Looks to me like the economy is getting better. Lots of construction on our block.

Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt @ BK in Bloomington

Michelle and I saw LL and JH last night in Bloomington. Was a great concert. I gained a greater respect for John Hiatt's talent. He has a really great range in his voice and his guitar skills are amazing. The venue at BK with only 700 people was also great. Seemed very casual, almost like sitting on stage with them.

Ate at the Indian restauruant across the street from BK, also good. All in all a good night.

Peoria & Back Again

Over to Peoria and back this week. Was a challenging drive back to Columbus Weddnesday afternon as it was raining and the wind was gusting to 40-50mph.

Going over there is good for my Karma in the big picture. Being with customers and talking about the real world ( or at least their version of real world ) is a refreshing change from Coporate HQ here in Columbus. It appears that the Mining business overall is in better shape than much of the rest of the economy.

Going inside a customers operations and seeing the people is generally refreshing. While you are always selling engines the reality is you are mostly dealing with people. 80% of the discussions are life issues and 20% has something to do with Engines.

Time was that I wanted to take over the world ...or at least a chunk of it. I've figured out that I have enough money and not enough life. Keep the priorities straight....for the moment I've got the balance about right.

Do you?

Went over to Connersville last week. Makes you appreciate Columbus. Its scary how so many small Indiana towns have seen their industry die away and the life of the town has gone with them. Seems like the creativity and class of these towns has died. Everyone left has a mullet and drives a pickup truck. They don't live , only survive.

6 Below this morning

Tell me again why I live in Indiana. I guess its a good place overall, but the winters can be rough. Over to see my CASA case this afternoon. Hope he is having a good day. Will meet with his teacher first.

Well, the weathers cold but overall life is good. Cummins has finished another round of layoffs and I've passed thru the keyhole undamaged once again.

Spear Points 1

This is the 1st of my blogs on a cold day in Indiana. Its about 6F here today