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Post by sniper69 on Sept 24, 2023 13:19:53 GMT -6
Thanks. I figured they probably didn't have Motorola P25 radios. Granted those would be nice with the AES 256 encryption - but typically a business license would be needed (as encryption isn't allowed on amateur radio).
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Post by kaijafon on Sept 25, 2023 6:49:23 GMT -6
I remember once when these two men in suits came to my dad's house. I told my stepmom "don't let them in". They were peeved and I was surprised she actually listened to me. They wanted my dad (who was not home) for going onto "illegal" channels. He ended up with a fine but I'm so glad she did NOT let them in, they could have seized his radios! And they had no warrant for that
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Post by pbbrown0 on Sept 26, 2023 20:33:56 GMT -6
I remember once when these two men in suits came to my dad's house. I told my stepmom "don't let them in". They were peeved and I was surprised she actually listened to me. They wanted my dad (who was not home) for going onto "illegal" channels. He ended up with a fine but I'm so glad she did NOT let them in, they could have seized his radios! And they had no warrant for that Another case of "We're from the gubernmunt. We're here to help you."
Also regarding FRS (Family Radio Service) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) originally had only seven channels of overlap and a total o f 22/30 channels available for GMRS. It was originally touted as a better, easier, less restrictive "offering" to the public than the "old" CB (Citizens Band) radios. No license was required for the Family Radio Service and these users could communicate directly with the more powerful GMRS licensed operators who could reach out much farther than the FRS or the CB Radios. But as everything managed by the gubernmunt, the longer it lasts under that management, the more complicated and onerus it gets.
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Post by feralferret on Sept 26, 2023 21:39:42 GMT -6
"But as everything managed by the gubernmunt, the longer it lasts under that management, the more complicated and onerus it gets."
Truer words were never spoken.
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Post by pbbrown0 on Sept 27, 2023 21:32:01 GMT -6
Post #45 Clear Connections
The clan had regrouped that evening and shared their new information. They were surprised about how much overlap they found in the resource recommendations they received. Even so, those resources were scattered over a span of over a hundred miles of thinly populated territory. The next morning they were finishing breakfast when Songbird heard a tapping sound coming from somewhere. It was coming in persistent but irregular patterns and not like Morse code. She soon tracked it down to Pete's base radio, that was still plugged and turned on in a low volume listening mode. She waved the others over to listen. Finally Carl turned up the volume and picked up the microphone. “This is Pathfinder. Come in Woodpecker. Over.” He turned and grinned at Colleen. They quickly heard a reply, “Thanks for the pick up, Pathfinder. We need to talk. I need a river boat pilot to guide me safely to your dock.” There was a long pause, then, “Can you accommodate, Pathfinder? Over.” Carl looked around the group. “Gerry wants to come talk with us. Would someone let me borrow a truck?” Pete spoke up first. “Since you're just driving there and leading him back, take mine. It will use less gas than the others.” “Thanks, Grandpa.” Carl smiled then keyed the mic. “Pathfinder is launching a pilot boat. Over.” “Woodpecker is much obliged. Over.” Colleen went with Carl to lead Gerry back to their haven, of course. As they drove she turned on the truck's factory radio and searched for a channel broadcasting some kind of news. She finally found one that seemed to have a steady mix of brief news stories tucked in among their primary offering of a prolific collection of high quality advertisements. While that was playing she engaged Carl in discussing a number of topics of both eminent and imminent importance to them like building the first main house and raising some Dexter cattle. She was deliberately avoiding the topic of when they might get married. While they were talking both she and Carl were filtering out most of what was being broadcast and trying to catch tidbits of real information about what was happening in the world around them. That was neither a pleasant nor easy task. Every piece of news being broadcast seemed to have been thoroughly run through a rigorous process of editing, spinning, word crafting, filtering, and agenda checking to be sure no one might misconstrue the facts and arrive at unacceptable conclusions. One fact this young couple were able to piece together was that there was something wrong with the water supply in Memphis after the earthquake. There was a massive relieve effort to bring bottled water into the residential neighborhoods there, and it appeared to be a high priority to a number of politicians to gain popular recognition for their involvement in these efforts. It was truly amazing how important seemed to be to provide pure, clean, and healthy water to the people of Memphis with never any mention of a problem that needed to be resolved regarding the drinking water there. Meanwhile, on the national front each political party was desperately trying to root out the truth about the horrific levels of corruption that were permeating every nook and cranny of the opposing party's political organization. As for the international scene, the world outside of the United States seemed to have been removed from having ever existed. It took them a while to realize there were literally no news stories about anything outside of the U.S. They kept on heading toward Gerry's place but there was no change in that pattern. When they arrived outside Gerry's gate, he was standing there leaning against his truck. He walked up to Carl's side of the little truck before they could climb out and Carl rolled the window down. “Hey y'all. I appreciate your taking the time to drive over. C.J. and I had to talk a bit yesterday evening to make sure we were making the right decision about this radio thing. We'd talked before about how to keep in touch when things get really bad, and we had talked about the risk of connecting this way with people we weren't sure about. We decided to go ahead with y'all, but it wouldn't be smart to talk about security measures while we are broadcasting, now, would it?” Carl replied, “so that's what you want to talk about; our radio protocols?” “Well, mostly that, but that is not as simple as you might think. There are some simple steps to determine what channels we are using, but we need to talk also about how we talk. Carl you picked up on it earlier this morning. It's about choosing your words so your friends understand but others are left in the dark.” “Speaking of in the dark,” Colleen jumped in, “We've been listening to the non-news on the radio all the way here and it is like nothing outside of our country's borders ever existed. Do have any clue when that started?” Gerry's face scrunched up. “That's not good. I'm not in a habit of hanging on every tall tale they broadcast, but I'm guessing that is a rather recent development. Give me a minute.” Gerry reached into his truck and they heard the gate lock click open. He walked over and swung the gate open then came back to his truck. Colleen jumped out and moved toward the open gate as Gerry turned his truck that direction and pulled through it. Seeing that Colleen was tending the gate he waved out the window as he headed back to his house. She swung the gate closed and waited. About five minutes later she saw his truck returning and hurried to reopen the gate when she heard the loud click again. Gerry pulled through the gate and stuck his head out the window. “I just gave C.J. a heads up about the no-news phenomena. I asked him to find out what he can, today. I'm ready now. Lead the way.” - - - - - Back at the haven The rest of the clan were organizing the information they had gathered the day before. During their visit C.J. had recommended that they contact a former student of his who had gotten his law degree and passed the bar exam. He had been struggling to get his practice going so he was supplementing his income trying to re-establish a small chicken farm that had gone bust during the epidemic. Having been operated on a small scale by an old school farmer, it had not survived the flood of regulations thrown at it, and the insanity of what happened to the supply chains during that debacle. Henry Jenkins, the young attorney, had bought the farm, which was essentially the land, the structures, and some of the remaining equipment, at a foreclosure auction where no one else showed up to place a bid. Being an attorney, he set the ownership up under a maze of corporate paperwork to make it less vulnerable and more onerous to petty government bureaucrats wanting to exercise their power over the food producers and suppliers. He hired the former owner, Flynn Starkey, to operate and manage the chicken farm. Rather than pay him a salary, he agreed to pay him 75% of the profits. He also took advantage of some little known and no longer advertised state programs that had been originally set up to encourage young people to enter the farming industry. Henry was scrambling and hustling to make both this enterprise and his law practice succeed. Henry, according to C.J., would be well suited and philosophically inclined to craft the kind of documents Rob and Bruce were proposing. His office was located in Piney Creek, which was about fifty miles east-southeast of Pete's land. Rob and Bruce were eager to meet Henry and to get him started on their paper work. They were also eager to get the ball rolling on obtaining equipment and supplies needed to build the first house. They were frustrated, though because they felt obligated to wait until Carl and Colleen returned with Gerry before they could leave and pursue this endeavor with the young attorney. What they did not know was that after talking with Gerry the previous afternoon, C.J. had managed to get a link up with Henry Jenkins using radio repeaters that were the brainchild of another former student of C.J.'s. He had given Henry a heads up about the potential clients he was sending to Jenkins. Even though it was almost supper time when Jenkins had received the call from C.J., Jenkins took time after that call to throw together some excerpts from news reports and surreptitiously gathered emails he had seen earlier that day. He printed them out and packaged them up. Then he called a young fellow in Clear Creek that he knew was looking for work. He told this young fellow he needed a private courier to deliver some legal documents early the next morning, if he wanted to make some money. Early the next morning, while Rob and Bruce were fretting about having to wait for Gerry, the courier was already on his way to Barnsville, with a package for C.J. That package contained, among other juicy tidbits, information that would answer the question Gerry had posed to C.J., just before he drove off following Carl and Colleen to their haven. By late morning, The caravan from Rockston had arrived. After he was introduced to Pete, Rob, and Bruce they all sat down at the table. Peter started the conversation saying. “Gerry, I'm sure what you have to talk about is important and requires a bit of discussion, or maybe it is just a bout security procedures. For whatever reason it has required time and resources for you to get here and to get back, so we understand it is significant.” Pete was trying to set the tone of what followed, because he had read the eagerness of Rob and Bruce to get their agenda with the young attorney addressed. He did not want that eagerness to interfere with them listening carefully to what information Gerry was making a generous effort to provide for them. Gerry in turn added his own tone of importance to what he was going to discuss with them in his first sentence. “C.J. and I have been talking for a long time about the risk that we would be taking if we ever decided to widen our network. We have seen for a long time the inevitability of a serious sh... volume of manure being propelled by some really high powered turbines scenario. We have also discussed how truly understated that metaphor will seem when the troubles catch hold and start escalating. We need you to understand the seriousness of this to us and the kind of trust we are putting in you to not fumble this. This has serious implications for all of us.” Gerry paused and looked around the table until he had locked eyes with each person present. “We need each of you to study these cards. There is one for each of you. This describes how we will decide which channels to use on the radio with each other. Pete, Joann. Here are a couple of other cards with suggestions for the brothers and sisters to consider. What they decide is up to them, but please do not share the information on the cards for our group. The other thing is that you need to understand and learn this information then destroy the cards; all of them; Seriously. I'm going to explain these plus some more about how we communicate once we are on the right channel. If you find yourself needing to get in touch with us, but are uncomfortable with following these methods, get someone else to use the radio, instead of you trying. If it real is an emergency and there is no one else, be brave and do the best you can.” Gerry spent a few minutes going through the channel information and patiently responding to every question. “Okay everyone relax a minute. These channel changing processes may help some, but it depends on how seriously someone is trying to catch us as to whether these efforts will keep us out of their line of sight. The next part is an added layer of security, and perhaps a bigger factor in our staying out of sight. It is sometimes referred to as code talking. If you were listening this morning, Carl and I were doing some of it. When I said we need to talk, no one could possibly determine what the subject might be. When I said I needed a river boat pilot to guide me safely to the dock, He understood that I wanted him to come get me and lead me here. In order to understand that you first needed to know a few simple things about riverboat pilots, and then you needed to know something about our situation. I didn't tell him to come to my farm or where my farm is. I didn't identify where I wanted to go unless someone already knew where he was. I didn't tell him my name. I called him by a name that only four people knew was identifying him. Yet he and I knew what was needed and what to do about that. We didn't look up code words or phrases in a secret book. We just knew each other well enough that we could talk in obscure or ambiguous metaphors so that anyone listening in couldn't piece together what was actually communicated in our brief time on the radio.” Colleen was her usual enthusiastic self. “It's like a word game or a party game isn't it? How can I reword a phrase or an idea in a way that you will understand me, but no one else will get what I'm talking about. The better we know each other the easier it will be. That could be challenging, but it could also be fun.” Now Jenny was joining in. “It similar to using key words or thoughts to tell an inside joke. Those who already know the joke can laugh , but those who who haven't heard it don't know what you're laughing about. Like when Colleen was on the radio and identified herself as Lick Face. If you were one of those who had seen that happen, you knew immediately who she was. If you weren't there to see it, Lick Face would be a total mystery to you.” Now Linda joined in. “Or you may just be familiar with the story. Like a family story or a story book we read together over and over. You use a phrase that was a key in that story because you remember well what comes next.” “Now you're getting it.” Gerry encouraged them. “You use language about experiences or conversations you have shared, but that others have not shared. And now we come to the real problem with this.” Suddenly he was met with confused looks all around. “Y'all can do this all day long, because you have lived next door to each other as close friends for a long time. C.J. and I can do this with each other without any problem, because he was my mentor, and a good one at that, for years. When I was growing up he was watching me when I fumbled, and when I succeeded. However, if I need to communicate with y'all, and I will need to do that, or y'all need to communicate with me, the bucket just ain't got a whole lotta water in it, yet.” Everyone was speechless as they considered the implications. Pete was the one who broke the silence. “Gerry you made it crystal clear at the very beginning that this security is critically important to you and C.J. but you decided to go ahead and bring us into your network. How do you propose to deal with this weakness in our use of code talking?” Gerry grimaced on one side of his face. “As my mentor said, 'In for a penny; in for a pound.' I've got to make sure that you get to know me and I get to know you. The only way to do that is to spend time together. Time working together, and time relaxing together. Time laughing together and time fretting together. Problem with that is my home and my livelihood are a couple of hours away. That livelihood involves a lot more that just punching a time clock to get so many hours in to make “X” amount of money. I have responsibilities to take care of my cattle. If I neglect them for very long, they will suffer and I am sure to loose a number of them.” Now Bruce spoke. “So we have to bring them here. We need to get some fencing and shelter for the supplies and all in place before we move them, but that is the only way we can make this work . Best way for us to learn what we're going to need to learn about caring for those cattle is to actually do it with a mentor here to help. We'll be helping you, and you'll be helping us.” “That brings up a new problem, though.” Rob interrupted. “Gerry, your base station is closer to C.J. which is why you could relay messages to us, when C.J. couldn't reach us.” Gerry nodded in agreement. “I assured C.J. that you were the right kind of people, and we could trust you. Bruce just proved that when he made that offer, and even your objection, Rob, was not balking at what Bruce offered. It was just you recognizing a challenge to be addressed in making Bruce's offer work. C. J. said we could not assume you would respond this way and our choosing to go ahead with this did not hinge on Bruce making an offer like he did. As C.J. said we would take this one step at a time. I am not the only former student C.J. is connected to. Let's talk to him about where we are and what we might do about the communications network. For now we have a lot more work to do, so what were your plans for today?” “Rob and I need to go see a lawyer, that C.J. told us about in over in Piney Creek. We need to make some modifications to some legal documents, and C.J. said he would be a good choice. We also need to get some chainsaws and logging gear to get the site cleared for building our first house.” Bruce was his usual self about laying out their plans. “Hold it.” Gerry held up a relaxed hand. “Are you telling you don't have even one house built already?” “That's right, Gerry.” Rob replied. “So y'all just packed up and left your homes and moved straight into the raw forest. I didn't realize how really hardcore you guys are.” Gerry was shaking his head. “We're not that hardcore, Gerry.” Joann protested. “We had a well dug with a pump and a water supply set up and running before the rest of them got here. We also had a chicken coop full of chickens and several chicken runs built, too.” “Oh, I see,” replied Gerry. “ I apologize, Wildcat. I should have said you are only very firm core, not hard core.” He was smirking and laughing now. “See, I'm getting to know you better already.” Bruce tried to get the planning back on course. “With what you've told us, Gerry, we probably ought to look into getting some fencing up right away for the cattle we'll be relocating.” “Look, I know a fair amount of this is personal information,” Gerry was now sounding apologetic. “but how are y'all positioned for paying for the supplies you'll need?” Bruce answered calmly, “We don't have money to waste, but we'll be paying cash for everything.” “Ah. Well I know there are a few merchants in this area who will be pleased to be avoiding more transaction charges from the plastic money processors. If I may suggest, we need a team to deal with the lawyer, a team to acquire some timber handling equipment, and a team to acquire some fencing materials. I can't offer much advice about the dealings with the lawyer. But I would like to help with some of the decisions regarding the timber handling and the fencing.” Bruce was ready to head out and find the young lawyer, but Gerry asked him to hold up a minute. What I'm getting at is not just do you have the money, but how do you want to deal with this strategically? Take the fencing as just one example. There is a certain amount of fencing that will be the bare minimum to get ready just to move all my cattle over here. There is more that will be needed when you are ready to manage them properly or later when you are managing your own and mine are back where they belong. Do you want to delay buying supplies until absolutely necessary, or do you want to buy ahead and beat the ... uhm, well... spend the money while you still know what it will buy rather than gambling on still being able to buy what you know you will need farther down the road?” Pete suppressed a chuckle and commented, barely under his breath, “Now you've got his attention.” Bruce did not even glance at Pete, in spite of his good hearing. “Okay, Gerry. I'm seeing the value in what you were saying about getting to know each other better. I'll go first as a sign of good faith, but I trust you to be fair minded and share equally with us. There was a tripwire of sorts, an advance warning that we received about some regulations that were about to be implemented. These pending, and at that time secret, regulations were the lynch pin for our deciding to uproot and come here, in a hurry. Is that what you were just referring to, or were your comments more in line with concerns about the unpredictable ups and downs of the economy.?” Bruce gave a sideways look at Pete and a subtle wave off to keep Pete from jumping in here. Gerry raised his eyebrows in surprise, then gave a knowing grin. “Yes.” Bruce paused like he was playing a poker game then said in a deadpan voice, “Very funny, Mister Wrangler.” Then he too grinned. “I deserved that, Gerry. You knew I was holding back from you. The rest of that story is what Pete told us about this being foretold in the Bible. Something about no one can buy or sell without the sign of the beast on their hand or their forehead. The rest of that story is that Rob and I already were able to get some of our land precisely because of a couple of very early victims of that prophesy.” Now it was Gerry's eyes that got big as his jaw opened slowly. “You're sh... kidding me. Right?” Rob now commented, “Trust really is a two way street, Gerry.” “Yup. It is. Joking aside, C.J. has taught me about a lot more than agriculture. He also taught me a lot about history, political science, economics, and on and on. In his eyes those things were a part of understanding how to see the world around you so you are alert to the concealed dangers in life. I didn't have a father growing up, but my grandfather managed to pass somethings on to me. He was a preacher, and I picked up a thing or two from him in spite of my childish inattention when I was young. A lot of what he said went right over my head, but there were some things that took root like a seed that accidentally fell on fertile ground. At least that's what I like to think happened. About a month or two ago C.J. got wind of, … see there. I picked up some habits of talking in metaphors without even thinking. Radio waves travel on the wind. I know that is not really how they move, but it keeps me from stating hard facts that someone on the outside could turn into an avenue to pursue in investigating the source of our information. Anyway, he got wind of some changes coming that could really and truly bind up peoples economic freedom. We just didn't know how soon or what form they would take. Me and my memories of my grandfather, well I made a connection to that sign or mark of approval by “beast” without which a person could buy or sell. I guess that is why my mind grabbed hold and remembered that. It just seemed such a bizarre restriction when I was younger. So, there you have it.” “Thank you, Gerry. So we want to be wise with our money and not throw it away, unnecessarily.” Bruce was nodding his head to Gerry and the others. “We need to be wise about what we will need and get it while we can so we will be able to make do without it when we can no longer use it. Wow. It is still hard to wrap my head around that way of thinking.”
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Post by feralferret on Sept 27, 2023 22:45:50 GMT -6
Pbbrown0, another wonderful chapter. Thank you.
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Post by sniper69 on Sept 28, 2023 5:15:36 GMT -6
Thank you for another excellent chapter. The connection is becoming clearer, but only a couple hundred more chapters will make it really clear. LOL (IN other words, looking forward to reading more of your writings).
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Post by pbbrown0 on Oct 4, 2023 10:19:00 GMT -6
I apologize for taking a while to prepare a new posting. Life has been busy. Now I have to figure out how to share our wilderness property with the bears who have been using "our land" as their dinner table before we actually move there.
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Post by feralferret on Oct 4, 2023 22:07:22 GMT -6
Tell Yogi and Boo Boo they need to pay rent.
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Post by gipsy on Oct 5, 2023 8:35:43 GMT -6
Bear rugs on both sides of the bed sounds good
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Post by pbbrown0 on Oct 7, 2023 21:19:38 GMT -6
Post #46 Trading Rags for Riches “Okay everyone, let's think together here. We need to challenge our thinking and press forward.” Pete was hearing more comments that aligned with concerns that had been nagging at him. He wanted to gain some traction on the idea of acquiring things they would need while their money was still useful. He was very grateful at how quickly they had acquired so much land at very favorable prices, but he thought that might have been a also sign, from the One who had true foresight about the coming events, that speed was needed in moving forward. Maybe the “unexpected” earthquake was another forewarning of the need for urgency. “Speaking of challenging our thinking,” Gerry spoke up again. “Fences are for making it easier to manage our livestock. Thinking of fences as a security measure to keep other people or even predators out; you can throw that idea in the burn barrel. Think about fences like those detour cones on the highway. They help guide our critters to greener pastures or away from over grazed fields. With chickens they might offer minimum help keeping predators away from them, but that will only work with a lot of other help from us.” Joann jumped in here. “Pete and I started doing that a while back with our chickens. Letting them graze in spent areas of a garden while we started a garden for the new season out of their reach. As for predators, we herd our chickens into the safe coop before dark every evening. If we have to be away, we make sure they will have adequate food and water inside the safe coop until we can get back.” “That's it. It's exactly the same principle as with the cattle. Their grazing process, if managed properly, actually improves the soil for the next crop of food in that plot, whether the next crop is for them or for us.” “What about predators?” Carl asked. “With the Dexters, they have both horns and hooves, and they are very protective of the young, from what I've heard.” Gerry replied. “I've avoided the so called polled (de-horned) Dexters, because of my, or now our, location. As for the chickens, the coop needs to be well build to keep both smaller predators and the larger varieties out. I know this is called Black Bear Mountain and Bear Creek, but I have no information about any possible bears around here in recent times.” “I haven't heard anything about that either, “ said Pete. “We'll have to cross that bridge when and if we get there. So, Gerry what are we talking about for cost of fencing for the cattle?” Gerry rubbed his head. “This is a SWAG, because I did a lot of my fencing a few years ago, before the epidemic messed with the supply chains. We need to duplicate what I've got, and allow for a fair amount more based on what I've heard about what each family is wanting. I know you have fencing already for the chickens you currently have, but you may want to expand that once you get settled in , good. I'd say we need maybe $10,000 to $15,000 to be sure we don't run out of supplies any time soon. Some of those around the table nodded their heads while others were trying to contain their shock. Rob responded, “Okay and what about supplies and equipment to handle cutting and removing the timber for our house sites?” “That is a little more fluid in my opinion. For example, how many chainsaws are you going to be operating at once? You have to figure on felling trees, limbing trees, bucking the trees, and handling or lifting the logs out of the way. You also you have to decide on a strategy for dealing with the stumps. Do you cut them off flush with the ground after felling, then build over them, or do you dig in and remove the larger roots? Are you going to dig basements and root cellars, or stay above ground? I would recommend acquiring a small, and that is a relative term, sawmill so you can turn some logs into timber for building. You may be able to sell some timber or slabs to others before this is over. You could get pretty far with spending half of what I am guessing for the fencing, but you could spend just as much or more than I suggested, depending on how far you are willing to go with harvesting the trees on and near to your house and barn sites.” Everyone was thinking quietly until Rob spoke. “Carl you have some construction experience. You once said we have all of the materials we could use right here in the forest. How far do you think it is practical to take that notion?” Carl looked at his Dad. “It's a judgment call, Dad. We could do it all with nothing but a lot of tools, but it would take longer. We could buy a whole house kit, or log cabin kit and assemble it ourselves with the right tools. We could even buy a pre-fabricated house, have it shipped here, and have it placed on whatever prepared ground we choose. There are a million options for piecing together some of this and some of that. I guess the bottom line is how much money can you afford to spend to speed up the process, and how much do you want to hold in reserve. Once you've spent your limit on tools and supplies, you work with what you have and what you still have to work with until the job is done.” Rob looked at Pete, then Bruce. They both gave him the same micro-nod. “Okay, Bruce and I are going to see a lawyer. The rest of you work out how to divide up into teams and go shopping. Compare pricing where you can. Talk with each other and make your judgment calls. We are all in this together. You may decide to make a contract for picking up supplies later and making final payment on delivered supplies or ordered equipment. Together you all know where the money is. Protect it and use it wisely. Remember, we trust each other. Don't forget to 'pray constantly' and 'do not lean on your own understanding'.” Surprisingly, Rob stopped to ask his dad if he and Bruce could borrow the small truck so there would be room for all the others however they decided to split up or not. Gerry looked around and asked if they could fill him in on what they had learned about places to obtain equipment and supplies they were expecting to need. Linda commented that she was a little befuddled with the re-examining of priorities, again. Joann tried to offer her some empathy. “I understand, what you're talking about, Linda. It's like you're trying to walk across the room to get out of the door that is there, but the tiles on the floor that you step on suddenly lift and turn or move in an unexpected directions the moment you put your weight down on them. So you wind up trying to keep your balance while looking to find out where did that door across the room go?” “Yeah, that's exactly what I'm talking about. How do you keep your balance and not fall down?” “I try to stay light on my feet and not to put my trust in that tile to be the solid ground I'm looking for. When you cross a stream on foot you are not only careful where you place your feet; you know that some of the rocks you step on will be unstable or slippery. Every step I take might be just one more unstable or slippery, mossy rock to try briefly as I skip on across the flowing stream. If it doesn't feel steady the moment I touch it with my foot, I am quick to pick another rock that looks more promising. If necessary I'll step right down in the middle of the flowing water to regain my balance.” Pete stepped in here. “It's not about being confident in your individual choices. It's about being determined and confident in your ability to make the journey and respond to changes and new information along the way.” Pete turned his attention back to Kerry. “Joann and I spent the day talking to folks in Bear Creek, mostly brothers and sisters, about where to get supplies and tools, but also about people with equipment we might rent or hire out. They all seemed to refer us to a large farm supply store up in Higginsburg for supplies and tools. They figured we could negotiate a discount with the manager there if we were going to buy a large volume of something, or if we agreed to do a specified large amount of general business with him over a year's time. As for renting out equipment they said a number of local sort of people made their living by hiring themselves out with their own equipment, so they were unlikely to just rent it out for someone else to do their own work or hire someone else to use their equipment. We did get some names of people who did that kind work.” “If you don't mind my suggestion,” Gerry started, “some of us need to go to the woodsman store in Hollerton to get some chainsaws and log rigging. They know their stuff there if we tell them what in general we are wanting to do. Just be sure you tell them that one of the chainsaws will need to be adequate to put a thirty six inch chain bar on it for a small saw mill rig. You can also talk to them about what kind of rig you will need for that. My suggestion is that I go with another group to a farm store I know that carries lots of fencing products for livestock. I want to help you with them to working out a good fencing setup and to figure how much we will need for all you plan to do here. Y'all need to decide who is carrying the money and how much you are willing to send. If there is a problem getting all this stuff loaded we can plan a return trip with one or both of the trucks. The last recommendation is to hold off just a bit on looking into concrete and masonry needs or considering excavation equipment until we address the needs for the first phase of the work.” “That sounds good to me. What about the rest of you all?” They all basically picked their own group. Pete, Jenny, and Carl were in one group taking Rob's truck to look at timber cutting gear, so Gerry, Joann, Linda, and Colleen were in Bruce's truck going to look for fencing. Gerry made sure that Pete had good directions and warned him not to forget the fuel needs of the chain saw motors. Then everyone loaded up and headed out. Linda was driving Bruce's truck which was a new experience for her, especially with the roads winding and climbing up and down so much. When they got to the fence wholesaler in Cambridge, which took considerably longer than the ladies had anticipated, They were amazed at the size of that facility. The town was not big at all. It was just one more insignificant town on one more state highway, but the fencing supplier looked like a major lumber yard covering several acres. The difference was that there was very little beyond certain types of fence posts, or prefabricated panels for privacy fences that qualified as wood. The vast majority of the space under the large sheds was filled with various metal fencing posts, spools of wire, and spools of wire mesh in a wide variety of heights and patterns. There were also sheds full of many types of fencing gates, hollow metal tubing, hollow metal fence posts, solid metal fence posts, steel fence panels, gateway arches, and on, and on. Inside the main building were countless devices for digging post holes, stretching the fencing materials tight, attaching the fencing materials to the posts, electrifying the fences and more. Gerry led them in a quick drive through then a walk through of the main building just to let them see a glimpse of the spectrum of possibilities. Then he led them inside to a service area and asked an employee at a desk if they could help set up Gerry and his entourage of ladies with a livestock fencing specialist. He mentioned that they wanted to set up an operation to properly manage several hundred acres of various livestock ranging from poultry to cattle. About ten minutes later they were introduced to a middle aged man who led them to a private conference room. Gerry emphasized to their need for confidentiality and discretion. He also mentioned two other factors. First, they intended to put the whole package together for immediate implementation rather than creating a “master plan” that was a goal to be spread over several years. That got the attention of the specialist. The second factor was that they would be paying for their purchases in cash on the barrel head; real cash as opposed to check, wire transfer, bank draft, cash on delivery, etc. At first their specialist, who was dressed in crisp fresh jeans, boots and a subtly western style work shirt, looked uncertain at that revelation. In a moment, however the light of understanding began to show on his face. For the next several hours they had his almost undivided attention. His only distraction were to order lunched to be brought in from a local barbecue pit, and the other was to send notes to the general manager and the chief financial officer of the company about the parameters of this pending sale. By late afternoon they had worked out a plan for systems of fencing that would work according to their desires. Once the parameters were all documented the Specialist excused himself to put all the calculations together. When he came back, the price they were finally quoted was higher than they had anticipated. Everyone braced themselves as they considered that cost. Linda on the other hand started stifling a giggle and twittered as she put on a girlish grin. “Darlin', I'm not going to hold this one against you. I know you didn't do this just because you think we are all a bunch of stupid women that Gerry is trying to help. I know you are a better and wiser person than to play that card, aren't you? We'll just consider this your compulsory Mulligan, okay? Now, sweetie, why don't you go back out to your bosses and remind them that we got to a position where we can pull off a transaction like this, and we understand the need to do it this way because we are savvy, not because we are stupid. Then come back with your final offer, not a negotiating in increments offer. Otherwise I will walk out of this store with my purse and its contents.” The she sat back and turned to Colleen and started talking about Carl and his Grandpa. When the Specialist returned the General Manager and the Chief Financial Officer came with him. The GM and CFO sat down while the specialist stood. One of the officers was holding a multi-page Bill of Sale and asked, “Whose name should we put on this Bill of Sale?” Once he said that he and gave a great big smile. Linda smiled right back. “That depends on whether you brought us a good offer or you decided you would rather attempt to sell all these products to other future customers.” The other officer was relaxed when he said, “I am the one who should apologize to you for that Mulligan. If it is agreeable you, we can reduce that number by twenty two percent, and we will not add the customary up charge for the state and county sales tax on this transaction, Ms. …?” “Just call me Honey Bear. And You can put Hallelujah Family Trust on that Bill of Sale.” As Gerry had anticipated, they could not fit all the materials into the bed of Bruce's truck. Arrangements were made with the yard master to hold the remainder until they could come back for another load. Gerry made a mental note that they might consider renting a goose neck flatbed trailer to use on the next load to be sure they had enough room, rather than risk needing to make multiple trips this far to move all the materials home. While he was supervising his crew loading all they could for this trip, the yard master spoke to Gerry about getting help with installing all the fencing they were buying. He was unaware of their situation other than the volume of materials they were authorized to pick up. He told Gerry that he had a list of men and even a few women who had experience putting in fences who were willing to work for pay when needed. Gerry told him that he would keep that in mind and would speak to the rest of the “family” about the offer. - - - - - -
As he was driving Rob was talking with Bruce about their situation and things they needed to do. He was still concerned about the gasoline situation and the possibility of having difficulties using cash sometime in the near future. Even though it had only been a couple of weeks since they had come up here he was anxious about how long it was taking to get things done. The family was still scrambling to gather materials. The only progress they had made toward building the first house was that they had cut down one big tree! Bruce was also feeling some anxiety, and with Rob's help that was growing. “Rob, how does your Dad do it? He seems to have a sense of many bad things that are coming, yet he seems to be keeping calm, even when he is pushing for urgency in getting ready for those troubles.” “I have wondered the same thing, Bruce. Honestly, I have wondered at times if it is really such a good thing for him to study the Bible so much, if it brings to mind so many troubles that lay ahead. I wonder if it might be better to take things as they come rather than having your mind weighed down with so much dread.” “I hear what you are saying, Rob, but the point I was getting at was that it doesn't seem to burden him so much even with him being aware of what is coming. There has got to be something going on there that helps him carry on in spite of knowing what is ahead.” “Yeah, I asked him about that and he tried to explain it, but somehow I just couldn't see what he was getting at. It sounded to … magical to me.” “What do you mean, Rob? What exactly did he say?” “Well I can't remember word for word, but he was talking about our Creator wanting to be a friend to us and for us to be a friend with our Creator. He said the Creator made us for that purpose, but He also gave us the choice. We could choose to have that friendship or to not have that friendship. Which choice we made had benefits or consequences regardless of the hand that this world might deal to us. We might get a great hand or a hand full of trash cards, but if we chose to be His friend it would all work out. If we chose not to be his friend those cards that life dealt us were our problem to handle on our own without His help. That just seemed, I don't know, a little too simplistic.” Bruce thought about that for a moment then replied, “Okay. I have to admit that does seem rather simplistic, but they say the proof is in the pudding. The recipe he is using seems to be working, at least for your Dad and Joann. I can't claim that I'm such a close friend of the Creator, but I can't ignore the benefits that keep coming my way just from being associated with the two of them. Instead of scheming, scratching, clawing, and climbing over others to make it; good results seem to be seeking us out." Now that Bruce had managed to pull Rob out of that discouragement cycle, he brought up a topic he had discussed with his wife, but not yet broached with Rob. “I wanted to talk with you about the trust documents, Rob. We talked before about being 'all in' on doing this venture together and crossing over with trustees on each other's family trusts.” He paused to be sure Rob was refocused. “Yeah, I'm with you on that. So, what have you got on your mind now?” “As odd as I thought it was when I first heard it, you remember the name on that trust that Isaac is managing?” “Yeah, It is the Hallelujah Trust if I remember correctly.” “Right.” replied Bruce. “What caught my attention was how that name did not in any way point to Isaac's family or personal name. Unless someone has a copy of the Trust document or the Certification of Trust document they have almost no way to trace it back to him or his family.” “Okay. I'm listening Bruce.” “So if we create a new trust and call it the Hallelujah Family Trust, One: it sounds a lot like the trust that owns the land right next to our property. Two: with our family members listed as co-trustees we can shift funds or properties from one trust to another without income tax or sales tax implications. Three: it further buries the trail of our identities from the view of government snoops. What do you think?” “I think we are doing everything reasonable to become invisible and this sounds like an easy peasy extra cloak. Let's do it.” It did not take but about two hours for them to get to Clear Water. So it was mid morning when they walked up to the young attorney's door. They introduce themselves and indicated that C.J. had sent them. The more they talked the more they found themselves and this young attorney getting comfortable with each other. They actually found themselves straying off their intention to stay strictly on topic and revealing only as much information as necessary. When they got to the reason they left their old life and the need to be obscured, it was like a flood gate had been blasted open with a well placed explosive charge. Henry got to talking about all kinds of corruption and hidden agendas that he had discovered. The one that really had him lit up was about the subtle disappearance of international news which was accomplished in a staged reduction over the last several weeks. He did not yet know the purpose, but it was not mandated by any government pressure, at least not by any domestic government officials. The usual suspects in government seemed baffled and concerned, but the media were even shutting off reporting of the questions being raised about the phenomena. He had learned that that it was a carefully orchestrated among multiple news and broadcast entities. No one seemed to know the source or purpose of that decision, but it was clear that it was followed in a deliberate and unified effort among the news media. Rob and Bruce were concerned, but they managed to get his attention to the immediate issue of getting their legal work being taken care of quickly and discretely. Henry assured them he could have the documents ready by the next afternoon, but he would need to be notified at least an hour ahead of a specific time so he could get a licensed public notary to his office so their signatures could be notarized. “With the uncertainties that are going on around us right now, I am not going to ask about your intentions. I will still assure you, however, that I will do everything in my power to maintain your privacy in this matter. As for my legal advice to you, let's just say I may be drawing up similar documents for myself and my position regarding my own assets. Will you be coming back here tomorrow, or when would you like to get this wrapped up?” Bruce and Rob glanced at each other and spoke simultaneously, “Tomorrow!” Henry nodded. “Let's plan on three o'clock. I'll have a notary here and brief them ahead of time on discretion and confidentiality. There won't be any problem with that, but do bring signature ID's with you so they can verify your signatures. You know the drill. Be careful out there. The world is getting ugly, way too fast.” Rob and Bruce decided to vary their route leaving the lawyer's office and the town itself as they left and happened to pass an old building with a very faded sign painted on it that said “Farm Supplies”. Bruce convinced Rob to turn around so they could check it out. When they stepped out of the truck and walked inside they felt like they had stepped through a time portal that took them back fifty years. All the tools and implements had paper tags tied on with strings. Nothing was in prepackaged boxes. Even the screws, nails, and bolts were in open bins with paper bags nearby and a scale with a grease pencil tied to it. The floor was raw smooth concrete and the rafters were open wooden beams. The shelves where all the products were displayed were made of solid wood planks. The layout of the store was simple. Small things were up front and the big stuff was at the back. There was a man, probably in his early sixties sitting on a tall stool behind a wooden counter near the front door. He had some three ring binders with labels on the outside close at hand. He also had a metal clipboard box with duplicate paper receipts clipped on top. Rob swept the store with his eyes and walked over to the man at the counter. “Do you have anything in the way of fuel storage tanks?” The man on the stool looked Rob over, head to shoes and then he did the same for Bruce. “Whatcha lookin' ta use it fer?” Rob studied him in a relaxed sort of way for a moment or two. “Couple of things.” The older man thought about that. “Whut kinda thangs?” Rob again took his time answering. “Need some gas for workin' stuff around my farm, for one.” He paused. “Need to to get the gas I buy out to the farm.” He paused again. “Thought you might have what I need, since you sell farm supplies.” The old man slipped off his stool. “Might. Let's take a look.” He started walking toward the back with Rob and Bruce following. They got to the back wall and the old man stopped and unlocked a padlock holding a small metal door closed. They followed him through the door. When they went through the door they were stunned by the attached barn they had just entered. The barn was divided up into large sections of heavy shelving, like you would find in a warehouse, reaching up into the twenty foot high rafters. Hanging from the rafters were a number of block and tackle rigs. There were also ladders attached to the shelving at the upright supports spaced periodically through the barn. The old man stopped. “I have fifty gallon and hundred gallon tanks. Most farmers like the bigger tank for the farm itself and the smaller one for the bed of their truck.” “Yep. That makes sense. We'll take one of each,” said Rob. The old man paused and looked up and down at Bruce and Rob. “You do have real money, Don'tcha?” Bruce chuckled. “Well, we have greenbacks if that will do? I haven't seen real money in decades.” “True that!” The old man shook his head. Pull your truck around back and we'll gitcha loaded.” Rob went to move the truck and Bruce stayed to watch. The old man climbed one of the ladders carrying a pole with a metal hook on the end. When he got to the upper level he made is way along the shelf to the side and around one of the upright supports, then into the next section. There he used the hook to reach out and snag a block and tackle rig, which he attached to metal loops on the top of a square metal tank. He then navigated further until he could grab another rig and bring it also back to the metal tank. He made is way back down to the floor and grabbed the rope of one pulley rig. He began taking up the slack on the rig then secured the rope to some large cleats that were welded to the face of an upright post. He repeated the process with the second rig. With both rigs secure he pulled on the draw rope of one dragging the tank toward the edge of the shelf while winding the draw rope around the cleats as he pulled it down. He went to the other rig and repeated the process until the tank slipped off the edge of the shelf and was suspended in the air by the two pulley rigs. Next he moved a flatbed cart into the aisle under the tank. Finally he began working the two rigs alternating back and forth between them until he had lowered the tank onto the flatbed. He repeated the whole process to lower the smaller tank on top of the large tank sitting on the flatbed. When Rob got his dad's truck parked by the big door into the barn he got out and waited. Soon the big door was opened from the inside and the old man pushed the cart over near the tailgate of Rob's truck. The old man stopped and frowned. “You ain't plannin' on carryin' a load of gas in this thing, are you?” Rob laughed and shook his head. “No, sir. We have bigger trucks back at the farm.” “Aw-right then. Let's load 'em up and then come back around the front.” They got the tanks squared away and rob drove back to the front while Bruce and the old man went back through the barn locking doors as they went. Neither Bruce nor Rob asked any questions about the security measures. When they got inside the old man recommended that they get some hand pumps and hoses for moving the liquid to and from the tanks Rob paid the old man the cash and he wrote out the receipt for two “metal storage tanks” and the other pumping items. He then tucked his two copies of the receipt into the metal box under his clipboard. The three men shook hands, then Rob and Bruce headed home. “Well that was an interesting experience.” Bruce was slowly shaking his head back and forth. “Yes, he has been around long enough to really understand the burden that a burgeoning bureaucracy puts on small businesses, which in turn puts that burden on everyone else. Someone invented a device to make sure a gas can seals itself even if someone using the can is irresponsible. So regulators now require an “approved” patented device on any gas can sold in stores. So a plastic gas can that costs pennies to make in China costs more that the gas you buy to fill it up. Once the regulators get started, they completely lose the concept of any limits on their authority. It just snowballs. You noticed that the receipt he wrote did not call these tanks gasoline or fuel tanks.” Rob was sounding very serious. Bruce was still shaking his head. “Rob you missed the best part! That old man got those steel tanks down off the upper deck of shelves without any forklifts or electric winches. He did it all by himself with old fashioned pulleys, ropes, pole hooks, ladders, and a hand powered push cart. It was amazing to watch. I've seen teams in warehouses wearing hard hats, goggles, safety gloves, and day-glow caution vests take longer than that with putting up aisle barricades, flagmen cautioning people to wait and not go near the dangerous work being done, licensed forklift operators working expensive machinery to retrieve products from the racks, and motorized transport carts creeping down the aisles at safe speed with a variety of loads. The world has changed a lot. And there is a cost being paid that goes beyond dollars and cents.”
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Post by gipsy on Oct 7, 2023 22:21:14 GMT -6
Cool
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Post by feralferret on Oct 7, 2023 22:28:09 GMT -6
Pbbrown0, thank you for another fine chapter.
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Post by kaijafon on Oct 10, 2023 16:16:21 GMT -6
It's gonna be good
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Post by pbbrown0 on Oct 10, 2023 16:16:56 GMT -6
Post #47 The Green Eyed Monster
Pete, Carl, and Jenny were not aware of it, but they got to Hollerton long before the other teams reached their destinations. The store wasn't fancy. On the outside it looked like almost any other farm and ranch store that had been in the same place for fifty years or more. The inside was not impressive either except for the variety of tools and implements on display. They took only a few seconds before Pete walked past the check out registers to the customer service desk. There was a young lady sitting on a stool not talking to any customers at the moment and Pete addressed her. “Miss, I'm not sure whether I need to talk first with the store manager or with another employee, but I plan to make a number of purchases today and I need someone who knows the most about the products you sell here. I don't mean, necessarily, the most facts about the products themselves as I want someone who knows the most about using those products to get the jobs done. Are you understanding what I am getting at?” By this time Jenny and Carl were close in behind Pete and obviously with him rather than waiting for their turn behind him. The young lady looked at this three generation cluster and thought a minute. “Mister...” “Miss, you can just call me Pete.” “Okay, Mister Pete. I'll get my Pa.” She pulled out her mobile phone and sent a text. “He'll be here in just a minute, unless he is with a customer already.” Her phone pinged and she made a face. She turned to a colleague at the next customer service window. “Jim, When my Dad gets here, tell him we'll be in the conference room. Mister Pete, why don't you and your family come with me and we'll get started. My Pa will join us as soon as he can.” She came out from behind the counter and led them to a small conference room nearby and offered them coffee, sodas, or water to drink. Then she started asking questions. “I need to ask you a few questions in order to start understanding what you want to do. That will be necessary for my Pa and I to understand what you might need to get it done. Some folks get a little tight lipped about what they are doing 'cause it ain't no body's business, and and that's fine by me and my Pa. We're just needing enough to make sure you get what you need to do what you want to do. So tell me what you and your family want to get done.” Pete started the conversation. “Miss...?” “Just call me Patty.” “Miss Patty, we have a few hundred acres in the forest on a small mountain. We need to clear enough space to build four houses and some sheds or barns for some woodland livestock.” Patty held up her hand with a confused look on her face. “What exactly are woodland livestock? I have to admit I haven't heard that one before.” “Chickens, a few goats, and a few smaller breed cattle. Not for a commercial livestock operation. Rather just enough to generously provide for our large family.” “Okay, I can account for that. So, how much space do you want cleared around these houses and buildings?” Carl jumped in here. “As little as possible. The problem is that we have some sizable trees to clear and we want some of the houses, well partially cut into the side of the hill. So it's not just cutting down some trees. We are also concerned about clearing roots. The other thing is we want to use the trees we cut and the rocks we dig out for building materials. Finally, we are going to do the work ourselves. We won't be hiring it out.” Patty had been making notes, but also watching Pete and Carl's hands as they gestured. When Carl stopped she put down her pencil and pursed her lips thinking hard. “I have a concern.” the door behind her opened quietly and a large man eased into the room as Patty continued. “Mister Pete, you and your grandson, may have some experience, but not much. Ma'am,” she looked at Jenny, “No offense meant, but you and I both know you are not a seasoned lumberjack.” Jenny smiled back. “No offense taken, Patty. Look at it this way. I assume that is your Pa behind you. Once upon a time he knew little or nothing about what it takes to be a lumber jack, but he learned. And I'm sure from looking at him that he didn't learn it sitting in a library reading books. Neither did he up and decide one day that he wanted to learn how to be a lumber jack. I'm guessing he got a job fresh out of high school or maybe even before he finished high school and decided a steady job and the skills that came with it would be really important for his future. So when he was working harder than at any job he had ever had before and wondered how he could keep going even one more day he pushed through. He pushed himself hard because he wanted that job and was determined not to quit. And so it went day after day until that scrawny young man got tougher and stronger. Before he even realized it, he was getting good at what he was doing and was even able to joke around with the other workers rather than barely stand at the end of a hard days work. Today he knows more about that kind of work than anyone you know because he decided he was going to be the guy that made it no matter how hard it was going to be to get there.” “So, Patty, are you going to help us, or are you going to step aside and let your Pa take care of his customers that you don't seem to relate to?” Patty sat there with her mouth open for a minute then said, “I'm sorry. I miss judged you. Please forgive me. I'm use to seeing some pretty tough people come in here, and the work is hard on them. I didn't want you to pay a bunch of money for good equipment only to fail and walk away from the job having wasted all that. I was also concerned about your intention to do the work yourselves rather than hiring it out to more experienced workers. I'll help you, and I will work hard to do that well. Patty did work hard, and she also learned a bit about the family that was wanting to get outfitted for some hard work. The number of workers and their level of experience was important to her. She also learned a few things about their intentions for being where they were. They even spoke some about their sense of urgency and how that might influence what equipment they needed. Patty made many notes in her notepad and then she turned to her Pa. “I want to do right by these people, so I need your help with some of this, Papa. They need to remove stumps in order to dig into the side of a mountain. That's a different kind of work than traditional timber clearing, especially when it comes to digging on a mountainside. I need your help with advising them on that.” “You're right about that, Patty. By the way, my name is Jim Decker. I am Patty's father. Removing stumps and then digging on a mountain or hillside is quite different then digging in a valley or on a plain. On a hillside you are almost certain to get into layers of rock. What kind and how those layers present themselves can cover quite a spectrum. Unless you like to gamble I want to advise you to hire someone experienced in excavating on a hillside both for clearing out tree stumps and digging out a space for a semi-buried house structure. I know a couple of fellows that know what they are doing with that and it will save you both money and a lot of risk by hiring them versus renting equipment to do it yourself.” It was getting late in the morning when Patty and her Pa were finishing up their recommendations. Jim suggested a break and he said he would have some lunch brought in for everyone. After the break and before lunch he wanted to take the Smiths around to actually look at the equipment he and Patty were recommending. After the brief break Jenny suggested that the menfolk should look at the equipment, because she wanted to get Patty to show her some other things. “What else would you like for me to show you, Jenny?” “I know that timber working equipment is your bread and butter here, but I am going to have to help feed some hungry workers. What do you carry in the way of lumber camp kitchen supplies?” Patty grinned. “How did you know about that? Most of the men coming here are thinking only about the timber tools they will need. Only occasionally will someone bring their wife along and the wives get bored listening to engine sizes and chain bar lengths. I talked Pa into adding a few side items and we're doing okay with them. Who sent you here anyway? We don't advertise. Word of mouth is the only way most people hear about us.” Jenny paused a little too long. She was considering all the things that had been said within their developing clan about security. Patty's expression changed to disappointment. “That's okay. I can't fault you. There's a lot of trouble brewing. I get that. It's just a shame that... I'm sorry. Please forget I asked. Let's you and me go see some of the best back to basics cooking implements you'll find just about anywhere.” Jenny was pleased and amazed at what Patty showed her. They had an array of wood burning cook stoves running the spectrum from small potbelly stoves with a single burner plate to an over sized kitchen stove with a large griddle plate, six burner plates, three different oven compartments, two different fire boxes, and a small hot water tank on the side. There was also a selection of canning and cooking implements and supplies that looked very impressive. Jenny looked back at the stoves. “These are all wood burning. Nothing here is electric or natural gas. Do you have any propane heaters or stoves for people with LP gas tanks?” Patty turned to face Jenny. “There are lots of places where you can get those. I picked this stock based on what I would want and the lack of merchants carrying them in this area. I won't sell something I don't believe is a good choice. And I... think I'll stop there.” “Ah, so this is kinda like you not wanting to sell us a bunch of equipment you weren't sure we could handle?” “Ms. Jenny I … I'm...” “It's okay, Patty. You don't need to apologize again. I admire your having principles. I should apologize to you for the way I suggested you weren't up to handling our order. That was catty of me, and I'm sorry for that. I'm starting to understand you better, now. And so, would you please just call me Jenny?” “Thank you, Jenny. I appreciate that.” “So you agree that relying on outside sourcing for heating and cooking fuel is not a good long term plan?” “Yes, I … agree. I'm surprised to hear you put it that way.” Patty gave Jenny an inquisitive look. “Let's just say I'm getting a measure of you. When we get the purchase list that you and your Pa are working up for us priced and finalized I will be paying you in cash. These items in this section are some things our family has not discussed yet, but I expect that we will be coming back soon after I bring this up with them. Could you get some preliminary pricing for me on these stoves and kitchen supplies?” “I'd be glad to do that, Jenny. Just tell me what you want prices for.” “Everything here. There are four of us women in the family and eventually we will all four have our own houses, but we want to be prepared for the possibility of feeding more mouths, so we don't want to make hasty decisions. Although we do want to use the cash to get essentials while those are still available.” Once again Patty gave Jenny a curious look. “Jenny you are talking like you are expecting some supply chain problems. What exactly are you worried about?” Jenny pursed her lips. “I'm not an expert about the Bible, but it's looking to me like a number of forewarnings in the Bible are starting to come together, and the forewarnings that haven't yet come about should be enough to make anyone pause, unless they are like the generation in the time of Noah, which is yet another forewarning.” Patty was quiet for a while. Jenny was waiting, unwilling to interrupt Patty's thoughts. “My Ma died when I was pretty young. Pa and I haven't been very much for going to church since then. I still remember, though Ma reading or telling me Bible stories when I was little. I remember asking questions about those stories. I don't know if a preacher would agree with everything that Ma told me in answering my questions, but I still remember some things she told me. I remember asking why the people in Noah's time didn't help Noah get ready and build a bigger Ark? She told me they wouldn't listen when Noah tried to warn them. They laughed at Noah, and they just kept on doing the same old wicked, mean stuff until it was too late. I have had a growing concern lately about the way things are … developing. I don't know about these forewarnings you are talking about, but I do understand what you mean when you talk about Noah's generation.” Patty was genuinely troubled by what Jenny said. Jenny could see that very clearly, but she barely had a clue what to tell her. Jenny's comments had just come out with almost no forethought. “Patty, I told you I will be coming back here. I think I need to get you to sit down with Pete and his wife Joann to talk about this. I'll try to arrange that and I'll be here with them. What would be a good day of the week and time for you?” Patty kind of fumbled her words a bit. “Well.. um... I'm working from opening to closing and then some every day. Pa has taught me that is what it takes to keep a business running. It would have to be after hours... like seven, no, seven-thirty before I could see them, unless it was about the business.” Her voice trailed off at the end. Jenny was picking up a bit of regret or frustration in Patty's response. She reached out and lightly touched Patty's hand. “I'll see what I can arrange, Patty. Pete and Joann are good folks and they will be happy to work something out for you. Why don't I head back to the conference room. I don't know if you have a price list already for this line of products or you need to work on a computer to get that list for me. I'll wait in there, and we can chat some more when you get the list together.” Patty got back to the conference room and was just sitting down with Jenny when someone knocked lightly on the door. Patty jumped up and opened the door to find a teenager who worked at the local barbecue pit holding bags with the lunches her Pa had ordered. She let him in and had him set the food on the conference table while she sent a text to her Pa. A few minutes later Jim came in with Pete and Carl close behind. Jim had his clipboard and Pete had a copy of the list clutched in his hand as they sat down. They were about halfway through the meal when Jim moved the conversation back to the business that had brought them to his store. “Now that you've had a chance to look at our products and our recommendations, how do you want to work this, Pete?” “I appreciate the work you and your daughter put into compiling this list and especially that you included some options to consider based on how we choose to do the work. Carl and I have marked the choices we are leaning toward on this list plus some that weren't on the list, so now it's a matter of considering the pricing.” “Pa, while you were helping Pete and Carl examine the timber equipment,” Patty interrupted, “Jenny and I were looking at that new line of products for supporting the working crews that we started carrying. She explained that they had not been aware of those products being available here, but they would be coming back here to outfit at least four kitchens after they had a chance to better consider our new line of products. She also explained that she would be paying cash for all their purchases.” Jim was a little off balance taking in this new information and was looking back and forth between Pete and Jenny. Jenny saw his confusion and decided to help him get some perspective. “Jim, having worked as a lumberjack you know full well how much energy that hard work requires. The men doing that work need good food or they start to lag in their work. If that food is well prepared it can actually lift their spirits and help them work with enthusiasm. There are four women in our family who will each have their own house being built for them. They will each be eager to assure the work does not lag where it comes to getting their own house built. Also, we anticipate eventually feeding more than just our husbands and ourselves, if you understand what I am saying. The products you daughter has selected for your inventory are exactly the kinds we will be needing to properly outfit our kitchens, and we are going to need to purchase those implements right away. And, yes, I am prepared to pay in cash, right here on this table, just as soon as our choices are determined and the products are ready to carry out your doors. I expect that this information will be given due consideration while you are determining the appropriate pricing that you present to us for these purchases.” Jenny paused to let that sink in as she gently smiled at Jim. She could almost see the wheels and gears turning and meshing inside Jim's head. He would not have made a good poker player at that particular moment. While Jenny was talking, Pete had slipped the paper list of products over toward Jim. There were very few of the items on that list that were not checked, except of course where there were two or more options listed for the same functions. There were also some notes about additional items that Carl had suggested to Pete which he had noticed as Jim had guided them through his store, while working his way down the list of recommendations. When Jenny finished her comments, Pete also waited just the right amount of time while he too was watching Jim's expressions. “Jim, I don't want to forget to get that information from you about your friends who will be helping us with the excavation work.” Jim was pulled out of his reverie by Pete's final comment. “Yes, of course. I need to go back to my office and get some numbers for you. I'll get the contact information for the excavators and I'll give them a call, too, to make sure they understand before you contact them. You all go ahead and enjoy your lunch while I work this up.” Once Jim left the room Jenny took the opportunity to talk with Carl and Pete a little about the kitchen implements she had mentioned. Then she spoke to Pete about Patty. “While we were talking about the unique types of stoves and such that Patty had selected for their product lines, the subject came up about fore warnings of things to come. Patty hasn't had much exposure to the Bible since her mother died when she was a little girl. She still remembers those stories she was taught and wants to learn more. I told her you and Joann would be happy make some time to help her learn more. I also told her I would come along too, since she doesn't know you that well, yet.” Pete looked at Jenny and then Patty. “Patty, we would be more than happy to help you learn more about what the Bible says, but you might be more comfortable with just Joann and Jenny instead of a whole group of us. I want you to be comfortable asking ANY questions that come to mind. We don't want it to feel like anyone, much less a whole group of people, are telling you what the Bible says. It is better if you are reading it and thinking about what you understand it to be saying. We want to be there to help you find answers to your questions in the Bible rather than in what someone else believes. You are more likely to ask those questions with just one or two people you feel you can trust, rather than wondering what each person in a larger group might think of your question. Do you remember when you asked your mother about things that came to mind when your mother was reading to you? You might not have asked those questions so freely, if for example you had been sitting in a room where there were a dozen other people listening to what might be said. Does that sound okay with you?” Patty had seemed a little embarrassed when Jenny started talking to Pete about the her meeting with him and Joann. But she began to relax more as Pete suggested that she could meet with just Jenny and Joann. “Yes, I think I might like that better. I just worry that they would be having to come here to see me so late with their drive here and back.” “Don't worry about that, Patty. I have a little truck that Joann secretly likes to drive. She'll enjoy getting to come up here and spend some time with just a couple of girls without any men folk around.” Pete grinned at Patty, who half chuckled and grinned right back. It was only a few minutes later when Jim came back. He had zipper portfolio under his arm and he set the portfolio down on the table as he took his seat. “I got everything on your list transcribed and the retail prices on everything marked down and tallied. I also so took into consideration the volume of your purchase with us. Unfortunately I had to take Ms. Smith's comments about continuing purchases with a grain of salt. I have been in this business for a long time, and no offense meant personally, but I have learned the hard way that talk about future purchases is usually just that; talk. Now if you were actually buying all those kitchen implements today that might change things a bit. As for my friends helping you with the excavation, their pricing is something that you will have to work out with them, if you choose to hire them.” Jenny notice out of the corner of her eye that Patty was slightly lowering her head and closing her eyes. “The good news is, for you folks at least, that I am willing to discount your purchases today by a full five percent. Here are the particulars and the bottom line calculations. I even put the sales tax totals in so we're not hiding any of the costs.” He pulled a folder containing a sheaf of paper out of the portfolio and handed it across the table to a spot between Pete and Jenny. Pete opened the folder and began reading down the list and turning pages until he got to the bottom of the last page. Jenny was looking at the papers too, and briefly glanced over to see Patty's tense face, before looking at the bottom line. Jenny kept a poker face and picked up the folder as she stood up. “Mister Decker, thank you for your hospitality and allowing us to see your fine product line. I want to especially thank your fine daughter for her work in understanding our needs. Patty, I look forward to seeing you again, soon.” She subtly winked at Patty with her right eye as it was turned slightly away from Jim's view. “Dad, Carl, we need to be getting back home. We have a drive to make and there is work to do while the sun is still up.” With that she turned and left the conference room quickly and headed for the front door at a brisk pace. Pete and Carl were left scrambling a bit to catch up with her. They did not have time to stop and shake Jim's hand on the way out. Back inside the truck, Carl asked, “Mom, are you okay? One minute you seemed fine and the next minute you were stiff and barely cordial. What happened?” Jenny was calm and more relaxed now. “Son, while Jim was away from us the green eyed monster of greed jumped on his back and dug in it's claws. He changed completely. Before he went to his office he was elated that we were paying cash and very hopeful, almost relieved, about the total volume of business we were bringing him. He is carrying some worries that he is trying to keep at bay emotionally about the economy and his business. I could even see relief in his eyes when Grandpa mentioned the folks helping us with the excavation work. Somehow while he was working the numbers by himself in his office his whole perspective got turned around. When he came back he might as well have been a shyster used car salesman trying to squeeze every nickel he could out of the customer. Patty was grieving over what he was doing. She recognized the difference in him before he even quoted how much he was going to discount the prices.” Pete was listening and made the comment, “With the world the way it is we are going to see more and more things like that happening. We are going to have to stay alert. People's attitudes can turn on a dime, and sometimes in subtle ways. I'm sure that was hard on Patty. She seems like a very sensitive and sensible young lady. Jenny, I really appreciate your paying such close attention to her.” “So now what do we do? Where are we going to find the equipment we need?” Carl was at a loss for what they were going to do. Jenny became more soothing as she continued. “We show some patience and wait for the right time. Joann needs to go back there, find Patty, and set up a time when she and I can meet with Patty to study together regardless of how her father is choosing to run the business. We have plenty of work that needs to be done getting things ready for Gerry's cattle and getting them transported. When the time is right to get the timber, tools, and kitchen equipment we will know it; that is with help from Grandpa and Joann keeping us looking in the right place for guidance.” “And if Joann and I keep looking to the right place for the guidance and insight we need.” added Pete. “Do y'all think it would be okay, when Colleen and them get back, if she and I go pay a visit to Isaac? It shouldn't take all that long. I'm not trying to get out of work, I just want to check on him.” Pete was calm as he answered. “We might need your help unloading some fencing things if that crew comes back with a fully loaded truck full of fencing. After that I would think it is a great idea for the two of you to pay him a visit. Now that I think of it, you might head over by yourself as soon as we get back. We will probably beat them back by quite a bit. They had a lot farther to drive, and our trip was shortened with us not having spent any time loading up equipment in our truck.”
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Post by feralferret on Oct 10, 2023 21:14:42 GMT -6
Pbbrown0, thank you for another outstanding chapter.
It is often hard to pick up on subtle changes in a person's attitude. It is good that the change in the salesman's attitude did not go unnoticed. We should all learn from that. It is easy to let your impatience overwhelm your situational awareness.
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Post by pbbrown0 on Oct 13, 2023 19:06:11 GMT -6
Post #48 Getting Home, Again
When Pete, Jenny and Carl got home, Carl immediately checked on the time and asked Pete about how long he thought it would be before the others got back. He wasn't sure about Rob and Bruce but he was not expecting the others back for at least a couple of hours. Carl took his leave and headed off to the west walking so fast he was almost breaking into a trot. As a matter of fact once he got out of sight of their camp he was loping along through the woods at a lazy cross country kind of run. It did not take him long to get to Isaac's house, but he was breathing in the forest air in deep breaths by that point. He took a moment to slow his breathing before knocking on the frame of the screen door. Isaac was surprised to see Carl there without Colleen and asked about her. Carl briefly explained how the family had split up into groups to look for supplies and why he was back well before Colleen's group. Isaac took it all in without comment beyond a slow nodding of his head. He invited Carl in for some coffee, and soon Carl was asking about some Bible study time. Isaac was happy to accommodate that so he gathered his Bible and some of the books he used for study aids. They had barely started when Carl interrupted the flow of things. “Brother... I'm sorry, Mister Gambrell, I need to ask some questions. I've got a lot of stuff swirling through my head and I want to sort some things out.” “By all means, young man. This is supposed to be about finding answers. What are your questions?” Carl took a deep breath. “You've been studying the Bible all your life, but you are still studying it now. I'm assuming you keep learning more as you go, or you wouldn't keep studying it.” Isaac nodded slowly, but did not speak. “I think I remember hearing or reading something about the times of great troubles coming to the final climax, but no one except the Creator Himself knowing when that final climax will be. Am I right about that?” Again, Isaac only nodded. Carl pressed on with his train of thought. “There are things happening now that appear to be things that were foretold to be steps leading to that climax. I'm seeing this and others are, too. Do you believe that climax is going to be soon? I mean every day is one day sooner, but practically speaking do you really believe the time remaining before the 'big event' is getting short?” Again Isaac did not speak, but he looked right into Carl's eyes and nodded very seriously. Carl nodded right back. Then he closed his eyes and took another deep breath. “I know it is normal for someone to study the Bible quite a while with one of the brothers or sisters before they make a commitment and get baptized. But even after they take that step, they keep on studying, because they will never learn everything there is to learn in the Bible. There is so much to learn in the Bible, and I barely know enough to fill a thimble. One thing I do know, however is that I believe the truth is in the Bible and I am committed to learning and following that truth. So, considering you and I both are confident that the time is getting short, can you help me find and learn enough of that truth that you and the brothers will believe my commitment and baptize me, rather than waiting a long time before I make that step? I know we haven't talked about being baptized in our Bible study together yet, but I have been doing some independent study on the side.” Isaac pondered that for a minute. “What about your sweetheart, Colleen? What if she doesn't want to make that same commitment. How will you handle being committed to something she is unwilling to make a commitment to as well.” “I've already thought about that. I told you I have been reading on my own. I love her dearly, and she loves me. I don't tell her what to do or what to think, but she and I stay in step with each other in an amazing way. I know her, Mister Gambrell. When I make this commitment she will too, and not just to show support for me. It's like we are one; left hand and right hand both getting life from the same heart. When she makes that commitment it will not be a commitment to follow me; for her it will be more like 'Now it's okay to fully commit to this because my partner is ready to fully commit to it also.' Does that make sense to you?” Isaac looked at him and nodded again. “We have some work to do, Carl. I also need you to come back here with that young lady of yours. Then I want to talk with Brother Peter and Sister Joann. We can do that when it's convenient, 'though I suspect you feel an urgency to move this along.” “Yes sir, I do. It's not just impatience, I don't think. It's more like there is a need to get certain things going. And this is going to have an effect on the decisions I am making every day.” “Okay, son, let's see about how much there is that you need to be more clear about in order to take this step.” Carl was there for another hour and his mind was swirling before he left Isaac's house. As he was walking home his path took him near the top of the bluff that was just south of the property line. The bluff was a good bit higher here than it was nearer his Grandpa's property. He was looking down to the ground into the trees below the bluff when a cluster of birds took flight which startled him. Then he heard a heavy rustling and scrambling noise. Following the sound with his eyes he spotted several black furry shapes moving through the trees away from the bluff fairly rapidly. He looked cautiously over the edge and saw a much larger black bear squeezing out from under the base of the rock cliff. As soon as it was clear of the rock overhang it began running away from the cliff, and in the direction of the other smaller bears. Carl stepped back from the edge a fair distance feeling troubled at seeing the birds being spooked and then a whole family of bears running from their den into the woods. Then he knew why and fell to the ground as it began to shake. He crawled over to a good sturdy tree nearby and held on for a few more seconds until the shaking stopped. There was a shower of leaves and small limbs that came sprinkling down on him but everything else was still and quiet. He pulled himself together then started a run back to camp. He was kicking himself for having left camp without a handheld radio. - - - - - -
Linda was really noticing the slow down and speed up patterns driving the loaded pickup through the hills. She thought back to when Bruce was pulling their trailer into this region and was realizing how much attention was needed to make that work; not at like driving their old SUV from Dallas to Houston. She was pondering the challenge of returning to load up the rest of their fencing supplies. Would it be better to make two trips and pay for the extra gas, or better to get a trailer and do it all in one trip. It didn't make sense to get a trailer just for one load, but there might well be future loads needed for other supplies like cinder blocks, bags of cement, or how in the world were they going to move all of Gerry's cattle? She was pulling up a long hill and slowing down more than previous times. Thenshe slowed even more when the truck started surging and lurching. She checked her gas gauge and saw that she still had half a tank, but then it changed to a third, and then back to two thirds. She pulled to a stop before she reached the top, being worried about the truck's malfunctioning. but the lurching continued with her foot hard on the brake. Finally it stopped and she turned the engine off. “Guys, I'm afraid something is wrong with the truck. The engine was surging a bunch coming up that hill. Do you think we over loaded the truck?” Joann was in the back seat and spoke up. “There's nothing wrong with your truck, Linda. That was another earthquake.” “Another earthquake? No one told me we were moving into earthquake territory, when we decided to move up here.” “Actually," said Joann, "this area was thought to be virtually immune to earthquakes, at least until a month ago it was.” While the ladies were talking, Gerry had reached over and turned the key to accessories and turned on the FM radio. “Ladies and gentlemen and all our other listeners,” the disc Jockey cut in somewhat jovially over the prerecorded music track. “Our studio is receiving numerous reports, mostly from our studio staff themselves, of an earthquake a few minutes ago. We are investigating those reports as this very moment and … hmm.. we have been unable to reach the USGS Earthquake site to verify this. Um...” In the background they could barely hear two people talking off mic. “What is going on here. What is this crap? Was it a 6.7 or was it a 5.9? What is this about being unable to determine the exact location west of St. Louis or east of Washington?! Oh, that's Washington, Missouri! Where is that?”... The disc jockey returned to the mic whuch had stayed on. “Please bear with us faithful listeners. We are trying to sort through the up to the minute pieces of information we are receiving.”... ”Now what. This is actually from the USGS? Are you sure?”... “We are back with more information for you, our listeners.” the disc jockey said in a more formal tone. "We are unable at this time to provide authoritative information as to the precise location or severity of this seismic event. It was apparently centered in east central Missouri and was, of fairly sizable intensity? We shall continue to investigate and report to you as soon as we have more authoritative information. In the mean time we return you to...<click>” Gerry turned the radio off. “Wow, that was quick. That sounds pretty... disturbing.” Gerry was shaking his head. “Why did you turn it off? I wanted to know what happened!” Linda was incredulous. “He turned it off because we are not going to know more than what we already heard for a long time, Linda. That announcement they read from the USGS was a major cow pie. They have sophisticated instruments tied to computers and they know almost instantly how strong an earthquake was and they can pinpoint not only the location but also the depth of where the shock waves were centered. Someone high on the food chain was messing with the data being released very quickly. Then someone even farther up the food chain food chain decided to suppress everything until it was decided what to tell the public.” Joann was sounding unusually stern. “That's what I was getting from all that.” Gerry added. “Joann correct me if I'm wrong, but the way I remember it there is a really big difference between a 5.9 and a 6.7 earthquake. Isn't that right?” “That's right. Even though the media still call it the Richter Scale, there are ever more complicated formulas being used to calculate the power or strength of an earthquake. Still, the calculations are all completed and reported by computers in less than a second. A 6.7 not just a little more powerful, it is many times as powerful as a 5.9. Anything 6 and above is considered a strong earthquake.” Joan was calm but serious. Now Linda reentered the conversation. “So the bottom line is that some one was trying to fudge the numbers and the location to keep from saying that a strong earthquake hit a major city. Then someone higher up gave them a 'We don't know nothing.” script to broadcast to the people. Am I hearing this correctly?” “That's what it sounded like to me.” added Gerry. Colleen had been quiet so far, but now she spoke up, though more quietly than was her usual manner. “We're safe for now. We need to get home. Gerry is not at his home to relay messages this time. We are scattered all over the state and need to get home. Gerry do we need to go by your place and check on your animals?” “Thank you Colleen. Yes I need to see that everything is okay there. It is a little out of the way, but I can give the others a call from there and let them know we are all okay. My truck is at your place, but if you could arrange for someone to pick me up tomorrow, I'd appreciate being able to spend tonight at my farm so I can calm the cattle down after this disturbance.” “We'll make sure to contact you again in the morning and work out plans for tomorrow, Gerry. We really appreciate the sacrifice you are making, turning your whole life inside out to help us.” Joann was unusually calm and somber after the quake. Colleen seemed similarly affected by the experience. - - - - - -
Rob was driving this time when the quake hit. Bruce immediately recognized the feeling and called out, “Earthquake.” His call out was barely more than a statement, but Rob let off the gas and eased his Dad's truck to a stop. It took a minute for everything to get still again.
“That one must be an aftershock." said Bruce. "It seemed a lot weaker than the last one. I just didn't take this to be an earthquake zone when we were planning to come up here.” “It hasn't been for over two hundred years, Bruce. Back when only the 'wildest' of the pioneers had dared venture this far west there were several big ones in the same year. That was a hundred years before the Richter Scale had been dreamed up. There was no way to accurately measure or compare them to other earthquakes except maybe death toll and there were too few white people out here to be counted or to do the counting. The accounts of those earthquakes were quite wild and were largely discounted by most so called scientists, as wild and fantastic descriptions given by people who were 'unschooled and barely civilized'. Since then the earthquakes near the Mississippi have been far milder and infrequent.” “Well, I've never lived in California, and I don't want to. This may be not as bad as it is there, but it's bad enough for me. Let's get home and make sure everyone is okay.” It took less than an hour for them to get home. When they arrived Carl, Pete and Jenny were there to greet them, not very happily. “That earthquake must have scared you two more than you realized.” She stared at Rob with concern. “No, sweet darling. We're fine. Really.” Rob smiled. “But, Sweet, dear husband of mine,” Jenny said in a saccharin sweet voice, before she looked at him with stern Angry Mamma Bear eyes, “If you weren't scared out of your wits, why did you not have the sense to turn on the radio, like we all discussed, and let us know you were safe?” Even Bruce cringed seeing that interaction that wasn't exactly pointed at him. “I'm so sorry, Jenny. I guess maybe it rattled me more than I realized. That was a bad mistake on my part. I am so glad you are safe, and yes, I am safe too.” Jenny stepped forward to hug Rob and talked with her head resting on his chest. “Rob this is serious stuff and it's only going to get worse. We're not in Boomtown, Texas anymore. Life is changing around us for the worse and we have to adapt to that. If we have to do radio response drills or role-play exercises every morning to condition all of us to what we have to do in an emergency, then that is what we have to do ,,, please.” “Okay, Jen. That's not a bad idea, actually. We'll do it. Have you heard from the fencing crew, yet?” “Not yet.” we've been trying to reach them. Pete said they went farther away and Gerry was with them so he would not be in place to relay a message from his place. We are all eager to hear from them. I think Carl is trying to hide his worry. He had gone to see Isaac when the quake hit. He was back here, running, just a couple of minutes later. He asked if we were okay, then went straight to the radio. He hasn't said a word since except calling on the radio. On the outside he is calm, but something with a lot of intensity is definitely going on inside him.” Bruce was listening to Jenny and Rob, hoping to hear news about Linda and Colleen. He heard what she said about Carl and decided to talk with him, maybe like he had with Rob earlier today. “Hey Carl, any luck raising Songbird?” “Not yet, Dad. Don't worry, though. They're are going to be okay. There is just a lot going on and I'm eager to see Colleen and talk with her. Glad you and my Dad are back safe. We'll just keep trying 'til we make a connection.” Carl turned back to the radio and followed their protocol for selecting channels. “ Trailblazer calling Songbird, Trailblazer calling Songbird. Come in Songbird. Over.” “Grandpa, Why don't you try Wildcat for a couple of minutes. I need a break.” Pete scooted over and took the mic from Carl. Carl got up and stretched his legs then started talking with the others. “Glad you and Mister Cooper got back safely, Dad. How strong did this one feel compared to the last one?” “It didn't feel as strong to me, and we were in a lighter truck. Of course, last time we were on a sort of bridge and this time we were on a solid hill.” Rob answered his son, while wondering about Jenny's observations about him. Carl thought for a minute and seemed a little chagrined. “I couldn't tell if it was stronger or weaker here. The first time we were sitting at the table trying not to fall off the bench as we dove under the table. This time I was kind of distracted, and then I panicked and laid down on the ground just before it hit. It feels different laying on the ground than it does trying to not fall down on the ground. Then when it stopped I couldn't call anyone else to see if they were okay. After all our talk about radios and protocols I forgot to take a handheld radio with me. It something had happened and I got hurt or someone else got hurt, who would know? I was out there in the wild by myself with no protection; not even a first aid kit. And no way to call for help. We were talking about keeping our communications secret, but we should have also been talking about using our communications for the right reasons.” “This earthquake, for example. We don't know if it was weaker, or just farther away. We all took off this morning going far and wide without any plans for how to keep in touch if something bad happened. Bad things do happen and a lot more bad things are going to be happening, but we were acting like we were living in the 'good ole days' when if anything happened there would be plenty of people around ready and willing to help. We really don't know if anyone in the Black Bear Creek Congregation was hurt or needs help. Oh, shoot. I need to call brother Gambrell. Grandpa needs to call Brother Rogers and let the congregation know he's okay.” Carl turned and went back to his Grandpa and reminded him about getting in touch with the congregation. Pete thought a minute. “They haven't adopted any plan for using the radios, yet. I don't even know what group leader we have been assigned to, yet. I need to drive over and tell them or they will be worrying about not getting in touch with us. They still won't know about Joann until we make contact with her. I tell you what, I'll stay in touch with you on our secondary channel. While I'm in my truck. You can let me know as soon as you hear from her. I was just about to tell you that it occurred to me that they might drop Gerry off at his place since he's been away from his cattle so long already. He has a base station there with more reach than the one in their truck, so he might pick up on a call if he gets there. They may or may not remember to turn on the radio to check in once they get within range, but keep trying for Gerry as well as Joann. I need to go now.” As Pete was driving away, Carl sat down and called Mister Gambrell on the handset. Once he learned what he expected, that Isaac was fine and untroubled he passed that information on to his Grandpa. Next he tried calling for Wild-Cat. He waited a couple of minutes and called for Dexter-Wrangler. A few more minutes passed and he called for Songbird. Every thirty minutes he switched channels and checked in with his Grandpa, and so, it continued for another hour and a half. Finally he heard a reply. “This is the Dexter Wrangler responding to Trail-Blazer. Dexter Wrangler responding to Trail-Blazer. Execute Protocol B, do you copy?” Carl nearly neglected their protocol for changing channels, but caught himself. “Trail-Blazer to Dexter Wrangler. Copy contact. Copy Protocol B.” He quickly changed the channel and called out, “Pathfinder calling D-Breed Groomer. Pathfinder calling D-Breed Groomer. Come in D-Breed Groomer.” “D-Breed Groomer here, loud and proud Finder. Message for you. Main Squeeze and attachments are securely packaged and on their way. Repeat. Main-Squeeze and attachments are securely packaged and on their way. Over.” “Copy that D-Breed Groomer. Many thanks. Over and out.” Carl immediately switched channels again and called his Grandpa with the good news. It still took another hour before he could hear a response from Colleen and the other two women. It was less than two hours after that when they arrived home. There were lots of hugs passed around when they arrived, then they sat down to eat the meal that Jenny had been orchestrating, with help from the menfolk.
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Post by feralferret on Oct 13, 2023 19:24:34 GMT -6
Cue Elvis singing "I'm All Shook Up".
Thank you, pbbrown0.
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Post by pbbrown0 on Oct 16, 2023 19:56:48 GMT -6
Post #49
Puzzling Out Plans
During their meal together everyone was telling their tales about where they had been, the people they had met, the adventures they'd had, and what they had learned. Bruce was adamant about getting everyone to go to Henry Jenkins office the next afternoon to get those papers signed. He was also enamored with how the old man at the farm store out of the past was able to manipulate those heavy and awkward metal tanks without the use of any motors. The fencing crew was heavy with their praise of how Linda stepped up and got a real bargain out of the fencing store manager. Jenny also related her experience and how Patty had been so embarrassed at her father's approach at the end. Bruce wanted to follow up on the non-purchase and asked, “So, are you suggesting that we change our plan again and wait on getting the timber working equipment, or do we continue trying to find similar equipment elsewhere. Our strategy was to find the essential equipment ASAP before anything happened to make using cash difficult. Do we keep on that course, or do we delay?” Pete responded to that question. “I think we are still on that course, but we are adapting our tactics to the circumstances that arise.” “Can you explain that a little more clearly, Pete? What tactics are we shifting while staying with the same strategy?” Bruce asked with curiosity. Pete continued. “The way Jenny handled it left Jim Decker uncertain about our decision to buy those products from him. She did not reject his offer to sell them. She still has his offer in writing, and he failed to put an expiration date or time limit on his offer. However, she did not indicate she was happy with his offer, either. He now has doubts about being able to make a profit on that inventory he is holding. By having it in writig he is obligated to hand over all the merchandise on that list the moment we hand him that specified amount of cash” “Ah, of course!” Bruce responded. “We could go there tomorrow, the next day or whenever and get what we want at that price. But he is worried about not being able to unload that much inventory quickly, because he tried to make a killing on the profit side. If we find similar products elsewhere at a better price we can buy it there or use it for leverage in negotiations with him. If he decides to lower the price in order to move his product and still gain a profit, we win. A smaller profit is always better than no profit. We hold the cards now.” “I prefer to look at it as 'We hold options and choices, just like Jim holds options and choices'. We are still looking to find what we need without squandering our resources by paying for equipment at whichever price we find first. If we went online and did a search for a product 'for sale near me' and bought from the first merchant whose listing popped up without at least looking at some of the other listings, that would not be a wise tactic, would it? ” Pete was again calm and deliberate in his comments. Jenny wasn't through telling her story. She had more to say about Patty. “Guys regardless of what Jim does, I still want us to get back in touch with Patty. She... She's got a.. she just seems like she is sincerely wanting to do the right things and she is concerned about us and others. She wants to know what is going on, and I think she needs to know that. I already talked with Joann about helping her find a better understanding of what is coming?” “Speaking of finding a better understanding,” Carl interrupted them. “I know now why this is called Black Bear Mountain. I know there is, or at least was until just before the earthquake, a family of bears living under this mountain.” “Oh, wow! How did you find them? I want to go see them!” Colleen was about to jump up and down with excitement. “When I was coming back from seeing Mister Gambrell, I wandered toward the south boundary and was looking out over the bluff. I saw a flock of birds that suddenly took flight. Then I heard a rustling and scrambling down at the base of the bluff. I could see the black furry balls running into the woods away from the cliff. So I crouched down to try and get a better look and there was a big black bear squeezing out from under the rock layer at the bottom of the cliff. When it was free of the rock it took off running after the smaller ones that were headed away from the bluff and deeper into the woods to the south.” Joann stepped into the conversation here. “It was probably the mama bear coming out last. They like to dig under a layer of rock and then hollow out a space for their den deeper underground. Humans aren't the only species with an instinctive fear of entering a dark cave. Many species will burrow into the dirt to make their own den. Some will enter a burrow looking for food. But a real cave under a large rock or cliff is a place you just might meet a Mama bear protecting her young.” Carl continued his tale. “It kind of spooked me the birds taking off suddenly and then the bears following. I backed away and a thought suddenly hit me. I had barely hit the ground when the earthquake started. I'd heard of animals running suddenly just before an earthquake, but to see it actually happen was incredible. “There is something else I want to talk about that stuck me as really important when when the earthquake stopped. We spent a lot of time talking about how to hide ourselves when we are using the radios, but what we really need to do is decide when and why we should use the radios! When the earthquake hit, none of us had a handheld radio to call for help or to find out if someone else needed help, except for Mister Gambrell, and that could not do him any good without someone else having theirs, too. “We did all our planning about how to stay hidden if we had to use them. Then we made all our plans to scatter ourselves all over the state without even a thought for how to check in with each other if anyone had an emergency. This is a problem, and we need to fix it!” Pete added into this conversation. “When I went to the meeting hall to let the brothers know I was okay, it was a concern to me that some were still not too concerned that nothing had changed in their plans or arrangement since the last earthquake. Others were frustrated with that, though they were working hard at not complaining. I know this is not a concern to all of you, but it is important to Joann and I. You are family to us, but the Brotherhood are also a family to Joann and I, and we are committed to them. I brought this up because there are similar issues and concerns there.” His concern was showing in more than just the words he spoke. His voice and face were strained. “It's okay, Grandpa, I understand that concern.” Carl spoke in a gentle and reassuring voice. “If we can work out some things for the way our family handles the safety issues at times when any of us are separated from the others, I will work with you to see what we can come up with to help with the safety concerns for at least the local Brotherhood.” Bruce was watching and listening and he thought about the things he heard and didn't hear when talking with Henry Jenkins. “Guys, This safety thing is really important. And, Pete, I admire the importance the brotherhood is putting on watching out for and caring for each other. I'm not certain yet, but I have a feeling there are some dots lining up that we are just not seeing all the patterns that are developing yet because we haven't seen all the dots, yet. I'm not trying to change the subject here, but we all need to go see that young lawyer, Henry Jenkins tomorrow to sign some papers. There is a connection regarding this to our current topic. I got the impression that our young lawyer has some extra resources related to his radios. He seems to know a lot more than he's supposed to in his position. After we get the papers signed tomorrow,I want to stay and talk with him about that. He might be able to offer some pointers that we can use.” “Do we all have to go?” Jenny surprised them with the note of disappointment in her voice. “I'm sorry. I know that is important, but there are so many things going on and I don't want to mess up the timing on some other things I think are also important.” “Okay, slow down and take a breath, everyone. Jenny is right. There are a lot of things happening. We have a lot to consider, and like Bruce said, we are not seeing all the dots, yet.” Said Rob. “Also, like Carl said, we need to give attention to our safety and our keeping in touch when we go different places. I'm going to suggest we do this somewhat like we've done before and go all the way around the table laying out each one of our priorities so we can consider the whole picture at once.” Everyone agreed and there was a consensus the Bruce would go first. “I have mentioned this to Linda already, and I spoke to Rob yesterday, but the rest of you haven't heard this. We are setting up a new Trust and restructuring the ones we already have. Basically everyone, each and everyone of us sitting here will be equal co-trustees of each of the trusts. We also really liked the idea of the trust that Isaac is managing, and not just the name, but the name is good too. We are going to call the additional trust the Hallelujah Family Trust. That's why we need all of you there to sign and have your signatures notarized. The other thing I need to do is to talk some more with the attorney about some non-attorney things he is doing. He is gathering a lot of information in ways the most people cannot. He has access to some unconventional communications, and he is bound to be able to give us some advice that will help us and maybe even help the brotherhood stay in touch better without getting exposed.” Linda went next. “We bought a huge quantity of fencing in Cambridge today. We have a truck full that we brought back, but it will take at least two more trips if we carry it in the truck bed. The other option is to get a trailer suitable for carrying heavy loads. Fencing is not the only load we will need to haul. We have to move all of Gerry's cattle, and we will need to transport some cement and masonry supplies. Then there is the need for getting an excavator or a tractor with a backhoe and front end loader out here to work the house foundations. Also Gerry's truck is still here and Gerry is in Rockston. We need to send someone for him so he can get his truck back. That last one is a must for tomorrow.” Jenny went next. “Hollerton is not that far away. I'm saying that just so that can be factored into our planning. I guess it is just a personal thing with me that may not matter so much to the rest of you, yet, but I told Patty I would get back to her soon and that I would get Joann to make time to talk with her about some questions that for her have gone unanswered for a long time. She really took it hard when her father came back to us with a minimal discount after previously acting like we were really important customers. Some one other than me, Pete, or Carl needs to go to their store soon and make arrangements with her to meet with us again. She is a lonely person and it will mean a lot to her that my promise to her hasn't been dropped because of her father's actions.” Joann spoke up. “I trust Jenny's instincts on this. Regardless of how things go with her father holding his ground or softening his position, that young woman needs to be treated with respect and integrity.” “Okay, I need to talk about some priorities that I have.” Carl spoke firmly but quietly. “First I need to talk with Colleen for a while, tonight. Next, while I don't know how all of us are going to work out this communications safety thing, I do know that Colleen is my first priority. If she is going anywhere, and I cannot assure that she can contact me in an emergency, and that I have the ability to stop what I am doing to come to her aid if she needs me to, then I will have to go with her wherever she needs to go. The same will be true if I need to go somewhere. Another thing is that Colleen needs to visit Isaac Gambrell tomorrow. She needs some study time with him, tomorrow. Also, I need to go with Grandpa to talk with some of the brothers about their situation and the need for communication in emergencies, because that affects us as well as them. They may be in a very small town, but the insider/outsider attitude that is so common in small towns needs to be superseded by their brotherhood with Grandpa and Joann. I don't know if the congregation has made arrangements for how their assigned group leader will get in touch with Grandpa and Joann in a dangerous situation, but if they haven't, we need to light a fire under them to get it done. You may not have thought about this but that relationship is a benefit to all of our family. They have a much larger network of contacts than we do, both in our country and around the world. If there is a wide scale danger that they become aware of within that network they have taken on the responsibility of contacting their local groups to warn them beforehand as well as to check on their welfare after an event. Also, Isaac wants to talk with Grandpa and Joann soon.” Carl took a deep breath and proceeded. "If we are going to prioritize the things we are doing, we need to include safety and family support in that prioritization process. There may be things that Henry Jenkins can tell us that will give us more tools we can work with, but in the mean time we still need to take care of our own. If we are all traveling together tomorrow that is an easy thing to do, until some of us stay and others head for other destinations. When we separate farther than we can reach from truck to truck with our radios we need to plan for linking up with relay points. For example: if some are staying a while in Clearwater, but others need to go on to Rockston. We need to gauge whether we can reach from Clearwater all the way to Rockston. If not we need at least two vehicles so we can reach from Clearwater to vehicle B and then from vehicle B to vehicle C until it gets to Rockston. If vehicle C needs to go on from there to somewhere else, we have to work out how to keep vehicles A (the one at Clear water), B, and C all linked, or at least link-able, until vehicle A can move closer to the others. It may seem like a nuisance doing all this planning, but it is worth it if you consider the implications of not doing it. Who here is going to feel justified in not doing this if one or two of us gets injured and we don't even know they need help, or we don't even know for sure where they are until it is too late to help them?” Rob replied, “None of us, Carl! You are exactly right. If something, or even more so, if some one is important to us, we need to be thinking and acting like they are very important to us; More important than the smaller details we are trying to deal with. We need to give attention to the more important things.” A subtle twinkle came into the eyes of both Pete and Joann, when they heard Rob citing words of wisdom from the Bible without him even realizing it. Several of those sitting around the table were impressed with how Carl was taking the lead on this matter rather than just pointing out a concern for others to decide how to address the issue. Bruce now had another comment. “Carl I don't think it was your intention, but it is a bit embarrassing that you are so young and yet you are thinking more clearly than us older ones have been thinking.” “Don't look at it that way, Dad. All of us get our heads distracted and pointing just a shade to the side of the path we want to follow. We are in this together, and we are supposed to be helping each other. So, what time are the papers going to be ready at the lawyer's office, and how long do you think we need to talk with him about help with our link up challenges? You and my dad are more familiar with the maps and distances between towns and such. If y'all could work out some of those issues to work out a schedule for tomorrow, I can take some time out right now to talk with Colleen. Of course she and I could easily talk all night, but we'll try to keep it reasonable and be back here in a little while." Carl took a lighter tone at the end of what he said and smiled. “That's would be fine, Carl.” Linda put in. “You two take what time you need. It will take us a while to figure out this jigsaw puzzle you commissioned for us, but we'll get it done. By the way, Thank you for reminding us that you always get the needle on the compass pointing north before you try to figure out which direction you are headed.” She winked at Carl and he grinned back. He reached his hand down for Colleen to grab as she climbed over the bench at the table. It was still light outside so they walked up the hill toward the trailers. Soon they were out of sight from the family table, but not so far that they couldn't shout and still be heard by the others. Carl stopped and Colleen spun around and gave him a hug. He hugged her right back. “It's been too long since I had one of those,” she almost whispered to him. “I know, little Songbird. I missed you today.” He kept hugging her. “Okay, Trailblazer. Hugs are great and a perfectly good reason to get me away from the others, but I know this is about more than just savoring our closeness. What's the real story?” Carl proceeded to talk with Colleen about his conversation with Mister Gambrell and his decision to make this commitment. “It's a lot like my Dad said back there when we were talking. If you say something is important, you need to act in ways that show it is important to you or you're just making noise. This is important to me.” “Carl I know that. I've been listening to you for some time now and I could see this is where it has been heading. You want to know the truth and you want to act with real wisdom. You are convinced that this is the way to find genuine wisdom and so am I. I'm with you all the way on this, Carl.” She reached up and hugged him tight around the neck until he put his arms around her and spun her around with her feet flying around in the air. “So, why does Mister Gambrell want to talk with me?” she asked Carl grinned. “He has to be sure that you are on the same page with me and for the right reasons. I suspected it has something to do with being equally yoked.” Colleen looked puzzled. “He wants to be assured we are equally committed to the same things so the two of us are not pulling different directions, which would eventually get us out of balance.” “Got that covered. What's the deal with him wanting to talk with Grandpa and Wildcat?” “He didn't say specifically, but he mentioned it in the context of my commitment and you being in sync with that. I'm guessing it has to do with letting them know, and them encouraging us or something like that. We will have to talk with some of the elders in the congregation to be officially approved for baptism. Maybe it has something to do with that.” Carl shrugged slightly. “Are we going to tell everybody when we go back to our family meeting?” Colleen was bubbling with excitement. “I know, sweetie, I'm excited too, but maybe we should wait until we've talked to the elders and we've been officially acknowledged by them. We should tell Joann and Grandpa, but if we tell everyone tonight I'm afraid it will really sidetrack everyone's planning about the next couple of days. What do you think?” Carl wanted to check that he wasn't missing his read on Colleen's excitement level. “Sure, Love. That's probably good thinking on your part. I hope I don't get so slow at adapting to non-stop change as they are when I get to be their age.” Colleen tried to be mockingly somber and serious but couldn't hold back her laughter. She was too excited to even pretend to be somber right now. When they got back to the family table Carl had gotten to taking long strides coming down the slope of the hill, and Colleen was practically skipping; partly to keep up with Carl and partly because she just felt like skipping. Both Joann and Pete were noticing their gait and smiling in amusement while the other parents at the table had their back to the young couple. Fortunately the discussion about plans was just wrapping up. The plan for the next day was that Bruce and Linda would take their truck to pick up Gerry in the morning, and Rob and Jenny would leave a little later to fill the radio range gap once they picked up Gerry. They realized that was necessary because once Gerry got in the truck He could no longer use his strong base station. Meanwhile, Carl would man the home base station until they all got back. While that was going on, Pete, Joann, and Colleen would drive Rob's truck over to see Isaac, not because of the strong radio, but simply to make it easier for the three of them to get there and back. When everyone got back home they would take all the trucks in a somewhat spaced out caravan to Henry's office. They would be spaced out mostly to avoid calling attention to their numbers. They would need to space themselves out more coming back so they could keep connected to each other while some were staying behind to talk with Henry about the communications possibilities. Hopefully that would allow Carl and Pete to go over to the Bear Creek meeting hall and talk with some folks there about the radio connection needs before the day was over. The next day they would work out plans to contact Patty at the Hollerton store and also work out plans to address the questions about moving the fencing purchases from the Cambridge store back to their homestead. Carl nodded as they explained the plans. Colleen was still holding onto his hand. “That sounds like it will work for my priorities and for the priority of the appointment with the attorney and getting Gerry his truck back. We need to talk with him about our thinking on staying within contact range, so he is on the same page with us. We also need to check with him about his priorities regarding tending the cattle. Mom, are you going to be okay with waiting another day before we make contact with the young lady in Cambridge?” “Yes, Carl, it will have only been a day and a half between times that we see her. That shouldn't cause any problems that I can foresee. Her work at the store will probably keep her pretty busy without too much time to think about uncertainties. Thank you for asking about that, Carl.” Jenny was very warm in her response. “Mrs. Cooper, I hope you are okay with the delay getting the fencing here. It sounded like we still need to consider some options for how to transport it. Gerry may have some input on that subject since transporting his cattle is another big issue you mentioned. Are we all good with this for now?” Everyone seemed satisfied, so with sun having set behind the mountain the meeting dissolved into the deepening dusk. As their parents made their way up the slope toward their trailers, Carl and Colleen lingered near Pete and Joann's tent. “Grandpa, Joann?” Carl spoke out to them as Colleen still stood shoulder to shoulder with him, though it was actually her shoulder against his arm. Pete and Joann both turned and Pete answered, “Yes, Carl.” “Do you have a minute to talk with us?” Colleen asked. “Of course we do, dear.” Joann answered. Carl continued, “I mentioned earlier that Brother Gambrell wanted to speak to the two of you soon. In the plan for tomorrow they mentioned that the two of you would be taking Colleen with you in the truck to see him while I stay here to monitor the base station.” Pete nodded. “Yes, that's the plan.” he waited. “We wanted to talk with you two a little before you go.” Carl started, “I'm not certain this is what he wants to talk to you about, but we thought you ought to know what I was talking with him about when he told me he wanted to talk with you two. Even if he wants to talk about something else, we still want you to know. I decided I want to get baptized and I spent a good while talking with him about that. He told me he wanted to talk with Colleen too be sure how she feels about that and – ,” “And I want to make that same commitment!” Colleen interrupted Carl to express her own feelings. Carl continued, “He doesn't know that for sure, but I talked to him about how I was sure of what Colleen's reaction would be. That's when he said he needs to talk with her himself, and then he wants to talk with the two of you soon after that. So, anyway we thought you should know that before you show up and are surprised. Joann stepped forward and hugged Colleen tightly just as Pete did the same with Carl. “We are both so glad you have decided this. We have been hoping this would be what you wanted, we just didn't expect it quite so soon.” Joann's smile was just about to brighten the night back into day. Carl continued again, “I talked to Brother Gambrell about that and why it needed to be sooner if things continue on the track they seem to be on.” Pete nodded much like Brother Gambrell had. Again, Colleen was sharing her input. “It shouldn't be a surprise to you. But then again Carl talks to me about his thinking more than he does with you. But still. This really is the only reasonable path when you think clearly about the search for truth. Carl has taught me so much about critical thinking without even realizing he was teaching. All I had to do was listen to him thinking out loud.” Joann smiled at Colleen even more. She stepped forward to give her another hug and whispered in her ear, “You two are going to make a beautiful couple, Colleen.”
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Post by feralferret on Oct 16, 2023 21:33:23 GMT -6
Another wonderful chapter. Thank you.
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Post by sniper69 on Oct 17, 2023 5:19:23 GMT -6
Agreed, another wonderful chapter. pbbrown0 - I really appreciate you sharing your talent with us.
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Post by kaijafon on Oct 17, 2023 16:32:09 GMT -6
Every post is specially approved by his personal administrative assistant in charge adventurous spurious scripting of fireside yarns.
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Post by kaijafon on Oct 20, 2023 18:12:57 GMT -6
Oh my!!! here comes MOAR!!!!! Let's count down.....5....4....3...
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Post by pbbrown0 on Oct 20, 2023 18:22:47 GMT -6
Post #50 Stepping Into The Unknown
The next morning Rob was on the radio calling out to Gerry. Once they connected he gave Gerry an ETA, sticking to their protocols for switching channels once contact was made and varying their call signs just a bit once they made the switch. Pete had already made contact with Isaac Gambrell to let him know that he and Joann were about to head his way with Colleen. Carl was getting ready to take over the management of the radio base station. Rob and Jenny were heading out first to go pick up Gerry. Bruce and Linda were taking it easy until it was time for then to start filling in the gap of the range between the base station and the radio in Rob and Jenny's truck. Linda struck up the conversation to fill the 'dead air' at the table created by neither Bruce or Carl feeling compelled to speak about their thoughts. “Sorry to interrupt this silence,” she said with a tongue in cheek kind of lilting sarcasm, “but I'm curious about those bears you saw.” Carl couldn't resist the temptation to play her, so he simply turned to look her way with a deadpan expression on his face, and waited; not saying a thing. Linda started to play the “who's going to speak first” game, but she really was too curious for that. So, instead she played it in the opposite direction. “How many were there? How big were they? How fast were they going? Do you think they have come back yet? How deep is their cave? Do you think they will be dangerous? What should we do to to keep everyone safe from a bear attack? If that was the Mama Bear you saw, where is the Papa Bear? Could he be hiding in a place closer to us than the others are? You know like protecting their perimeter? Oh my gosh. You and Colleen have been sleeping outside! She's just going to have to sleep inside from now on until we get a strong house built!” Bruce had his elbows on the table and his head resting on both hands now. He was shaking his head slowly back and forth. Carl was trying to keep a straight face, but finally started grinning. Linda put on a mock superior expression and said, “If the rules of the game put you at a disadvantage, don't give in; just change the game. I win,” She smirked. “Okay, okay. I concede.” Carl threw up his hands in surrender. “If I miss something, I am sure you will point that out to me. I think I saw three smaller bears, but I only saw glimpses of them through the overhead leaves and trees, so I couldn't tell you how big they were. As for the big bear, Joann is the one who said it was probably the Mama Bear, but she looked plenty big from about twenty feet above her. How fast were they going? I don't know, but Mama wasn't just trotting away. She was moving pretty fast. I'm only guessing, but my guess is they came back to at least check out their familiar home, and I don't think the quake was strong enough here to close up their cave. As for the rest of your questions, I don't know much of anything about bears except that they are very strong, they can smell food really well and will eat just about anything they can get in their mouth, they fiercely protect their young, and you don't want to get between them and something that is important to them. Oh and one more thing, I don't just sleep outside. I am out there to keep watch over Colleen, but one of these nights it is going to rain and I can't protect her from that. So yes, we do need to get a house built soon. Just like everything else we talk about; it all needs to be done, soon.” Carl was sounding light hearted and pleasant until he started talking about the situation with Colleen. Then he was sounding more serious. Carl picked up the microphone for the radio base station and pressed the key. “Trailblazer calling Tawny Owl. Trailblazer calling Tawny Owl. Come In Tawny Owl. Over.” he released the key and paused, then he he repeated the call. He watched the meters on the face of the base unit to see about the signal strength when his Mom responded. When she replied he saw the signal was still strong and signed off to discontinue the connection quickly. Then he turned to Bruce. “Looks like we are still good. You and Mom probably need to get ready soon, though. We haven't carefully verified the range on these, yet. I for one do not want to risk even a short period when we are just out of range. If any of us are on the road and realize we are no longer getting a clear signal, that vehicle needs to stop and turn around until the signal is re established. Doesn't that make sense to you?” Carl was in a different humor now,and was sincerely asking if Bruce was agreeing with his assessment of their options. “Yes, Carl. I agree completely. I also appreciate your diligence and the effort you are putting into thinking through how we do this to assure that we are keeping everyone safe.” Bruce turned to Linda. “Are you about ready, Sweetheart? Got your Go-bag with you?” Linda reached under the table and pulled out her emergency backpack along with Bruce's and stood up. “I got them both right here. I rechecked both of them before we left the trailer this morning. I hadn't done that since we got here. Carl's insistence about our safety last night reminded me that we need to adjust to a different state of mind about the world we are living in now.” Her comments were intended both to reaffirm Carl so he wouldn't feel like he was pushing a reluctant group to meet his personal preferences, but also to reinforce this change in her mindset as well as her husband's. She leaned over and hugged Carl's shoulders thinking warmly about the fact that he had referred to her as “Mom” instead of “Mrs. Cooper” just a minute before. Carl watched as they climbed into their truck and drove away. Now he was alone with only a radio to link him to all the people he loved so dearly. - - - - - - Rob and Jenny were nearing the halfway mark on their drive to pick up Gerry. The conversation between the two of them had lagged a bit before Carl had contacted them over the radio. She turned to Rob and asked, “What have you been thinking about, Darling? You've been kind of quiet.” Rob took a moment before replying. “Nothing in particular, but everything in general. There are so many things that need to get done, but everything seems to depend on something else getting done first.” Rob seemed to be in a contemplative rather than an agitated mood. “But then we keep finding other things that need urgent attention as well. It's kind of like when we were first getting started and we had nothing, but we wanted to be in a better, more secure position. Starting over is hard. At first I thought it was going to be a big help with Gerry joining with us and helping. I still do, but it is taking time and effort to get him into a position where he can really apply himself to helping us build. That is adding on to all the other things we have to do to get ourselves geared up so we can start actually building a permanent shelter for all of us.” Rob chuckled and shook his head briefly. “It's ironic that our being in a drought right now is, at least for the moment, a bit of a blessing.” - - - - - - “Good morning, Colleen, How are you doing this morning?” Isaac was at the door waiting for them. They had called ahead by radio, and he had been listening for the sound of a truck to signal their arrival. He opened the door for Colleen, but he stepped between her and the older Smith couple before they could follow her inside. “Brother and Sister Smith, I am so glad to see you, but I need to talk with this young lady privately for a few minutes before I can do the same with the two of you. There are a couple of chairs out here if you would like to sit. Of course you may want to have a little time to enjoy each other's company while taking in the beauty of the forest around us. This shouldn't take long. I suspect you already know what this is about, don't you?” Pete and Joann smiled. “Carl mentioned the subject you two discussed yesterday, as well as what he was sure your intentions for this morning were,” Pete replied. Isaac nodded. “He is a bright young man, isn't he. I'll be out shortly, and let you join us after my preliminary discussion with her. I appreciate your patience.” Isaac turned and addressed Colleen who was standing in the middle of the great room. She had heard very clearly the conversation between Isaac and Carl's grandparents. “Let's come over to my table and have a seat. Please relax and get comfortable. Could I offer you something to drink, water, tea, coffee?” “No, but thank you, Brother Gambrell. It is always comfortable for me when I get to come visit you. It's also a bit exciting, kind of like today. I know why I'm here, and it would be my natural tendency to try and hurry this up in my excitement, but I know you have to make sure of some things, so please, go ahead with what you want to talk about.” It didn't take long for Isaac to find out what was on her heart and what was motivating her with this decision. Her sincerity was unmistakable. He also knew that with her, like it had been with Carl, there were some things that needed to be clarified for her before the elders spoke with her about being baptized. He had already planned to wait until Pete and Joann were with them to talk about those specifics. However, there were some other things he wanted to ask her about, which were not specifically tied to her readiness to be baptized, to get a better read on where she was as compared to Carl. “Colleen, I want to shift the subject slightly for a moment. I want to talk more about you and Carl. Apart from committing yourselves to the Brotherhood and the preaching of the good news, what are you and Carl really wanting to do here?” Colleen looked carefully at Isaac and pondered how to explain what she and Carl had shared with each other. “Brother Gambrell, Carl and I love each other very much, and we want to raise a family here where it is relatively safe. But, with all that is going on, we have realized there is more that we want to do beyond just keeping ourselves and our immediate family safe. We do not know the particulars, but it is so very clear that the troubles which are coming are far worse and more intense than people, at least people in this country, can imagine. There are people out there, I mean outside of this forest, this haven in the forest, who will be wanting to do the right things, but they aren't going to be sure what that is among all the chaos and upheaval. What's more, the troubles they will be facing are going to run over them like a steam roller and crush them if they do not get out of the way. We can't take care of all of them, but seeing what is coming, we want to be ready to help with a temporary haven for those that the Creator sees fit to send in our direction. That may sound crazy and impossible to most people, but to Carl and me it looks like you kind of understand that, too, don't you?” Isaac closed his eyes and nodded slowly. Then he opened his eyes and asked. “'I'm going to get Brother Pete and Sister Joann back in here so we can go over some critical points in the Bible we need to make sure you understand before you are baptized. But before they come in, is there anything you want to share with me or ask about privately? We have a lot of Bible study that we will be doing after you are baptized, but I want to know if there are particular areas that are really pulling on you which you want to know more about.” Colleen looked at Isaac then lowered her head and spoke quietly. “Brother Gambrell, I want to marry Carl, and he wants to marry me. I feel like I am ready right now, this minute, even. But he feels he has to prove in some way that he is ready to take on the responsibility of being my husband. I have been doing some reading about what the Bible says about a husband and wife. To me it seems clear that I need to respect him and be a helping, loving partner to him, and I am ready to do that. I am already doing that the best I know how. There are some things the Bible says about him providing for his family, but it also seems to me that it says I am supposed to be doing everything I can to help him do that. It seems to me that he feels like he has to reach a certain condition or status or something proving he can take care of me all by himself without anybody's help before he is good enough to marry me. If you could help us find the truth about where that point is that we need to be before we can get married, I sure would appreciate it.” Isaac reached over and gently placed his aged and scrawny hand on top of hers. “Be patient dear girl. We are all a work in progress. The Creator is working to remold each of us into the fine vessel that He intends us to be. We'll study and grow together as we look to make wise choices. You need to trust that the Creator will complete that work of His in the right time.” Isaac lifted himself up out of his chair. “You stay put, and I'll go fetch your Grandpa and Grandma.” He slowly made his way out onto the porch and looked around. Then he saw Pete and Joan about fifty yards away sitting together under a tree. He closed his eyes for a moment and said a silent prayer for them and their family. Then he opened his eyes and let out a surprisingly shrill whistle and waved his cane over his head. Pete and Joann heard him and saw him waving from the porch. They got up and made their way back to the house. When they got to the porch Isaac approached them and spoke quietly. “I want you two to help me. I want us to go over the critical points that the elders are going to discuss with Colleen and Carl to assure she knows what she is doing in getting baptized. Then I want to talk briefly with the two of you, apart from her, before you go back. Let's go in and sit down.” For the next hour the four of them went over a number of key passages in the Bible so that Colleen was familiar with some of the foundational principles of their faith. They finished earlier than planned because her grasp and embracing of those fundamentals seemed so easy and natural for her. She was very clear in expressing in her own words what those foundational passages meant to her. When they had finished, Isaac led them in a prayer, then asked Colleen if he could talk privately with Joann and Pete for a few minutes. “Brother Pete, Sister Joann, your soon to be granddaughter is a fine young lady. She and your grandson are going to be a precious treasure together. I need to place a responsibility on the two of you. I won't be here much longer and when I have gone to sleep, I need the two of you to pick up the responsibility of leading them in regular bible study. No, no protests about what is coming. That is out of our hands. I trust that I will see you again soon, at least soon for me, no matter how much time has passed for you. Now there is another matter I need you to help me understand. What are the plans and the situation for your natural family on your property next to this property I have been overseeing?” Pete proceeded to lay out the high points about their intentions regarding building houses, getting Gerry's help and the issue about his cattle, and the progress they were making so far. Isaac, as was his way listened without comment and nodded his head occasionally. When they were finished he was quiet for a long time. Finally he took a deep breath. “My brother and sister, you and I share very similar hearts. Apparently, so do Carl and Colleen. You have a lot of work ahead of you to get done and maybe not so much time to get it done. If I am correct about the time frames, you should expect to be getting more help, “unexpectedly” to come your way to speed you along with getting that done. If I am wrong about the time, maybe you won't get that additional help. In the mean time I want you to understand something in case I fall asleep before I can get this done.” Pete looked at Joann then back to Isaac with a concerned look on his face. “Whatever it is, Brother Isaac, Joann and I will do our best to get it done for you.” “I knew you would answer that way.” Isaac said. “Now listen carefully. You remember, of course, me making you a co-trustee of the Hallelujah Trust. You should also remember one of the qualifications for your being placed in that position.” Pete nodded his head. Isaac continued, “I did not put Joann down as a co-trustee on the Hallelujah Trust only because I did not want to draw attention on that day at the Meeting Hall to Mark and I meeting privately with both of you, but I wanted to get at least that first step taken care of immediately. I do want both of you on that trust document as co-trustees. We never know when time and circumstance will overcome any of us. You and your family have a lot of work ahead of you on your property, and it is going to take a lot of your attention and time. So here is another element I want taken care of. As soon as Carl and Colleen are baptized they will qualify for being placed on the documents as co-trustees, if we choose to put them there, and I choose to put them there as soon as possible. Also, I want them to go ahead with their wedding plans so they can replace me as the functioning primary watchman over this facility. This is not to take anything away from you and Joann, but I want to accelerate this because of my health. Also since you and Joann, it appears, will be taking the same role at the house you will be building and completing soon, it would be difficult for you two to serve in that same role here at the same time. There is only one caveat. You must not tell Carl and Colleen about this until after they are baptized. Does that sound acceptable to the two of you?” Pete did not hesitate in saying, “Yes!” Joann was a little more eloquent. Her response was, “Hallelujah!” When Pete and Joann came out of the house onto the porch they called to Colleen who was crouched down looking closely at some plants that were growing out from under a fallen tree limb. When they called she came over to them, and before she got too close she noticed they were smiling much more then usual. She could not stop herself from smiling back as it lifted her mood just seeing them like that. As they were saying their goodbye's to Brother Gambrell, he reminded Pete that he needed to contact one of the elders in the congregation to let them know that Carl and Colleen were each wanting to be baptized. He told then to mention that both he, Isaac, and the two of them, Pete and Joann, had talked with them already and believed they were genuinely ready for that commitment. On the short drive back to their home, Joan and Pete were both talking about how excited they were that both Carl and Colleen were taking this step and the positive changes that would come in their lives because they were making this choice. Carl was very glad to see them when they got back. By that time Rob and Jenny had picked up Gerry and had just started the trip back. Bruce and Linda had turned around as well to return home. Pete decided he wanted to head over to Bear Creek as soon as Bruce and Linda got back so Joann would not be alone in minding the base radio. He wanted Colleen and Carl with him when he spoke to an elder about them. He also wanted to talk with several people about the use of radios to keep in contact in case of emergencies. - - - - - - Gerry was quiet all the way back to the haven. He was cordial whenever Rob or Jenny spoke to him and he would answer their questions, but it was clear that he was carrying a weight that was at the moment getting the upper hand over his disposition. When they arrived his mood did not improve. He agreed to their plan for him to stay at their base station while everyone else went to the lawyer. They did not tell Gerry exactly what they were all doing there beyond signing some papers. Gerry was making some general guesses about what that was about, but he was keeping it to himself. He asked about Pete, Carl, and Colleen and once again the answer was a little vague about talking to some of the brothers about radios. The conversation among the others, however, seemed to center around Colleen and Carl and their talking with Isaac. Gerry noticed the Joann was in a very happy, positive mood, but the others were not getting any information out of her about what she knew. Finally, Gerry interrupted their verbal dancing. “Friends, I need to say something. The other day we had a talk about getting to know each other and being 'all in' in our commitment to work together. I don't know what is going on right now, but something is popping and no one is being straight about what it is. So, let me show you a little about how this is done. I was pretty quiet driving here this morning, because I had some things on my mind that I wasn't ready to share. I was the one who was pushing the 'all in' band wagon, because I need to get to know you for our radio security to keep working, and y'all looked like you needed my help. But, the truth is I need y'all's help, too. I have done pretty well, up until now, at building a farm where nobody thought I could, and raising some very special cattle without anyone's help. Right now, though, I am facing some potential and probable problems that could break that. This drought has been harder than the weather service predicted, and it is on the verge of kicking me in the teeth. I'm not the only one being affected, but I am the one who committed to putting my farm development on hold to help y'all get your operation started. So I get here this morning and I am supposed to mind to fort while the rest of you take off for something important that you don't want me to know about. Then I see y'all keeping secrets from each other and dodging questions even with each other. I'm wondering if I hitched my wagon to the wrong team. Forget about me and my problems for a minute. How in tarnation do you expect to succeed at this risky venture if you can't even act like you are a team?” Everyone was suddenly very quiet. Then Joann spoke. “Gerry you are right. There are things that are not being told because, well because there are some anxieties about how the pieces of information will be taken by everyone. Partially because of that, well, ... some information was shared with Pete and I in strict confidentiality because it's the kind of information that can have a powerful influence on many people's choices that it shouldn't have. And I don't think in this case it will, but that is the context in which it was shared.” She took a deep breath. “I wish Pete was here, but here goes. The information you are all asking about is really something that Carl and Colleen should be telling you themselves, but so much is happening there has hardly been time to deal with everything. Carl and Colleen are wanting to join the Brotherhood and be baptized. That's what the meeting with Brother Isaac was about this morning and that's why Colleen went with them to Bear Creek this morning; to tell one of the elders in the congregation. That is also why Carl was so emphatic last night about the congregation making use of the radios. Because the brothers and watching out for them has become important to him.” Rob was a little upset and a little confused. “Why would Carl be concerned about what we think of him deciding to join the Brotherhood? We weren't upset about him making the decisions he did when he totally abandoned something he was really doing well in High School. That turned out better for him.” “Yes, but, Rob that was after you had a talk with him about why was he pursuing the athletics where he was doing so well. In this case he was deciding to take a path that your father had chosen, but you had not chosen to follow.” Jenny was seeing it from an angle that Rob wasn't seeing. “But I did decide to follow Dad up here, didn't I?” Rob, was trying to avoid being the reason Carl had not spoken to them about it. “Yes Rob,” Jenny continued, “but maybe in his eyes you chose to put some of what your Dad said together with some of what your best friend said and decided to come up here with your Dad, but did not accept the whole package your Dad chose. Bruce is Colleen's father, and he too chose just what you did a piece of this and a piece of that. But neither of you accepted the whole package like your father and now Carl and Colleen were choosing. By your choices you were in effect rejecting some of what Carl and Colleen were accepting. Whether or not that was how you framed it, it still may have been that he saw reason to proceed carefully in revealing to us his decision.” Bruce stepped in here. “But we weren't rejecting what Pete was saying. We were maybe just slower coming around to where Pete is.” “And that could also be an explanation why both of them were wanting to break the news of their decisions to you 'more slowly' than they might have if you were already on board with what they have decided more quickly for themselves. No one is blaming anyone. We are just trying to understand this from their perspective.” Linda was getting her two cents in, of course. “Wildcat,” Gerry put in. “maybe when I get to know you better, I can find a more flattering handle that you certainly deserve. I'm sorry that I put you in an awkward position. That was my fault for dealing with my stress without being considerate of others who are in situations I did not understand. Please forgive me.” “Gerry,” Rob put a hand on Gerry's shoulder, “ all of us have been fumbling around trying figure out a whole lot of scat from a beast we do not know well, yet. You need to tell us more about your problems. If we can better understand them, maybe we can offer some help. That would after all be fair considering what you were willing to do to help us.” Gerry was quiet for a while. “I'm not use to sharing my challenges with others. I didn't have much family growing up. My Mom died when I was young, and my dad, well I think he never got over that. He made enough money to have food on the table, but he was closed up tighter than Fort Knox. I pretty much took care of myself as far as all the things a mom probably does in taking care of her family. I'm not complaining. I just want you to understand that getting to know your family is like stepping into a strange world for me. Last year was a near drought. There wasn't enough hay for me to store up for winter supplement and I had to buy feed to supplement their diet. Fortunately, the Dexters are good at foraging so I was able to keep them healthy, though they lost some weight through the winter. This summer they gained some weight back again, and I was able to sell some of the cattle at auctions. One of the problems, though was the the attendance at auctions was way down, partly because many cattle raisers were reducing their herds. The slaughter houses were not offering the prices expected because the hoof to meat ratios were down on most the cattle they were getting here, so they were focusing on producers in other regions, including international suppliers. So the revenue from those sales was less than normal.” Gerry took a breath. “Since the last cutting the grasses have not re-grown enough because of the lack of rain. Even the forage vegetation is not recovering from the last grazing cycle. They are going to go into the fall and winter without the normal fat stores and not enough feed stored up to get them through the winter. All my money is tied up in those cattle. I am not sure I can even get the herd to the end of the growing season at this rate, without them losing weight instead of gaining. I'm going to have to try and sell off a large portion of the herd to make it through the late summer and then use all the revenue from that to feed the remainder through the fall and winter. This short time with your family has been good, and it has brought to mind ... never mind about that. That is not your concern. Anyway, that is what I'm trying to handle for right now.” “Gerry,” Linda spoke gently. “You were forgetting 'all in' means 'all of us in'. We have a stream running though our property and a meadow with waist high grass along side of it.” “That's right,” added Joann, “and there are acres and acres of forest that have not been foraged by anything but skittish deer for decades. And that is only the beginning. The drought does not affect the forest the same as it does open fields. The forest is shaded so the air is cooler and the sun does not scorch the lower story plants. Or the cattle that find shelter in it.” Gerry looked up then lowered his head. “I can't afford to pay you for grazing down your land with my cattle. With all the trouble that is building that is a big risk you are taking on, and...” “Who said anything about paying us?” Bruce interrupted in a bluster. “You have gotten into a bad spiral of worry that has you not thinking straight. You need to spend more time around Pete and Joann, and probably Colleen and Carl for that matter. We were already preparing to move all your cattle over here so you could help us build. Did you expect we would let you work for free?” “Well,” started Gerry, “yeah, I did. I was doing that to help you get started.” Rob stood up throwing his hands into the air and shaking his head in exasperation. He looked at Jenny for a moment until he got a special look from her. Then he looked at his best buddy with a quizzical look. Bruce was clearly stunned at how much Gerry had been quick to give in spite of the burden he was carrying. “All in?” Rob asked quietly. Bruce stepped over to Gerry and put his hand on Gerry's shoulder. “Gerry while we are waiting for Pete, Carl, and Colleen to come back, we are going to have pleasant little chat, and then you are going with us to see our attorney.”
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Post by CountryGuy on Oct 20, 2023 18:44:53 GMT -6
Loving this story PB, thanks for the chapter.
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