.It's up for debate.

The first week.

My shovel is slick

with hand's fresh opened blisters.

Greatest job ever?

The first week in Barriere: difficult and decent. The mystery bruises are returning, the land has been a potent mix of rock and good soil (hard on the wrists). I've managed to forget something every day at work...one day it was a hair band, the next I had no gloves and had to plant bare hand. Barehanded planting is an excercise in tiny cuts and cuticle slivers. I also forgot my sunscreen one day, so my allergic reaction has returned in all its bumpy, itchy glory.

That said, my crew is cool, we have a New Zealand planter named Justin this year. I was planting on his land yesterday. As I planted up to him, he yelled; "Shannon! Shannon! I saw a chipmunk! No, I saw two! I tried to catch one, but they're too fast! They're awesome! Did you ever see a racoon?"

Needless to say, he's enjoying the wildlife. He wants to see a bear so badly, and yet is really freaked of being eaten. If he stays, he'll see his bear for sure.

We have the best cook. Had her last year...she's pretty much a kitchen goddess. Friday's dinner was spinach/feta quiche and scalloped potatoes with borscht, and neopolitan ice cream for dessert. Take that, McDonalds. We're in a valley, but we plant in the mountains. From my land, I could see Kamloops, an hour's drive away.

Keep it real back home. I think about the homekids a lot.