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.