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.