Wow! What a good night. I could use a do over in about twelve hours!

My Friday began with an early trip to the office. I spent a couple of hours there before I bailed out and headed to the house. I called Krl so she would have time to get ready and things began to fall into order. When we left the house the new hound was giving us her best what for! She doesn't like vehicles but would rather go with us than be left behind. The three older dogs just looked like they didn't want to hear her crying until we returned.

We did about two and a half hours of solid drive time, this was the first time for us to go west in about three months. It was interesting to see all the changes. It appears this portion of Texas is growing or else someone is willing to bet it will. Lots of new construction, and new businesses! We did conduct a little business, checked on a forklift that I put in the shop when we finished the last job that needed some repairs before being returned. I made contact with a gentleman that had been looking for a truck. I am not in that deal, just the messenger. I gave him the number to contact Rian. I believe there is some potential for a deal here. The gentleman knows the truck from it being on the jobsite and I would think it is priced right! We will see. We happened by the farm store where we ran into numerous patrons. They were all jovial and high spirited. A good crop and some serious potential for more will do that for you. We then went into the Gin office and I visited with the "B" man while Krl visited with Kristy! It was good to catch up. "B" and I talked business and some pricing he had requested. Two weeks ago he had called me told me what he needed. At that time I had inquired about the upcoming planting season and he had told me that they were pretty dry and needed a planting rain. In the last ten days they have had a pretty general two and a half inches! Looking good! I finally went in and visited briefly with Kristy. I needed to check the heartbeat of the community (and get a Claire report). Seems that not a lot has been happening out there. The biggest happening was when a pipe burst at Kristy's home when no one was there for about seven or eight hours! She had pics on her computer and it was a mess! I really believe that the only thing worse than water is smoke. While you still have the objects, they are forever altered! We were sorry to hear of this problem, that's not the way to go about getting new carpet and furniture. It took about a month for them to get everything back to normal. When we were leaving we ran into Chudje. (Whoojay). He was on the Harley. Henry is kind of the community's last "Rebel". And that is not rebel without a cause it would be rebel just be-cause. Henry has always been a friend over my time out there. He is beginning to plant cotton tomorrow. On our exit from the community we saw many planters moving in the fields. Time to begin the cycle again. The co-op business meeting is the twenty-eighth of May, when directors will be elected and the new board formed (the current president who has served nine years chose not to seek re-election so we will have a board that has a new look). The family fun day and barbecue is scheduled for June thirty. My last stop before leaving the compound was in the plant itself. The year round employees were hard at it with new machinery stacked around. They have much work to do over the next few months. I visited briefly with Frank and he seemed to be in good spirits. It was a good day to go through St. Lawrence.

When Krl and I left we were both quiet. I finally broke the silence and told her how much I had enjoyed seeing everyone. Quiet filled the vehicle again. Then I inserted the big "but" (not THE big "butt"). My next statement was, "But I am not ready to be back out there yet". I have found over the years that my mood cycles. One year my time is eagerly anticipated, the next year it might be filled with dread. I guess since the past season was the longest in eleven years (by far), I just need a little more recuperation. One other contributing factor is that Krl has a potential job. If this happens it will severely limit the time she could be out there. And after the company has pre-paid lease on the big travel trailer. Oh well. We do what we have to do.

Highlite of the trip was getting health reports. B. was off his oxygen and looking good. It has taken a couple of years but maybe his health is on an up cycle. I didn't see Lillie but reports I got were good. Lillie just got her a new car and late yesterday they were loading up and taking Daely (the granddaughter) to South Padre. Kristy's sister-in-law Jennifer is doing well. She lacks two more chemos and then a month of radiation but it looks good. We are thankful for all these good reports and look forward to more good news.

On the way home Krl and I stopped in a plant nursery. She was in "hog heaven" while I was in melt down! This is an annual ritual which is running a little late this year. Normally we go around her birthday but she was hobbling pretty bad about then. She brought home a load of plants! Three quick stops in Roscoe (the Shell, Chris' auto supply, and Memama's) and then we were home.

Saturday at the house. Actually I am already running behind. I had set a time frame, eight o'clock and I start the mower. I have had my tylenol, had my blood pressure med and had my flexium (for bone and joint ache). The only downside to my restful night was leg cramps. I finally got up just after midnight and drank a quart of pickle juice and was able to sleep the rest of the night without incident, but man are my legs sore! I need to get the yard done before it gets hot! 98 the predicted high today.

Hope all have a good weekend!

FATHER I thank YOU for the good day Friday. I thank YOU for the safe travel and the opportunity to see friends. I am thankful for the good health reports and I ask for YOUR continued miracle of healing for those in need of it. I am thankful for the promising crop year. Thank YOU for the recent rains. I ask YOUR continued blessing of gentle and timely rains for those is Roscoe, St. Lawrence, Coyonosa, and Farwell. I ask that YOU bless my friends and family with a bountiful harvest. FATHER, YOU are good. I am thankful for the good nights rest. I continue to ask YOUR healing for me and for Krl. Lift us, in spirit and in body. I continue to pray for Memama, for Pepa, for Ol, for Hag, for B., for Lillie, for Carol, for Michelle, for Aimee, for Jennifer, for Tori, for Ashlyn Kate, for Tj, Anna, Jess, those continuing their recovery from the accident, for Dr. Mackie, for Yaenga, and for Jeanine. I ask YOUR blessings and healing for them all. I ask YOUR comfort for those who are grieving from loss. Fill their void with YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and for our leaders. I pray for the effort being made to expand YOUR kingdom, especially team Salvador and the Porter's group. FATHER, I am thankful for the hope and promise I have in Jesus. Bless-ed be YOUR name!