4 degrees. An we're not talking about a career student here. It is mighty chilly.

I had issued directives to all the employees staying in the travel trailers to keep water dribbling to prevent it from freezing. Yesterday morning one trailer reported no water. Last evening another trailer reported no water on their north wall. Rookies. They keep asking if Krl and I still have water and are amazed when I tell them yes.

Yesterday had began very rocky. A bale trailer had ice in the air brake system. All I had on hand was one partial bottle of rubbing alcohol. The alcohol will melt the ice, prevent the moisture from freezing and ultimately the alcohol will disperse the moisture. The GM had made the shortest drive to Garden City and bought all the rubbing alcohol they had Tuesday night. Four bottles. He has eight module trucks running, all of which are equipped with air brakes and inside the plant there are several pieces of machinery which are activated with air. Saying it quickly, four bottles wouldn't go very far.

I told Krl if she wanted to go to town to get ready. I would hate to have a problem snowball over a .28 cent bottle of alcohol. We went to Midland. I bought all the alcohol that Albertson's had on the shelf. Twelve bottles. Meanwhile the GM went to Big spring and bought all the alcohol Wal-Mart and Dollar General had, seven bottles. We filled propane bottles for spot heaters, and I carried a bottle of window washer fluid as a reserve. We made it through the night. We are hopeful that we will be above freezing long enough today for us to thaw trailers and air systems thoroughly!

When we went to Midland, Krl and I decided to eat first thing. This is a variation from our regular schedule. I narrowed it down to two choices and allowed Krl to choose from them. She chose a place that is something like jalepeno's and it does have a pepper in their sign. Last year it was a welcome change. This year it was a disaster. Abilene's restaurant puts this one to shame. Krl's entree was burned and mine was a far cry from what I had come to expect. Oh well.

After the meal debacle, we went to the laundromat and when we had all the washers going, I left Krl there and went to Lowe's to get some parts I needed and to check on our washer and dryer. After that it was an errand for Becky and a quick trip through the grocery store. I then went back to pick Krl up and it was timed almost perfectly. Our last stop was at the forklift supply.

We have been on a deal for a new forklift. I have never had to work so hard at buying something in my whole life. For weeks I have been asking for a dollar amount and I still have not received it. In fact I had a check in hand yesterday from the people that are buying it and all I needed to do was fill in the amount. I didn't get the deal done yesterday. I may start new with another vendor today. Business must be good.

Krl and I are trying to plan a day when we can go to town and not be rushed. That may be selfish, but that is what we are wanting. Walking through the mall, watching people, trying to absorb a little of the holiday hustle and bustle, these are a few of my favorite things.

One thing I would love to find (and I really need to) is an old fashion barber shop. One of those that still keep their combs in the green cleaning solution and use a straight razor for your neck and face and of course, hot towels. Those were the good old days!

Krl and I enjoyed a relaxed evening after I supervised the shift change. It was kind of cozy. When I walked in our trailer I jokingly asked her "Before I take my coat off do we need another log on the fire?" She laughed and replied that she was thinking about a fire place as well!

My bale trucks had progressively gotten behind. I called and asked for some relief help and they were sending a guy out who had started here earlier in the year but couldn't grasp the urgency. He made one load and turned his ankle getting out of the truck when he was unloading. I got a call telling me to expect it to look really ugly when I made my morning rounds.

My friends daughter Hope's surgery went very well yesterday. They are hoping to be released from the hospital in five to seven days even if they have to stay in San Antonio a little longer than the hospital stay. It sounds as though Hope is a little trooper, her only complaint has been her head hurts. We are thankful and optimistic!

Be the real deal!

For YOUR love FATHER, we are thankful. We are blessed that YOU meet our every need. YOU are a good and compassionate GOD. I continue to ask for Krl's renewal and healing. I thank YOU for the good reports on Hope. I pray for Adam and his men's safety and well being in Iraq. I pray for Addie, Memama, Pepa, Hag, Bets, Jess, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Dr. Mackie, Jeanine, Verlin, Brenda, Hope, K.C., and Tyler. I ask for their healing and care. I pray for those sad and heavy hearted with grief. I pray for those of us struggling 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 be submissive to authority and honor their parents. I pray for our prayer partners Jenavene and Susan that we might be still allow YOU to fight for us. Glory and Honor and Dominion.