Life is just a bowl of cherries--or is it a 6-foot deep, 5-foot diameter hole in the ground filled with yucky stuff (read:  cesspool)!  Well, Folks, that's what we discovered right at the edge of our brand-new carport this afternoon.

For a couple of weeks (maybe a little more), we noticed that the ground seemed to be sinking a little in that area of our yard.  Because we knew that Mis' Dot and her husband had either a septic tank or a cesspool somewhere in the vicinity of their trailer, we figured that that's what it was.  And to an extent, we were right; however, Sid thought that he would dig a little to get to the cover of the hole, fill it with some of the cement pieces that we've been breaking up, and then add some dirt to finish the job.  Well, my friends--it will take a lot of that cement and a lot of dirt to fill it up.  Sid has been working on this most of the afternoon, and he's not close to being finished.  We'll have to order a load of dirt ASAP, some of which will be used to fill up a similar, but much smaller, hole on Weze's property.  AND, we think there might be another one a little further away from where this one is located.  So far, though, it seems solid and not a problem at this time.  What a fun way to spend the afternoon--and Randi and I sat under the carport to encourage him as he worked.  Aren't we nice????

Before tackling what was supposed to be a small job, Sid finished painting the outside piece of the gable that needed paint; he also painted part of the overhang on the Cottage to match the carport.  It is really looking nice now.  He'll paint the posts, too, but he'll take his time on that.  He also wants to built some kind of cover between the carport and the Cottage to keep us dry on those rainy days as we leave the car and enter the Cottage.  Isn't he a sweet guy?  I think I'll keep him--forever and ever!

Joey and Josh are trying to work out a plan whereby they and their families can come to Louisiana around Christmastime so we can celebrate Jess and Lance's wedding with an informal reception that will include friends as well as family.  It's a real problem because of their work schedules, but I'm sure they'll come up with something.  Can't wait to see all of them again.

It looks like Ben is getting things straightened out with regard his enlistment.  Nothing is final, of course, but he is ready to sign, I think.  He'll be doing some pre-basic training very soon, and I think he's aiming for a departure some time in mid-September.  Please keep him in your prayers, that whatever he decides to do, he will be safe.  Also, you might want to include Sandie and Todd in those prayers--their nest will be empty!!!!  Quite an adjustment as many of us know!

School is getting closer and closer and closer.  Sid's first day, with a retreat and a Mass, will be on Tuesday.  On Wednesday and Thursday, the faculty will have their meetings, with the kids coming for their first full day on Friday, so the year is ready to begin.  I want to wish my hubby a fantastic school year, one that will bring him satisfaction and happiness.

That's it for tonight.  Hope you have a wonderful evening and a fun-filled tomorrow.

HEARTFELT BLESSING:  "You were born with potential; you were born with goodness and trust; you were born with ideals and dreams; you were born with greatness; you were born with wings; you are not meant for crawling, so don't; you have wings; learn to use them and fly." 

                                                                              --Rumi

NOTE:  We forget that we are beings of infinite possibility.  We can far outreach any limitations we THINK we have.  We need to use our wings, spread them fully, look for the best thoughts and feelings every single day.  Commit to what you want; settle for that and only that.  This is how we learn to fly--so...SPREAD THOSE WINGS AND GO FOR IT!