Two steps forward, one step back. Two steps forward, one step back. That has been my day, my week, and very possibly my entire life.

Worst thing is when I step back, that thing I am stepping on is my tail! Ouch! It is dragging and it is only Wednesday.

Krl and I had been planning a mad dash to town, forklift parts, laundry, groceries, and possibly a new washer and dryer were in the mix. Finally we left the compound just after two Tuesday afternoon. We picked up the forklift parts, thankfully they were all in. Went to an RV business just across the street to inquire about a washer and dryer. Went to a pre-picked laundry which wasn't a laundry at all, but they did give us good directions to one nearby. Krl and I unloaded the laundry and she sorted (what's this all about, I have two kinds of laundry, dirty and clean). This little Laundromat had some very good equipment, triple loaders, state of the art dryers, and was very clean. A little crowded for my taste but it was better than some. When Krl was situated I left to go to Lowe's and Sears to look at and price washers and dryers. Luckily, I had the measurements and particulars that make the RV units unique. The most difficult criteria was that the dryer must be 110V, not 220V. Our previous unit had been an all in one "combination washer and dryer" which saved space but requires that a load be completed from wash to dry before you can begin the next one. Krl had requested a stacked unit, washer and dryer, which makes sense to me. I had done my research and was mulling over the information while I went to the grocery store when Krl called saying she was through! Do what?, I asked. We had become so used to the dryers at the laundry in Big Spring that when we got some good equipment she did the laundry in less than an hour! It even turned out that she had time left on the dryers! It now appears the previous laundry location was a "rip off". I quickly did an abbreviated shopping list, ran by Petsmart, and then picked Krl and our clothes up. We then made a stop at Staples and wheeled through Fazzoli's (Roy asked us to bring him some supper and Italian sounded good to us. It was either this or Rosa's. Do Mexicans get tired of Mexican food?) Last stop was at Lowe's where I ordered a stackable washer and dryer. A week to ten days and it will be here. Krl loaded up on some Christmas lights and we were ready to head to the compound. I mentioned that the bag from Fazzoli's seemed smaller than the last time and she investigated and found that they forgot the salads! Kriminy! Luckily we were not too far away and I went back through the drive through and they had already discovered their miscue and were very apologetic. I did release the window person from my grip before we drove away. (Just kidding).

When we arrived back at the compound I delivered Roy's supper and we began to unload the SUV. When we completed this task I parked the SUV and got in my pickup to deliver forklift parts and check on things "post" shift change. When I finally made it back to the trailer for the night, it was almost ten. It is not a good idea to eat supper at eleven at night, but even if it was warmed up it was delicious. By the time we got to bed it was after eleven. I was soo exhausted I slept like a rock. Brandy, the pup, began caring for some ouchies on my hands and arms and I didn't even care. Finally I was healed and she cuddled and went to sleep. Monday was bad enough but Tuesday was over eighteen hours.

When I surveyed the compound this morning I found the bale drivers had dropped the ball again. One of the drivers who I suspect is not making a good transition with the other driver rolled into the compound and I asked a simple question to which she came unglued, began throwing her paperwork and giving me "what for". I told her we weren't going there, I was trying to fix a problem and was gathering facts but she had already decided to be irate. She didn't ever answer my question which by her not answering, answered my question. (Some people believe the best defense is a good offense). My solution calls for possibly replacing this driver and one other. I'm also looking for another truck for Blacksheep.

I am back in the trailer. Insurance reports. I don't mind paperwork, as long as it is in the bathroom. I'm trying to stay out of the breeze, it has a chilly edge today. Krl and I are also trying to determine what is absolutely necessary that I omitted from my abbreviated grocery list. There is also one item I am needing for a truck that Roscoe can't seem to pickup. It may mean another dash to town. Dash it all!

Be the real deal.

FATHER, I ask for renewal. I pray for rest. I pray for Krl's health. I ask safety and YOUR care for Adam and his men in Iraq. I lift up Addie, Memama, Pepa, Hag, Bets, Jess, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Dr. Mackie, Jeanine, Verlin, Karen, Hope, K.C., and Tyler for YOUR healing gifts. I ask comfort for those hurting with grief. I pray for those of us who struggle in our daily walk. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. I pray for Richard, Anastacia, James and Terah, that they will seek YOUR kingdom and righteousness first and know that all things will be added unto them. I pray for our prayer partners Jenavene and Susan, knowing that all things are possible through YOU. Draw us near.

Monday. Yuk!

Why is it people pick the most horrific day to decide to moan and whine about the most trivial things.

I have heard it all today. What people want, all the why's of why they didn't do what was expected of them, what is wrong with this program. Lots of self pro-claimed experts out here of late.

Luckily I am the voice that matters. As jobsite coordinator I have the final say in all things pertinent and today I wouldn't have given hoot or a holler if all the cry babies quit and went home.

Tell them today is not a good day to go there and they seem more insistent until finally you have to make them mad enough that they leave. I don't like to be this way but there are certainly days when my boat is leaking like a sieve and I am bailing with a colander. Most Mondays fall into this category, lots of book work, payroll reporting, and trying to schedule the coming week.

And that was my day, thanks for asking.

Be the real deal.

LORD what were YOU thinking when YOU made Mondays? ................
Forgive me FATHER. I'm guilty of making YOU have a MONDAY.
Help me to learn from them. YOUR day, YOUR way. Deliver us.

While we were helping to feed the multitude Thanksgiving lunch, the GM's granddaughter and youngest grandson spent time in our trailer watching rugrats, eating popcorn, and much to my dismay, playing on my laptop.

When I began to try to do some work I was almost blinded by a psychedelic background along with a new screen saver. The settings had been changed and everything gave a distorted appearance. Man was I torqued! Finally I got things close to normal and hopefully it will be minor adjustments from here on out. Worst thing was at one point my computer froze up and then crashed, came up in safe mode and with a little TLC and mouth to mouth (along with a lot of pleading) it came back up. I only lost one file, thankfully. When I finally had settlements ready to print, I found that all my ink had been used to print information on "hermit crabs".

We'll survive, it's just not good to get that wound for so long!

I was talking to some of my forklift guys yesterday and they were telling me some information about different drivers and problems and such that they were having. It was during this conversation that I began to wonder what might happen if someone were eavesdropping.

We talk in code. More often than not, I am referred to as "patron". Krl is referred to simply as "Senora". After that it gets crazy. We have a "peg leg" (this man has on prosthetic leg), "Santa Claus (who is round and jovial and sports a white beard, "jeans" who is the only female in the mix (her jeans usually attract unwanted attention), "the ferrier" (I hope I spelled that right, he usually makes a living shoeing horses and mules), "greybeard" (an older gentleman whose beard is grey, "one tooth" (this should be self explanatory, this man only has one tooth in his entire head, give him a corn on the cob and he is entertained for the day!), "speedy" who is faster than a speeding bullet, "hurry up" (for the guy who is always rushing), 'squeaky" who you can only talk to in brief sessions because his voice is so irritating, we have our "gordo's" (who are overweight), "curly" who has long curly locks, "long hair" who's shoulder length hair distinguishes him from all the rest of the drivers, and we have had interesting names like "cheese whiz" and "goose", "bigfoot" and "littlefoot" and one of my favorites, "the silver fox".

An interesting group to say the least.

The harvest continues at full throttle. At the plant we are approaching tagging enough cotton in to gin that we will generate a hundred thirty thousand bales. I really feel that by mid December the majority of this crop will be "on the turn rows". Once it is in the modules, the farmer can take advantage of several options in order to enhance his cash flow until it is ginned. The are several variations of these seed cotton loans through the local ASCS. Some of this cotton will not be ginned until mid March or so. Putting the best face on it, I think that if I start counting from today and count the total number of days I was here last year, we would be approaching completion of the season. Thing is we are already into our ninth week. That would convert to one hundred seventy two days on site. Golly!

Krl is getting stir crazy. She would so like to go home for a few days but knows how much harder it will be to return. I also don't know how the renovations at the house are going, it might be too distorted to live in. Personally I know that if I go home even for an afternoon, it will be almost unbearable to return, so I try to make my own medicine!

I am hopeful that Rogelio and I can get up the outside lights on our trailer and that Krl can put up our "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree. Everyone has been asking if we were going to decorate. I have told them to go ahead and organize the caroling hayride. Last year it was sixty feet long, that calls for a really rapid pace for Jingle Bells.

Let's see, we heard from TRC and Kali on thanksgiving Day. Ollie had called to tell us that she would be by on Thursday afternoon. Luckily I told her we wouldn't hold our breath because she was a no show. It is hard to be sympathetic when she can't do what she says she will do. Sometimes it is difficult process to grow up and the lessons are better learned if there is no outside intervention. Oh well.

I think Krl or I will drop Gayla a note and maybe she can relay it to our Sunday School class, we sure are missing them.

Be the real deal!

FATHER, we praise YOU and thank YOU for all the blessings we enjoy. Help us to not take things for granted but to give credit where credit is due. To YOU. FATHER I continue to pray for Krl's healing and renewal. I ask for rest for her. FATHER, I pray for Adam and his men in Iraq. I ask for their safety and care. I pray for Addie, Memama, Pepa, Hag, Bets, Jess, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Dr. Mackie, Jeanine, Verlin, Brenda, K.C., Tyler, and Hope. I lift these up for YOUR gifts of healing a care. I pray for those sad and heavy hearted with grief. I ask YOUR comfort for them. I pray for those of us who struggle and stumble while trying to follow YOUR way. Give us resolve, and keep us centered in YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. I pray for Richard, Anastacia, James, and Terah, that they might know that beauty and fame are fleeting, that it is more pleasing to YOU that we be known by our works and our hearts. Keep us pure at heart. I pray for our prayer partners Jenavene and Susan, help us not to be scared or discouraged but to be strong and courageous. There is no other than YOU!

I am thankful that Thanksgiving is a year away.

The joint venture meal between the GM and his crew and me and my crew went well. All four of the GM's daughters were in and along with his wife helped pull the meal off. Krl was our groups lead representative to the meal preparation, especially toward the early part of preparation. We fed almost a hundred people! The crews were appreciative, happy and jovial. It was a lot of work but a lot of fun. We cooked five turkeys and four hams, two large tubs of cornbread dressing, gallons of green beans, a gross of yams, a pile of mashed potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, sixteen dozen rolls, fruit salad and mandarian salad, and sweets and deserts too numerous to count! It was a feast. We had several employees bring their entire families and it was good to see kiddos decked out in their finest!. We had one truck driver whose mother drove out from Abilene to have Thanksgiving with her son. No one was turned away! We even had a small tangent who would not come inside to eat but were wanting to have plates. I believe we prepared thirteen takeout plates. The majority of these were the burr contractor's men (the burr contractor didn't participate in the meal prep, he went home to be with his family). As far as all of us remaining at the compound, for the two hours we took off to eat and celebrate, we were family!

Frankie carried all the left over pies and cakes out to the gin after shift change. Krl had one safety turkey that she was going to send but then she cut her finger while cutting the meat off the bone and bled all over it! Actually she wasn't even supposed to be doing that, I told her we would take the whole bird along with a loaf of bread and some tortillas out there for the guys to eat on through the night. She is A.D.D. and couldn't remember what I had told her we were doing. The one thing she did really well yesterday was to bleed all over everything! (Put it in your books, electric knifes will cut flesh!).

Hope your thanksgiving was good.

Be the real deal.

FATHER, it is in YOUR hands!

It seems as though Monday is the "bad" day out here. If something is going to go wrong, it will be Monday. Last week it was a turned over bale load, yesterday the gin turned over a module truck. I relayed to the burr contractor that he was next and he is sucking wind worrying when the other shoe will drop.

Thankfully there have been no serious injuries. The worst has been a separated shoulder, the least severe, some bruised feelings.

We have cycled through to another grouping of drivers. The initial group seemed to have lost focus so we are trying a new combination. It is probably a good thing because Frank and crew have Bertha singing! We have ginned close to thirty-two thousand bales already and we have enough modules tagged in to be at 106,500 bales. Wow! There are probably two to three more weeks of heavy harvesting. The round table discussion at the coffee table this morning was one of "concession". All the nay sayers were admitting that it was very, very, possible that we would eclipse the 150,00 to 160,000 bale range. We should be very very near a single plant production record.

I did see a competitor from the fringe of our area making a dash in for a module. It is not surprising considering who the producer is. He is always looking to manipulate the system to his advantage and if he can't do that, he finds another system to raid. Tunnel vision. The inability to see the big picture. If you live in the community you need to patronize the businesses there. You can't just take!

Krl and I had to make a mad dash in for more Thanksgiving supplies. After we had made plans to feed our crew and a few stragglers, probably twenty-five to thirty people, the GM called and asked me to come in for a meeting. Krl had talked with him and asked and received permission to use the meeting room and kitchen for Thanksgiving preparation and meal. When I arrived it was short and sweet, he had decided to feed his portion of the crew and wanted us to come on board and do a joint venture. All the sudden we are at seventy for the meal. The GM's wife and four daughters along with Krl are putting it all together. Baked turkey, fried turkey, dressing, squash dressing, ham, spiral ham, taters, yams, green beans, green bean casserole, giblet gravy, rolls, pies, cakes, cookies, and candies! If anyone can eat after this feast it will be a fete!

Krl and I rented the "Hall" for Wednesday. We tried to get it for Thursday but it was already booked. She will meet Lillie and the girls down there in the morning at ten and they will begin production of "pieces" of the meal. Personally I think Krl is looking forward to doing something with other women.

If you haven't volunteered by now to assist in this ministry you are too late! Maybe next year!

All of the guys on the crews are so excited. The common denominator is food and lots of it!

Late this afternoon I had to defuse a situation with a local, one of my truck drivers, and the local sheriff's office. A local was trying to get the trucker in trouble saying he was operating his vehicle in a dangerous manner. Regardless of what happened, and there are conflicting accounts, it turned out to be a headache for me. After a tense hour, things calmed down and cooler heads prevailed. I'm not going to say my man was not at fault but the locals do think they own the roadways.

Well, I guess I am going to weave my way through baggies of cornbread, boiled chicken, boiled eggs, and chicken broth and try to find the shower. It does smell like a holiday is coming from the aroma in our trailer.

Lots of work for a brief, satisfying meal!

By the way, due to a live or death emergency, Hope's surgery was cancelled and will be rescheduled.

Be the real deal.

FATHER, thank YOU for all the blessing YOU rain down upon us. I pray for Krl's healing and renewal as well as mine. I pray for Adam and his men. I pray for their safety. I pray for Addie, Memama, Pepa, Hag, Bets, Jess, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Dr. Mackie, Brenda, Jeanine, Verlin, K.C., and Tyler. I lift these up for YOUR care and healing. I pray for those sad and hurting from loss. I ask YOUR comfort for them. I pray for those of us who stumble while trying to follow YOU. Give us focus and YOUR purpose. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. I pray a special prayer for Richard, Anastacia, James, and Terah. Let them know YOUR truth and be sanctified by it. I pray for our prayer partners Jenavene and Susan and for our knowledge that all things are possible through YOU, nothing is impossible. Praise YOU, from whom all blessings flow!

First things first. Today is a maintenance Sunday, and all the crew said "Amen".

I had some people drop the ball during the night. One is an old hand, the other gets to thinking too much. Sounds like a refresher course and a lobotomy are in order.

The Mighty BearKats fell to defeat Friday night. The Mighty Eagles very nearly fell off their perch as well. The Hurricanes ran out of wind and saw their faint hopes of playing in the BCS Championship game evaporate. What is the deal with Kyle Wright? Yesterday he was Kyle Wrong.

Nascar winds up its season today. I continue to hope that anyone other than Tony Stewart can win the championship.

Krl and I have been having a big laugh over some issues with Brandy. For those of you who aren't aware, she is a ten month old miniature poodle that we got when rescue the animals called us. She was apprehended while eating from a McDonald's bag that someone had tossed out. She made some major adjustments very, very, quickly and has done quite well. Friday night she had a weak moment and backslid. She was trying to get in the trash can and Krl scolded her. A couple of minutes later she was engrossed in accessing the trash again and Krl scolded her and spatted her behind. You would think Krl had almost killed her. She began to pout and lay under the skirt on our bed and when Krl would go and get her she would shake and cower! When it came bed time she wanted no part of Krl and during the night crawled up on my side of the bed wanting to cuddle. I don't know how much of this Krl can take! It has really been a hoot!

Krl and I are planning on going to Midland today. I have no idea what it will be, Abuello's, Chili's, On the Border, Outback. They all sound good. We have more supplies to pick up for Thanksgiving.

Be the real deal.

I have really had Adam Andress and his men on my mind lately. The insurgents are so persistent in Iraq. Please include Adam and "God's company in your prayer petitions.

I also have a friend out here whose young daughter is having some major surgery Monday morning on her neck and lower skull areas. She and her Mom and Dad are in San Antonio for this procedure. Her name is Hope and she will be in the hospital for a week or so after the surgery. I ask your petitions on her behalf as well as for her family and all those helping to keep her siblings.

FATHER, rest us well and rest us quickly. Thank YOU for this day of rest and reprieve. I am thankful that YOU are faithful to restore and renew us, spiritually and physically. FATHER I pray for Adam and his men in Iraq, I ask for their safety and care. I pray for all of our crew here on the jobsite. Help us to be kind and understanding, sympathetic to other's needs. Help us to be safe and productive. Help all of our people to take advantage of the day and rest. I pray for Addie, Memama, Pepa, Hag, Bets, Jess, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Dr. Mackie, Jeanine, Verlin, Brenda, K.C., Tyler and Hope. I lift these up to YOU for YOUR gifts of healing and care. I pray for those sad and heavy hearted with loss. I ask YOUR comfort for them. I pray for those of us who struggle daily to follow YOU. Give us purpose and keep us centered. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. I pray especially for Richard, Anastacia, James and Terah. I ask for wisdom and reason for them, that they would not be dazzled by things of the world but put their hope in YOU and YOUR promises. I pray for our prayer partners, Jenavene and Susan. I ask that YOU bless our efforts. Hide me oh Jehovah.

Last blog was a milestone. Number 500. Wow!

Hopefully things have calmed down. We have been uneventful for the past couple of days, and I am very thankful. The extra curricular events early in the week more than made up for the last few days.

Krl is not a happy camper. She is working with the insurance on the injuries suffered in Monday's accident. It seems like the insurance company is spoon feeding us information. Today's big accomplishment was setting up a pharmacy for prescriptions. I know it is no fun and I am glad that she is able to deal with them, it is one less thing hanging over my head.

We made a mad dash to town today. It was a welcome reprieve from the jobsite compound. Talk about easy to please, give Krl a laundromat (yes, the washing machine in the trailer is still out) and give me a grocery list and a store.

Today's list was a test of how domesticated I am. I picked out Krl a sweat suit, spent forever looking for some navy blue hose, bought her some socks and picked out some adorable plaid bed sheets for the trailer! Add to this a general assessment of things for Thanksgiving dinner and it was a long shopping spree in Walmart!

Things finally worked out to get Black Sheep's oil changed and the new tires mounted and on the truck. Juan was a happy camper. Now my biggest fear is someone locking up the tires and flat spotting them. If they do, it is their problem, they can run them until they are round again. The goal for tomorrow is to have FF14 serviced and made ready for another two week stint.

Sunday is a maintenance Sunday. Yeah! Krl and I are trying to make our list and check it twice. Where to eat, where to go, office supplies! The list is endless! This will be our first recreational day this year! Excuse me but I think we deserve it!

I am always happy to have repeat employees. Yesterday this happened for the first time this year on bales. Candi, who worked for me a couple of years, called and wanted to help. Best part is, she understands my program and knows how to work it! Now if I could only get Charles back I would be in hog heaven!

I am so far ahead of myself I can't even imagine where I should be. I did hourly payroll yesterday afternoon so it was really almost twenty-four hours ahead of time, and I finished bale truck driver settlements today and they are on Krl's desk, I need about thirty minutes and I will be printing seed settlements! Krl asked me if I would have them to her by noon tomorrow! That means Sunday is an open book!

Yes!

Happy birthday Hag! I am sure he is so busy he didn't enjoy it!

By day's end, we will have ginned enough cotton and have tagged enough in on the books to exceed last years record bale production, and we are still picking up steam.

Most everyone in the community has gone to the playoff football game tonight. Glasscock ISD Bearkats are playing the only team to defeat them this season (on the final play of the opening game of the year) in Big Lake. Whichever team survives tonight should go deep into the playoffs! This is a shot in the arm for a program that struggled for years in eleven man ball.

Be the real deal!

Where YOU lead I will follow! FATHER I pray for those near and dear, in need, in harms way. Bless them all. Help me to glorify YOU.

Whoever invented paperwork should be shot!

It seems as the duration for reporting increases, so does the baloney. Weekly reports are bad enough, monthly really suck, quarterly are the work of the devil and year end reports are the devils off-spring.

After the dysfunctional Monday, my Tuesday was filled with completing monthly reports and forms. It seemed to go on and on and on. The result of the two misdirected days beginning the week caused me to be way, way behind in the daily data entry. Long story short, my Wednesday has been filled with excel spreadsheets! Hopefully I am building a system that will evolve and make every stage a little easier. Hopefully.

I got to a point and decided to take some me time. Things continue to be very unsettled out here. Thankfully my skin is not crawling today like it has the previous two days. I am trying to tether myself in order to maintain sanity.

Our accident for yesterday was a truck hitting a deer. Trucks 1, Deer 0. Took out the bumper, which happened to be new. Maybe we can continue the trend and today's accident will only be a spelling or grammatical error.

I continue to have cotton sitting around. The promised help didn't materialize. Mr. Harris was not honest and forth right in his promise of help and or a returned phone call. My opinion of him may be diminishing. A man's word is his bond. Fred called last evening to tell me there were two trucks on their way. Wrong. Everyone has their limits and I am approaching mine.

I am fixing to go into the office. Today is the community Thanksgiving meal. We ordered plates last week. Krl has not been up and at 'em long enough to get ready and go there to eat so I will pick ours up and bring them back to the trailer. This will be our real Thanksgiving meal because next weeks will be a lot of work!

Be the real deal.

FATHER help us to realize how much we have to be thankful for. Grace & Peace.

The best thing about my Monday was that it finally ended.

I had the mother of all Mondays.

The day began with finishing settlements, preparing billing, banking and the likes. When mail ran we were presented with a monthly enrollment form that was requested to be returned by the fourth of the month, it was mailed on the seventh. The premium for the updated enrollment was due on the fourteenth, which happened to be yesterday. The day we received it. Once mail ran it was not possible to mail it until Tuesday provided the form was completed. I was trying to get in the mood when the phone rang and I was informed that a truck hauling bales had an accident in Big Spring. I immediately hit the road making the hour trek to town. I had already received word that the driver was being transported to the hospital with minor injuries. It seems the trailer had become unattached and did a full barrel roll. The truck took a lick from the trailer but did not overturn. I had to stop the state department of transportation workers from destroying the load and a renegade wrecker man from towing the truck with the rear tires sliding. He was quickly paid and dismissed. The compress dispatched a forklift and two people to the scene, the office dispatched another truck. While the truck involved appears to be totaled, I decided the trailer could be lifted up by the forklift and hooked to the new truck and the load reloaded and delivered to the compress. Five hours later it was enroute once again. Luckily, the driver only sustained bumps and bruises along with a dislocated shoulder.

I found it close to ten and I was in WalMart looking for an electric blanket. Finally about one in the morning I got calmed down enough to go to bed.

Morning came about four thirty. Is my butt dragging.

Cotton cotton everywhere and not a stitch to wear! I have been looking for help that has been on the way all day.

We remain one truck short on the seed haul but so far we have held up well. We had several seed catches yesterday which allowed everyone to get some rest.

My forklift man finally came throughout with parts we had been looking for three weeks. Maybe my luck is fixing to change.

Happy birthday Jeanetta!

Be the real deal.

FATHER, I am going to have to load YOU up. I give it to YOU. Thank YOU for saving me once again. I pray for Krl and her healing and renewal. I pray for Adam and his men. I pray for all those near and dear who are in need of YOUR healing and care. I pray for those of us who stumble as we follow YOU. I pray for those sad with grief and ask YOUR comfort for them. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. I pray for Richard, Anastacia, James and Terah, make them wise beyond their years, and for our prayer partners Jenavene and Susan. YOUR will be done.

Blogger, oh blogger, where should I begin?

I guess with an apology.

I can't believe it has been since Wednesday since I blogged. Sorry to any of you who checked. I will do better.

Things have been crazy for the last week or so. The gin has had trouble finding their rabbits foot since the maintenance Sunday on the fifth. Anything and everything that you could imagine has been happening. Gin fires, hydraulics, belts, belting, motors, inverters, load sensors, and the list could go on and on. None of these are my responsibility, but all of them affect my requirements for equipmment. We had been feeling like we were just right and then all the sudden we are "over stocked".

We have not been without trouble. Tires, forklifts parts, accidents and brushes with the law, these have been our achile's heel. I would bet that we have had six or eight flats in the past week. Many of these have been reminiscent of our first years on the job. The building that houses the plant is a welded frame construction and it took us years and years to get the yard cleared of all the small remnants of welding rod which were thrown to the ground. Same thing lately, instead of nails or screws puncturing the tires it has been welding rods.

My seed trucks are reduced by two (or were, one replacement came in earlier today). Lupe was attempting to pass a slower vehicle with a trailer just north of Stanton. As he was beginning to go around the vehicle, it began a left turn. Lupe took evasive actions and steered away from the vehicle and trailer into the ditch. It was a wild ride but no one was hurt in either vehicle. Lupe's truck did not fare as well. I fear it is totalled. Lupe's boss was able to send another truck which is the replacement that arrived earlier today.

The other reduction might be a blessing in disquise. My problem driver, Robert, failed to show up for over twenty-four hours. We began a search to try and account for him and or the truck between here and Lubbock. Finally Fred began checking law enforcement agencies and found dear ol' Robert as a guest of the Lyn County Jail. This is the second time he has partaken of their hospitality. I had suspected the Robert had a problem and I had asked some of the other workers to assist me in monitoring him and his behavior. I had three reports that seemed to confirm my suspicions but Saturday afternoon the DPS gave us all the proof we needed. Robert was stopped and arrested for driving while intoxicated. Probably the most difficult part of this job are the employees that you can't watch 24/7 because they are on the road. Luckily Robert only did himself harm. He will now lose his license for a minimum of a year and he will have a permanent mark on his record for the national data base of truck drivers. Luckily Robert was due enough money to repay all the advances he had procurred and still had a dollar and eighty-two cents to apply to the almost nine hundred dollar tow bill for removing the truck from the roadway. As Robert would tell me, I guess now he is able to "kick it" with his buds in the jailhouse.

Not to be unscathed, I had one bale truck driver who quit. Usually he was begging off on the weekends but this time he quit. No notice. "I've hauled my last load." This too was a blessing. This driver was unable to get on the road and go. Whether he was at home sitting at the coffee table or taking forty-five minutes to drop and hook a trailer at the plant, he just was not able to make the wheels turn in a timely manner. To terminate him would have been very delicate so his was a very welcome anouncement when it did come. Actually he had encountered a problem with his clearnance lights and it flustered him. To have driven a truck all his adult life it amazed me that any small problem became large and any large problem became insurmountable. Oh well, thankfully that is behind us.

Today we are ginning some "flex" cotton. Flex cotton contains a gene that is not approved for export so the oil mills will not accept delivery of any loads containing a single seed with this gene. Genetically altered. Who woulda thunk it!

The plant is awaiting the arrival of a load sensor for gin stand number three. Yesterday morning the motor burned up and when they were swapping it out a stange fluid was present in the conduit. Electricians were called in and they checked and re-checked everything, installed the motor and it still wouldn't run. A capacitor was requisitioned from Lubbock and late last night it still wouldn't run. Finally Frankie figured out it was the load sensor and one was located in Mississippi and put on a plane. About one in the morning Frankie engineered a temporary fix to get us more near capacity.

Our morning today was spent dispersing settlements and working on payroll tax deposits.

Yep, it has been a Monday here at the jobsite. Hope it was better wherever you were.

Be the real deal!

FATHER, I have been running with a short fuse. I ask that YOU temper me. I continue to pray for Krl's healing and renewal as well as for me. I ask for safety and YOUR watch and care for Adam and his men in Iraq. I pray for Addie, Memama, Pepa, Hag, Bets, Jess, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Dr. Mackie, Jeanine, Verlin, Brenda, K.C. and Tyler. I lift each of them upo for YOUR gifts of healing. I pray for all of those sad and heavy hearted with loss. I ask YOUR comfort for them. I pray for those of us who struggle to follow YOU. Keep us focused and centered. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. I pray for Richard, Anastacia, James and Terah. May they put their trust in YOU and may they be blessed and their trangressions forgiven. I pray for our prayer partners Jenavene and Susan and am thankful that YOU are a compassionate GOD. Reign in me.

No news is good news, I guess. It isn't that there isn't anything going on 'cause there is lots happening. The plant seems to have lost its rabbit's foot and can't find its "groove". Another gin fire yesterday morning, a broken hydraulic line that had to be welded last night, each of these probably cost us three hours of production.

It has been near perfect harvest conditions. Dry mornings allow the farmers to get started early and run late into the nights. Many of the guys are starting between eight and nine in the morning (after servicing their machines) and run until around midnight.

The crops continue to be phenomenal. I had a group of farmers telling me that is is taking them six minutes to strip a basket of burr extracted cotton! Yikes! Now that is some cotton. That is about two bales every six minutes per cotton stripper in the field. The gin had stayed up pretty well until a couple of days ago and the farmers just inundated us with modules tagged in. I helped in the office as one farmer tagged fifty modules at one time! That would be about 620 bales or about $175,000. Not bad for a day's work. (Just kidding, this is the culmination of a year long effort!)

My truckers are doing so so. Nothing to brag about, nothing to complain about either.

Early yesterday I made my rounds checking on personnel. I got a wild hair and decided to run to Shadow's grave site to be sure that none of the varmints had tried to violate it. It was very calm and serene. Soft sun-light was awakening the day, I could hear water rippling from the stock pond, and birds were beginning to start their day of song. Nothing was disturbed, thankfully, and I felt that I had made a good decision in where we laid him to rest.

Two weeks to Thankgiving! What's with that? I can't believe it. We are beginning to assemble our plans for feeding our crew. Twenty-one of ours and we usually have a few extras. We have never turned anyone away. Two years ago the General Manager scolded me for preparing a meal for my guys. He told me that it would end up with him having to join Krl and I along with the Miller's and feed the entire group. That would bump the number up to about ninety-one, but it would also make the kitchen at "The Hall" available as well.

I can remember one of the most miserable Thanksgivings I ever had was out here when we were buried under a mountain of cotton waiting to be ginned. Originally Krl had planned on coming out but some complications with her Mother necessitated her staying in Abilene. That particular Thanksgiving I had already turned down numerous offers of hospitality only to end up eating bacon and eggs for Thanksgiving Dinner by myself. At the time it was a feast.

Be the real deal!

FATHER, may our day of thanksgiving celebration become our way of life. I pray for Krl's healing and renewal, as well as for me. I pray for safety for Adam and his men in Iraq. I pray for Kali. I lift up Addie, Memama. Pepa, Hag, Bets, Jess, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Dr. Mackie, Jeanine, Verlin, K.C., Brenda, and Tyler for YOUR many gifts of healing and care. I pray for comfort for those who are hurting from loss. 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. I pray for Richard, Anastacia, James and Terah, that they would hunger and thirst for YOU and that they would be filled. I pray for Jenavene and Susan, our prayer partners, for perfect peace that comes with trusting YOU. YOU are able!

Seven-up! All is quiet. This is the first maintenance Sunday of the season. We shut down production at seven this morning, the night crew went home to grab a nap and will return at one this afternoon to begin doing all the scheduled maintenance, making adjustments and checking equipment which cannot be checked while running. At seven this evening the crew that has been on days will come in and begin their reign as night crew for the next fourteen days.

My day guys aren't happy but I am flipping my shifts as well. I have one worker who has never worked anything but days and he is wanting to die off! I told him this was going to be an educational experience. Actually, truth be known, the reason he is going to nights is because he is the only one on that shift that speaks English.

Yesterday was a long and emotional day. We took Shadow in to a vet for evaluation. I told Krl as we drove that after I carry Shadow in or out of the trailer I couldn't get the smell off my hands. We began to think kidney failure on our way into town. Brief history, we had Shadow's uncle, Sadat 1. We purchased Sadat 1 in 1988 from a breeder in Wylie, Texas. He was a real charmer, smart, disciplined, a real gift. About the time Sadat 1 reached four and a half years of age, he became ill and eventually he was diagnosed with renal failure. He was very young to lose. Prior to losing Sadat 1, Makai and I made the trip back to Wylie and bought Shadow. He was just a pup. His registered name is actually Sadat's Shadow, reflecting his following his Uncle in lineage. My first encounter with Shadow revealed a rambunctious, energetic pup sliding sideways as he raced through the home of the dog breeder as he excitedly sprinkled the floors, contributing to his "out of control" broadside slides. We received a profile evaluation with Shadow which told us of his character. Above average intelligence, very loyal, and extremely headstrong. The one thing they missed was "enormous heart".

I carried Shadow into the examination room, for two days he had been unable to walk. Yesterday he wasn't capable of standing. It was almost as if he had lost control of his legs. The vet evaluated him, said his heart was strong, but it appeared that he suffered from renal failure and that his body was consuming the protein from his muscles. The prognosis was not good. A few days, a few hours, no one knew.

Shadow had been so embarrassed being immobile. He detested being carried outside and steadied while he looked around or took care of business. He had refused to eat for the last three days and all of his intake came from Krl feeding him "Smarties" candy and giving him Sprite with a syringe. While he had made the decision to check out, his Momma wasn't letting him go easy.

Yesterday morning, just before eleven, after Krl and I made the joint decision. In a small room the vet administered an injection, Krl and myself were present along with a vet's assistant. Shadow quickly went to a peaceful sleep as his Momma stroked his head and I watched as he slowly relaxed and life left his body. After an extended period, we left the room and exited the building to wait for Shadow's body. Once we had him in the vehicle we began the drive south to the compound.

When we arrived at the trailer and everything was settled down, I left in my pickup to find Shadow's permanent resting spot. My first thought was just beyond center field at the community baseball field just down the road. I made a big circle across CR 150 to CR 125 to Paymaster road to 2401. Finally I drove in a pasture a friend owns and has been developing. There I found a blue water stock tank, probably three or four acres in size. They have began to build picnic facilities, there was a swimming dock and the shore had 'tubes that had grounded themselves. In a few more years, when trees have established themselves, this is going to be a small oasis. I selected a site on the side of a small hill over-looking the recreational facility and Roy and I dug a grave and buried Shadow where he will permanently be watching over all those who come here. I took Krl to see and she was pleased with my selection and relieved that Shad was finally out of pain and at rest.

Last evening Krl began laughing. She asked me if I knew how flattered I should be that Shadow loved me so much. One of Shadow''s rituals was to give my feet a tongue bath. It did not matter how "smelly" my feet were (and they could be bad, especially if I was wearing sandals), Shad would work tirelessly to clean them. He would only quit when I made him because it tickled too much! We laughed about Shadow's leather fetish. Nothing was safe if it was leather, the best evidence of this was when Shadow had a thirst for the word and ate Krl's Bible. I don't think we will ever have it rebound because it is so special now. He was a good mate, and a very good Dad to his offspring. Shadow may have very well been "the" Jesus hound.

Shadow is survived by his Momma and Dad, two natural daughters, Lady Rachel and Prissy, and an adoptive daughter, Brandy. All of us survivors are indebted to Shad for his Love and unabiding loyalty. He was preceded in death by his Uncle Sadat 1, his mate Duchess, and a son Sadat 2. Two sons, Lancelot and PeeWee are believed to survive him and live in the Abilene area. He will be missed, but we are grateful we were blessed with knowing him.

Krl and I are drained.

Be the real deal.

FATHER, fill us with YOUR goodness. I pray for healing and renewal for Krl and me. I pray for safety for Adam and his men in Iraq. I pray for Addie, Memama, Pepa, Hag, Bets, Jess, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Dr. Mackie, Jeanine, Verlin, Brenda, K.C., and Tyler. I lift these up for YOUR healing and care. I pray for those sad and heavy hearted with grief. I ask YOUR comfort for them. I pray for those of us who struggle as we follow YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. I pray for Richard, Anastacia, James and Terah. I pray for Jenavene and Susan. I know that my redeemer lives!

Yesterday was wild, through and through.

We began the day with a gin fire. While these are common, this one was pretty large. It cost about three hours of production time so the numbers will reflect the poorest night since we began running 'round the clock. That seemed to set the tone for the day crew as well. We struggled all day long. That wasn't all bad. Both my night bale truck drivers dropped the ball. One had a problem, I gave him cash to get it remedied and he pocketed the cash and went home and to bed. The other driver failed to answer the call for the second time this week. The latter is now history. I can't wait until he is a faint memory! The driver who disobeyed directives and pocketed the money has been disciplined. I told him he had used up his one mulligan for the year. Long story short we had cotton all over. It took into the night to get caught up and once again we were the beneficiary of another fire. Not a bad night for having two new drivers. I have stressed to them that this was rare for them to be in and have to wait. Ninety-nine percent of the time it will be the other way around.

It might be easier to write what I didn't do yesterday. I built tarp bows for E.T. in the morning, arranged for Paul to pick up my forklift water pump at noon in Lubbock, went to town to pick up parts in Midland, ran two errands for Krl and still got back in time to install the water pump before dark. All this in addition to my daily duties! Jack of all trades and master of none. That's me.

Shadow continues to hang on. We are discussing having him euthanized. Krl spent the majority of her day yesterday petting him, holding him, caressing him, feeding him "smarties", and singing to him. Krl has made it her number one priority to care and comfort him. It is very moving watching her. Shadow would probably have already been gone by now if he did not know how much losing him was going to hurt Krl. He is such a warrior and he loves his Momma so. Krl said that yesterday for a long period of time she held him and talked and sang to him while he had a series of small strokes. One thing for sure, there is no doubt in Shadow's mind that he is loved.

Last night when I came in Krl was sitting at the table, silently crying. She told me she felt so guilty, for putting him through what he is going through because she isn't ready to accept him being gone, and also because she told me she hurts more losing him than she did when she lost her own Mother. I told her that there was nothing wrong with that, she may have gained more from her relationship with him than she did from her Mom. Sometimes life is filled with harsh realities.

It is odd, the two oldest girls hounds, both are Shadow's daughters. They have retreated and are very somber. Brandy, the pup we got from rescue the animals didn't understand what was going on until yesterday. The two older girl pups were very gruff and short with her, as if they didn't approve of her acting disrespectful of the Dad. For now, there is a sense of quiet reverence in our trailer.

I'm going to miss Shadow when his gone, but he won't be gone. There is still the shined arm of Krl's glider rocker that will be a reminder. Everytime I tell the girls to sit or lay, it will remind me of his helping to train them by nipping at their heels when the didn't respond appropriately. And as always there will be "White Christmas". Just a few of many reminders. I love you Shad.
Thanks!

Be the real deal.

FATHER, our hearts are hurting. Give us comfort, give us strength, give us understanding to accept YOUR will. I ask for comfort for Shadow. I pray for Krl's and my healing and renewal. I pray for safety for Adam and his men. I pray for Addie, Memama, Pepa, Hag, Bets, Jess, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Dr. Mackie, Jeanine, Verlin, Brenda, K.C., and Tyler. I lift them up to YOU for YOUR gifts of healing and care. I pray for those sad and heavy hearted with grief. I ask YOUR comfort for them. 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 being made to expand YOUR kingdom. I pray for Richard, Anastacia, James, and Terah. I pray they will make wise choices, that they will pursue YOU and YOUR way, that they will keep themselves pure and true. I pray for our prayer partners Jenavene and Susan, that YOU will bless them and our efforts. Peace be still.

Feast or famine. This year there appears to be no in between. And there has been a lot more famine.

Truck drivers. Can't live with 'em. Can't live with 'em. Sure would like to try to live without them. Most of them let their hair down today, and not in a good way. We had one who went awol for thirty hours. Oh he kept calling saying he was on his way but he was lying through his teeth! Others had problems, calling in through the night with problems but not leaving a number to contact them. Ie......... they just laid down and went to bed! Probably the weirdest thing was a driver who called my cell phone twelve times and never was able to converse. Dont's ask me why he didn't call the trailer phone. Finally about four this morning I slipped my jeans on and left the trailer to see what was going on. When I arrived at the bale dock the driver that had been calling me was sitting in his truck. I got out of my pickup but he remained in the truck. I stepped on the step to talk with him and he said, "You are going to think I am jiggy, but I can't get out of the truck!" "Why not", I responded. "I can't open the doors", he replied. This guy has been on this truck for over a month and had a brain fart. I had installed new door seals and the doors latch really really tight. Sometime it requires a little pressure "in" on the door while releasing the latch to open the door. Added trouble with this was the driver had forced the door lock down into the panel requiring me to remove the panel and get it out.

We have enough trouble honestly without trying to borrow more.

Krl called me last evening amid tears. We knew "Bink", or Shadow as many know him, was not feeling well. This is the Daddy dog. He will be fourteen this coming May. His breathing was labored, he would cry if you moved him and he did not go out or eat or drink the entire day. Surprisingly this morning when I awoke early he was still with us. Krl has massaged him trying to ensure he has circulation in his legs. I carried him out in the yard but he had to be steadied. I told Krl to give him some sugar and a soft drink. She place him on a pallet by her chair and fed him "smarties" and let him drink a half can of Sprite. Later on he went out with her, he is showing some mobility. We may have evaded the "Grim Reaper" for the time being. Both Krl and I think he has had a stroke. It is difficult watching him. He has a heart of gold and loves Krl enormously. If Krl could will him to live, he would live forever. Me, I would love to see those grey bushy eyebrows twitch and "ole Bink" belt out a few bars of White Christmas one more time!

Be the real deal!

FATHER, thank YOU for our pets, for their demonstration of unconditional love. I pray for Shadow. I ask that YOUR will be done, but if YOU must take him, please don't let him suffer. I pray for Krl's and my healing and renewal. I pray for Adam and his men and ask for their safety. I pray for Addie, Memama, Pepa, Hag, Bets, Jess, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Dr. Mackie, Jeanine, Verlin, Brenda, K.C., and Tyler. I lift them up to YOU for YOUR miracle of healing. 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. I pray for Richard, Anastacia, James and Terah. I pray that YOU will draw them to YOU, that they would know YOUR goodness. I pray for Jenavene and Susan, bless them and our efforts. Victory in Jesus!

Fast and furious. That is what's going on here. It has been the longest duration since my last blog that I have had since I began blogging. To be honest I need the blog as a check and balance measure. I need to slow down long enough to reflect.

Oh, I miss Charles. He has worked with me out here for going on eleven years. Steady, dependable, strong work ethic, the ability to go and do without trying to analyze and make an alternate plan. I am anxiously awaiting his health allowing him to return.

I have awakened every morning but one, with cotton on the ground. Some mornings, hundreds of bales. These new guys don''t understand. They say I need more trucks. I say I need better drivers.

Yesterday I had cotton on the ground and I learned I had one truck driver at a cafe in Roscoe for two and a half hours drinking coffee while the other driver on duty was at home having coffee with his wife and having a bathroom break. Add to this the fact that the first driver I mentioned failed to answer his phone and did not come on duty last night. Add more bales on the ground. Not pretty. I can remedy this situation but no one will be happy because I can make it where every truck has to wait for their loads, then the only winner is me, I won't have to worry about it. Where the current situation can be an opportunity for someone who really wants to make some major money, the alternative could be mediocre money.

I seem to be developing a new habit. It seems every evening I doze off while sitting on the couch. I will finally go to bed and then lie there listening to the different sounds of the plant spiked with the sounds of equipment that is recognizable. I don't think I rest after I move to the bedroom.

We have been working on some new "genetically engineered" seed this morning. I brought in five trucks from outside to handle this specialized seed catch. Even the clean out and clean up modules must be hauled on a separate truck and disposed off away from the oil mill because some of the genes have not been approved for export in cotton seed oil. Headache!

My on site work force is back at full strength after a week. One of my seed men had to go to Chicago for a health checkup. He was supposed to return Sunday but dragged it on till today. We were O.K., I had hired one extra employee to move "wherever". We are not a full force equipment wise. Julio ran over a piece of metal banding and it flipped up into the engine fan. It broke all the blades off the fan and wrapped around the water pump pulley, knocking out the bearing and seal. We have looked for two days for a new pump. We have located a new fan but the water pump is proving to be difficult. I may remove this pump and send it off to have it kitted. This Komatsu forklift is fitted with a Yanmar engine, kind of an odd couple since most Komatsu's have a Misubishi engine. Leave it to me. Do the opposite I do and you will do fine.

Be the real deal.

FATHER, please slow things down, help me to be paced and purposeful. Give me patience, help me to encourage without offending. I pray for Krl's healing and renewal as well as for me. I pray for Adam and his men and ask for their safety. I pray for Addie, Memama, Pepa, Hag, Bets, Jess, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Dr. Mackie, Jeanine, Verlin, Brenda, K.C., and Tyler. I lift them up for YOUR gifts of healing and care. I pray for those sad and hurting from grief and I ask YOUR comfort for 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 being made to expand YOUR kingdom. I pray for Richard, Anastacia, James, and Terah. Make them wise beyond their years, that they would know right from wrong. I pray for the efforts of our prayer partners and ask YOUR blessings on them. Let YOUR glory fill the earth!