The Fall work has begun. I kept on trying to put it off, a Wednesday trip out slid to Thursday, Thursday to Friday. Finally I made myself go. An early morning departure was postponed until just before lunch.

Pepa was concerned that I was going out by myself. I would say that this has probably been the case for the last seven or eight years unless I was taking a prospective co-worker with me to witness the remote location first hand. For whatever reason, Pepa called Kyle Patrick Henry and as usual for Kyle he jumped at the chance to go ----anywhere!

At the jobsite we have a trailer park. It isn't much, just water, electricity and sewer hook ups. No trees, no picnic tables, and no recreational area. We are on site to work. Initially there were only two travel trailers, last year that number grew to seven. We are kind of like sardines. Packed in place. There is an order that everything goes in place. The first trailer sets the layout for all the rest. I have a secret recipe for determining the exact location of the "first" trailer, I have used the same land marks for years and years. It has actually become an automated response when I arrive there. Hit the marks.

Kyle and I took the first trailer out yesterday. This is for the loaders and is set up with bunks, accommodating five at maximum population. An optimum number is two. We disconnected the trailer from the pickup and began immediately to install leveling jacks and make the trailer solid. We then connected the electricity, water and sewer. Next project was unloading and connecting a hundred gallon propane tank that the trailers share. (This sure beats trying to keep six gallon bottles filled.) I think that Kyle was a little numb since he was witnessing the routine process for the first time. Everything was present and everything had a place it had to go. When we were out of pieces, the job was complete.

One down, two to go.

Once Kyle and I completed the trailer setup, we went inside to visit with the GM. He is having some health issues and is scheduled for surgery, October 2. That date is also the date we are scheduled to begin production.

Fall festival is next weekend so we are expected to be on site and in place by next Saturday. The annual event will begin with the massive sausage making, followed by setup for the Sunday festival. Saturday afternoon will see the residents gathered around the barbecue pits and beer kegs as they get some quick R & R before mass and beginning their assigned duties. Some will be up all night preparing the main course for the noon barbecue meal, others will be making sure all the side dishes and other preparations are completed. For a few hours Sunday, St. Lawrence will become the largest city in the county.

I'm glad that is behind me. Often times the most difficult part of an undertaking is getting it underway. Three more trips out this coming week.

And they're off!

FATHER, thank YOU for the safe day, the productive day. I pray for a blessed season. Reign in me.