Dear Family and friends :
This was kind of a short week cause the ash clouds in Europe delayed my return by two days. Thanks to an alert travel agent who sent me a text the morning I was suppose to leave and told me not to get on a plane cause I’d get stuck. So I got to spend two more days with the family. With the two extra days we all went and played with Shena and her little friends that came to George. I don’t know if I speak for Debbie, but for me being able to associate with adult children and their friends is a lot of fun. Krista and Greg met some of their friends in George last year and that was an enjoyable experience as well.
The trip back was interesting; I had a 14 hour flight from Atlanta to Dubai (couldn’t go through Europe). I have a difficult time spending time in an office so the flight was murder. Ambien and movies can only keep me seated for so long. Maybe Shena is right, I need to be treated for AD HA (I think that is what she says I have). And speaking of Dubai, that airport looked like a five star hotel. Now I know where all the oil money is going.
Anyway when I returned it was still hot and dry; not much had changed. But while I was away a test was completed with chemicals that were ordered back in March. They were supposed to have arrived prior to my return to the US but they didn’t make it. The test went very well. There are a number of characteristics necessary for soda ash to have to be able to be sold in the premium market. There are low grade soda ash products available but they don’t sell for much. Part of my assignment incoming here was to work on the process to improve quality. So in my absence a test was completed that showed the new chemical could treat the raw soda ash and improve quality significantly. Hurray for our side. The process still needs work but the successful test was a big step in the right direction. So now that quality is moving in the right direction, I’ll turn some of my attention to other areas of the plant. I’ve asked to have a fellow that retired from General come over here and help with maintenance. He will be a big help because there are a lot of maintenance needs here. It’s difficult keeping the plant running for more than a day at a time.
I went to church today as usual. It was good to see all the members again. They are my family here. They all seemed glad to see me back. Everyone knew I’d been away (at work and at church). We watched General Conference because the church here isn’t hooked up to the broadcast system (I guess). I’m always amazed at the insight the speakers have. It is interesting to be half a world away with people so different from me but all share the same bond with the church. The Saints here have a strong testimony of the gospel and truly support the Church leaders in Salt Lake. I think I’ve said it before, but I’m one of the oldest members in the ward. The branch president (who is the first counselor in the stake presidency is a year older than Shena). I’m sure this is the way it was in the early days of the church in the US; everybody was young.
When I was leaving church I needed to stop at a store and buy some things. I was at the check stand when a little boy came up and wanted to shake my hand, so I shook hands and paid for my stuff. He followed me as I was leaving the store and I thought he had gone back to his mother. But when I got to my car and was sitting down there he was ready to get in the car and go home with me. I took him back into the store and gave him to the people at the customer service desk. He was sure a cute little boy.
One other event from the week that my kids will get a kick out of. On Saturday, I’d had enough of office work and wanted to get outside and get some sun (can you see this coming kids). So, I packed up a bunch of reading material and headed to the house. I thought I’ll read all this stuff get some sun and get out of the office. Well guess who is all itchy. I remember Debi saying don’t over do it on the first day in the sun, so I didn’t think one hour was too much; it was. Ops, my bad. I’ve been burned worse but I’m still pretty red. If you want the hand gestures that go with the “I feel itchy” phrase, I’m sure my children will be more than happy to show you and laugh at their poor fathers expense
So much for another week. It was sooooo good being home with family. I love you all very much and enjoyed our time together. I’m looking forward to August when I can see you all again.
Cherry (#4 favorite) I sure enjoy your emails. Thanks a bunch.
Love you all
Dad/Paul
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