HAPPY FOURTH of JULY!!!  We should be giving thanks for all the wonderful gifts we receive in this country of ours, giving thanks to the young men and women who are at this very moment fighting to make sure this continues for us, our children, and our grandchildren.  God bless them all and keep safe so they can return to their families soon!

As is the case these days, Sid worked throughout the morning and most of the afternoon.  The rains came around 3pm, so he had to stop, but that's OK. I think that's the only thing that makes him rest--when he CAN'T work out there.  The carport is starting to take shape, and we're hoping he has enough time to finish this before school starts for the next semester.

Of course he will you might be saying; however, school begins here during the first week of August.  Yes, AUGUST!  That doesn't give much time when it rains just about every afternoon.  I know--just last week I was complaining (in a way) about the lack of rain; now, we're complaining (just a little) about having too much rain.  The rain is good for the crops, though, so we'll take it while it's here.

Although Sid and I don't usually have a big celebration for the 4th of July, we usually try to do a little something.  Today, I cooked our foods (hamburgers, hot dogs/chili, green onion sausage (left-overs), along with the trimmings and some Cheetoes) inside, but we ate our dinner on the barn patio.  It was really nice, actually comfortable with our two fans blowing away, and relaxing.  Randi loves eating outside--and I do, too.  I think that's what I used to enjoy most when we would go camping with our kids--cooking over the fire and eating outside.  Food just tastes so good cooked that way.  So, even though we didn't do anything fancy, we did celebrate our freedom in a little different way than our usual.

Jan, Troy, and Bec are visiting with Steve at their new camp.  I hope the weather holds up for them, 'cuz they like going in the boat and possibly even fishing.  We haven't been yet, but not because Steve hasn't asked us to.  Our schedules just never seem to match up, but we do intend to take them up on their invitation when we can.  I'm not a person who likes the water, but I enjoy being with the family, so I'll "offer it up" and head out there one of these days.

Jess and Lance are finalizing their house business next week--selling one and buying another.  Paperwork!!!!  Yuck!  And, of course, the wedding is exactly one week and one hour away from this moment.  Everyone is excited, and I know that Jess and Lance are just getting overwhelmed with all the preparation with regard to the houses and the wedding.  They'll do just fine, though, and I know things will work out OK.

The following week is when Mom has her appointment in Houma, and I have TWO appointments on the same day--MMG and eye appointment.  It will be a busy day, but it will end on a good note--Sandie is coming over to visit for about a week.  I can't wait!  We always find so much to chat about, and she also accomplishes a lot with her crocheting at the same time.  I'm a little bit spastic and can't do two things at the same time like that, but I sure admire the way she can talk and do that and still not make many mistakes.  Yes, she might occasionally make a little boo-boo, but she doesn't panic and she takes care of it.  Way to go, Sandie!

Just heard from Jess about Blade:  He's out of the hospital and at home.  Haven't heard more, but that's good news.  Thanks for all the prayers.

Slow day today, so I'll stop for tonight.  Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July and that the weekend finds you enjoying family and friends.

HEARTFELT BLESSING:  "Seek to do good, and you will find that happiness will run after you."                --James Freeman Clarke

NOTE:  When I was a teenager, there was a song that said something like this:  "A guy chases a girl until SHE CATCHES HIM."  Happiness is sort of like that--the more we chase after it, the less likely it is appear, so we must stop, help someone else, and VOILA!  Happiness is within us!  And, at the same time, we have made someone else happy, too.