Yesterday we went into Portland for Thanksgiving dinner. 30 folks gathered in a rather small space to partake of some traditional food, turkey, mashed potatoes, yams and some that was not so traditional, polenta, Fruit salad, and vegetarian dishes which were a total mystery to me and, therefore, not tried Then there was desert. Apple pie, pumpkin pie, carrot bars, a cake that contained no dairy, mincemeat pies, and whipped cream which makes everything taste better.
I left a little early to drive to ARC and make a blood product delivery to OHSU hospital. It was my first time there but it turned out to be easy. There is a booklet that drivers can take that show step-by-step instructions (with photos) on where to park, where to enter, elevators, where to put the boxes, etc. It makes the job less stressful for the first time volunteer.
A ARC vehicle is used for these deliveries. Last night I drove one of the new Ram City Vans. Short, sort of tall mini vans that are ideal for city driving. Once I figured out the unique features of the vehicle, it was fine. It was fun to drive something different. I delivered 4 boxes and picked up 17 so it was a short but worthwhile trip.
Friday, November 29, 2019
Monday, November 25, 2019
Tom Turkey
A new creation of mine. He looks harmless, but how does he taste?
During his creation.
Ready for greeting folks at our door.
Morning Fog
Early morning walks allow me early morning views. The sky gradually lightening. The awakening of the earth. The fog playing hide and seek games with the trees.
It's there and then it's not.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
ARC
I finally received my ARC ID Card. It allows me access to areas of the headquarters that require a swipe of the card to get in without an escort. I'm not fully aware of the reason for all of the security but it's there regardless. There is a security person at the front door and but all he requires is a signature on the register to get a "Visitor" sticker. The ARC blood donation center is located in the building so many "civilians" come through the doors every day.
My ID card allows me to breeze right through the front door and just show my card or even go around to the doors in the back. That's where I will go to pickup the Biomed (blood products) deliveries. It is also where the ARC vehicles are parked.
Part of the learning curve with ARC is learning the various "arms" of the agency. As far as I can tell, each one operates independently of the others. So each has their needs for volunteers and and the job requirements vary. I am still working out if I want to limit myself to one or "move around".
The latter sounds more interesting but requires more of a learning curve. I have yet to make a delivery of blood but I'm trying to set up a date. I have a super busy day tomorrow installing fire alarms. I might need to wear my Superman suit.
My ID card allows me to breeze right through the front door and just show my card or even go around to the doors in the back. That's where I will go to pickup the Biomed (blood products) deliveries. It is also where the ARC vehicles are parked.
Part of the learning curve with ARC is learning the various "arms" of the agency. As far as I can tell, each one operates independently of the others. So each has their needs for volunteers and and the job requirements vary. I am still working out if I want to limit myself to one or "move around".
The latter sounds more interesting but requires more of a learning curve. I have yet to make a delivery of blood but I'm trying to set up a date. I have a super busy day tomorrow installing fire alarms. I might need to wear my Superman suit.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
DAT
Yesterday afternoon I attended a class/ training session at ARC (American Red Cross) headquarters. ARC has many programs. All of them are beneficial to people and all of them are free. Blood products are the only items that ARC sells. Everything else, assistance, counseling, blankets, etc. are all free. So the American Red Cross depends on donations. Nationwide 92 cents of every dollar goes toward services. In the Pacific Northwest it's more like 95-96 cents. It's pretty amazing and it's because of dedicated volunteers and employees who are careful with resources.
The class yesterday was DAT (Disaster Action Team). The DAT team goes out to homes that have had a fire or flood that has left the family with out a home. A call comes in from the fire department and the team responds. They meet with the family, counsel them,and determine their immediate needs. They may need a bed for the night. They may need food. The team can help them get through this horrible period with the resources available to ARC. It sounds like a great and wonderful program. I will tell you about it when I go out on one of these calls.
The class yesterday was DAT (Disaster Action Team). The DAT team goes out to homes that have had a fire or flood that has left the family with out a home. A call comes in from the fire department and the team responds. They meet with the family, counsel them,and determine their immediate needs. They may need a bed for the night. They may need food. The team can help them get through this horrible period with the resources available to ARC. It sounds like a great and wonderful program. I will tell you about it when I go out on one of these calls.
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