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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 8, 2021 18:41:12 GMT -6
The next morning, Gordon drove his EarthRoamer up to Cal's cabin and knocked on the door. "Gordon, come on in. Want some coffee?" "Sure Cal, I've got a minute." "You going somewhere?" "Yeah. I have to go down to Phoenix for a few days to handle some things with my publisher. I'll be back." "How's the book going?" "Oh, it's going great. I parked down by the lake for the last few days and got a hell of a lot of writing done. I get in the zone and the rest of the world disappears. Anyway, I'm off to fuel up and hit the road." "Okay Gordon. Be safe." Gordon drove down to the General Store, fueled up, and pulled over in the parking lot. He went in and got a six-pack of bottled water to put in his fridge and went into the Coffee Corner. Casey immediately saw Gordon and told him to take a seat and she'd bring his coffee over. She fixed his coffee the way she knew he liked it, along with a cinnamon roll and took it to Gordon's table. Gordon motioned for her to have a seat. Casey smiled "So, what brings you out of the wilderness, Mr. Writerman?" "I'm leaving" Gordon said, taking a bite of the roll. A look of alarm flashed on Casey's face. "Wh..wh..Why?" "I've got to go to Phoenix for a week or two. "Casey," he began, and saw the confusion in her eyes. She smiled softly, but there was wondering to where this was going. "About a four months ago, I came here a broken man. I had been through a terrible tragedy, and carried a broken heart , and was trying to hide behind writing. I came here to hide, to escape from my old world. Then I met you." He swallowed the huge lump in his throat and his voice cracked as he continued, as he looked down at his coffee cup.. "Casey, the beautiful woman, packing a gun and selling Bear Claws. I had no idea how my life was about to change at that moment. There were no bells ringing, the world didn't stop and take note. But that moment was a new beginning for me. At first I admired you, then I started having more intense feelings." Gordon looked up from his cup, into her eyes. "Casey, for a while now, I thought I was falling in love with you, but I was wrong…I already had. When I get back, I'd like you to start thinking about maybe picking out a wedding dress, if your feelings are near mine." Gordon picked up his water up and walked out. Casey, face flushed, stared at Gordon as he went out through the door. "Miguel! I found just the thing!" Miguel, wiping his hands on a shop cloth, walked over to the office. "What did you find, Carlos? "'42 Dodge Command Car. Guy says it's been in his grandfather's shed over near Penrose for at least 30 years." "It looks like a Jeep." "Yeah, a Jeep on steroids. I looked it up. General Patton used one as his command vehicle. I figured we could paint it the same color as his airplanes and put the Ranch's logo on it." "Okay, go ahead and pick it up. Put it in the 4th bay." "Cal, Sinead and I need to go to New York!" "Why? What's going on?" "Our cousin Shannon's husband has been killed in an accident. We want to go support her." "Do you want me to go with you?" "No, we'll be fine. We'll only be gone 3 or 4 days." "Okay, get packed and I'll go prepare the plane." Forty minutes later, the women showed up at the airfield Cal helped them with their baggage. "Did you get reservations?" Cal asked. "First class direct to JFK. It'll be too late to go to Shannon's tonight. She lives out on Long Island next to Brookhaven National Laboratory, where Darryl worked. We're staying at the Hampton Inn Long Island - Brookhaven tonight. I'll update you with any changes. Here's all the contact information."
"Good. Well, climb aboard and let's get going." Cal got them to Denver on time. As they were unloading their baggage, Siobhan hugged Cal. "Take care of my babies. I'll call you when we get to the hotel." Cal watched until they drove out of sight, got back into the plane, and prepared for takeoff.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 8, 2021 18:42:34 GMT -6
Cal stopped by the General store and went in to get something to drink. As he walked into the Coffee Corner area, he noticed a guy with a ball cap on that had an SF crest. A dog lay on the floor next to him. Cal slowed and stared at the man….then grinned.
"Clay, kind a far piece from Maine, isn't it?"
"Cal Coleman, what a small world. What the hell are you doing around here?"
Cal looked over his shoulder. "Casey, could I get an iced tea?"
"Coming up!"
Cal turned back to Clay. "I've got a ranch across the road. What's with you?"
Clay took a sip of his coffee. "Well, I had a girl back home that I was getting ready to ask her to marry me. Little did I know that my younger brother decided he loved her too. While I was on my last trip to the 'Stan they got together and became an item. My father, mother and sister didn't tell me. So I came home and they hit me with it at a 'Welcome Home' party. I was floored. I hadn't even unpacked my bags. I had nowhere to go, no prospects, a five thousand dollar engagement ring. I got a neighbor to give me a ride into town before I killed someone. I sold the ring, bought the Suburban and went up to Maine and got a job at a lodge. I was minding my own business up in Maine, hunting moose and deer in season, fishing in the summertime. Well, anyway, one day I stopped at a country store to register a deer I had killed and bought a Powerball ticket. Well, I won…$230 million. I got right popular around there then. Relatives, especially my ne'er-do-well brother who married my slut ex-girlfriend, kept pestering me for money.. I ended setting up a $2 million trust fund for my sister and left Maine. So I just folded the wings on my plane, put it on a trailer, and headed west with my good buddy, Charlie. I finally ended up in Colorado. Too damn many liberals in the big towns, so I looked for a quiet area to hang out in. I found a place north of here and rented a house from a rancher. I like it. I've done a few improvements and it's quiet."
"What kind of plane do you have?"
"It's a SuperSTOL. Fun to fly, and that's why I fly it. Charlie likes to fly too."
"I've got a Porter and a Twin Otter at our airfield. Fly in sometime."
"I'll do that."
"Was that Lloyd Parson you're renting from?"
"One and the same."
"Good man. As honest as you'll find."
"Yeah, he is. I stopped in to get a cup of coffee this morning and saw a vet clinic down the road. I'm going by to get an appointment to get Charlie's shots updated."
"What breed is he?"
"Rhodesian Ridgeback. I've had him since he was a puppy. Best dog, at least for me, I've ever had. Say 'Hello' Charlie."
Charlie got up, walked around the table, and placed a paw on Cal's knee.
Cal pulled out his phone.
"Chip? Good morning, it's Cal. Look, I've got a friend that needs his dog's shot's updated. Is there any way that could get done this morning? Okay, he'll be down in a few."
Cal pressed the end call button and grinned at Clay.
"They can get Charlie squared away as soon as you get there."
"Thanks Cal. I'm glad I've got his paperwork in the truck."
"No problem. As a matter of fact, the head Vet down there is my step-daughter. Come on. I'll go down there with you."
Cal and Clay pulled up in the parking lot of the clinic. Clay snapped a leash on Charlie's collar, and they walked in.
"Chip, this is Clay Manning. He's here to get shot updates on his Ridgeback."
Cathleen and Sabrina came through the door.
"Oh, and this is my daughter Cathleen, and this is Sabrina Gonsalves. Ladies, Clay Manning."
Clay shook Cathleen's hand and turned to a wide-eyed Sabrina and shook her hand.
"Pleased to meet you."
"Do…do you have his records with you? Sabrina stuttered.
Clay handed her the folder containing Charlie's paperwork.
Cathleen grinned at Cal. "That is a beautiful Ridgeback! Let's take him to the exam room."
They all went back to the exam room. Cathleen looked over the records and called out to Sabrina what vaccines she needed. She then did a cursory exam of the dog.
"He looks to be about 4 years of age."
Clay nodded. "Yes, his birthday is February 15."
Cathleen smiled. "I'll write that on his folder. Chip!"
Chip came in. "Chip, please photocopy these records and start a records file on Charlie. Oh, I'm sorry Clay, are you living in the area?"
"Yes ma'am. I have a place about 6 miles from here."
Sabrina cut her eyes at Clay.
Cathleen smiled. "Well good. Welcome to the area. This will only take a few minutes. He's pretty much up to date on his shots. You've taken really good care of Charlie."
"Well, he and I are family."
As Cathleen said, the shots only took a few minutes. Chip came back in and handed Clay Charlie's original records and had him update the contact information on the new records. Sabrina was listening intently.
Cal watched the interaction between Clay and Sabrina.
"Uh…Clay, we have a community cookout Sunday. Why don't you and Charlie fly down and get a chance to meet some of the people on the here? I'll get a chance to look at that plane, too. I'll pick you up at the airfield."
Clay glanced at Sabrina. Uh…sure, I'd like that."
Cathleen smirked, Chip turned and walked away, grinning, and Sabrina blushed.
"Cal smiled. "Good! We usually gather after church at the Community Center. You're also welcome to come to church also. Main service is at 11:00. I'll leave word with the tower to expect you."
"You know Cal, I might just come to church."
"Well, you are more than welcome. I've got to get back to the Ranch. You ladies take good care of Clay."
Cal walked out, grinning.
Clay paid his bill and led Charlie back out to his truck and left.
Cathleen, grinning, watched Sabrina's disposal of the needles and clean up. Sabrina looked up at Cathleen and blushed. Cathleen, still grinning, turned and went into her office.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 8, 2021 18:43:58 GMT -6
"Hi Cal, we just got to the hotel. I know it's late…" "Don't worry, I was dozing in my chair, waiting for your call." "Okay, Well, I'll let you get some sleep. I'll call you later today as soon as we find out anything. Love you." "I love you too. Be safe." Cal got up to be with his children at breakfast. Mary was there to help get the kids ready for school while Cal prepared breakfast and the children's lunches.
"Dad, when will Momma be back?" "She should be back by Friday. She'll call me later today to give me an update. I'll see if she can call back later to talk to you." Mary walked in. "How are my angels this morning?" Brigid held her arms out, "Gramma!" "Mary, I've got to go into Grand Junction this morning. I'm picking up some beef briskets at Sam's to smoke for Sunday. You need anything?" "Well, if you can pick me up two of those large tubs of Cool Whip, eight 8-ounce blocks of cream cheese and 3 packs of lady fingers, I'll make you that strawberry cheesecake you like for Sunday." "You got it. Love that cheesecake!" "Oh! Siobhan!" Siobhan and Sinead walked into Shannon's apartment. It was nice, but it didn't have that "homey" feel. "Shannon, what happened?" "Drunk driver on the Long Island Expressway. They said he was killed instantly. Would you like some tea?" Sinead stood up. "I'll do it." "Well, I guess we could all move to the kitchen. I'll need to show you where things are." They all adjourned to the kitchen and while Siobhan and Shannon sat at the island. "What are the funeral plans, Shannon?' 'He's been cremated. There's a memorial service Wednesday." "You seem be holding up well" Sinead said. Shannon looked at them both. "I'm handling things because Ron and I haven't been doing well lately. As a matter of fact, I was about to file for divorce. Ron was killed coming from Brentwood, where he'd spent the afternoon with his latest girlfriend." Siobhan laid her hand on Shannon's. "I'm so sorry." Shannon nodded. "It's been coming. I'm tired of this place. They have a whole different code of morality around here. I've grown to hate the area." "Well, let's get your legal affairs in order and get you out of here then. Can you take a leave of absence from your job? "Yeah, but Ron's girlfriend worked at the company I did. I'm going to quit and find a job somewhere else, out of the northeast." Siobhan looked at Sinead, then back at Shannon. "Well then, what you need is a little vacation. We can get your things packed up and you can come out to Colorado with us and take some time before you look for a job." Shannon, with a grim frown on her face said "Nothing much to pack up. Just my clothes and a few mementos. We worked all the time." "What about Ron's things?" "I don't care. I don't need the memories." "Do you have a lawyer?" "Yes, he's been handling the insurance things." "Okay, here's my advice. Let's get your things packed up. You resign from work, make sure you let them know Ron's mistress worked for the company and you couldn't bear to work there anymore. We'll get Goodwill to take Ron's things. You get with the lawyer and give him a power of attorney to handle anything after you've left. We'll have you at the Ranch by Friday." A look of hope slowly appeared on Shannon's face. "Let's do it!" Between the three of them, they got things organized. A moving company was called to pack Shannon's things that she wasn't taking with her. Siobhan gave the company the Ranch address as the receiving point. Goodwill came and picked up Ron's things. Shannon went to her lawyer and coordinated with him on handling things for her when she left. That evening, Siobhan called Cal. "Hi Honey. Sorry I didn't call sooner. We've been busy here. Are the kids home yet?" "No, but they should be in a few minutes. How are things going there?" Siobhan gave him a rundown on what they had accomplished that day. "Cal, we're bringing her back to the Ranch. She needs a time out." "Fine with me. The kids just came through the door. Let me get them lined up. They all want to talk to you." Siobhan spent the next 15 minutes talking to the kids. When the finished, Amy handed the phone back to her father. "Siobhan, cancel your return tickets. I've chartered a Gulfstream to bring you all back. It can land here at our airfield. They can pick you up at Sheltair FBO at MacArthur Airport near Ronkonkoma there on Long Island. I'll text you the info." "Oh, thank you Cal. That saves us the hassle of the drive back into New York and the expressway. We might be able to get back at a decent time." "I just want you back safe. You just take care of things there and come back to us. I love you!" "I love you too! I'll call you tomorrow." Cal immediately called Ken. "Ken I need to charter a Gulfstream IV or V for a flight to New York Thursday. You and I are flying. I'll fly you to pick up the plane and we'll bring it back here." "No problem. I'm on it." An hour later Ken called back. "Cal, I've got a Gulfstream IV, but we need to pick it up in Denver." "No problem. We can top it off here and leave early Friday. I'll tell Siobhan we'll pick them up at 0900 Friday morning. It's about 3 hours flying time, so if we leave at 0500, that will give us enough time to refuel at MacArthur when we get there." "Sounds good. Davis said we could pick the plane up any time after 10:00 Thursday." "Okay, sounds fine. I'll talk to you later."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 8, 2021 18:46:55 GMT -6
Siobhan walked up to the counter at Sheltair FBO and asked about meeting the Gulfstream. She felt someone walk up behind her.
"Madam, I can whisk you away to your destination…"
"Cal!" Siobhan turned around and hugged Cal.
Cal grinned. "I thought Ken and I would pick you up. Ken's getting the plane refueled and should be ready in a few minutes. Let's gather the bags."
Cal went with Siobhan to where Sinead and Shannon were waiting.
"Shannon, this is my husband, Cal. Cal, Shannon."
Cal smiled "Mo mhaitheas, an bhfuil mná na hÉireann go hálainn?" ("My goodness, are all Irish women beautiful?")
Siobhan giggled. "Down boy! I'd better be all the Irish beauty you can handle!"
"Shannon smiled. "Siobhan, ní raibh a fhios agam go raibh bó-labhartha Gaeilge acu i Meiriceá." ("Siobhan, I wasn't aware they had Irish speaking cowboys in America.")
Cal blushed and laughed. "Okay, let me get a baggage cart. Ken should be done refueling."
As the fuel truck pulled away, Cal rolled the baggage cart out and he and Ken stored the baggage.
After reaching cruising altitude, Cal went back to talk to Siobhan.
"We should be landing around 1300 at the Ranch. Drinks and snacks are in the galley if you want anything.
"Maybe some water" Siobhan said. The two other women nodded. Cal retrieved the bottles of water for them.
"Brigid called out for you every day. She held Mary's hand and led her through all the suites looking for you."
Siobhan's eyes misted. "I missed all my babies."
"Cal grinned. "Don't let Billy hear you call him a baby."
Shannon tugged on Siobhan's sleeve. "The last few days have been about me. Now tell me what has been going on with you."
Cal smiled and eased his way out of the conservation and went back to the cockpit."
Ken called in to Mike at the airfield and asked for landing instructions, as if he needed them. A few minutes later they touched down and taxied up to the hardstand. Once the engines shut down, Cal went back and dropped the stairs. Ken came back and helped him unload the baggage.
"Welcome to High Top Ranch, Shannon!"
"You have your own airport? " An amazed Shannon asked.
Sinead grinned. "You haven't seen anything yet.!"
Cal watched as Siobhan and the two women drove off.
Ken walked over to Cal. I'll pull the fuel truck over and top the tanks off. You want to return the plane this afternoon?"
Cal nodded. "Yeah, let's get this thing back. We can be back before dark.
Gordon pulled over in a rest stop. He was feeling doubts about what he said to Casey. Maybe it's too soon. He decided to give it a few days after he got back before he went to see Casey again. When he got back to the Ranch, he headed directly to his parking space at the lake and took a walk. Cal was cooking pancakes for the kids when Shannon walked into the kitchen.
"Coffee is ready…or do you want tea?" Siobhan asked.
"Coffee is fine" Shannon said. "God, I could smell bacon and pancakes all the way down to my room!. This place is amazing!"
Cal chuckled. "Yeah, it might take a bit to get used to. What's on the agenda today, Siobhan?"
"I'm taking the kids and Shannon to the Market and show her around. When we get back I'll take her on a whirlwind tour of the Ranch."
Cal brought the pancakes to the table and the kids scrambled to load their plates.
"You'd think we didn't feed them at all!" Siobhan said.
Shannon smiled. "You have some beautiful children."
It got a little quieter as everyone ate their breakfasts. Finally, Cal got up and rinsed his plate and cup and put them in the dishwasher.
Gordon trembled. He had lost the moment, the writing forgotten, and stumbled to the kitchen area. He poured a glass of wine and went out to sit out by the lake. He was lost in thought, this time about his beloved Jennifer.
"Am I betraying Jennifer? What would she think?"
Her imagined answer, when it flooded his mind, chilled him.
"So do it all. Make Casey a part of your life. I don't want you to be alone."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 8, 2021 18:50:08 GMT -6
Gordon walked into the General Store, and took a seat at an empty table in the Coffee Corner. Casey watched him, nervously, as he took a seat. She picked up a serving of pie and walked over. "This didn't fit in the pie holder and I thought you might enjoy it. I'll bring you some fresh coffee in a minute, it's brewing now." Gordon gently laid his hand on her wrist. "Would you join me?" Casey nervously rubbed her hands and took a seat. "I'm sorry Casey. I didn't mean to put you on the spot the other day. You probably don't have the feelings for me that I have for you." "Casey looked up from her wringing hands. "Gordon, I do….but.." "Why is this so hard for you, Casey?" he asked. "Because it scares me half to death!" she blurted. "So much has changed, in so little time. How do we know it's real?" Gordon was quiet for so long she began to feel jumpy. Finally he said something. "All you can do is have faith. I didn't think I'd ever feel this way again about any other woman. That's not just a dream. It's how I feel." "And I want us to be together forever, and happy" Casey moaned, tears forming in her eyes. "Then let's work every day together to make that come true. Would you join with me for the community dinner Sunday afternoon?"" he said. "Yes, I would love to." Clay called Cal Sunday and said he'd be landing at 10:00. Cal and Billy went to the airfield to meet him. "Look!" Billy pointed. Cal saw the small plane lining up on the runway. Cal watched in amazement as the plane was almost at a hover when it landed. Clay taxied over near Cal and Billy and shut down. Clay got out and behind him came Charlie, who made a beeline to Billy." "And what did you say this is?" Cal asked. "SuperSTOL. I picked it up in South Carolina." "Man! You can land on a dime with this thing." "Yeah." Clay said. "It's unforgiving as hell too. Great for new pilots, or lazy ones, like me." They all got in Cal's truck and went down to the church. They got out and as they approached the door, Reverend Lambry was there to greet the parishioners as they walked up to the door. Charlie walked right up to the Reverend, sat, and lifted his right paw to the Reverend. "Well! Who do we have here?" ""Charlie" Billy said. "Well, welcome to our humble church, Charlie!" said the Reverend, bending down and shaking Charlie's paw. "Reverend, this is Clay Manning and his sidekick, Charlie." Cal said. "Clay, you and Charlie are most welcome here. Will you be coming to the lunch after church?" Clay looked at Cal. " Uh…sure, I guess so." "He'll be there Reverend" Cal said. "Good, I hope to talk with you more then, Clay." They went inside and took seats with the rest of Cal's family. After the service, Cal told Siobhan he'd go back to the house and pick up the food. Siobhan asked Sinead to take the kids to the Community Center while she helped Cal. Clay, Billy, and Becky all said they would help also. They all drove back in two vehicles. Becky and Billy helped Siobhan load side dishes in Siobhan's Jeep and Clay and Cal went down to the Gathering House and he and Cal loaded 5 large aluminum buffet trays with sliced brisket. Other men from the community had the grill going at the Community Center and the women were scurrying around getting the food and drink tables set up. "Come on Clay, let's get something to drink." Both men poured a cup of iced tea and walked out of the building to the grilling area. Cal introduced Clay around. Ken walked over to them. "Was that you that flew in this morning?" Cal grinned. "Did you see that landing?" "That was the shortest landing I've ever seen by a fixed wing. I've done some short landings with the Porter, but nothing like that!" Clay chuckled. "That wasn't really anything special. The plane is so easy to fly, a kid could do it. If you can get some time, I'll give you a tour." "I'd like that." Ken said. He heard his name called and turned his head. "Oops! Duty calls." And headed toward the door where Akira was waving to him.
Once the burgers and dogs were cooked, everyone gathered in the Community Center for Reverend Lambry's blessing. Once that concluded, the kids and grownups lined up and started filling plates. Cal helped Siobhan get their kid's food and got them seated. Clay filled his plate and went to sit at the Coleman table. Becky drew him down to sit next to her. She took a roll off her plate and place it on his. "The brisket is better with a roll." Becky said, grinning. "Well, thank you, then." Grinned Clay. Clay slowly ate his food and looked around, spotting Sabrina. Every so often, his eyes would return to her, watching her talking to Chip and some other lady. "Her name is Sabrina," Clay looked at Becky. "What?" "Her name is Sabrina Gonsalves and I think she likes you too. She's been glancing at you when you aren't looking." "Hmmmph." Clay answered, picking at the food in his plate. "Hey, just saying…" Clay watched as Sabrina finished eating, got up and disposed of her paper plate and utensils and walked out the back door with Chip. Clay got up and dumped his trash and looked around. Becky walked over to him and took his arm. "Have you seen Serenity Garden?" Becky asked, guiding him toward the door. "No, this is really my first time on the Ranch." Clay answered. "Come on." As they headed to a garden gate in the back of the patio, Becky guided him to a group of people off to the side. Becky grabbed Sabrina's arm and said, "Come on." As they neared the garden gate, Becky, with Sabrina on her right and Clay on her left, opened the gate and went through. Once inside, she stopped and turned them so that they were facing each other. "Sabrina, you've been here. Why don't you show Clay the garden?" "Wha…?" "But….." Becky looked at them, exasperated. "Look, each journey starts with the first step." Becky turn went through the gate and closed it.
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Post by gipsy on Aug 8, 2021 18:50:40 GMT -6
More building for Sam
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 8, 2021 18:51:19 GMT -6
Sabrina sat down on the bench. Clay hesitantly sat beside her. Charlie got a drink out of the stream. Sabrina sighed. "I love it down here. It's so peaceful." Clay nodded. "Yes, it is tranquil." "Becky is very intelligent" Clay said. "How so?" Sabrina asked. "She had a feeling I was interested in you." "And are you?" "Only if you allow it." Sabrina turned, smiling, and looked at Clay. "I wouldn't mind you sticking around." "Can I take you out to dinner sometime." Sabrina frowned. "I'll have to check my date book, but I'm pretty sure I'm free Friday night." "Is 7:00 okay?" "I look forward to it." They sat there in silence for a few more minutes. "I guess we'd better be getting back before the rumors start spreading." Sabrina grinned. "I guess. Charlie and I will need to be getting back before long. I don't have landing lights at my place." "You flew here?" "Yep. If you want, I'll take you flying one day." "I'd like that." They both stood up and started walking back up the path. Their hands brushed and Sabrina took his hand in hers. Both looked at each other and smiled. Jonah pulled off his gloves and put them in his back pocket. "Well Cal, that's the last of the winter hay we'll need." Cal leaned back on a post in the barn. "Did you do the percentage overage?" "Yep. We were down to only 5 bales last year at the end of winter so I plussed up the percentages." Cal looked around. "Well. hopefully we'll have enough that we won't cut it so close this year. If we have too much, we can always turn it into compost."
"Last two truckloads of firewood should be here tomorrow. We ended up six cords of hardwood to the good last year. I moved that down to the equipment hangar furnace." "Cal sighed. "I've got the beef to pick up this afternoon. I'll put it in the Production House until we get it all divvied out. You got time to help me with that?" "Yeah, Martha and the women will come down and help with the distribution. You doing the smoked sausages?" "Yeah, if the women are handling that, I can start making the sausage and let it hang in the cooler overnight and start smoking the next day." They both walked over to the UV34 and drove to the garage area. When they arrived, they found Jon and Barry servicing the Oshkosh snowblower. Jonah laughed. "Damn, if you'd paid $2 more, you could have had it painted green!" The Becerra brothers had completely painted the Oshkosh the most brilliant shade of Day-Glo green imaginable. Jon laughed. "We can almost turn the lights out in here." "Everything okay with it?" "Yep. We just finished greasing her up." "Well Barry, take good care of her. You're the operator when she's being used." Cal said. "We've got all the other snow removal equipment serviced and ready to go." Cal looked at his watch. "I'm going to get some lunch. Jonah, I'll pick you up at 1:00, okay?" "Yeah, I'll see you then." The women were separating the meat into family bundles while Joshua and Cal started mixing the spice mixes into the finely ground beef. "You just making summer sausage, Cal? "Yeah, this batch. I'll make beef sticks later." Ben and Abe Cross got out the mahogany collagen casings and started soaking them in water. Cal ran the ground beef through the meat grinder to get the spices and liquid hickory smoke mixed in thoroughly. Ben twisted and crimped one end of the casing with a pair of hog ring pliers and handed it to Joshua who filled it with meat. Ben twisted, then crimped the end and tied twine to it for hanging on the rack. They barely had enough room on the rack to hang the 100 pounds of sausage, but it fit. Ben rolled the rack into the cooler and checked to make sure the temperature was 45 degrees. Cal took the meat grinder apart and all the parts were thoroughly washed. "Well, a tedious job well done" Joshua said, drying his hands. "I'll start these smoking in the morning after breakfast." Cal said. "Abe and I will come down to help." Cal dried his hands. "Thanks. I wanted to get this done before that cold front gets here next week. It's supposed to bring some rain with it." They helped the ladies store the Family Packs into the freezer and did a final cleanup. As they were coming out of the building, Clay and Charlie drove up. "Am I too early?" Clay asked. "Nah. We just got through packing a bunch summer sausage and taking a break. Let's go over to the Gathering House." Cal got a couple of bottles of water out of the fridge and they sat down. "So, tell me how you ended up out here, Cal." Cal told him of his troubles back east, his journey to the Ranch, and the gradual building of what he had now. "Gold?" "Yeah, though it really isn't a mine. We recover sometime a good bit, sometimes nothing while we are excavating. Come on, I'll show you what we've done so far." Cal took him through the front entrance to the shelter and they rode an electric cart through the excavations, showing him the living and storage areas.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 8, 2021 18:52:35 GMT -6
"This is amazing! This is absolutely amazing!"
"The nice thing about it, the gold paid for the improvements here and the rest of the Ranch. We sponsor a few charities and support local LEOs too."
"That's something I need to look into. I've got money making money and will never spend it all,"
"If you want, I'll get you with Rob Stevens and Diana Conrad. They'll be able to work out a plan for you."
"I'd appreciate that."
They continued on and ended up at the garage. Cal parked the cart and plugged it into a charger.
"This is our maintenance area. As you've seen so far, we'd be able to continue living underground in case the SHTF."
"I'll say. You're as self-reliant as anyone I've ever seen."
"Clay, I want you to know that if things go bad, you have a place here."
"Thanks Cal. I recognized a lot of the guys last Sunday. You've got a lot of good people here."
Cal rubbed his chin. "You know, there would be a lot of advantages to living on the Ranch here for you."
Clay frowned, "What do you mean?"
"Well, there would be a hangar to store your plane in, Empty cabin waiting for you, best people you could ever be around, you can ride a horse, shoot a gun, have military experience, and Sabrina is only three cabins away."
Clay blushed. "Well, yeah, there is that."
"Give it some thought. We'd love to have you join us. You can pick a job and salary."
"Cal, I don't need a salary, but I will pitch in where I'm needed."
"Well, you think about it. Talk to Sabrina during your date Friday night."
"How did you know we had a date?
"Tell-a-woman telegraph."
Barry Anderson was an anarchist. Many said he was cruel, but cunning. He loaded the last of the boxes into the van and locked the door. The capitalist would not enjoy what they had coming. Barry backed the van out of the garage, pressed the key on the device and the door began closing. Backing slowly into the street, he proceeded on the planned route to his destination. Just before he reached Kent Island another vehicle sat at a small restaurant, the man inside anticipating his arrival. As the van drove buy, the man in the car pressed a button on the transmitter, signaling the matched device in the van to start the timer in the package hidden under the van. Fifty yards before the van was to cross the Kent Narrows Bridge, the van blew up. "Dawn, I want you to look into growing corn and wheat."
Cal pulled out a map of the ranch and showed her where he wanted to put the fields.
"We can put in three fields here and irrigate them from the lake. One for wheat, one for corn, and one with a cover crop. Each field would be about 2500 feet across and we'd use center pivot irrigation systems. I want a plan on how we can do this."
Dawn frowned. "I've never done anything like this. I'm going to have to check with some people."
"No problem. I'm going to order the irrigation systems and other farming equipment. We won't have to do much earth moving there, it's relatively flat. I want to get as much work done as we can before snow flies. It is a long term project for Ranch consumption."
Cal had a farm equipment shed built to hold the combine, tractors, and other farm equipment. According to the maximum yields of the fields, Dawn suggested installing four grain bins with DRYAIR systems to dry the grains. Dawn was able to hire a farm foreman and his family to the fields. They were able to put in one field and get it planted with winter wheat before the end of November. Dennis stayed busy building a road to the fields. Others pitched in when they could and soon they had an all-weather road to the fields. The other two fields had been plowed, but wouldn't be planted until the spring. They would add manure to them throughout the winter. "I invited Casey and Gordon to dinner tomorrow night, since they are dating."
Cal turned from the stove. "When did that happen?"
Siobhan rolled her eyes. "For about a month."
"Hmmm…wonders never cease to exist."
"I'm making a New England boiled dinner, with carrot cake for dessert."
Cal stirred the gravy. "I wonder if Gordon is going to put down roots."
"Here is better than most places he could be."
"Well, I'd like them to stay, but we'll have to wait on their decision."
Jonah, Terry, and Nick were busy prepositioning hay and making sure the water tank heaters were working. Terry pulled the SnowCat out and loaded the trailer with hay and feed.
"Well, we've done about as much as we can do. All the feeders are filled and waterers are working and snow removal equipment ready, let's go get a cup of coffee."
Terry said, "I can feel it getting colder now. I'm going to break out my cold weather gear tonight."
Jonah pulled his gloves back on. "Barry is going to get out first thing with the Oshkosh as soon as the snow slacks. You two grab a ToolCat and park it next to your house or the bunkhouse and be ready to clear a way to the garage. Tarp it over. Start on the side roads next. Barry will start on Kinsale and run to the clinic and over to the Circle B. Just watch the weather. Even if the snow continues, let's get it cleared so we don't have to clear so much at one time. Oh! Nick, why don't you park your truck in the equipment hangar tomorrow evening?"
Jonah added more wood to the outdoor furnace for the equipment barn and checked with the residents of the Ranch to make sure all had plenty of firewood. Barry Martin went on top of the mesa and inspected the wind generators.
Becky, Amy, and Billy went out and made sure the automatic chicken feeders and waterers were working, and gathered eggs.
"If you need anything from town, you'd better get it no later than tomorrow afternoon." Cal told Siobhan.
"We're good. I've been buying extra milk and freezing it. Can you get me the two large Dutch Ovens from the shelter kitchen? I want to put an Irish Beef Stew on for tomorrow, and I need to start the corned beef for tonight."
"Hmmmm…this brings back old memories" Gordon said. "I remember my grandmother making this."
Casey agreed. "This is great, Siobhan."
Cal buttered another slice of cornbread. "I think the cast iron just adds to the flavor somehow."
Gordon wiped his mouth with his napkin. "Cal, I have a draft of the book, if you want to read it." Taking out a flash drive, he placed it on the table.
Picking up the drive, Cal handed it to Siobhan. "I think someone less biased should read it first."
Becky walked in and stood by Siobhan. "Can I read it?"
Siobhan nodded and Becky grabbed the flash drive and left.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 8, 2021 18:55:09 GMT -6
Dinner finished, Siobhan quickly washed the Dutch oven and rinsed the dishes before placing them in the dish washer. Cal poured wine for everyone and they retired to the family room and talked. A half hour later, Becky came back in and stopped, looking at Cal. She walked over to his chair and have him a hug, tears flowing down her cheeks. She then walked over to Gordon. "It's beautiful." She said. Becky laid the flash drive down on the side table next to Siobhan and left the room.
"She couldn't have read all 400 pages in this amount of time!" A stunned Gordon exclaimed.
"She's a speed reader. She reads over 700 words a minute." Siobhan explained.
"Well, Gordon, looks like you may have a winner." Cal said.
"Well I certainly have to read it if it effects Becky that way." Siobhan said.
"Just remember, it's fiction. I did use my poetic license a bit." Gordon said.
Billy walked in. "Dad, it's starting to snow."
"We better get going." Gordon said to Casey.
Casey stood up. "Siobhan the dinner was marvelous. Thank you for inviting us."
"Casey, as soon as we get some headway here tomorrow, we'll be down to clear the parking lot and pumps at the store."
"No problem Cal. I doubt we get much business until the roads are plowed."
Gordon and Casey said their good nights and left.
Casey took Gordon's arm. "Why don't you pack a bag and stay with me for a couple of days."
"I can do that."
Shannon was first up the next morning, so she started the coffee and put on a kettle for tea. Becky and Billy were the next to arrive in the kitchen.
"Becky, want to make pancakes and bacon?" Billy asked.
"Yeah! That would be great on a morning like this!"
Siobhan got the cast iron griddle and started the bacon and Becky and Billy were mixing the batter for the pancakes. Siobhan walked in with Brigid.
"What's going on here?"
Becky grinned. "Pancakes and bacon!"
Siobhan giggled. One by one the rest of the kids showed up, guided by the smells from the kitchen. Cal walked in, put on a heavy coat, and stepped out onto the porch. The snow was only up about 12 inches, but it was forecasted to be around 18 inches. The snow was coming down heavily, so it was too early to start plowing. He walked back in and hung his coat up.
"How's it look?" Siobhan asked.
"About twelve inches and still coming down. It's too early to start plowing."
Shannon sat a cup of tea down in front of Siobhan. "I need to look for a job." Shannon said.
""What are you thinking about?" Cal asked.
"I don't know. Anything dealing with electrical engineering, I guess."
"Maybe Ryan Craig can use your skills and knowledge at his place. Have you been up there?"
"No, I haven't. I've talked to Ryan a couple of times in passing."
I'll take you up there when the weather eases up a bit."
"Billy, do you think you could take the tractor down to the store and clear the snow from around the pumps and the parking lot when we start clearing the roads?"
Billy's eyes lit up. "Sure!"
Siobhan cut her eyes toward Cal. "Cal…"
"He'll be all right. I'll be with him."
Like clockwork, the "voluntary" snow removal crew were out that afternoon doing their thing. Cal watched Billy do his pre-operation checks and warm the tractor up. Cal, driving his Suburban, followed Billy as he drove the tractor down to the General Store and cleared the parking area and around the pumps. Casey soon arrived through the Facility gate and opened the store.
"I doubt we'll get many customers, but I can put on some coffee" Casey told Cal.
They watched Barry as he drove by on the state road, clearing down to the clinic, where he would clear the road to the Circle B and the Ranch compound. Billy finished up and Casey had a mug of hot chocolate waiting for him. There was still a few flakes of snow still falling, but they didn't expect much accumulation.
That night after the kids had gone to bed, Siobhan got a glass of wine and went into the family room where she found Cal slouched on the couch with his hands folded over his stomach.
"You're quiet tonight." Siobhan said.
"We need to talk." Cal replied.
Frowning, Siobhan asked "What about?"
"Your new house."
"What!"
"Siobhan, this cabin is built this way for reason, and I'm…we are well passed that. I want to build us a new house. I'll turn this cabin into offices for Supply and Accounting and build us a 6 bedroom house about 300 yards further south. Diana already has a tunnel cut that far so we can easily connect back to the shelter."
"Well, what are you thinking, exactly?" Asked Siobhan.
"Well, I'd like 6 bedrooms, each with a bath and a Jacuzzi tub included; A large commercial-type kitchen with granite countertops; a family room; open dining area next to the kitchen; entertainment room; library/study; an office; and a covered patio with an outdoor kitchen."
"Well, I don't want any sheetrock!"
"Nope, only logs and maybe some shiplap."
"All hardwood floors or tile?"
"You got it!
"I'm going to get with Sam and Gary as soon as the roads clear and get plans drawn up. When the plans are approved, you can start planning what furniture we're going to need and where it goes."
"Oh, the girls are going to love this! I mean Becky and Amy. Helen , Mary, and the rest will be thrilled also, Why now though. Why build a new house now?"
Cal sighed. "This place has a lot of ghosts of times passed that we've both shared. We've really changed what the Ranch started out being. I want to have a place that is ours, and ours alone. But I also want you to get a housekeeper and a cook."
Siobhan thought for a second. "There's been a lot of happiness here, but a lot of dark memories still shadow him…"
Siobhan leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "I love you. Thank you."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 8, 2021 19:02:13 GMT -6
"Ryan, I'd like you to meet Shannon Monahan." Ryan turned from the electronics bench, "Cal I…" before he saw Shannon. "Jon, Shannon has some degrees in electrical something. I was wondering if maybe you could use her." Shannon smiled at Ryan. "Hi, Ryan." Flustered, Ryan offered then something to drink. When they declined, he pulled a packet of electronic drawings from a shelf, pulled a few pages from the bunch, and handed them to Shannon. "Can you explain these to me?" As Shannon went through the pages, explaining the intricate circuits, Ryan started growing a smile. "I don't think I've ever seen anything like these. Are these part of something new you're working on?" Shannon asked. Ryan smiled. "Yeah Cal. I think I can find some work for her." Cal smiled. "I'll let you two work it out. Shannon, I'll leave the UV34 for you and pick one up at the hangar." "Cal, I've got one here that I've modified a little more, that she can use. Take the one you drove down in." "Okay, thanks." Cal drove down to the main hangar and went in. Clay was going over his plane with the two mechanics. Clay turned and saw Cal. "You ready for a check ride?" Cal grinned. "Sure!" The mechanics helped them roll the SuperSTOL out onto the parking area and assisted in unfolding and securing the wings. Clay handed Cal a headsets and they got in and connected their seat belts. Clay started the engine and as the operating temperature hit the green he taxied out onto the runway. "Keep your hands lightly on the stick as I maneuver to get the feel." "Roger," Cal said. Clay increased the engine RPMs and they were rolling. In less than 100 feet, they rotated into flight. Clay flew around the two ranches and Cal was enjoying himself. "Ready to take the stick?" Asked Clay. "My stick." Cal was grinning as he maneuvered the plane around the sky. Cal turned back toward the airfield. "I'll keep a light hand on the stick but talk you through the landing" Clay said. Cal's landing was slow and was stopped within 60 feet. Clay taxied the plane back over to the hanger and shut it down. "That was fun" Cal said, grinning. "I told you it was neat. Almost back to old 'stick and rudder." Said Clay. Cal helped get the plane back in the hangar, then went back to the house. That evening he was telling the family about the flight to his family. "I want to learn how to fly" Billy said. "Me too!" Becky quipped. "Well, let me check it out. I will take you up as soon as I get the suitable plane for you to use. You can't solo until you're 16, but can get a private sport license at 17." "That long?" "Oh, you've got a lot of time to put into practice hours in the air and in the books. Ken is an instructor pilot and can train you but you're going to have to pass all the ground school tests also. But this can't interfere with your other studies." The next morning Cal made a call to Just Aircraft and inquired about the SuperSTOL XL. "This module may make batteries work twice as long. We need to start testing this. We can set up several battery banks in different configurations and test the load rates." Shannon smiled. She finally felt accomplishment using the knowledge years of education had given her. Plus, being around Ryan encouraged her to think out of the box. Ryan smiled. "Shannon, you are brilliant! You've blossomed like a rose since we started working together. This module combined with Grabat graphene batteries will blow everyone else out of the water!" "Yeah, we do make a pretty good team." Ryan blushed and rearranged some tools on the bench. "Clay, what are you doing tomorrow?" "I haven't got anything really planned. What do you need Cal?" "I need to fly to Denver in the morning, thought you might like to fly right seat in the Otter." "Great! Yeah, I'll go. What time you want to leave?" "Meet me at the airfield at 0800." "I'll be there. Cal was loading the crates of gold ingots into the Otter when Clay arrived. "What's this?" "Gold." Clay's eyes got big. "I need to take some to Denver to sell. I don't like keeping too much here." Clay grabbed a crate and helped load the gold until they had it all transferred. "Come on. I'll walk you through the preflight inspection." Cal did the inspection, then boarded the plane and walked Clay through the preflight checklist. Once airborne and on course, Cal let Clay have the plane.
"This is pretty smooth. Nice plane." "Yeah, couple of the guys wanted a jet, but we couldn't justify the costs. Sometimes we do need one, so we just lease it." Cal stayed on the radios and when they got near CASP he took back control of the plane and landed it. They were met by Sam Taylor and his guards. "Just add this to my account and I'll get with you later on what I need, Sam." "Sure thing Cal." While Clay and Cal waited for the gold to be unloaded, they watched aircraft taking off and landing. "That's a SuperSTOL coming in." Clay said. The plane came in and, as usual, landed short and taxied over next to them. When the prop came to a stop, a guy got out and tied down the aircraft. He was walking away when he glanced over at Clay and Cal.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 8, 2021 19:07:59 GMT -6
"Matt, Matt Ceallaigh!" "Damn! Cal Coleman, you are a sight for sore eyes! What are you doing in these parts?" "I've got a ranch down below Grand Junction. Came up for some business. And you?" "A little of this, a little of that, but mostly nothing. Hey, I've got my truck here. Let's go get some lunch!" Cal looked at Clay, who nodded. "Sure, We need to tie the plane down first." The three men quickly completed the task and Matt drove them to a BBQ place he knew of. "So Matt what have you been up to?" Cal asked. "Well, I got out of the service when my parents died. My father made 100's of millions in the Healthcare Services industry. I've got more money than I've got sense. I started getting antsy, so I got my pilots license, ended up with every rating and endorsement you can think of. I spent a year in Alaska and the Yukon flying DC-3s. I ended up back down here when my niece got sick and have just been screwing around. I bought that SuperSTOL just to have a little fun with." "Clay here has a SuperSTOL and I'm ordering two. Hey, why don't you fly down to the Ranch Sunday. We have a big feed Sunday afternoon and I can show you the Ranch." "Yeah. I can do that. Just give me the time and the coordinates." Cal pulled out his phone. "Put yourself on my contact list and I can send you the coordinates." Matt filled out the information. "It's a little over a 2 hour flight in the SuperSTOL. We have a paved runway too. If you've nothing better to do, bring a bag and stay a couple of days."
"Yeah, I'll come down Sunday. I've got this thing Saturday with my sister and her family at the Ronald McDonald House, but I can be at your ranch by 1300 Sunday." They enjoyed their food and Matt drove them back to the airfield. "Cal, why are you buying two SuperSTOLs?" Cal chuckled. "When you have two kids that both want to learn to fly, you'll understand Mat." The got to CASP and Cal and Clay did the inspection and got back into the plane. "Let's see if you can get this thing into the air." Cal said. Cal handled the radios and Clay set the plane up for takeoff. Once in the air, Clay flew the Otter all the way back to the Ranch and landed. Cal talked to Ken about teaching Becky and Billy how to fly. Ken said he would get together the materials for a basic Ground school. "Ken, I don't want any corners cut. They pass or fail. If they fail, they start over again." I hear you Cal. By the time they are able to get their Private Pilot's license, they'll ace it." Sunday, Cal got a call from Mike saying a SuperSTOL was 10 minutes out. Cal got into a UV34 and went to the airfield, arriving just as Matt was on final. Cal directed Matt as he taxied up to the hardstand. "Welcome to High Top Ranch!" "Ranch my ass! From the air, it looks like a small town." Grinned Matt. "Come on. I've got to help get some of the food up to the Community Center. You just volunteered to help." Matt chuckled and got into the UV34 with Cal. "Electric?" "Yep. You've got a lot to see here." They went back to the cabin and Cal introduced Matt to everyone, then started loading the food into the Suburban. Siobhan, Shannon, Billy, and Becky rode in the Suburban and Cal and Matt rode in the UV34. Once they got the food inside the Community Center, Cal parked the Suburban and he and Matt went inside. Siobhan had Cal and Matt move a couple of big coolers to the end of the food tables. When Matt bent back up he look directly into the eyes of Andrea. They both stopped and just stared. Andrea gasped and Matt nodded to her. Siobhan glanced up and saw what was going on. "Andrea. Andrea! Can you get me another package of the paper platters?" Andrea jerked, then turned and went to the storage pantry and retrieved the platters. Walking back over to Siobhan, she glanced at Mat. "Andrea, this is Matt Ceallaigh. Matt, Andrea Monaghan. Okay ladies, I think we are ready. Cal, would you corral Reverend Lambry so we can get these people fed?" People started gathering around and finally the Reverend began the blessing. When he finished, the ladies started herding the kids to get their plates. Matt looked around and finally saw Andrea just standing there, watching the crowd. Matt slowly made his way through the people to her. Andrea looked at him and trembled slightly. "Do you want to sit and wait for the line to shorten?" Asked Mat. Andrea nodded and they made their way over to a table. Matt held her chair for her to be seated. He then took a chair to her right. Nervously, Andrea asked "Have we met before? You seem familiar." Matt looked at her. "Only in my dreams" he said, then blushed. "That sounded kind of corny, didn't it?" Andrea smiled. "Not if you meant it. Maybe I saw you in my dreams also. So, what do you do? "As little as possible. I'm on an extended vacation. What about you?" "I teach school here. Cal built a very beautiful and modern school here for the Ranch kids. They are all doing well above their peers in the public schools."
"As I was flying in, this place looks more like a small town than a ranch. Cal is going to show me around tomorrow. This is a nice building!" "Yeah, the women told him he needed to build a Community Center and he did it. He goes out of his way to keep people happy here. Have you seen the patio out back?" "No, we came in through the front door." "Come on, I'll show you."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 8, 2021 19:13:26 GMT -6
They got up and went to a door that, Matt supposed, went to the patio.
"Matt Ceallaigh! There's no way you're getting away without a hug."
Alana Antezza looked like she stepped out of a modeling magazine. Long black hair, large breasts, deep tan, and a perfect white smile. She had a cup of iced tea in her hand when she stepped up and wrapped her arms around Matt as they stood there blocking the entrance to the patio.
"Hey, Alana. How've you been?"
"Well, you'd know if you weren't such a stranger. I've been good, Matt. It's ... it's gotten easier. I don't know if that's the right word. I'm dealing. We live here on the Ranch now. Bill is an investigator with HTR Security. How about you?"
"Yeah, good. Good. Things are..."
"Good?"
Matt let out a nervous laugh. "Yeah. Listen, this is Andrea. Andrea, this is Alana, an old friend."
"Yes, you are Kati's mother. She's such a sweet girl."
Alana hugged Matt again. "Listen, I've got to go find Kati, but give me a call, okay? You don't have to be ... you know what I'm saying. Call me."
"Sure. I'll give you a call. Same cell number?"
"Absolutely. Andrea, it was nice meeting you."
She walked off across the room and Matt leaned back into the door that Andrea was still propping open. Closing his eyes for a minute, he clenched his fists, got control, and wiped the sweat from his brow. It all came tumbling back. The anger, the frustration and sheer outrage all oozed past the mental door he hid them behind. He tried to push it back, but it refused to accede the ground it had taken. Andrea looked at him oddly and they went out the door. The rank injustice infuriated him.
Andrea, looking at him curiously, took his arm and guided him toward Serenity Garden.
Pausing at the gate, he remained silent for a minute. "I'm sorry, Andrea. Really. You familiar with the Ronald McDonald House?"
"I've been to the one in Springfield."
"So you know. They provide housing adjacent to hospitals for kids that are seriously or terminally ill and their folks. Free of charge. As part of my PTSD treatment, I'd been volunteering there the third Saturday of every month since ... Well, for a long time. I usually call ahead and find out if there are any new kids and if they had any hobbies or interests or anything. You know anything about American Girls Dolls? Girls love them and I don't have a clue. Then there was Alexander. He was a kid I met there. He didn't want you calling him anything else. No Al, Alex…none of that, just Alexander. He was obsessed with flight. Just crazy about all aspects of flying. Alexander wanted model airplanes. That was my ... I don't know, my field, I guess. airplanes I could do.
"I went to a hobby shop and got model planes for him I got three more and assembled and painted them for him. That weekend was the first time I met his family. I swear, that kid had the biggest eyes I've ever seen. The VFW I belong to bought the House a portable pizza oven the previous summer. What kid doesn't like pizza, right? So that was our thing. Sandra, the kids, my brother-in-law, and me. We were the pizza people, every third Saturday. We'd stop at Vinnola's and pick up all the ingredients. The kids got to make their own pizzas, choose their own toppings, the whole deal.
"Alexander couldn't care less. All the other kids were going nuts. They'd make smiley faces on the pizza with pepperoni or try something disgusting like peanut butter, but they weren't getting fast food delivered or thinking about treatments or needles or whatever. Alexander was sitting in a corner opening the boxes looking at the pictures of each plane that came in the box. Alana brought him his own small pie. I don't remember what was on it, but she could barely distract him from the planes.
"I don't have kids. I don't know what a five-year-old is supposed to weigh, but he looked so damned small and he was so serious. He was just a kid, Andrea. Just so small ... We always tried to respect Alana and her family's privacy and only spoke to them if they approached us or needed help with the food. I don't know why, but I went over and sat down next to him. The next thing I know, we're talking about the different planes I had flown.
"He was tenacious, like a dog with a bone. I just couldn't get him out of my head, you know? I went back a few times the next week and they invited me to their home when he got out of the hospital. I'd bring some picture books of planes and we'd watch airplanes at a small local airport. I even took him up in my plane a few times..
"Things were going really well until they weren't. It went bad really quickly. I'd arranged for him to meet a couple of military pilots and they let him sit in an A-10 Warthog. Six months later he was gone. I couldn't take it again. I pulled myself through it once, but ... it was just too much. Like a dick, I completely dropped the Antezza family. That was the first time I'd seen Alana since the funeral. Seeing her, it just, I don't know ... everything came spilling out. Anger at myself, at the doctors who let him die, at the world that didn't seem to give a crap. I know it's not ... rational, or whatever, but it all just, I don't know."
Andrea was quiet for a moment and then reached over and took his free hand. "Come with me," and they walked into the garden.
"You said you couldn't put yourself through it again. Was ... was there someone before Alexander?" Pulling his hand from hers, He wiped his eyes and paused for a long time.
"My sister Sandra had another daughter. My eldest niece, Grace. She stayed at the House a lot towards the end. We try to give back, you know? Sort of for us, but also for her. She ... look, can we talk about this later?"
"Of course. Tell me if you want me to back off, but do you try to keep this a family thing? Would it be too much or a little weird if I came up one day to visit the Ronald McDonald House with you?"
Trying to smile, he looked over at her. "Saturday after next? I'll fly down and pick you up."
"I'd love to. Come on. Let's go eat."
"I swear, this place is magical." Mary said.
Helen, putting down her corn-on-the-cob, looked at her. "What do you mean?"
"Look at Andrea and that young man over there. If they aren't falling in love then I'm getting dementia. People just seem to fall in love on this ranch."
Matt had breakfast with the Colemans the next morning. After breakfast, Cal took him on the tour.
"I can't believe this! You have your own mini Cheyenne Mountain down here! What are you going to do with all this?"
"Well, if the SHTF, then I can shelter everyone one the two ranches here. Food, water, shelter. We've got everything we need. Everything about the Ranch is about survival, self-reliance, and sustainability. It would take a week to show you everything, but hopefully you'll be back to learn more."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 8, 2021 19:22:25 GMT -6
Cal took Matt to the sluicing area and showed him the setup. "I don't really have a gold mine, per se, but we have recovered gold during our excavations. We make money on our other endeavors, but gold has paid for the majority of the improvements here and on the Circle B." Matt grinned, "Patrón Coleman." "Yeah, I guess. You know, by one means or another, we've gathered some of the best men and women you'd ever want to be around. Jim kidded me about forming a MAG, but in reality, we've done just that, without really trying. I'd like you to think about coming down and joining us." "Well, I'll consider it, but what would I do around here? I don't need a salary. I give most of my money away anyway." "Just for shits and grins, why don't I make you our Disaster Support Coordinator. You'd take a look at what we have, keep an eye out for new things that would enhance our survival and advise on purchases. You'll have your own cabin, fuel is free and I'm building another hangar for the SuperSTOLs I'm getting, so you'll have a place to store your plane." "Oh, that is just my fun plane. I also have a Socata TBM 850 for my longer and faster travel." "So, I'll build a bigger hangar. We'll even handle the maintenance. I've got certified mechanics at the airfield." "Sounds good. You say…uh.. Andrea lives here?" Cal smiled. "I noticed you two had some interest yesterday. Yeah, she has a cabin here. Her brother is here also. She's an amazing woman and her students just love her." "Well, let me think it over and talk to Andrea. If that's going nowhere, no need to hang around here." "The school is out at 1430. You could talk to her and still have time to fly back to Denver." "Yeah….yeah, I might do that." "Sam, I need another hangar. Around 80x80x30." "Sure Cal. Let me do some checking and I'll call you back. How soon do you want it?" "Yesterday." "Huh! I'll see what I can do." Cal completed the purchase of two SuperSTOL aircraft. They would be finished in about 6 weeks. By that time, he figured the hangar would be complete. Also, he had to extend the parking apron at the same time. Billy and Becky were hard at work studying their ground school subjects. They worked together, quizzing each other on each subject. When Ken tested them on the first block, both aced the test. "Cal, I don't believe it. It was like it was an opened book test!" "I figured. Those two remember everything they read. I hope they do as well on the practical portion. The planes will be here in about three weeks. I'll get Matt to help you. He's an IP also." "It will make things go faster…hopefully." Matt flew down in the TBM and picked Andrea up. After getting his car at the airport, they made a couple of stops to pick things up before going to the Ronald McDonald House. Andrea had been unusually quiet all morning and that continued after they arrived. Sandra's husband, Allen came out to help them unload. "Morning." Andrea said. "Thanks for letting me ... I'm sorry if this is like a family thing or something." Allen smiled. "No worries. Everyone's welcome. Matt talked to you about Grace?" "Yeah, a bit. I'm so sorry, Allen." "Thanks. Listen, I know it can be awkward for people. Don't worry about it. You have any questions, just ask. It's okay." She gave him a small smile and they made their way back to the kitchens. Sandra and the kids were back there cleaning off counter space and a couple of tables. Kati, Matt's niece, was singing under her breath as she cleaned and her brother Davy grabbed the bags from his father and started unpacking everything. Andrea and Matt gloved up and began washing produce. Tomatoes, cubanelle peppers, onions, arugula, and basil all got rinsed off and chopped or sliced. They cut up pepperoni, meatballs, and sausages next. Sandra started putting the sauce into pots and the kids divided the pizza dough into quarters.
Whenever they moved near each other, Andrea would touch him somehow. Rubbing Mat's shoulder once and leaning against him a couple of times; he wasn't sure what was going on. Was she concerned he was getting maudlin due to his history there? By the time parents and children staying at the Ronald McDonald House started coming down to the kitchen, Allen had wheeled the pizza oven outside and was loading the lump charcoal and wood into it. They had an array of healthy snacks out, as well as juice, iced tea, and lemonade. Adopting his worst, over-the-top Italian accent, Matt addressed the growing small crowd. "Okay, for alla you thatsa never met me, I'ma Giuseppe." Matt looked at a little girl who was there the last time we had Pizza Day. "You'a I know. We metta before little girl?" She pointed at him and spoke emphatically. "You're not 'Seppe, you're Matt!" "How'd you get so smart, Laurie? Okay, my name is Matt. That was actually pretty offensive, wasn't it? I'm going to retire my cartoon Italian voice. So, here's how it works. Everyone gets their own dough. We have plenty. My super talented nephew Davy will be showing you all how to shape it out. If you're feeling a little crazy, he'll show you how to toss it. You can choose any toppings you want. We brought a bunch, but if you want to try something else, go for it. The fridges are right behind you. "The guy outside is Allen. Here's one of our only rules; no one but Allen touches the oven. If you ask him, he'll show you how it works, but no one touches the oven but him. Cool?" Matt observed the nodding heads. "Rule two. Parents or employees decide who uses knives. No arguments. Everything is pretty much chopped or cut already, so there shouldn't really be a need. My beautiful niece over there will help with the dessert pizzas for afterwards. Talk to her when you're done with your lunch pizza. "We all good? Okay, let's get started!" There were ingredients, flour, specks of dough, and pizza crust everywhere. Matt spent his time cleaning and Andrea was a natural with the kids. Matt kept an eye on Andrea. If she was asked about her job teaching, she'd praise the school on the Ranch, then walk off to help another child with the pizza cutter or ladling out some sauce. There were a few times that he'd turn to see her staring at him. It was odd and a little disconcerting, but he was too busy to pay much attention. Kati helped with the assembly of the dessert pizzas, loading up bowls with fruit slices, cinnamon, chocolate, jam, and gummi bears. Kids who swore that they couldn't eat another bite of the savory pizzas seemed to magically find room for the dessert pizzas. They had a buddy system where they'd decorate half a pie and another kid the other half. As the pies were already quartered, they wound up being the perfect size for children.
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Post by bluefox2 on Aug 8, 2021 19:28:37 GMT -6
OK, I am officially all caught up here. What's next?
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Post by eyeseetwo on Aug 8, 2021 19:28:54 GMT -6
Thank you! I am really enjoying your story! It would be great for the HTR explore use of animal powered farming equipment and enhance the skills of the children and teens.
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Post by gipsy on Aug 8, 2021 19:40:10 GMT -6
Had to go watch the closing ceremonies when they started playing Sukiyaki. Brought back some memories
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 9, 2021 3:14:18 GMT -6
It was an exhausting but fun afternoon. They spent an hour cleaning up, said goodbye to the staff and headed out. All of them thought of Grace as they were leaving. It was bittersweet. Matt shook Allen's hand, kissed his sister on the cheek and hugged the kids. Andrea and Matt were comfortably quiet most of the way back. "Mat, I want to stay over tonight." Matt just reached over and took her hand. Sandra called Matt a couple of days later and seemed concerned. "Allen thinks that the pizza oven is going and we'll need to replace it. It's not burning as hot and there's lots of rust." "Okay, not a problem. We can order a new one." "Is it going to take long?. I don't want to miss a week." Matt knew how much the Pizza Days meant to her and he knew that she always stopped at the cemetery to see Grace the day after. "I'll get it taken care of, sis. Don't worry about it. There will be a new oven waiting for us next month." She took a deep breath before replying. "Thanks, Mat. I ... It's just..." "I know. I feel the same way. Listen, did Andrea seem, I don't know, a little weird? She was kind of brushing off parents and kept staring at me and, well, it was strange." "Strange from a guy's perspective, I guess. She didn't want to be the focal point, the new person. She wanted to be Andrea, the woman with her boyfriend helping some kids. And she kept looking at you because you're her boyfriend and you were surrounded by kids, who you were excellent with, by the way. You're good daddy material, little brother, and I think she was recognizing that." "Oh, that's ... well ... okay then." After they hung up, Matt got on the internet and ordered a new oven. "Charlie, order 10 cases of #10 cans with lids. I want to can extra food this year. Oh, and order 5 cases of tomato powder too." "Okay Cal. I've got some other stuff to order to bring the inventories back up." "Go ahead and plus the orders up 10% on the foods and spices.. It won't hurt to have a little extra." Cal went to the Production Building and checked supplies there. The pulled out his phone and called Matt. "Matt, Cal. The hangar will be finished in another week. You can move your stuff here when you want." "Thanks Cal. I was thinking of moving a lot of it down there. If Clay and you could help me out, you could fly us back to CASP to get the planes, I'd appreciate it." "Yeah, no problem." "Oh, and I got to thinking. I've got that 2 bedroom condo that I'm going to keep. I figured if anyone wanted some weekend time in Denver, they could use it instead of getting a hotel room." "We'll talk about it when you get here." "Sure. I'll probably mosey on down there Friday then. Not much I'm taking from here and I've got plenty of room in the trailer." "Call me when you get close and I'll show you your cabin." "Okay. See you Friday." Dawn walked in. "Cal, Chairwoman Nelson and a couple of others want to come up and look at some of the things we are doing. Can you fly down and pick them up Wednesday?" "Sure. Just tell me when to be there. Let's feed them while they are here. I can grill some elk steaks." "Okay. Let me call them and arrange the schedule." "Cal, can you come down to the Facility when you get a chance? I need to talk to you." "Sure, I'll be down in about 30 minutes." Cal wondered what that was about. Apparently it was sensitive enough Andy didn't want to talk about it over the phone. He finished in the Production House and went down to the Facility. "Cal, we've come across some information you might want to take a look at. During one of Jeannie's proactive searches, she came across some information about the ranch to the east of you. The guy is about to get foreclosed and lose his the ranch. It's only about 350 acres that he was raising horses on. His wife died after a long bought of cancer and left him with two kids and a mountain of medical bills. He took it pretty hard but was doing his best to hold it all together. From what we can gather, it wasn't the loss of his wife as much as how he could cope by working and raising the kids alone and the medical bills that he could never pay off. A couple of months later lost his mother to a stroke. It all happened so fast. His mother lived with them and watched the kids while he tried to make a go of the ranch. It must have been devastating losing two loved ones so close together. I must be ready to go off the deep end. If you're going to do anything, you need to move on it within the next two months." Cal frowned, "Are these searches legal?" "Sure. Billy and Jeannie wrote a search program that pulls out tidbits of any trouble indicators found out there in cyberspace. They added property information to the search after the mess with the cartel." "Okay then. I'll put Dale and Cyn on it." Cal flew Chairwoman Nelson, the tribe Shaman, and a couple of other people to the Ranch where they were met by Dawn at the airfield. Dawn took them all to the Gathering House where she had refreshments available for them. "Cal, Dawn, our people, who have worked with you here, tell us you are able to grow many crops more efficiently that we have been doing. We want to grow more staple crops and be able to store them more efficiently than we have been doing." Dawn took them around and showed them their operation, including their canning process. After a good bit of discussion, they returned to the Gathering House and sat down for more discussion and refreshments. The Shaman didn't sit down. He stood in the middle of the room and with his eyes closed, speaking softly to himself. He opened his eyes and spoke to Cal.
"This place has good energy. Sinaway has laid his blessing on you. Those with you will be happy and prosper along with you." "And I pray he extends his blessings on our present endeavor." Chairwoman Nelson said. In the end, the delegation agreed to send two people up to work with Dawn, the Charity would sponsor two agricultural scholarships and they would supply the Utes with a list of the Ranch's suppliers for canning and long-term food storage supplies. It was a fruitful visit for the Utes. Cal returned them to the reservation and was back by early evening.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 9, 2021 3:15:21 GMT -6
Dale Anderson called Cal just as he was putting the twin Otter in the hangar.
"Cal, I had Andy send one of his investigators to check on this Dale Greer fellow. He's at the end of his rope, and doesn't have any prospects. He's a disabled vet, served with the 10th Mountain. Moved out here about six years ago after inheriting the property from his grandfather. He's probably going to lose everything."
"Okay. I'll go talk to him and see what we can work out."
After dinner that night, Cal was sitting in the family room with Siobhan and Shannon.
"I might be purchasing another ranch."
Siobhan's eyebrow raised. "Why do you need another ranch?"
"I don't" He told them of the situation and why he was considering the purchase.
"That's very noble. Those poor children."
"Well, I think I'll go over and talk to him tomorrow. We'll see how it works out.
The next morning, Cal set out to visit Greer. It was 15 miles by the way he had to go. If he purchased the ranch, he'd build a road to connect the two ranches. He'd looked on Google Earth and had a tentative plan where to put it. He pulled into the ranch drive, following another truck, up to the ranch house. Cal and the man in the other truck got out about the same time.
"Can I help you?"
"Are you Dale Greer?"
"Yes."
"I'm Cal Coleman. I own the ranch next to you."
"Yes, I've heard of you. Sorry I haven't been by. Life has been kind of rugged for me in the last while."
"I understand. Can we talk?"
"Sure. Come on in. Can I get you something?"
"Nothing for me."
They took seats in the den.
"Mr Greer…"
"Call me Dale."
"Dale, I know some of your problems and I empathize with you. I lost two wives; one wife to a brain tumor and one was murdered."
"How did you hang on? It has been hard enough for me!"
"I had the future of my daughter to think about. I put my nose to the grindstone and worked to secure the future of my family."
"Well Cal, you probably didn't have the problems I have. The medical bills have all but ruined me. I owe more than the ranch and 20 more years of work would be worth. I'll probably lose the ranch. I'm looking for options to provide for my family.
"Maybe not. Let me present this option. "I'll give you $980,000 and pay off all the bills. You continue to work and live on the ranch and maintain the property, with my funding. You will get paid a salary and whatever profits you make, you get 60%, I get 40%. That will keep you working, plus you'll be able to put something away for the kids' future."
Dale looked at the floor and sighed. It seemed to be a sigh of relief.
"Cal…I don't know what to say. This seems too good to be true."
"Look, I'm not in this just to increase the size of my holdings. I've got enough land. But it does help both of us, and secures the future of you and your kids. Plus, we have a school on the HTR. I can have a road built to here that would cut travel distance down to about 6 miles. If you want, you can come over and inspect the school."
"Why are you doing this?"
"Well, for one, you are a brother veteran. That's all I need. I feel you are worth it. Plus, I tried to run from emotional pain and I can tell you running and trying to drink away your pain and sorrows goes nowhere."
Dale ran his fingers through his hair.
"Well, I guess all that needs to be done is the paperwork" Dale said.
"Give me your lawyer's name and I'll get my people working on it. Let me know when, and I can come pick you, Wynter and Finn up in my helicopter and take you over to see the school and have some lunch."
"I'll give you a call after I pick up the kids from school this afternoon."
They exchanged phone numbers and Cal left. On the way back to the Ranch, Cal's mind was busy. With the growing families, there were at least 20 to 25 kids on the Ranch. Each morning mothers would take their children to school. Maybe it was time to look into a school bus. The distance from Dale's to the school supported that.
Cal got to the Ranch and drove up to the school. He sat in the truck and thought. He watched as the kids came out for recess and watched them. Getting out of his truck, Cal went inside and went to find Kathy.
"Hey Kathy. Can you get in touch with the School Board members for a meeting tomorrow afternoon around 1600? I want to discuss physical school improvements."
"Sure Cal. I'll email and text everyone."
"Thanks Kathy. How is everything?"
"Well, we're getting audited by the Department of Education next month. They are curious about why our success rate is much greater than other charter schools."
"Well, that should be obvious. We don't have government up our rears telling you what and how to teach."
Kathy nodded. "There is that."
"Well, we'll talk more tomorrow. Later Kathy."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 9, 2021 3:25:08 GMT -6
Cal went to Dale, gave him the information Greer had given him, and told him to start the procurement process on the Greer ranch. He started for the kitchen, but then went out and got into a UV34 and went down to the Facility to talk to Andy. "Andy, I need a disabled vet; one that could drive a bus and can shoot, It would be good if he has been trained in personal protection." Andy drummed his pen on the desk. "I'll put some feelers out through the Association. I've got a couple of ideas. When do you need them?" "Oh, it may be a few weeks. Get them relocated here and you can run a refresher until they start working. I'm looking to get a bus for the school. One of the pickups will be about six miles away." "Okay. I'll get on it. "Matt Ceallaigh will be joining us. He's coming with a plane that'll get to Denver in about 45 minutes. You can add him to the equation." "Okay, will do." Cal's next task was to call Ed Harris to get started on the all-weather road to the Greer ranch. If the purchase wasn't complete by the time they reached the property boundary, they would just hold up. That would put them within 2 miles of finishing. He went back to the cabin and sat on the porch. Siobhan called him on his cell. "Are you busy Cal?" "Not really. What's up?" "We need to get the kids new winter coats. They're outgrowing what they have. I was wondering if you'd be free to go with us after school." "Of course. I'll make sure the Suburban is ready." "Thanks Hon. Where are you?" "Sitting on the front porch." "You lazy bum! Get in here and give me a kiss and I'll make you lunch." "Yes ma'am. Cal drove his family to Cabela's for their winter wear. He even talked Siobhan into snowmobile suits for everyone and more clothes for her and the kids. On the way back home, they started talking about the General Store. "You know, Siobhan, I think Casey could do more business if she expanded into a full restaurant. Maybe if we expanded and added a covered porch, like a Cracker Barrel, She'd draw in more customers." "Have you talked to Casey about this?" "Not yet. I wanted to run it by you and draw up something to show Casey. She'd need a cook, two or three waitresses, maybe a busboy. She could add on people as needed." "Cal, where are all these Ideas coming from? All of a sudden, you're buying another ranch, building a restaurant, buying planes…" "Siobhan, I just want people to be happy and succeed. That's about the only job I have around here, except to protect my family and friends." Cal's phone rang. "Cal? It's Dale Greer. Is Monday okay to come look at the school? I can keep Wynter and Finn out of their school for a day." "Monday is fine. I'll pick you up at 10:00. Don't have any horses in the corral." "Okay, no problem. We'll see you Monday."
"Who was that?" "Dale Greer. He's bringing his kids over Monday to look at the school. I told him I'd feed him lunch." "Well, I can whip up a Shepherd's Pie, apple dumplings with cream." "Sounds great!. I think you'll like this guy." Cal flew Clay and Matt back to CASP to pick up Matt's planes. Cal and Matt kept their speeds down to keep pace with Clay, who was flying the SuperSTOL. Once they landed at the Ranch, They refueled all three planes and put them in the hangers. "When are the SuperSTOLs arriving?" Asked Clay. Cal grinned. "Well, I figured I would have Ken fly us to Brasstown and we could fly them back." "Us?" "Yeah, I'll need another pilot. We'll fly out Sunday week. I'll get the training, and you and I can fly them back. I've already talked to Billy Payne. It's a fifteen hour flight back, but we'll do it in four days. We'll be back by the next Saturday, weather permitting." "Crap!" Clay said. "I need to run in to town and pick up some Rib-eye steaks for this evening. I'm cooking for Sabrina." Cal shook his head. "Clay, we've got 40 or 50 Rib-eye steaks in the freezer, our own brand. You can get baking potatoes and salad stuff from Dawn. Come on down to the house and we'll fix you up." Clay got everything he needed, plus Cal gave him 10 more rib-eye steaks and 10 pounds of ground beef. He took it all back to his cabin and put the salad makings in the fridge and the meat in the freezer, keeping two steaks to thaw on a rack. A little before six, Sabrina rang the doorbell and Clay let her in.
Sabrina kissed Clay on the cheek. "Am I too early? "Nope. I just finished up the reduction on the mushrooms. When you're ready, I can put the steaks on. But first, why don't we sit and have a glass of wine first." "That would be nice." Sabrina smiled. Charlie trotted up to Sabrina and nuzzled her hand. "Why hello Charlie!" Sabrina rubbed his ears. Clay poured two glasses of Chardonnay and they sat on the couch. Charlie laid down in front of the fireplace, soaking up the warmth. Clay laid his arm on the back of the couch. "So, how was your week?" "Kind of busy. We're getting more and more customers from the outlying ranches and I can't believe the number of people who live in the western part of the county who are starting to bring their pets in." "I know what you mean. Flying around, I've seen houses, nice houses, where you wouldn't think anyone lived in the area." "Well, the word is spreading that reputable Vets are available closer than Grand Junction and we are happy to have the customers." "I'm itching to find out more about you Sabrina." "There really isn't much to tell. My mother and I immigrated from Uruguay around 6 years ago. I wanted to be a veterinary technician and started school. My mother worked in accounting until she got sick. She only lasted a few months before she passed away." "I'm sorry to hear that. What about your father, is he still in the picture?" "No he died of a stroke when we lived in Uruguay. We lived on an estancia…ranch. When my father died, she sold it to my uncle and we came to the United States. Since then, it's been schoolwork and working at the clinic." "No...uh, boyfriends?" Sabrina smiled. "Not until now."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 9, 2021 3:35:21 GMT -6
Clay choked on a sip of wine. "What, you don't want to be my boyfriend?" Clay frowned. "Sabrina, I don't joke around about things like that." Sabrina, with a serious look on her face, leaned over and lightly kissed Clay on the lips. "I'm not joking." Clay's look softened. Sabrina took another sip of her wine. "Now, about you. On our first date, I think we were just feeling each other out. You asking me here for dinner tonight put you in the category of 'boyfriend,' or at least in my mother's eyes it would. Tell me what has hidden you from me all these years." Clay chuckled. "Well, I was in the Army, Special Forces. As a matter of fact, Cal and I served together a couple of times in Afghanistan. I got out after 6 years and eventually settled in Maine, living the life of a sportsman. You know, hunting, fishing, not wanting to be gainfully employed. My sister, and I guess the rest of the family are still back in North Carolina. One day, up in Maine, I had killed a deer. You have to register the kill in the area you kill it, so I pulled into a country store to register the tag. I did so, bought a soda and a lottery ticket. Well, maybe Fate does step in and help those who get the Hell kick out of them. I found out later I had won. Distant relatives came out of the woodwork looking for handouts, plus my ex-brother. I set up a two million dollar trust for my sister, loaded up my gear and started looking for a quiet place to settle down. I ended up near here and the rest is history." "Let me make something clear to you Clay, I'm not after your money. I have a twenty-five million dollar trust fund my mother set up." "Don't go there. It hadn't even entered my mind. Besides you didn't know anything about my money until I told you tonight." "Okay" Sabrina said. "But why did you seek the most secluded areas to settle in. With a bank full of money I would think you'd seek the bright lights in the big city." "You know, the large crowds in the cities disturbed me in some ways I couldn't understand, even when the crowds aren't as big as the farmer's market day crowds here. It took me a while to work out it's not the number of people I found disturbing, it's the frantic pace they move at while ignoring everyone around them. Here, it's a more easygoing lifestyle. Everyone greets everyone else and are there to help if help is needed." "So, no girlfriends?" Clay frowned. "Not lately." "What do you mean?" "Clay looked at his wine. "Well, I had a girl back home. I had a ring and was going to ask her to marry me the day I got back from Afghanistan. Well, while I was serving my country for the Flag, Mom, and apple pie, along comes my little brother and puts the moves on my girlfriend while I was overseas. No one told me anything. She was going to wait for me. But I guess she liked to party and was lonely, so my brother took up my slack. When I got back home after being discharged, my family held a big 'Welcome Home' party. I walked into the surprise party and boy was I surprised. Sally and my brother were standing there with their arms around each other. They looked at me and she turned to Ronnie and stuck her tongue down his throat. I stopped, looked at each member of my family and told them they were dead to me. I turned around and grabbed my bags off the porch and haven't been back, nor talked to anyone but my sister since." "Wasn't that a little harsh?" "Not nearly as harsh as destroying my hopes and dreams, in my view. No, my mother and father always supported Ronnie. He was the baby in the family. They gave him everything he ever asked for. Me? I had to work my ass off to get what I had. That's one of the reasons I went into the military, to get away from him. But they all betrayed me; my family for not telling me what was going on. Sally could have broken up with me but they all had lame-ass excuses for not doing so. I did make up with my sister later. She was caught between a rock and a hard place, and was a teenager at home. She's in college now. That's why I set up a trust fund for her." "Oh…no 'special' girl since then?" Clay sighed and turned toward her. "What's the speed of the sound of loneliness?" They sat in silence for a moment. Clay stood up. "Hey, I'm hungry. Are you ready to eat?" "Yes. What can I do?" "The salad is the frig. The potatoes are baked and warming. I'll go start the pellet grill." Clay started the grill and opened a bottle of Merlot to breathe. Sabrina tossed the salad and got out the sour cream and butter. Clay pulled out a baguette and Sabrina sliced off four slices and smeared them with garlic butter. Clay would toast them on the grill when the steaks were done. Clay cooked the steaks to a medium rare and set them aside to rest and went over to a mini crockpot that had the mushroom reduction. "What's that? Sabrina asked. "Button mushrooms, salt, pepper, beef bouillon, a pinch of corn starch, and Merlot. Try it with your steak." They got their plates ready and sat down. Clay poured them glasses of Merlot. "My God! I thought a Lomo was my favorite cut of meat, but this is fantastic! The mushroom sauce is absolutely delicious!" "All in the spices. Although I do love a good Lomo with Chimichurri sauce." Clay grinned. "Where did you eat Lomo?" "I did a stint in 7th Special Forces. They were oriented to Latin American countries. I went to Uruguay and Argentina several times. My fondest memories were at the old train station in Montevideo. I could have died of protein overdose!. "Oh! The smells from that place when you walked by!" Grinned Sabrina. "Oh! And every time we went to Montevideo, The wives in the unit wouldn't let us back into Panama unless we brought back the lists of Rinconada ceramics they wanted. Once, I hand-carried an 80 pound bag of the things back!" Sabrina giggled. "Did you keep any for yourself?" Clay blushed. "Yeah, I did." "I want to see them after dinner!" They ate their meal and Sabrina helped rinse and load the dishes in the dish washer. They took their wine glass a returned to the den.
Sabrina leaned her head on the back of the couch. "Well, that meal was the best I've had in years. Thank you." "Your being here made it that much better." Clay said. Sabrina reached over and took his hand. "Well, for me, your presence was really special too." She told him gently. "After all you've been through, it seems you came out ahead in life, but I think you should consider letting the hate and anger go, not for them, certainly, but for yourself. Anyone who loves you wouldn't want you to carry that anger with you. Do it for yourself because every time you have a negative thought about them, it's a moment that you could have been focused on happiness." Clay shrugged. "I've learned to pick my battles and to make lemonade whenever necessary. I'm not really as full of anger as I once was when I realize if it hadn't all happened to me, I might never have met you."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 9, 2021 3:42:22 GMT -6
Sabrina smiled and gently rubbed his neck. "Charlie would have brought you to me. Charlie's head jerked up and looked at Sabrina when he heard his name. "Sabrina, would you like to go flying tomorrow? The weather is supposed to be good. We can fly around the area and see the sights." "I've never been up in a small plane before, but I would like to." "I guess I need to be going," Sabrina said. "I'll get my coat and walk you home." They stepped off the porch and Clay took her hand in his. He walk her to her cabin, both silent, just enjoying being together. When they stepped up on the porch to her cabin, Sabrina turned to him. "Clay, I had a wonderful time." She put her hands on both sides of his face, slightly pulled him to her and gave him a loving kiss." "Good night, Clay." "Good night Sabrina."
Cal and Ken landed next to the corral and shut down the engines. Cal got out and walked over to the house. Dale, Wynter, and Finn were standing on the porch. Wynter was bouncing up and down. "We're going to ride in a 'copter!" Cal grinned. "Good morning Dale. You ready to go?" "Morning Cal. I guess this crew is ready." Cal led them over to the Huey and got them buckled in and had a pair of headsets for each one. Cal got in and Ken started the engines. They took off and flew back to the airfield at the High Top Ranch. "This is quite the spread, Cal." "Thanks Dale. I'm happy you and your family will be a part of it." Their first stop was the school. They quietly entered and met with Kathy. She walked them through the facilities and looked at the different study areas. Wynter pulled away from her father and went over to Stephanie, who was helping a young girl with her math. Wynter stood there, staring at Stephanie. Stephanie's attention was broken. She looked around at Wynter. "Well, hello! What's your name?" "My name is Wynter Greer and I'm five year's old." "Well it's nice to meet you Wynter." "Steph, Wynter and Finn will be joining us soon. This is their father, Dale Greer." Stephanie shook Dale's hand. "You have to two beautiful children, Mr. Greer." "Thank you. This is a very nice school. I'm sure they'll enjoy going here." "We'll love having you…uh...them here." Stephanie blushed. Kathy interrupted. "Mr. Greer, if you will come with me, I need some information in order to transfer school records." Once they had finished at the school, Cal took the Greer family on a short tour of the Ranch facilities. "Dale, once we get everything ironed out. You'll be added to the list for hay delivery. We're adding some fields to grow our own grains so COB will be available for your horses. We have supplies stockpiled here for fence and ranch repairs. Road construction has already been started and once the final paperwork is signed, will continue to your ranch. That will cut the distance for your children to come to school. Oh, and there will be a bus to pick them up and deliver them back home every day. If you can bring them the first week, we'll have the bus by then." Dale nodded. "No problem. That will fit easily within my schedule." "Well, I think we have lunch waiting for us. Let's go eat." Cal went back to the house he called the Chevrolet dealership to find out if they had any busses. He was told they didn't have any at the moment but they could get a list of any in the area and get back with him. He gave the man his name and number to contact him. "Oh, Mr. Coleman! I didn't realize it was you. I'll get back to you within thirty minutes." "Thank you. I look forward to your call." Cal went into the cabin and found Siobhan baking cupcakes." "Cupcakes?" "Hands off!" Siobhan said. "These are snacks for the school tomorrow." "I've talked to Kathy, and I'm going to build a room for the kids to take a break and eat lunch in during inclement weather, and purchase a bus." "Well, I'm sure the mother's will appreciate not having to drive their kids in every morning and picking them up in the afternoon." "There is that, but I also had the Greer kids in mind." Cal's phone dinged, indicating an incoming text." "Have your bus driver. Already fully qualified. When do you want him?" Cal texted back "ASAP."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 9, 2021 3:46:57 GMT -6
Cal's phone rang.
Mr. Coleman, we can get you, in a couple of days, a white 40 passenger Freightliner bus that is used, but in excellent condition." "Can you text me the specs?" "Right away." A couple of minutes Cal received another text: 2018 Freightliner 40 passenger bus " 29,900 GVWR " Rear Air Suspension " Black Padded Vinyl Interior Walls and Ceiling " 36? Electric Entry Door " Kubota Door Switch " Front and Rear Air Conditioning " Roof-Mounted Condenser (120,000 BTU) " Front and Rear Heating (65,000 BTU) " Dual Compressor " Gerflor " 5/8? Marine-Grade Plywood Subfloor " Chrome Front Bumper " Rear and Overhead Luggage Space " All-LED Interior and Exterior Lights " Dual Rear Wheels " Chrome Wheel Liners " High-Back Leathermate Seats w/belts " AM/FM Radio " Garmin In Dash GPS " PA System with Hand-Held Mic " Tilt and Cruise " Driver's Air Bag " Heated Remote Mirrors " Reading Lights " Rear Back-up Camera with Alarm Cal looked it over and called the dealer back. "If it's as good as it looks on paper, I'll take it." "We'll give it a thorough inspection and the warranty is still in effect." "Excellent! Give me a call when it's ready." "Well Siobhan, the school officially has a bus. I'm going up and talk to Kathy and get a list of the students and their addresses." "Okay, tell Kathy I'll be up in the morning." Cal went into the school and waited while Kathy finished with her phone conversation. "Hey Cal! What can I do for you?" "I've got you a bus coming. It might not be available for a week or two. I'm hiring a vetted driver for the bus and I want him to make a few runs on the route, so I need a list of kids and their addresses to map out the route. "Sure I'll print it out for you." "I'm going to have Billy do around and get the GPS coordinates of each stop so we can program them into the bus's GPS." "Uh…how do you vet a driver?" "He is ex-military, has been through personal protection training, and that means he's had defensive driving training, plus Andy ran a background check on him." "The bus, does it have seat belts?" "Yes ma'am! Oh, and the builders will be out next week to put in the footers for the addition." Kathy nodded. That addition is going to be a big help. Thank you for being proactive on that." "Sam said that after the footers are ready, they can have everything completed in four days." "Great! The children will be thrilled to not have to be so careful in the classrooms when eating." Stephanie walked in and put a folder in Kathy's inbox. "Hey Cal. What's up?" Oh, just updating Kathy on the addition and the bus." "Oh great! When are the Greer kids starting?" Cal grinned. "They start Monday, but don't you mean 'When will Dale Greer show back up?" Kathy giggled and Stephanie blushed. "Ohhhh You! Why would you say something like that?" "I was watching you when you two were introduced. You blushed when you shook his hand." Kathy leaned back in her chair and burst out laughing. "Gotcha! Not much gets by Cal!" Stephanie blushed again. "You two stop it!" Stephanie turned around and left. Cal chuckled and left. Kathy got up and went to Stephanie. "Steph, can you test the two Greer kids Monday and see where they stand?" "Sure, unless you have an ulterior motive." "I do, I want to see where they stand in their education." Kathy grinned and went back to her office. "Wow! Nice bus Dad!" "Yep, this the new bus for the school. Look, I want you and Becky to take this list of students and a GPS and get the coordinates to each home. Once you've done that, I've got software on my office computer for you to program the waypoints in. I want you to make a route for the new bus driver to follow."
"Uh…what about the Greer kids?" I'll drive you over there for you to get the waypoints. You'll have to redo a portion of it when they've completed the road to the Greer ranch."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 9, 2021 4:25:05 GMT -6
There was a knock at Clay's door. He turned the heat down on the pot sitting on the stove and answered the door. Sabrina stood the grinning, her hands behind her back. "We never got around to looking at the Rinconadas the other evening." "Well, please come in. Can I entice you with some gourmet grill cheese sandwiches with tomato soup?" "Gourmet?" "Well, I am trying to entice you." "Consider me enticed then!" Clay took her coat and hung it up and both went into the kitchen. Clay turned the heat up slightly on the soup and pointed to the bread and cheese on the counter. Sabrina started cutting slices of bread while Clay sliced the cheese. "Where did you get fresh bread?" "I made it." "You sir, are a man of many talents." "I try. Actually, I enjoy cooking. Wait until you try my empanadas." "Well, for the next Community Dinner, why don't you make some." "I might need some help." "Oh! You need a kitchen slave?" Clay turned to her. "No, I need a partner." Sabrina looked into his eyes and said softly, "I can do that." Clay turned the flame on the soup back down to a simmer and got out the cast iron griddle and set the flame under it. "You, lady, are distracting." "And how so sir?" "You make me want to hold you in my arms and kiss you." "Do I have to make you?" Clay stepped up to her, put his arms around her waist, pulled her body to his, bent down and kissed her. Sabrina moaned. "I could get used to that." Clay turned to the fridge and got the butter out. Slicing a bit off the stick, he dropped it on the griddle. Taking one of the sandwiches they had put together, he placed it on the butter covered griddle and set the bacon press on top. Flipping the grilled cheese, he toasted the other side. Repeating, he had two grilled cheese sandwiches plated and ready to go. Filling two mugs with soup, he sat them on the breakfast counter. "Eat woman!" They silently ate there meal and were finished in a few minutes. "Do you want more?" Clay asked. "No, that was fine." Sabrina got up and took their dishes to the sink and started rinsing and putting them away into the dish washer. "Hey, you said you wanted a partner. Wipe the counter down, partner." "Yes ma'am!" Sabrina giggled and dried her hands with a towel. She took his hand and pulled him into the den and sat on the couch. "I'll be gone most of next week" Clay said. "Where are you going?" "Cal and I are going out to North Carolina and flying a couple of planes back." "Will you be back by Saturday?" "Weather permitting, we should be. Why?" "Well, you've cooked for me twice, so I think it's time I cooked a meal for you." "Oh? And what were you thinking of cooking?" "Hmmmm…maybe Chivito al Plato con papas?" "Ooooo… I like that!" "But you need to call me every day to let me know where you are so I know when to start preparing it." "It doesn't take that long to prepare Chivitos. You make it sound intensive." "No, not long, but you know, just in case. Also, I will need to collect a key to your place. I don't have a grill to properly cook the steak." Clay leaned over and kissed her. "Fine, but maybe I should collect a few of these, just in case I'm late getting back." Sabrina smiled. "Good idea."
"Shannon laughed. "What the heck it this?" Ryan shoved his safety glasses up on his head. "This my dear, is our next test subject. I'm taking this 1992 GMC Syclone, stripping it down and building an all-wheel-drive electric vehicle. I know it looks beat up and ugly, but we just need the frame and body for the weight. I need you to figure the weight and battery ratios out while I get started building a rigid test bed to run the battery life tests on." Shannon went over to the computer. "This is going to get interesting." "Well, I've had one guy pay for his plane kit with a credit card, but never had anyone pay for two complete decked out planes with one. Cal, I thank you for your business. Have fun with your planes." Phil said Cal was a natural with the plane. All he had to do was a few takeoffs and landings and Phil showed him some different techniques unique to the plane. The had plotted their flight plan and Ken was to fly ahead to their next destination and wait for them. All three had a Satphone each to keep in touch. Ken took off, then Cal, followed by Clay. The first leg of the trip took them from Brasstown to Memphis where they refueled. Their second leg took them to Muskogee, OK where they refueled and spent the night. On the second day their first leg was to Spearman, Tx. to refuel then on to Mineral County, Co. Cal told Ken to bypass Mineral county and fly straight home. Cal and Clay refueled at Mineral, even though they only had about 150 miles to fly to the ranch. Clay text Sabrina telling her he'd be back by 1600 that afternoon. Cal and Clay enjoyed their final leg of the flight, flying through the valleys and canyons.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 9, 2021 4:30:51 GMT -6
Clay parked his truck and unlocked the door. Sabrina was leaning against the kitchen counter, smiling. Her chestnut hair flowing over her shoulders.
"How was your trip?"
Clay said nothing as he walked up to her and gave her a kiss.
"I missed you."
Putting her arms around his neck, Sabrina kissed him back. "I missed you too."
"The trip was routine. The weather held and the flying was good. I'm a little stiff from sitting so long."
"Go take a hot shower. I'll give you a massage."
"Will you stay the night?"
Sabrina looked into his eyes and nodded. Clay started pulling off his shirt and headed towards his bedroom.
"Clay! Wait!"
Clay turned around.
"I…I've never been with a man before."
Cal got out one of the Rokons and went to check on the progress of the road to the Greer place. Ed and his crew were doing a great job. Drainage look adequate, if fact overdone in some places. Now bridges had to be built, but large, pre-fabricated concrete culverts had been emplaced along the way. He stopped at one culvert, where a small stream ran under the road and stopped. Looking to the southeast, Cal scanned the terrain. A truck pulled up and stopped.
"Good morning, Cal."
"Morning Ed. You guys have done an excellent job. How much more is there to be done?"
"We're about three quarters finished. We'll be finished in a couple of days. This particular area interest you?"
"Yeah, kind of. Down there looks like a good place to put in a lake."
"I was looking at that the other day. I think so too."
"Let me talk to Dale Greer, and I'll get back to you."
Cal got on the bike and continued to Dale's place, having to go cross-country for a while. He found Dale at the corral exercising a colt.
"Morning Cal."
"Morning Dale. How are things going?"
"Good. What brings you out this way?"
"I was just checking the progress on the road. I wanted to get your thoughts on an idea I have. You have time to come with me?"
"Sure, let me put this colt up."
Dale put the colt in the barn and came back out.
"Cal cranked the Rokon. "Hop on!"
Cal drove them back to the tentative lake site and stopped.
"What do you think about putting a small lake down there. I wouldn't want it closer than 1/8 of a mile from the culvert. It would give you more water plus it would irrigate the area around here."
"I've looked at this area before Cal. There are remains of a dam down there that must have been built in the 1800's, but it washed out."
"Well, Ed Harris can build one that won't. I'll have him get started on it."
They rode back to the construction area and found Ed.
"Ed, go ahead and get someone on that lake. Make it 5 - 8 acres, if you can, and make it no closer than 1/8 of a mile from the road culvert."
"No problem Cal. I've got a D-8 and an excavator that can start work now. You want concrete or rock?"
"I'll leave that up to you. I just don't want it washing out."
Cal took Dale back up to his house and sat with him and had coffee.
"What do the kids think about the school?" Cal asked.
"They are loving it! I don't know what the difference in the schools are, but they are eager to do their homework and seem to be learning more."
"We've got some great teachers. On average, the kids are testing out better than the state schools. When they finish high school, I'll provide full scholarships to any college they want to go to."
"That's really generous Cal."
"Well, it's the price I'll pay to have good people around. Anything you need?"
"No, I'm good right now."
"Look, Sunday, we have a community cookout at the community center after church. You and the kids are invited. There will be plenty to eat and a lot of good company."
Dale looked down at his coffee cup. "We haven't been to church since a few weeks before Harmony passed."
"Then join us. The kids will have plenty of other children their own ages to play with too."
"We'll be there Cal."
On the way back to the Ranch, Cal got a call from Andy to meet with him at the Facility. Cal rode the Rokon there and went in.
"Easy Rider this morning, hunh?"
"Cal chuckled. "More like Sleazy Rider. What's up?"
"I wanted you to meet Perry Ashton, the bus driver. He in back, talking to Dan."
They went to Dan's office.
"Perry, this is Cal Coleman."
Cal shook his hand. "Perry, glad to have you on board. Are you all settled in?
"Yes Sir. I'm sharing a cabin with Cary Hobbs."
"No sirs around here Perry, it's Cal."
"Yes Si…Cal."
"Perry, being a bus driver may seem menial, but we are entrusting the lives of our children with you. We are fairly secure here, and when the new road to the Greer ranch is finished, all travel will be on the Ranch. I don't want to take any chances."
"I'll give you 100% Cal."
"Thanks Perry. You'll be working for Andy, so take your directions from him. Andy, Billy has programed the waypoints into the bus GPS. Perry can run it a few times to know where the stops are. Perry, anything you need, let us know. Oh, and Andy, get him armed."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 9, 2021 4:40:07 GMT -6
Cal rode the Rokon back to the equipment hangar, wiped it down and refueled it. Walking back up to the cabin, he found Diana and Siobhan having coffee. "Well ladies, what is new?" "We've got the corridor through to behind your new cabin." Diana said. "We won't punch through until the vertical blast door arrives." "I was going up to check on the cabin. It's dried in, so they must be working on the electrical and plumbing. We may be able to move in by the end of the month." "Not so fast buster!" Siobhan said. I'm still looking at furnishings. It's going to be a major effort to clear this place out and I don't want to move the kids things from the shelter." "No problem. Take your time. A happy wife is a happy life!" "You were out early this morning." Yeah, I rode down to check the progress on the road and met with the bus driver, Perry Ashton. I need to go down to the store and talk to Casey about expanding." Siobhan grinned. "Yeah, she's looking to expand." "What do you mean?" "Her and Gordon." "I'm not touching that with a 20 foot quant pole!" "What's a quant pole?" Diana asked. "Siobhan looked at Diana. "Barge pole." "Well, I wouldn't be surprised to see a wedding in the near future." Cal finished his coffee and went down to the General store. Upon entering, he saw Casey and Gordon talking at a table. Cal took a seat with them. "So, what's up Casey?" "Well, we've done really good with the coffee corner. More and more customers have asked for more than pastries and breakfast sandwiches. I was wondering if we might expand and offer breakfast and lunch meals." Cal nodded. He pulled a paper napkin out of the holder and started drawing with his pen." "What about if we put in another building at an angle, like this, put a covered porch along the front, connecting the store and the restaurant. We'll have it large enough for 50 customers and expand the parking area. That will give you enough space if, in the future, you decide to expand to dinner meals also, you'll have the space." Casey smiled. "That would work." "I'll have Gary come out and take a look and draw up the plans." Casey squeezed Gordon's hand. "So, when are you two getting hitched?" Casey blushed. "Well, we…we've been busy. I…I haven't asked her yet and I don't even have a ring for her!" Gordon burst out. Cal looked around the room, then over his shoulder. "Well, Casey's not too busy here, right now. You're just warming a seat.
What are you waiting for?" Gordon stared for a moment at Cal, got up, and took Casey's hand. "Let's go find you a ring." "Grace, watch things. I'll be back!" Shouted Casey over her shoulder, as she and Gordon went out the door. Cal chuckled, Shook his head, and left to go to the airfield. On Perry's first day of driving, the mothers and/or fathers met the bus and watched as the children got on the bus and attached their seat belts. Those who might have trouble, Perry helped them. The route was complete without any problems, except Billy and Becky discussed what had taken place and decided they would help Perry in getting the kids on the bus. They discussed it with Kathy and she called in Perry and made the arrangements. When the road to the Greer place was completed, Billy updated the GPS for Perry. Perry was one of Billy's heroes. Cal inspected the new cabin and was pleased with what he had seen. Next week, they could start putting the furniture in place. Siobhan stayed busy taking measurements and buying more furniture. Hellen and Mary were on their own mission picking out accent pieces for Siobhan. Cal had to get away so he grabbed his favorite SuperSTOL, the one painted forest green, to fly around the three ranches. When he got near the area of the construction of the new lake, he looked around and found an area he could land. He came in slow into the wind and landed within 50 feet. Ed Harris stood there and stared. Cal got out laughing. "How in the hell did you do that! Yelled Ed. Cal continued laughing. "Sorry for laughing Ed. That thing is so much fun to fly." "I've never seen anyone land that short. I used to fly a 172, but never landed like that!" "With the winds right, I could land on that low boy over there." "That is amazing!" Ed said. "So, how's the dam coming along?" "I decided to go with a rock face. We scraped down to bedrock and started building up from there. We'll put in the normal drains and emergency drains, but it is backed up with an emergency spillway over there. As you can see, it is all bedrock over there and is perfect for our purpose." "Will there be a roadbed on the dam?" "Absolutely. I figured you'd want to maintain access to the other side of the stream." "Excellent. Well, I'll get out of your hair and go have some more fun." "Cal? What kind of tires are those?" "They're called Tundra tires. A lot of the bush planes in Alaska have them. They're low-pressure and used in rough terrain." Cal got back into the plane, started the engine, and took off into the wind, using less than 100 feet of space. Ed grinned and shook his head. Cal flew around the perimeter and landed on the road at the other lake. He walked around a bit, checking things out, then took off again and landed at the airfield, putting the plane back into the hangar after topping off the tank. Coming out of the hangar, his phone rang.
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