Labor (of Erika) Day!

If you are at all acquainted with my sister Erika, you have been made aware of (1) her athletic prowess and (2) her architectural and constructional genius. However, since retiring her PBU jersey after an illustrious career and successful snag of the Crimson Eagle’s captain (Jeremy “The Future” Coleman), Erika has become her own reality HGTV show . . . without all the sordid love triangles.

Truly, Bob Villa pales by comparison, as evidenced at her Labor Day lollapalooza which was the unveiling of her residential sweat-equity. Load-bearing walls and pipes begging for a good soldering posed no threat to her aggressive remodeling. She even transformed a barn door into a shabby chic farm-house table. Suffice to say- it is a good thing I can bake a chocolate cake worth selling your birthright for or I might struggle with feelings of ineptitude at family dinners around her hand-made table.

It was around said table, on Labor Day, that conversation flowed like sweet wine- even in the absence of it. Perhaps most memorable was the tête-à-tête we enjoyed with my (nearly) 90 year-old grandfather who was confident that his infamous “cat’s eye” ring outshone the beauty of all diamonds, present. (note picture) And perhaps my dual child labors have etched their mark on my face since my cousin Caleb apparently mistook my “laugh lines” (read: wrinkles) as dimples. However, if in life, while you labor, you also laugh or construct dwellings that shelter the laughter of those you love, then I suppose you have not labored in vain. Before we conclude this Chicken Soup for the Soul moment, just know, Erika’s labors last Monday were a raving success and my cake was really, truly amazing