Wow! Wednesday already! And I'm excited!

Kind of a crazy day yesterday.

I drove to the farm, left my pickup on the county road and walked into the field where my tractor was at. I figured three hours max before I was finished with the large rectangle I have been working on.

As I walked up to the tractor, I noticed pickup tracks. I began looking and then I noticed the guidance system was gone. At that point I didn't know whether to get in the tractor or call the cops. I picked up my cell phone and made a call. I was hoping either the technician or Ba had gotten the guidance system for whatever reason.

Turns out, Ba had come and gotten the system to take it to Florida.

In other words, he thinks he has benefited all he can from the guidance being in Pepa's tractor at this point in time.

It seems about every few months Ba throws a fit and feels like he is being used and abused. During these times it is amazing how selective his memory gets.

I would love it if Pepa were still here and would point that crooked finger at him.

Anyhow, we had a family "sit to" yesterday and in the near future a sit down is planned with Ba in attendance. At that time the air is going to be cleared and any agreements will be out the window. A clean slate.

In doing some research yesterday I talked with the local dealer for the Auto Farm System. I made an inquiry about a new guidance system. His first question was do you want a new or a used/re-furbished system. He told me the used re/furb system would run $10,000-12,000. The very latest, greatest system would run $20,000 to $21,000 before discounts.

What is amazing is that Ba has been trying to sell us his guidance for $9,000 and Jason giving him a trailer. That would calculate to 9000 +8500 or $17500. For a $10,000-$12,000 system? I don't think so. And, this is also a system that had major problems during planting.

A few years ago Jason brokered a deal with Pepa that if they put the guidance on his tractor, Pepa would pay for the installation kit, and all of the "participants" would benefit from the "agreement" by getting to use the tractor with the system on it. You can imagine how astonished I was when Ba tried to tell me earlier this year he had never used Pepa's tractor.

The problem with Ba is more complex that just that. It is a mix and match that covers a number of years, stemming back to when he didn't have a pot to pee in, to a period when he has done much better. In the middle of this are some issues between his family business and ours.

The delicate part is Jason. A large part of his livelihood coves from working with Ba's Dad's company, and Ba and Jason are very good friends.

Personally i think that lots of times Ba is "too smart" for his own good. A year ago he was marketing his wheat and took some pretty big hits, and this year he didn't tend to business with his crop insurance, and actually collected less money tha Jason did on less than half the acres.

Shucks. I might throw a fit too!

Pepa was notorious for making side deals. Many of these no one knows about other than him and whoever he dealt with. Which puts me and Pat and Memama in a situation of deciphering fact from fiction and it is sometimes amazing how many people will try to take advantage of him being gone.

I talked with a friend who jockeys equipment. His big news was that Hurst Equipment has purchased Key Brothers Implement in Snyder. We talked about a number of things on our wish list, including but not limited to the starfire guidance system. He seems to think the influx of insurance proceeds is going to do nothing but drive the price of equipment up.

During the day I got call from K.O. asking me if I would run one or two cross docks. I agreed and at three o'clock he called me and told me my first load was ready and that he would have my truck at the warehouse between three-thirty and four.

Immediately I got off the tractor and headed East. When I arrived, no truck. And I had even stopped and taken time to buy some goodies to carry in the truck in case I made a double turn. (Also drinks and ice to put in my cooler.) I got all my stuff ready. Found my log book, my bill of laden book, and fixed my cooler.

I called my friend. He had taken the truck to the shop to have the A/C checked out.

Most of you who know me probably realize I am not a good waiter. My friend kept telling me I wasn't at the warehouse and after about forty-five minutes he dispatched his wife to see if indeed I was really there. After an hour I made a trek up the road to a convenience store for a bathroom break.

As I returned to the warehouse I met my friend and his wife en route. I got there and the truck was parked away from where all the trucks are usually parked, and it was not running. I called my friend and he told me one load had cancelled which made it possible to put my load on a driver doing doubles and I wasn't needed.

My friend told me I was in an "Ill Mood", if you can believe that after I had cut my day on the farm short, rushed to Abilene, waited for a truck and then wan't needed.

In my ill mood, I may ask them to take me off their driver list. Permanently.

I had a call yesterday from the man who picked up equipment last week. He was telling me how pleased he was with the trucks and trailers. Then he began trying to renegotiate our deal. And I have signed paperwork. Then he told me he was coming today, which I told him didn't work for me. He is wanting to take another truck back to sell, and now he is trying to get pushy.

I've got a few errands this morning, a couple hours of plowing, then moving the tractor back to the barn. My plan is for an early end to my day and some R & R this evening!

Well, I'm sure it is going to be an exciting day! Let's get 'er done!

FATHER, I know I am being tested. I ask that YOU continue to help me make good choices!

I drove a tractor most of the day. Wonderful therapy. Gives me the opportunity to sit and analyze. Baby cotton coming up in August. Us having to destroy it to comply with all risk insurance.

Wondering why weeds can thrive in drought. Johnson grass and Devil's claws in particular. If there were only a market for them.

Watching my hawk that flies with me when I plow. I should be on his Christmas card list. He is three for three. Three days plowing and he has swooped down and gotten a rabbit I have flushed out all three days. Not just baby rabbits. He had taken BIG rabbits too.

Extremely impressive, the speed and force he exhibits. And the hawk is beautiful.

Thing is, with him feasting like this, how long until he decides to try that big green tractor with me in it.

I should finish the farm I am on today. Provided I don't have problems. I do have two bearing shields that have popped out. That means it is just a matter of time before the bearings go out. I'm hoping it is when I am back at the shop.

For a couple of weeks my skin had been crawling. Since Sunday it has quit.

That's not hard to figure out.

Invited new friend to Fire House. But if they choose another venue I'm good too.

Memamas has been looking for a recipe she hasn't cooked since before Pep died. For a week she has had no luck finding it. Yesterday she told us she is getting where she can't find her butt with both hands. I told her if she finds her recipe we will have it tattooed on her butt where if she finds one she will have both!

She laughed!

Have a day. Watch out for buzzards!

FATHER, please bless this day. Thank you for small blessings we don't understand at the time. Thank you for JESUS and the hope and promise we have in him.

What a week.

Plowed some. Worked in the shop some. Talked on and off with my equipment people from South Texas.

On Thursday I received a call from my man. He was at a convenience store in Roscoe. Here to pick up a truck and three trailers.

I have battled with myself for over a week, about how to "deal" with these people. They were going to pay for all the trailers, but were only going to pay for half the truck, asking for sixty days to pay the balance of the truck.

As the week progressed, these people had the money to wire, and then they didn't, then they would come Monday. My stance was simple. No money no equipment. Thursday night, my friend from deep South Texas stayed at a friends house in Roscoe.

Friday they came to the shop and sat around. My phone rang and Pam told me that due to a mess up, they were $5000 short on the initial wire. What did I want to do?

I thought about it, and told her, I will keep one trailer here. Then the negotiating began. Her wanting to give me a deposit for the third trailer, the balance due by next Friday.

The way things finally worked, Pam made a deposit on the third trailer, paid a portion of the truck, while paying the other two trailers off totally. Long story short. I ended up with enough money that, if you spread it around, every piece of equipment they took with them would be paid for.

Two minutes before three the wire hit my account. And the transfer of equipment began.

Crazy. They did call me Saturday and told me they made the trip with no problem. Now they want to come back to get the third trailer and pick up two more trucks, the black Explorer and possibly some 484 cotton strippers.

Wow, if this could happen there are already two wires coming this coming week and beyond, then these new pieces could come into play.

My old college friend came in yesterday to do the appraisal on Pepa's estate. We worked, and we visited. It was a good day. Memama treated us like Kings. Bacon, Eggs, and biscuits for breakfast and chicken fried steak for lunch.

Yum!

It had been four or five years since I had last seen him. It was a good day!

When we were in college Freddy lived in room 233, our friend in 234 and I lived in 235.

Memama seemed to really enjoy having a purpose.

Let's see. Buckaroos won big. Shallowater won big. Mustangs won. Roscoe lost.

And west texas football is underway.

Why is it the people you expect the most from usually deliver the least. (Unless we are talking disappointment, then they are tops).

FATHER, let YOUR glory fill the earth.

My equipment man did not show today, although he said he could be here in the morning.

What he doesn't realize is that I DON'T have to sell anything.

Mess with me I'll park it all back on the yard.

Heh, heh.

8:00 AM. church yesterday, then a road trip to Lamesa to see my friend who has been incarcerated.

First of all. Brian Randolph, the new worship minister at Southern Hills, is excellent! Lots of energy accompanied by lots of talent and passion. Phil has been good as well. I think his time in Peru and Alaska have re-invigorated him. A big early service crowd, quite electric!

If you happen to be in Abilene, it is a worth-while experience. 8 or 11.

My visit to Lamesa, to the Smith Unit to be precise. Visiting inmate #1379417. My last visit. Ever. My friend has made parole. Between now and September 2, my friend will be transferred to Huntsville where he will be turned over to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

When he was apprehended there was a fire arm in the vehicle and while his crimes were considered non-violent, he received a federal sentence of 96 months which was reduced to 51 months the same day.

After the check point and relieving myself of cell phone, paper money, pocket knife, pens, belt and other forbidden items, I walked through the Sally Port after being signed in.

Needless to say, when they buzz you through, it makes an impression. Two doors, and they are never open at the same time. A walk up the winding walk to the visitor center and you go through "air port" security, empty your pockets, put your shoes in a tote and put it on the conveyor belt and walk through the scanner. After that you are patted down, and the bottoms of your feet are inspected. Then you are cleared to the waiting room.

In the waiting room there are a number of vending machines, filled with items priced ridiculously high.

In all my visits with Leonard, while I have always carried a Ziploc baggie with quarters inside, he has always declined any refreshment. No sandwich, no hot dog, no Dr. Pepper. Nothing.

While I was waiting I had an idea. I purchased a Dr.Pepper, a Diet Coke, Cheetos, and a package of vanilla creme cookies.

Per regulations I placed all of them (except the diet Coke) on a plate and handed it to a guard who would pass it through a secure window to my friend.

My friend asked me what was I doing. I told him, "We are celebrating today!"

And the visit began. It was probably a more emotional visit than we have ever had, because we both know this is the last one until who knows when. My friend has no idea where the Feds will send him.

When he leaves the Smith Unit, he will leave with only the clothes on his back. He is giving his radio (a gift from Carol and I) to a friend (in his words he is passing the blessing on) and he will mail all of his possessions to me. When he is settled he will write me and I will send him what he needs. He calls this "CONAIR".

After between two and three hours, a guard told us we had ten minutes to finish our visit.

What do you say?

Finally I told my friend, "Keep the faith. Let's look at this as an adventure, one day at a time."

We hung up the phones and we walked away. Me to freedom. Him to his cubicle awaiting transfer.

I can only imagine.

Wow.

FATHER, I lift up my friend for YOUR blessings. I ask that good things come to him and that he is able to re-enter society and make a contribution. Greater are YOU!

Interesting week.

I had a call from a business acquaintance, inquiring about some equipment I have and whether or not I might be interested in selling it.

Due to the changes in the old seasonal work, I find that under no circumstances would I ever need as many flat bed trailers for a single location, and, multiple locations carry their very own draw backs.

Initially the gentleman wanted to buy a trailer, then another, then a truck and then another trailer.

So a great deal of my week has been spent unloading chains, pipe stakes, coil racks, tarps, chains, straps, and various specialty items.

Then I have done a little tire work, an air bag replacement, and still need to do a couple of lights. Then we should be ready to stack trailers.

Late today I received the call that they had secured financing for the trailers, and they were working on the money for the truck.

Their plan was to leave either today or tonight.

Anyhow, this should allow us to do some needed repairs on other trucks, forklifts and equipment.

I am achey and can only imagine the elation I will feel when I see the dust plume of the equipment heading South!

I am hopeful that everything goes as scripted.

If I can work it, I plan on going to Lamesa, either Saturday or Sunday to see my friend before the Feds take custody of him. Right now he has no idea where they will be moving him. A group from Grand Prairie has been looking over his Federal case and trying to get him credit for time served.

Best case scenario is that if the Feds decided to just in and out him, it would take at least a month.

Next Saturday I have an old college friend coming in to do an appraisal on Pepa's equipment and land for his estate. Pepa's accountant has requested this so they can determine value, effective the day of Pepa's death.

It has been several year since I have seen this friend and I am excited to get to spend the day with him.

I will be glad when this week is over! I hate little oodie detail. I would rather take an engine down and rebuild it from a naked engine block. When you fire that baby up, you can see what you have accomplished!

Carol and I had a new house keeper start today. We had been looking for about eight or ten weeks, but especially since Carol's big fall. First day was impressive. It is going to be interesting because this lady says she should be able to clean our house in two hours once she get it "trained". Today she ran a half hour over her goal time.

Two friends left today in search of the perfect Eskimos! Look out Alaska.

This would be the year to go to Alaska. Long term forecast we are back to triple digit as long as the can see here in West Texas.

Tell you what, put in a good day tomorrow and we will take the next two off!

Have a day!

FATHER, rest and renew me quickly. I pray that the equipment deal will go as planned. YOU are worthy of my praise!

I spent part of my week working on the exhaust system on Memama's Kenworth truck. While I was doing other maintenance, I found a cracked exhaust pipe. When I went to get the pipe, the vendor had it but at a cost of $200. For 14 inches of pipe bent at 30 degrees with a turbo flange on one end, I just felt it was exoribitant. I told the parts man I refused to pay it and he agreed. They have had this pipe in stock for two years.

I bought a new flange and my bud K.O. welded it on after I cut the other one off. Eleven inches of flex pipe and it was back together.

I even got industrious and put an hubometer on the left front drive wheel of the truck. The odometer part of the speedometer quit and a new speedometer is $600. The hub meter costs $63.

The only thing I lack is having a new right front steer tire put on and it is at the tire dealership in Tye.

On Wednesday of the week past, my buddy K.O. and I went to Slaton and picked up the little wild man's truck. He has been wanting to have problems for a while now and abandoned it on the side of the road. K.O. and I took his Peterbilt and his toter and drug it back to his shop where we did everything the dealer told us to determine the problem. Finally we were as far as we could go without the diagnostic computers and I drove it to the dealership.

Two days later they tell us the turbo seal is out.

Thursday, Memama and I were talking. Saturday was a big family day. Reid and Dakota's birthday and Larissa's college graduation.

Memama was wanting to go but she didn't want to go to Stephenville and then to Huntsville, so I told her I would take her. She quickly agreed. We drove her car to Abilene Friday, had new front tires put on and then we drove to Stephenville where we had motel reservations. Friday night we went to chilis to eat along with Pat, Hag and Chloe. It was a fun evening.

The motel probably had the best beds I have ever had in a motel. And it rained most of the night! Wonderful night!

Saturday we went to graduation, then began a circuitous drive home. Memama wanted to eat lunch at Underwoods at Brownwood. Kelsi and a friend met us and we took a tour of the new and improved Ratliff steel. While it was an all day drive, it was fun.

The only thing Memama didn't do was go by Aunt Rob's house, and I am not sure why she stopped short.

Anyhow, we got Larissa graduated. Met much of her family, She is the runt! All of them are taller than me!

I think Shelby was glad we made the trip.

It may take me all week to get over the weekend.!

Large crowd at church. Lots of energy. Excellent praise team. Phil did a good job with his message. (After he had been away to Peru and Alaska).

It appeared there were more college students at services today. We go back to two services on the 21st of the month.

They have a more conventional daybreak service at 8:15, followed by classes, followed by a more contemporary service at 11.

Usually the second service is very powerful as more college students make it then.

Next week Brian Randolph, the new worship minister, is supposed to be back. Needless to say, everyone is very excited about what he brings to the services.

In fact today they announced that beginning this fall there will be a praise class on Wednesday nights in the auditorium. That announcement was met with a rousing applause.

For the first time since early June, my friend met me at church. The last time she had attended was June 26, while I was away at a family reunion. She had been out of town most weekends of the summer.

It was kind of interesting because she had not attended church since I got my new phone. She was very impressed with the downloaded NIV Bible on it. I will admit it is pretty neat.

She had teased me when I downloaded the Meriam-Webster Dictionary on it that I was a little nerdy. I asked her if downloading the dictionary makes me a nerd, did downloading the bible make me a Christian.

Were it so simple.

My Monday looks like it will begin at the machine shop, having some pieces straightened in the press. Next would be a trip to the attorney. Then to the farm shop, probably back to Abilene to the tire shop, before returning the big truck to the farm.

I have been enjoying the weekend marathon of I Love Lucy. This weekend would have been Lucy's 100th birthday. It has been a hoot!

About the closest to this has been the MASH marathons in the past!

Tuesday morning is the Two Hotties and a Cadillac Lawn Service.

While I was running errands today I did stop in at Nikki's Swirl and got my frozen yogurt fix! I had gone to the pharmacy at Walmart, then Nikki' and then Albertson's for groceries.

I am faced with a dilemma buying groceries. Carol needs to gain weight while I need to lose. Lots of quick things for her. Puddings, pop tarts, jellos, lunchables.

Of course it doesn't get any easier cooking for us. One thing about it. She has found her appetite.

Hope you had a good weekend!

FATHER, Bless this coming week. Let YOUR glory fill the earth!

I find as I get older I am influenced more, or less, by company spokes people depending on whether or not I like that spokes person.

For years I tolerated Rusty Wallace of NASCAR and I bought the product he advertised on his car. After his retirement, I continued on with Kurt Busch as he got into Rusty's race car. However, I have found myself with the third driver in that ride, Brad Kesolowski, my allegiance is gone. I just don't like the boy and I refuse to support him or his sponsor.

I found myself really liking Carl Edwards, and was excited by the possibility that he would be changing race teams. (I was somewhat concerned that he might end up in the Home Depot car owned by JGR. I hate Home Depot).

I suppose my problem with Carl is Rousch Fenway Racing. The Fenway being of "Fenway Park" fame.

Call it cross pollination or what ever. I don't like other sports owners crossing the lines in to racing.

I find I like Chevy, followed by Ford, followed by Toyota and like the Dodge "POS's" the absolute least.

I don't like Juan Pablo, or Richard Childress (he is way to immature to be a seasoned owner). I find myself cheering for the underdog single car teams.

I can forgive most of Kyle Busch's transgressions because the boy is good and gives it his all.

I guess it all comes down to ethics and image.

This morning I was greeted with news that the United States lost its AAA debt rating by Standard and Poor. My question is who died and made Standard and Poor GOD?

I get to looking at the "W" wars. Iraq and Afghanistan. I look at the first part of the government bailout, administered with no checks and balances by the "W" administration.

Lots of money.

Of course President Obama takes the heat for the economy.

Are we all idiots.

My wish is that "W" be tried as a war criminal. I bet in addition to that head bobbing up and down it might spin around a time or two.

Last day of my steroids. I am so glad. It is unbelievable how they affect my appetite, and my attitude.

Five days of antibiotics and cough syrup (I made a mis-statement yesterday on the cough syrup).

Ollie has been telling Carol and I all week that she sent us a sonogram of her baby. So far we haven't gotten it.

We have been working on lots of stuff here at the house after hours. Primarily estate planning and trying to determine how to best deal with kids who have borrowed substantially against their part of their inheritance. We have a plan. It is just agreeing on the numbers and deductions. How to deal with spouses.

We also have one child who has estranged herself, that has to be dealt with. That is relatively simple. If she doesn't want a relationship now she shouldn't expect or want anything then.

I suppose that after dealing with Pepa's estate, which hasn't been too big a problem, I realize the need to get a structure in place.

I'm trying to get some order to my weekend. Maybe grocery store later today. Small groceries, no Sam's or WalMart.

The Two Hotties and a Cadillac Lawn Service couldn't make it today, wanted to come tomorrow, which is a watering day and then wanted to come Monday (last watering will take place just prior to 12 AM Monday morning, so I have suggested Tuesday morning early. If that doesn't work we will make an alternate plan.

Pat and Hag are in Huntsville to pick up Chloe. Chris and Kyle have been keeping tabs on Memama during their absence. In fact I joke with Memama when I leave, "If you need anything, call Chris!"

I'm kind of looking forward to Church tomorrow, but even more so to when we return to two services in two weeks. Looking forward to the changes that have taken place over the summer.

Have a weekend!

FATHER, rest and renew us!

A big shot, oral steroids, some kick ass cough syrup and I almost feel human. Right now my biggest complaint is that I have very little stamina.

Yesterday I went to the farm shop and began cleaning and re-assembling the engine fan clutch on Memama's big Kenworth truck. I like to take something apart before it "comes" apart. That way it is much easier for me to visualize how it works and how it needs to go back together.

The entire time I was cleaning, assembling and torquing pieces, I kept looking at the o-ring kit. One big one and three small ones. For the life of me I had not seen anywhere the smaller o-rings would go. When I finally opened the package I pulled the o-rings out and immediately the smaller three ringlets did a pirouette and un-curled. It was a large o-ring, curled together for shipment.

It all made sense then. I finished the assembly, and everything is torqued to specs.

I took the shop air hose and put air to the clutch to be sure it locks and unloads properly and it did.

Success!

Today I went to the shop and re-installed the fan clutch. Call me paranoid, but any time I am working on the front of an engine I worry about parts coming off and going through the radiator. Rest assured, every bolt is tight and has been coated with "loktite".

Finally I started the big truck and the clutch worked like a champ. No air leaks, and the bunk air conditioner was doing a great job too.

The driver had hit something with his passenger side steps so I took the brackets off to have them straightened Monday. I also found the turbocharger lead pipe has a crack in it, so I am just as well to fix it while I have opportunity. Outside of that I need to put a right front steer tire on and a hub meter and the truck should be good to go.

I got a very brief letter from my friend who is incarcerated in Lamesa. He made parole from the State of Texas. This is a small battle in the war he is waging. On September 2, 2011 he will be turned over to the Feds as they try to figure out how much time he has to serve there. Originally he had a 96 month sentence but it is unclear how much time credit he can get for time served. This sentence was for a gun charge. While none of his acts were violent, they found a gun in the vehicle he was in when he was apprehended.

If this friend could get all his things in order, I would put him in this truck in a heartbeat!

I spent a good portion of Thursday afternoon with Lance, our family's attorney. We had some issues to cover concerning Memama's business, but I also had some personal business as well as getting him to represent Carol in her disability claim.

My morning today began, doing some computer work for Lance and taking paperwork back to him that Carol had to sign.

I lack five days of antibiotic, and one day of my steroids. One day of my cough syrup too.

So I am trying to make a date with the Two Hotties and a Cadillac Lawn Service for Saturday, Monday or Tuesday. I don't want to get in that direct sunlight too much just yet.

The two Hotties chauffeur has been in Ruidosa where she has been suffering through 63 degree weather. Hope she didn't catch cold.

I bought some more real deal coupons off the Abilene Reporter website. Pizza Pro $25 gift vouchers for only $12.50! Looks like Pizza and hotwings for supper tonight!

Hope you had a day!

FATHER, thank YOU for YOUR miracle of healing. We pray for relief from the hot and the dry. Help us to make good choices.

After a miserable weekend, when relief from my summer cold/flu was yielded from sucking on a lemon, I made another appointment with the Doctor today.

I am trying to work in the mornings and do office or drive work in the afternoon.

So I worked in the shop this morning, removing the fan and the fan clutch from Memama's Kenworth. The fan clutch is sitting in the floor. The new kit is sitting in the floor board of the truck. This kit is the "major" kit. There is one that has o-rings and seals,a but this is the big one. Bearings and all. This will be the first one of these I have done by myself although I have assisted with K.O.'s trucks.

Anyhow. I took lunch at 12:30 and my doctor appointment was for 2:00.

After waiting an hour, I was finally taken back to see the Physicians Assistant. I pled my case for no improvement and requested a shot again.

I got my wish. A big old injection of antibiotics in my azz! And, when I left they were sending electronic prescriptions to my pharmacy.

If improvement is related to dollars I should be healed by morning. Antibiotics $77, steroids $4, cough syrup $61. And that doesn't count the medications from my first doctor visit that are no longer in play.

I told the pharmacy tech that at $61 for cough syrup I was going to put salt around the lip of the bottle and add a hint of lime!

It had better be good.

Tomorrow I am hoping to spend the afternoon with Memama's and my attorney.

Of course that is after I kit the fan clutch in the morning.

Interesting note. I have a friend leaving tomorrow to drive seven hours to Ruidosa for a Chicago concert. They could add a little more drive time and go to the real Chicago!

And, Happy Birthday to my dear friend BLLR! Wishing you health, happiness and many more birthdays!

Wonderful lunch today. Fresh black eyed peas, fresh fried squash, and fresh boiled okra. All from Pat's garden that she has struggled with this summer. Memama did the cooking! Yum!

Hope you made the most of your day!

FATHER, I pray for healing. I pray for relief from the hot and dry. YOU the GOD!