Sometimes things don't go quite the way you plan them.  And, for our tardiness this week I apologize.

            The front axle on the printing press we use broke.  Not a problem, as the printer always has a spare on hand.  The axle was replaced in about 30 minutes and the printing press was started and lo-and-behold, the rear axle broke.  Again, not a problem as the printer carried a spare for that, too.

            However, after the rear axle was installed it failed again.  Now we have a problem.

            Our printer made phone calls to other newspapers and printers to obtain a spare from them, with the intention to replace it in a day or two.  After several phone calls across the United States, none of the newspaper printers were willing to part with their spare.

            After all, what would happen if they suddenly needed it?

            I guess I can't blame them even if it leaves the Town and Country high and dry with ink, paper, copy, and photos but nothing to put them together.

            So, they needed to order a new one immediately from the manufacturer in Germany.  It should arrive at 9 a.m. Thursday, then, hopefully, rushed by UPS to the printer.

            You know the old saying; if it wasn't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all.  Well, that's not quite true in this case.  Machines break down and even the best-laid plans for a backup cannot get you quite what you need.  I guess that's why they're called backup plans.

            In our case, our backup plan would not have produced the Town and Country any quicker than our normal printer (they do have other regular customers that are contracted and need to be supplied first).  So we decided to wait one day and deliver the newspapers on Friday instead of Thursday.

            I know our printer is doing everything they can to right the ship and fix the problem. 

            Our patience is needed and yours is greatly appreciated.