I might as well have spent Tuesday at a little dribbler's basketball tourney! You cannot believe how many times my drivers dropped the ball! Absolutely one of the worst days ever (or at least in eleven years) out here. I think many of them are tired but many of them have become complacent with a padded wallet and momma cooking in preparation for the holiday. A Monday truck finally showed up at nine last evening. One of my regulars chose not to come in, even though I had made special arrangements to work with him and a standing appointment. Then he called me and told me when he would be in. I told him it didn't matter, he could write his own paycheck! The only driver who asked for special consideration that held up his end of the bargain was Rueben. He had asked for Tuesday off with a promise to return no later than ten Tuesday night. He had the most reason to not hold up his end of the bargain. His mother died late last week. His request was granted open ended, but he was back by nine last evening.

Promising news from Mario. Maria appears to be waking from her coma. It has been a week since her open heart surgery. I have been getting brief messages from Mario on my answering machine updating her situation. Late last evening I took a call informing me of the improvements. Thank YOU GOD!

It would appear winter has arrived! Our forecast is for cold cold with chance of a wintery mix. I am looking forward to Krl and the hounds coming back. The thermostat and I have been wrestling over what is comfortable, I am chilled and then I am hot. Krl had been toying with a cold before she left, I am hoping she picked up some antibiotics while she has been gone because I think I may have picked up the same bug!

FATHER I ask for patience and tolerance this day. Help me to think things through as I patch plans that have been trashed. I pray for safety for Krl and the hound boys and girls as they travel. I pray for my drivers as they face the elements of weather. I continue to pray for Hag, Lillie, Rene', Carol, Michelle, Aimee, Rusty and Kim's unborn baby, for Kristy's sister-in-law, and for Maria. I ask for YOUR intervention and healing for them all. I pray for R2D2, for all those lost and searching for YOU. I pray for our spiritual family. I ask that YOU surround us with YOU.