Thanks, I needed that!

Last night was our long awaited end of season get together. Scrolling back you might remember that after the extremely long, record setting season at the jobsite last year (which stretched into this year), everyone was so exhausted that we didn't go to town for what has become a celebratory meal and party! All the participants had agreed that when we were rested we would select a date. The latter part of April Krl had been in contact with all the girls and June 23 was selected.

The best part of the entire evening was that the company had budgeted for the night on the town. A few of the details; three couples came from their remote West Texas homes to Abilene. That should be a treat in itself. While they all stayed at a local hotel, we picked them up to be our guests in our home for drinks and appetizers prior to going out for dinner. (The purpose was two fold, we wanted to entertain them but we also wanted to separate them from their personal transportation. In their home county there is no assigned highway patrol, no local police. The sheriff and his two deputies handle all the law enforcement. I had tried to tell them that Abilene was a different animal because police here would rather catch someone for driving under the influence over catching a murderer). When they all heard what we saying, Becky came up with an idea to rent a "limo". Surprisingly, they are much more affordable than one would think especially when a group of eight are involved.

It was a magical evening. Lots of laughs and reminiscing, hugs and handshakes. We spent a couple of hours in the back yard of our home before loading up for Lance to take us out to eat. When we left the house he took us through Wyndham Place, across the South loop to Oldham Lane, North to East South Eleventh. Destination, Lytle Land and Cattle Company. Lance's route took us through some of the more impressive residential areas of Abilene. The dinner meal was sensational, it had been way to long since I had been there. After a leisurely meal we returned to "our ride" and Lance drove a large roaming route around the ACU Hill, through HSU, back by the Grace, through Frontier Texas, before a slow drive through the Elmwood River Oaks sections of "old Abilene". Once we returned to our house, Kristy decided to return to the hotel while the remainder of the group returned to the back yard for a nightcap. It was all over too quickly.

It is a somber thought but it isn't that long until we will all return to the jobsite. Upside is, we enjoy each other's company and we all provide essential elements to the team. I love each and everyone of these guys!

In the quiet and still of our bedroom last night, just as sleep was coming to us Krl quietly said, "I miss these people".

I couldn't say it better!

From the conversations of the evening it is very evident we are not going to set a production record this year. It would appear that about a third of last years record number would be acceptable at this point in time. It has been dry, dry. Lots of the surrounding areas have received rain but not where our friends need it. We are confident GOD will deliver in good time.

FATHER, thank YOU for good friends, for laughs and hugs. I ask YOUR blessings on our small group, to know you, for their safety, for happiness, for success. I ask YOUR blessing of rain for the crops. Work YOUR plan for us and in us. Use us!