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.