July 31, 2003

Good morning everyone. I have the day off but need to get too many things done as usual. The Lancaster Co Fair is going on. DD is an intern this year and asked if I would judge the sheep lead line contest today. That is the contest where the exhibitor wears a wool outfit while leading a ewe. It is supposed to be 96 today - can you imagine wearing wool? We also have two 4-H members who are showing the bottle lambs they bought from us. They aren't showing in the lead line.

Good news - doing the happy dance - I was offered the USDA job. I will be working less hours (24 versus 29) but will be making the same amount of money as the hourly salary is 25% higher. The worst part is that it is downtown and I have to find parking but they said I could come in and work 7 - 3:30 and then I think I could park off street for free and walk about 5 blocks. At my present job, I am still considered temporary and do not receive any benefits. At this new job, the benefits will start immediately. And this job definitely sounds way more interesting. Kathy Jo and Eva Mae - how far are you from St. Louis? They told me when I interviewed that they will send me to St Louis for training. Usually the nights are free - it would be so great to visit with you. I don't start until August 25. I haven't told my present employer yet. I know that my manager will not take it well. However, she has been 200% better than she was a month ago. I have a feeling she went in and discussed "what she perceived was my fault" with the main manager and he told her to cool it. I will miss the main manager. He is a big ole teddy bear and came from a farm background and would always stop and "talk farm" with me.

Keeping my fingers crossed - it is thundering and lightening out. We need rain so bad. I noticed the corn is starting to really dry up and our alfalfa isn't growing at all.

Need to go - you all have a good day.