I've got jet lag. I wonder how Santa feels after his whirlwind tour?

Krl and I were talking Tuesday on our way to Memama and Pepa's and I told her that Christmas day marked thirty-six years since I caught my hand in a cotton stripper. It seems as though that is about the only time I think of it any more, the physical restrictions have long been a way of life. I am sometimes amused by the thumb and two finger typing action of my right hand I have perfected over the years. (All right, almost perfected).

The day was a good day. Krl and I both were almost overwhelmed by the crowd at Memama's. Having been twelve or fifteen years since we had last been there, the family has grown considerably. And some weren't there this year, Rian's family alone would add five.

I guess my group is the only one that would receive a failing grade. While Krl and I attended, none of the kids did. Fred's, Pat, Stevies, and TJ's family attended 100%.

There were thirty-five of us there, the group was rounded out by Hag's Dad and step-Mom. Hag's step-Mom was a tremendous help in the kitchen.

Probably the biggest surprise for Krl and I was E and T.J.'s family drove in Monday. It was good to be with them.

There was lots of visiting and a delicious meal was consumed.

In the afternoon everyone gave Memama and Pepa their gifts and then participated in the white elephant gift exchange. We had several hot items that changed hands several times before they finally were "in" possession for a third time. I would have to say that coach's family had the best game plan and executed it well.

Now there is no reason for them not to complete their house project!

There were some neat little presents this year. Pat had gotten a picture of TJ (I think it was her school nurse picture taken last year) and had 8 x 10's made for all of us. Pat also had taken the old 8mm home movies and had them put on video tape a few years ago. This year she had them transferred to DVD.

I watched old home movies for a long time yesterday.

In a few family news items, Jake's fiance Lindsey was there. They will be married in two days.
By the way, Rian is conducting the ceremony.

Kirby's fiancee Kira (I hope that is close to the spelling) was in attendance. She may have been in shock by the family.

Steph and JR were there and confirmed the fact that they are expecting.

Robyn's beau Jarad was with her. This could be getting serious.

Colby's and Courtney's new baby Kennedy Faith made her debut and is probably sore from all the holding and spoiled from all the rocking.

And last but not least, I visited with Christy and she confirmed that she and Jason are expecting. It has been a long process but she said so far the invitro has been successful. She told Krl and I that doctors implanted two embryo's and all the tests have looked good so far. In fact they had to be in Fort Worth yesterday morning at eight-thirty for a checkup.

There were the noticeable voids left by Fred's and TJ's absence but it was also evident that the healing is progressing, albeit slowly.

Krl and I had planned to go to Lubbock yesterday to take the boy's Christmas to them. That plan changed when Rian was asked to be a pall bearer at Mrs. Scott's funeral in Stamford.

We will try again at some later date.

Krl and I didn't do much yesterday, although Krl did a lot more than I did. She did laundry and dishes and some general cleaning. I cooked breakfast, laid around, watched the movies, and cat napped during the afternoon.

Late in the day I began getting depressed knowing this is our last reprieve until the end of the season. From here on out the most we can expect are the scheduled maintenance Sunday's.

I am beginning to wonder who of my crew won't show up when they are supposed to. I pretty much had Pepa's day filled with repairs he needed to do to his trucks and to BS 22. I even did a drive around to see what trailers are on "the other" end that need tires and or welding etc..... .

In the morning I will probably call and have the drivers take the trucks in for servicing before they return to the jobsite.

I have begun to put a plan in place for when we turn the cotton from Sweetwater to Lubbock for a few days after the first of the year. I am so glad we didn't do the Flower Mound destination. Everyone I talk with says it is a mess, and to me it still doesn't make a lot of sense.

I guess in my spare time I will begin sprucing up my resume. I have about decided to submit it for the GM position out here. I had decided not to, but had a couple of patrons talk with me last week telling me that it doesn't cost anything to enter and if the job were made available a guy wouldn't have to take it. By submitting my resume, I am just expanding the window of time and possibilities.

Have a day!

FATHER, thank YOU for a good day at Memama's and Pepa's. Thank YOU for memories old and new, and for possibilities. Bless-ed by YOUR name.