When Diane and I arrived home from a rigorous physical therapy session, we found a huge box on our porch. We carried it into our house and opened it up. It was a giant fruit basket! The Faculty Federation of Erie Community College (my union) sent me this wonderful Get Well basket. The basket contained Large Navel Oranges, Gala apples, Crispin apples, red and green pears, mango, pineapple, lemon, lime, pomegranate, Wegmans berry pistachio blend, naturally aged Vermont Cheddar cheese, Summer Sausage, Wegmans water Crackers, Marzetti mini caramel dip and an appetizer plate. This was completely unexpected. You can be sure I’ll be thanking my fellow Faculty Federation members during Fall Registration in a couple of weeks.
Very nice!
Very nice, indeed, Jeff. This huge fruit basket weighed 38 lbs.!
When I belonged to the CWA union in the late sixties and we went out on strike in support of the IBEW (a six week strike) the union paid our rent and utilities because Phil was still a student.
That was very generous of your union, Patti! We’re not allowed to strike (by law) in New York State.
Patti, New York has the Taylor Law preventing public employees from striking, as George said. You lose two days pay for every day you strike (Jackie was once forced to go out for a week, but they were able to make up most of the days later on) and they tend to fine the union as well.
I’ve been part of some picketing and some “informational” demonstrations when we’ve had some contract impasses, Jeff. But I’ve never been out on strike. Both the Buffalo Teachers’ union and the Niagara Falls Teachers’ union have gone out on strike. The head of the Buffalo union was jailed. But the teachers got what they wanted in the end.
It looks fabulous, George! Eat hearty!
It will take me a couple of weeks to eat all of these goodies, Beth. Diane and Katie (who’s visiting us this week) are helping me with the fruit. I made a pizza and used the pepperoni. My mother-in-law has the crackers.
George, great gift. The image isn’t loading for me, but I’m sure it looks as delicious as you describe it.
As for NY not allowing strikes but Buffalo Teacher’s Union going on strike, well, when did Buffalo leave NY state? This is big news! What sate do you live in now?
Buffalo’s Teacher’s union violated the strike ban, Rick. As Jeff pointed out, the teachers’ salaries were docked two days for every day they were out on strike. But, the striking teachers made their point.
How’s the physical therapy going, Uncle George? Everything going well? Give my love to the family 🙂
I’m doing well, Kelli! The new knee gets stronger every day. I’m going to Physical Therapy twice a week. Katie and Patrick came home to visit me this weekend and check on my recovery. Patrick is back in Pittsburgh and Katie is staying a few more days before she flies back to Boston. Hope everything is going well for you and Camille!
It used to be customary in England to take a gift of fruit when visiting someone who was in the hospital. If you watch a scene set in a hospital in an old English film or TV show, there’s bound to be a fruit bowl somewhere near the bed. Anyway, your gift looks delicious…bon appetit!
Eating 38 lbs. of goodies will take some time, Deb. But it was a very nice gift from my union. I’m working on the Thank You notes this evening.
Lovely present they gave you, George. As a diabetic, are there any fruits (or veggies, for that matter) that are off-limits to you? I would imagine not many.
I can eat almost anything in moderation, Drongo. The combination of Byetta and Lantus and exercise keeps my glucose numbers under control.