I love Fridays! Especially when I flip my Friday to Thursday and then I still get to have my regular Friday too!

I went to St. Lawrence yesterday. I took the last travel trailer. Then I set up the entire camp site. All the trailers are set up and secure, electricity is hooked up, propane hooked up, water hooked up, and even the sewage lines are in place. Really the only outwardly visible thing it lacks is the installation of the satellite for the television reception. Inside remains a work in progress. While all the beds are made, all the towels and wash cloths laundered and in place, basic supply staples are present, my trailer still requires much work on the next trip. I didn't even begin to set up my office, files, calculators, printers, and folders are still boxed and setting in the floor as if prepared to be in transit. Oh well, that will give me something to do next trip out! I did get to take a break and went into the Coop office. It turned out the office personnel were there along with the General Manager and the President of the Board of Directors. We were setting at the big table in the patron area visiting about their Church's upcoming Fall Festival October 3rd. Christy was loading the coke machine and made the comment to me that it looked like I had everything in place. I told her I had everything in place except for a few little things. She asked "Like what?" and I replied, "Oh, things like trucks, forklifts and employees!" The GM and Board President are pretty dry but they had to laugh at that! I love it out there when they make a good crop, everyone is in a good mood!

Wow! Since I was out of town all day and got in late I had not seen any footage from Hurricane Ivan. Unbelievable. I can understand the lure to live in those areas. I just don't think I am willing to risk the heartbreak of losing it all. I even heard Harry Smith making a reference to the Bible about don't build your house upon the sand. Probably not what these resident want or need to hear at this point. My prayers and thoughts are still with these people. I think our closest acquaintance to the storm lived between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, he was like a part time son when his family lived in Abilene. He has since gone into nursing so I feel sure he was required to stay through all the evacuation orders.

I have been through floods (2) and fires (2), but I have not been through a natural disaster like a tornado or a hurricane. I wouldn't wish any of these on my worst enemy. While you can build again it is never quite the same and so many things are simply irreplaceable. Due to my past experiences one of the first things I would take are photos and photo albums!

FATHER I thank YOU for the blessings I enjoy! Thank YOU for the safe and productive day yesterday. FATHER, so many need YOU, but especially those who have experienced loss from Hurricane Ivan. Bless them and comfort them. Fill their needs. Be with the relief workers and their efforts. May they be swift and on target. May FEMA and the local, state and federal governments act quickly and sympathetically. Help us to do what we can. FATHER, I continue to lift Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee for YOUR healing. FATHER surround us with YOU. Let YOUR good shine through us. The Glory is YOURS!