Stay in Florida
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Click on the back button of your browser or click here to see the previous page in this series. Click on any of the little pictures to see it full size (as big as it goes).| Jan made it very clear that I had to make minimum wage ($5.15 in Florida, apparently Michigan has raised theirs) or I would be let go. Here is a view from the trailer. Our crew of 12 plus crew leader left in a white van like that on the left but pulling a trailer with a porta potty. Behind it was a loader like that shown pulling a trailer with ladders. | |
| Here is another view from the trailer (the other part of the yard). I followed them out to Carter's Grocery (next picture) where I parked my car and bought a picker's bag for $33. Then we all rode in the van (and one person in the loade r) to the grove which was a couple of miles further down. We were all set to go by about 9AM. | |
| We had to wait until the trees dried as they don't like to pick wet fruit (spoils too soon I presume). We didn't start until 1PM and it was unseasonably warm (86 degrees and pretty humid). Further, it started raining while we were picki ng. Yeach! However we finished up before 4PM. I only filled two bins which at $6.50 a bin is only $13. I was sure this would be my last day, but they only count working time (not waiting and travelling time), so I was probably quite close to minimum w age (and hope to be faster next time). In any case, Louis asked me to return the next day, which is good. I was to meet him at Carter's Grocery (shown) at 8AM. | |
| I slept in the parking lot at Carter's Grocery and it rained until about midnight. Louis picked me up just before 9AM on the 24th, but the trees were very wet and they decided at 1PM to send us home (no work) as the trees were still pret ty wet. That was OK as it was even hotter and more humid than yesterday and I had a couple of spells where I had to stop and rest because of the heat on the 23rd. I used the extra time to find the local beach. | |
| The closest Bally's is in West Palm Beach which is almost an hour away. I showered and slept there the night of the 22nd, but skipped my shower the night of the 23rd. That really detracts from my day. The beach rest rooms have showers, but is only open 9AM to 5PM. I was able to shower there on the 24th and am feeling much better. So if they let us out early I will shower there and maybe enjoy the beach. | |
| If they keep us past 4PM, then I will either head to West Palm Beach and Bally's or use a truck stop for $6.50 (which is OK if I got lots of good work, I guess). The library (right picture) at Indian Hill Community College is pretty clos e and has excellent internet access. I am now starting to fill in my routine. We work seven days a week and the weather is supposed to be great for the next three days. | |
This page was last updated on August 14, 2004.