My Monday was at Anson helping K.O..

Recently, when Jason completed his seasonal work, he returned the forklift with bale clamp he had leased from Krl. He asked where I wanted it taken and I told him Roscoe, and I would probably take it to Anson later. He told me if it was going to Anson he would take it for me.

My plan was to have it available to K.O., just in case we had a problem with the machine we had leased him. K.O. had told me he was going to park it by his travel trailer he offices out of, on site.

You can imagine my frustration and surprise when I arrived Monday morning and they had been using both machines. I told K.O. I was glad I drove up there because I wasn't aware he wanted to lease both machines.

Talk about fizz and stutter. K.O. took a minute to formulate his story. One that I didn't and don't buy.

What chaps me is he doesn't want to pay but one lease yet he wants to slop both of them around in that horrible environment.

I think I made my point.

Yesterday was spent at the parts store. We knew we had some areas of inventory that needed adjusting. Anything we order from our distribution center automatically goes into our computer system. However, if we buy from an outsourced vendor it is supposed to be entered manually. If this is done on a daily basis it is no problem, if it is not it can be a big one. While we didn't get through, we made giant strides. One item showed we had sold 802 more than what we had in inventory.

If you can believe the computer that would be maximizing your return on investment.

I have watched bits and pieces of the college bowl season. Some good games, some not so good. Of course last night's coverage was filled with the Mike Leach/Texas Tech situation involving Adam James.

If my information is correct Craig James, Adam's father demanded a written apology from Mike Leach for his treatment of Adam after Adam suffered a concussion. Craig James contends Adam was placed in a small dark closet for the duration of one days team practice. He contends that on a second day he was placed in a shed and not allowed to sit or lean on anything and a trainer was present to police this. My sources say Craig James demand for apology had a deadline that Leach did not meet and James went to the University. Leach had been suspended indefinitely by the University pending completion of their investigation.

Leach's attorney responded, saying that Leach had Adam stay in an air conditioned training room with the lights off during one practice and he stayed in the shade of a building at their practice facility with the company of a trainer and student trainer who provided him with ice and water. They contend that people who suffer concussions are normally advised to remain inactive and not in direct sunlight or bright light. In his only direct statement Coach Leach said this is all the result of a spoiled child and an over protective father.

During my drive home from work yesterday I was talking with Rian and he had the television on a Lubbock station when they had a runner across the bottom of the screen that said that Mike Leach had filed a request for injunctive relief against the University that would allow him to coach their bowl game in San Antonio. There is an 10:00 court appearance this morning in Lubbock. If he is the head coach Thursday he gets an $800,000 bonus.

I believe Coach Leach is a tough coach. I don't know Adams compete injury history, if this was a first time deal or if he is "injury prone". I do feel that Craig James is trying to use his position as a television analyst in an inappropriate way by making demands and taking actions that most "regular parents" would take much longer to get to, Craig accelerated the process because he thinks he can, due to his position.

I think the court will probably grant the injunction. I think Leach will probably be fired later for cause (meaning for confronting the administration). I think Craig James should be fired "because". Adam James needs to join the band and play in the woodwind section.

And everyone lived happily ever after.

It would cost Tech $400,000 for each year left on Leach's contract, or around $2Million. If I was him I would be begging, "Please, Fire me!".

By the way, Mike Leach has a law degree from Pepperdine.

I will say it, playing college sports is a job.

Get your year in order! Have a day!

FATHER, bless this day.

Two days removed from Christmas and life is good.

I did only a couple of errands yesterday. Pharmacy, and mailed some mail. Outside of that it was a very calm day.

Now that the rush of the season is over, I have realized this is probably the most difficult for me since Freddy and Terri died in 2007. I can't really explain why. Maybe it is realizing that Pepa has decided to be old, basically giving up. Maybe it is spending time with Memama I realized that she too is no longer a spring chicken and many of her basic skills are diminished (it just seems like it is hard for her to bring it all together and keep focused). But, they can both have their days when they do.

I think it is so cool that we had so many people even with Coach and his crew unable to make the trek. I think I heard Memama tell someone to set out 36 settings of dining silverware. It was so good to see Tj's and Freddy's families as they grow and expand. Of course the addition of the twins a month ago was pretty neat. I got to hold Brody for a while. He has a head full of hair. I got tickled when Jake and Lindsey walked in, Jake had bottles of hand sanitizer. Lindsey was complaining that Jake combs Brody's hair over like an old man. Brody's "doo" Christmas day was combed and curled in the middle of his head. I told him it looked like a spike! I have a feeling that it is going to be very interesting watching he and his sister because already you can tell a difference between demeanors. Freddy's family arrived bringing lots of food. I in particular was thankful for their turkey because Memama's was over cooked and yielded very little meat. (Memama missed her alarm time). Terri's family was well represented although Wesley couldn't attend. He works for the city of Edna water utilities and was on call. He did call Memama and he had already been called out. Shelby and Riley were there as well as Robyn. This was the first year I have really been aware, but Robyn helped out in the kitchen. Sort of like beginning to learn the ropes.

Brody, Jalyn, Dakota, Chloe, Drew, Holt, and Reid really were the thrill of the get together!

Krl and I had to leave almost immediately after Christmas dinner in order to get back to Abilene to ready for our crew's arrival, but when we left Jeri was manning the sink with an assist from Joni.

The meal is the result of the efforts of many people. I am probably a minority male, but having done the big feed at St. Lawrence on Thanksgivings past, I have a better than normal idea of what is involved in pulling a big meal off. I think if the rest of the male population was aware, most of them would opt for turkey and ham sandwiches!

Ha!

Actually it is a huge act of love.

We have begun to plan for a celebration to take place in February. December 18, 2009 marked 60 years of marriage for Memama and Pepa. They didn't want us to try to stuff an additional activity in the holiday rush. They want to do something, but would prefer it take place at their home. So right now we are opting for February and the activity is open for discussion. Some say simple. Some say a little more. We do know it will be family members along with Memama and Pepa's siblings. Some say do it like Pepa's 80th birthday. Hot dogs, chips, burgers, and cake. Others have suggested doing steaks and bakes. Rian and I did talk and both agreed if we do the steaks and bakes we need to use a pit with direct heat under the grilling surface instead of a fire box. When we did their fiftieth anniversary we did steaks with the farm' big fire box pit and a lot of people didn't like it because the meat was very pink (like a microwave almost).

Ten years ago we tried to purchase ribeye "in" beef long ribs. Growing up when we would have a beef processed Memama and Pepa would have beef long ribs with the ribeye in. It was the absolute best of both worlds. Steak and ribs! There is something about that unique marveling of the meat!

Rian's suggestion was doing ribeyes. He has always wanted to buy a whole ribeye (I guess it would be the eye of the ribs) and have steaks cut from it, I just don't know how many it would take just yet.

So, if you would be one of the participants in this celebration, e-mail, call, or mail (I guess you could respond here or the group of you networked on facebook can discuss options) and let Pat, Coach or me know what you think!

I brokered a deal a couple of weeks ago. Our work was beginning to lighten up for the holidays and as usual I was concerned about cash flow. Sylvia from the parts store had a problem. Her son, the baby of the family, was returning from work in Snyder when his pickup began making a racket. He slowed down, but continued to drive until he got home. He slept until late but prior to leaving for work he called his Momma to report the problem with his pickup. She dressed him down pretty well telling him if he knew he had a problem he should have wakened early enough to address it. Instead he drove quickly by the one shop in Roscoe and let James listen. "Rod bearing", James declared. Sylvia's son drove it to the parts store and reported to her. Sylvia asked Max and I, "What is a rod bearing?"

We tried to tell her the important role of the rod bearing. Older mechanics refer to them as "inserts". You have rod and main bearings or inserts and they are extremely important. Sylvia and her son opened the hood and pulled the dipstick. It was coated with a black tar like substance, however there was no oil on the stick. One quart poured in. Two. Three. A quart of oil stabilizer. Four quarts of oil. Five quarts of oil. And the engine was still almost a quart low.

Sylvia began talking to her son in Spanish. I don't know exactly what the exchange was, but he hadn't checked his oil since he had it changed in May. Sylvia asked what they could do. Max told her they did not need to drive the pickup, that even though the knock was hardly there, this problem would not resolve itself.

They decided to try to trade the pickup. Sylvia got busy shopping on line. I could hardly stand it. It is just not my nature to patch a vehicle and sell it or trade it. I didn't say anything but I did make a comment about doing things like this makes it a problem for anyone shopping for a used vehicle.

The following morning Sylvia, her husband and her son decided to go to Snyder to trade the pickup. However, her son decided Max and I didn't know what we were talking about and he would drive his pickup to Snyder to the dealership. After twenty-eight miles, just as they arrived at the outskirts of Snyder, the pickup began knocking loudly. They killed the engine and it wouldn't re-start. The bearing and or the rod were seizing to the crankshaft. They went on to the dealership, leaving the troubled pickup on the side of the road. It became evident very quickly that without a viable trade in, Sylvia's son couldn't do the deal.

Sylvia and her husband took their son to work and returned to the pickup on the side of the road. Sylvia's husband got in and it started. He told Sylvia to follow him, that what ever happened the engine was already messed up. He was right although at this point they could have replace a couple of rod bearings, one or two rods and had their crankshaft turned or replaced.

They made it almost back to Roscoe when the truck went down for the count. It put rods out both sides of the block. Now all the bottom end was junk. Block, crankshaft, and rods were probably toast.

When Sylvia returned to the parts store she asked me what were her options. I told her they could buy an engine through the parts store and their supplier ATK, but I would strongly advise against that after my experience with them. I told her I would begin looking for a take out engine from a wreck. Before days end she had located an acceptable engine.

I told her that if she could wait until my man or men were available, I would let them swap the engine for her. It would give my guy or guys some work, it would lighten my payroll, and it would be cheaper than paying a shop for Sylvia. Thing was, I wanted out of the middle. They could deal directly. The work would be done at the farm shop and what they agreed to was their deal.

Yesterday morning my man got started. His goal is that by Sunday night, the pickup drives out of the shop. Rian and Jason towed the pickup to the barn Christmas afternoon.

To not be in the mix I sure have gotten a lot of phone calls. E.t. will call. I will tell him to call Sylvia, then Sylvia will call me. It has been a vicious circle. As of last night, the engine was out and the replacement was on the cherry picker headed it. The pilot bearing was a problem and evidently stopped the work until this morning. In the process of getting the old one out of the old engine it came apart. Sylvia called me asking me what part E.t. and I needed. I quickly corrected her. E.t. and you need a pilot bearing. "Will we have one on the shelf?", she asked. I replied, I have no idea. I did point out that two of the Sweetwater parts houses would be open Sunday.

I have had no phone calls this morning. And in my books that is good.

Well, have a day. We'd better get busy winding up 2009. It is hard to believe it is gone!

FATHER, YOU are good and YOU are faithful to meet our needs!

Merry, Merry! (Post haste).

I am glad Christmas is over. I will also add, it was good.

I enjoyed listening to Reid and Holt talk about Santa, his snack and the reindeer's oatmeal. They speak with such reverence.

Krl and I began our Christmas Day by driving to Roscoe. Even though we had had snow, since I worked Christmas Eve at the parts store I knew we could make the drive. We arrived shortly after eleven in the morning and only Memama and Pepa were there. Tj's kids had gone to Pat's to see what Santa had left for them there. Krl and I hit the kitchen running, and we ran until just about three.

I am making several suggestions about future holidays, the scheduling, the menu, the preparations. I suppose the first opportunity for implementation will be in February when we get everyone together to celebrate Memama and Pepa's sixtieth wedding anniversary.

There are so many shortcuts we could be taking in meal prep. Yesterday was a lot like what the first few Thanksgivings at St. Lawrence. You could work your butt off.

I am wanting to specialize. Fred's group is good at desserts, Pat is good at vegetable casseroles and salads. Steve's group is good at sweet 'taters, Terri's group is good at peeling taters. (Just kidding). With Rian, Krl and my field is main course and squash dressing.

While I know how much Memama lives for days like yesterday, after spending most of the "crunch" time with her I feel at times she was over whelmed. I don't want to force her into something she isn't ready for, I just think she could use some help.

Coach and his family didn't make it to Roscoe. They spent Christmas Eve in Lantana at Colby's and they kind of got surprised by the winter storm. Last time I talked with them they were trying to get to the Lake. They got to travel all day in that wintery mess!

We had a house full last evening. It was fun. We opened gifts before delving into the huge bevy of Mexican food on hand. It was wonderful. All of our family can speak fluent spanish this morning! (just kidding).

We had company in our home until after midnight.

This morning Addison woke me just after six, letting Witleigh out. By seven thirty Rian and the boys had come in from their motorhome. I got to hold Drew about forty-five minutes as he gained consciousness. They can be so sweet before they get so busy!

Rian and I went to La Popular and picked up a gross of breakfast burritos. It is amazing what variety was evident. Then as everyone bathed and packed, readying for the traditional trek to San Angelo to their mother's house, Krl and became a little melancholy.

It is unbelievable how quiet it was when everyone was gone! The calm after the storm.

I can imagine what is going on in San Angelo, "Let's get ready to rumble!"

While it was fun I am glad it is over.

Father, thank YOU!

What a night!

I woke just after midnight. Terrible, terrible heartburn.

After securing some antacid, I returned to bed only to flip and flop until I got up at three.

Since then we have done the TVLand special, Three's company with a MASH chaser.

Currently I am watching the early news and find myself terribly sleepy.

I could sure use some visions of sugar plums dancing in my head.

We had a meeting of the minds yesterday. Krl, Trc and I. Trying to put a target on ending Christmas plans. We were planning the Christmas night dinner. I think it is final. Mexican food. Taco bar. Fajita bar. Enchiladas. Tamales (courtesy of Sylvia). Queso. Salsa. Picante. Chips. Tea, bottled water, and sodas.

I say go with it.

I went to Roscoe yesterday. I met Rian and TJ (a young man who attended Lubbock Dunbar and attends Greenlawn with Rian and his family). They were picking up the S-10 pickup. I needed to get all my stuff out of it and to put all three sets of keys in it.

On the drive over I tried to think of everything I needed to tell Rian. The most important was to always remember, with the air shocks aired up if the fuel gauge touches red you had better be sitting in a gas station!

The truck had about a half tank of gas when Rian left the barn. I can't remember, but the little truck holds between 12 and fifteen gallons.

Rian called, giving me progress reports along the way. He said the little truck's new engine ran like a scalded dog. He was very pleased. When they arrived back in Lubbock they picked up something to eat and ran an errand or two, then TJ began cleaning on his ride.

Late yesterday Rian was taking TJ home when the fuel gauge touched red. Guess what? They ran out of gas sitting at a red light, just across the intersection from a gas station.

You can tell someone something, but if they experience it first hand they will remember it forever.

I am afraid the gas gauge in the S-10 may be a challenge for Rian. He says his big pickup lives in the red zone!

Rian is planning on driving the S-10 until TJ completes his drivers education.

Back to the parts store today.

I don't know which forecast to believe. My computer says sunny and warming through Christmas, after a cold front comes through tomorrow. The television says basically the same although they are predicting rain and possibly a white Christmas.

Bah humbug!

All I want for Christmas is to sleep all night!

Have a day.

FATHER, please bless this day.

Four days until the Jolly Fatman comes!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

I miss Santa visiting our house, but I am excited for the grandsons. Oh, to be so young and innocent again.

To be totally honest. I understand the tie of Christ and Christmas. However, the tie between Santa Claus and Christmas is a little cloudy to me. I know that gifts were brought to the newborn King. Is this where the gifting concept began?

When did Christmas become commercial?

I can remember when Christmas displays didn't go up until Thanksgiving, now you see them before the Halloween costumes are stowed away.

Black Friday? Where did that come from?

I want to challenge everyone to fill themselves with the spirit of the season. Smiles, and seasons greetings.

Let me get it started by wishing all of you a Merry Christmas!

FATHER, help us to see past all the glitz and glitter and know the true meaning of Christmas.

Yesterday was a day to decompress. I woke about four but made myself stay in bed. Unbelievably I went back to sleep and woke about nine-thirty.

I took a quick shower and decided to go get a haircut, since this would be the only day the shop would be open when I would have the opportunity.

When I arrived I could see several people waiting, but when I walked in Leonard (or Lenny), one of the barbers was sitting in his chair. Everyone waiting was waiting for Tina to cut their hair. To be honest, Leonard probably cuts my hair better than Tina or Toni, but I usually take whoever can get me in and out more quickly.

From there I went to Hastings to look for a DVD. I want to get "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" for the boys. In fact I think Kat and Addie would enjoy it too. It is a 1966 release starring Don Knotts. An aspiring typesetter wanting to be a reporter gets a chance to prove himself by spending the night in a haunted house. I am not sure, but if I remember correctly Tim Conway was in it as well but it was before he became a regular on the Carol Burnett Show.

I looked until I got tired of looking.

From there I did do a little Christmas shopping.

My final stop was HEB. I guess they have figured out I am an easy mark. Last time I was in there I took advantage of some "in store" coupons and saved over $15. Yesterday I saved $52. I went in for one thing, but ended up picking up a ham and turkey for our traditional Christmas Dinner, whenever we decide to have it.
I ended up getting thirty items free for purchasing certain items. The savings was over 25% of the bill. It was somewhat easier this time because I kind of benefited from having done it before. The worst part is it can be work to find some of the items. You have to use your brain. Even though they have one station with the majority of the free items there, all of them were not.

I had been trying to decide what to give Sylvia and her husband for Christmas. This is the first time I have been working at the parts store during Christmas, so I finally just asked her if they exchanged gifts between employees. She said she gave gifts, but Chris considered the Christmas bonus as his gift, and Max was kind of hit and miss. I decided I would give Sylvia and Oscar a HEB mesquite cooked and sliced brisket. I know we enjoy them and I think she would too. I also think this isn't something she would splurge and buy for herself. If she has family in besides Willie, it would be a quick and easy meal main course. Whip up some potato salad and warm some beans and you have a feast.

As I mentioned earlier, she is giving us four dozen homemade tamales!

I think I may give Max and Chris gift certificates. Max always eats at Retta Maes, but I don't know if they have gift cards. (It is weird, but Max doesn't even own a stove and doesn't want to). Chris buys a lot of CD's and stuff online, so something he could use like that might be in order. Of course he always is upgrading his drum set. His latest project is new cymbals.

Krl is puny. She thought she had the flu. I did too after Kat was diagnosed with H1N1. However, Dr. Mackie said she has bronchitis and a bacterial infection. He gave her a shot and prescribed some oral medication that is so raunchy he had to give her a nausea medication they normally use on chemo patients. The only thing she had been able to eat was a strawberry milkshake I brought home Friday night. Yesterday I did surprise her with a burrito supreme and she ate it over the course of the afternoon. This treatment is an eight day treatment so she will get through with it Christmas Eve. I hope her stomach sees some instant relief when all the meds are gone. Her instructions are if she should throw up, she is to immediately go in and get a shot or they have to start the meds over. This is almost the case of the cure being worse than the illness.

I have had opportunity to watch another remarkable Home Extreme Makeover. This one involves the Martinez family in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They returned to a troubled neighborhood and have dedicated themselves to returning it to a desirable neighborhood. The operate a mission and something like a halfway house. The Dad said that twenty years ago he was sleeping in his car behind a motel and he connected with the brokenness of the homeless and he and his wife have made it their mission to help others. An outstanding episode.

Abilene High Eagles won State yesterday. Way to go Eagles! Graham Steers fell one point short after going for a two point conversion and the win instead of tying it up and going to overtime. I like the fact that Brad decided to go for the gusto! The Albany Lions fell after leading by ten. Congratulations to all of them for a great year!

Rian called me yesterday. He said Friday night he and Erica and the boys took the motorhome acquisition out for a drive. In fact, Erica even drove it. Yesterday Rian and the boys took it to have the heater, defroster, a/c motor check out. Turned out the place they went wouldn't work on it and tried to tell Rian what he already knew. He went home and found the problem. In a funny happening, the boys call the motorhome "the bus". In fact, Rian said Reid had gone and asked the neighbors to come over last night to ride around in the bus looking at Christmas lights. Rian got busy because they had to have Christmas carols and the radio was not working so he made a dash to Walmart to get a new AM/FM CD player.

Well, have a day!

FATHER thank YOU for all our blessings, for all our successes. Help us to learn from our failures. Forgive us when we fall short.

Today is Memama and Pepa's 60th anniversary! Wow!

Congratulations!

I am helping K.O. in Anson today.

The middle three days of my work week at the parts store were very sporadic. When we were busy we were busy, but when we were slow we were extremely slow. Last week it was de-icer, windshield scrapers, batteries and starting fluid. This week the batteries and starting fluid continued along with steady hydraulic and anti-freeze sales.

Can you believe Christmas is a week away?

I am ready!

Rian called me yesterday morning. He loves to travel, and earlier in their married lives he and Erica partnered with her Mom and Dad, and her brother and his wife, on a travel trailer. Ironically, only Rian and Erica had a vehicle to pull the trailer. After a few years they sold the first one and bought a new one, but the brother and his wife opted out. A year or so later, they decided to sell the Rv. So for the last couple of years Rian has either borrowed one of ours or had to go without.

The phone call was telling me about a motorhome he found on Craigslist. Another call came and he had made an appointment to look at it. Another call came and they were test driving it. Finally a call came telling me they had bought it.

I swear that boy always has something going!

He told me we didn't need to get his family a motel room for Christmas, they are coming in the motorhome.

Krl and I decided we would allow Ln to decide whether we would fix a traditional Christmas Dinner, there was no favoritism. Since she didn't get to eat Thanksgiving dinner because of her tonsillectomy we gave her the choice. It was no surprise when she said she wanted the traditional meal. I think we are going to have it Christmas Eve, maybe noon or mid-afternoon. Whatever fits the girls schedules. I know Ln is working (she starts a new job December 23) and since Lrn is down the line in seniority at the credit union I am sure she will "get" to work.

While we have usually done finger foods Christmas night, chips, dips, pickles, relishes, olives, meat roll-ups, and little smokies rolled in croissants; this year Krl and Trc decided we would do Mexican food. We are going to fix a big tray of Dandy's enchiladas, a taco bar, a burrito bar, queso dip and chips and possibly even a fajita bar. BUT, the marquee entree will be my Christmas gift from Sylvia at the parts store. She told me she was giving me four dozen of her homemade tamales!

Yum, yum! Sounds like a party to me!

Well, I had better get my day going!

Have one too!

FATHER, bless this day. I ask a special blessing for Memama and Pepa as they celebrate sixty years of marriage. I ask your blessing on our Christmas plans as they begin to get finalized. Thank YOU for JESUS.

Isn't it wonderful to lie down, drift off to sleep and dream "good" dreams?

I had one of those last night.

I dreamed I was at my Memaw and Gan Gan's old farm house. It wasn't exactly correct, but it was close enough to recognize it. While I didn't see my grandparents, my Mom was there along with some Aunts and Uncles, and in a surprise, Duchess, the momma of our black dogs was there.

I have become so use to having Brandy follow my every step that at first I didn't realize the dog was not her but the gray hound.

It was enjoyable to revisit the old farm house. Especially since it was in what I recall to be its natural state instead of the remodeled version. I could see the long narrow kitchen, the cabinets complete with the "bins" that tilted out. The old red step stool sat in the corner.

Of course my Mom was in the kitchen, working away!

I'm going to date myself.

I can remember my grandparents buying flour in a printed fabric sack. Of course you were talking about much more than a five pound bag and the material from the sack would be used to make clothing. One of the "lures" was how attractive the sack was. (Of course they didn't buy bread, they baked it).

I can remember our juice glasses. Actually these were empty snuff glasses my paternal great grandmother would give us. They were etched and served a purpose.

Our relatives who preceded us were very innovative.

How did we get to be so wasteful?

We should be ashamed.

The worst word I can think of this morning is "disposable".

Soda containers, diapers, wrappers, milk jugs.

We are spoiled rotten.

Have a day!

FATHER, forgive our excesses.

I broke one of the cardinal rules.

No, not like Tiger.

Bigger.

I failed to mail Drew's birthday card. I figure if I keep my grandfather credentials I will at least be on probation.

Crazy thing is, Krl and I had talked about it. We had a card. I went to the Post office. Yet I failed to take the most important mail.

Drew, Happy Birthday! Big 2! Your card is not in the mail but it will be! Your Meme and Dandy love you!

For some reason Drew's birthday is the hardest of all for me to remember. I don't know if it is because of it beiing close to Christmas or if it is because it is a busy time of year for us. Worst of all, we are at home.

I guess I was better at planning for the fifteen years we went to the seasonal jobsite because you were an hour away from the nearest shopping place or a minimum two hour roundtrip. I always tried to make my trips count for all they could. I may have been lulled to sleep by the convenience I have become spoiled to. If I forget something I can usually have it in hand in just minutes.

Drew no excuses. Your Dandy is sorry!

Texas High School Playoffs. Go Eagles. I must admit Abilene High has surprised me. However, I was told two weeks ago that if the Eagles won then they would breeze through the playoffs. One to go.

The Wylie Bulldogs lost to Gilmer. Gilmer jumped on them and Wylie could never catch up. A very good year though. Good job Hugh and company! I can remember when Wylie and Merkel were 1-A and in a district with Roscoe, Rotan, Aspermont and each other.

The Garden City Bearkats beat Strawn last night in the Division 1 six man State Championship 122-88. That 210 points is a record by about 50. Of course Garden City was the closest school to the seasonal work so we have watched from afar. Congratulations BearKats! You have become a six man power!

The Hornets of Highland fell to the Borden County Coyotes 28-14. While they fell short of their goal they have had a successful year. It is good to see the Hornets go so deep in the playoffs again.

And the Albany Lions have one more game to play in the pursuit of a State Championship.

Finally, I told you so. Ingram took the Heisman. I was pulling for Colt in my heart, but my head knew Mark was going to win it!

I just hope the rest of my prediction is wrong. I am sure Colt would trade the Heisman for a National Championship. Once again my heart is rooting for Texas while my head is saying 'Bama.

I missed a controversial Law and Order episode Friday. It seems the Mr. O'Reilly took offense with the producer of the show. Here is the line that he took offense to:

"Limbaugh, Beck, O'reilly, all of 'em, they are like a cancer spreading ignorance and hate.... They've convinced folks that immigrants are the problem, not corporations that fail to pay a living wage or a broken health car system ...."

I really don't like any of those guys. I have a rule of thumb that I don't like anyone who likes to hear themselves talk.

Once again I will say, I am for healthcare reform. Many of these people who have media access don't have to worry about what if a debilitating illness hit their family. People with money don't want reform. They have the stockpile to foot the bill.

While Krl and I are fortunate enough to have coverage, lots of time the deductible and the 80/20 co-pay looms huge.

We have been looking at some reports from the parts store and it is unbelievable what percentage of the operating cost is tied to insurance. Preliminary reports show for four employees, insurance equals almost 7/8 of their gross wages. That is a huge expense for a small company to shoulder. We have had changes after changes, trying to minimize the expense. Currently we are seeing another increase in the deductible.

I am thankful for what we've got.

Have a day!

FATHER, bless Drew as he celebrates his birthday, I ask that you bless him with many more! Help us to be happy with our stations in life. Work YOUR plan for me.

Finally.

Seven weeks and I don't have any idea how many phone calls and hours of holding on the line and how many people we went through and over, we have phone service at our home.

That should make me happy, but it doesn't. Nothing should be that difficult.

I would like to thank Tina for her offer of assistance. Just about the time she responded, Suddenlink got it in gear. (Obviously these folks are scared of Tina).

Oscar, the man who was involved throughout, told Krl he could not believe we were so upset. Huh? I would love to meet this man. Obviously he doesn't know upset.

I did receive a call from a Senior Supervisor in Lubbock named John Beard. He had gotten wind of the problem and was following up. He was extremely courteous, apologizing many times and telling me we were the exception, not the norm of the way Suddenlink does business. He continued, telling me they have a full fledged investigation going as to the why it took seven weeks to resolve our service issue. Thanks John. He gave me a full compliment of contact information should I encounter any sort of problem ever again.

And I do have the e-mail contact information for the west region vp for Suddenlink. Dave, don't think for a minute I will hesitate to zip you a line if the need arises.

And yes, I do have the St. Louis national headquarters contact information as well.

I never wanted to own Suddenlink. I just wanted our phone service.

Yesterday I helped K.O. and last night when I left Anson I had promised Krl I would let her know. When I dialed our house number I got a recording, "The number you have called has been disconnected or service has been terminated or the number has been changed. Please check your number."

I cringed.

I dialed again and was relieved when Krl answered on the other end.

Whew!

This morning I was going through e-mails and deleting a lot of older mail that is no longer needed. In the middle of this I found an e-mail from Suddenlink. It stated that they had tried to reach us by phone but were unable to do so (using the house number we had the problem with). Duh! Hello, is anybody home?

I have a weekend project I have put off for six weeks. Today is the day. I have a minute discrepancy on the W-3 tax filing for 2007 with the 941 filing. It is .0016 of the total payroll for the year. I would wonder why they would even bother.

Oh well.

By the way, congratulations to Shelby Teltschik. He graduated from Tarleton today. His Momma (TJ) would be (and is) proud! We didn't attend because tickets were dispersed to graduates on a limited room basis, we were down the list for tickets.

Have a day!

FATHER, thank YOU for another week and all the blessing it held. I pray for patience today as I do tedious work. Please bless my efforts.

We are seven weeks into our bout with Suddenlink. Still, no phone service. I can't believe their management condones the way the people we have dealt with, do business. They make promises, schedule service, cancel without calling, and reschedule and reschedule and reschedule. Initially Oscar seemed to hold the most promise, but I have come to believe he can talk the talk but only enough to keep his job. Yesterday he told Krl he didn't know why we were so upset.

My biggest complaint is no one listens. About a month ago a technician came by and changed some wiring where every phone jack in the house is wired to our fax number. This works for out going calls, but it is a hassle for incoming calls. I had told Oscar and Daryl that they couldn't just port the number, the wiring in the house had to be restored to prior to CYA wiring. Yesterday they supposedly got the number ported, yet the service does not work.

Guess what, they are sending a technician today. Hello?

Crazy thing is, we got another AT & T bill yesterday.

Throughout our entire ordeal I have called our number repeatedly. Until last week it had been a working number and would continue ringing. Last week was when the number was supposed to be ported and when I called it I got a message saying the number I had called was no longer in service. Yesterday I called it and and it rang and rang and rang.

I think we have been victims of Suddenlink personnel trying to decide for us what we wanted. Oscar has repeatedly told us we would have to change our number. I don't know how I could make it any clearer to him that was not an option. He doesn't want to talk with me. Daryl doesn't want to talk with Krl. The e-mail address for the West Region VP apparently is bogus (I received this on a questionnaire about our experience with Suddenlink. I may have to redo it when our experience is over). I also have prepared a multi-page letter to send to Suddenlink's main office in St. Louis.

With luck, we should have our number working. But I am not holding my breath.

I think Suddenlink's new advertising campaign should be, "We're not good, but we are the lesser of the evils".

Truth in advertising.

Texas weather.

Monday morning I went to help K.O.. I loaded a load of bales mid-morning wearing a zippered sweatshirt and my usual work clothes. By the time I was finished and got in the truck to deliver the load I was beginning to get chilled. It is fifty miles westward to where we deliver the bales. Thirteen miles from the delivery location, it was almost like you flipped a switch. Wet roadways, drizzle, ice on the fences and on the grass in the ditches and on the trees in the pastures. Treacherous.

When I returned it was once again like throwing a switch the other way, although it was much colder.

Second trip was almost exactly the same as the first.

It has always amazed me how fifty miles from Abilene, weather can be so different!

Actually what was going on over there on Monday was what we woke to in Abilene on Tuesday!

And Tuesday, what a mix of weather. Cold, foggy, slick. Followed by wind which rapidly cleared the fog and drizzle. Bright sunshine, warming temperatures, and a red tint to the skies reminiscent of spring sand storms.

I talked with Rian in Lubbock late int he day and he said they experienced everything we did plus a heavy rainstorm and the actual sandstorm! In fact when I talked to Rian he said he was going home and battening down the hatches from the ugly day!

Fortunately, the remainder of the week is supposed to be better weather!

I am almost positive I dislike technology. Yes, I have been influenced by Oscar and Suddenlink, but I think how simple life was growing up. I can remember telephone party lines where everyone had their particular ring. I can remember "pre" computers, cell phones, e-mail and text messages. I can remember when there were only two television channels and how they would sign off with the National anthem each evening prior to the "test pattern".

And that brings me to my last thought in today's post.

Our oldest grand daughter, Lrn, has had the same boy friend for almost seven years. They have almost been inseparable. If there was a family function, you could bet Lrn and her beau would show up together. Their relationship has been pretty stable although not without difficult patches. Yesterday, Lrn's beau broke up with her. In a text message. Talk about gutless!

Technology sucks!

Have a day!

FATHER, help us to be all YOU want us to be!

I will divulge a few things. I don't like Alabama with Saban (I liked them with Bear and Gene). I don't like Florida with Meyers. My fantasy SEC Championship game yesterday would have been a mistake filled zero-zero tie.

I would love to have witnessed a Texas rout and Cincinnati losing.

My ultimate BCS Championship? Texas versus TCU. To heck with Pasadena and the BCS, we'll just meet and play it at Jerry's house in Dallas!

But. And it is a very large but. It didn't work out that way!

Alabama was primed and ready. Very impressive and decisive in their comfortable win over the Tebow led Gators.

And Texas? I have never seen a team that didn't want to win as little as the Longhorns. It seemed they tried to give it away.

If I was a voter, I would probably have to strongly consider jumping TCU over Texas, but the only poll that matters is the BCS computer, and it doesn't consider margin of victory. It is either a W or a L. So I still believe we will see Texas and Alabama for the National Championship!

As far as the Heisman? I am afraid Colt may have shot himself in the foot. Those sports writers that vote are going to have to look at his entire year if he has a chance because he was not on his game last night. three interceptions, and off his completion percentage. Still the Longhorns found a way to win.

I am afraid Ingram and Spiller may have made lasting final impressions on the sports writers.

I liked the Abilene Reporter article this morning that touted an all Texas final three for the Heisman. McCoy, Shipley (I have wondered why no one mounted a campaign for him), and Keenum (a Wylie grad) who plays for Houston. Keenum had a five touchdown five hundred yard plus game in a loss yesterday. (He threw 76 passes, completing 56 of them).

Here are my predictions. 'Bama blows out Texas. Ingram takes the Heisman.

Those aren't the ones I will be cheering for though.

I am afraid that Nick Saban will put together a game plan so good, that they will only pick up where Arkansas left off. I am afraid that the last two games for the Longhorns only exposed what I have felt was a suspect defense. Will has his work cut out for him on that side of the ball.

I think Texas will have to come out with a game plan to take the load off McCoy and the passing game. I don't know? I liked the shovel passes and thought they worked. I would like to see some screens, some draw plays. But if Texas is to have a chance they are going to have to revisit their running game, which will open up their passing.

You heard it here first.

If Mack turns a deaf ear, that's his problem.

Ironically, McElroy the Tide QB had a "Colt" game. Excellent.

Have a day!

FATHER, bless this day.

I am off today. Hallelujah!

I helped K.O. yesterday at Anson. I was not looking forward to it, but I felt I needed to.

I have ear marked these extra monies as "Christmas" money. For gifts, for groceries, for whatever need arises.

Due to Trc and Brntly's situation, I have very little confidence or faith in him. I sometimes think I can't be disappointed any more than I am, but he proves me wrong. I seriously doubt he will contribute one single cent to any Christmas for the girls. He has proved that the last two years. He is first, and everyone else is last.

Brntly had devised this plan to clean his credit report up, he needed to divorce Trc. I don't understand all of it, all their structured debt is in his name alone. The debt not supported by collateral shows on both of their credit reports, mainly being medical issues.

Brntly is trying to "land" a big building job in Angelo, but the company from South America wants to do a background check. Including credit.

If wishing, or wanting, or dreaming were a guarantee of success, Brntly would be a mega billionaire. However, some common sense is required along with a lot of hard work. You have to crawl before you walk and walk before you run. You can't begin at the top.

I suppose the thing that aggravates me the most is a statement Brntly made to Trc. "I can't afford you and the girls any more. Ya'll are too high maintenance." Twenty-one years in is a little late to have commitment wavering.

Brntly probably qualifies as an idiot savant. He is so close to being brilliant. He is OCD. Horribly! He just can't put the entire program together.

And it is usually someone else's fault.

Worst thing is, they both missed their court date for their divorce. I am not sure it can be re-visited and made active again or if it just dies because they didn't show. It seems Trc is to the point where the "if's" need to stop and the state needs to require him to pay support for the girls.

And the girls need to know, their Dad has deserted them.

I know one thing, I will look every Salvation Army bell ringer in the eyes before I put a cent in. That's just the kind of con I would expect Brntly to pull. Get a bell and a bucket and go to harvest!

On a sad note, a cousin living in Lubbock died Friday. Her sons found her unresponsive and called 911. She had a serious lung infection complicated by aspirating into her lungs. Went into cardiac arrest Thursday night three times before succumbing Friday afternoon about 5:15. She leaves three sons behind. Two brothers, her aunts and several cousins survive her as well. She had a hard life. RIP.

Have a day and a weekend!

FATHER, thank you for another safe and productive week. Help us to make good choices. I lift up Kiela's family for YOUR gifts of comfort and care. LORD lift us.

Twenty years ago today, Krl, Rian and myself moved into this house.

I woke about 1:31 this morning. Apparently I had another episode. It seems these are becoming more frequent. I waken with my heart racing and my lungs short of air. I really think I need to do another sleep study. Of course after my last one, they may not let me in for another. The nurse told me I am the most violent sleeper she has ever seen.

When I woke this morning, the tip of my nose was freezing. I glanced and saw the lights were off on our electric blankets which meant KRL had turned them on very early and they had timed out. In addition to this, the houndgirls were jockeying for position. I guess with the blankets turning off they were seeking spots that were warmer.

As I tossed and turned, I suffered an injury to my left thumb. Remember I am a violent sleeper! It was stupid and I won't go into details, but it is kind of like the football player who saw a leg directly in front of his face and he decided to bite it. Turns out it was his own leg! What I did was put my right elbow down hard to roll over and I put it on my left thumb. I think I either sprained it or hyper-extended it.

Around three I decided to get up. When I walked into the family room, it was extremely chilly. I went into the home office and as I walked down the hall I turned the thermostat up just a tad. I sat and listened but didn't hear the furnace light before the fan came on so I felt of the air coming from the vent. It wasn't warm. A quick investigation revealed the pilot was out. I lit it and have been enjoying it cycling on and off.

We had not used our heater until Monday. I decided to light the pilot just in case Krl wanted the heater on but when I went to light it I could not turn the valve. I would estimate we have not had to light the pilot in ten to twelve years. This past summer we had a technician come out to check our air conditioner and when he was here he blew out the pilot and told us that was wasteful.

The valve part you turn is plastic and I even put pliers on it and tried to turn it, but it wouldn't budge. I told Krl to call someone to check out the valve. She ask who and I told her anyone but the jerk who blew the pilot out.

The technician who came out asked Krl if I had used pliers on it. She confirmed this and he told her the valve was broken, he was almost sure. He took the valve apart and lubricated it and reassembled it. He was surprised I had stopped before I broke it.

Hey I am no dummy!

Our nightmare with Suddenlink continues. We are six weeks into a service change and probably a minimum of six levels up in the Suddenlink hierarchy. I cannot believe this is the way they do business. I currently have escalated my request to the West Region Vice President. Next step will be directly to St. Louis, the national headquarters! I am tired of messing with idiots. Now they have given us a new date of December 8.

26 in Abilene this morning. With the wind chill it feels like 19. Colder tomorrow. Another threat of more snow tonight and tomorrow.

Bundle up and have a day!

FATHER thank you for all our blessings, large and small. May this day be filled with YOU!

Blogger is acting crazy again. Oops, now it has given me my toolbars.

I am sorry I haven't been regular in my blog posting.

I'm not making excuses, but along with working at the parts store with Chris I am helping my bud K.O.. The only day I am taking off is Sunday and many nights I don't get home until after eight or so after having left by seven in the morning.

Of course I did luck out with the weather. Monday was nice enough to be on a forklift, but I sure was glad I was at the parts store yesterday and today. It does look as though my luck may run out come Friday when K.O. has asked me to help him again. I am considering this extra opportunity as Christmas funds.

K.O. doesn't like to load bales. He says the forklift hurts him and he isn't good at it. Baloney!

It is neccessary to know a few tricks of the trade and having been at St. Lawrence for fifteen years, I probably invented some of those tricks.

The little gin K.O. is at gins in a week about what the St. Lawrence plant gins in a day. O.K.. It isn't that bad, it will do in a day what the little gin will do in five days. But, coming from the big gin to the little gin it is like watching paint dry.

One thing I don't think I have written about is Monday a week ago I had my first encounter with a wild pig. I was just East of Sylvester in one of K.O.'s Freightliner trucks when a pig darted onto the road. I almost missed it, but didn't. It bent the plastic bumper back against the tire, but did no fiberglass damage to the hood or fender.

The carcass is still sitting in the ditch. Apparently someone going the other direction carried it into the ditch. I still contend it is a two hundred pounder or so. Large enough it would have done some major damage to a car.

I guess wild pigs are becoming a problem out there because a few miles down the road a group of four wild hogs were run over in the roadway. They were just as ugly as mine! All of these actually looked something like a Poland China pig, black with red spots.

Max at the parts store was telling me they are omnivores. They will eat vegetation or meat.

Our weather has been extremes. We were warmer than normal. Yesterday it rained all day long with intermittent sleet. This morning we wakened to snow, yet the roadways were very good considering. We have a chance of snow the next four days!

And I would be remisce if I didn't catch up on birthdays. Last week Jake, yesterday Jason and tomorrow Jeri, then I think Kennedy and Drew come somewhere is here. I know Drew is the thirteenth! I always thinik it is wierd. Rian has a birthday date alone, August 23rd, Reid is the 13th of August while Drew is the 13th of December and Holt shares his birthday with his Mom on January 12th.

I know I have to play games to keep up.

By the way, Jake and Lindsey got to come home with the twins Sunday! I have yet to see them.

Krl and I are falling in love with our fireplace again. I must say it has been a blessing to be home. While the work and the friendships at the seasonal jobsite were rewarding, I really didn't realize how big a sacrifice we made to go there each year. I may have to send that turd of a lying GM a thank you card for not being trustworthy and trying to change the contract.

Nah!

Have a day!

FATHER, thank YOU for all the blessing we enjoy. Thank YOU for homes.