Well, I am doing that flip thing. I had a long day yesterday, came home to get a little rest and then left for the metroplex at four something. But I am not complaining, I don't mind finishing up my day once and a while when businesses and offices are open.

KO and I had a long day yesterday. Actually his was much longer than mine but only because he officially started it earlier. He went to the metroplex with a three AM. delivery and when he hit Abilene I met him with his pickup and the service trailer. We did twelve hours of floor and tire repair on the trailer fleet. We had one guy who had run off the road with a trailer, clipped a sign, ruined two tires and a wheel and I don't know what all he did to his truck. When he called in he was shaken but had a little different version than what actually had happened. We took all the evidence and filtered the fact from the fiction and today we found the spot where it had happened. The man is very very lucky. #1 that he didn't turn over and #2 that he didn't run another eight or ten feet wider because he would have jumped a small ravine and hit the other side head on. It would appear that the cosmetic damage on this trailer is going to be expensive to repair. Better call the insurance adjuster.

KO had a two AM. delivery this morning and then we met to take an eight-thirty for him and a nine-thirty for me. I was doing a shake down run on a new engine. It is an older truck but it is fun to drive. I took the lead and let KO chase me with his big truck. It kept him awake. When we returned to Abilene I looked like the Pied Piper, I had a whole litter of Obti trucks following me!

What we have gone through in the last twenty-four hours is uncalled for. The bottler in the metroplex has ordered more cans than they can fill. Yesterday was a record since we have been transferring cans between the can manufacturer and them and the bottler has had major production problems. It almost looks like they know where they need to be and order cans accordingly hoping to put so much stress on the can manufacturer or the trucking company that someone else will yell calf rope before they do and then they won't get in trouble with upper management because "they did order the cans". Politics. But thankfully we held our poker face until the bottling facility flinched! They have cans everywhere! They have already added Saturday and today there was talk that they might add Sunday. Go figure!

Kat is becoming Meme's regular sidekick! It has been a lot of fun because usually in addition to her we get to see not only Trc but Ellen as well. Ellen has been doing some private volleyball lessons this week. Kat is coming over to do the pool deal again today! I don't know of two sweeter kiddos than Kat and Elle.

Well, I have errands to run and maybe I will have opportunity to get a nap. I have been told that if I want tomorrow off I can have it. This would give me a four day weekend and it would also make it a cinch to get to everything done I need to do, but I am still mulling it over. Krl and I are probably going to Lubbock one day next week. If I can get everything filed here by tomorrow and then go up there for a meeting, we can complete filing the papers up there. We might even have to do a police lineup there. Neat! Hopefully we can also get by to visit R. St. Claire.

FATHER, thank YOU for work that we can see results. I continue to petition YOU to strike down the infidels, take them to their knees. I thank YOU for safe travel today. I ask for rest and relaxation. I continue to pray for Krl and her healing. I pray for Memama, Pepa, Hag, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Jess, Dr. Mackie, and Jeanine. I ask YOUR care and healing for all of them. I pray for those sad with grief. I pray for those of us who struggle as we follow YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I ask YOUR blessings on the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. Higher Ground.

Another night already in the books.

Yesterday was really a good day! Got an early start, stayed with it and by four o'clock I was done. I got home and immediately addressed a maintenance problem. Krl had called me and told me that the garbage disposal had gone out. I did a quick assessment and determined that it wasn't out yet, it was locked down. I disconnected the power supply and went to work, got it freed up and put the power back to it and it ran, but sounded like I should have run. I got to flipping it on and off and finally it spit a dime out and then locked down again. I repeated the process and got it freed again. Krl reached into it after I disconnected the power and when she withdrew her hand she had a beat up quarter. Thirty-five cents. I may have a money maker here. Thing is I would rather do without the change and avoid the problem. We still haven't determined how the money got down the drain.

Kat came over to swim. +e was out of pocket so she will be mad. Kat is a card, but you can tell she is the baby. Pouty and whining. Always trying to bend the rules. Meme looks like a fabricator shaping new guidelines continuously. Dandy stays in trouble most of the time because I will aggravate and pick at Kat. I got in trouble last night because when we were eating supper she was chowing down on the Bush beans and telling us how she loves them. I asked her if she was a "beanie baby" and I was in the doghouse again. Thankfully I didn't voice "biscuit babe" out loud. I think Meme is more sensitive about Kat's eating habits than Kat is. Funny thing is when Trc and Ellen came to pick Kat up Trc was solidly in Dandy's camp.

The lines continue to be drawn in the ingrate infidel saga. I did make good on a standing proposal yesterday. I knew it would be rejected but I carried through so it couldn't be thrown up in my face. I will let them draw the lines and then I will color the picture for them. I didn't think I would ever want anyone to have to live the last few years of my life but I am finding myself rethinking that. In some instances (and this may well be one) it might be very instructional. They have always told me they can't imagine (and this is evident) so all I am going to say is what goes around comes around. I have requested some borrowed items back and I have not received a reply. If these don't show up by July 1, I have an appointment to swear out a complaint and an arrest warrant will be issued. Golly, I bet that would look bad on a resume! Oh well, the best learned lessons are also the hardest.

The Fourth of July melee continues. I cannot understand our core customer. I realize they are having some production problems but this is nutz. Yesterday they were canceling some loads while adding Saturday. This will be three weeks in a row for some of our drivers to work Saturday. I think everyone will be glad when the fourth of July is behind us.

FATHER, thank YOU for the tremendous week, for the productivity, for the safety, for the continued work. I continue to ask that YOU strike down the infidels. I continue to ask YOUR healing for Krl. I lift up Memama, Pepa, Hag, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Jess, Dr. Mackie, and Jeanine for YOUR healing. I ask comfort for those that are hurting from loss. I pray for those of us who battle to follow YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders as well as the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. How majestic is YOUR name.

Anticipation.

Eager anticipation.

I think I may have finally caught up on my sleep. Over the weekend I did some serious catching up! I think if I cut loose I could have my week done by Wednesday noon. Biggest problem is that many of the businesses and people I interact with are not open when I want to do business.

Duh! People are just no darn good! Episode twenty-one. Received a call yesterday from our core customer. We had a load deliver to their Abilene warehouse that was short. This was a new driver and he had made an Abilene, Fort Worth, Waco circle. The call came from a dock inventory controller, the load had arrived over the weekend but was not to the dock until this morning. We laughed at the office that maybe the new driver thought this was like Blue Bell, eat (or in this case drink) all you can and sell the rest. The customer was telling us that we would be invoiced for a pallet of soft drink. A pallet! We called the director of transportation at the Abilene facility and asked what we were supposed to do. He was short. Load count is the driver's responsibility. We explained that the loading facility in Waco does not allow drivers on the docks and that the guard at the guard shack does a count and seals the trailer and the hustle and bustle of the traffic does not allow the time or space for our drivers to check the count before the guard moves on. We were told that it was our problem to figure out a suitable process to remedy this situation. We called the dock office at Waco and left a message, asking them to return our call at their earliest convenience. Of course in a situation like this insurance is not in play because this was not damage, basically it was a dispute in count with us in the middle with empty pockets. In a few minutes the phone rang and it was the same dock inventory controller from Abilene, he made some quick chit chat before revealing his real reason for the call. While the load in question was one pallet short, it had been brought to his attention that the pallets on this load were new larger pallets and that the total product count was good, so never mind! Just about the same time the Waco dock office returned our call and we let them know what was going on. They laughed at the count problem and said it wasn't the first one since they had begun working in the new larger pallets. We discussed the "no access" problem that prevents our drivers from being able to do a load count and they told us to have the drivers mark the paperwork SLC (shipper load count) and that as long as the trailers were sealed by their personnel and the trailer seal is intact when it delivers, any discrepancy in count is the shipper's responsibility. And now you know the rest of the story and one more chapter of people are just no darn good!

Krl and I are trying to put together some plans. She is antsy. This weekend is our anniversary so we will probably do something! I think we will get a divorce and just live together. HOT! That ought to stir things up! Actually that would probably be pretty tame compared to some of the things we have discussed! I think I am up enough on my work that I can take some time off to do things we need to do and more importantly want to do. I think I have almost a week in comp time built up!

I am getting frustrated with the insurance situation at work. The forms have been turned in to elect to enroll or not and now they are just sitting. Come on guys, we need to move on this! Typical hurry up and wait.

Kat is coming over today. Krl was wondering about +e, I don't know if she talked with Kali or not. We aren't sure if +e is even in town. It sounds like a party! Fillies, swimming pool and the hot Texas sun.

FATHER, strike down the infidels! Take this day and super size it! I continue to lift up Krl for YOUR healing. I continue to ask for YOUR gifts of healing and care for those near and dear who are in need. I pray for those who are sad and heavy hearted with grief. I pray for those of us who stumble in our walk with YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I ask YOUR blessings on the efforts to expand YOUR kingdom. Holy.

I slept like a rock! Excellent.

I attended the family church service at the reunion and then I slipped out and went to the house. I spent my afternoon laying on the love seat and watching NASCAR as I dozed on and off. It was a good afternoon.

I do find myself refreshed and looking forward to the day and week. I suppose it is because I love a challenge. If I can do anything I can put a program together and see it through. The upside of this one is that I don't have to drag baggage along that isn't in it for the long term. There are a few equipment deficiencies but I like my equipment problems better than the people who wimped out. Now they have a problem! Add to that their reputation for selling used stuff and I don't think I would recommend buying from them. You would probably end up with a water leak and cooling that didn't work! Capital gain tax will eat 'em up!

I do have lots of backed up things to do at the office. It is manageable and I will be glad to get my laptop back. I wasn't really comfortable working at someone else's desk.

FATHER thanks YOU for the refreshing weekend. I thank YOU for the rest. I continue to ask that YOU banquish the infidels. I pray for Krl's healing, I pray for those near and dear who are in need of YOUR many gifts of healing. I pray for those sad with grief. I pray for those of use who struggle in our walk with you. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for success in the efforts to expand YOUR kingdom. Glory and honor!

Yeehaw!

I hurt all over. I hadn't realized how much I have aged, but after playing eighteen holes of golf yesterday (for the first time in over four years) I find all my joints arguing with my every move. The game was feast or famine. Oh well, it is just a game. (And don't forget it!).

I came back to the house and got about a forty-five minute nap before heading to the family reunion. We got there in time to sample what was left of the meal. Of course the caterer didn't prepare enough food, so they were scrambling for alternate fare for the last six or seven of us. It didn't improve. Frances had a word with the staff about the noon meal today. I don't think I will ever forget the cold cut buffet last year that cost twelve dollars a plate.

It was a long auction. Three hours plus. I was sure ready to sit down when it was over. $2425.50 was the total. Not a record but not bad by any means. Raffle tickets continue to be sold for the quilt. After today's family business meeting they will have the drawing for it.

A man has to do what a man has to do. And I have and did and do. Lots of decisions are difficult. I have made some this weekend that have been extremely hard, but don't ever back me in a corner. I suppose I have decided to look at things from other people's perspective and "do what they would do" and look out for #1. I'm not making any of these decisions to be mean or spiteful, I am just tired of the crapola and would rather distance myself than repeatedly get stepped on. Don't try to dictate to me and expect me to smile, especially if it concerns my livelihood. The most dangerous animal is a wounded one. I may have gotten hacked initially but don't expect me to stand there while you try to enforce more and more of your stupid choices on me. Funny thing last night, this person was still telling me he was in the driver's seat until I told him fine, x me out and send me a refund! I may be down, but not out. I really feel that this person has tried to handcuff me. Anyhow lots of changes in the works. I can live with the decisions I have made and with the defenses put in place that I feel are necessary. I just got tired of the cumulative total of years and years of crap and the crap meter crapped out! Ding ding, we have a winner! Me! (And I play for keeps, references available on request).

I am considering making some changes to this blog. Mainly I have thoughts that I may make it private, requiring secured entry to get to it. This is a possibility to keep the undesirables away. I will try to give everyone a heads up but if all the sudden it says this blog is private contact me at the cox.net e-mail addie.

FATHER, lift up YOUR mighty hand and strike down the infidels. Already YOUR power is being evidenced as these people begin to self destruct. Thank YOU for the day yesterday, for the visits at the reunion, for the success of the auction. I ask for safe travel as the reunion concludes and aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters go their own way home. FATHER I continue to pray for Krl and her healing. Restore her. I pray for Memama, Pepa, Hag, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Dr. Mackie, and Jeanine. I ask YOUR care and healing for them. I pray for those saddened with grief. I pray for their comfort. I pray especially for Rene's family, Billie, Otis, Lacy and Nathan. FATHER they still hurt as we all do and the last few days have been difficult firsts for them. I am thankful for the memories, especially from last years reunion as Rene' began her final battle with disease before YOU took her home. I pray for those of us who struggle as we try to follow YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. YOU know the plans YOU have for me!

Take this week and shove it!

I don't know if that would help anything because I would have to determine a place to shove it, but oh do we have a lot of candidates and orifices that would be in contention!

I repeat from my previous blog, (for the most part) people are just no darn good. What should have been a really laid back boring day turned out to go on and on and came alive with miscues and problems. Some of the people who have been our poster people for reliability and dedication were anything but that.

I had my eight hours in by three. There were just a few odds and ends to tie up before I left the office for the day and week. I had two drivers I could not reach. One was delivering to San Antonio early Friday, the other was having his truck serviced and washed. The first I needed to be sure delivered, the second I needed to give his weekend pickup schedule for a delivery to Durango, Colorado Monday morning. I finally put together enough phone numbers, comchek sequences, load numbers, and baloney info that I felt I could leave the office, go by our core customer to inventory trailers and give trailer numbers to go with load numbers for the customer to load during the night. When I walked into the dock office it was simply to drop off a few numbers, we were sizing everything up and almost had it all on paper when the dock foreman had a funny look on his face.
"You have a Lubbock load that never picked up today", he said.
"Do what?", I asked.
More investigation revealed that yes there was a load still staged on their dock. They had been so busy all day that they had not noticed it until they looked at our company dispatch log. Turns out a driver that usually drives us up the wall didn't drive anything anywhere Friday. Says he didn't know. Stupidity is no excuse for being dumb! I should have wondered about him instead of just thinking it was nice to not have him calling and tattling about everyone else. He wasn't happy but he is doing an early Saturday delivery to Lubbock. Yep. Doing that split weekend deal. Friday and Sunday. If you live by the sword you die by the sword.

It took me three tries coming home and until eight o'clock before I was in for the evening. Ollie and Kenny changed their plans for the umpteenth time, so we are withdrawing our offer of accommodations for them. Now and in the future. I detest people who can't make a plan and keep to it. Rian came by the house as I made one of my quick treks (my first try at coming home). He is so full of himself I just don't enjoy or want to be around him right now, even though I would love to see Reid. In fact I told Rian to make alternate arrangements to get to the golf course in the morning. I am carrying through with my personal plan, I am going to Skillet's for breakfast buffet (at least I know the company for the meal will be good), then I am running to the office and finally I will end up (maybe) at the golf course.

Talk about a thrash, Krl and I were looking all over for my golfing gear. I have not played one single hole in four years and ten days. The other son-in-law (the first one, who I hoped was THE son I never had) kept my clubs for a year or two. He finally left them in the travel bag in the garage. I did a quick inventory and it didn't take a genius to figure out why he had brought them back. He wanted me to reload. No tees, no balls, no gloves, no towel. Nothing! I hate to make uninformed decisions. When I buy golf balls it is like buying stocks. I am not spending money I cannot afford to lose. Anyhow, my bag is restocked. The mood I am in I wonder if they have a monster truck golf cart I could rent............. I'd better get there early.

Krl and I were talking last evening about the feeling that we need to pull in our circle. I am all for it! Actually this has been the best time for Krl and I in the past. No outside interference, just people you can count on, us. It was really interesting to hear Krl voice what I had thought for some time. I would love to just walk away, and disappear. Poof!

FATHER, I need the weekend. I need relief. I need deliverance from idiots. I need to insulate myself. FATHER I pray for Krl and her healing. I pray for those near and dear who are in need of healing. I pray for those sad with grief. I pray for those of us who struggle in our efforts to follow YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts to expand YOUR kingdom. Sweet retreat.

I am in a pissy mood. Once again I am at the office alone. Not only am I trying to do my usual work, I am booking, scheduling appointments, posting loads, faxing, researching and it seems like a million other things. I hate the telephone. Then I get a personal phone call in the middle of all of the work.

"Hey, what are you doing?", they ask.
"I am working my butt off", I reply.
"Well, you know that business deal we were working on?"
"Yes," I reply.
They say, "Well, I have good news and I have bad news."

I am still trying to filter through all the hooey to find where there is any good news that might pertain to me. Are people that insensitive or are they just stupid and don't think about what they are saying. This other person is a regular reader of this blog but I don't care. Maybe they need a hard dose of reality. This is a person who has ridden on my coat tails for the last couple of years, made a little money and put themselves in a solid equity position in a lot of equipment. I have already heard the hooey about what I can expect this next fall and I am bumfuzzled, saying "do what?" With two exceptions, any errand I sent this person on this last year was benefiting himself or his equipment. This is a person who has had a buy out guarantee arrangement. Did I charge for the late night excursions for parts and all night repair sessions. No. I didn't. Nor will I. Nor will history repeat itself. Better get a shop locator and a used equipment salesman! I don't need this crap!

"I have good news and I have bad news." You figure it out.

I hate people that coach from the grand stands.
I hate people that backseat drive.
I hate men who are experts yet have never lived the risks or had to make the decisions.
Most of all I detest men that wouldn't make a wart on a real man's backside!

What has happened to men that you can count on?
What has happened to one good turn deserves another?
What has happened to integrity and men of their word?
What has happened to men of honor?
What has happened to men of vision?
What has happened to men of leadership?

I don't know, but I plan to find out. I don't guess I have done a very good job of leading by example, but I will. I plan on taking back what was once sacred ground.

Woe be to those who get in my way.

Fifteen hours later and I am still in a pissy mood.

I guess I am now in command. It will be a really really long day. With the exception of two trucks and two drivers who want to work tomorrow, everyone is dispatched for the day. Our core customer is still crying for more equipment so every truck and every trailer could work through the weekend but the drivers for the most part want time off. This is understandable. We are fully in the build up to the fourth of July weekend. The owners of the business will return Sunday afternoon. My day will really be interesting in the office. Rumor had it they were taking my laptop to San Antonio.

Lots of changes in reunion plans late yesterday. I am beginning to dread it. Baloney. I find I am getting protective of my weekend. Hide the cars, lock the doors and turn off the lights!

FATHER, work YOUR plan. YOU are the GOD, the one and only, mighty and powerful. With YOUR help and blessings I will strike down the infidels. FATHER I pray for those near and dear who are in need of YOUR healing gifts. I pray for comfort for those sad with grief. I pray for those of us who struggle while following YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts to expand YOUR kingdom. Mighty GOD are YOU!

Baloney.

And that is all I have to say about that.

Wednesday was long and boring. Today doesn't hold much more promise, Friday even less. People just aren't any darn good! (For the most part).

The business owners are leaving today. They are attending a Carrier Capacity meeting with our core customer. The meeting is taking place tomorrow in San Antonio. We are located near Abilene, the customer's main man is located in Fort Worth. He is flying to San Antonio for the meeting. Go figure. The only winners in this deal are the kids. They are getting to go to Sea World.

I have a bunch of comparison hooey to put together prior to their leaving. I am really wondering what we are going to do with more lanes to cover when our current lanes are filled with excess loads. I guess they are looking for better lanes.

A few people should begin arriving late today for the family reunion in Abilene. Tomorrow is when the real onslaught will begin. Tomorrow night is the Mexican domino tournament. It will go all through the night until a champion is crowned. Saturday morning is the family golf scramble. I think there are twenty-one of us scheduled to tee off at Tangle Oaks Saturday morning. The annual auction (which I am running) is Saturday afternoon followed by the furnished Saturday meal and then Sunday morning family church service followed by the annual business meeting and another furnished meal and everyone leaves.

Ollie and Kenny are meeting at our house Friday afternoon. Kenny has been in the metroplex, Merrit is coming from Lubbock, they are staying with us for the family reunion. Kenny is going to go golfing with Rian and me. I guess this will be his first test, whether he can carry our team or not.

Kat has spent the last two afternoons at the house with Meme. Yesterday she was printing pictures and articles about the White House. I gave her a quick verbal test. What color is the White House? What color is the Blue Room? What nationality are the people for whom the china room is named? (O.K. I fudged on that one). And then the regular Big D and Bubba entries. How many drinks in a six pack?? And what does a store owner keep in his cash register? She actually did much better than many of the people they call on their radio show! I think she and Meme are ready to christen the pool. I can't believe no one has been in it yet. Of course +e hasn't been here lately. She wanted in it in April.

Well, the rest of my week may be trying. It all depends how well the scheduling is laid out for today and tomorrow. I overheard one conversation yesterday about there were going to be very detailed instructions before they left. I sure hope so. I know there were several maintenance issues that needed to be resolved yesterday and the owner didn't remedy a single one. He has been on a do nothing binge the last couple of days, and as usual this is what does him in. I have preached to him over and over that you must be pro-active not re-active. Oh well.

FATHER, we have our work cut out for us. Take control. FATHER I ask safe passage for all those traveling to and from the family reunion this weekend. I pray for those in need of YOUR gifts of healing and care. I pray for those saddened by grief. I pray for those of us who struggle to follow YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. Where YOU lead I will follow.

Pphhfffssstt. I am tired. After I left the office mid afternoon yesterday I made my scheduled trip, logged almost three hundred fifty miles, visited, ate barbecue, and toured the country around St. Lawrence looking at the crops. Looking good! While there is a pretty broad range of cotton, it is the best overall crop I have seen out there in eleven years. The biggest cotton I saw was probably 12 to 15 inches tall and gorgeous. Virtually all the cotton is big enough that when you look across the field it is a field of green. When I went down CR 125 Mitchell and Jody have sunflowers shoulder high and already with flowers as large as saucers. I saw a couple of patches of milo that were knee high so they are way ahead of the curve.

Lots going on. Probably the two biggest pieces of news were that Darren (a former plant superintendent who farms and is now on the board) and Kim, his wife are expecting another baby. They are due in July. Avery, the big sister, is a two or three years old now (or maybe in between). The big question is whether this baby will be a Red Raider or an Aggie. I saw Lillie from a distance, she was looking good. It would appear that she has a hat collection going. I think she has completed her chemo and radiation treatments. The gin board election saw Nathan get re-elected. I was teasing him that the membership didn't think he was totally rehabilitated so they sentenced him to a couple more years. Sammy chose not to run again. He had served for nine years, the last few as president of the board of directors. Rory was elected to the place vacated by Sammy. I don't think this will have a big effect on the board, it just continues the tie to the Halfmann/Neihus clans that was present when Gary was serving. If anything it gives that north CR 125 over representation with Jody and Rory both on the board. Oh well, they can car pool to the meetings.

The biggest news was the possibility of Frankie, the plant superintendent leaving. One of the former Plant Supers that is now a manager for a new facility in Dumas has made a really solid run at Frankie to move up there. Leighton, who was plant superintendent after Darren and before Milton, has been talking to Frankie for a couple of months tweaking on a deal. Finally last week Frankie told B.J. that he was going to give his notice. Of course this was a shock to everyone because they were not aware Frankie was looking or that he was not satisfied. The board held an emergency meeting with him and offered a counter offer yesterday afternoon. It isn't quite a level playing field because Dumas has been working on their deal for two months while the counter offer has just been aware of the developments for a five days. I visited with Frankie and sat with him and his family at the meal last evening. He was putting away the Bud Light and already wrestling with his choices. I think if the offers are comparable he will stay, but if they aren't he and Nancy will begin their packing. Regardless, this will not be the last time he is asked to dance. Whether he is in St. Lawrence or in Dumas if he wants to chase the big bucks the possibilities will always be there. I do feel though that at some point the dollars will become secondary. Without a doubt, the co-op is getting quite the reputation for developing plant superintendents and then other co-ops raiding them. The growing field. I would love to see Frankie stay but I am being selfish. I want Frankie to do what he thinks is best for him and his family.

When I crawled into bed early this morning it was two o'clock. I sure didn't want to come in to work this morning but I did. That is the kind of guy I am. Loyal and trainable. Rats!

Well, the new hound is not working out very well. She is hard headed and sure doesn't understand the sharing aspect of communal living.. Krl was frustrated with her yesterday and I was frustrated with her this morning. I have gone too long without accidents to have to train a new hound. All of the others were trained in a day. She is behind the learning curve. Before I left the house I put her in the back yard where she was telling the neighborhood about it. I showed her the broom and she shut up. She is a sweet hound but she may not be a fit.

FATHER, please lift me and carry me though this day. I am tired. I am thankful for the safe trip yesterday, I am thankful for the good reports and the high spirits of the community. I pray that YOU will continue to bless their efforts. I continue to ask YOU for gentle timely rains for their crops. I ask that YOU be with Frankie as he makes his decision. Help him to weigh all the possibilities and to be comfortable with his choice. FATHER I pray for Krl and her healing. I pray for all those who are near and dear who are in need of YOUR healing. I pray for those sad with grief. I pray for those of us who stumble as we try to follow YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts to expand YOUR kingdom. Praise be to YOU.

Patience and pace.

That's my story and I am stickin' to it!

Today is my annual trek westward. A day of renewal, a day of information, a day of laughter and of catching up. It will be a long day. Patience and pace.

I plan on leaving the office mid-afternoon for the two hour forty-five minute drive. (If I really whip on the S-10). Today is the annual membership meeting of the co-op at St. Lawrence and in a new twist, that meeting will be followed by the annual family fun day and barbecue! I can only imagine the men in the meeting looking toward the courtyard where some of the women will be keeping the iced down kegs company! It could be more than some men can take! There will be a catered meal followed by dominos for the older folk, playing on the playground for the kids, and then there is that niche that is old enough, but not old enough to know better. The last group will do their best to float the kegs.

I hope to get there early enough to take a leisurely drive through the countryside. The reports I have been receiving are phenomenal. They seem to think this crop is way ahead of last years crop. That is almost unimaginable. "Tex", one of the older stalwarts has always told me that one of these years they will wear my butt out and gin 125,000 to 150,000 bales. I plan on concluding my tour at The Hall just before the business meeting is over, find me a Diet Coke and play like a sponge and absorb all the info and enjoy a good meal. I figure by nine most of the people will be "relaxed" enough I can slip away un-noticed, and make the drive back to Abilene.
My goal is, my house by midnight!

Trc called me yesterday afternoon saying she couldn't get hold of Krl. She had been trying for hours. This concerned me so I began to call and finally got through to find out that the bug I fought all weekend had landed on Krl and she had been fighting a stomach virus all day. She finally unplugged the phone and laid back down.

When I arrived home I quickly found out why Trc had been calling. We had a new boarder in the house. Mystery. That is what Krl has named her. It seems that Lauren and Taylor were coming home from school (they are trying to get some courses out of the way this summer) and they ran across this dog. I don't know what flavor she is but you can tell she has been abused. She cowers at the slightest raised voice. Funny thing is, she went straight to Krl and began giving her kisses! Trc cannot believe how pets love her Mom. Lauren has this gift as well. To the best of my recollection the only dog who Krl can't cast her spell on is the dog behind us from H E double L. He is just mean. Maple Syrple sure doesn't like this development. She sure feels like someone is infringing upon her territory. How quickly we forget! Anyhow, the old hounds are excited about the new pup and are thrilled she isn't a midget! Shadow was really showing his age yesterday. He is really hurting. Krl gave him his bufferin but he can barely get around. He is a sweetie but it sure is hard watching him hurt.

I was looking around the internet newspaper sites yesterday and did a quick look at the Snyder Daily News. One of the headlines read "Alleged Cattle Rustler in Scurry County Jail". Leonard is in custody. He was arrested after he was found sleeping in a stolen car behind the truck stop on the north edge of San Angelo Sunday night. Lots of weird details were uncovered after his arrest. Lucky for Leonard he lives now instead of a hundred years ago or he would be swinging on the end of a rope right now. I am wondering if he is going to implicate Tricky Ricky just because he wants him as a cell mate. Sad deal. Reminds me of one of Rian's posts talking about failure. About selling out what you want in life for what you want at one particular moment. Living for the moment versus long term gain.

FATHER, thank YOU for the day yesterday and YOUR walking me through it. I pray for a good day, a safe day and I ask for safe travel. I look forward to seeing my many friends in the St. Lawrence area and ask for a blessed evening with them. FATHER the reports I have received say that YOU have blessed them with a wonderful start to a new crop. I pray that YOU will continue to bless them with gentle timely rains as well as for my friends and family in Roscoe, Coyonosa and the Gulf Coastal Plains. FATHER I pray that YOU will bless them all with bountiful harvests and that they will be good stewards of YOUR earth. FATHER I pray that we may all be uplifted as we once again witness YOUR miracle of nature from planting to harvest. FATHER I pray that the news will be good this evening, that hearts will be light and joyful. I thank YOU for the opportunities, for work and friendships that YOU have helped me to mold over the years and I pray that these will continue into the future. I pray for Et in his new job, that it will be rewarding and fulfilling to him. FATHER I continue to pray for Krl's healing and renewal. I pray for Memama, Pepa, Ol, Hag, B., Lillie, Michelle, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Tj, Anna, Jess, those continuing their recoveries, Dr. Mackie, Yaenga, and Jeanine. I pray for those who are heavy hearted with grief and in need of YOUR comfort. I pray for those of us who struggle in our walk with YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the success of the efforts being made to expand YOU kingdom. Love lifted me!

I am going to kill my Monday with kindness.

It hasn't worked to dread them, or to rush them, so my Monday isn't going to know what hit it! Kind of like the proverbial fan!

I arrived at work this morning later than normal. Lately I have been staying consistently over my eight hours so I have backed off getting to the office "super" early. It was only seven-forty-five this morning and for the first time ever, the owner and his wife were already at their desks. I wonder if they thought I might bring breakfast casserole for them today.

Immediately I was hit with multiple duties, very little which has to do with the trucking business. I have drafted a newspaper ad for help at the drive-in, I have done some service comparison shopping, and I have even looked at the lawnmower to see what its problem might be. My day has already been exposed to a lot of variety! Bring it on Monday, give it your best shot!

FATHER, with YOU all things are possible, all problems are conquerable. YOU reign supreme! Thank YOU for never letting me down. I continue to lift up Krl and all those near and dear who are in need of YOUR healing. I pray for those who are sad with grief. I pray for those of us who struggle in our attempt to follow YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for success for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. Reign in me.

I feel rotten.

Yesterday I got up spent some alone time in and out of the house. Spent about three hours piddling with the pool and other assorted odds and ends. I am very talented at rambling. I even took a couple of phone calls. I finally sat down in my recliner and Krl came through. She reached down and touched my head and asked if I was going to Petsmart and the grocery store with her. Before I could answer she did a double take and backed up to feel my forehead. "You've got fever", she exclaimed. I told her I didn't feel bad, just a little tired. She told me to get a snoozer before we ran errands. When she was ready to go I got up, quickly changed clothes and made our way out the door. After just a little activity I began to think her diagnosis was correct. By the time we got home and unloaded everything I was feeling yukky! So, she fed me the tylenol, aspirin, alternating fever regiment. I was told that rather than grilling supper it was soup and possibly "grill"ed cheeses (but the "grilling" is not the same!). Finally I just moved on to the bedroom, read a little and then I was committed because Maple Syrple had already cuddled against the back of my legs and was entering sleep mode.

I woke early and tossed and turned before I finally moved into the living room. Currently I am trying to decided is I feel like going to church and SS. If I go and afflict the masses they could think it was a cult deal. Hmmmm. To go or not to go. One hour to make the decision. If I don't go today it will be three weeks before we have a break in our family reunion schedule.

Hope your day and weekend are good.

FATHER, work YOUR magic, work YOUR plan. I pray for rest and renewal, quickly and completely. I pray for Krl and her healing. I pray for Memama, Pepa, Ol, Hag, B., Lillie, Michelle, Aimee, Jennifer, Tj, Anna, Jess, Ashlyn Kate, those continuing their recovery from their injuries from the accident, Dr. Mackie, Yaenga, and Jeanine. I ask YOUR gifts of healing for them all. I pray for comfort for those who are sad with grief. I pray for strength and resolve for those of us who struggle as we try to follow YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. Thank YOU LORD, for loving me.

Yeehaw! A weekend. I have things I could do. But I'm not. There is a meeting later this morning that I had thought I might attend but forget that!

My week actually ended on a high note. I prepared myself to have to make the trek to the metroplex. Grabbed my cooler, filled it with Diet Coke, looked through the fridge for any left- overs that might make a good meal on the go, didn't find any so I decided on a couple of packages of peanut butter crackers. When I made my way to the office I was alone until almost nine o'clock. If I was supposed to be in the metroplex by eleven I was late. I continually answered the phone expecting the owner or his wife to pick up the extension in their house, but that didn't happen. Finally I saw Debbie making her way across the yard. Luckily, when she arrived she told me that she covered the eleven load with another truck so the only thing to decide was who was going to make the delivery at one. Slowly things began to fall in place and I was off the hook. (I now know the elation a fish feels when it gets away.) I felt so lucky I bought lottery tickets!

I got home and Krl was dressed to the nines! Date night! We went to Abuello's pretty early and avoided the crowd. We were enjoying a pleasant evening when my cell phone toned. I looked at the number and slipped it back in my pocket. Then it rang again, same result. Then it rang a third time. Krl told me to take the call. I did and told them in the first exchange that Krl and I were out on a date night and food was on the table. Duh, as if it made a difference to them. I kept trying to get off the phone, they kept wanting to talk. Hey, its the weekend, we'll talk tomorrow! By this time Krl was miffed! Once I was off the phone Krl and I were discussing the call and the phone rang again. Same caller. This was too much. Krl summoned the waitress and got "to go boxes" to take our meals home. I think I am going to send the caller a bill for the evening. I didn't call during their anniversary dinner.

Once Krl and I arrived home we changed into grubby clothes and she began watering flowers and I worked some on the pool. Krl is wanting some stuff done so she can have the peewees over and I think that would be good medicine.

When I finally got to bed it was fifteen till midnight. I stayed in bed until seven this morning, a modern day record! I wasn't asleep but I did stay in bed. Actually it was battle of "wills". Maple Syrple, the newest hound, wanted me to get up so she could have my place. Heh, heh! I wasn't being ugly I was just being sure we know the pecking order in this house! Anyhow, I finally got up, went outside, checked the pool decided to add more water and now I am back in for a while.

Oh FATHER, bless me with YOUR healing and renewal. I am spent, but I am thankful YOU made sure I had just enough "umph" to make it through. I pray for Krl. I ask for relief for her. I lift up Memama, Pepa, Ol, Hag, B., Lillie, Michelle, Aimee, Ashlyn Kate, Jennifer, those continuing their recovery from the accident, Tj, Anna, Jess, Dr. Mackie, Yaenga, and Jeanine for YOUR many gifts of healing and comfort. I pray for those who are sad with loss and I ask YOUR comfort for them. I pray for those of us who struggle in our walk with YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders and I pray for success in the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. Greater are YOU who is in me!

One year ago today this is what I wrote:

Thursday, June 17, 2004

Thursday 6/17 second edition!Krl has had a couple of promising job possibilities! We have been very excited about them. One of them puts her back in her old field. Both of them present very good benefits! We need benefits! Today the one that was most promising kind of had a down turn. Pray that Krl will be put where GOD wants her to be in this job search! Expand us FATHER!
posted by d at 3:28 PM 0 comments

I am somewhat refreshed after the day off but find myself wanting another day off. It was quite enjoyable. The only thing I did was go to the pharmacy, twice. I have decided pharmaceutical companies are satan's spin off! But that is another story!

For the past ten years I have had a job contract in St. Lawrence, Texas every Fall. This is not an incorporated city or town it is just a very small community located in the middle of fertile crop land and iron horses pumping Texas gold to the surface. There are two establishments that are at the center of this community. The St. Lawrence Catholic Church and the Glasscock County Co-op. I am not a seasonal Catholic so you can safely surmise my work is with the Co-op. When you are driving down FM 2401 you feel quite confident that you could not gather twenty-five people in the total radius of area that you can see. That confidence would be wrong. The Church can open its doors and people come out of the woodwork! The Co-op can schedule a gathering at the Church Hall and you may have five or six hundred people. This community is a mix of Germans, Pols, Slovs, Bohemians, and Chechs. I have met several older residents who can speak four or five languages fluently. Just a few years ago there was a convenience store, Ronda's Quick Stop that had a grill and it was the gathering point on a daily basis, but it has been gone for a couple of years. I will never fully understand why it didn't make it. I figured with the beer sales alone it would be a thriving entity, mass quantities of alcohol are consumed, I guess it is the heritage! Add in the seven dollar hamburger lunches and this should have been a solvent business. Three partners couldn't see things eye to eye and it closed.

I remember the first community function I attended was sponsored by the Co-op and held at The Hall. When I walked in I counted eleven sixteen gallon kegs, iced down with pumps at the ready! A very different way of life from what I was accustomed to!I believe that in my ten years out there, the Church has had three different priest. My favorite of the three has been Tom. All the community referred to him as Father Tom, I referred to him as Padre Tom. Call me crazy! I just had a problem with "FATHER", you know, call no man Father except ... O.K. you get my drift. Padre Tom collected Catholic University sweatshirts. I could probably count on one hand the number of times I saw him with his collar or frock. It was always interesting to see his sweatshirt, Notre Dame, Holy Cross, Boston College, Xavier and on and on. Maybe he should have been a University Padre! I had occasion numerous times to have lunch at Ronda's with "Padre Tom". He was very personable, quiet, soft spoken, sometimes humorous, always kind. This was in stark contrast to what I would hear from his parishioners. Those that went into confession first would quickly pass the word that "Father" was tough this week! Many would get together and decide if "Father" was tough they had better get their "Hail Mary's, worth" and would quickly organize a twist off event or another excursion! The community as a whole is very dedicated but they do seem to work their religion to the max!

The one thing that sticks in my mind is that I don't think I ever left "Padre Tom's" company that he didn't end it with some type of benediction. Usually it was "Bless you my Son" or "Go with GOD" followed by the sign of the Cross. Personally, I would have preferred him to say "May GOD bless you", I had no problem with "Go with GOD". To this day I continue to find the sign of the Cross very warm and comforting. Maybe it is the "points" of the Cross over my heart, maybe it is the outward signing of an inward commitment, maybe it is the proclamation of being Christ centered. I think I like the sign of the Cross.

FATHER, I thank YOU for this beautiful day and the blessings it holds! Thank YOU for YOUR LOVE, YOUR MERCY and YOUR GRACE, Thank YOU for JESUS and the HOPE and PROMISE I have through HIM. Thank YOU for the seasonal work In St. Lawrence and the friendships and memories that I have made there. FATHER, thank YOU for "Padre Tom", may YOU bless him and go with him. FATHER I pray that YOU will bless my friends with a bountiful harvest, let them be good stewards of YOUR earth! FATHER, I continue to lift up Aimee Harris to YOU for YOUR miracle of healing! FATHER, reports said she was looking so good last evening! The ATG treatments start today! She will be moved to children's ICU later today. FATHER I pray that she will have no side effects from the treatments. FATHER I continue to ask that Zach be compatible as a marrow donor should it be needed. Bless that family FATHER, comfort them, hold them in YOUR palm and let them know YOU care. Bless my day FATHER, help me to surrender my day to YOU and let YOU work through me!
posted by d at 8:37 AM 0 comments

One of my favorite pieces.

Krl's job possibilities came to be and she accepted one, only to be horribly disappointed in a"friend", ultimately choosing to move on rather than be a victim of circumstances. She thoroughly enjoyed her customers though. Things have a way of working out, she got to spend the most amount of time ever with me at the fall worksite. Truly GOD has answered the many prayers lifted on Aimee's behalf. The reports I get say that she is doing very well and her body continues to produce blood cells normally. She is monitored closely. I find myself more "needy" now, than a year ago, of a greater being than me. For Divine guidance. I am thankful that GOD was and is and will be faithful to meet my needs. It would be hard to continue without this greater sense of being. And lastly, in four days I will make the trek back to the 2005 family fun day and barbecue. I am looking forward to seeing everyone again.

My yesterday was tough. It has been a long time since I have had a day like that. I was leaving the house when the owner called me. It was seven straight up. He asked me if I would meet him at the warehouse facility of our core customer. We had some trailer issues that needed attention. Actually he had finished his Wednesday giving attention to trailers. I stopped by and picked up some fast food breakfast for both of us, and I am glad I did. When I arrived we had a loaded trailer needing a tire, the owner had all of his equipment out and very quickly this delivery was on its way to Dallas. I moved to the next trailer which had two gaping holes in the floor where forklifts had broken through. The owner is very capable of making the repairs, his slow suit is in developing a plan. He had brought all the needed supplies, generator, compressor, drills, air impacts, saws, specialized flooring material and flooring screws. I grabbed a framing square and quickly drew the cut line for the floor area replacement. Very quickly this project went from tearing out to replacing and we moved to the next hole. I was thankful that we were doing this early in the morning because already the sun was beaming down on the metal roof of this trailer. To my surprise, we moved on to another trailer and then another and when it was all over we had been to three locations, working on four different trailers, repairing six floor issues, and three tires! And I had one hour of comp time to add to my growing comp time list. Our whole day had been spent working on trailers. I bet I lost twenty pounds. Talk about hot. About mid-morning these trailers were really warming up. Add to this the closed area and limited air flow and sweat was dripping off! I am looking for pickle juice this morning. Muscle cramps! Ugh!

Just when we had put away the last of the tools into the service trailer, the owner's wife (our lead dispatcher) drove up to check on us. At that point she advised us of scheduling for Friday. Both of us were going to have to cover for drivers taking off! When I left there was still some discussion going on so I will find out this morning who won this argument. I really don't want to go to the metroplex today but at least the trucks have air conditioning. We will see. I am just concerned that my "bod" is too achy to sit in one place for very long. Ouch! Getting old is "getting old."

FATHER, this day is up to YOU. I am running on fumes and I am hurting. I pray for a safe and productive day. Deliver me to the weekend. I pray for Krl. I pray for her healing, physically, emotionally, spiritually. I ask that YOU lift her and surround her with YOUR angels. I pray for Memama, Pepa, Ol, Hag, B., Lillie, Michelle, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, those continuing their recovery from the accident, Tj, Anna, Jess, Dr. Mackie, Yaenga, and Jeanine. I ask YOUR gifts of healing for them. I pray for those sad and hurting from grief. I ask that YOU fill their void with YOU and that YOU comfort them. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. Bless-ed be YOUR name!

First thing first! Happy anniversary Rian and Erica! Also a happy birthday to Alton, number 74 I believe. And time rolls on.

Yesterday was hellish. I fear that it is only the ugly tip of the iceberg. Basically I was the only person in the office all day. The office manager and lead dispatcher were only there for maybe an hour and that would be stretching it. The owner came in for a while but he has been tied up with wheat harvest (until the rain) and he was more lost than I was. It is difficult to do a job if you are just given part of the needed info. Luckily we had some dedicated drivers who knew what their scheduling was supposed to be and we were able to muddle through. Missing load numbers, equipment problems, it was UGLY. Add to this mess the fact that the lead dispatcher forgot it was Wednesday and that our core customer needed to know how much equipment was to be dedicated for all of the remainder of the week, I am sure I looked like a deer in the headlights. I am sure the lead dispatcher is not going to be over-joyed but a man's got to do what a man's got to do. We took our best shot!

I am not anxious for next week. It appears I will be running things from Thursday to Sunday (if I don't quit). Funny side story. We have a driver with the same name as me. He has asked for tomorrow off and it is posted on the dispatch board, but the girl in the office thinks it is me that is off. The dispatcher has also put up there that she is going to be gone (which she isn't). The girl in the office is convinced she is going to have to run it all. Odds are that she doesn't show!

I have this ugly feeling that my Friday may include at least one mad dash to the metroplex. The owner asked me if I was going to be available Saturday to help. I hurt his feelings again by reminding him he doesn't have enough money to entice me! Come on man, it has been two weeks since my last weekend!

The next ten days are pretty full. Not just with the current job but lots of personal stuff to do and I need to put a trip to St. Lawrence in there Tuesday. The family fun day and barbecue is next week. I have been watching the weather and it should be interesting to see how things are looking out there. I just hope they have dodged, and continue to dodge the bullet and miss any harsh weather. It has been over a month since Krl and I circled by there. From the forecast this next week should be cotton growing weather! HOT! I just hope they got it planted timely!

FATHER, save me. I am battling on all fronts. See me through. I pray for those near and dear who are in need of YOUR gifts of healing and care. I continue to pray for YOUR comfort for those who are grieving. I pray for those of us who battle daily to follow you. I pray for our spiritual family, our leaders, and the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. FATHER, I need YOUR strength.

First things first. Happy Birdday Tj! Forty-one! A few more years and your age and IQ will be the same! Ha!

This has been the week from you can well imagine. Yesterday morning I left Abilene headed north and just saw a few sprinkles on my windshield. When I finally turned East just short of Anson, the road became wet. The farther I drove the wetter the road became. Finally I arrived at the office and shortly after getting inside, the bottom fell out of the sky, over, and over, and over again! The office building has a metal roof and it still became so loud in here we stopped answering the phone because we couldn't hear. Before it was all over we had received between four and five inches of rain! Lightning and thunder, a little hail, wind, we had it all! We turned all of the computers off except mine although we did disconnect the power supply. We used the satellite feed and watched the Doppler radar as the weather pelted us over and over again. Finally just before lunch, things settled down and we were finally able to go back to work as usual. Isn't it always a good feeling to pack a whole day in a half day!

Looking down the road, Friday is a long time away!

I have a few personal calls to make today. I need to call St. Lawrence. I haven't talked with them in a few weeks. I just need to know what is happening out there. I have to call the central appraisal district. They have sent me a notice of appraisal as a DBA. I don't know who has their head where, but I may have to help them pull it out!

Rian got his job at Frienship! He called yesterday morning and he had already been to sign his contract. He was planning on going to O.L. Slaton after lunch to clean out his classroom, clean out his desk at the field house, turn in his keys and go by LISD Administration to give them his letter of resignation. He was also planning on talking with Mr. Guerrero and James Morton. They have really been on his case trying to figure out what he was going to do and really it wasn't him at all, it was the Frienship School Board. Anyway, Rian, Erica, and Reid were leaving out mid-afternoon with the new travel trailer to go to Roaring Springs for a couple of days. Congratulations Rian!

FATHER, I really need YOU in this day and the remainder of the week. I ask that YOU fill it and surround me with YOU. I pray for Krl and her renewal. Heal her and make her whole. I lift up Memama, Pepa, Ol, Hag, B., Lillie, Michelle, Aimee, Ashlyn Kate, Jennifer, Tj, Anna, Jess, those continuing to recover from their injuries, Dr. Mackie, Yaenga, Jeanine, and Sandi for YOUR miracle of healing. I pray for those hurting from loss and I ask YOUR comfort for them. I pray for those of us who struggle in following YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. Mighty GOD are YOU.

Tuesday? Say it ain't so!

I was dreading this week after having the dysfunctional weekend. My worst nightmares became a reality yesterday. CC&S added and additional 7 million cans for the week. This means a six day week for the trucks. Absolute worse case scenario. The lead dispatcher has given four of the drivers Friday off. Now the process begins to try to put back in place a core group that is willing to work Friday and Saturday. Out of the office all but one of us hold a CDL. We have been warned of the possibility. I told the owner I didn't mind delivering cans to the metroplex on Friday but he didn't have enough money to entice me to work Saturday. I think I hurt his feelings! Actually I half-way expected this. We should be to the build up for the fourth of July.

What a fitful night. I dreamed all night long that I was the production manager and announcer for a motorsports event. I guess it was a take off on past history. The big difference was, I was not even present. I was coordinating and announcing from a remote location viewing the action on one of the new picture phones while announcing via another. Now that is a weird dream. Maybe it is a take off. I thought, so maybe I am. Nutz!

Hope your day starts better than mine!

I am anxious to hear from Rian. The Wolforth ISD board was scheduled to meet last evening. Are there tears or cheers at Rian's house?

FATHER, YOU have much work to do this week. Wow, only Tuesday. I pray for YOUR strength and resolve. Carry me, move me, get me to the end. I pray for Krl for her renewal. I pray for all those near and dear who are in need of YOUR gifts of healing. I pray for those dealing with loss and ask YOUR comfort for them. I pray for those of us who struggle in our daily walk with YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the success of the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. When I am lost and alone, YOU rescue me.

Monday again. Already. And I had requested a do-over for Saturday and Sunday.

I ended up being the host and the hostess for Sunday School. My wife has the best intentions, for me. I had called the house just about ten and got no answer. That made me fearful and those fears were well founded. I pulled it off. Our class ate like warriors, very little left, while the Inner City class had a very poor turnout and they ate very little of what I had taken. About half the casserole, almost no fruit and just a few donuts. I didn't see the little girl and her friends who got us started doing this.

I got home and Krl told me she had set her alarm clock wrong (for PM. instead of AM.) Oh well.

I got settled in and began watching Nascar while laying on the love seat. Krl was laying on the bed. I finally dozed off and when I awoke I had to get on the internet because the race was over! I woke Krl and told her we were supposed to be at Terry and Gayla's house at six-thirty for Duane's going away party. Krl had put beans on to soak Saturday night and I started them cooking about six Sunday morning. We were the only ones who were taking beans so I could use that thought as leverage. She wasn't happy about it but after the Sunday School mis-step she began to get ready. It was nice. Not a very large turnout. Five couples, two singles, and three kids. Burgers and hot dogs, with all the trimmings. Everyone had brought something . Terry and Gayla's house is gorgeous. Big, open, and tastefully accented, it was a perfect setting. Their home borders Shotwell stadium's west parking lot. Parking at ball games should never be a problem for them! Anyway, Krl got to feeling poorly and asked me to take her home so I did. I was glad we went, it is always interesting to meet people out of the regular surroundings.

FATHER, YOU have YOUR work cut out this week. Lift me, boost me, carry me. I am exhausted and it is only Monday. We have a busy week ahead and already we have Friday additions and about a fourth of the employees wanting off. I pray for Krl, for her renewal and healing. I pray for Memama, Pepa, Ollie, Hag, B., Lillie, Michelle, Aimee, Jennifer, Tj, Anna, Jess, those continuing to recover form their injuries, Dr. Mackie, Yaenga, Jeanine, and Sandi. I ask YOUR gifts of healing for them. I pray for those heavy hearted with grief. I ask YOUR comfort for them. I pray for those of us who struggle as we try to follow YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts to expand YOUR kingdom. I ask safe passage for those departing on and returning from trips to spread YOU. How beautiful.

I am going to need a do over for this weekend. So far I can't tell that we have enjoyed much of one. Saturday was filled and framed with going to Pat's funeral, seeing the kids, meeting Merrit's husband. When we were finally in for the night (to begin prep for this morning) it was after seven. When I finally had all my stuff done and containerized and put away it was almost ten. Yuk!

Little did I know a week ago that we would have all this extra weekend activity. I signed us up to bring treats to Sunday School as well as for the Inner City class across the hall. We argued with the possibility of doing the bakery route totally but decided against it, so Krl is doing her fruit trays and I have put together not one, but two of my breakfast casseroles. They are doing the shake and bake in the oven as I type! I have already packed plates, napkins, plasticware, Picante, and salt and pepper. We may pick up a few donuts on the way just for the kids that have made our class a regular stop after classes.

Sunday has started off like Saturday. Busy. In addition to the regular Sunday schedule our class has scheduled a send off party for the classmate that I helped load up a couple of weeks ago. He is coming in tonight to close on his house tomorrow. Krl and I are discussing what we might do. We are usually very protective of our Sunday afternoons. I am just concerned that our choices for today might make it seem like we didn't even have a weekend!

Krl is wanting to beg off from church this morning and just go to Sunday School. She seems to be having a tough time dealing right now. I know she is tired of hurting and feeling bad. All we can do is encourage and cheer her on.

At this point I suppose I will go to church and she can come later for class. I just hope she shows because I really hate it when I have to be the host and the hostess (but I CAN do it).

Oh FATHER, my tail is dragging, please don't let me trip on it. I pray that YOU will rest us well and rest us quickly. Thank YOU for the safe day yesterday. I continue to ask for safe travel for all those traveling home from Pat's funeral. FATHER, I continue to pray for those near and dear who are in need of YOUR healing. I pray especially for Krl. I pray for those who are sad and heavy hearted with grief. I ask YOUR comfort for them, especially the Pickett family as they lay Carol to rest today. I pray for those of us who continue our struggle to follow YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and for our leaders. I pray for the efforts to expand YOUR kingdom. All power and glory is YOURS!

Finally Friday was quite the day.

It was a slow day at work. It seemed like I had to continually look for something to do. For most of the morning I was the only one there so I kept busy answering the phone. About one-thirty I received a call from Krl telling me that the storage company that houses the RV that my fall employer has leased for me, called needing me to come by. Not a good omen.

When I began looking for a storage facility I had a short list of requirements. (1) security, (2)protection from the weather, (3) accessibility, and (4) security. Did I mention security? When I made my recommendation I felt really good. The particular facility I decided on boasted of only one breech several years ago and the weak link in security had been fixed. They also advertised lighting, incident detectors, closed circuit video and regular daily patrols of the facility. Sounds good doesn't it. Worthy of a premium fee.

After the thirty minute drive from Jones County, I arrived to find a police cruiser (also not a good sign). I coded in my security code and drove to my rental bay to find the door standing open on the trailer as well as on the RV's on either side. The last count I had was three B & E's when I finished with the police but they were still investigating (?). I would estimate there are in excess of fifty RV's stored there. When I arrived I was actually relieved. The thieves had broken out the window of the door, cut through the screen and unlatched and opened the door. Bad enough but it could have been much worse. A quick inventory revealed the entertainment center had been gutted. Flat screen TV, CD/DVD player, VCR, all removed. Now I will be the first to attest to the fact that this was an extremely difficult thing to do. The slide outs are fully retracted, making it almost impossible to remove the television from the entertainment center as it is half covered by the slide out. I can testify that it took Krl and I both to wrestle that thing in there with the trailer set up and plenty of room. Further investigation (by me, not the police) revealed a smaller television missing from the bedroom. Everything had been into. All the cabinet doors were open throughout the trailer. Thankfully there was no spray paint, no holes in the walls and no slashing of furniture or mattresses. We are currently looking through paperwork for serial numbers.

I did receive an incident report from the police. It is a pre-printed form saying that they feel there is not sufficient evidence to warrant a detective following up on this crime. How convenient. I don't know why the cop didn't get on his car's PA system and shout "Olly olly oxenfree, come out come out wherever you are, oh and by the way, bring that stuff that you took!" I did have a couple of visits with the owner of the facility. While he is apologetic and assures me that measures are already in the works to prevent this from happening again, I find that I could get agitated and mad. But I haven't, so far. It now seems that the part of the security system that activates at the sound of breaking glass is not functional because of false alarms requiring facility personnel and police to check it out at all hours. What is worse, false alarms or false advertising? I despise a thief.

I spent until six PM getting the trailer secured again.

Krl and I are going to Pat Lawrence's graveside service this afternoon. All of the kids went to San Angelo yesterday as the family gathers there. Rian is going to conduct the brief service. He called me several times as they were trying to leave Lubbock for San Angelo. I had to mess with him a little. I asked him if he had secured a burial permit. He said, "No". I told him if he was officiating it was his responsibility and at his expense to secure the burial permit from the State of Texas. After a few minutes of scrambled conversation he finally figured out that Dad was messing with him.

Carol Pickett died yesterday. Carol had been included in my daily prayer capsule for the last year. She makes three. Rene', Pat, and now Carol. Carol worked in our office in 2001 and 2002 as comptroller. I had known her prior to that, when my kids mother and I were dating, the Pickett family lived two doors down and on occasion we would babysit Debbie and Bobby. Carol had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family.

FATHER, please temper and tether me. Thank YOU for getting me through the past week. FATHER, hearts are heavy with family and friends. I pray that YOU will comfort these as they deal with the void caused by the loss of life. Fill the void with YOUR love and surround these people with YOUR angels. I lift up Memama, Pepa, Ol, Hag, B., Lillie, Michelle, Aimee, Ashlyn Kate, Jennifer, Tj, Anna, Jess, those continuing their recovery from their injuries, Dr. Mackie, Yaenga, Jeanine and Sandi for YOUR gifts of healing. I pray for those of us struggling to follow YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and for our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. I pray for safety for those traveling to do YOUR work and I ask peace for those eagerly awaiting their safe arrival and return. Fill me with YOU.

Flashback Friday!

Seeing all the combines harvesting the wheat crop makes me want to go to Shelansky's and shop for a new straw hat!

It sometimes amazes me how different events, tied to specific times of the year, trigger lots of memories from the memory bank. End of school, summer job, wheat harvest, planting cotton, looking for that perfect summer work hat. Usually that was the precise order for things with me and my grandad. An annual occurrence. He wouldn't go until we both could, and we would search for a hat that was functional. A little shade, plenty of openings for cooling, not too big, not too little, just right! I catch myself smiling as I visualize us behind the combine using our new straw hats as fans to blow the chaf away so we could see how much grain was "riding over" with the trash. Remember that, any combine man worth his salt has to wear a straw hat! I can remember that one summer, his shock when I bucked the trend and began looking at caps. What I would give for one more trip downtown with him, to look at the new straw hats.

As exciting and busy as Wednesday was, Thursday was a boring bust! Work was long. For every positive occurrence Wednesday there were two negatives on Thursday. Since we are now posting and brokering loads for our core customer, they loaded us up, trying to see what will move and not move. At this point there is a lot more not moving than there is moving. I don't know how many times I was in and out of the posting board editing, adding and deleting. I had gone in yesterday morning about 6:50 so about 3:10 yesterday afternoon I was headed to the door. I got home and the office manager was calling me wanting to know how to post and how to change, she had received more loads after I had left.

Krl and I had a good evening Thursday. We cooked supper together (any meal with cornbread has to be good). She has began to accelerate our weekend schedule in order to accommodate either keeping grandkids or being able to go to Pat Lawrence's funeral Saturday in Albany. I understand it is supposed to rain (or have a chance of it late Friday and Saturday).

FATHER, deliver me to the end of this day! Thank YOU for seeing me to this point, I am confident YOU will see me through. I continue to need YOUR strength and resolve. I pray for Krl and me, for healing and for renewal. I pray for those near and dear who are in need of YOUR healing and care. I pray for those who are hurting from loss and grief. I ask YOUR comfort and solace for them. I pray for my kids and grandkids and for all of Pat Lawrence's family as they mourn his death. I ask for safe travel as his family comes together for his burial. FATHER I pray for those of us who struggle in our daily walk with YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and for our leaders. I pray for the efforts to expand YOUR kingdom. For all that YOU do I thank YOU!

Made it through another day!

One more for the books. My Wednesday was a little more laid back and not near as lengthy as the previous two days, but it was packed. Shortly after lunch we launched the load brokerage business. Now that was interesting. We had some calls from our core vendor begging for trucks, it seems that for the last couple of weeks on a daily basis they are needing about twenty more trucks than we can supply. We had told them that industry trends indicated their freight rates lagged behind. We have had a new proposal on their desk for almost three months with no action on their part. After the phone conversation with them yesterday, we received notice that the new rates are in effect. It is much easier to sell something that is competitive. I figured that I could post loads and then begin to put packets together for if and when the inquiries began. WRONG! I wasn't even through posting the loads when the phone began ringing. With many it became a game of "Let's Make a Deal", while with some they were really fishing, wanting to gain info to try to do an end run and get in the back door with the vendor. It was an encouraging afternoon but very quick and tense. I was ready to get out the door.

My kiddo's step grandfather, Pat (or Paw), died yesterday. This is the kiddo's step dad's father. He had a difficult last year and for about the last month had been hospitalized with different function failure announcing each decline in his health. Of the three kids, Ollie has always been the closest to him. They have really had a bond. I feel that for the last year he has been trying to prepare her for his death. Lots of time she hasn't understood, thinking that he was being mean or difficult, but I believe he was trying to put distance between them in hopes of making things easier in the long run. Addison (which is Pat's great granddaughter ) is another one that had developed close ties. A couple of weeks ago when she was here she told me that her "Paw" was sick. Death is pretty hard to explain when you are talking with a seven year old. While Kali and Rian had bonded with Pat and while they had developed ties, they didn't have the relationship that Ollie or Addie had. I don't figure the next few days or weeks will be easy for any of them. No funeral service is scheduled, only graveside at Albany.

About lunch time yesterday I asked the business owner I am helping to set out his gauges and vacuum pump so I could complete the A/C repairs to the S-10. He replied that "They were somewhere in the shop." I asked him to be more specific and he hopped up and said "Let's go!" We went up the hill to the shop in both trucks, mine and his. We found the needed tools, replaced the sensor switch in the back of the compressor, and in about thirty minutes we were done. It was so nice that when I was coming home I was enjoying the drive so much I almost missed my exit! I am confident that this is the best the A/C has been in this truck since we "bought" it from one of the son-in-laws several years ago. When we pulled the vacuum we left the gauges on it to insure we had no leaks and it held steady with absolutely no decline. COOL!

The next door neighbor and I were looking at the trees in our front yard a couple of weeks ago. It is unreal how they have grown in the sixteen years we have lived here. What we were looking at were some curled leaves and a few branches which were not supporting many green leaves. He related a problem he had a couple of years ago with trace element deficiencies. I talked with Krl about it and she called a "tree doctor". The Doc came over last week and gathered several leaves which left him puzzled. He was honest enough to tell Krl he was at a loss and wanted to send them to the Department of Agriculture. Tuesday he called back and said that the big trees had received a dose of herbicide. Go figure. They say there is nothing to do except trim the trees back some, and cross our fingers. Kind of makes me wonder what might have gone on when we were gone. It "leafs" me with questions.

FATHER, what a day, what a week. I am tired. I am anxious. I am sad. I am filled with questions. Re-instill in me YOUR perfect peace that all is well in my world and that YOUR plan is unfolding as YOU intend. I am weak and need YOUR strength and resolve. Help me to get on YOUR time frame and to let YOU work in me and through me. FATHER I pray for healing. For Me and for Krl. Heal our bodies, our hearts, our minds, and our spirits. FATHER, I pray for Memama, Pepa, Ol, Hag, B., Lillie, Carol, Michelle, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Tj, Anna, Jess, those continuing to recover from their injuries, Dr. Mackie, Yaenga, Jeanine and Sandi. I ask YOUR gifts of healing for them. I pray for comfort and understanding for those hurting from loss. I pray this especially for Merrit, Addison, Makai, Rian and all of Pat's family. Comfort them with YOUR love and surround them with YOUR angels. I pray for those of us who battle daily in our walk with YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts to expand YOUR kingdom, especially team Salvador. Bind us together.

I hope I can crawl to the crest of today, it being hump day and all. Gravity will have an important role in my completing the week.

Toughest week in a while. The old crapola machine has been working over time! Just about the time I was getting ready to leave the office yesterday, we had a man come wanting to lease on his truck. An hour and a half later I finally walked out the door headed to the bank and when all was done I had gone two hours over!

I went to the auto parts to pick up my sensor switch for the A/C and of course as luck would have it, the exact replacement part is not available, so the assistant manager assured me that the new part is the exact replacement part, replacement part. (This could get long). I haven't put it in yet but it will work. Maybe this morning.

Just as I was tallying out at the parts store my cell phone toned and Krl was chapped. She was grilling supper and ran out of propane. She quickly snapped out meal alternatives (since I had planned for her to run out of propane). I told her I was on my way and there were two more bottles of propane at the house. I did a swap and got her back to cookin'.

It wasn't a real enjoyable evening. I am tired and stressed from work, she is tired of feeling poorly and stressed about Trc's situation. Not a good situation. There are other contributing issues and I am not a very patient man at this point. I expect more from myself and from others because I know we can all do better. I have work to do in this area.

FATHER, I am having a problem with our connection. It is kind of like low amperage or something. I know it isn't YOU, help me to rise above all that is going on around me and reconnect with YOU and let YOU shine through me. FATHER I pray for all those near and dear in need of YOUR gifts of healing. I pray for comfort for all those grieving from loss. I pray for resolve for those of us who are struggling in following YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts to expand YOUR kingdom. LORD lift me up!

Yesterday lived up to its storied past! It was a Monday all day!

I am usually the first person in the office so I have developed a ritual turning computers on, turning on lights and the A/C or heat (depending on the season). Our office is running a pier to pier network (which I am not a fan of) with two servers providing different program and data bases. Monday morning I made my rounds and I could not get one of the servers to "boot". In fact I couldn't get any sort of indication that it was attempting to boot. I finally grabbed the power supply cord from the back of the cpu and disconnected it. By this time the owner had arrived and we began to trace cords to the battery pack surge protector, everything was connected so I plugged the cord back in to the computer. Walla, electricity, power, and the computer began to boot. Just a couple of minutes later, it went down. We disconnected and reconnected and finally the computer came up running. After a short time I began to smell an "acrid" electrical smell, and I told the owner that I felt the power suppy was going out in the big server computer. We returned and sure enough you could trace the smell to the back of it. By this time the owner's wife had arrived (this is her computer) and thankfully she said she had smelled the smell on Friday and had also encountered a problem with the computer shutting down. For some reason, she didn't think it was important enough to back up the system so she didn't. She decided since we had the computer up she would copy the hard drive while it was accessible. Wrong! When the computer began processing it lost power and went down. The whole day was dedicated to this problem or moving and installing local printers. We made it through the day but it was with a definite limp! The computer support guy was supposed to be out late yesterday or early last evening to replace the power supply. I am hopeful!

Krl and I are dealing with a situation with one of the kiddos. I don't know what the proper protocol is, but when is enough enough. This situation has been a roller coaster ride for going on seventeen years. It was bad enough when it only concerned our daughter but now the grandkids have been involved. My personal feeling is that we must remain reactive and not proactive, otherwise we might influence choices made. I suppose this is one of the most difficult things of parenting, sitting back and watching as your kids stub their toes. We will be supportive, regardless of choices, but it is difficult when the kids want out. Not a good situation.

Krl is still in a sleep funk. Little bits of sleep here and there, still complaining of headaches, I can sympathize, it will wear you down. I will hope that she can get in a groove.

Make it a good one, after all Tuesday is another day!

FATHER, you are a mighty GOD, capable of great things, and I am thankful. Thank YOU for seeing me through a tough Monday. I ask for more of the same today. FATHER my heart is heavy with many issues, I pray YOU will make YOUR presence and influence known as choices and decisions are made that will affect several lives. I would ask that YOU work YOUR plan for all those involved. Help the decisions to be well thought out and not from anger or spite. Present a plan of action to relieve this situation. I pray for rest for Krl. I pray for her healing, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I ask the same for me. FATHER I pray for Memama, Pepa, Ol, Hag, B., Lillie, Carol, Michelle, Aimee, Jennifer, Tori, Ashlyn Kate, those recovering from their injuries, Tj, Anna, Jess, Dr. Mackie, Yaenga, Jeanine, Pat Lawrence, and Sandi. I ask YOUR gift of healing for them. I pray for comfort for those sad with grief. I ask YOUR comfort for them. I pray for those of us who stumble as we walk with YOU. Give us strength and resolve. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. I pray for safety for those friends and family traveling. YOU are great, you will provide for our needs. Thank YOU for being faithful to us and our needs.

I need a do over for my weekend. It had a little too much doo in it. (If you know what I mean, doo x 2).

The aging process is hard. Krl and I were talking about how much more difficult things are to do. If not the actual physical work process, the recuperation time. I am sore, and my joints ache and that is just from the yard work I did Saturday! I am thankful for Tylenol and Flexium!

I left the company truck at CC&S and picked up the S-10. When the NASCAR race was over (which Tony Stewart will get his, justice will be served) I went outside and began replacing the air conditioner compressor. I had called Chris' NAPA store and Eloy and Pat got me the parts. Everything would have been really good except when I was swapping out the sensor switches on the back I broke one of them and no one in town had it. It will be in Tuesday morning at 7:30am. I went ahead and finished installing the compressor and closing the freon system so I could drive the truck. All I will have to do is pop a snap ring out, pull the plug from the back of the compressor and insert the new sensor switch and snap ring and I will be ready to pull a vacuum on the system and charge it! Yee-Haw! Its been almost two years since that little truck has had a working A/C, I didn't fix it last year because I spent most of my time in the other truck, but I think I can save a substantial amount of dollars by driving the small truck the bulk of the time. I really enjoyed working with my hands. Too much office and keyboard of late!

FATHER, take this day and make it what YOU want. I pray for healing for all those near and dear who are in need of YOUR gift of healing. I pray for those needing comfort. I pray for those of us needing direction and resolve. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts to expand YOUR kingdom. I am amazed by YOUR love.

Interesting, everyone attending church this morning has now been commissioned as missionaries by MC and affirmed by the other members in attendance.

I'm still thinking on that one. I didn't need it right now because it seems I am struggling in some regard to my role.

Terry put it out to the class last week, "What would you define as your role at Highland?" Carol and I have discussed this from time to time the past week. I don't know if I am happy or pleased with any of the answers because I think in some regards it is possible to be farther along in the grand plan than in the Highland community. I put more stock in the grand plan.

Another question which has been hinted at but not asked is who has contributed to and how have you gotten to where you are in your relationship with the big 3.

I don't know about the how but I would have to give a lot of credit to Thurmond Self for the who. Thurmond is responsible not for leading the way but for showing what I did not believe (and still don't to this day) is the way. He was the one who threatened me with "church discipline" and he was the one who was ultimately asked to leave. Whew! If I had lost that popularity contest it would have hurt! I often wonder what happened to Thurmond's little notebook and I wonder if he ever surpassed JC in the number of people he saved. I don't guess he did or we would have had a re-write about who was sitting on the right hand of GOD. Anyhow, I know, this is a little weird. I feel a big blog coming! Like Terry said when he started the series in class, it is a lab in progress!

Oh FATHER, these deep thoughts give me headaches! Help me to not labor over the thinking and just give control to YOU! Work through me! I pray for a blessed week. I ask healing for Krl and for me. Heal our hearts, our minds, our spirits and our bodies. I continue to lift up Memama, Pepa, Ol, Hag, B., Lillie, Carol, Michelle, Aimee, Ashlyn Kate, Jennifer, Tori, Ed, those continuing their recovery from the accident, Dr. Mackie, Yaenga, Jeanine and Sandi. I ask YOUR gift of healing for them all. I ask for comfort for those hurting from loss, fill their void with YOU. I ask for safe travel for the guests we had in class today as they travel home, I also ask for safe travel for Kurt and Michelle's family as they return to us. I pray for those of us who struggle in our walk with YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts to expand YOUR kingdom. This is the day YOU have made!

What a bright, clean clear golden day! Everything is freshly washed from the rains of yesterday, colors are crisp and sharp. What a cycle!

Krl and I have some stuff to do today, but not a whole lot. Mainly the yard and a few other regular weekend chores. I am trying to compromise on when to do the lawn. It needs to dry out from yesterday's rain but I don't want to wait until the sun is blazing down. I am trying to exercise self control.

Krl continues to complain of a bad, bad headache. I think she may have a concussion from her fall earlier in the week. Last night I woke up and she was in the living room so I went to check on her. She was saying her head was burning like it was on fire.

I am pleased with the week I have just completed. It was productive, even though it was a long short week. Lots of other projects waiting in the wings. We are getting ready for some contract renewals and have been asked to price some expanded work for our core customer. One particular item of interest is their desire to "day rent" our fleet. They want to pay a fixed price with some performance incentives that would add revenue to the set rate. It is an interesting concept. Of course the thing I begin looking at is how this would benefit them. No worker's comp or equivalent, no matching social security, no unemployment premium, no equipment maintenance, no worker benefit package. We would be a temp agency! I guess we will play "The Price is Right". Show me the money!

Our company owner and office manager are going to San Antonio in the next couple of weeks for a round of negotiations with our core carrier over other expanded issues. Talk about weird. The customer representative is in Fort Worth, we are in the Abilene area and we got an e-mail wanting to agree on a date so the rep could fly to San Antonio to meet with our owner! Sounds like someone is trying to preserve and protect their expense account! So, when is 154 greater than 282? When someone else will pay your bill to go the long way!

FATHER, I pray for a blessed weekend. I pray for those near and dear who are in need of YOUR gifts of healing. I pray for those hurting and needing YOUR comfort and angels. I pray for those of us struggling to follow YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and for our leaders. I pray for the efforts to expand YOUR kingdom. Wonderful is my REDEEMER, praise HIS name!

Ah, yes. Friday!

For this to have been a short week it has been long! I am loving the weather. Cool and rainy, but I know my farming family and friends need dry in order to get their crops planted and their winter grains harvested. If we could only save some of this rain for July and August!

I attended an Ignite meeting last evening. Coach ran it, it was probably better than the ones I have attended with Donnie Anderson as the MC. It is interesting to listen. People either are having great response or no response. The program will work. There is a savings. There is residual income. What is the problem. Some think it will be ruled illegal in the next year. Oh well, why would PUC license it? If it is any money made in the interim is still money made. I hope that a year from now, people like Hugh are saying "Man was I stupid!"

I am in hopes for a laid back weekend. If weather will permit I plan to do the yard, maybe put the A/C compressor on the "S". We will see.

FATHER thank YOU for getting me to this point in the week. I ask that YOU see me through. Thank YOU for YOUR gift of rain. I pray for a good weekend. I pray for Krl, I pray for healing. I pray for all those near and dear who are in need of YOUR healing. I pray for those in need of YOUR comfort. I pray for those of us needing YOU in our walk. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. YOURs is the GLORY!

You know once in a blue moon you will have a day like yesterday. A day where it flows, where regardless of what happens the next thing is just a little better and better. Work was a very busy day. Completed the brokerage agreements, confirmations and the remaining portion of the packet. If I say so myself it turned out really nice. The afternoon was spent helping to answer some interrogatories for my employer. If you own a commercial truck, odds are at some point a lawyer will chase you just because you have insurance. The litigation they are currently facing involves something very similar to a sweep and swoop. I am to the point that if the guys have an accident I hope it is "an accident". I will try to move on from there.

I got a phone call from Rian and he had been in for his third interview for the Principal job he has been pursuing. It went very well and he has been offered the job pending school board approval. This particular district is doing some revamping and this would basically be a new position. The superintendent was very optimistic about the board's action however. Board meets June 12, so the celebration will wait until then.

On my way home Krl called wanting a few items from the store. I made a quick stop and came home to help her prepare all the pieces of Schezuan chicken and broccoli. It looked like a mass production line, all the different items prepared and "in waiting" for their dance in the wok! We took a quick break and received a call from Kali and +e (addie). +e wanted to come over and see her Meme and Dandy. Once they got here she played, watched a little TV in her and Kat's room and then she got serious about exploring the back yard. She is so ready for us to open the pool! Maybe this weekend. When she got wound down a little she sat in Dandy's lap and we read. Finally everyone was ready to eat and +e even tried the broccoli and peppers and onions. I was surprised because she did refuse rice. Go figure.

About that time Rian called. He, Erica, and Reid were headed out the door to get something to eat. He said they were going to celebrate! (I thought they were going to wait). He then told me that come February '06 to expect another grandbaby! Krl had told me about three or four weeks ago to expect this. (I don't know how she does it but she always knows). I told Rian if they were having another kiddo because little man wasn't a baby any more, just ship him to me. (Of course this could mess up Christmas in February, Krl has always wanted to do Christmas in July). After Rian talked with me he talked with Krl and with Kali. They both were excited.

This situation was a little tense. Kali has been trying for a while with little success or their hopes would get up only to be dashed. She has spent a lot of time and money at the doctors and having different procedures. You could tell Kali was tickled for Rian and Erica but still jealous in a small sense. Krl told her that their time will come when it is time. Up to about now I don't think +e would have been able to accept not being the baby and being the big sister. You gotta believe GOD knows what he is doing

Anyhow, it was a good evening. Krl retired very early, she has had another fall and has a headache she cannot make go away. I am very concerned about some of her health issues, particularly her balance and some motor skill coordination. She seems very frail at this juncture.

Several opportunities seem to be coming to fruitation. I just hope I can have adequate time to prepare for them. All I will say is that I am cautiously optimistic.

We are having an Ignite/Stream Energy Team meeting tonight at the Fairfield. Coach is coming in from B'wood with his powerpoint presentation. I think he has been to Temple, San Angelo, Brownwood and tonight Abilene, so you can tell he is hyped about this. Right now I am needing a little help. I told him I felt like I got taken to the prom and left in the corner. June 18 their is going to be a BIG Stream Energy/Ignite meeting at the Abilene Civic Center. I think many of the big boys are coming in for that one.

Today is a toss up. More interrogatories, more data entry, a couple of trailers up at the shop. It could be filled with variety.

I haven't talked with the newly weds but I understand they are home in Lubbock. Krl has talked with them and they are talking of a reception maybe July 2.

Make it a good day!

FATHER thank YOU for the blessed day yesterday. I could use a do over! FATHER I pray for healing, for me and for Krl. I pray especially that YOU would help Krl to feel better. I pray for Memama, Pepa, Ol', Hag, B., Lillie, Carol, Michelle, Aimee, Jennifer, Tori, Ed, Ashlyn Kate, Tj, Anna, Jess, those continuing their recovery from the accident, Dr. Mackie, Yaenga, and Jeanine. I ask YOUR gift of healing for them. I pray for comfort for those who are hurting from loss. I pray for those of us who stumble in our walk with you. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. I pray for Rian and Erica's new baby, I pray for a good pregnancy and a healthy baby. YOU are good to me. Every blessing YOU pour out I'll turn back in praise.