It was a pretty laid back day at the office. For once I was so caught up on my work that when a driver settlement came off the printer I was ready to enter the data immediately into the spreadsheets.

KO continued to spread fertilizer on hay fields until he had to go to town to help with the dinner run at the drive-in again. About half an hour after he had to leave, DO came up with the idea that we would go to the local community and pick up lunch and I could look at a trailer she had found. We could combine both tasks in a single trip. So everyone remaining at the office loaded up to go. DO had called in everyone's lunch order but mine (I had my sack lunch) before we left. Just as I walked out the door I grabbed some directions and made a copy as we had two trucks in the metroplex that were going to a new pickup location and I thought they just might call while we were on our excursion. We had forwarded the phones to DO's cell so while we were out and about we were still functional. We were about four miles from the office when the first call came. Driver needing directions. DO began to turn around to return to the office when I produced my directions. When you are good you're good! I am and I am.

The trailer is a possibility. I am going to do some weekend research to see what kind of value buy it is. I am not quite sure it is the best fit for KO. When I had finished my visual inspection we resumed our trip, picked up the food and took the long way back to the office.

Once we returned to the office and finished lunch I began making phone inquiries and searching inventories of equipment listed on websites. I renewed several old acquaintances, many who openly admitted they had wondered about my whereabouts. The transportation industry is changing. Equipment needs are changing. High fuel prices, driver turnover, and repair bills are now coming front and center. I have always preached that shippers don't pay for pretty. Give me lightweight, give me aero-dynamic, give me economy and I can turn you a profit. It doesn't have to have bells and whistles and be painted chromium. Of course what I have always preferred is now what the industry is looking for and trucks that were cheaper are now demanding a premium. Isn't that my luck. I've been outed!

I checked on eight particular pieces of equipment that were currently in inventory. There are also many units that are being traded in or turned in at the conclusion of leases over the next few weeks. If money were no object a guy could load up with a lot of neat equipment. I didn't really think any of the current inventory was worth taking to KO with a must buy recommendation although we did discuss each unit in broad strokes. There is a group of power units which will begin coming available that I would probably give my priority distinction. These are late model units ('03's) which can be certified for warranty extensions of an additional 500,000 miles. New shoes, brakes, fleet specs., inspected and guaranteed road ready. Yep, if I was in the market I know what I'd buy. The used truck market is beginning to make a come back. When KO and I began our conversation I told him I have good news and I have bad news. He said tell me the bad news first. I told him used trucks were getting high. He asked for the good news and I told him I recommend selling all of his trucks. He just laughed.

KO and I didn't get to travel west to check on the individual's Peterbilt and trailer like we had planned but we will get there. I plan to be in phone contact today.

An old salesman friend asked me if money were no object, circumstances were different and I was looking for a new truck what would I buy. I told him Pete, 387, C-12, Super10, 3.70 rr, fleet interior, low pro 24.5's, aluminum wheels, air ride suspension. His response was "You ARE looking to make money!" Duh. It's not that much fun so there had better be another reason.

I went to La Popular Bakery yesterday morning to meet the guys from SS. I had never been to this particular breakfast hot spot. We were supposed to meet at 6:50. I arrived at 7. It wasn't exactly where I had thought it was. I was really glad that I attended as only two of us did. When I arrived KB was sitting in a booth waiting. This was a test drive to see what kind of participation a breakfast meal would be. While the entire class wasn't invited, more than two were. The food was pretty good and was economical (much more so than $9.24 for the buffet at Skillets). Authentic breakfast burritos $1.50 each. Excellent hot sauce. With it just being KB and I, we did a lot of questions and answers. Surprisingly there is only five years difference in our ages. He grew up in Longview and attended Texas Tech. He has served in a youth minister capacity in Austin and now serves as a counselor at one of the local Universities. He had not made the connection to Colb, Kirb and Coach. He wasn't aware I was a graduate of the University that employs him. I hope he doesn't look at my record, surely they had to destroy it because of its size making it a fire hazzard. It is remarkable what is locked in our minds. 25238. That was my student Id. number. I wonder if the meal ticket is still good.

Let's see. What other news is there.

Ordered the new forklift for the core client. I'm glad to have that out of the way.

I've been contacting contractors for fall work. During the next week I plan to have everything in place. Regardless. People that can't make up their minds about equipment are fixing to have their minds made for them. I am one driver short for the slip seat regiment. I have filled all the other seats that contractors had asked me to fill. You snooze you loose. I usually try first to contact people that I have worked with before, if they don't respond in an appropriate time frame I just go on to the next one. There is never a shortage of possibilities. Best part of this years roster is there are no parasites or leeches. This will be the first time in a couple of years that everyone will be responsible for their own maintenance. No more wah, wahs!

KO and I had a really good visit yesterday after hours. It seems as though we are cramming a lot of stuff in right at the end of the summer and before the fall contracts begin. I think we are both trying to see where I fit in future plans for his company. Regardless. I have done my job. I don't think anyone can argue that. I have uncovered some problems, I have provided input, I have allowed KO and DO a little breathing room by taking some of the load from their schedules.

Who knows what tomorrow holds.

YOU know FATHER. For YOU know the plans YOU have for me. And I am thankful for that. FATHER, I ask that YOU help me to seize the opportunity to surrender myself to YOU. Let me pour out myself and allow YOU to fill me with YOU and YOUR goodness. FATHER, I thank YOU for Krl and I ask YOUR healing and care for her. I ask YOUR healing for me. I pray for Addie, Memama, Pepa, Hag, Bets, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Jess, Dr. Mackie, Jeanine, Verlin, S.T., and Karen. I ask YOUR many gifts of healing and care for them. I pray for those suffering and sad with loss. I pray for their comfort. 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. For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able.......