Waiting to exhale!

Two more days in this week. Scheduled activities both days. I don't know who will feel more relief, Ollie or me.

One day in the Ollie watch.

I wonder if governmental agency employees are aware of the tremendous apprehension their "clients" have. More importantly, I wonder if they care. Is it a rush for them to "have" power over people, or do they just become thick skinned and uncaring.

Now, I will admit it is a breath of fresh air when I find a governmental employee who is genuine and caring.

My week has been filled with governmental agencies. Yesterday I was completing the certification at the NAPA store for commercial vehicle annual inspection. This is a process that began last April, when I tested and passed both classifications. In waiting for Max and Sylvia to do their testing, we lost about three or four months, and then the area supervisor seemed to drop us off her radar for the next couple. Finally she came, wanting to certify the inspection station, after setting up appointments and canceling. When she finally came to certify us as inspectors she had us all there, with vehicles to inspect representing both classes. She forgot her checklist for commercial inspectors and was not comfortable doing it without it. We had rescheduled for early December, only to be canceled, and then finally we rescheduled for yesterday at 1 o'clock.

About noon, the store received a call rescheduling for 2:30. At 1:30 I went to the NAPA store to study and wait. The last time I looked at the clock it was 3:09. Finally she arrived, and I gathered my material, we visited briefly, but she was ready to get the process going.

I did tell her I wasn't near as smart as I was at 1 o'clock.

Just before five, we completed the certification process. I now have an additional endorsement on my certified inspectors sheet.

Seven tries scheduling the area supervisor to certification completion.

Whew.

By the time I took the truck back to Hag's headquarters, traveled to Abilene, stopped by the pharmacy and drove home, it was dark.

Today, TXDOT audit. I am working with an auditor I have worked with before, so that should be an advantage.

My least favorite governmental office to vist? The Taylor County Tax Assessor Collector's (where you get license plates/car registrations).

Pat and I began research for Memama's 80th birthday party yesterday. We have sent questionnaires out to many family members (and we are still sending them) to determine the best date for the majority. March 5th or March 12th. Trying to get as many of the kids, grandkids, greats, and Memama's and Pepa's siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends together as we can.

Probably going to do the cow patties on a bun and hot dogs in a crevice, with all the appropriate condiments, chips and dips. Planning on at Memama's house right now.

It was a funny moment yesterday when I was talking with Memama about the party. Pepa began mumbling under his breath "Oh sh" and other phrases indicating his displeasure at the thought of another party at their house. I told him, "You sure didn't have a problem when it was your 80th birthday we were celebrating!"

He didn't know what to say. I swear he is jealous. If it isn't for me, I'm not interested! I had to remind him of him doing his very best Grandpa Freeman imitation opening the card and shaking the money out!

Maybe we should leave him off the invitation list!

If any of you have any ideas for Memama's celebration Pat and I would welcome them.

Have a day!

FATHER, YOU are doing good! One hard day down, two to go! Help me to make good decisions.