This little piggy bank went to AHOP!

Ever since my first breakfast on June 26, 2010, my breakfast bunch has been pleading with me to start a tip jar of some kind so they could contribute a few bucks to help defray some of the grocery expense. And, every time they asked, the answer was the same -- no, no, no! I felt like if they started paying for it, then I wouldn't feel the joy I get for doing this for them. They graciously, yet reluctantly, said OK...but the subject would always come up. They simply didn't feel right about it and wanted to help.

So in January 2012, I emailed one of the morning Sergeants and surrendered the white flag. I knew I was out-numbered and fighting a losing battle, and I wanted them to feel good about coming to AHOP. My concession didn't come without stipulations though. I laid down the AHOP law (yeah, right....sounds funny, doesn't it...me telling the police how it's gonna be?)  But it was important to me that they understood AHOP wasn't about the tip jar....and they knew that.  

After conceding, I realized my joy isn't just in just buying the groceries. It's in the prep work the night before -- frying the bacon, setting the table, premeasuring ingredients, and remembering to take the butter out of the refrigerator so it has time to soften. And the day of -- waking up at 4:30 am,  remembering to put the honey, ketchup and the Chipotle Hot Sauce (for Sgt. B) on the table, cracking those eggs and flippin' those pancakes.

My joy is in the anticipation of seeing my friends again.

This past Saturday, Ofc. Greg surprised me with this cute little piggy bank for the table.
  

I love it!  

Christening the Cuisinart

It was a busy morning from the get-go for 1st shift. They have never forgotten an AHOP Saturday before, but when almost 8:00 am rolled around and there were no officers in sight, the thought did cross my mind. But then I came to my senses and knew they must have had some calls to tend to right after roll call -- and they did.

I surprised my officers this morning with a new Cuisinart Toaster. A new kitchen appliance to most women (at least for me) is as exciting as a first date or a new car. Seriously! My 35-year-old toaster, a wedding gift in 1977 (a nice appliance to inherit when you get a divorce), works perfectly fine, but it is plugged in behind the refrigerator and too hard to plug and unplug. I made toast at the last breakfast and everyone seemed to like the change from a year and half of biscuits, so I thought it was time AHOP had a proper toaster that could kick out some serious toast production. It was properly christened today! :)

I am almost 100% positive I am the only lady in Charlotte who keeps a toaster in the dining room 365/24/7. Isn't it pretty....

New Toaster

Overshadowed by the lamp, this is my 35-year-old toaster

And I have a surprise for you...pictures! Thank you to Officer Greg Lineberger for allowing me to snap this one. It was so nice of you to let my supporters and readers see a Saturday morning table at AHOP!

Scrambled eggs w/ cheese, bacon, applesauce pancakes,
hash browns w/ onions (not pictured) toast and OJ

(click once on a picture to enlarge it)

Happy Easter to YOU and my Cops of EGGcellance!

Have you missed me? Nothing makes time fly faster than when you're trying to keep up with a blog. Several contributing factors to my absenteeism … first, I hurt my back (much better) and, as usual, I can't remember to take pictures (not much better.) When I cook breakfast and dinner for these guys, they fix their plates and before I slow down long enough to even think about taking a picture, there is nothing left to take a picture of. Maybe I need to keep the camera ON THE TABLE, and they can help me out with this one little minor detail. I keep telling them "my friends think I'm making you up...I need pictures!"

Anyway, I had fun last weekend making lunch instead of breakfast for 1^st shift. I slept in until 6:00 am and actually had time for a cup of coffee and the morning news. Having these guys come for lunch instead of breakfast threw me off though – all day – my Saturday felt like a weekday.  I’m not sure why.  Regardless, it was a blast.

Another reason I haven't been posting....a big Easter project! I made three Easter baskets (324 candy bars), and this little Easter bunny hopped all over town – delivering them to three divisions – South (my division), North, and Central. So much fun to do! 

(Notice the handcuffs on Bugs Bunny)

(Back of wrapper - click once to enlarge photo)

This beautiful Easter lily was a gift from a 2nd shift officer who came for dinner
Tuesday night. Lovely! I will replant it outside to enjoy next year, and the year after. 

May the joy and the blessings of Easter fill your heart with special happiness.

Happy Easter! ♥