Trailers for Sale or Rent

I suppose I should rename this blog the Monthly Dope but that would be un-alliterable. Sorry its been so long, I've neglected our space here on the web.

Over the past month I have been researching the next big gas play in North America. It's called the Marcellus Shale. It is made up of 7.5 million acres of production zone stretching from Ohio to West Virginia up through Pennsylvania and across the southern portion of New York state. It is massive and geologists boast it may have enough gas to keep our country well stocked and supplied for the next 15-30 years. It is an impressive discovery.

Chesapeake Energy is the number on player in the Marcellus field and it has recently recorded excellent production figures after testing it's first batch of wells. These wells do not diminish. They produce at a steady and constant pace, unlike the Barnett and Haynesville formations which tend to lose 60-70% of their production value after 6 months. Do your research, buy some land in northwest, northeast or southwest PA and get the mineral rights...you may be a millionaire one day.

Aside from work I did enjoy my travels. It was funny because one lonely Tuesday evening I sat down at a local Williamsport establishment called the Bullfrog Brewery. I highly recommend it. Some pilots and I chewed the fat and shared some laughs. I: a truant of the road, they: captians of the sky were no strangers to strangers as we sat upon our bar stools like bobble-headed gargoyles. The majority of our conversation revolved around the economy and liquified natural gas prices. The pilots believed that the recent decrease in airfare is in direct correlation to the fuel prices. I agree, see we've been importing LNG from Africa for a while and we are starting to produce more and more. Plus there is a huge supply bubble in the South East US and the pipelines are beginning to disseminate fuel at cheaper and cheaper costs. Petroleum on the other hand is another story. Petroleum does not respond to typical market laws of supply and demand. Then the band showed up.

It was a treat because no one was expecting a band...not even Bullfrog. They were a group of mid-twenty music grads traveling from Chicago to Philly and eventually NYC. One pretty young woman with dark brown hair and an alto-jazz vent accompanied by a rag-tag bunch of skinny hipster dudes playing guitar, sax, drums, keyboard, viola and cello. A motley crew to say the least. As they began to play we turned around atop our mighty slings and faded into the woodwork as the music marched on.

As I left the Bullfrog that evening 3 of the band members were sharing a smoke. I told them how much I appreciated their sound and style and they traded thanks with me. They were just happy to find a gig as the bearded guitarist put it, "We're just playing for gas money, man." I had to laugh. I looked back at him and said, "Me too, brother."

Whether you dream of flying airplanes one day or making beautiful music on the open road it still comes down to filling up the tanks. You can't roll on empty. If you're having fun, it's not work, it's an art. Glug, glug, chug, chug. Until next time.

-rf

Memphis In May

Ok dope fiends...sorry for yet another delay. Since we last shared the web I've traveled another 2100 miles in my tank all across the deep south, mid-south and northeast. As you know driving across country requires gas and there are some amazing gas stations out there folks. Loves is a great stop, with a big bright red, yellow and black heart as it's moniker. The RoadRunner truck stops are cool too, similar color scheme and they offer always hot to trot coffee. Of course there is the traditional 76 Truck Stop but you don't see many of them any more. And my favorite stop BUC-EES. I don't know if it's their Beaver T's or the gratuitous use of billboard signage announcing the next upcoming Buc-ees. But I think it's a bit of both, plus considering they are only found in the Bible belt they employee risque double-entendre wherever possible. Of course the Flying J gas stations are the consummate winners boasting the cheapest gas prices on the open road.

After Shreveport, Louisiana I made a 500+ mile trek down to Freer, TX. First, I'll say this...most Texans desire a South Texas Ranch. The possibility of oil is great but the main attraction is the hunting. The South Texas landscape can best be described as a dustier amalgamation of the African Savannah and the Australian bush. It's quite pretty but very flat. The roads in this part of the country stretch straight on for miles until your eyes turn the blacktop into liquefied tar and little kids fry eggs on the streets. By the way if you're ever in Beeville, TX stop at the Burger Depot and order a double bacon cheese burger "all-the-way", with some tots and a Dr. Pepper. It'll throw you back a couple generations....all Americana, baby.

This past week I've been on the road to the great state of Pennsylvania. I spent a night in Memphis and happened upon the Blues City Cafe. Absolutely amazing music. The Dempseys from "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou" played a few sets, a Johnny Cash cover band stomped the stage and I was about all worn out when I decided to cross the street to BB Kings bar. And guess who walked in. BB King himself. They had just finished the 2009 Blues Award and he felt he deserved a cold drink. Stunning my friends. And no, the thrill is not yet gone... Aside from this surreal experience, May is just a great time to be in Memphis. The Beale Street Music Festival is a modern day Woodstock and they have the greatest BBQ competition on the planet.

We live in an absolutely beautiful country. We don't appreciate it, I swear. Today I passed through Ohio on my way to PA where anyone can mistake this landscape for that of New Zealand. Grassy hills so green that when the wind blows it looks like a shimmering ocean rolling with waves cradling a bunch of sheep as they float around on top.

Each state is unique in their laws, economy, agriculture and people. All of our great states also have a motto. Texas is "Friendship." Louisiana's is "Union, Justice, Confidence." In Arkansas, "The People Rule." Tennessee, who's RT.40 river valley watershed is a stellar road trip, is "Agriculture & Commerce." Kentucky: "Let Us Be Grateful to God." Ohio: "With God All Things Are Possible." I like West Virginia's motto which reads: "Mountaineers Are Always Free." But I think it's fitting that my favorite state motto comes from my home state of Connecticut. It reads, Qui Transtulit Sustinet, "He Who is Transplanted Sustains." I've been transplanted and translated many times in my life especially within the last month, however God Bless the USA because I feel right at home no matter where I am.

With Love,
RF

Stop and Go

Well its been a few weeks...my apologies. I've been writing, just not publicly. Since we last spoke I have been to a couple of rigs in Fort Worth, Texas (currently America's number 1 producing natural gas field). I have also been to Nacogdoches, The oldest town in Texas...so they say. They do have an impressive brick laden downtown in Nacogdoches and they are home to Stephen F. Austin University.

But I want to talk about the Red & Green machine. To some of my readers this term conjures up high school memories of ashy green elbows, red hair, large craniums and even bigger bosoms (if you don't know, don't ask). But I'm currently working in Bossier City, Louisiana. Close to Shreveport and part of Caddo Parish. The formation here is called the Haynesville Shale and it produces an extreme amount of gas very quickly. It is also a red hot patch in the oilfield. Besides Texas, there is more active drilling in Northern Louisiana than any other area in the US...but the Northeast's Marcellus Shale is nipping at their heals (more to come on the Marcellus later in the week).

The official colors of Louisiana are prbably purple and gold thanks to the LSU Tigers but let's take a look at the pervasive red culture in ole Louisianne...Crawfish are red...and delicious. If you've driven in Louisiana you are well aware of the red clay that cakes your wheels after a good rain. The Casino signs, much like the liquor store signs, are big, bold and red. The Red River runs through most of Louisiana producing most of the aforementioned red clay. You will regularly see truck beds craddling fishing rods and reels as the anglers go after Redfish. From Houston to Shreveport you must pass through a nice, little town called Redland (which has the coolest 1940's style drive-in movies theatre I've ever seen). I also hit a cardinal in Redland, which is colloquially referred to as a Red-Bird. Which reminds me that Louisiana is home to roadkill restaurants. There is a lot of red shed on the thouroghfares of Louisiana but they don't waste it. All roadkill ingenuity aside, for many years, especially since Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana's budget has been in the red. I even brainstormed this blog in Red ink.

So I've been thinking about Red lately. Psychologically most people associated Red with either Black or Green. Seeing as our economy won't be in the black anytime soon and I love Christmas, I'll stick with Green. As I see red all around me my system is shocked into meditating on all the green things there are. It's nearly May and the grass is getting greener. Tax season is finished and hopefully we get a little more green back...doubtful as it may be. I too have been watching the market. As natural gas prices slowly sink and supply increases natural gas becomes a more affordable resource and cleaner, "greener" source of energy than coal or crude oil imported from Russia. Sounds like NG is a sound investment. The Wall Street Journal agrees. With natural gas supply at record highs in the US and millions of acres left to be explored, I believe we need to develop natural gas vehicles and use the resources that we have at home. Gas is not as clean as solar or wind energy but it could be a profitable gateway resource that will create jobs and energy for our citizens for many decades to come. Just as T. Boone Pickens.

As the sun heats up we can all feel the red setting in...go get that green, y'all. Either way keep the pace and mind the traffic lights or else those bubble-gum lights will git ya.

-rf

The Next Great Generation

Long time no see...where ya been?

As Americans, we live in an amazing world and great country. Every state has it's perks but Texas just keeps on giving and keeps on growing. As I sit in this hammock, I am thinking about baseball-- the Houston Astros open up the season this weekend. I think about the Shell Houston Open-- also being played this weekend and I am reminded of the financial trials many people face, where they can not experience these classic past times. Meanwhile the G20 meets in London amongst riots and North Korean missile launch threats and our unemployment rate waxes closer to 10%.

I am currently reading Tom Brokaw's "The Greatest Generation" which poetically and somberly, in a cadence that only Brokaw's voice can march on, tells the stories of WWII Americans. These were men and women who faced the Great Depression and battled a the most massive war of our time. People who were earmarked for college and business gave up their hopes and dreams for God and country. This generation lived day to day with uncertain futures but pure convictions and steady minds. Brokaw reminds us that they were not without fault, as these same men and women enabled McCarthyism and the Vietnam War. They also gave birth to the Baby Boomers. They gave us Medicare along with breakthroughs in medicine, science and civil rights legislation. Truly a great nation.

Most of these Americans were 18-35 years old when all of these changes were being formulated. Brokaw makes the distinction that generations are a product of society as a whole and not a set age group. However, if you were in your mid-twenties during the late 30's and early 40's then you were a member of the Greatest Generation. A time of war heroes, fighter aces, families, farmers and factory workers moving together. This was a time when people loved one another, they loved their country and they would not be ashamed to share their love.

Herein lies our generational gap. I know we have passion and power and purpose...but do we have love. Do we have love of country and do we love one another. I believe we are the next greatest generation. We face an economic crisis unlike any other. We face wars abroad and uncertain futures. If you are between the ages of 18 and 35 then you are a people that must overcome outstanding odds. In our formative years as young adults and societal leaders we have come to know global terrorism, economic strife, civil unrest and a new world focused on continuity rather than sovereignty. The nation-states have changed since FDR and the formation of the UN. Monetary value has come into question again. Now our world is a chessboard being surveyed and staked for natural resources and we must determine how to distribute our resources well.

We can create a new global economic paradigm. The next ten years will determine our next 50 years...but I only want to work with people who will tell me what it is they love. What will we create? What is worth fighting for? ... I want to work with the Greatest Generation.

YeeHaa

March/Spring has got to be one of the greatest times of the year to be in Houston. Usually, the weather is a clear and sunny 75 degrees during the day while a warm breeze keeps the crisp and cool evenings at a perfect 55. In addition to the great weather, the month of March is Rodeo Houston month-- the largest rodeo in the world. The rodeo is not just about cowboys and bull riding. It is a 20 day event with headlining concert acts each night, International Wine Festivals and dinners, world-class BBQ competitions, carnival and circus rides, charities and an heritage built from all parts of the country.

I have been fortunate enough to enjoy a week off of work. Aside from enjoying the rodeo, here are some other activities that one can only experience in Texas...

I convinced and introduced some pedigree Texans to Guinness and Irish car-bombs on St. Patty's Day by revealing it's close resemblance to Texas Tea...black gold...OIL!

At 2AM after enjoying some Shiner Boch with old work buddies the only place to stop is Whataburger. Get 2 Potato, sausage and cheese Taquitos...you won't be disappointed.

Sit in The Woodlands Park and watch the Red Birds (cardinals) invade people's privacy.

Of course you can golf all year round and every course in the greater Houston area is top-notch.

That's all for now. Speak with y'all soon. Much Love.
rf

Oh Lucky Day.

Short and sweet today, I've got a lot of Guinness waiting to be drunk.

Well after 16 days in Fort Worth, the good Lord decided to reward me with a vacation on one of me favorite holidays...St. Patty's Day. My Da has a bit o'irish in'em but no one believes me. But I reckon a day like today proves it. I have me an excellent job, money in the bank and no work to speak of on this festive eve.

I also want to tell you about a friend of mine, Patrick Mathes.* Pat is more of a character than a man but at 6'4" and 250lbs this 58 year-old man is an imposing figure. He's got a few scars and smokes about 3 packs a day. Big buck teeth and a pony tail frame his weathered grimace well. When I hear the Johnny Cash hit "A Boy Named Sue" I picture the father looking and acting just like ol' Pat Mathes. Yeah, he's a "charmer." And he's my friend. I don't want to spoil all of his stories about women and drinking...oh I've heard a few about ex-wives, gambling, stealing and stabbing and getaways in 58 Fords. But his best story is about his birth. The son of a Scottish-American oilfield worker and an Irish homemaker, Pat was born in the wake of the second great war, on a barge off the coast of Belfast, arguably in Scottish waters. I'm not sure if anyone really knows. His grandmother was a Scot through and through and when she saw his hand reach out of his mother's womb, she noticed something. He had an extra knuckle on his right, little finger.

According to his grandmother, this means that he is the "last defender of Scotland". I have no clue what that means and I can't recall what Pat said it means. But his grandmother worked to make him a Scottish citizen while his mother tried to make him an Irish citizen. His father overruled making him an American citizen and taking him back to Mississippi. According to legend he is no longer allowed to enter Scotland or Ireland. We know this because a terrible storm in the North Sea forced his platform rig to evacuate to the nearest point by helicopter which happened to be Aberdeen, Scotland where Patrick Mathes was unable to set foot on Scottish soil. However, being born to an Irish mother, he was flown to Ireland where he was allowed to sleep in the airport terminal just for the evening.

Pat Mathes is a Great American Oilfield man. He's worked in Africa, Alaska, every state in the US and most countries in Europe. Each year he works each day tirelessly, 24/7, no matter what...but know this: On January 1st of each year Pat Mathes will submit 2 vacation request forms. One form will be for December 25 and the other is for March 17. Whatever city Pat is in today, I garuntee you can find him in an Irish Pub drinking scotch.

As for Christmas, he'll be at home with his wife probably drinking Jack Daniels. Every other day, it's tequila...but not while he's working.

* The events and stories in this blog may or may not be true and are not to be accounted for as historical fact. The author has been known to add a little color to each story for the benefit of those who will listen and read.


Sláinte.
rf

The PDC Bit killed the Oilfield

I know I usually don't blog on Sunday but living in the Bible Belt keeps one thinking about the good Lord... and energy exploration. Plus my Jewish friend C.W. (who celebrates the Sabbath on Saturday) sent me this. You'll find a significant correlation in information between this article and a few of my older posts and since the NY Times has been tapping into my blog I wanted to be sure y'all new that my information truly is cutting edge. My sermon is simple....

Jesus Saves,
God Spends... &
We Consume.

Our consumption, or rather over-consumption, has gotten us in trouble once again. We are a nation of heavy-hitters, over-eaters and over-reactors. In my last post I wrote of changes-- quick and even rash changes. We have to be real about our economic recession. Things are not better than they seem, they are going to get worse. I wish they were not but they are. 3 years ago when I first entered the oilfield, the outfit I was with must have hired a hundred employees in a year's time. The oilfield was booming and we needed as many hands as possible to meet the demand. They over-booked to cover themselves in case another worker was ill or needed a vacation or left/fired. A company with 300 employees 2 years ago, servicing 70 - 90 jobs a day is now employing 200 employees and serving 40 jobs a day...if they are lucky. This does not include pay-cuts. Oh and did I mention that the energy stocks and companies continue to outperform the rest of the markets by at least 10% daily. I'd hate to see what the marshmallow peeps Q1 numbers look like.

When the boom hit, companies doubled their prices and their employee base. Demand and exploration is down so jobs and pay follow suit. In the Barnett shale, a service company like mine will charge $9000.00/day for a standard package. Recently, I have heard of companies offering the same services for $3500.00. Trust me this is an absurd number that barely covers the cost of tools and supplies, never mind compensation. I agree with the linked article above which points out that when the oil and gas demand increases again, we will see a sharp increase in prices at the pump. Since the oilfield and market is in a constant cycle of over-reaction, when we see a resurgence in demand, it will take time to hire recently laid-off or fired workers. Money will be thrown around again in a rushed and haphazard manner. The supply will again fall short of the demand and vice versa. Time is money and to get it done quicker...well, there will be a fee for that.

One last comment about time and the Barnett Shale. We use different drilling bits out here. Roller-cone pits, button bits and PDC bits...and others. PDC are diamond coated, and have cutters all around the edges. They are mean, aggressive, fast drilling bits. Button bits and roller-cone bits often drill at a tenth of the speed at which PDC bits drill. These Shale wells used to drill 8000' in 3 weeks at about 15'/hour. We drilled 8000' in 6 days last week. Technology is a two-edged sword as it has significantly contributed to the ease at which we are now able to drill while simultaneously taking vast quantities of money out of the pockets of many men and women (keeping even greater capital circulating throughout the economy) as they sit at home for longer durations between jobs.

Now we are cutting back so much, that oilfield hands are faced with surmounting bills and credit payments that they can not afford because they over-extended themselves believing the market would sustain itself after 4 amazingly profitable years. Not to mention the rig workers that remain in the field don't see home often because they are some of the few hands left, thereby imposing additional strain on their psyche by keeping them away from valuable time spent with their families. So when they do have time off they may self-medicate with alcohol or worse. I'm not trying to paint a bleak picture for you but I'm giving you some truths that I've realized while out here on the open road. This is the oilfield and this is part of our American landscape.

But, Dallas/Fort Worth and Texas in general maintain a flowing well amidst an economic drought. (Dallas #1 fastest growing city in the nation, Houston #2) It could be the ridiculously low housing prices, the infrastructural and industrial diversity, the non-existent state income tax and government benefits for business owners...the weather maybe, but I like to think it has to do with faith: real hope and belief in one another and a higher power. Many of these hard working longhorns are willing to make sacrifices while expecting the industry to recoup by late November and it is by the grace of God that I can spend a few bucks on my friends and family these days. Plus the mighty invisible hand of the market favors the bold.

Keep consuming...that's all we seem to do well.
Be Blessed.
rf