I've been busy!

Fact is, I've been busier than that one legged man in the butt kicking contest.

It isn't fun, but it is a job. I guess I am growing up. Often times we do what we wouldn't choose to do. I've got my eyes open, checking out the options. I figure I will go with the flow and see what presents itself. I suppose I should be happy that I am blessed with being able to adapt. You know the old saying, "Jack of all trades and Master of none"! That's me. Just call me Jack!

In lots of ways this has been enlightening. By going down the road in these vehicles I get a much better idea of what they need. The frustrating thing is that it seems like they are endless projects. A week on BS 22 brought out four issues. Most of these required a trip to the dealer, of course this decision was influenced by my being needed be elsewhere. Three days after putting BS 22 in the shop I was able to check on the repair progress. It would appear we are waiting on a fifteen cent o-ring. Hello!

Yesterday I went to Lubbock in BS 222. I had never driven this truck while pulling a load (actually I had only driven it fifty miles total). I had heard different comments comparing it to other BS power units. My personal assessment was mixed. Contrary to conversations, I was impressed with the horsepower, downside is I was disappointed at the fuel pump. This is usually a trade off. More power equals more fuel. 10% to be exact. I keep trying to justify it as being wind conditions, which were not optimum. My biggest peeve with this truck is that the cruise control is not working. With the onboard computers, many power programs are set to provide more horsepower on the cruise button than on the accelerator pedal while minimizing fuel consumption. Today I am going to Ft. Worth to off load, then to Waco to pick up a Lubbock Friday delivery. This is a new development as KO's core customer put this new route together. Next week it should expand to include Odessa. The core customer has been trying out a new central dispatch and it has not been trouble free. Now they seem to be going back to a lot of dedicated routes. They even agreed to a rate increase of about thirty percent, but when other carriers are leaving loads on the dock, dependable service demands a premium!

It was a lot like a family reunion yesterday, I saw more of the drivers from OBTI in one day than I had seen since last fall's driver safety meeting at the office. I am hoping some benefit will come from it. "Hot Chocolate" told me he would find me some drivers to put on the other BS units. I have had calls out to some of the guys who did the seasonal work, thing is they expect the same kind of money as they make in season.

The more business I can generate for the company re-enforces my case for going back to "in season" pay. Of course the major issue is if you do the work you had better be able to collect. It would probably surprise a lot of my drivers and co-workers, but when they are at the jobsite and on commission, their pay dwarfs mine. A lot of this has to do with me making a deal for health insurance though. If I could get the problem with my final nemesis resolved, I wouldn't worry too much about money, but right now they are yanking on me.

Out of curiosity, would anyone hazard a guess how long it takes mail to go from Sweetwater to Abilene? Looks like a precedent is being set!

One of Memama and Pepa's neighbors died yesterday evening. Last Friday he had a blood clot make it to his brain. Pepa had called me to tell me of this development. Pat had called and offered a little more insight as to what happened and (at that time) why it would be fatal. This neighbor had helped with the seasonal work last fall for about three weeks. This man had an idea of what he wanted in equipment, in co-workers, and in the part-time job. I can respect that. The last time I talked with him was either Thanksgiving or Christmas when he called to see how things were going. Condolences to Francis, Karen, Doris, Willis and Judy, along with their extended families.

I have about decided not to go with Krl and Trc and her family on their trip next week. I feel compelled to stay here and work. I am not sure how much I could enjoy being gone if I felt like I needed to be here to work. I told Krl to see if Trc can cash me out. If not, I may put my place up for sale.

Any bidders?

Be the real deal.

FATHER, I pray for a safe day.