Sorry 'bout that.

It has been so crazy. I need to hold one orientation class instead of doing it one on one multiple times. I have had a steady stream of people coming on site, looking, trying to determine if this would be an endeavor they might fit into. So far there have been more pleasant surprises than bad ones. Only one potential co-worker, that I wanted, decided he couldn't do the job for the long season ahead. Send in the next contestant!

We continue to receive more and more cotton. There are about one hundred thirty modules on the yard this morning. We ginned very well Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Friday we spent half the day waiting for "manufacturer's representatives" to come in and record air measurements. This seemed really stupid. We had ginned almost a thousand bales with the new pull fans and all the sudden "we need measurements". We had myself and nine other guys sitting and waiting outside while inside the plant there were another twenty one or two guys sitting around. Why couldn't we gin until the rep's got there? Of course the GM wanted to run late to make up for lost time! He is very prolific in spending someone else's money but is very conservative with his own. It is all I can do to not unload on him. I may have the office bill him for fifty hours of wait time.

The GM told me we would be going twenty-four hours a day Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday. Nothing like nailing things down exact is there? I'm not sure if the frustration is because of the difficulties getting the season started or if as I get older I am less tolerant of the baloney. I am pointed to Tuesday for going 24/7.

I was told that we would gin Saturday night until eight. Nine o'clock came and the gin was still humming. Man, I like sticking to a plan. I had already stopped bale trucks and done limited scheduling for seed transport. I need to hand out golden steering wheel awards for Saturday. Shane, and Paul had really good days. I like what I see in them. If they can pace themselves for the long run they will be good.

I talked with my South Texas men. They will be here Tuesday. I think more than anything that will be a relief. My biggest worry right now is the chance of rain for the next few days. I don't want them to come up here and have nothing to do. Currently we have less than three shifts worth of cotton on the yard to process. (When we go twenty-four, that is a day and a half).

Our Sunday run is supposed to be abbreviated. I hope so. Krl and I need to get a solid supply of staples on hand. It seems as though we are continuing to stock up. We might try to wait until Monday and Krl could do office business while she does supply requisitions.

I need a little thread lock to help keep my head screwed on. It is going to be an awfully long season to be bent out of joint this early.

Be the real deal.

FATHER, I am frustrated. Bless me with YOUR peace while things rage about me. I pray for Krl's healing and renewal and for me as well. I pray for safety and care for Adam and his men in Iraq. I pray for Brenda. I pray for Aaron's job search. I pray for Kali. I lift up Addie, Memama, Pepa, Hag, Bets, Jess, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Dr. Mackie, Jeanine, Verlin, K.C., and Tyler. I ask YOUR gifts of healing ands care for them. I pray for those sad and heavy hearted with grief, comfort them. 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 to expand YOUR kingdom. I pray for Richard, Anastacia, James, and Terah. May they respect YOUR power. May they be benevolent to others. I pray for our prayer partners Jenavene and Susan. May we take YOUR law in our hearts and be just, wise and righteous. Give me Your strength.