The shakedown run was successful. Thank goodness. In fact, Blacksheep 222 now has two metroplex runs on it and is functioning well. The only problem has been an intermittent park brake problem, but as long as the unit is towing a trailer it isn't a problem. KO and I had kitted the parking valve but it is slow to set. In fact I am beginning to think there may be a problem with the controller valve in the cab (which is $300). I don't worry too much with me as the pilot but later this fall when hired guns come on board the parking brakes will have to be functional. I can only imagine one of these yahoos sliding to a stop, popping the parking valve, and bailing out on a mad dash to the bathroom only to return and find their truck has left without them!

DO called and wanted me to do another metro run today, thing is this would be three this week and the previous two have been "one way", meaning the mileage back is not paid. I don't mind it too much the original shakedown trip, yesterday was a little taxing, but a third day with a two o'clock appointment is not too promising for a return load. I told her to give it to someone who had an early appointment so they could pull a double. She tells me to quit whining. Thing is I have never before turned her down, my complaints have always been about not enough work. At the current pace, the last week I drove KO's company truck, driving wages will surpass revenue for the net pay to the company that owns 222 and pays my salary. Doesn't make sense does it? I have picked up on little slips by DO about what other trucks have been doing, and all I can say is it wasn't offered to me or Blacksheep. I think I am seeing a different dispatcher than I saw the past two years. I suppose it is easy when you have a surplus of loads and you pick and choose what you want. Now that you have to hustle and hunt is when you prove your metal as a dispatcher. It takes focus, it takes organization, and it takes keeping your head in the game. When I took DO's call last evening she was taking her oldest to get school shoes. I am still fearful of what the situation will be with the new customer when they come on line because it appears they expect precision from their contractors, no excuses.

O.K., so much for the belly aching! Thing is, what seemed to be a good way to find what was wrong with equipment while generating a little money has turned into needing to generate more money because of greater expense on repairs and some occurrences with other people's actions which have adversely affected the cash flow situation that I have been given to work with.

Sounds like lotto time to me!

I am becoming increasingly concerned about Krl. The last three days she has not felt well enough to eat supper with me, in fact the last two has found her in bed by the time I eat. I don't have much faith in her taking the time and trouble to eat when I am gone all day either. I am also getting frustrated with her debating whether or not the book and the advice one of my aunts gave her is worth doing. She wants to argue that much of what the book says she needs to eliminate from her diet is what soothes her system. I tell her her remedy may be short term while the book is working for the long term result. She also is quick to say her teeth are affecting her system. What makes me furious is the tooth she has a problem with was never completed by the dentist although he has been pre-paid and Krl won't force the issue. I am almost to the point to tell her to box up her book and yogurt machine and send them back to my aunt, and then I will take some pliers and fix her teeth. Sometimes you got to take the initiative.

FATHER, I am struggling.