"Expert: a man who makes three correct guesses consecutively." - Laurence J. Peter

This will be another short post because I'm once again at Starbucks for their wifi, something that makes me feel a little like a cheat. Yes, I ordered a cup of coffee - just about the cheapest drink they sell: a tall (small) Americano. It's just coffee with no froo-froo added. But it still feels like I'm scamming them.

I came to Starbucks because I was told I'd have the latest version of the book cover to review but it doesn't appear in my inbox, so I've been doing other online tasks. We *should* be back online at home by 5 p.m. Monday. I found a way to go around Hughes and get right to the contractor who was scheduled to come on the 11th. They had an earlier opening and I snatched it. Fingers crossed.

There's lots to report and some interesting stories to tell, but it all pales in comparison to what we consider the biggest and best news.

On December 1, 2017 son Josh officially opened his own practice - Hand Therapy Partners - West. Early reports indicate he's off to a better-than-expected start, not that his parents are at all surprised. Going into business for yourself always involves a degree of risk, however Josh's careful planning and solid work ethic give us every confidence things will continue to blossom.

On January 1, 2018 his older brother and eldest son Steve joined the ranks of entrepreneurs when he opened Capital Valuation Group, LLC. He's obviously in the earliest stages of having his own shop but things there are also off to a strong start. And guess who also brings exhaustive planning and a superior work ethic to the business owner effort.

Wondering what a valuation business does? At least in this case it's commercial real estate appraisal. After working 13 years for a firm in downtown Phoenix and absolutely nailing his licensing exams (nobody passes all five exams on their first try in one sitting...except Steve) he's opened his own shop. Much of his business will come from banks who need to know the value of a site and/or structures so they can determine its value as collateral. Sometimes owners want their business property assessed so they can set a sales price or decide whether or not to get financing for expansion or something similar.

He's already got clients and jobs lined up. The Phoenix metro area and the entire state of Arizona has a very active commercial real estate market which bodes well for someone in the appraisal business. Add in his reputation with clients he's done work for in the past and we know he'll have plenty of jobs in the future.

Are we proud parents? You bet! But far above our joy at seeing their professional dreams come to fruition is knowing that they are godly men, husbands, and fathers. Add it all together and it doesn't get better.

OK, back to tasks at hand and then home to take advantage of a rain-free day to clean out a barn, make a feed store run for straw and alfalfa, bake some cardamom toast, and do some more editing.
I'll be back.