It has been a very eventful week.

The trucks are a pain. The drivers even worse.

Thirteen days have passed since we have received payment of any kind in any amount from vendors. I almost crawled into the post office box to be sure there was no obstruction.

In the biggest news, we are going in a new direction. We just don't know which one. Yet!

As many of you are aware, since March of this year we have been negotiating with the seasonal work we have done for the past fifteen years on a new contract. We have been through the entire process, the bid proposal, the meeting with the board of directors, the awarding of the contracts, and the process of drafting the contracts as an acceptable document to both parties.

Since the last week in June, attorneys have been working, trying to come to a compromise on a few contract issues. It appeared we were making progress, and we remained optimistic. A few days ago, our attorney called and said the seasonal work's attorney had called and said, "If your client wants the contract, they need to sign the contract we sent."

Our attorney told him he could not allow us to sign the contract as they sent it. Then the seasonal work's attorney told him they were withdrawing the offer of the contract.

It is really weird, but I am relieved. I had not realized how "tense" it was to work there this past year, and how much I was dreading returning this year.

It is surprising how one key player leaving and another taking their place can make or break a job.

The new General Manager and I have been cordial, but he always seemed to be threatened. Krl has always termed him as "prissy". I think he is very insecure and in need of validation.

I suppose part of this is the result of my applying for the GM position when it was open, at the request of several patrons. It was a last minute move, and it didn't cost anything to enter. Besides, it never hurts to go through the process. While I didn't get the job (obviously) out of twenty-six applicants I made the final four. The President of the Board of Directors told me one of the biggest drawbacks of my application was that they did not want to lose me as a contractor.

Over fifteen years, Krl and I both have developed some good friendships and working relationships in the small community. While there we have witnessed many triumphs and tragedies. There have been tears of joy and of sadness. It has been a very good experience.

Yesterday, I mailed a letter to the Board of Directors explaining the problems with the contract and why we weren't "comfortable" with signing it. I had composed this letter and sat on it, being sure that mailing it was what we wanted to do. I thanked them for a great fifteen years and wished them continued success.

So barring some miracle. It is done.

Throughout this ordeal, Krl and I have felt that if certain things happened, we would continue, if they didn't, we would move on. Early on, we relented control of this process to GOD.

We don't really know what or where GOD has in store for us, but it is exciting to know he has something in the works!

We have turned loose of the handrail, and taken the leap of faith!

I look back, and through all the adversity we have faced, personally, professionally, and spiritually, and however bad things may have gotten, the end result has out weighed the bad.

Onward!

Krl talked with Ollie yesterday. I am trying to gauge news that Ollie delivered pertaining to her step Dad. It is a shame I can't take what Ollie says at face value, but in the past she has been a drama queen and put the absolute "worse spin" possible on things.

Ollie reported yesterday that her step Dad was hospitalized (and has been for a few days). He has suffered a stroke resulting in slurred speech and problems with movement on one side of his body, and he is encountering renal failure. According to her, his prognosis is not good.

I am hopeful that Ollie has embellished what she has been told and that the situation is not as bad as her report.

Well, it is back to the parts store today. Yesterday saw a steady flow of customers all day until I left at four. We had a customer who asked if I could pick up a part from a dealer for the OEM in Abilene. The store manager had called and checked on availability and was assured the part was "on the shelf". When I arrived, just minutes before five, I was informed they were out of the part.

The only good that did me was I got home a little earlier than usual. On the drive from the North side to the South side, I delivered some filters to the Better Burger for Larry to take to K.O..

K.O.'s brother Danny was at the "burger". Just last week he and his family moved back to this area. He had been working at a CoC sponsored childrens home in Keller for the last few years, but decided to return home to help his Dad on the farm and at the burger! Danny is a very gifted guy who can do miracles with wood or metal. I am glad he is back and hope it is a good move for him. His wife already has secured a teaching job in the Abilene ISD. I am sure their two kiddos are glad to be close to their grand parents!

I was on the computer yesterday and during a lull in customers I keyed in the town nearest the camp in New Mexico that Rian and his family are at. At eleven o'clock it was 50 degrees. The low last night was 43, and the forecast high was 70. Wow. The predicted low for tomorrow night is 41!

For four straight days we have had precipitation at our house. Not much yesterday, but when I was leaving for work I had to use the windshield wipers.

And with that, have a day!

FATHER, We stand ready for whatever you have in store for us. We are confident whatever it is, it is big and right, and where we are supposed to be. We lift up the kids step Dad, hoping his situation is not as dire as the reports. We ask YOUR gifts of healing and care for him. FATHER, we are thankful that you are faithful to meet our needs. YOU are good!