... Thursday is the upcoming deadline for the contract between the union and our oil company (and many others as well). I have been put on notice to have bags packed, outside affairs in order and prepared to stay for the duration of a strike. I am to show up at 9:30 PM Thursday night for a briefing. Afterward I will settle in and spend my first night out there. Early the next morning, I will begin work from 5AM to 5PM 7 days a week. UNLESS, there is an extension or a settlement. I really expect both, a couple of extensions (that will keep us living out there for a few days, then a settlement). There are not any really tough issues like I have seen in the past & the union/management relationship is very good. I have seen 2 long strikes in my career and it's a very bad thing for everyone. All the benefits they (union people) get we (mid-management) ultimately get as well, so we are rooting for them to win concessions anyway. Most of these people are like family as we have spent 25 years together and we have socialized away from work. Starting Thursday night the cafeteria will have a buffet that will rival any I have seen from Las Vegas and be available 24/7..... so much for my diet, god grant me some 'will power'! Thank goodness we have a nice fitness center... Jill keep those Denise Austin tapes handy ! At least I'll get my exercise, now to figure out how to set up a small CASINO!