It is very dis-heartening when you try to help someone and they don't try to help themselves.

We have had opportunities recently to help five individuals. Of course going in we knew the odds were not good.
One was a single mother of eight, another was a homeless man displaced and stranded. One was a family, which has no transportation, which limits what work the parents can get. The fourth is a young man who we gave a job, even though his record did not support our decision. The final one was a family member who we agreed to help for one final time.

Surprisingly, the first three have responded beyond our wildest expectations, while the remaining two have made us question the human race.

I am very dis-illushioned.

One quality I put a lot of stock in is honesty. My grandfather use to tell me if a man will lie, he will steal.

So many quotes dart about in my mind. "A man's word is his bond", being one that stands out!

I guess it is my upbringing, but I can deal with just about anything as long as it it the truth. Lies and deception are one quick way to lose any faith I might have had.

I really need to get away from that for a while.

In breaking news Friday, Coach resigned effective at the end of this semester, as head football coach and athletic director.

For some reason I knew this was coming. I had voiced my thoughts to Krl and to Pat. In fact I had been watching the Brownwood newspaper.

Over the last few weeks I had called Coach just to check on him and visit, and although I called him very early I never got through to him.

Oh well. My opinion wouldn't have swayed him one way or the other although his announcement might have been much more colorful!

At the compound, we are racing toward completion. Probably a week from tomorrow. The only variable is "How many stragglers do we have?" For the most part, these farmers are very diligent about harvesting their crops. However there are a few that usually begin about the time everyone else is getting through.

That could be a disaster.

Today is a maintenance Sunday. The absence of noise is beautiful.

I have brought in a relief driver to clean up the bale load awaiting shipment.

My regulars will get a little R & R.

Krl and I are thinking we might go to town today. We have not gone to town on any previous maintenance Sunday this season. I am having Abuello's with-drawal. I find myself thinking about Los Mejores Especialle.

Of course Krl has a say in where we go too.

Rian reported to me that the boys trip on the "Polar Express" was really neat!
Actually I should back up. Drew's tip wasn't so good, he didn't get to go. I know, I told Rian he will probably need counseling. Reid and Holt's trip sounded wonderful! Rian said it was unbelievable. The train, the depot, Santa, and the dancing elves! Rian said when they pulled into the station Reid gasped and said, "It's him. It's Santa!", as Santa exited the depot.

When they asked Holt who that was, he responded, "Merry Christmas". I think it is so cute that he calls Santa, Merry Christmas.

Rian said the worst part of the trip was it went so far past bed times!

Rmember the reason for the season.

Without a birth, there could be no death, no resurrection.

We have much to rejoice about!

Merry Christmas!

FATHER, thank YOU for YOUR grand plan!