Work is behind, but 65 percent is not that far behind. Whether or not we'll be able to open the highway on time remains to be seen. The situation will be clearer in a week or two.

This is the reason we used asphalt instead of concrete for the road surface. It's easier and less costly to repair asphalt rather than concrete roads.

But Frank and I had never played together.

They had gotten complaints from subcontractors and vendors who were not getting paid in a timely manner. As the complaints became more frequent, it was a sign the contractor was having some serious problems and would be unable to fulfill their obligations. That is when it reached the point to protect the commission's interest and take the steps necessary to get the project finished.

As any bidder, Smith & Johnson was required to secure services of a bonding company in the role of an insurance company. If for whatever reason the contractor is unable to perform, the bonding company steps in and takes over responsibility for the work.

The way I feel now, I'm 45 years old and I have a new life. I feel reborn. I'm alive again.