Krl and I got about three quarters of what we needed to do, done yesterday. The part we did was the time sensitive stuff, mailing all the 1099's and W-2's, IRS 940. It only took two trips (thirty-two miles each) to the post office to get it all in. Bah humbug. I really dislike all of the reporting. I don't know if it is just because we ran later than usual or if it was because we had more volume, but it was a thrash this year. Oh well.

I am minutes away from finishing loading supplies. Once I got back from the post office I got busy in earnest. I think I was ready to do some physical labor because my mind was spent. Everything is palletized. All that is left is to load it up and strap it down. Then we get to the bed of my pickup. It is amazing how much you can accumulate in the work season out here. I think everyone puts something in there for future us with you as the custodian of their prized possession that is too valuable to discard. I will get to that and hopefully hook up to the Nomad, if it is not snowy or icy.

My mind is changing gears. I find that I am anxious to get to the house. I am excited for Christmas. We have lots to do before February 12. It will be fun.

One of the (soon to be six year old) granddaughters recently told her Meme she wanted a particular pair of shoes for Christmas. They are Nike, I have seen them, and they cost a hundred dollars. Break it down per each and it is not much better.

I awoke this morning thinking of shoes and wondering if I was just dense growing up. I can remember making the annual pre-school trek to Cowan's shoe store to buy shoes. We were allotted one pair and they were required to last the entire school year. Better get a little growing room! Cowan's had a machine that really was a hit with all the kids. As a child it looked like it took x-rays of your shoes with your feet inside to inspect the fit. As a grownup I think it was just a very very bright light with a shaded protective lens to protect the eyes. My shoe of choice was the PF Flyer. "Run Faster, jump higher!" Michael Jordan could have been great! They were black high top tennis shoes with white edging around the rubber sole. Actually there are impostors making a comeback in the stylish circles. I see many celebrities wearing them now. Later came the choice of low top, junior high saw the introduction of Hush Puppie slip ons. My question now is how these stylish yet functional shoes would compare price wise to the ones requested in the prior paragraph. Dollar value then and now, cost then and now. Did my parents wake up thinking about shoes? Did they detest the PF Flyers? Were they tempted to write a blog about them. Nah, I don't think so. Otherwise we are going to have a talk. Could of had money! Ha!

We are in kick back mode today. We are going to work but we are going to move at our own pace. We have left the pressure cooker!

FATHER, please bless this day. Please allow Krl and I to be productive. Help me to patient, to think things through. Let my light shine. I ask YOUR blessing on Hag, B., Lillie, Rene', Carol, Michelle, Aimee, Rusty and Kim's baby, Jennifer, and those who have suffered injuries. I ask YOUR healing for them all. I continue to ask YOUR blessings and comfort for those who have suffered loss. FATHER I ask YOUR guidance for TJ and ET as YOU have presented them with a crossroad. Help them to understand that everything happens for a reason and that they need to have faith that YOUR plan is unfolding for them as YOU intend. I pray for those searching for meaning and purpose, draw them to YOU. I pray for our spiritual family, for our leaders. LORD lead me on, use me as YOU'd want me to, YOU are my rock, YOU are my spirit, YOU are my king!