I broke a Cardinal rule yesterday.

I went to the store, hungry.

The trip began simple enough, research for a new radio CD player for Blacksheep. By the time I was out the door, I had a short list.

I am one of those shoppers who doesn't shop. I pick up. I like to know what I am looking for and "pick it up".

I had decided against building a small console with cup holders and storage even though it would have been "trick" to install speakers in the lower locations. I decided I would buy speaker mounts that would go in the corner of the roof and the rear wall of the cab and then I would simply buy some sort of after market hard plastic console. Cheap but functional.

After making multiple stores and spending the total amount of time I had allotted for buying and completing the installation of the new stereo, I still have not found what I am looking for. Maybe tomorrow. I may go to a salvage yard, just for speaker mounting ideas.

I wasn't real organized. I went from the automotive section, all the way across the store to the cookware. Krl and I decided we had to move on and I bought a new large roaster pan to replace our old one. It was sad but it is a new beginning. I think Krl may even try it out with a pot roast and possibly use the left overs later in the week to make a stew. Sounds like a plan.

I got to spend some time looking at Valentines, picked up some three ring binders for Krl, and then I strayed. I went into the food section. Everything looked sooo good! A little of this, a little of that. Some frozen breakfast foods (if I had had that I might not have given in).

Finally I gained a little control and went back across the store for one more look at the stereos, checked out, and headed for the next stop.

The one thing I still had on my list was night time cold medicine. Due to changes recently, most of these no longer have a decongestant in them. However, the first store I went to still keeps them behind the counter. I would rather do anything than have to ask the pharmacy for over the counter items they have back there. I usually buy enough to last and all they carry is the small packets that have 12 gel tabs, then they want to limit your purchase. In other words, if Krl and I both take two each night, in six days I would have to be back arguing with them. I've been known to walk away from a full basket and leave it with them. I went to our regular store and bought a single pack of forty. No grief. Just reached up and plucked 'em off the shelf.

Now that's what America is supposed to be.

Another excellent day. Warm and sun shiny. The houndgirls loved it. Krl left the back door open for part of the day and they were in and out. Krl is getting spring fever. She says she is fixing to begin working in the yard. I guess with the weather and the groundhog forecast it is understandable. When I left the house I did see a couple of neighbors spraying their yard. Yep, it's getting to be that time.

When I left the last store I was waiting to ring up brownie points. I had picked up Krl some popsicles. She can make one last for days and prefers cherry although she will muddle through the orange and grape that are the last to go. These are the good sticky ones that have the fruit juice!

Nothing but the best for my lady.

I made some phone calls yesterday and have more to make today. I may begin to try to put together a group of trucks to take to South Texas later in the year. I'm going to have to see how many commitments I can get before I go down there to try to close the deal. The job is going to require about eight times the number of trucks that I have access to through the company I coordinate for. I visited with a friend who used to be in finance and he was talking opportunity. I think he was surprised when I told him I wouldn't recommend that the company increase their numbers. Spread the wealth, spread the risk. This could involve several smaller companies and many individuals if I can put it all together. I do know that the rate I was given is bogus. If it was for real they would be beating trucks off with a stick.

I had tried to call Fred yesterday but "Trick" said he was gone and didn't know where he was or when he would be back. That's back on my list for to do's.

Krl and I were winding our day down last evening. She and the houndgirls had gone to bed and I was in the back of the house when the doorbell rang. By the time I opened the door, no-one was there. It was pretty late for someone to be out and about. It stirred up the hounds and got my blood pumping. It was very reminiscent of a time in the past when Constables and Sheriffs Deputies streamed to and from our door serving papers.

I had to give myself a pep talk because all that is behind us. Our attorney has assured Hag that any one who tries to ignore or circumvent the court orders can and will be dealt with in a manner that could be advantageous to us. From the sound of it Robert would love it!

Let's get ready to rumble!

Hump day. It's down hill from here to the weekend.

FATHER, keep me centered and focused. Help me to be wise and kind. YOU give me strength.