I am grateful for progress in 110 degree heat index.

I am also very grateful that I had nothing to do with the progress. It was all Sam and Brell muscle and know-how, with Kelly’s dirt moving and rock delivery.

Each block was 65 pounds. Sam and I unloaded every one of those from the back of a strained pickup bed, and they could go no farther than that pile in the driveway. I thought I broke a bone in my foot. Sam had absolutely no business doing ANY of this work. We were a sweaty mess.

They sat there for many days until Brell and Kelly came to the rescue at Sam’s insistence. In the 110 degree heat index.

As you can see, our wall is only partially done. Which means we must go get another load of 65 pound blocks.

Also, as you can see, our wall will not keep anyone out. We like our walls that way. We welcome you all. We are progress-ive.

I am grateful, at least this time, that I have not made a lot of progress as a house cleaner.

Natia died on November 30, 2018. I found one of her treats on June 29, 2019. I am not quite ready to toss it in the trash, so it has become one of my miniatures sitting on the windowsill.

Finally, I am grateful for personal progress. I began two college classes last night. So far, I am a straight A student. I would like to remain a straight A student, so I have put my phone on silent to text messages and distractions, and I am taking my time for the month of July to study and write papers and take quizzes and tests.

And when I need a break, I will either 1) respond to text messages and emails and voicemails, 2) look at my miniatures and cry, or 3) take a quiet sunset drive with Sam.