VIDALIA &045;&045; As the black Ram pickup truck with a trailer full of equipment coasting behind it pulled on to Elm Street, it could only mean one thing &045;&045; the work was about to begin.

During these dog days of summer when the heat and humidity wrench the residents of the Miss-Lou, some people, like James Pace, choose to take on the heat head on.

Pace does landscaping work on both sides of the river when he is not on his other job &045;&045; deputy at the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

&uot;That’s my first priority,&uot; Pace said, a five-year veteran at the sheriff’s office.

For the past three summers Pace has worked in yards around the Miss-Lou, the past two with his own business &045;&045; Pace Lawn Service.

His business approach for getting work is basically word of mouth.

From neighborhood yards to a four-acre lot, his largest, Pace stays busy but said he likes the work.

&uot;I take pride in my work,&uot; Pace said, relying on customer satisfaction to stay afloat and gain more accounts. &uot;I make sure it’s done right.&uot;

Although he counts his experience by summers, Pace said this is a year-round business for him.

Friday, Pace was scooting around a backyard on Elm Street on his professional grade lawnmower.

Pace uses his days off from the sheriff’s office &045;&045; he works six days on and three days off here &045;&045; or works before or after shifts to see his clients’ lawns in good shape. &uot;This is more relaxing,&uot; Pace said.

&uot;It’s good to get out in the fresh air, the sunshine….get focused…clear you head. It’s relaxing.&uot;

But other times, he admitted, &uot;it can be really hard work.&uot;

And do not forget about the other benefits besides a supplemental income and getting outside &045;&045; a tan.

&uot;A farmer’s one,&uot; Pace said as he pulled back the sleeve of his shirt.

There can be downfalls to working two jobs.

Maximizing his time to work both jobs successfully, Pace admitted with a bit of a grin that sometimes his own yard is what suffers from his two-business lifestyle.

&uot;I’ll be glad when my son gets old enough,&uot; Pace said, ready to solicit a bit of help with his heat-induced job. &uot;He’ll be right out here with me.&uot;

Though that plan may not be one of instant gratification.

&uot;…he’s only six,&uot; Pace said with a laugh, knowing it will be at least a few more years before he can get help from him.