We're still around ... still have the 91 LS
Granny and I are still around. We're still out in the middle of nowhere, 35 miles northeast of Abilene, TX, actually, in Albany. Somebody asked me about Albany. I told 'em we have about 1,200 people, 5,000 head of horses and 50,000 head of cattle. Somebody tried to count the deer once (we still haven't found him after he fled into the wilds screaming uncontrollably!). Our main industries here are oil and hunting. It's not uncommon to run into the likes of Ted Nugent having breakfast or lunch at one of the local cafes.
The 91 LS is really needing an overhaul. She still runs pretty well. just not alot of power any more. I've got a pretty nice little shop out back and I think this winter I'll get to it. Right after I get the horses taken care of.
We bought a couple of horses. I go and "cowboy' for a couple of friends on my days off of the ambulance. Those of you that know us know that Laura likes, well, shall we say, 'Nice" things. When I started looking at the price of horse tack I about had a calf myself! So, the only thing I could come up with to satisfy our needs was for me to make the tack myself. I now have a small side business making custom made leather strap goods and miscellaneous small "things".
Speaking of Laura, she's doing great. March of 2009 will make 3 years and still cancer free! She is just now getting back to her old self, strength-wise and all. She quit the hospital and took a job running a home health agency in another town about 20 miles from here. She loves it. I love having my girl back to normal.
I'm still riding the box and fire trucks. Can't seem to get it out of my blood. I've got, probably, the best job in the world, at least for me. We have a new station. By the middle of this summer the oldest ambulance we have will be a 2006. We're getting one ambulance remonted now to a 2009 Chevy w/the Duramax/Allison combo. As soon as we get that back just before Christmas, Frazer will start on a complete new unit for us. We'll get that one in May. I'm in charge of equipment and maintenance. So, in my spare time between runs, I take care of "things" around here.
Granny and I are getting ready for the holidays. Two of the kids (w/grandkids) will be here for Thanksgiving. Of course, everybody want's to ride Grandpa's horses. So, our days will be full of family having fun. I can't think of a better way to spend our time.
What's everybody else doing for the holiday? Let's get a list going. Somebody may be doing something else that's fun.
I write a column for the local newspaper here in Albany. It's called "EMS in Shackelford County". I'm going to give ya'll the same advice I give my readers. I close my articles with, "ya'll stay safe, and ... keep on wearin' those seatbelts."
