Winded out at 46mph winds, casino experience and good dinner.

We got winded out at 3:00pm by 46mph winds.  All other crews were let go early except MC crew (mechanical completion).  Apparently we can still do our job when the tower is rocking back and forth like crazy.  We finished out E8 (the turbine where the safety standown occurred last week).  I handled the first flange (first ring where bolts and nuts connect the bottom section of the tower and the second section of tower).  Big deck, clean the top part of the wall, clean the flange around each bolt, clean the wall, install light clamps, torque the electrical grounding units (3) and verify all components are accurately installed on the deck.  I walked the entire pad, picked up trash and loaded all empty component crates into my truck.  We will probably get winded out tomorrow by 2:00pm is my guess ( I am a weather genius now).  Clint heads out on Sunday, so tomorrow is my last chance to glean as much wisdom as I can before he leaves.  I was requested to take on a position at the next Barnhart project, Franklin County Iowa for an install of 60 turbines.  Called my boss today to let him know I could not be gone for an additional 3-4 months for that project, so not sure what the future is for my Barnhart deal, but God has control over that.  I went to Lawton, OK, which is BIG CITY style for Oklahoma to pick up some printer ink (Clint stole a cartridge out of my printer).  Traffic stop for paving, the horse were curious what the hold up was. 

Also got curious and stopped by the Camanche Casino and played some blackjack.  I walked in with $20 and walked out with $40 after about 45 minutes (WIN).  I stopped at Buffalo Wild Wings for a side salad and 12 wings with celery (good dinner).  I miss my wife, dog, community and family too much to be gone that long (plus UT football season). 

Be praying for me, please.  I love the work, the project, the guys I work with and the experience, but I cannot sign up to be away for 6 months out of the year.  This is an AWESOME experience and a great project with an INCREDIBLE company,  FANTASTIC crew and a FUN project.  I am working my rear end off, but I miss Tennessee...

Great sunset on the way back to Hobart (HOE-bert).

Also, I think I forgot to post the picture of Val's, where I ate dinner in Altus on the night I dropped off my laundry to get cleaned.  I forget...anyway, here is the picture.