Where Life Brings You

I haven't been writing much, but it's not because I don't want to; it's because time dictates other activities.

I've been remodeling a house, which is daunting at best. My wife (new wife and more than special) worked for nine months to reach the point of moving in; and still have much to do.

Meanwhile, while this is going on, I've been sent to Louisiana for a project that is expected to last about 4 weeks. It's a bad time for this, but it's one of those things that don't require my vote, and a little above my pay grade.

Anyway, my expectations are shattered. All the advice, warnings, and opinions don't match my own, and it's been a good experience.

Where am I? Working in an industrial facility in St. James, Louisiana. It's on the Mississippi, on thewest side, about halfway between New Orleans, and Baton Rouge. For those that never visited, I'll explain below about the location.

St. James is on what's known as the "River Road". Louisiana 18 follows the Mississippi, and can best be described as winding, rural, and beautiful. While it's accessible from many faster, modern highways, the actual highway has a lower speed limit, a huge levee on the East side, and the levee is manicured by short well trimmed grass. Only a few bridges allow access across the Mississippi. The bridge I use is called the Sunshine Bridge, which is on LA - 70, and allows access to the industrial facilities that are on LA-18.

The people here are the salt of the Earth. Polite, kind, helpful, and far from the cold-hearted denizens of large cities. To me, that's the sign of a healthy society. Those that live here understand acts of kindness, and the cultivation of integrity, have more value than all the wealth in the world. It's refreshing, and I feel privileged to share their world.

So, I'll be here, until finished, which I hope is sooner than anticipated. I like it here, but it's not home; and home is where my heart is. I have a wife that I wished I'd met 40 years ago, and she's filled a huge hole in my life.