Before you read this put a smile on your face. Okay, are you ready? You smiling? Cool. Now let’s get started.
Picture this- 1991, PJ and I are cruising through East Texas in a shiny red convertible. Hill after hill we roll along, sun shining, and a cool breeze making its way through the open top. Guns-N-Roses is playing on the Pioneer Super Tuner with Axle Rose’s ear piercing vocals on the testosterone fueled Paradise City pumping out of the car’s 6×9’s- volume set at 11. I try to sing along while Paula, seemingly indifferent to my efforts, is waiting to top the next hill so that she can take in her favorite view of the valley below. She can’t fool me. I saw her head bobbing, if ever so slightly, to the music. The two of us, together. Not a care in the world. Living in the moment while at the same time wondering where our ventures will take us.
Huntsville behind us. Hopes and dreams ahead.
Still smiling? Good. Keep reading, keep smiling, and quick note, I have a bonus Paula story at the end of the update.
Okay- I last left you back in 1991 cruising through East Texas in a red convertible with Axle blaring on the stereo. Fast forward to 2021. I kid you not, the same scene is playing out. This time it’s on the way to the Shanty in Zavalla. Same East Texas, just a different town. Same testosterone filled song, just a bit less with the driver (shhh). Paula with the same feigned indifference to my performance. An F150, with leather seats nicer than my sorry ass deserves, in place of the convertible. Still living in the moment. Still wondering where our ventures will take us. Many hopes and dreams still ahead. The only real difference being that I have been on this journey for years and, amazingly, fulfillment builds as the journey continues. And that my friends is one way to define a blessed life. It’s all gone by in a blink of an eye and I remember it all, well most of it.
I like sharing this kind of stuff with you guys but I have to be honest. I really wrote it for PJ. Paula, when you asked me what I am thinking about and I said “Oh Nothing”, it’s really this kind of stuff. But you probably already knew that, didn’t you? It’s funny where a song can bring me. So there you go sweetheart.
On to the HGTV segment of the update-Major milestone reached on the front bedroom remodel. The hardwood floor is in!!!!! I made the cuts and Paula did the install. 
Some trim work, a door or two, and touch up on the paint is all that is left. Man Paula is good at this kind of stuff. We will more than likely move into this bedroom in the next week or two.
Some trim work, a door or two, and touch up on the paint is all that is left. Man Paula is good at this kind of stuff. We will more than likely move into this bedroom in the next week or two.Next up is to tile the bathroom. Throw on a door and some trim work and we will have this one behind us in no time. We are probably about two weeks out from starting sheetrock in the living room. Framing and electrical are done. The holidays are slowing us down a bit but, hold onto your hats folks, things are about to move really fast!
Paula is making plans to turn this place into an actual farm. Did you really have any doubt this would happen? We are making the calculations and doing the planning. Stay tuned for more details on this front. More to share later.
Oh- I almost forgot. Speaking of Paula McDowell, the McDowell formerly known as Paula LeCompte, I have the bonus story to share. This morning I am sitting on the edge of our bed, getting dressed for church, when I hear Paula giggle. She walks out of the bathroom grinning. 
Standing there in her bathrobe, as beautiful as ever, she reaches into her pocket and joyfully says “I totally forgot I had a lizard in my pocket!” Umm okay. So many questions but I know better than to ask. She pulls the lizard out of her pocket and almost instantaneously, full of life, it jumps to the floor. She grabs it and sets it free outside of the house. I think God put people like Paula on this earth just to take care of it for the rest of us.
Standing there in her bathrobe, as beautiful as ever, she reaches into her pocket and joyfully says “I totally forgot I had a lizard in my pocket!” Umm okay. So many questions but I know better than to ask. She pulls the lizard out of her pocket and almost instantaneously, full of life, it jumps to the floor. She grabs it and sets it free outside of the house. I think God put people like Paula on this earth just to take care of it for the rest of us.So that’s it guys. Hopefully you are still smiling.