Another pretty day in the offing for my visit with Joey and Beau.  Finally, I can write something about it here, but I was sworn to secrecy so that Beau could surprise his family with this visit.  No, we weren't surprised 'cuz Joey had to make sure I would be here and not in Lockport for one of my many visits.  I wouldn't miss this visit for anything, short though it was.

I left the Cottage at 9am today, knowing it takes about 30-40 minutes to get to Lobdell from here.  Joey and Beau were leaving NO so Beau could visit his family in Lafayette, so we planned on meeting at the McD's in Lobdell.  I had to wait a very few minutes for their arrival, but, as usual, it was worth it.  After a tiny visit, Beau took off for Lafayette, and Joey and I headed back to the Cottage.

We had already planned to have dinner at Satterfield's so that Sid could meet us there during his lunch break at school.  (I thank the teacher who was "on the alert" in case he was delayed just a bit and who agreed to check on his class until he got there--you're very special.)  I had printed a menu so Sid could make his selection (surprise, surprise--he got the fried fish) and we could order it before he arrived.  It worked out perfectly!

Sid got his usual; I WANTED my usual, but they didn't have tilapia today, so I settled for grilled chicken breast w/parsley potatoes and steamed veggies.  I also got a cup of seafood gumbo that Sid and shared and a salad that we also shared.  Joey got a huge hamburger steak with a stuffed baked potato; he also got a small dinner salad and two little tastes of the gumbo and of a cream soup.  Everything was delicious; we had left-overs; our waitress was fantastic!  So, you know we enjoyed the meal and the visit.

After we finished everything and paid up our bill, Sid headed back to school and Joey and I went back to the Cottage.  We just relaxed and chatted the entire time (hence--losing voice again, but not as bad); the plan was for me to return Joey to the same meeting place in Lobdell to meet up with Beau.  They then returned to NO and their final little get-together with their friends.  They will be returning to CO tomorrow afternoon.  As I said, the visit was far too short, but I'll take that over nothing.  Have a safe trip back, Guys.  We love you!

Josh sent an envelope of pictures for me to bring with me to Lockport when I go in a couple of days.  He printed up some LARGE copies of several so that his Granny (my Mom) might possibly be able see them.  She can barely see anything, but I think she'll be able to see these, and I know she'll love having them.  Thanks to Josh for "going the extra mile" for his Granny.  And, of course, I scanned them so we could have them also.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREETINGS to our grandson, Cade, who celebrated his 14th birthday today.  Cade is the only son of our daughter Bec and his Dad, Lane--we hope his day was perfect.  I actually remember my 14th birthday, too, when I was starting high school.  Since my class is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, you know that was a long time ago--but that's a special year, so enjoy it, Cade.  Make the most of your beginning of high school; accomplish as much as you can; your abilities will bring wherever you want to go.  We love you!

Yesterday at Mass, young people from Catholic High of Pointe Coupee spoke about Catholic Schools' Week being celebrated this week.  They also spoke on the value of a Catholic education and the value of good teachers.  One of the young men mentioned Sid in particular as a teacher he wanted to thank (along with three others); needless to say, that made Sid's day.  So often, we are all quick to criticize teachers, in public, private, or parochial school, who don't meet our own criteria of what makes a good teacher.  Well, let me tell you what makes a good teacher:  a person who LOVES their job; a person who loves kids; a person who is knowledgeable in his/her subject area; a person who cares; a person who doesn't just start teaching when the bell rings in the morning and who doesn't stop teaching right when the bell rings in the afternoon (they teach always--through their actions as well as with their classroom persona); a person who is willing to forego making a lot of money because he/she places such a high value on the future of mankind as experienced through his/her students.  Yes, I do place a high value on teachers, and, of course, I also place a high value on Catholic education.  Education doesn't guarantee success, but it sure helps, and teachers like Sid go a long way to assure that such success is possible. 

That's it for tonight!  Have a great week!

HEARTFELT BLESSING:  "And yet not choice but habit rules the unreflecting herd."                          --William Wordsworth

NOTE:  We think a certain way very often because we are conditioned to think that way.  We don't even question our actions--well, that's the way it has always been done.  But does it have to be?  Do we routinely examine our thoughts, beliefs, actions, and why we do them or think them or believe them?  No, we don't; however, let us consider that--let's be willing to at least LOOK OUTSIDE THE BOX.  Life does not come all wrapped up in a pretty box with a pretty ribbon--so live like you realize that.  Change what needs to be changed; keep what needs to be kept.  Always be willing to take risk and peep outside that box.  Who knows what you'll find there!