My wife's family has property North of Baton Rouge along the Mississippi River in Ventress, a rural unincorporated area in Pointe Coupee Parish. This property dates back to their great grandparents. This 40 plus acres of gorgeous farm, pasture and wooded acreage represents a treasure in the legacy of Kathleen's family. The property sits along the oxbow lake called False River and looks across the water at the town of New Roads. On this property sits the old family home built in the early 20th century. Since 2017 the house has been difficult to maintain and has incurred some damage. Health issues and busy lives have kept us all distracted. Keeping the house in shape has not been easy.

This special family heirloom saw many important events through the decades. The memories built there make us laugh and cry. This year, 2022, one of my nieces got married under the beloved, centuries-old live oak. However, the house needs much attention. Plumbing by far has been the greatest need. Repairing the roof has emerged as our highest priority. We could get much use of the property and house with professional help.

And there is the rub. Engaging plumbers and roofers has been a pure pain. They won't show up for scheduled appointments. They don't have decent communication skills. They are not very good at estimating the work and costs. Some of this is understandable. There is a lot to do. But some of this must have something to do with honesty, integrity and honor. 

Of course, we have learned from other experiences in the last couple of decades. This is a brief story relevant to our struggles now. Rubber Bands and Expectations