Weekend in Vernal

This is Scott. Isn't he dreamy?

He is climbing into a big semi truck

I went riding along while Scott worked on Friday. He was unexpectedly required to work and I decided to keep my flight as planned.

I rode with Scott through the oil fields of Eastern Utah. The Vernal area is known for Dinosaur land and the oil fields. Scott is lucky enough to drive water truck for a trucking company. He arrives at the well site and hooks up and drains the water tank. The pumps pull up oil, gas and water from the ground. The water is picked up and driven to a deposit site where the water is treated before further disposal.

The pump up close

The wells are close together and labeled and mapped out. We drove around to 2 wells through dirt roads and hot dusty air. It was completely wonderful for me!

I miss Utah sunsets! They are so unique!

Look at the color flare! It thrills my heart to see the color and mountain silhouettes. 

Here is a true picture of Scott. 

I had a wonderful weekend; although our plans did not turn out as planned it was fun and calm and stress free. I had a wonderful time and hated to leave. I will be back!

Some stats on Scott--divorced, lives in own house-alone, is clean, surprised me with small acts of extreme thoughtfulness, melted my heart with his kiss, he catered to my every wish-even the ones I was not conscious of, he spoiled me and made me feel loved and valued.

I wonder if you all are thinking--here we go again. Another man and another crazy adventure with another crazy man. He might turn out to be crazy like the rest, until then I am enjoying this ride!

On Saturday I was able to enjoy Cafe Rio in Vernal with Heidi (Wilson) Buist!!!! It rocked being able to see my girl from hygiene school! She was such a tour guide and hostess. It was a great weekend.

My Week so Far

I spend some time at the waterfront in Portland during the 4th of July. many were out on the river enjoying the sun and warm weather and the BluesFest.

Me?? I enjoyed the sun and blues music AND Todd's company WITH a perfect waffle!

I shared a meal with Todd on the patio of the restaurant. We enjoyed food, music and conversation. It was a good albeit non traditional holiday celebration-I mean I didnt even get blueberries on the waffle to make it red-white-blue.

Saint Cupcake has moved from 10+ block walk from my office to a mere 1 block walk. Yikes! I love going to get a dot cupcake (3 bites) and enjoying the lovely treat. With their new location comes new bakery items. I had to try the Alder smoked flour chocolate chip cookies. So the cookie is regular choc chip cookie but made with smoked flour. hmmmm interesting. It smelled smokey and sweet and wonderful. I took a bit and died. WALNUTS! Ick. I tried to pick out the nuts but it overshadowed the flavor of the smoked flour. I think it was a good cookie. I sure enjoyed the concept but as for my enjoyment of it. . . .it was lacking. Add to that  I had started and really really really wanted that cookie. Sigh. Cravings. . . what can you do?

Yesterday I looked out my window and saw this truck. I laughed. Who names their company this?

I mean really? Can you hear it. . . 

Where do you work?

Penetrations

How do you like it?

Satisfying

Sundays and Strawberries

Stawberries are finally ripe here in the NorthWest!

I found a recipe for Strawberry crumb bars.

I decided to give them a try.

They turned out pretty buttery and shortbread-ey. I really liked them. It does not have any other flavor other than the butter and strawberries. No cinnamon, no allspice, no anise. It is a great simple bar.

I just had to share it. I wish I could attach a scratch and sniff sticker so you could smell how great my apartment smells--much better than 330 am when I woke to the smell of my neighbors smoking pot drifted into my open window. Sheesh. I thought 420 was the designated time. 

My Rant

This week's Saturday Market flower purchase.

Yes those are patio chairs-how WT am I?

I have not done anything exciting lately. I have been thinking of many things. One thing that has been on my mind and possibly been on a previous post. 

Tips.

To Insure Prompt service! 

I understand waiters, waitresses working for tips. I dont understand . . .

1. coffee counters--you just put hot liquid in a cup. you didnt even get out from behind the counter

2.  massage therapists--you just charged me $60/hour and I am supposed to be so relaxed I give you more! I dont make over $60/hour.

3. carnival food--I just paid inflated prices for yummy fried food and you want more $$

4. eyebrow waxers--hmmm

5. hair cuts--you are cutting my hair just like last time-nothing special

I guess I am stingy. I actually think I am uncomfortable and possibly jealous (I want more income per hour!). I just dont know how or when to tip. Restaurants are different. I tip on the service I get. I like being catered to. I like my drink refilled, I like being asked if I need anything else. I like being waited upon. I can tip very generously to a good attentive and personal person. I just dont get massage therapy. Especially when my insurance is paying it. I pay a co-pay and get a massage. So now it becomes a medical procedure and there is a billing code etc. and I tip????? Why dont they tip me?

I am sure you are all familiar with Groupon, Living Social etc. They are local coupons advertising 1/2 off coupons for restaurants, spas, books, laser treatments etc. I have purchased quite a few and got some really good deals. I read an article Thursday where the reporter lived in the Groupon idea for a week. She ate at the specific restaurant, got coffee at the discount place of the day etc.She noticed waiters were not happy because people tipped on the discounted price not the original price and so they lost money. I get why they are upset. My co-worker had some laser hair removal at two different spas. One spa was nice and helpful and generous. The 2nd one was bitter and made her read a note saying how tips were expected and if they did not tip they needed to get their money back from Groupon. I was so confused because why would Groupon be responsible for the Spa lack of willing to honor the coupon. I mean the spa made the deal with Groupon the spa needs to honor that coupon. As far as tipping, if the technician is making money solely on tips they need to find another job that pays better. The spa is obviously so stingy they dont want to honor their own promotion and they dont want to pay their laser techs. Well, sorry. But I am a consumer and I am trying to find ways to save money on things I use. I want to do laser on my pits. I am going to buy the next Groupon I see and while I will tip I also know why pay full price when I can get a coupon for 1/2 off? Paying full price is not even smart nowadays.

So why do we tip? How do we determine who gets tipped? I think dental assistants need tips. Can you imagine one not paying attention and letting you drown in your own spit? Or one who does not help the dr keep your tongue out of the drill so you dont get a papilla wound up in there? I mean the public just does not know how much assistants save their lives every minute of the procedure. They deserve tips.

What about bank tellers?

Why taxi drivers and not bus drivers?

Why not actors?

I just dont know how tipping is decided and how much? Waiters get $15 now right? it used to be 10% or is it 20% now? I just dont know. I am so confused and to avoid embarrassment I will just opt not to go places that require tips.