made the right executive decision, it seems. Sorry about no lunch! We'll have to try the Solution one of these days -- heard a lot of good things about it, and our rig could sure use some loving care.

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  27. You scared us, we thought you'd quit blogging! We'd miss all your photos, stories and cutting edge sense of humor.

    Thank goodness we can contiune to look forward to more of all that! :c)

    Have a safe trip and we'll wait patiently for your next posts!

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  28. Safe travels, looking forward to your next posting

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  29. butterbean carpenterApril 28, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    Howdy Judy & Emma,
    HOORAY FOR JUDY BELL!!! WE APPRECIATE EVERYTHING YOU DO!!! EVEN WHEN SICK &
    UNDER THE WEATHER!!!
    What'd you expect from this administration?? It's a wonder the boat tickets weren't from last year!! Good luck at the COE Parks, too, also!! We USED to love the COEs, but haven't been in the last 3 years, due to health.. Have a safe trip!!

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  30. Safe travels to your next destination.

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  31. OH Judy.. we so appreciate you and all that you do!
    Your knowledge on wildlife and your photos are exemplary-----

    I once gave 2 weeks notice at a job to move away to another town. They were so upset with me leaving them, even after my extra hours I put in training my replacement. I got the cold shoulder from everyone, and on my last day I faced piles of work and knew I would end up staying late. My replacement didn't care and left at 5. Not one person came into my office to say goodbye. When my work was done, it was after 7 p.m. I walked out of that office into a dark empty building, laid my keys on the boss's desk, and left with tears in my eyes. There was not a single goodbye echoing in my ears other than the one I said to myself. Sigh.

    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
    Karen and Steve
    (Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
    http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com

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  32. Safe travels. Glad you are feeling better. Ann

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  33. Happy and safe travels! Enjoy your new assignment. I'll be looking forward to your posts from there.

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  34. Safe travels. Enjoy the parks along the way and we will all look forward to hearing from you when you get to your next assignment. I too hope the next group appreciates you a little more that this last one did.

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  35. We all know that the refuge was far better off for you having been there. Places that depend on volunteers should cherish them and a heartfelt "thank-you very much" takes nothing from the budget. Volunteers often provide a much better time for the visitors because they "want" to be there and "love" what they are doing. I've learned so much from you. Thank-you!

    http://travelinglongdogs.blogspot.com/

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