I know this because I was up at 5:30am. I arrived at the nursery at 7:15. There were at least 1000 people already in line and more coming in every minute. The foreman ordered everyone into two groups, Americans and non-Americans. There were probably 200 or so in my group. They took our name, our phone number, asked whether we had worked there before (no), who referred us (no one for me), and whether we could start immediately. That was it. No applications, no resumes, no cover letters accepted. I don't know what I expected, but that wasn't it.
I stopped by Lowes where I worked last summer. I'll go back this afternoon to speak to my old manager about another summer job. It won't pay the bills entirely, but I hope to supplement my income by selling plants, veggies, and doing some model making on the side when I have the opportunity.
I've got 4 cuttings that I plan to stick this morning. Two Elliot Blueberry, one Bluecrop blueberry, and a White Princess Peach.
I may go outside and collect some more brush for firestarting. The forecast calls for snow again next Tuesday.
12:48pm - sunny, breezy, and 45 degrees.
The flowering quince is coming on strong. It's the first thing to bloom each year. This one is way back in the woods beyond the edge of the yard. I took several cuttings from it a few days ago and stuck them in the hoophouse. I hope they take root. I love the graceful, weeping form of this shrub.
5 comments:
That is a fascinating post! 1000 people? Only 200 Americans? So much you've said is mind-boggling (and disturbing) in so many ways. I sure hope you are better treated at Lowes.
I found your blog on blotanical so I thought I would pop over for a visit. Nice!
Good Luck with the job thing. It is so nice to meet new gardeners, seems there is always something new to learn.
Kris, the area I live in has a lot of unemployment. Most of the manufacturing jobs have disappeared over the past decade. Many people here are older and live on disability or social security. I think I bought this house too soon. With Charlotte expanding the way it has over the past few years, I thought it would be a good time to buy in one of the few towns their development hasn't expanded to yet. It is coming, or was before the banking "crisis". The major highway is almost complete. They're making it a 4-lane all the way into Charlotte. An hour or more trip can almost be done in 45 minutes now. That's not too far for some commuters if they can live in a small town with really low property values that should expect to climb. All that now is put on hold.
And on top of that, there are many migrant workers looking for jobs since the construction industry has collapsed. That's why I was there this morning. Mind you, this nursery has yearly sales of just over $1million. It's wholesale only.
Hey Machelle! Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to check out the archives. Some days it's just me keeping a record of what I'm doing and the weather. Some days I actually have content. LOL. Visit early and often.
Whew! 1,000 people in line. Americans vs. non-Americans...in the USA, yet. How frustrating. I'm sorry you are stuck in this economic mess right now. It can only get better...at least, that's the hope.
I;ve never seen a flowering quince...it's gorgeous! Really tropical looking from the photo, but probably not. I need to put my reading glasses on to see anything up close!
Hi Tom,
I'm sorry you had a tough day. I hope the Lowe's thing works out, or that another job comes up where you can still have time to garden.
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