I am starting to respond to being home. I have really enjoyed it.

I probably enjoy the cooking and meals almost as much as I enjoy my recliner and bed! I have gone to the grocery store almost everyday since I have been home. Yesterday it was to pick up supplies for supper. Rib-eyes with all the trimming (and throw in a link of Earl Campbell sausage). UUhmmm MMmmm! It was great. I cooked out on the grill.

Which brings me to another subject. The grill. We spend so much time away that the grill is dormant for extended periods. Problem is, the time sitting seems much worse than if we used the grill every day. Yesterday when I burned the cooking grates off and began cleaning them, I discovered the grates are becoming snaggle tooth. They have become extremely thin and delicate. So, Krl and I are now actively searching for a new grill. Not bad timing, considering that it is nearing the end of summer.

I have begun to find myself dreading the return to South Texas. Not because of the work, I am thankful for that, but just being away from home. Add to this the fact that I have a show to work next weekend in Stephenville, and two weeks later, a two day show in Wichita Falls. Throw into the mix the move to the seasonal work in West Texas and I am finding a lot on my plate.

The break in the work was welcomed to do some maintenance on equipment. It was also welcomed to rest the drivers up.

I do not, however, look forward to the return of sending equipment through the DPS license and weight/ DOT weight station. Hopefully, we will be more than ready for their petty inspections.

One funny note. One of my drivers is not a U.S. citizen. He has lived over here for almost 53 three years, raised a family (his wife and children are citizens or have dual citizenship), but he never took advantage of the amnesty program to become a citizen. On the way back to the job site from Harlingen, there is an Immigration check point. You have to exit and drive through it, an officer will ask you questions, and then determine if a check of your vehicle is necessary.

When this particular driver pulls in, the first question they ask is "Are you a U.S. citizen?" The driver replies "NO." and they ask him to pull to the side. They give him a more thorough interrogation and ask if anyone is riding with him. He tells them no and then they tell him they are going to put their dog in his truck, then they put the dog in the trailer. The dog is looking for "warm bodies" and for contraband.

I told this driver we would go to the dog pound and get him a dog bigger than theirs!

You would think that after going through the same check point every day for a month they would begin to recognize him!

K.O. received a phone call a couple of nights ago, and it seems that another opportunity has fallen into our laps. We are so gun shy, because we want to take advantage of every opportunity but we do not want to overload our boat. In this latest offering, K.O. had mentioned ten years ago that if the work ever became available he was interested. Thursday night, the contractor turned back the job he has held for eighteen years.

Wow!

I have heard some rumors of changes in my St. Lawrence work. It seems that the warehouse facility we usually deliver to is building a facility in Big Spring. That would make my situation much less equipment intense, but it would also pose some problems concerning long time employees that live on the Sweetwater end.

I need to make a jaunt West.

I need to make a quick run to a parts store for some brake pads for Krl's SUV. If I get to feeling real industrious I might put them on this afternoon.

I have no confirmation, but I was told Dakota Rain might have gone home Friday.

Have a day!

FATHER, thank YOU for the R & R.