Good day to All!

You have five more days, including today, to try out the new China Dine-ah Too on Route #3 right in China. We are closing at 8 pm on Labor Day, Monday September 2. Sorry to repeat myself to those of you who are regular readers, but I am trying to catch the guy or gal who just once and awhile makes it all the way down to this article. So there we have it, now you all know! Some better than others.

The kids are back to school and once it sinks in, life will get back to normal for many households. I say this because most families have two parents working and in the summer comes the added burden of getting the little guys back and forth to child care. As in my case, there is no change, other than the discussion I had last night with my youngest, Kyle. He said to me "Dad, for the first time in 12 or so years, all my friends are going back to school and it feels so good that I am not." I could take that either way. I could feel sad that he has chosen not to further his education at this time or I can feel happy that he has chosen to explore a career path at one of my businesses. I have decided on the latter.    

His older brother Derek completed one semester at Thomas College last year and decided, with my input, that continuing his education was just not for him at this time. Without getting into a lot of detail, the effort was not there, and at this point in his life, he does not enjoy learning through books or lectures.

They both appear to be "hands on, get down and get dirty" type of young men.
Derek is working as a roofing laborer at G & E Roofing and is excelling and this is coming from not only co-workers, but the Foreman and his supervisors. During my visit with Derek at Thomas College, when it was apparent he was not going to be returning for another semester, we had a "man to man" chat. I told him I only had one more thing to offer him, but it was up to him to take it and run with it, and that he has done.  He has goals but he fully realizes that there will be a long stint in the "field" (which means roofing with the crews) until any other such opportunity becomes available. This kid is in heaven! He gets up every morning at 5 am on his own and goes to work. He can't wait to get there and spend another day with his peers excelling at something he can handle, both physically and mentally. Never in his life has he been so motivated. Along with that motivation comes praise. Who doesn't like being praised? But it must be earned and that is just what he is doing everyday.  

I'm betting on the fact that Kyle will follow in Derek's footsteps and become a valuable member of the G & E Roofing team, even if that is the lowest entry level position. You've got to start somewhere and if it was good enough for me, it's good enough for them.

Side note: They both live at home paying room and board, their cell phone bills, car insurance, and gas. They are two nice, respectful young men who when speaking with them, they look you in the eye. Thank you Derek and Kyle for stepping up. You are both a joy to be around!

As for new mom Leslie (my daughter), she is doing fine with her new baby girl Devi and I'm hoping for a date soon on when they will be visiting so we can all see our new granddaughter. I have been told Devi is sleeping throughout the night and for all of you readers who have been asking, I will definitely forward some new pictures when I receive them. 

Going back to where I started, school is now in session, so please be aware of all the little tikes who may be out and about, walking to school or waiting for the school bus.


Make it great day!
Norm