Christmas

We're looking forward to spending a couple days with family and friends over the Christmas weekend.  It appears we'll have to dodge some snow and that doesn't bode well for high speed travel.  My sleigh doesn't like to run below 80mph so the road crews better be out in full force.

I'll be working a few days over the holiday shutdown as we put the wraps on a very successful year at the plant.  Sales of our trucks are expected to increase greatly in 2011 thanks to our new engine lineup.  2011 will also be the last year for the Escape to be produced here.  It will move to Louisville and our plant is to be re-tooled for new product once it leaves.  Our contracts expire in the fall so we'll be negotiating new agreements.  It will be interesting to see what comes out of those talks.  I need to get two more contracts under my belt before I'm eligible to retire.

JD just finished the first semester with straight A's. He is looking forward to high school baseball this spring and he continues to prepare for the season.  He has been working out regularly since August in his weight training class and also works out twice a week after school.  When school goes back into session, those who are going out for baseball will be lifting and practicing baseball related skills daily.  That will run until tryouts are held the week of March 1st.  It should be an exciting inaugural season for North varsity baseball.

This summer we will be doing a lot of traveling as his college showcase team will be on the road to participate in some very elite events.  Chicago, Cincinnati, Atlanta, and St. Louis are just a few cities on the tour.  He will play in front of hundreds of college coaches and MLB scouts throughout the summer and will have many opportunities to showcase his pitching talent.  Last year was a good year to get him accustomed to having radar guns and scouts watching him pitch from behind the backstop.  He should be well prepared for this season once it gets under way.

Merry CHRISTmas to all my friends and family!!