Rut or Not to Rut that is the Question.........

It seems like we are in a rut right now. Our week never changes a whole lot. I contribute that to it still being a little cold outside and too early to do much on the lake or river.

I did spend some time today starting all our vehicles, and the boat motor. It took me most of the day. I got everything serviced and running today except for the tractor. Don't know what I am going to have to do with it. It has just sat too long. I believe, as does Gary Floyd, that the starter is locked up. Changed the battery after the pack rat ate a hole in the side of the battery and made a nest inside it. Never have I ever had that happen before!

Treatment is going well for Renita so far. She always seems to have just a little nausea at the end of her treatment on Friday or Saturday but it is easily treated with a tablet. We are definitely ready for some good news regarding the treatment.

Last night a gospel sing at the Riverview Resort. Nice to get out.

Gary Floyd, Jennifer, Heather, Jeffery and the girls were out for a visit today. It was nice.

Church tomorrow.

Almost Valentine's Day...............

It's almost here. I was just trying to decide what I should get Renita for her special day. She has already given me a Gerber knife set. And..........I have already cut two of the fingers on my left hand. Good thing she didn't give me a gun.............ha, ha!

Renita and I attended church together on Sunday. A tiny church near the lake. I just can't get over how friendly we were treated. What a wonderful group of people. We were treated like old friends by the tiny congregation. I actually am believing that I have found a church where I fit in.

I have been able to work all week again this week. That's a good thing. The news of letting go 7-8 hundred employees at Wal-Mart yesterday makes you think of how fortunate Renita and I are. She is able to draw a little short term disability, I have my pension and a good job in the healthcare field which seems pretty secure........for the time being. The country is facing hard times for the next few years. A person needs to be thankful for their job and make sure that they are making their employer money. If they aren't making their employer money then they are subject to being let go at any time. Least important will go first. Kind of goes for public service work too. Even though public service work seems pretty secure, if people lose their jobs, they don't pay taxes and taxes pay the salaries of public service workers. We should all be a little nervous. If people aren't working, they can't afford insurance, or pay their medical bills. I certainly know that none of us are immune.

On the way home from work today.........driving through these mountains........I couldn't help but look across the valleys and through the mountains in awe. If you are lucky enough to live in the mountains.........you are lucky enough! Totally beautiful.

One more day of work for me this week............spend the day Friday with my beautiful wife........looking forward to a beautiful weekend........maybe fish a little if the weather permits?

Duane

After the storm................

Well, we made it through the storm. We were without electricity only a few days and were one of the lucky family's here in Carroll County. There are many still without electricity from Ice Storm 2009. Renita insisted on a purchase of a generator on Monday that I had fought. I didn't want to let loose of the money. By Tuesday we were running the little Troy Built generator and proud to be it's owner.

We take so many things for granted........our health, heat, light, clean clothing, and hot food. If only gone for one day these things can drastically effect our life. We have to be thankful everyday for what we have.

I have tried to be more thoughtful everyday. It is hard to get out of old mind set and habit. I truely am sorry for the times I have lacked patience, understanding, and empathy. Lord forgive me.

Duane