It has been two of the most frenzied, upside down days I have ever had here at the jobsite. Most of Thursday morning was spent either waiting to be summoned to the board room or meeting with the board. Thursday afternoon was spent in the GM's office trying to put together the program we were charged with. Late Thursday I did make one run on Blacksheep, just to catch the trucks up a little. Friday found me back in the GM's office meeting with him and the president of the board. Of course all this was peppered with my regular duties.

It seems the board sold more seed to outside users than they can deliver in the course of the season. It is not a question of availability, it is a question of the brokers getting their trucks in here for the loads. Due to limited storage capacity we have to keep moving seed wherever we can take it, enter the seed trucks running to the oil mill. These guys keep the plant going day or night, rain or shine, holiday or no holiday. They are dedicated and serious about the job they are doing and I appreciate them each and everyone.

Thursday afternoon, the GM and I talked and he made a phone call about one option that we thought was worth pursuing. In less than two minutes he was off the phone and told me the idea was rejected. I try not to second guess him, but I felt his "sales pitch" was really weak. Later I returned to my trailer, picked up the phone and called the same place, talked to a different contact who thought the idea was worthy of forwarding to his supervisor (which just happened to be the same man the GM had talked with). Due to the GM's insecurity and ego, anything we discussed was subject to the GM's final approval and that any and all pertinent info would best be received if the GM thought it was his idea. Long story short, in a matter of minutes I was back in the GM's office with a potential deal.

Friday morning when I was summoned to the GM's office to meet with him and the Board President, the deal was closed.

It's all in the packaging.

And my trucks get to continue to haul.

Kyle Patrick dropped a bombshell on me yesterday saying he was going home for a few days. I asked him if he was quitting. I probably should fire him, I would if it were any of my other charges. I did tell him not to bother coming back until after the holiday because I didn't want to hear any whining in two or three days. Of course then he would whine because he will have such a small check. Oh well, if you make your bed, lie in it. I just may shortsheet this one.

Krl and I have the Thanksgiving meal project all to ourselves it would appear. Actually, we have a few volunteers but the GM's wife wanted no part of it. In fact she said this was going to be a short season and it wouldn't be that hard on all the crew. Hello? These are people too, displaced from their families. I can't remember for sure but last year we fed either a hundred and eight or a hundred and twelve. We are expecting the same this year. I am thinking seven turkeys, five hams, twenty-five pounds of creamed potatoes, thirty five pounds of cornbread dressing, eight gallons of whole kernel corn (we had three feeds last year and progressed from three gallons to six and still ran out of corn), several gallons of fruit cocktail and Kool-whip, a table full of pies, dozens and dozens of rolls, and many gallons of ice tea!

If you aren't doing anything come on out. You can work for your dinner. It is work but it is very fulfilling. We will have more of the usual domestic fares but history supports the basic staples and lots of it!

My weekend project is to call Jeanetta, my older sister who lives in Indiana. She celebrated her birthday Wednesday and I had every intention of calling her but fell asleep on the couch. Thursday night it was eleven when I got in and last evening Krl and I were both fighting a stomach bug.

Jeanetta, if your are reading this, "Happy Birthday!" I promise I will call.

We have a local gentleman in this area who recently was diagnosed with cancer. Several of his children continue to live in the community and the entire family is very respected. Currently this gentleman in undergoing chemo and has been in the office just a few times this season, sometimes in his pajamas and house shoes. Thursday afternoon he and his wife stopped in as they were returning from another stay in the hospital. The treatments are really kicking his butt and he looked really bad.

Monday the other farmers in the community are having a harvest day to get this gentleman's crop out. In fact it will be brought to the plant and immediately processed rather than wait in line for two or three weeks.

I love small communities.

FATHER, I ask YOUR blessings on Jeanetta as she celebrates her birthday and pray that YOU will bless her with many more. I pray for YOUR miracle of healing for Andy and ask that YOU comfort him as he goes through this difficult treatment. I ask YOUR blessings for all those who participate in the harvest day.

FATHER, perfect YOUR packaging of me. Mold me and make me.



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