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Post by texican on Jun 17, 2021 19:25:13 GMT -6
Neonatal Intensive Care Units BICU) discovered that putting cured/tanned lamb or sheep hides with the wool remaining in the infant incubators showed remarkable results for the tactile stimulus was there 24/7. They also have individuals that visit the NICU's who will hold the babies and rock them for loving human contact.
Had a NICU nurse tell me that it was not all of the babies that were saved that impacted them the most, but those that they could not save.
Texican....
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Post by papaof2 on Jun 17, 2021 22:19:06 GMT -6
The caregiver response of "It's my job to fix the problem" and not being perfect (able to fix every problem) is hard for them to accept.
The real ER shows on Discovery Channel (filmed in real time with hand-held cameras) catches some doctors in that same position.
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Post by eyeseetwo on Jun 19, 2021 21:03:15 GMT -6
Crappy neighbors are a real chore to deal with.
NICU or Pediatric Intensive Care Units is an experience no parent wants to ever have to use. Been there with our son after his brain shunt surgery.
But you are grateful for the skilled caring medical teams busting their rears to keep your baby or child alive.
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Post by bretf on Jun 23, 2021 18:21:01 GMT -6
When CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) came along, Ford moved production of the their big passenger vehicles (Ford & Mercury sedans) to Canada or Mexico so those vehicles wouldn't be included in the "US made vehicle" averages. That was an easy way to push the "average fuel economy" number upward. It's all about the bottom line until the buyer needs repair parts - which they might buy from another vendor in China who can make it even cheaper. A coworker – a dedicated Chevy man - used to make disparaging comments about people driving foreign cars and not supporting America. One day I said, “Okay, I drive a Chevy that was built in Mexico. My wife drives a Subaru that was built in Indiana. So, please, tell me which one of us aren’t supporting America?”
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Post by bretf on Jun 23, 2021 18:23:45 GMT -6
Chapter 27
With the dogs running ahead, then abruptly stopping to smell intriguing odors, his words came back to him as he walked. God only knows how many more we’ll have in the near future. God.
Stopping while the dogs investigated a clump of bushes, he further considered the notion. His relationship with God had been non-existent for years, decades, actually. He tried to pinpoint just how many years. He decided he’d gone astray about the time he and Debbie had gotten together. Imagine that.
Frowning, he continued his considerations. Had abandoning his walk with God led him to some of the problems he’d faced? Going it alone without relying on the Bible, the Word of God? He couldn’t see the neighbors’ house but looked in its direction anyway. There was no time like the present to get reacquainted with the Lord.
Kevin’s stomach rumbled and he realized he’d skipped lunch. “Hey, guys. I’m hungry. Let’s go back to the house and get supper.” Supper was a word they understood and were happy to turn back. They wasted little time on the return trip.
Kevin looked around the kitchen trying to decide what he was going to eat. Despite his hunger, nothing looked especially appetizing. Then he saw the egg bucket and smiled. A fried egg sandwich would be perfect. The dogs would surely enjoy an egg as well.
With the sandwich assembled, Kevin sat at the table and took a bite. As he chewed, he studied the sandwich in his hand. Bread. If we get a solar storm that knocks out the grid, how can I bake bread? And what all do I need to store to do it? How long can I store it? As had been the case since his coworker first mentioned the possibility of a disruption to the grid, he didn’t have the answers. Now he had even more to research. And then when he found the answers, to acquire what was needed and practice. All the preps in the world would be useless if he didn’t know how to use them.
#
Kevin was deep in dreamland when the dogs alerted him something was going on. They jumped up, growling. Jack stood over him while Jill leaped off the bed, went to the window, and forced her head through the blind. She continued to growl as she stared into the night.
Kevin got out from under Jack and the covers and stood up. A glance at his alarm clock told him it was 2:30 am. He slipped on the sweat pants and tennis shoes he’d laid beside the bed. Then he picked up the shotgun and flashlight. “Alright, what is it? Is something after the hens? Or worse?”
He walked to the window and peered through the blinds. Thankfully, the nightlight he left on in the hallway, while allowing him to dress and locate the gun and flashlight, didn’t hinder him looking outside.
He looked first towards the henhouse while setting the flashlight down and opening the window. Then he heard it. A car was approaching. Seconds after hearing the car, he saw the twin beams of headlights illuminate the lane. His chest tightened and he breathed faster. Who’s moving around this time of night? I doubt they’re up to any good. His grip on the shotgun felt slick and he tightened it. A dog growled low in its chest on each side of him.
The car made the turn to the neighbors’ place and he thought it was the red sports car. He reached down with his free hand and patted the dog on that side. “So, what now?” he asked softly.
The car pulled to a stop in front of the garage. Kevin could see he was right. It was Cindy’s car. Charley crawled out the passenger door, grasping the door. Then he staggered and swayed to the house’s door.
Kevin looked at his pals and shook his head. He looked back and saw Cindy go into the house. “Man, I hope this isn’t a nightly occurrence,” he said.
Since he was already up, Kevin decided to use the bathroom before going back to bed. After finishing, he returned to the bedroom. He took one more look out the window to confirm all was quiet.
His breath caught and he froze. Having no connection whatsoever with his earlier decisions about God, he murmured, “Oh Lord!”
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Post by texican on Jun 23, 2021 19:17:37 GMT -6
He took one more look out the window to confirm all was quiet.
His breath caught and he froze. Having no connection whatsoever with his earlier decisions about God, he murmured, “Oh Lord!”bret does it again. Gives us a little then inserts the kliff. The wait is on again. Texican....
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Post by papaof2 on Jun 23, 2021 19:35:02 GMT -6
Maybe bretf should use a new screen name? How about Clifford Hanger and we just call him Cliff?
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Post by gipsy on Jun 24, 2021 6:44:13 GMT -6
Maybe bretf should use a new screen name? How about Clifford Hanger and we just call him Cliff? I totally agree
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Post by solo on Jun 24, 2021 9:28:22 GMT -6
You know you are only encouraging him now... He lies awake at night dreaming up new ways to saddle us with cliff hangers and you only egg him on.... LOL
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Post by papaof2 on Jun 24, 2021 10:08:30 GMT -6
All authors need encouragement from time to time ;-)
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Post by iamnobody on Jun 24, 2021 10:24:29 GMT -6
You know you are only encouraging him now... He lies awake at night dreaming up new ways to saddle us with cliff hangers and you only egg him on.... LOL I personally want to thank bretf for the cliffhangers where I am hanging off the cliff for days. My fingers and thumbs are now so strong that I am the regional champion in thumb wrestling.
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Post by bretf on Jun 30, 2021 16:08:19 GMT -6
Chapter 28
Kevin stared, his pulse rate quickening. The flashlight slipped from his hand, clattering to the floor. He left it where it lay. Entranced, he continued to stare out the window.
Cindy had stepped out the door onto the deck. The light above the door didn’t reveal everything but it revealed enough. She was as naked as the moment she was born. Facing his house, she raised her hands over her head and stretched.
Kevin gulped. He’d known she had an incredible body. The skin-tight clothing she wore attested to the fact. But to see her in all her nude glory, even in dim lighting and distance, was breath-taking. He gulped again.
After dropping her hands, Cindy moved to the hot tub and turned her back towards Kevin’s house. She bent over, grasped the cover, and folded it back.
Kevin stared, unblinking, and gulped again.
In easy, fluid motions, Cindy stepped over the edge. She sinuously moved across the tub, turning with her front towards Kevin’s house. Spreading her arms, she stretched again, and then slowly lowered, stopping when nothing showed but her face.
Kevin took several deep breaths and closed his eyes. The images of her nude body seemed etched to his eyelids. And what a body it was.
Jack whined at his side and Jill pressed her nose against him. He shook his head, pulled from his stupor. “Yeah, sorry guys. I’m a foolish old man. I, uh, yeah, we better get back to bed.”
#
As Kevin ate breakfast, he was troubled. Jack and Jill, the cause for his concern, sat patiently, waiting for him to finish so they could clean his plate. What could he do with them while he went to church? It’d been several years since he’d attended but there was no time like the present to start again.
As he’d decided the day before, he didn’t want to leave them home alone. There was no telling what might happen to them if he did. He imagined many different scenarios involving Tammy or the new neighbors. None were good.
But he couldn’t leave them in the truck. It was supposed to warm up and shade was lacking in the church parking lot. He supposed he could find a shady spot and walk. That idea didn’t appeal to him either. Not that he minded walking, but they’d be exposed and vulnerable. And you better control those f’ing mutts if you don’t want ‘em hurt. Or dead.
Staring at them as he finished chewing and swallowing, he set the plate down for them. Then he picked up his phone and scrolled through his contacts, stopping at one. He tapped the icon with the phone receiver.
“Well, good morning, Kevin. This is a surprise. What’s up?”
“Good morning, Janice. I have a favor to ask.”
“Oh, what is it?” she asked hesitantly. “You know I’m going to church this morning.”
“Yeah, I know. In fact, that’s what I’m calling about. I’d like to go, too. But I don’t want to leave the dogs home.”
“Good. I don’t blame you after what you told me yesterday. I’d hate for something to happen to them. I’ve gotten pretty attached.”
“And I can’t leave them in the truck all that time.”
“Ahh, I think I see where you’re going with this. So, yes, of course they can stay here while we go. I can’t let this opportunity pass by. What have I invited you, at least a dozen times? And now I have a chance to get you into church? Darn right they can stay here. Besides, it’ll be nice to have someone to sit with since Jim and the kids are still out of town and my sister is working today.”
“Thanks, Janice. What time should we get to your place?”
#
“Today, we will be continuing our study of the Book of First Corinthians. Please turn in your Bibles to chapter six, verse 14.” The pastor paused, giving the congregation time to find the passage, then began to read. “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, ‘I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty’.”
The pastor looked up from his Bible, scanning the gathering. Kevin squirmed as the gaze settled on him. The pastor began to discuss what he’d just read. As he put the verses into perspective in the modern world and how they could be applied, he seemed to be looking into Kevin’s soul. Kevin wondered if the sermon had been chosen just for him. It felt as if the man was distilling his failed marriage.
Kevin’s mind drifted. He saw Debbie from a different perspective. She’d chided him when he suggested they go to church and refused to go. When he took time to read the Bible, it was worse. And it wasn’t just views on religion. With new insight, he saw they had few shared interests. It was no wonder their marriage didn’t work out. It was more of a wonder they’d ever gotten together. His thoughts went from Debbie to other women he knew. He weighed them against the pastor’s words.
But how did he fit with what the pastor was saying? Although he didn’t consider himself a bad person, he hadn’t exactly been devout. His Bible studies had stopped to avoid Debbie’s sharp tongue.
Still distilling his muddled thoughts, Janice nudged him. “Kevin, you didn’t fall asleep, did you?”
“Huh?” he whispered, looking around. Most of the congregation had stood.
“It’s the final worship song. We stand for it and the parting prayer,” Janice whispered.
Kevin shook his head and then stood. He wasn’t familiar with the song but the words were on the display screen beyond the worship leaders and the pastor. It didn’t matter. Rather than sing along, he asked himself, So, where do I fit and is it possible to be equally yoked?
Beside him, Janice sang.
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Post by iamnobody on Jun 30, 2021 16:41:14 GMT -6
Chapter 28
Kevin stared, his pulse rate quickening. The flashlight slipped from his hand, clattering to the floor. He left it where it lay. Entranced, he continued to stare out the window. Cindy had stepped out the door onto the deck. The light above the door didn’t reveal everything but it revealed enough. She was as naked as the moment she was born. Facing his house, she raised her hands over her head and stretched. Kevin gulped. He’d known she had an incredible body. The skin-tight clothing she wore attested to the fact. But to see her in all her nude glory, even in dim lighting and distance, was breath-taking. He gulped again. MAYDAY! MAYDAY!
Kevin is in trouble. Send in the Calvary.
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Post by udwe on Jun 30, 2021 19:50:00 GMT -6
More, please!
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Post by texican on Jun 30, 2021 20:15:51 GMT -6
Rather than sing along, he asked himself, So, where do I fit and is it possible to be equally yoked?
Beside him, Janice sang.
Kev is so dense at times that he cannot see Janice's light.
When will Kev wake up and see the light?
bret?
Texican....
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Post by sniper69 on Jul 1, 2021 6:43:32 GMT -6
Rather than sing along, he asked himself, So, where do I fit and is it possible to be equally yoked?
Beside him, Janice sang.Kev is so dense at times that he cannot see Janice's light. When will Kev wake up and see the light? bret? Texican.... In the last chapter Janice commented "Besides, it’ll be nice to have someone to sit with since Jim and the kids are still out of town and my sister is working today.” I would assume (and maybe incorrectly??) that Janice is already married. With me assuming Janice is married, my money is still on the female deputy he saw at the range. Maybe she goes to that church too.
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Post by texican on Jul 1, 2021 16:00:06 GMT -6
bret?
So many unanswered questions.Texican....
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Post by papaof2 on Jul 1, 2021 17:17:19 GMT -6
Unanswered questions are just as good as a cliff hanger - people are waiting for more AND giving him ideas about what the "more" might be. Good work bretf.
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Post by spacecadet12364 on Jul 2, 2021 9:28:42 GMT -6
Rather than sing along, he asked himself, So, where do I fit and is it possible to be equally yoked?
Beside him, Janice sang.Kev is so dense at times that he cannot see Janice's light. When will Kev wake up and see the light? bret? Texican.... In the last chapter Janice commented "Besides, it’ll be nice to have someone to sit with since Jim and the kids are still out of town and my sister is working today.” I would assume (and maybe incorrectly??) that Janice is already married. With me assuming Janice is married, my money is still on the female deputy he saw at the range. Maybe she goes to that church too.
.... Jim could be the brother-in-law.......
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Post by sniper69 on Jul 2, 2021 9:55:37 GMT -6
In the last chapter Janice commented "Besides, it’ll be nice to have someone to sit with since Jim and the kids are still out of town and my sister is working today.” I would assume (and maybe incorrectly??) that Janice is already married. With me assuming Janice is married, my money is still on the female deputy he saw at the range. Maybe she goes to that church too.
.... Jim could be the brother-in-law.......
True, didn't think of that.
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Post by texican on Jul 4, 2021 18:16:53 GMT -6
Happy 4th of July to all. Have you noticed we haven't heard from bret lately?The suspense is growing. bret does know how to keep us coming back and back and back. Texican....
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Post by 9idrr on Jul 4, 2021 20:01:26 GMT -6
Happy 4th of July to all. Have you noticed we haven't heard from bret lately?The suspense is growing. bret does know how to keep us coming back and back and back. Texican.... Yeah, it's almost as though he'd done this before, huh?
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Post by texican on Jul 5, 2021 11:31:47 GMT -6
Happy 4th of July to all. Have you noticed we haven't heard from bret lately?The suspense is growing. bret does know how to keep us coming back and back and back. Texican.... Yeah, it's almost as though he'd done this before, huh? Not more than forty of fifty times... Texican....
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Post by bretf on Jul 5, 2021 13:26:31 GMT -6
Yeah, it's almost as though he'd done this before, huh? Not more than forty of fifty times... Texican.... Oh, goodness. My apologies. I fully meant to make a post, wishing all a Happy Independence Day. From me, Kevin, and Chad Smoke and his family. But, well, life happened. However, I haven’t been loafing. I just haven’t been hearing much in my head from Kevin. Remember recently, I told about going fishing in the Chad Smoke country with my canoe? Well, I got a few fish that day. Then, I told about the trip with my brother and parents to the spot I really wanted to make it to but gave up. So, I researched putting a trolling motor on the canoe. After compiling a lot of data, including costs, on a whim, I looked on Craigslist. Lo and behold, an all but new motor, more powerful than I decided on, and more powerful battery were posted a short distance from home. And for less money than the least powerful combination I could buy new. So, no cliff-hanger here, I bought them. Then, I had to build a mount for the motor. I still need to make extensions for the power cables so I can balance the load in the canoe better, but I just returned from purchasing the wire. That was one thing occupying me. Another was my best friend besides my wife; my dog. She freaks out from fireworks. When I felt the time was right, I loaded her up and went to the mountains, to my brother’s place where we hunt elk. The laptop stayed home, the only technology, my phone. It was wonderfully quiet there. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as relaxing as I’d hoped. My brother recently got a dozer and put up there. He wants to build a shelter for it. So, in 98-degree heat, we dug footings. After he and our parents left, it was me and my girl. Between relaxing, we dug another footing. Then, we walked a mile and a half to the spot we can get cellphone reception. I dd that to check in with my other best friend, my wife. She was on her way home from Montana and I wanted to check her progress. Then, I was technology free. And since Kevin hadn’t been talking to me much, I didn’t even pull my spiral notebook and pen out of the car. But what I did work on, was my third major distraction of late. Recently, I completed edit 10 of the third Chad Smoke book. I had it with me. This one is mostly a read-through, however, I’m finding things to correct. It was a fine time. I made it roughly one quarter of the way through. So, that’s my long explanation saying I haven’t been leaving you hanging out of orneriness. (Maybe at times, but not this time. Or … wait a minute. Isn’t the next chapter ready? Even if it's short?) Happy Independence Day everyone! I hope you have all your fingers and your four-legged buddies got through the weekend okay!
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Post by bretf on Jul 5, 2021 13:30:11 GMT -6
Chapter 29
Kevin parked the truck under the carport, he and the dogs getting out. Despite his thoughts during the services, he looked at the neighbors’ place. All was still. While Cindy didn’t check any of the boxes, he couldn’t help but look for her. She was hard not to look at. Especially after last night. Again, he saw the image of her nude body. He shook his head at his foolishness.
While the dogs ran off to snuffle, he headed for the door. A piece of paper was stuck in the screen.
“Hey, Kev. I came out before work but you were obviously busy elsewhere. If you’re not too busy later, maybe you can come to The Watering Hole for supper. T”
He looked back at the dogs, glad he hadn’t left them home. There was no telling what would’ve happened if Tammy had found them alone. He went inside, looking around to see if everything was how he’d left it. His forgotten phone lay on the counter. Picking it up, he saw Tammy had texted several times. After reading the messages, he typed a short return. “Sorry, I left the phone home and missed your texts. I won’t be able to make it for supper. Have a lot of work to do today.”
The message was replied to almost instantly with a frowning emoji.
He smiled, then went to change into chore clothes.
With the irrigation water flowing, he focused on the plants. The pole beans had climbed the stock panel arch and covered the top. He saw a few errant vines and carefully threaded them into the mesh. He smiled, seeing numerous blossoms and several beans growing. He’d be able to do the first picking in a few days.
In the tomato row, he added extra supports as needed for the vines, redirecting any that needed it. Again, he was pleased to see the vines loaded with tomatoes, several beginning to turn red.
Although they didn’t need attention, he went to the carrot row. Bending, he pulled two, wiped the dirt off and snapped the tap roots off. He took a bite, relishing the crunchy sweetness. Carrots didn’t get any better.
The cucumbers were next. With baling twine, he tied vines loosely to the stock panel, training them to climb upwards. He spotted several cucumbers. It wouldn’t be long until he could pick some. Soon, he’d be able to harvest most of his meals in the garden.
He picked a zucchini and pulled an onion. They’d be part of supper.
After a check of the water, he went to the row of beets. They were the perfect size for eating and canning. Unlike the peas, there were more than enough for a full canner load. Several canner loads, in fact. He’d pickle some and do others, plain. The first canner load would be pickled.
He went to the house and opened his canning book to a page he’d bookmarked earlier in the week. Consulting the page, he found he needed seven pounds of beets for eight pints. All the ingredients he needed for pickling were on the counter where he’d left them after a stop at the grocery store.
Not wanting the prolonged heat of processing the canners in the house, he took the camp stove outside and set it up in the shade. He moved the sawhorses near and put a sheet of plywood on them for a quick table. Next was a tub that he filled with water from the hose. Yes, safety warnings said not to drink from a hose but he’d done it all his life and was still kicking. He got his canner, a large pot, and his supplies. Then with a bucket, he went back to the garden to pull beets.
As the canner was coming to heat, he heard noises for the first time all day at the neighbors’ place. Charley walked to the SUV moving much steadier than he had during the night. Kevin glanced at his watch. Three o’clock, and they’re finally moving. This won’t be good if it’s how they live. He continued to watch while also keeping an eye on the canner, disappointed when Cindy didn’t make an appearance.
When Kevin stopped for the evening, he smiled at the day’s bounty. Sixteen full, processed jars were arranged in the storage – bedroom and a partial carton of eggs was in the refrigerator. And he should be able to add to it daily at minimal cost.
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