Worst thing about a holiday is the day after. Usually you have a two in one day! Yuk!

But first a word from our sponsor!

Let's talk about the holiday.

K.O. and I had scripted the last few "work" days on the equipment project. We have found that when we do this we are much more productive with our time. Throw that one out the window! While recent days had been dedicated to hydraulics our intention Monday was to finish the hydraulics and move on to the engine cooling system. We never made the move. We needed one hydraulic hose, one foot long to finish the hydraulics. It ended up being a four hour trip to get the hose. No one close by was open to build the hose so K.O. and I made sure I had my keys to the parts store and we hit the road.

Long story short, we returned to put the hose on just about the time I had told Krl I would be home. Due to the location of the spool valve, the hose installation was a major project. I finally finished the installation and climbed down to clean my hands before I began the drive home. K.O. couldn't believe I didn't even try the system, but I knew if it didn't perform properly I could get sidetracked very easily!. As I cleaned my hands K.O. began cycling the system when we heard a loud bang. A quick visual inspection revealed gear oil pouring from the main transmission. Further looking revealed a busted PTO housing.

We poured some oil dry to contain the oil and I crawled in my pickup and headed home.

Crapola!

Actually on the drive home I came to the realization that this could be a blessing in disguise. We had been wanting to make some changes, with this happening we are forced to. Best part is it limits our options.

When I walked in the house Krl had a feast prepared! I hopped in and out of the shower, made a quick trip to the store and returned to the house. We began to visit and I told her of the misfortune with the equipment project. Her immediate reaction was how much more money was I going to throw away on this project. My response was that two weeks ago I spent ten dollars on it. Last week I spent seven dollars and change. Monday's hydraulic hose rang up to twenty-six dollars (it was a big one). While K.O. and I have put in a tremendous amount of time, we have spent little money. I am thinking that to make the changes we will be forced to make it will take one sprocket, a little steel and a few welding rods, and maybe a foot or so of roller chain.

Two weeks from Saturday, this piece of equipment is scheduled to do a show!

Yikes!

While I probably should forgo the trip to Norman to watch the Sooners and Hurricanes to work on the equipment I think not!

My work Monday (which was actually a Tuesday) involved a tremendous amount of research. First project of the day ended up being five hours of computer and catalogues. And it was the first of three major research projects. It wouldn't have been so bad if Allen, our support at the distribution center had been at work but he is taking a week of vacation. I can't blame him, but we really miss him when he's gone!

On the other hand when Allen is gone it makes us expand ourselves and be more knowledgeable.

I kidded Chris all day about the bird hunting. With all the lush pastures and filled to capacity livestock tanks and lakes, the doves just aren't moving like normal. I guess like me they have become fat and lazy. What I told Chris is that he spent sixty dollars on a license, used shot gun shells from last year and he got zero birds. I didn't spend a dime on a license or shells and got the same number of birds! He told me "You ain't right Uncle Don" so I asked him to show me my math error.

Pat and Hag went to Lubbock yesterday for a consult with his urologist. She never called me last evening so I have no idea how things went. They were going to spend the night with the Hunters in Lubbock and return home some time today.

I am beginning today by taking Krl to the doctor. We fear her doctor is having health issues again because he is only working this morning and is not scheduled to work again for another ten days. Last week he didn't work at all, even though he had been scheduled to.

Have a day!

Go 'Canes!

FATHER, please bless this day. Continue to heal our hearts. I continue to lift up Hag and Dr. Mackie for YOUR gifts of healing and care.