This is turning out to be a very tumultuous time of year for me. I can't seem to get everything in an established order, and that isn't me. I like to put a plan in place and let it roll.

I was supposed to be in Wichita Falls this past weekend for a "project show". Three days before "show time" we got a call telling us it was a rainout. It has been re-scheduled for the 26th and 27th of this month. That reminds me I need to call and make new reservations. I really had planned on winterizing the project and storing it for the winter.

The job in South Texas seems to be drraaawwwwwwing out. I thought that we would be done long before now. Thanks to two hurricanes, Dolly and Ike, it hasn't gone as it was planned. Surprisingly, Dolly provided much needed moisture for the crops, and producers who had planted late saw their crops continuing to put on squares and bolls. That meant the producers weren't about to defoliate or spray drop leaf on it. That was the case until Ike raised his ugly head. Producers began to try to rush their crops, figuring that what they had at that point in time was better than risking it all!

While the Bishop area was fortunate not to have experienced any of the blow or rain when Ike came ashore, rains arrived yesterday. Once the module yards are cleared, we will be waiting again.

It is usually about this time that I begin the move to the West Texas jobsite. It takes about a concentrated week to move travel trailers, flat beds, forklifts, and the service and supply trailers to St. Lawrence. Of course once we get there we have to set up camp, but as long as we can get the fence up at our trailer where the houndgirls can come and go, we can deal with a work in progress. Bale clamps will have to be installed, load straps unpacked, seed loading tolls unloaded and put in place. Then of course there are the clean up tools.

It doesn't sound like a whole lot but it takes time!

Since I have begun this entry, I have talked with Edwin. They will be caught up at Bishop during the next two hours. He said they had a big rain yesterday and last night so it will be several days before they can get back in the fields. Best part of running pickers is when they can muddle through, the cotton is dry enough for the machine to pick. Edwin told me he was going to give it one more try to have ALL the remaining cotton on the yard prior to cranking the plant up.

We can hope.

I am planning on taking Krl to get a haircut this morning and buy some groceries.

This afternoon I may bring the project in to the hydraulic shop to let them do some trouble shooting. We have not been able to make one hydraulic valve behave like we want it to. I have talked with the hydraulic specialists until I am blue in the face and I do not know if I have got my point across yet! Hands on may be the only way to them to understand what I am talking about.

Then if I can, I may take one of the Volvo trucks in for some minor items. Got to get the equipment ready to rock and roll.

Of course somewhere in this mix I have to clean the travel trailer I used at Bishop, and then bring Krl's and my big company trailer to the house to be loaded. That should take a few days in itself.

If things work just right, I may even go in to Chris's NAPA store for a few days. I think he may be feeling neglected. He was all primed to go to Wichita Falls this past weekend.

I talked with Pepa yesterday and he was telling me that Pat was getting ready to go to Palestine to pick up Stephanie and Chloe. Ike hit that area pretty hard and they lost power. If the reports I listened to were correct when Ike moved through their area it still packed winds in excess of 60 mph. Yesterday, Stephanie learned that it will probably be eight days before electricity is restored. So, Chloe is fleeing to the safety of West Texas.

Lucky girl!

Pat had told me that a few of Stephanie's friends from the Huntsville area had gone to Palestine to stay with her until Ike blew through. I don't think anyone expected Ike to do what he did inland. Knowing Pat, she may be bringing the whole crew back to Roscoe.

I am going to have to soak my hands in vinegar or gasoline. Last evening, Krl and I fixed fajitas and I had marinated the meat and peppers and onions. Even though I have washed my hands repeatedly, they still smell like fajitas.

But, oh were they good! Maybe I could wrap a finger in a tortilla with a little guacamole and sour cream and ........... maybe that isn't such a good idea.

They are really making me hungry though.

I'd better find me some breakfast.

Have a day!

FATHER, YOU have made me glad!