Rest assured, I am in control. Krl left yesterday afternoon just before three, so I am the power that be in this house. I have total responsibility. The houndgirls don't care for this setup at all. Phoo Doo had a fitful night, and I can't remember when Prissy has been up at six-thirty in the morning. Maple Syrple is the only one who seems to function with their Momma absent. Prissy has walked and walked looking for her, but finally she just went back to bed.

It will be quite the homecoming when Krl walks through the door!

My "dream" Super Bowl will have to wait another year. I dozed off last evening and the Chargers eliminated Peyton and the Colts. I would love to see the Colts and the Giants in the season finale, Eli and Peyton, both past Super Bowl MVP's, going head to head.

After Krl left yesterday, I slipped my boots on and drove up to Anson to see K.O.. He had been feeling neglected since I had been home two weeks and hadn't checked on him. He is very jealous that I am through. I am very jealous that he is still working. Go figure!

Krl called last night about nine reporting that the elusive winter formal dress had been apprehended. I hope that means the trip takes on a more relaxed pace. I couldn't believe at nine they had not checked in to their hotel or eaten!

When those country girls go to the city! .............. . . . . .

On a somber note, I had a call from Pat yesterday. She was reporting that Buddy, their Boston Terrier had been run over by a pickup. Someway, he had escaped their yard and was about a block away on the main street. Pat said he wasn't messed up, it was just like he was asleep. I guess head or neck injuries. While Buddy was supposed to be Kyle's "Bud", he actually endeared himself to all of the family, immediate and extended. It will be quite an adjustment for them all. Pat and Hag were going to take him to their farm headquarters and bury him. Pat said Kyle was taking it very hard. It is sad and I am sorry.

Friday, when I left the farm shop, I drove around the barn, down the equipment line and back to the other end. I was looking to see if there were any four by fours that had been discarded. On a whim, I made another turn and drove around Fred's house.

I knew I wasn't going to find the dunnage I was looking for, but this was more of a trip down memory lane. The house sits vacant, awaiting its fate. I idled around the back, looking at the French double doors. This is where Fred was when he died. I continued around the house, following the circular road that totally encircles the house. I began wondering how many times I had made that drive. With my grandfather, on tractors, in pickups, on foot. I had been around that house a jillion times.

Fred and Linda use to tell me that house was haunted. Of course the house was remodeled before Fred and Linda moved in, but Fred said you could hear the old screen door slam and then footsteps walking through the house following the old floor plan. Through walls. Fred told me the last time he heard the footsteps was after Mema had died and that time their were two sets of footsteps. I wonder if Fred's spirit walks that house now?

I think of all the festive occasions when Mema and Gan Gan lived there. The hamburger suppers on the picnic table. The watermelons hauled from the field to the picnic table. Sunday lunches. Christmas as a child. I remember spending the night with Mema when Gan Gan was gone. I think about when we sabotaged the house when Fred and Linda were on their honeymoon. I can remember J.K. coming home from the hospital, as I can the two boys and the baby of the family. Lots of memories at this location. As I drove around the front I saw the six big elm trees, one of them home to my first tree house experience.

They can take the house, but they can't take the memories. I would imagine some time later this year, Fred's farm and home will meet the same fate as my farm did. It will be sold on the courthouse steps, a final chapter in a long struggle stemming back to the family business, and our dealings with some international thieves and liars. (I won't dignify them by calling them business men).

If I had the money I'd buy it. Of course now with the wind generators on two sides of it, it will demand a premium.

Rian was telling me the other day that East of Lubbock they were advertising land for sale, current owner keeping all the minerals and half of any wind energy royalties. I've never heard such. I guess some lawyer is testing the legalese.

Well, I am thinking about breakfast. Going out for breakfast. I have been in a mood for quite some time to go to Denny's or IHOP, but I haven't convinced Krl to go with me. Today I don't want to make the mess just for me!

By the way, during the course of my yesterday, I was making several phone calls to different people, one of which was Jason. They were at their house in Florida, unloading their trailer.

If any of you were on my call list, we agreed on the 17th for the event we are planning. More on this later.

Hope your day is a good one!

FATHER, YOU strengthen me! I know not why YOUR wondrous grace to me has been made known, but I am thankful!