So, it's Labor Day - Happy Labor Day! Yes, a holiday created by labor unions to celebrate "the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

Well, my opinions of labor unions are best left undiscussed on this board as I have vowed to stay away from politics here in any form. I will note that my father has a gunshot wound in his leg that has a little something to do with unions, which may have influenced my feelings on the subject at a tender age. And, for some reason, when I think of unions, I also think of Animal Farm. I guess I've probably already said too much - that's never happened before to me (hahahah). Please don't fight with me. I love you no matter what your opinions are, I promise.

Worker boy (aka dh) is in the kitchen laboring over breakfast. He is making some Jimmy Dean sausage (boy was he happy to find that in the freezer this morning, Mom), eggs and biscuits. Even though it is a day to rest from his labor, he will also shortly be going to work to get some data out for a client in London. I told him I would happily make the jump across the pond if he needed it hand delivered. No such luck. It made me start thinking of our trip last year with Mom & Dad (the picture today is one I took of them at the BEAUTIFUL Loch Lomand) and got me thinking that I need to hurry and make some money so that I can go back to Scotland.

The sweater will be finished today.

I am exhausted - I was up until after one and then up again early. So, anything I say may be coming from the depths of exhaustion.

Here are the words to a John McCutcheon song that I really wanted him to sing at the Storytelling Festival (which he did NOT because I only wrote my request on a dollar bill instead of a $20 - which may say something deeper about his true beliefs than any of his songs)... Even though I disagree with many of his politics, this song goes along with the spirit of today's holiday (and, it's a personal favorite):

DOING MY JOB
(Written after Cal Ripken's record-breaking stretch of 2,131 consecutive games on September 6, 1995.)

It was one for the ages
You just had to see
So we sat on the couch
My two kids and I
And we watched on TV

It was in the fifth inning
The game it had to be stopped
The whole ballpark went nuts
When the number was dropped

My kids they clapped and they hollered
Me, I choked up with tears
Thinking back on the grace
He brought to that place
For over thirteen years

And as he stood in the spotlight
He looked so awkward and shy
When they asked to say a few words on that day
This was his reply

CHORUS:
I'm only doing my job
Like folks everywhere
Where I come from
It's just how things are done
Doing my share

I did not love every part
Still I don't think it odd
Give your best
And to hell with the rest
Doin' my job

She gets up every morning
Gets the kids out the door
Then it's carpool and shop
Vacuum and mop
Until they're back home at four

Then it's supper and homework
Until they're all tucked away
It's a kiss and goodnight
And you turn out the light
For the four thousandth day

Chorus

We deliver the mail
We grow all the crops
We teach in the schools, we put out the fires
And we clerk in the shops

We enter the data
We build the bridges and roads
We show up every day
We work for our pay
We carry the loads

Chorus

So, have a great Labor Day everyone! I'm gonna get back to "doin' my job" now. :O)