Labor Day was for Laboring

When I was a kid, Labor Day always heralded the end of summer.  It was the final long weekend before the inevitable return to school.  There were always, of course, a few exciting things to look forward to -- shiny, new school shoes, colorful backpacks, and a fresh class schedule with a cheerful teacher.  It wasn't all doom and gloom; rather, those first few days were actually not half bad!

Now that I live in Texas, and I, myself, am a teacher, I am still a part of the predictable school year cycle, and I like it an awful lot.  I really do crave routine.  That being said, school has already been in session here since August 21st, which is hard to believe, so Labor Day, for me, has gradually morphed into an ordinary three-day weekend filled with distant memories of anticipation.

This year to celebrate Labor Day, here in the South, Jeff, Milton the Goldendoodle, and I drove to Louisiana to help Momeaux and Pop, Jeff's parents, make their recently purchased golden years home ready for move in!  I, in particular, am a bit sad that Momeaux and Pop are leaving their current town because they have the absolute best po boy shop around, but their new house does have a certain allure to it -- pond, pecan trees, pool, fruit trees -- that do, in fact, overshadow even a heap of the very best fried oysters!  Jeff and I, truly, couldn't be happier for Momeaux and Pop; if anyone deserves a thick slice of happiness way out in the country, it's these two. Our little family was more than happy to dirty up our clothes to help them realize their bucolic dream.

Painting brought back fond memories...

The boys just watched for the most part; well, I suppose not being underfoot is a bit of a help.

Testing the waters

Just right -- The pool has an amazing tropical feel; I think the banana leaves at the far end really up the ambiance.

Quite the spot!

I hate to say it, but as much as I like city life, I got to missing the country life after we returned from our weekend jaunt.  Nevertheless, I do like to think that the next best thing to having your own pool and property is to know someone who does, and I seriously doubt that Momeaux and Pop will ever object to us visiting them, especially since we have their grandpuppy!  I wish them the very, very best.