NATCHEZ &045; After working 12 years as a pulp mixer for International Paper, Vernon Mulder is taking his life in a new direction &045; and making some additions to his home in the bargain.

With IP’s Natchez mill set to close in mid-July, Mulder decided to quit earlier this year so he could go back to school in June. Mulder just started work on a two-year respiratory therapy degree at Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Natchez campus.

After all, health care is a growing profession. &uot;That’s all you see in the paper now, is medical tech jobs,&uot; said Robert Eastman, who was spending Sunday afternoon working in Mulder’s back yard.

Going back to college is taking up much of Mulder’s time. &uot;It’s tough,&uot; he said with a shake of his head. But with the career change, Mulder has managed to finagle enough time to tackle some of the home improvements he has wanted to do for a while.

Those include, at the present time, adding a patio onto the back of his Cross Street house. On Sunday afternoon &045; at least, when it wasn’t raining &045; Mulder and Eastman were installing metal beams on top of a wooden deck.

They are set to finish the work today by installing a metal roof on top of the beams, finishing just in time to enjoy a few days of moderate temperatures before the dog days of summer begin.

After Mulder drilled bolts into the next-to-last metal beam, Eastman took over, cutting the last beam and welding it in place.

How did Eastman get that detail? He just laughed. &uot;I’m his (Mulder’s) brother-in-law,&uot; he said. &uot;I’ve got to.&uot;

&uot;Yeah,&uot; Mulder said, returning the laugh. &uot;If you don’t, I’ll tell your sister on you.&uot;