San Angelo

Wednesday morning I traveled to San Angelo for a 9:00 am. meeting with CPS.  Merrit's attorney wasn't able to be there and he had asked that I attend.


So far, I have not missed a meeting or court date set by them.


This meeting was a progress report on the family plans that were made back in September.  In attendance was the mediator, the case worker, the case worker's supervisor, Brad, Sandy (Brad's mother), Merrit, me, Don Payne (Noble's attorney ad litem), the Casa Supervisor and the Casa couple assigned to Merrit's case.  (Casa stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates).  They devote much more time to the case than a court appointed attorney can.


The meeting went very well.  Michelle, the case worker reported that Merrit was showing much improvement, that she was enrolled in school and had her own place (which she approved of as meeting all the requirements of CPS.  She even said Merrit had it decorated very cute).  She also reported that Merrit had completed her domestic violence courses and only lacked three units in the CPS program completing their program.


In a surprise move, CPS gave Noble to me from the conclusion of the meeting until 5 pm.  I had to wait for Merrit's Mom to bring his car seat up there, then Noble and I went to Henry's and waited to have lunch with his Mom.  Afterward we went to her house to spend the afternoon.


A really heart warming moment was when Brad had gone out to get Noble and they walked through the door he looked up and loudly said "Dandy". 


And at Christmas Brad said Noble didn't know me from Adam!


Merrit has finally started her job.  In fact she will get a paycheck this coming Tuesday!  They have been in training all week.  I looked over their menu and items they carry.  They are pricey but Merrit says they are well worth it.  They have three chefs, and Merrit says they are excellent.


Rian has scheduled a spring break trip for the boys.  They are going fishing on a guided fishing outing with Mr. Whiskers.  It sounds good and like they will have a great time.


We are down to lots of small projects at the barn.  We have the started off one pickup, the radiator off a tractor, the big tractor is in the shop for a full service and some repair to the seat.  The tractor had begun leaking some gear oil from the left front wheel which we had completely gone through the planetary last year so the guys removed the wheel and the planetary cover.  Close inspection revealed a crack in the outer gear that the bull gears run inside of.  Everything else looked good.  I am not sure why this gear failed because last year we replaced of the gears.  If memory serves me correctly, this one gear costs about $600, so at least it isn't as bad as last year's repair.


Of course the biggest project going in the barn is the boat.


Memama and Chris got good reports from the eye doctor in Dallas.  In a rare occurrence, they made a down and back trip in a single day.


Well, I am fixing to try to go and meet the La Quinta manager again.  Numerous attempts by Coach and I have not been productive in securing dates for the family reunion in June.


Have a day.


FATHER, Thank YOU for good reports.  FATHER we are caught up on the farm and ready for YOUR rain blessing.