How the WEST Was Won

We had a great time in Michigan City, IN over the 4th of July. Darrell and I babysat while Brent, Amanda, Chris and Lara went to the fireworks. It was a rather cool night so they returned earlier than expected shivering. We went to the beach which was interesting...it looked much like Venice Beach without all the ocean shells, seaweed and other trash. There were small waves, the sand was a bit different and the weather was quite a bit cooler. We were there for about an hour which was about perfect for all of us. The only missing link(s)- Thom, Heidi and Matthew. Maybe next year...of course it is difficult to plan around Uncle Sam! :( Family discussion has been possibly going to PA next year and taking a side trip to Watkins Glen NY. We shall see....

Well, it has been a very interesting week at work. I think some of my employees are starting to fall apart from all of the stress that has been building for weeks of being overworked and understaffed. They were almost at the stage of fist fighting. It seems that the numbers never change...I'm STILL 22 people short. About the time I hire, I loose a couple. As a matter of fact, one of the guys I hired about a month ago.....lost him to drugs almost immediately. He hasn't shown up for work in more than a week and I hear his probation officer is looking for him too. Yes, I said, probation officer. I have quite a few guys who work for me on probation. And there are a good many women who also have or have had problems with the law in the past. It is a tough neighborhood, that is for sure! So, next weekend I'm planning a Team Building get together for the Item Managers. We are going to make greeting cards and place some small games to help bring them together.

My weekend has been uneventful. I helped my friend Patty move some of her belongings out of her house. And I spent a good amount of time working on some crafting projects I've wanted to do. I'm still looking for the ideal project to work on for Christmas this year. I have 64 employees now (doesn't look like I will ever be full staff) and I need something crafty, easy and quick. So all ideas are welcomed!!

We had a great time in Michigan City over the 4th of July. The only missing link - Thom, Heidi and Matthew. The weekend would have been perfect if they could have joined us. Maybe next year! We are discussing ideas for the next family trip and I think most would like to go to PA to the farm house with a couple of side trips into New York. Thom/Heidi, what do you think? Of course, it is difficult to plan around the Marine Corps! :(

Well, need to finish laundry and get my bed re-made. Hope you all have a great week!