Almost positive.

Yesterday we carried the company SUV to the shop in Big Spring. Last year we had discovered that the service manager there was from the St. Lawrence area. They were very quick and very thorough in the work they had done in the past (although pricey, you usually get what you pay for). Bert, the service manager was otherwise occupied when we arrived so I spoke with his assistant, Michelle. She was cordial enough, very business like and told me that "more than likely" we could pick up the vehicle later in the day. Last evening when I returned to our trailer I checked with Krl and checked messages only to discover no call from Michelle.

This morning, mid morning, the phone rang and it was Michelle. "I've got good news and I've got bad news", she proclaimed. The problem which it had been sent to the shop for (a freon leak) could not be found, however they did find the compressor clutch to be over heating and needed to be replaced. She told me that the repair to the compressor would be seven or eight hundred dollars. Call me crazy, but I ask questions. Thankfully my years of repairs have given me a pretty good understanding of what is necessary to do different repairs. I asked her how a total compressor replacement would compare with the clutch repair. I figured I was going to have to pay for the r & r of the compressor whether it was replaced or repaired and if the complete unit was cheaper (because of no additional labor and repair parts) that would be the way to go and would rule out the possibility of a seal leaking at the compressor.

Michelle told me that they didn't feel the compressor seal was where the leak was and they were "almost positive" that the problem was in either the front or rear evaporator. She didn't even give enough value to my inquiry to give me a price to compare. She was more than a little exasperated when I told her not to bother, we would be picking up the vehicle.

I plan on talking with Michelle when we pick up the SUV. Not to scold or chastise, but hopefully to give her some insight that will make her a better service manager when her time comes. I am "almost positive" that my criticism will be constructive. "Almost positive", "more than likely".

My mind has been filled with thoughts of the family and friends that are gathered in Abilene as they lay Cathy to rest. Memama and Pepa were planning to attend the memorial service. It bothers me that while Cathy and I had come close while in college, we both allowed us to lose touch afterward. For this I know I lost out and I regret it.

We are below the 1000 module threshold. Yippee! I'm still looking at the 26th for completion while Frank is looking at the 27th. Either one will be great!

We had rain showers here this morning. Our forecast call for a better chance tomorrow and then again on Sunday. While the farmers need a rain, it could extend our time here. The remaining 900 plus modules are sitting on a leased field. No caliche, no gravel. Just dirt. If it were to rain enough it could make it difficult (if not impossible) to get the modules from the module yard to the plant for processing.

Be the real deal.

FATHER I need a pick me up today.