Jobs Continued

That was a timeout to sort out a few dates and sequences that my ever failing memory screws up.  Here we go:

 The Seal of Selma

While working at Mr. Patterson's pharmacy one day, he asked me, "Would you be interested in some OTHER work?"  I replied "Sure!" enthusiastically.  He then explained that he needed all of the windows on his house washed inside and out.  Then, "It's in Fresno."  It sounded like something I could do, so I agreed.  He told me it would be the next weekend, start Saturday at 7am.  I, not having any transportation of my own, told him that I'd ask my Dad if he could take me to his house, then come bring me home.  Mr. Patterson then said that that wasn't necessary, that he had phoned Dennis and he was also going to wash windows too and he had a car and would be my transportation!  Problem solved, he said he would pay us 3 dollars per hour apiece, over twice our regular pay!  Now we're talking!

Raisons in the sun

Saturday came, Dennis was on time, we had a map and an address in east Fresno.  Once there we parked, got out and examined the domain.  It was a huge multistory Victorian beauty with windows galore!  Pat came out carrying buckets filled with soapy water, brushes, squeegees, and dry clean rags.  This was going to be a JOB!  2 Extension ladders leaned against the house and its roof, a very long climb with little footing once one got up there.  Lean one way then the other while holding the bucket with one hand and using a brush to soak and brush the woodwork of the spider web mess and vineyard dust that had covered the windows.  What a task!  Dennis worked on another window while I did this one and the one beside it before moving the ladder to yet another window.  On and on we went, up and down the ladder, empting the bucket of filthy water, refilling, add soapy stuff and working through the increasing summer heat.

Libby Plant, Selma, CA

Being mid-July the heat of the San Joaquin Valley was climbing as it does.  Soon rivulets of sweat poured down my face dripping off my chin as it went.  Nearing noon we took a break.  Mr. Patterson had left for the pharmacy some time ago so we were left to our own devices.  We had brought sandwiches and drinks so found a spot of shade, sat down and ate.  We were not even half done yet and the back side of the house had not even been touched!  Back to work, quicker now as it was growing hotter by the minute it seemed!  Needless to say the last 2/3ds of this job was less well done than that of the first part.  And that was only the south side of the house.  The heat was excessive at 104 degrees which caused us to take numerous breaks and stretching our workday 'til 7pm!  Mr. Patterson was not yet home so we exited stage left and headed to the roller rink in Fresno for a bit of Saturday night fun!  Home at 11pm, I went into the TV room, talked with Hazel for a bit and went off to bed.

Selma's Train Station

A knock at the front door at 6am was next, it was Dennis saying we had to go...back to Mr. Patterson's place to finish the job that I thought we had already finished!  So I quickly got dressed, told Hazel goodbye and away we went!  After we parked and got out of the car Mr. Patterson approached us, "You're fired!" he said looking a both of us,"Fired, fired, fired!"  "What" we both exclaimed!  "Why".  "Streaks on all the windows, they all have to be done over!" "And you haven't done ANY of the north side OR the inside windows!"  "I've called one of my field workers, he's going to come finish the job."  "See you Monday!"  he turned and walked back towards the house,.  We stood there and watched him stomp back towards the house.  "Shit", I said, "We screwed that one up!"  With that, we climbed back into his car and drove off to spend the day at Avacado Lake swimming and laying about in the shade.

Patterson house, summer of 2018

Monday we were back at work at the pharmacy as usual.  The failed task was never brought up, he paid us for Saturday at 3 dollars an hour for 10 hours in cash.  The job lasted all summer, took no time off and saved about 1/2 of what I earned.  Saw a few movies in the Park Theater downtown, bought my buddies gas for the rides to Fresno to "drag the main" on Friday or Saturday night.  I actually looked forward to working for Pat the next summer, alas that was not to be.

See this blog for more photos: 
http://mavensphotoblog.com/2011/06/02/agriculture-in-californias-san-joaquin-valley/