8/11 and 8/12: Muffins for change

8/11:: Just like Boise, Spokane has two seasons: Winter and road construction. Now as a social worker that does multiple home visits (I average to about 20 miles a day just for home visits..that does not count the 10 mile commute to work) road construction really is a pain in my you know what (BUTT..in case you did not know what was what). I mean there are detours for detours! Everywhere you look this road is torn up go that way, this road is closed do this! It's highly irritating. However, I do look at all the construction men and women and know that this may be the best work they get all year and like farmers tend to have to live off what they make during the summer.
Oh where was I? Oh yeah complaining...this year happens to be the worst. They've decided to tear up one of the busiest roads in Spokane which also happens to be where I work. They've also decided to tear up the side roads and pretty much every pathway to get to work. I've altered my route..fine..no biggie..change is nice. But since we have elderly people coming to our senior center (because really..they're the only ones allowed) the staff has given up our parking so they can park there. We already have our elderly volunteers manuevering the bumpy side roads and alleyways, and we also have the paratransit van coming through the alley and bringing our seniors through the back door and our parking lot is small as it is..we really did have to give up these spots. I don't mind the walk (except for today when I was bringing quite the load to my next home visit...oy vey) But it sure does take up a lot of moolah!! Luckily, I park about a block and a half away where the 10 hour parking is and I usually spend about $1 a day..not bad! So I have gone about collecting any silver American coin I can get my hands on! Brand pitches in by bringing home his changely tips and we've had this giant jar of change forever that I've sorted through and will probably be set for awhile (maybe not the 4 months this construction is planned for..but a good chunk of time for sure!) I carry a little baggy of coins like a crazy person and it makes me happy :D

But seriously..do not get me started on my theory against meters..I think they're evil and evil people run them. Don't believe me? Check out a story I recently heard...some guy had just parked his car in a meter and was getting out to put money in it and while he was walking over he got a ticket...he fought it..and the city won! So meter maids...there may be a special place in hell for you...

8/12: Besides collecting change..I randomly make baked goods! My first time for homemade muffins turned out decent. They were more mini muffins since i only have a cupcake pan but they were good and streusally..next time I'm going to put some more flavor in it somehow and perhaps try drizzling on some frosting :)