Every white, rectangular shaped bale that exits the plant is a flash in the pan. Fame is fleeting, because about fifty to sixty seconds after it takes the accolades, there is another taking it away, and then another and another and another!

We had a fire bale load last night. The first of the season. Actually it is the first since 2002, I believe. It is only the fourth one since 1995. However, it was probably the worst one. The driver made a couple of judgements, ones he thought at the time were good ones, but after the fact probably weren't that good. Out of a hundred bales on the load, there were only sixteen survivors. The driver told me it didn't look that bad but when I stopped it was just like gas. For me personally, the worst thing is that the heat warped the trailer. On a high note, the trailer is a leased trailer from the GE TIP pool, and we have been paying a vehicle protection premium each month. Another positive is that the gin's insurance is first in line on the cotton load and the trailer! That should mean no deductible!

Yes!

Once again, I would rather be lucky than good.

We had been keeping a secret out here. The women of the community had planned a surprise birthday, going away party for Lillie, the GM's wife. It had been so hard to not let the GM in on the secret. Krl was invited so she got to hob knob with the locals! The funniest part was that Lillie thought she and some of the other women were going to Hobbs to the casino. Talk about surprised!

Yesterday afternoon several of the older gentlemen had gone out of their way to personally invite the GM to their Knights of Columbus meeting at the hall. Late in the afternoon Lillie called encouraging the GM to make the meeting. I had begun to wonder if they might have possibly put together an impromptu going away party for him. Anyway, it became a moot point because he was on sight at the cotton fire just South of Big Spring until after midnight.

We are making progress in our quest for completion. I find myself so anxious, and I know better!

This isn't my first rodeo!

Yesterday Krl and I made a trek to Midland for some supplies. While we were there we both got haircuts! Yea! Finally found Ajjua's Mexican Restaurant, home of the $6.99 fajitas everyday! Krl got chicken fajitas and I got Uncle Edgar's favorite. It was good, service was quick and price was a pleasant surprise! Frank tells me I need to go on Sunday when they have a mariachi band. I bet that is loud!

In a weird development we are enjoying three straight Sundays when we are off. A maintenance Sunday, Easter Sunday and another maintenance Sunday. It seems as though I am living for days off!

May your day be blessed!

FATHER, our hearts, our bodies, and our minds are weary. Renew us. Fill us. Continue to carry us.