Time with Joy

Since both Dan and Erin were working this past week, Erin's friend Joy watched the girls in the afternoons. They got to volunteer at Manna Market twice. On the first day they sorted through expired food to make sure that food recipients did not get any spoiled food. For the first time the girls saw that bugs could be in and on food. They understood firsthand fears that students who do recieve food from food shelfs have about food being expired or contaminated. They had to look for mold and pests. Both girls were a bit grossed out, but very thankful for the food that they do have available at our house. They also began to realize the importance of canning and preserving food properly. If for some reason our crops failed during certain years, using canned goods and things that had been preserved is essential. They were amazed at how long some things last in containers. Besides checking food, they were able to shop for families and select weekly meals. Both girls spoke of the meals they created with materials for things like tacos and cookies. Besides volunteering, the girls went paddleboarding with Joy and her friend on the lake as well as visited the Como Zoo. This round of paddleboard went more smoothly and no one fell in the lake. While at the Zoo the girls saw the Sparky the seal show and got to visit all the animals. Analise had a special encounter with an Orangutan. When she decided to press her face against the glass, the Orangutan decided to copy her and smash his face into the glass. He also put his hand up to hers. Emma said everyone in the area was laughing as they watched him copy her. Of course Analise doesn't like this kind of attention so the interactions probably ended quite quickly.