Woo hoo!

Settlements are done! Actually they were done yesterday. In fact I was through with bale drivers and trucks on Friday and seed trucks and drivers before lunch Saturday. Krl had checks finished yesterday afternoon.

I began printing the payroll register in hopes of doing W-2's and 1099's this coming week. I just wanted to throw that out there so you wouldn't think I was slacking off!

It doesn't seem I can catch a break though. Krl and I had noticed her runner rug on the parquet floor was damp. O.K., Krl said not damp, wet. We have a cooler that sits there most of the time with ice in it and I figured that was the culprit. Upon closer scrutiny (meaning we cleaned the lower cabinets out) we discovered the water heater had developed a drip.

Crudola!

I tried to tighten the fittings but with no luck. Finally, I decided to save time and take the high road so I removed ALL the fittings, re-dressed them with thread tape and re-installed and tightened them. After a couple of hours I was ready to turn the water on and check for leaks. Thank GOD for small blessings. It was dry.

I left the cabinets open and monitored it throughout the night.

This morning it was still dry, so now we will have to put everything away.

Let's see, what other news is there. Driver problems. One of Jake and Joni's drivers hooked to a trailer and drove out from under it, totalling the trailer out. One of mine decided to do his own program and did three loads instead of two, which put him way over the legal limits for hours of service. This is the same driver who has been a thorn all season. He now has a reprimand in his employee jacket and for his records.

What else is there. Oh, I had one rocket scientist truck driver tell me I needed to adjust brakes on a particular trailer. I told him fine, except I don't have air to supply them to release the spring brakes. Duh! In my books that is part of the driver's job. At least he has a truck to hook up the air.

I gave my seed drivers last night and today off. We are trying to build some reserve in the big warehouse.

I spent a little time with the GM yesterday. We had just began a deep conversation when we were interrupted by some patrons. In some ways I feel so sorry for him. He has held his position thirty-five years and will retire at the end of this ginning season (probably some time in April). The board has not told him anything about his replacement. He told me I seem to know more than they are telling him. I had made the statement that the board wanted to know if there was an empty spot in the RV park to put a trailer for the new GM come March 1. They want him to be on hand and witness the completion of the season and also to get to work a little with the old GM. This seemed to take the current GM aback. I can only imagine how it must feel to know your replacement is in waiting.

Packers, Pats. Pretty much as scripted.

Today's schedule should be pretty interesting. I find it hard to cheer against the Cowboys, but a Manning/Manning Super Bowl would be appealing.

Have a day!

FATHER, I ask for YOUR peace and calm.