Beautiful, gorgeous, bless-ed rain.

I spent yesterday at Pepa's farm shop doing some maintenance on the little wild man truck driver's truck and trailer. While I was there, the drizzle increased to a steady down pour which lasted for an extended period. At times you could hardly see across Hag's field of milo across from the barn.

The shop is a large metal building, and I have always enjoyed the sound of rain on a tin roof.

Although it was quite humid, it was cool inside the structure. Overall, it was an enjoyable time.

When we were finishing up, we had to get out into the rain to load and secure tarps and dunnage. My final chore was when the rain returned to a drizzle, I got the water off the tarp on the seed trailer that recently returned from South Texas. Apparently during its brief run down there it lost a couple of bows (which support the tarp and keep water from accumulating and stretching and tearing it).

By the times I got in my pickup, I was soaked enough to get chilled. I was already fantasizing about soaking in a tub of hot water.

I got home early enough to catch some college football. It was a very impressive day for freshman quarterbacks. Barkley and Forcier to be specific. Although I am not a fan of either program, I was awed by their poise and calm.

When I returned to civilization from my soak in the tub I was greeted by a sight for sore eyes. Krl was in the kitchen wearing a sweat suit that proclaims my favorite time of year is arriving. To add further emphasis, she was cooking a big pot of chili on the stove top.

My favorite time of year.

As much as I hate to admit it, I am fixing to be in the market for some new work boots. I hate shopping and buying and breaking in a new pair of boots.

It is amazing to me how much feet can influence the way we feel. I am one of those people that if my feet are comfortable, I am usually comfortable. If my feet are hurting I hurt all over.

A few years ago, I bought into the hiking boot thing. I loved the thick, heavy padding and the support and comfort the tall lace ups afforded. Problem is, my feet sweat. Long story short, when I came in and took my hiking boots off, they had to go outside the house. They were really lethal.

The only thing I have ever worn that came close to those boots was a pair of sandals. After a day at the jobsite, it was unbelievable how dirty my feet and sandals would be.

I guess my shoes would be the ultimate odor eater test.

I bet my money they'd gag!

Having the curse of the sweaty feet, I have always been awed by the ritual in Jesus's time of washing the feet of guests. The humbling of one's self to do what a slave might normally do, while placing the guest in a place of honor.

I think the symbolism speaks volumes.

Krl and I have had a fitful few nights of sleep. The money situation is really bothering me. Not that I am that concerned about Krl and I, but more concerned for Memama and Pepa. I know they want their trucks to subsidize their income. I may be stupid, but just the last couple of days I have begun to worry about the what ifs? What if one of our customers leaves us hanging. I wouldn't worry too much except, with the bad load situation, our customer base has been altered and we have taken loads from some people that we know are poor pay while newer customers have very little history with us at all!

I guess it finally hit home that if one of these defaults, especially one of the larger ones, it would have a domino effect on us and Memama and Pepa. I don't know if I am comfortable being in this position.

I do know that the last two days, Pepa's drivers have had brain farts that have been expensive. Foolish choices and lack of attention have ruined tires and wheels, requiring road service which have been very expensive. Knowing Memama and Pepa's position, Krl and I have tried to take care of anything that has come up.

To put a cap on the trucking week, the little wild man truck driver left the farm shop headed to his home in Lamesa. I had finished up getting the water off the tarp, then headed to Abilene, making one stop enroute. Just as I entered Abilene, my cell phone toned. It was the little wild man. "Hey, I had an accident coming into Lamesa. My light was green and I started through the intersection and it went straight to red. I never saw amber. An elderly lady began crossing and I took evasive action and braked hard, I made contact with the right front of my truck on the left side of her car between the front wheel and the driver's door".

I asked if he was alright, then I asked about the lady. Then I instructed the driver to take pictures and gather information.

The little wild man told me the lady was complaining of pain in her arm and of hitting her head. An ambulance was summoned and the lady was transported to the ER.

The driver was six blocks from his home.

Krl told me I sure was easy on the little wild man. I told her he was upset and un-nerved enough. When he finally got home, he called me and told me he was still shaking.

I am afraid this may disqualify him for insurance reasons. He had been accepted a year ago on a probationary basis, pending a ticket coming off his driving record. It did, but he got another one right after that so he remained in the same situation. Now if he has a fault accident, insurance may balk.

Thing is, insurance renews in three weeks.

And finally, I had better mention some birthdays. I know I missed Colby's this past week. #30 if I am counting correctly. And Coach will have one a week from yesterday, #51 if I am counting correctly again. If I missed anyone else in September, it is not intentional. Happy Birthday!

A final note, B.L.H. a relative on Rian's mothers side who lives in Lubbock and allows Rian to store some of his treasures out at his place, and who has driven a truck for Rian and worked with me at the seasonal work a couple of times, had a medical issue this past week. B.L. called Rian and told him he had suffered some "mini" strokes. At the time Rian called me, they did not think there was any severe or permanent damage. We will hope this remains the case.

Have a day and a weekend!

FATHER, thank YOU for YOUR blessing of rain. FATHER I ask that YOU bless Krl and I and help us to make good decisions concerning our small business as these decisions affect others. I lift up the lady injured in the accident yesterday and B.L. for YOUR miracles of healing. Bless them and restore them to full health. I know YOU are faithful to meet our needs!