Anna made it through her surgery with flying colors. The surgeon was even amazed as she was already off the ventilator.

Rian said eight friends and a large contingency of family were on hand to support Anna and her Mom and Dad. The surgery lasted about four hours, which the group spent praying and singing. At Southern Hills in Abilene (where Denise's parents attend) there was a 24 hour prayer vigil.

On Friday Anna had a set back. When they removed the chest tube a pocket of air became trapped between her lung and her chest wall. They were back on oxygen and spending the night in ICU.

They don't know exactly how long they will be in Dallas. If you would like to monitor and stay abreast of Anna's progress you can do so at www.prayersforanna.com .

My trip to Lubbock to resolve the issues with truck #242 went better than expected. I suppose when they received my certified check accompanying my letter they reacted quickly before thinking of my position.

My friend K.O. took his truck and toter and I rode along. For three days I had been coaching myself to "maintain control", no matter what. The other people did what I had asked, we verified parts, and we both sign off on it. By end of day, the purple truck was back in Abilene.

A few months back, my friend and I had made plans to have breakfast lunch or dinner once a week to "talk". About business, about personal, about general topics.

However, this plan has been very difficult and did not materialize.

Yesterday was the first time in a while that we had concentrated time to visit. Even when we went to Brownfield the day of the mote load fire, we were pretty well centralized on the problem of the day.

While a lot of my friend's and my conversations are in confidence, a large portion of the day yesterday was about some changes he is wanting to make with his business.

Lots of times I am a sounding board, throwing out pros and cons. Yesterday it was almost totally cons. Some of the changes, I do not think are actually do able, unless insurance requirements and enrollment minimums have changed in the last year. Also, the majority of the benefits of associating with my friends company are going away.

Lots to think about and wade through.

Right now I would say it is probably 80/20 to do a temporary suspension of operations and severe the alliances (which would mean displaced employees which would do exactly what my friend was trying to avoid).

Another possibility is to quit and pursue the premium overflow business that my friend can't handle. One or two loads per week would equate to a full week with my friend (net $).

I don't know. I have until February 1 to pick and choose.

I saw Rian and Erica Thursday evening at Memama's. They were very tired from their time at the hospital. They had spent Wednesday night with Colby and Courtney and their girls in Lantana. It sounded like they had a good visit. Colby had driven to the hospital Thursday morning and led Rian and Erica to the childrens' hospital.

It is a shame all of them don't live closer so they could enjoy each other more often.

Last evening when I got home Carol wanted to go out. I felt like I needed to get out and unwind so I grabbed a quick bath, changed clothes and we went out.

Who should we run into as we were concluding our meal? My friend I spent the day with and his family.

I did finish the mouldboard project Thursday. Yeehaw! I am ready to move on to the next phase of the farm.

I am meeting a welder this morning at Roscoe to look at some repairs and discuss a project.

Monday I hope to meet with a man from up the country about a deal we either need to get on or off of.

Short weekend from my perspective! Hope yours is better!

FATHER, thank YOU for things going well in Lubbock. Help me to think things through and make good decisions pertaining to the business decisions. Thank YOU for the successful surgery for Anna. I continue to lift her for YOUR gifts of healing. I also ask that YOU be with Zach and Denise. Work YOUR plan!