May 10, 2022

How does Kenny do it?  I’m reporting on our 2nd 2022 dinner meal at RMH and I’m struggling to be informative while trying to be interesting too.  There were so many compliments 3 months ago with our Cowboy Meat Loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, rolls and CC cookies that we did it again.  I’ve heard even though they are thankful for all meals provided they get pasta and taco bars repeatedly and ours is not only great tasting but unique in what is provided.     I got there early and prepped the kitchen to Mike’s specifications which made this evening go a lot smoother.  I did manage to mess up again by getting margarine (at least in sticks this time instead of tubs) when I was suppose to get butter.  Maybe third times a charm as this meal has been requested again and we’ll do around the beginning of August once I look at the FATC calendar and dates available at RMH.  Mike again orchestrated our group and I only got in trouble once for talking too much as he was waiting for us to finish peeling the 20 lbs. of potatoes.  (Was he a sergeant in boot camp?)   

Harold was my one returning helper (note:  Kenny wants as many new guys to get to experience this rewarding event so contact me early when I post for August) and we knew to keep Harold away from the gravy making as he had trouble reading and following the directions the last time.  I didn’t see who did this time but it was the right consistency and delicious!  Did you read last time that we all get to sit down and eat together when done serving.  It’s a great meal and a chance to chat and get to know each other better.     

Ken showed up first so I put him in charge of baking the 6 dozen C.C. cookies. (there seemed to be more this time as Al Blair did last time…hmm).  I had the oven preheated and the cookie dough on trays ready to go.  He set his watch and started helping with other tasks.  Thank goodness I have a mental clock in my head from being a P.E. teacher as his vibrating phone in his pocket didn’t alert him on the first batch.  It’s strange to think that Ken wasn’t phased by something vibrating in his pants?     

Jeff came next and was the main potato peeler and dishwasher.  I promised not to tell his wife and suspect she won’t read this so his secret is safe with all of us.  Bob came in and became Mike’s main assistant ( that’s what he gets for showing up last) while I think Harold diced the potatoes getting them ready to boil.  We all pitched in to get the meal ready to serve and were actually ready about 20 minutes quicker than last time. Someone suggested this was a better crew than last time?  I guess you’d have to ask Mike?  He still complained about the sink and trash placements which I don’t think will change in the near future.  All in all it was another great and worthwhile time which was greatly appreciated.       

We served about 15-20 while there but when I showed up the next day the 15 complete meals which we made up along with all the meat loaf and most of the potatoes and green beans were gone.  There are so many people who stay over at the hospital till later in the evening before coming home to look for something to eat.  One of the workers called them the “night crawlers” and I can’t imagine how exhausting it must be going through this experience.  Thank goodness we can provide a little bright spot. 

Thanks again to Mike Bisaga, Harold Bates, Ken Welter. Jeff Rabe, and Bob Hassett for making this so enjoyable for me.  

Paul Jacoby