Happy Labor Day. It is the last major holiday until Thanksgiving, unless less you are from my family and must insist that Halloween is of mega-importance. For many years, ours was the house to visit on Halloween, with all of my props and costumes etc. But that was when the kids were still at home or we still lived on an Air Force Base. I am not ashamed to say that many a kid has left my yard minus the candy they came seeking because they were too afraid to get it. And often, --- it was the parents that were ready to leave the yard first. Now, I have passed that tradition to my oldest daughter who has taken it way beyond my wildest expectations as she costumes herself up and goes to play a character in a haunted (yes, actually haunted) house at a local former morgue in Louisville, KY. She and I and her friend and Jim also went to do a four hour, after mid-night tour of the Waiverly Sanitorium, in Louisville, which is famous for the haunting that occurs in that place. Fun is wheere you look for it.

Julie and the pups came over yesterday afternoon after she and Jim went to an open house. The place they looked at turned out to be a non-contender. There is still the possibility that they could get the house they were looking at and planning to buy. It turns out that the insurance adjustor that was supposed to determine if they would pay for a new roof on the house was on vacation and the job didn't get done. That doesn't excuse the fact that nobody informed Julie and Jim or her realtor of the fact; but, allegedly, they will get an answer tomorrow.  If it doesn't work out, they have other houses lined up to see.

We have lots of birds out theere this morning although we are shy one bird or youg squirrel or something. A big hawk flew into the yard and snatched up something off of the ground and flew back out. It was enough behind the flowers that I couldn't see what was in its talons; --- but it was larger than a sparrow or finch. But, the danger has passed now because the birds and squirrels are back again. Julie's pups don't seem to even notice the squirrels anymore unless one of us says; "Squirrel!" Then one of them will run excitedly to the door, go out and chase around the tree and come back. And, if Auggie happens to have a bone treat at the time, he'll make sure he carries it with him as he goes to chase the squirrel, and loses it or leaves it for later. They are a trip for sure.

We had good attendance at the churches yesterday despite it being a holiday weekend. I think most people have their vacations out of the way and now that school has started, folks are settleing back into routine. And --- the corn harvest has started so there will be no getting away now until corn and soy beans are all brought in which could go as late as Thanksgiving depending on the weather. This coming Saturday, Ms. Kate and I will host our annual Harvest Breakfast at the church as we kick off harvest season with a time of prayer for a safe and successful harvest.

I hope your day is a safe one and that youo have the opportunity to be with loved ones to celebrate the holiday. Don't forget to take time to give God praise for the bounty and blessings you have in your life. Have a great day!