What a week.

We have seen multiple changes this week from destinations, to weather, to new driver equipment combinations and some of these have not been for the better.

Thankfully the plant has not run very well, because we have lagged behind.

I have called in to the Sweetwater office for the past two days telling them what I need in the way of equipment. I had been told that power units weren't short but trailers were. I told the dispatcher I needed both but if all he had were trucks, send me two. I told him if he had trailers sitting awaiting repairs to get them to the shop and I would pay the bill and then run them until they had repaid the repairs.

No additional equipment has come.

I have calls out to three other trucking companies this morning, asking for short term and possibly long term help. I figure whoever bails me out first should be rewarded.

Lots of times people have not liked what I have told them, but I never promised them something and not delivered.

Yesterday afternoon Krl and I went to Midland to get some forklift and truck parts. While it was cold at the compound, it was dry. About twenty miles from the plant we began to get moisture on the windshield. Before we got to Midland it turned to sleet.

I had called in the parts order and I was told they would be on the counter when I walked in. At the first stop, that was the case. At the second stop, they hadn't done anything. They told me to finish my errands and stop back by. I told them they were the last stop. After a brief silence they told me to go to Logan's or On the Border and they would bring my parts to me. When they arrived, they wanted to pick up the tab, but I didn't let them. I don't want them to think they can absolve their misdeeds by simply paying a restaurant tab.

By the time Krl and headed out of Midland, the sleet had changed to rain, and it rained on us nearly the entire way.

Krl wanted to get home and get a shower and change her clothes and get her makeup on before we went to the fire hall for their winter social. While it began at five, we finally arrived about six-thirty.

We have always enjoyed going because it is a cajun shrimp boil! These guys out here sure like to spice things up! Shrimp, red new potatoes, corn on the cob, and carrots. Throw in some onion and some cajun seasoning and apply heat.

In addition, they fixed shrimp in various other ways. Of course they had crackers, cocktail sauce, chips, breads and assorted spirits. When we left, everyone was sitting down to play poker! It was really funny, they all had their money socks with them!

I don't know what the exact count was, but I counted thirty three heads in the fire hall.

Pretty good in this small community.

Turns out we were two of their guests of honor. They had invited all their donors to join them.

I haven't kept up with a running total, but every year I have been a contractor here, I have given to their volunteer fire department. Thank goodness I have never needed them, but if I ever do I sure want them to be there and equipped to get the job done.

Today has not started off any better than the last two days.

Oh well we will build from there.

Have a day.

FATHER, a little help here!