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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 10, 2021 22:51:10 GMT -6
Jerry, Barry, and Greg were hauling the last parts of the waterwheel to replace the wooden one in the cavern. They had set up work lights first then hauled the tools, pieces and parts down the narrow entrance. Cal had never enlarged the shaft so the wheel had to be put together next to the stream.
"So, how do you have this rigged Cal?"
"As you can see, the water is coming through the pipe from the pool to this 'Y' connection that has two valves. The one on the left goes to the overshoot for the water wheel and the right on runs the water through the flexible hose the carries the water past the water wheel and generator house. When we want to generate power, we close the right 'Y' and open the left one. The wheel will start turning and generate power. Now this lights a few lights along the way but the main purpose is to charge the main battery banks. If all the solar panels and wind generators were knocked offline, this hydro setup will easily keep the batteries charged."
"That must have been a nice waterfall there before."
"It was. If the women had seen it before I put this in, they would beat me like a red-headed Korean stepchild."
Everyone got tools and started bolting the pDCPD plastic parts together with stainless steel bolts, washers and nuts. When they had finished bolting the wheel together, the shaft was inserted and bolted on the mount. Greg checked the bearings and applied grease. They closed the bypass valve and opened the valve to the wheel. The wheel turned smoothly with no vibrations. They guys high-fived and started removing the tools and lights. Another valuable backup had been upgraded. Home off-grid conversions were picking up. A lot of the ladies from the outlying ranches and homesteads had toured homes on the HTR and insisted their homes be converted. Cal had to finance a few of the conversions, but he set the rate low enough that their payments were less than what their electricity bills were. Conversions on vehicles were on the upswing too. After the Grand Junction PD vehicles were converted, more and more cities were asking for conversions. Ryan had purchased two Highside Stack Car Haulers to haul the vehicles from and to the customers. There were a couple of instances where shell buyers had conversions done then sold them to a third entity. When they tried to remove the control box, it immediately destroyed itself. A lawsuit followed and Ryan proved through independent tests the control boxes were safe only when opened by an authorized technician and they were only located at the plant. The warning was clearly stated in the warranty what would happen if the module was tampered with. The plaintiffs ended having to pay lawyer's fees and court costs.
A congressional delegation that was a composite of fossil fuel haters showed up for a tour of the plant. They were congratulating Ryan and John on coming up with using a way of getting rid of fossil fuels.
John stared at them. "Let me show you something."
He took them over to one of the production areas.
"Do you see the plastics used here. From fossil fuel. See the metal frame parts? Made using fossil fuels. The manufacturing of all these things you see required the use of fuels we pull out of the ground. They are more efficient and less expensive. You don't have a chance in hell of producing anything to replace fossil fuels without using fossil fuels. The technology just isn't there. Our home electrical conversions are good for homes. You can't run a city on what we can do here, right now. You want to replace the energy we get from fossil fuels? Nuclear power is the only avenue you have. You could cover the state with windmills and solar panels and you would have constant brownouts, blacks, and failure of equipment."
The delegation was miffed but Ryan and John didn't care. They asked to come here, thinking of a huge photo-op, but it had blown up in their face. Cal was bored so he took a Billy's SuperSTOL up to fly the perimeter of the HTR and check things out. He was flying just outside the perimeter so he could look to his left and see the Ranch. Something caught his eye and he slowly looped around and came back. Spotting the ranch house of Abe Silverton's Diamond S ranch, he came back around and landed next to the driveway to the house. Cal stopped just short of the barn and Abe came out.
"What's going on Cal?"
"I was flying around and noticed some activity at The Carlton place. Somebody move in there?"
"No, not supposed to be. Let's take a ride. Let me get my pistol first."
They got in Abe's truck drove the two miles to the entrance to the Carlton ranch. The gate was unlocked.
"I'll let you do the talking Abe, I'll back you up."
"Okay."
They drove up to the house and honked the horn. A man came out onto the porch.
Abe got out and squinted. "Is that you Geoff?"
"Hello, Mr. Silverton. Yep, it' me."
Abe signaled to Cal that everything was okay.
"I didn't know you was back."
"I just got in late yesterday afternoon. The place is in pretty good shape. I appreciate you and Miss Amy taking care of things." "You back for a visit?"
"I don't know, Mr. Silverton. Depends on the job situation. Ya'll come on up and sit."
"Geoff, this here is Cal Coleman, he owns the High Top over east of here. You've grown into long pants now so you can call me Abe.
"Good to meet you Mr. Coleman'"
"Call me Cal."
"You was in Seattle, wasn't it?" Abe asked.
"Yes Sir. I had a pretty good job, but the company folded. My wife died of ovarian cancer last year, so I pulled up stakes and came back here to reset."
"I'm sorry to hear that Geoff. What were you doing in Seattle?"
"I was a design engineer for four years with Colstar Engineering."
"Well, are you all set up? Is there anything you need?"
"Abe, I stopped for groceries at a store over toward Glade Park on the way in. Sure has done some growing since I was here last. Got a restaurant and everything."
Cal looked at Geoff. "Geoff, can you have dinner with me and some friends of mine this evening at that restaurant?"
"Well, sure I guess. What's this about?"
"Oh, just to introduce you to some more people in the area. No use living here like a hermit."
"Okay then. What time?"
"Let's make it at 7:00."
"I'll be there."
As Abe and Cal were driving away, Cal pulled out his phone and called Andy. He gave what information he had on Geoff and had him run a background check. Then he called Siobhan and told her he had a business dinner that night at Casey's. His next call was to Ryan.
"Ryan? Cal. Could you use a design engineer?"
Ryan was silent for a moment. "Are you into mind reading, or something? I was going to start looking."
"If you, John, and Kayleigh are free tonight, you can meet him at Casey's. Seven."
"We'll be there. Thanks Cal."
Cal ended the call and Abe asked, "What's going on?"
"Maybe, I have a job for Geoff."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 10, 2021 22:58:16 GMT -6
When they got back to Abe's, Cal asked Abe if he wanted to fly around and take a look at his property from the air. Abe jumped at the chance. Thirty minutes later they landed and Abe offered Cal some iced tea. They sat on the porch and talked.
"How much beef are you running now a days?" Cal asked.
"I've got 250 head, but when these go to market, I'll only raise a couple to keep meat in the freezer.
"You've got some good grazing land here."
"Yep. There are springs draining down into this little valley that keep the grass green."
"Have you given any thought to hay production?"
"Hmmm…that might be an idea."
"I'd be glad to buy what you produce. I've been buying all over but I'd like it better if I could support someone in this area."
"Well, you have brightened my day. Amy was worried what I'd do with myself."
"Well, if you turn all this into hayfields, you'd have a ready market around here. You know what has happened with hay prices in other parts of the state and Wyoming in the last five years."
"I'll do that then, Cal."
Cal shook his hand and left to flew back to the Ranch. When he got back to the house Siobhan was ready to give him the 3rd Degree, so Cal explained about Geoff.
"I don't know, Siobhan. He had this hopeless look on his face. I just figured if Ryan could use him it would help get him back on his feet."
That night at dinner, Casey seated them at the Stammtisch and took their drink order. Cal introduced everyone all around and Ryan explained to Geoff what their companies did and where they wanted to take it. During Ryan's presentation, Cal's phone buzzed with a message from Andy. Geoff was clean. They talked through dinner and Ryan offered Geoff a job, which Geoff accepted. The company was going to enhance their products. Cal had Matt fly him To Nampa, Idaho to pick up his SuperSTOL from Wild West Aircraft. He grinned when he saw the paint scheme. The body was fire engine red with "Baroness Becky" painted on the sides below the registration number NX60432 and a caricature of Becky in a leather flying helmet and a white scarf wrapped around her neck and flowing alongside the cowling. Becky was going to scream when she saw it. Cal flew the plane back to Colorado, but landed at Hugh's place to store the plane there. She was to take her solo flight Saturday and when she landed, he was going to fly in behind her and land.
On Saturday morning, Cal, Siobhan and Becky went to the airfield and met Ken, Becky's IP. Ken explained to her what she had to do. As Becky started to do her walk-around, Andy drove up and told Cal he need him to check something out. Cal told Becky he'd see her when she landed and took off with Andy. Andy raced to Hugh's and Cal got Becky's SuperSTOL ready to fly. Once he was in the air he called Siobhan and she told him where to set up. He stayed a couple of thousand feet above and behind her. Once Mike had cleared Becky's approach and landing, Cal started his approach. Becky had just parked her plane when Cal landed. He taxied the plane up next to Becky as she turned around to see who it was.
"EEEEEEEEHHHHHHH! DAD!" Becky, screaming, ran up and hugged Cal.
Siobhan trotted over and they had a three-way hug. A grinning Billy walked over and presented her with a reproduction leather flying helmet and a white silk scarf.
"Can I take it up?" Becky asked, excitedly.
Cal grinned. "Go ahead, but stay within sight of the airfield for now."
Becky quickly donned the helmet and scarf. Siobhan insisted pictures had to be taken and a fidgety Becky allowed a few then did her pre-flight and got into the plane. She started the plane and taxied out to the runway and took off. She stayed in sight of the airfield and 20 minutes later, landed. Shutting down and getting out of the aircraft, she ran over to Siobhan and Cal.
"Thank you so MUCH!" Becky said crying. "You are the best parents in the world!"
They folded the winds back and towed the plane into the hangar. Becky and Billy were jabbering back and forth about the adventures they could go on. "You really do spoil our children too much." Siobhan told Cal.
"No, I just guide them to a different level of responsibility. I would never have gotten the plane if I didn't think she could handle it. She is very mature for her age."
"Yes, she is." Agreed Siobhan.
Cal took everyone down to Casey's for pie as a celebration. Casey and Siobhan went off while the waitress was getting their drinks. When they came back, Casey was carrying a picture frame in her hand. When Siobhan got seated, Casey went over and stood beside Becky.
"Becky, I'm starting a picture wall and I wanted photos about the residents around here. I want your picture to be the first to go up. She flipped the picture frame over and it was the picture of Becky, with her helmet and scarf on, standing next to her new plane. You could easily see the caricature and "Baroness Becky" on the side of the plane. Casey took the back off the frame and had Becky sign and date the front of the picture. They both went over and hung the picture, together. Becky hugged Casey and came back to take her seat.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 10, 2021 23:01:52 GMT -6
"Dad, that leather helmet is awful hot to be wearing in the summertime."
Cal grinned and Siobhan laughed. "I know. I have you a red helmet with built-in headset and boom mike at the house. By the way 45 won't be available for a while."
"Why? What's going on Billy asked.
"Miguel is repainting it for me. I'm having it painted O.D. green with three white stripes on each wing."
"Like the D-Day planes." Billy said.
"Exactly."
"Cool!"
The door opened in the restaurant and Ryan walked in.
"Whoa! Looks like a celebration!" Ryan grinned.
"Becky soloed today."
"We congratulations Becky!."
"You may call me 'Baroness."
Siobhan giggled. "Cal had 'Baroness Becky' painted on the side of her red plane."
Ryan bowed sharply, took her hand and kissed the back of it and said, "My apologies, Baroness."
Becky giggled.
"Thanks."
"Cal, I'm glad I ran into you. Geoff was wondering if he could get one of the apartments. Wants to be closer to the action. He's wanting to sell his parents' place. Who is a good realtor around here?"
"I'll check around and talk to Geoff, Cal said.
Cal excused himself and went outside and called Abe.
"Abe? Cal. Are you interested in buying the Carlton place?"
"Not really."
"Will hay grow there?"
"Sure, It's just like mine. Stays irrigated, plus has a 30-foot wide stream running on the western edge that runs year round."
"Okay, I'll talk to you later."
Cal went back in and sat down.
"What's up?" Siobhan asked.
"Geoff Carlton wants to sell his parents'...his place."
"You buying more land?"
"Abe says it will grow hay. Abe is going to start a hay operation. I think we can fill our hay needs with that land.
Cal caught up with Geoff the next morning.
"Geoff, Ryan said you were interested in moving into one of the apartments."
"Yes, I'd like to be closer to work. Sometimes I don't want to stop what I'm doing and work into the night. That drive back to the house would be a kicker late at night."
"I understand. Ryan also said you wanted to sell the place."
"Yes, it really has no ties for me. Mom and Dad bought it kind of as a hobby."
"Well, that land would normally go for 8-8.5 hundred a acre. I'll give you $1.3 million in gold for it."
"U.S. gold?"
"Gold Eagles, whatever denominations you want."
"I'll take it."
"Then I'll have the lawyers do the paperwork and get back with you."
Cal called Cyn and had them get started. He then called Abe and told him he was going to use the Carlton place for hay and soybean production .
Cal estimated he could save several thousands of dollars by raising and buying hay locally than having it shipped in. He'd have to build more hay shelters, But he'd do that at Dale's, the Circle B and on HTR. Karen would probably be interested in buying hay also.
The gods were blessing him again…
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 10, 2021 23:04:39 GMT -6
Cal took a map and met with Dennis.
"Dennis, I'm buying the Carlton place. I want you to take a Rokon and mark a road, the easiest way you can go, to there from the twin springs road. Work on it when you can. When the purchase goes through, I want you to take the excavator and block the road going into the property from the state road. I don't know if it is the same type of bridge over this ravine as was on the Haskel place. If it isn't, stack boulders at the end of the bridge to stop vehicle traffic. I'll have the other guys giving you a hand."
Dennis went down to the equipment hangar and got the Rokon and marking paint with marking paint stick and took off.
Cal saw Shay down at the equipment barn greasing the motor grader. Dennis must have called him. Cal walked on down.
"What's up Shay?"
"Billy called and told me what's going on. I'm getting the grader ready to do the rough cut. Anything else, we'll use the D-8."
"Well, don't cut past our property line until the paperwork is complete. You don't have to be in too big of a hurry."
Four days later, Dennis and Shay had the road roughed out to the Carlton property line. They were beginning to crown and improve the road when Cal was confronted by Billy and Becky.
"Dad, can we help Shay and Dennis?"
"What would you be doing?"
"I could drive the compactor." Billy said."
"…and I could drive the water truck." Added Becky.
"Have you talked to them about this?"
"They said it was all right with them if it was okay with you."
"Okay, I see they're down at the equipment shed. Let's go talk to them."
The three went to the equipment shed where Dennis and Shay were doing maintenance.
"Dennis, Billy and Becky said you'd let them help you."
"Yeah, we said they could if it was okay with you."
"Okay then. Billy, get you and Becky reflective vests out of the equipment hangar and make sure you do just as Dennis and Shay say."
"Thanks Dad!" Billy said, running to get the vests.
Shay took Becky over to show her how to fill the water tanker. Cal shook his head and grinned and walked back to the house.
Call walked into the kitchen where Martha and Siobhan were baking bread.
"Billy and Becky are helping Dennis and Shay on the road."
"What are they going to be doing?" Siobhan asked.
"Billy's driving the compactor and Becky is driving the water truck."
"CAL!"
"They'll be fine. They're as safe there as anywhere."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 10, 2021 23:12:49 GMT -6
Geoff went to the break room to see what type snacks they kept there. There were fruit cups in the refrigerator so he took one and a bottle of spring water. Going over to a booth at the side of the room, he sat and opened the fruit cup. He slowly ate and was reading news reports on his phone when someone sat down across from him. He looked up and a young woman was looking at him."
"Good morning," he said.
"Good morning," she smiled.
Geoff went back to reading, then glanced up at her.
"Can I help you, Miss…"
"Consuela Garcia, Connie. And your name is…"
"Geoff Carlton. And again, is there something I can help you with?"
"I thought we should get to know each other a little before you asked me out."
Geoff put down his spoon and wiped his mouth. "What makes you think I would be asking you out on a date?"
"Oh, now it's a date? That's moving along a little fast but yes I would like to go out on a date with you. Here's my office and cell numbers. Give me a call…soon."
Connie got up and walked out of the break room.
Geoff sat there, not knowing what to think. He had seen the woman from a distance a few times, but had never spoken to her. Maybe she was nuts. Why would she want anything to do with him?
Geoff went back to his workroom and looked at the draft drawings he had made. Ryan wanted conformal battery cases designed. The problem was not every space in cars was the same. He'd have to come up with some way to meet a happy medium for small and mid-range cars. He picked up his drawing pen and continued working. Cal was summoned to Level 2 in the shelter by Diana.
Cal found her at the elevator when he got out. "What's up?"
"We've finished the residences here and I wanted you to check them out." Diana said.
"How many did you end up with?"
"We've got thirty Jack and Jill suits, two dormitories holding 20 beds or bunk beds each, 15 individual rooms, and twenty-five family suits." Diane replied.
Cal walked through. The walls had been smoothed and epoxied, cork tiles were laid, plumbing and bathrooms were finished. All that was needed was furnishings. They needed to get caught up on that. Separate ten-head shower rooms were connected to each one.
"You've got enough room to house half the county!" Cal grinned.
"Well, you told me to utilize the space. Let me show you something else."
"Diane walked him back toward the elevator to a closed steel door. When Diane unlocked it, Cal immediately recognized its use."
"Good idea. They wouldn't have to go to the armory to draw weapons."
Diane smiled. "I talked to Del and he's got enough weapons to keep here for the users."
"Good idea. What else do you have?"
"Do you want to check out the escape tunnel before we finish doing the end?"
"Sure. Lead the way."
Diane walked him back to the elevator and took a left. She unlocked a non-descript door and the lights immediately came on. Cal noticed there were flipping locking plates on the door on the inside. You'd have to use explosives to open the door once it was secured. Twenty feet down the tunnel, it took a ninety degree right then a ninety degree left. After another fifteen yards the tunnel took a ninety degree left and a few feet further, took a ninety degree right. After another fifteen yards there was another ninety degree right and ninety degree left, opening into an anteroom with the escape hatch.
"Go ahead and open the hatch." Diane said. "We haven't covered it yet."
Cal opened the hatch and it took a moment to realize where he was.
"Outstanding! You've got this, Diana! What are you working on next?"
"Level 4, but we're going to take a break first. We have a vein that we can dig out between Levels 3 and 4 that contains a lot of gold, but I'll have to plug the hole when we've recovered it."
"Take your time. Get what you can without damaging the structural integrity."
"That won't be a problem. Have you got someone who can smelt what gold we've recovered so far? It's stacking up."
"No problem. I think Del has some free time."
Cal left Diana and went to the Armory. Dell was cutting tubes on the lathe.
Cal tapped Del on the shoulder and Del cut of the machine.
"Hey Cal! I was `just cutting tubes for suppressor bodies."
"What can you make?"
"Oh, I've got them for every semi-automatic weapon you have, suppressors in 5.56, 6.8, 7.62, .45, 9mm, and 22. Basically everything we have, except for the .50s."
"Are you going to paper them?'
"I don't think you'd need to use them unless the SHTF, but I can do a few if you want."
"Yeah, do a few for the rifles and pistols and we'll keep the rest out of action until needed. The reason I stopped by was to see if you could smelt some gold for me."
"No problem. I just turn out the suppressors in my spare time. I'll finish up this one and get started on the gold."
"Thanks Del."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 6:37:37 GMT -6
That afternoon Cal was working in his study when Siobhan came in.
"Cal, you have some visitors."
Cal started to get up when Cheryl, Diana Conrad, Lilly, Cyn, and Jana Janatová were escorted in by Siobhan.
"Cal, we need to talk with you about something." Diana said.
"Whoa! We don't have enough room here. Let's move to the Family Room."
"Please, have a seat ladies."
Diane began. "Cal, during the last few months, as you well know, it was difficult to maintain resupplying the shelter. It was almost like an armed convoy every time we brought in anything. We have fewer residents these days and although we need to maintain the shelter and rehab facilities, we need to down-size a bit."
"That means we would be left with a bit of underutilized space." Cal remarked. Cheryl interjected. "Cal there have been some offers on the property that want to utilize it for other purposes. If you decided to relocate the facility, we would come out ahead, tax-wise."
Cal thought a moment. "Let me think about this. I've got an idea swirling in my mind but I need to look into it a bit more. In the interim Diana, look for something that we could have the minimum of administrative space, kitchen and enough space for say, ten beds. I'll get back with you all later in the week. Cheryl, could you and Lilly stay for a minute?"
The rest of the women left.
"Okay, financially, what would this mean for the Charity?
"Streamlining. The job still gets done, but more efficiently. As far as costs, a couple of offers would more than cover new facilities. You would probably come out breaking even or better." Lilly said.
"Okay, this is between us for now. I've got it in mind to build a new rehabilitation center on the old Haskel spread. Living quarters, classrooms, dining facility, etc. I'll leave most of the design to center personnel. If you do have to go over budget, I'll make it up. I've got to do some coordination and we'll have a meeting of all concerned personnel at 2:00 Friday afternoon."
"Thanks Cal." Cheryl said. Turning to Lilly she said, "This is your puppy."
When they left Cal called and made sure Gary was going to be in and made an appointment for the next morning. He then went to find Siobhan.''
"Well, what do you think?" Cal asked.
"Well, the shelter does have fewer residents these days. They've done a good job."
"What do you think of building a brand new facility out on the Haskel ranch? There would be no distractions, and everything is in place except for the main buildings."
"That's a good idea. You could get references from the Sheriff's and Police departments and even Social Services. It would get them out of the city environment into a more calm atmosphere."
"That's what I was thinking."
Over the next few weeks, the planning was polished on the relocation of the Hope Coleman Center to the Haskel Ranch. A custom designed facility was built on site. The only input Cal had was to insist the structure walls were to be built with embedded insulation and be eight inches thick. All roofs were to be metal. At least four cottages would be built for single-parent families. Cal had Harris Construction build a 20-ton bridge over the ravine. The buttresses on the road side of the bridge were recessed to install the plaque from the Center. The sale of the property in Grand Junction more than paid for the construction of the new facility. The extra money was poured back into furbishing.
"When is the dedication?" Cal asked Diane.
"September 27th." Diane replied.
"Have you got everything you need?"
"We're fine. The women will move out two days prior to the dedication. Everything will be fully stocked by the day of the dedication. We've already started getting RSVPs back. Even Reverend Benjamin Patterson has responded. I think the gift boxes we packed last year for Mary's Mercy last year helped in that."
Cal sighed. "Okay. Let me know if you need anything."
Diane left and Cal sat there for a while and stared out the window. That is where Siobhan found him. She quietly walked up behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders, gently massaging his muscles.
"What's up?"
"Siobhan, I don't know what I'm doing. I just do what I think is right."
"Then just keep doing what you think is right. It's worked pretty well for you and everyone you touch so far. Cal, God has a plan for all of us, and He has a plan for you. I am so thankful that God guided you into my life and that I've had this time with you and the kids. It's more of a blessing than I could have ever hoped for. You are the love of my life and I'm humbled and honored that you chose me. You're a rock for these people and have been for a long time. I'll be by your side for as long as God allows it. Hold onto me. And we'll lean on each other through all trials and tribulations."
Several people helped moving the women out to the new Center. A lot of the furniture was used from the old facility and Diane contracted with a company to sell what wasn't going to be used. Dawn filled the refrigerators and pantries with fresh food and ensured all foodstuff was moved to the new Center. The day before the dedication, Reverend Patterson and an assistant arrived at the airfield. Cal met him a the base of the air stairs.
"Reverend Patterson, I'm Cal Coleman. we're glad you could attend."
"Cal, may I call you Cal…?"
"Of course."
"Cal, it is indeed a pleasure to be here. Your charity has been doing some magnificent work."
"Thank you Sir. If you would come with me, I'll take you to your accommodations."
Cal and the assistant loaded the baggage into the Suburban and Cal drove them to the house.
"Is this vehicle electric?" Asked Reverend Patterson.
"Yes Sir, everything on the Ranch is electric except for the heavy equipment."
"Interesting."
Cal got them situated in the guest house then took them over to the main house where he introduced them to Siobhan and Martha. Siobhan and Martha served them iced tea and tea cakes.
Reverend Patterson smiled. "You know, I don't know when the last time was I had tea cakes. Reminds me when I was a boy. These days, everyone wants to entice you with fancy pastry and such. I think the simple things in life are better…for my waist too!"
"I agree."
"Cal, tell me about the Hope For The Future charity. I know only what my aid has told me."
Cal told him what they had done and what they were doing; the programs and training they sponsored and about the new facility. Siobhan interjected a few times when Cal, in his humbleness, didn't quite expound on his input to the charity.
"Cal, you're doing God's work. Bless you."
Cal nodded."
"Now tell me about Cal Coleman…"
Cal shifted uneasily in his seat."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 6:38:18 GMT -6
"Reverend Patterson, if you ask him that, you'll only get a partial glance of Cal. Allow me to tell you about Cal Coleman and how he lives." Siobhan said.
Siobhan started with the first time she met Cal up to the idea of designing and building the new Center. Martha refilled the tea glasses and replenished the cookies a couple of times. When Siobhan finished, Reverend Patterson remained silent for a few moments.
"You and your family have had many trials but have remained strong through the love of God. Would you mind if we prayed together?"
They all held hands and Reverend Patterson prayed for Cal and his endeavors. When he finished, Siobhan asked if they'd like to use the facilities. When Reverend Patterson came back, he sat back down.
"Cal, you are an amazing man. I sense you use the Golden Rule as your main guide."
"Yes Reverend, I do. And I, and our charities try to help the less fortunate, but unfortunately, there are those who refuse help. We can only do so much and leave the rest in God's hands."
"Yes, it is unfortunate. My aid tells me you sent out 100 of the children's gift boxes for operation last year."
"Oh, I didn't do it. The women in the Center put them together. I just made sure they got to your organization."
"Yes, but you did the guidance."
"Speaking of which," Cal motioned to Siobhan who handed him an envelope. "Here is a little donation for your disaster relief efforts" and handed the envelope to Reverend Patterson.
"It is much appreciated Cal."
"Martha and I need to start dinner." Siobhan said. "Cal, why don't you take Reverend Patterson on a tour. Dinner will be at 7:00."
Reverend Lambry and Edna arrived at 6:30 and were introduced. Before dinner, Siobhan asked Reverend Patterson to give the blessing. After a delicious meal of Saucy Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, and hot yeast rolls, Cal, Reverend Lambry and Reverend Patterson sat on the patio.
"Cal, that was one of the best meals I've eaten away from home in a long, long time."
"The ladies around here are some extremely good cooks."
"It also helps that everything you ate here this evening was grown right here on the Ranch." Reverend Lambry added.
"You and your people have done amazing things here. I can feel God's love in every aspect. If only other communities were the same."
"It comes from giving and receiving respect for each other. This community works together, plays together and will fight together to protect each other. Before I came here, I'd never seen anything like it. God has blessed me in allowing me to administer to this community." Reverend Lambry said.
"It truly is an amazing community. The people I've met here today are happy in their work and that makes a big difference. It is sad more leaders do not approach their citizens like that. Cal, is there anything I can do for you?"
"Reverend, keep us in your prayers, as you are in ours. We are pretty much self-sustaining here but can always use the spiritual support."
"You will have it."
Siobhan, Martha, and Edna came out and sat with them and they talked into the night. Before he retired for the evening, he led them in prayer. Cal walked Reverend Patterson back to the guest house where they said their good nights."
The next morning, after a dedication speech by Reverend Patterson, the plaques were uncovered on the bridge buttresses and a ribbon across the bridge was cut. Diana and Jana, the Center Administrator, escorted the entourage around the Center grounds explaining each area. Reverend Patterson was impressed. He was especially impressed with the meditation garden Kengo had designed and built with the women in mind. After the dedication was over, Cal and Reverend Lambry drove Reverend Patterson and his aide back to the airfield. As they watched the aircraft take off, both had ideas flowing through their heads.
Siobhan brought Edna back with her and Cal and the Reverend joined them at the house.
"Well Reverend, your congregation has grown today." Cal smiled.
"All are welcome. The Center is impressive, Cal."
"That's all the work of Jana, Diane, and many others. I helped where I could."
"I don't think there is another facility anywhere else like it. You have truly built something magnificent."
Not only had Cal insisted on how the walls were built, he also directed all heating was in-floor radiant heating. Wood furnaces provide zoned heating to all the buildings. Cal had helped a logging company get back on its feet by updating their equipment and helping them get a contract with the Forest Service removing beetle damaged trees from National Forest and providing HTR and the Center with firewood. They had negotiated for 25 truckloads of split and palletized firewood, which gave them more than enough even in the worst conditions. They had hired an alternative energy company to install the off-grid systems with Barry Martin closely supervising. All the buildings had basements and there was even a pedestrian tunnel out to the furnace building. The furnace building held three large boilers and enough covered area to hold ten pallets of wood.
Cal was relieved everything had been relocated out here. It was much safer.
Geoff got up from his drafting table and stretched. It was time for his 10:00 break. He wandered down to the break area and looked in the refrigerator only to find energy bars and cartons of juices and bottles of water. Taking a bottle of water out, he walked over to the window and gazed out over the complex. Hearing someone walk up behind him, he turned around. There stood Connie, holding a plastic container and a fork out to him.
"What's this?"
"Fresh fruit from the greenhouses." Connie said.
Geoff took a seat at a nearby table and opened the top of the storage container.
"Pineapple? I didn't know they grew pineapple here too."
"Yes, they have a whole greenhouse with nothing but pineapple in it."
"Geoff took a bite and closed his eyes, savoring the flavor."
"You haven't called me."
Geoff opened his eyes and looked at her and sighed.
"You are an enigma."
"Not so. I see someone special that has a lot bottled up inside and it's hurting him."
"Connie, I was happily married for six years, but lost her. I still love her with all my hear. I miss her and yes, it hurts."
"I understand. But I don't think she would want you to go about being just a shell of hollow feelings."
Connie got up and left the room. Geoff sat there, slowly chewing the fruit, thinking.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 6:42:16 GMT -6
Sylvio and his crew went over to the Carlton place and removed the cross fencing throughout the property and removed any debris found. Once that was accomplished, they used a trailed sub-soiler to prepare the fields for sewing the winter peas. In the spring, the cover crop would be turned under and the grass/hay mixture would be planted. Cal inspected the finished road as he drove over to check out the fields. Parking beside the large field, Cal watched as Ernesto and his oldest planted, using a seed drill. By next summer, they should get 350 tons of hay off of the 70 acres they would plant in hay. Cal walked around to the outbuildings and checked them out. He needed to talk to Sylvio about building an equipment barn to store the sub-soiler, the trailer mounted water pump, tractors, haybine, hay rakes and bailers. Cal had purchased at an auction two Unimog U1700 4wd Trucks that had PTO. He would use them to tow and run the hay conveyer and general farm work and keep one stored here on the Carlton spread. The house was in great condition but wouldn't stay that way if there was no one living in it. Cal offered to let Ernesto's family move in and they accepted. They had a nice garden growing and even some chickens.
Driving back home, Cal's mind was busy. Another part of his long-range plan was falling into place. He would not have to purchase hay next year and would even be able to sell Karen what she needed.
He began thinking about his next project…bio-diesel. While purchasing all his diesel powered equipment, he kept in mind that all should be manufactured before 2007. Anything after that could not use straight bio-diesel fuel. All the fuel lines had already been replaced with bio-diesel compatible hoses. He had the equipment in storage, but not enough chemicals. That was the next thing he had to stockpile. He wouldn't begin production anytime soon, because they would have to produce an oil crop. He suddenly decided to plant 70 acres of the Carlton place in soybeans. He might as well build the processing plant there also. He would need a silo, an oil pressing building, a bioprocessing build, a chemical storage building and a building to store the pressed soybeans in. He'd get Barry started on converting the house for off-grid power and have him design the requirements to power the processing buildings. The plan was to have enough chemicals stockpiled to run for 10 years, producing 2000 gallons a month.
When Cal got home he went to his drafting table and began doing a draft drawing of the layout.
Martha, Helen, and Mary were in the Processing House helping blanch spinach and packaging it for freezing. Others were busy cutting up and freeze-drying the pineapple crop.
"Why aren't they canning the pineapple?" Helen asked.
"Have you seen what they get for freeze-dried pineapple? It's almost a dollar an ounce. Plus it can be re-hydrated and it's as good as fresh."
"Did you hear about the Academy? All the students passed the state's accountability exams and it is considered one of the top five schools in the state. The state examiners wanted to discount the results but when they realized the students were primarily minorities, they shut up."
"I think Cal has the right idea. Have work-arounds to make sure we can do things without government interference. This is a wonderful place to raise children and we are fortunate to be here."
Becky, along with Helen, Mary and Martha, had been putting together the cookbook of recipes from all the ranches and homesteaders in the area. Becky had gone around and taken candid photos of the submitters to be included in the book. The layout was almost complete. The book was to be in loose-leaf format for ease of use and the pages coated to keep off food stains. In the negotiations with the small startup printing company in Denver, Cal had funded the expansion of their equipment to do the special printing in lieu of royalties that most self-publishing companies wanted. By the time the book had been put together, it was so large they decided to split it into four volumes, each volume released a month apart. They decided to print 2000 copies and see where it went. When everything was ready, Cal flew Becky to Denver to visit the publishing company and give them their product. It was in the exact format the printer's wanted and were amazed at the way the content was presented. They pulled up the book on their computer and perused the content.
"Did you want a Preface or dedication?"
Becky thought for a second and said, "Dedicated to the men and women of this country who strive to make this world a better place to live."
"Ranch Cooking At Its Best!" was going to press! Harris Construction prepared the land for the bio-fuel buildings and began laying the foundations. Not a lot of earth moving had to be done so the concrete forms went in relatively quick. Cal had a deeper well dug so there would be plenty of water. The first building to be built was the chemical storage building. The 40x80 foot building, as was the rest, was insulated concrete and an insulated metal roof. Between Houston and Dallas, Cal found companies that could easily provide the chemicals they would need. As soon as the building was completed, Cal would begin ordering the chemicals. As the building progressed, the holding tank for the processed fuel would be installed behind the processing building.
Jon and Barry were working on a military surplus Fuel Tanker that held 4500 gallons of fuel that could transfer the processed fuel to the main tanks on the ranch or used as a field refueler. Cal pondered on when to send Ernesto and his son Eduardo up to Utah for training in making biodiesel. That could probably wait until all the construction was done. Once they returned from training they could help in the installation of the equipment and run a batch. Cal had kept the diesel engine in the Suburban for long trips. The Silverado was fine for local, even for trips to Denver, but he wanted the 2006 Suburban the way it was with its 6BT boxed Cummins diesel. He drove down to the quarry where Dennis and Shay were sorting rock and gravel into separate mounds. Dennis had told him they were going to get head on their stone in order to have ample supplies for building new roads and repairs.
"Hey guys!"
"Morning, Cal."
"Man! You've done a lot of work here."
"Yeah, we're about done. Unless you come up with a long road to build, we've got enough to last us a good while."
"The only thing we have coming up is emplacing the 5000 gallon take at the Carlton place. The concrete should be dry on the base stands. We'll let it set up for a couple of days and put the tank on."
"We can go ahead and move the crane down there to have it ready. We'll be ready."
Cal called Utah BioFuel and had the guys set up for the training. If the forms were coming off Tuesday, then by the time they got back the drying in of the buildings would be done. He called Ernesto and told him to be prepared to leave Sunday to go to the training.
One more check off his list.
Connie was sitting in the break room at lunch eating salad and reading a book when someone came up to her table. She looked up and Geoff was standing there.
"I didn't have your number." Geoff said.
"You didn't ask me for it. Are you going to the dinner at the Community Center Sunday?"
"I guess." Geoff said.
"I'll give it to you then."
Geoff stood there for a second , frowned, then turned around and left.
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Post by gipsy on Aug 11, 2021 7:32:07 GMT -6
Cool update.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 12:50:15 GMT -6
Connie waited a few minutes and went back to her office. She knew Geoff had a meeting with Ryan and John at 1:00 so she waited. Opening her desk drawer, she took out a polished river rock she had picked up at the craft store. She had taken a fine tip white paint marker and had written her cell number on it. At 1:10 she peeked in Geoff's office to find no one there. Moving over to his drafting table, she placed the rock on the pen ledge. Smiling, she closed the door and left. Geoff came back from a successful meeting with the owners and was in a good mood. Placing his notes on his desk, he then went over to his drafting table. As he was about to sit in his chair he noticed the rock laying there on the pen ledge. Picking it up, he turned it over. Seeing the phone number, he smiled and shook his head. Cal watched as the installation crew put together the 6,000 bushel grain silo behind the oil press building. When it was complete, he'd have it filled with soybeans for their first test batches of biodiesel When the chemical storage was complete, Cal ordered the chemicals from Texas. Ernesto and Eduardo were back and the installation of the equipment began. When the chemicals began arriving, Ernesto supervised the unloading and inventorying the shipment, verifying the amounts they had on hand. After checking and double checking the equipment, They ran the first batch of soybeans through the oil press. The oil was pumped to the processing building and into the tanks. The next day the finished batch was tested and anti-gel and other additives added. They had successfully produced their first batch of biodiesel. The fuel was pumped into the holding tank until time to transfer it to the main tanks with PRI-D and anti-gel added. They would run only one batch per week. The Ranch wouldn't be buying diesel again. Charlie has been working on the medical inventory and had Ben look it over. He had given her back a list of what he would order and what Charlie could get over the counter or from medical supply houses. The list contained QuikClot ACS gauze pads, gauze and combat bandages, 2 10-liter oxygen concentrators, a pair of AEDs, oxygen masks, nasal cannula, 2 sets of adjustable crutches, 2 adjustable canes, cases of IV sets and Ringers, D5W, normal saline and D5NS, Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin. Over the counter items included additional bandages, gauze pads, regular and stretch gauze, Non-adherent dressing dressings, Band-Aids, self-adhering wrap, laxatives, anti-diarrheal, vitamins, aspirin, Tylenol, Ace bandages, non-sterile exam gloves, vitamins, Benadryl, and a host of other first aid supplies. Charlie had reported to Cal that the inventories would be back up to what had been recommended as soon as the medical supplies were in and the protective gear from Approved Gas Masks for MSA Millennium Gas Masks, to include MSA OptimAir 6A PAPR, suits, boots, tape and gloves together with 4 cases of extra CBRN filters, and M8 gas test strips. Dawn had ordered another 144 cases of quart and pint canning jars with Tattler lids and extra rings, vacuum seal bags, and other products to process the foods. Cal looked everything over and was satisfied they could weather just about anything that came their way. As an afterthought, he called Charlie and had her order 500 pounds of bagged table salt, 500 pounds of bagged Kosher salt, and 500 pounds of fine sea salt. Switching over to the ammo database, Cal scrolled through the inventory. They had enough ammo to fight a long term war. They had plenty of the 7.62×51mm Lake City ammo including M852, a 168gr BTHP Match cartridge and the M118LR, a 175-grain Match round using Sierra MatchKing Hollow Point Boat Tail projectiles. Also listed was Lake City M993126.6gr AP. He'd have Andy have the snipers practice to get used to the different bullet weights. Cal leaned back in his chair, trying to think of what he needed to do next. They had water, food, fuel, arms, power…he'd have Del increase their stocks of reloading supplies. Nothing else crossed his mind so he logged out of the computer and went to see what was for lunch. Connie's phone rang and she answered.
"I'm calling you." Recognizing Geoff's voice, she smile. Oh! This is a surprise!" Connie said. "Yes, I'm sure it is." Geoff said, wryly. "I'm out of practice at this. Would you like to see a movie Friday night?" "Yes, I would like that very much. 7:00?" "I'll pick you up then." Geoff ended the call. He was flushed and nervous. It had been a long time since he'd asked a female out. Cal and Siobhan sat on the patio watching the kids roast marshmallows and enjoying the evening. "Kids, watch the fire! Siobhan admonished. "Crap! I knew there was something!" Cal exclaimed "What?" Siobhan asked. "Fire. If one of these cabins were to catch fire, we have no way to put it out! We've got water but no way to deliver it. I need to find a fire truck and someone to train us on what to do." "Now you know what your next project will be." Siobhan grinned. The next morning Cal got on the internet and looked at used fire equipment. He finally found a company in Alabama that looked like they might have what he wanted, but he wanted some advice from an experienced firefighter. Earl Gilmore knew practically everyone in Mesa County so he called Earl for his recommendation of who to talk to. "Yeah, my brother-in-law. He's served 20 years with the Lakewood-Bancroft Fire Protection District. Why, you need someone?" Cal told Earl of his plan and needed advice on what type of setup he needed. "Well, it just so happens he and my sister are coming down Saturday. Why don't I run him out to talk to you?" "I'd appreciate it Earl. Give me a call on your way out." Cal took some notes on the used equipment and shut the computer down.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 12:51:10 GMT -6
Earl called Cal Saturday afternoon and said he and his BIL, Harry, would be there in twenty minutes. When they arrived they went out on the patio to talk.
"Cal, Earl explain some of what you wanted on the way out here. Just looking around as we drove in impressed me in the size of your place. You are wise to want to think about fire protection."
"Thanks, Harry. We are a good distance from any fire station and it's past time for us to do something about it."
"We'll, just from casual observation, you're going to need a water tank. Are you going to be able to do that?"
"Yes, no problem. With the system we have now, we can pump around 50 gallons a minute of purified water."
"Have you considered putting in fire hydrants?"
"Not really. I thought we could do with a couple of tanker trucks."
"Well, a pumper truck pumps between 1200 and 1500 gallons a minute. The pumper trucks have a 500 - 750 gallon tank. A tanker will have around a 5000 gallon tank. You can get bigger, but the bigger they are the slower they are. Even with a 5000 gallon tank, you have less than 5 minutes of water to fight a fire. That's why I asked about hydrants."
"Hmmm. Well, looks like I'll be spending a bit of money. Where could I get the training for a volunteer department, Harry?"
Harry sat for a second before answering. "Cal, my paperwork is in for my twenty. I can offer my services if you can match my monthly retirement check."
"And that would be…?"
"No more than $3600 a month."
"Are you willing to move here?"
"Absolutely! The Denver area is slowly being taken over by Liberals. I've just been waiting to retire to get out of there."
"What about your wife?"
Earl chuckled. "You don't have to worry about Sally. She's always been a country girl. Lord only knows why she stayed in the city with this knothead."
Harry laughed and nodded.
"Well then, you're hired. Now, I need some ideas on equipment and a building."
"Well, it would be best if you had a building before you bought the equipment. Have you got any idea of what you want?"
"Well, I've been looking on the internet and I've come up with a couple of ideas. We don't need much more than a pumper and a tanker. I want them to be pre-2007 because we're starting to use biodiesel."
"Excellent! I can get you the plans for a sub-station building that would be just right."
"Great! Why don't you bring Sally down next weekend and plan to spend Saturday night here. After church on Sunday, we have a community pot luck. That way you and Sally can get to meet most of the people."
"We can do that."
"I'll start working on the water tank. If you can bring the building plans with you next weekend, I can get started on that."
They stood and shook hands and Earl and Harry departed. Cal went inside and found Siobhan and the girls baking cookies.
"Can I talk with you a minute?"
Siobhan frowned. "Sure, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to fill in on the fire protection plan. Harry thinks we should put in a bigger water tank and fire hydrants. He's getting ready to retire and willing to move out here to head up our volunteer fire department."
"Thank goodness! Ever since you mentioned the lack of fire protection the other night it had me start worrying."
"Well, we're going to fix that. Harry and his wife Sally will be spending next weekend with us to rub elbows."
"Okay, that's good. It'll be nice having new members in the community."
Cal called Ed Harris on Monday for an appointment. When he explained what he wanted to do, Ed said he'd come out to the Ranch.
"We've done installation of waterlines and hydrants over in Appleton. Do you have a tank yet?"
"No, I was going to look up someone." Cal said.
"Pioneer Water Tanks America in San Marcos, Texas makes an excellent tank that will also hold drinking water."
"I'll check them out."
"Good. I'll be out tomorrow around 2:00, if that's okay.
"That would be great, Ed. Thanks."
Cal began to make a timeline checklist for the project. Once he had that roughed out, he called Pioneer and talked to the Sales Manager. Cal explained what he wanted and the manager was ecstatic. They, like all other businesses were in a sales slump and welcomed all business. Cal made plans to go to the San Marcos office and meet with him on Thursday.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 12:52:41 GMT -6
Cal called Ed Harris on Monday for an appointment. When he explained what he wanted to do, Ed said he'd come out to the Ranch.
"We've done installation of waterlines and hydrants over in Appleton. Do you have a tank yet?"
"No, I was going to look up someone." Cal said.
"Pioneer Water Tanks America in San Marcos, Texas makes an excellent tank that will also hold drinking water."
"I'll check them out."
"Good. I'll be out tomorrow around 2:00, if that's okay.
"That would be great, Ed. Thanks."
Cal began to make a timeline checklist for the project. Once he had that roughed out, he called Pioneer and talked to the Sales Manager. Cal explained what he wanted and the manager was ecstatic. They, like all other businesses were in a sales slump and welcomed all business. Cal made plans to go to the San Marcos office and meet with him on Thursday.
Cal and Matt flew in the TBM to San Marcos, where the sales manager met them at the municipal airport. He took them back to the office and they discussed Cal's needs. Cal opted for the 100,00 gallon tank with installation. The sales manager was grinning getting the financial paperwork together for financing.
"I won't be financing this and I'd like a discount."
"The sales manager's face fell."
I'll pay cash for the tank. Also, we already have heavy equipment on site, so you won't have to rent locally. We also have accommodations for your crew, and I can pay in U.S. Gold Eagles if you'd like."
The sales manager's mouth dropped open. "Excuse me, I need to talk with one of the head people."
The manager was gone about ten minutes before coming back with an older man.
"Hello, I'm Graham Davis, President of Pioneer. Bill said you could pay in gold?"
"Yes Sir. U.S. old Eagles. Half when they get on site and begin installation, the other half on completion."
"Bill, write up the contract with a 20% discount. Thank you, Mr. Coleman. It is a pleasure doing business with you."
Matt grinned at Cal, Cal nodded back. When the paperwork was complete and the installation start date set, the happy sales manager drove them back to the airport.
"That was quick." Matt said.
"Money talks." Cal answered, grinning. "When they begin installation, can you run the gold back down here?"
"Sure, no problem.
Harry and Sally arrived Saturday morning. After getting them situated in the guest house, Cal and Siobhan took them on a tour of the Ranch. Sally loved the greenhouses and was an avid canner herself. She practically drooled at the equipment they had in the Processing House. Harry and Cal selected a central location for the fire station while they were touring. When Siobhan showed them one of the spare cabins, Sally fell in love with it.
"Harry, I want something like this!"
"Well Sally, this one is yours, if you want it." Cal said.
"How much?" Harry asked.
"The only things you pay for out of your own pocket are your food, clothing, and personal fuel, and we sell fuel at 20% above wholesale cost. As you can see, it is off the grid, water is free, and as members of the Ranch community, food that is grown here is half-priced. When would you like to move in?"
"Monday!" Sally said.
Harry shook his head and grinned. "I think we have a house to sell and moving to be done first."
When Harry and Sally saw Serenity Garden, they were doubly won over.
"I've never seen anything that just felt so right." Sally said.
They went back to the house and Siobhan prepared a light lunch of salads and warm bread.
After lunch, Siobhan took Sally of to do whatever and Cal and Harry went out on the patio and sipped Irish Ale.
"The construction company would start on the waterlines on Wednesday and the water tank installation crew will be in the week after."
"Getting right on it, huh? Let me run out to the car and get the station plans." Harry said.
When he came back, he had a full set of construction plans for the sub-station.
"The last page attached is a full set of equipment to staff twelve members of the station."
"I'll let you handle that when you get out here. You're the expert. I'll take these in to my builder. Good, this is poured concrete walls. Just what I wanted. The only change will be double outside walls with foam insulation sandwiched in between. It will keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter."
"Good idea. I guess you'll be using off-grid power also?"
"Yep. We, or I should say Barry, has alternative energy down to a science." Sam was quick to respond with his crews to build the fire station which was in a good location near the Facility. They used the exact dimensions as the original plan. Basically, all they could do that week besides roughing in the plumbing and pouring the foundation. Harry and Sally were quickly moved their personal things into the guest house, letting their realtor handle the sale of the house. They went back and monitored the movers packing their things up then had a professional crew come in and clean the house. Before they could finish packing, the realtor was buy with couple to show the house. It was a quick sale and in a couple of weeks they would return to Denver to sign the papers for the closing. The "Tell-A-Woman" net was active and the women pitched in a made sure the log home was spotless for the new family's occupancy.
Harry and Sally attended church Sunday with the Colemans. Sally had helped Siobhan prepare food the day before. Cal and the men were going to cook chicken, burgers, and dogs. The Millers were introduced to everyone and melded right in to the community.
John raised an eyebrow when Connie and Geoff came in together. He looked at Kayleigh questionably.
"Oh, you didn't know? They went out Friday night. Connie is head over heels." Gianna and Del came in and picked a table. Gianna went over to Connie and Geoff and invited them to share the table.
Dale and Stephanie were bring in food and placing it on the food line.
"Steph, did you bring that strawberry pudding?" Siobhan asked."
"Sure did. If I don't get it out of the house Dale and the kids will eat it up in one sitting!"
Dale walked out on the patio and found Cal and a couple of others flipping burgers.
"Cal, I sold those two 3-year-old palominos to a couple out near Del Norte yesterday. I'll drop the check by Cheryl's tomorrow."
"That makes six horses so far this year, doesn't it?"
"Yep, and I've got four more pending. People are showing interest in the Rocky Mountain Horses. I'm thinking of getting rid of them and going with mostly Rangerbreds. Tracking the registration paperwork will be easier."
"Yeah, I was looking at our horses. I'd like you to check them out and breed four of the mares. Do you have anything to replace them?"
"Sure. Let me go through the paperwork and I'll do the exchange."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 12:54:16 GMT -6
They brought the meat into the building and transferred it into warming pans. Everything was ready so Reverend Lambry gave the blessing. Before they started eating, Cal got everyone's attention and introduced Harry and Sally Miller. Cal announced his plans for the VFD. "Crews will begin the installation of a 100,000 gallon water storage tank and I apologize ahead of time for the possible interruption of movement due to the emplacement of water lines and fire hydrants. This will take a few weeks, so please be patient. Also, I need volunteers to staff the fire department. Harry will act as chief and will see to the training. If you are willing to volunteer, give Harry your name." Cal watched as man after man went over to Harry during the afternoon and volunteered their services. Even Miguel and his brothers volunteered. Two acres were set aside across from the General Store for the fire station. The fence around the Ranch was re-routed to go around the two acres and a gate added for entrance into the enclosed area. Six days later, the walls were up and the roof and overhead insulation were being installed. Barry was assisting the construction crew in wiring and installing the alternative energy components. Harry went to call with some questions. "Cal, do you want to tie in with the Mesa County Emergency Management people?" "What good would that do us?" "County-wide Emergency Preparedness and coordination on wildland fires. SAR, and be on the county emergency net." "That sounds reasonable. Let's do it. Oh, what about a fire training facility? I saw a page for American Fire Training Systems and they can build a facility out of shipping containers." "I'm familiar with them. I'll draw up a list of requirements and get in touch with them." At this point, it was time to buy the trucks. Cal and Harry looked over internet listings for used fire trucks and decided their best bet was Brindlee Mountain Fire Equipment Company in Union Grove Alabama. Harry called them and set up an appointment to look over equipment. He and Cal flew the TBM the 3.5 hours to Huntsville, then rented a car and drove to Union Grove. Looking over the equipment and checking the maintenance logs, they decided on a 2005 Pierce Dash Custom Pumper and a 1994 Freightliner 500/2000 tanker. Cal paid for the trucks, FOB delivered, with his American Express Centurion card. As Harry was driving back to Huntsville Cal said, "We should be back before dinner." Harry was busy sorting gear and arranging it in individual lockers. Cal looked around and saw a carbon dioxide filling station for fire extinguishers, extra hoses and different type nozzles, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus sets, Thermal Imaging Cameras, Bunker Gear, Flash Hoods, Boots, Helmets and Gloves, and test and maintenance equipment. He walked back and checked out the shower room, the kitchenette, and the break room. There was plenty of room to park the two trucks and racks already on the wall to hang equipment. Outside, two telephone poles with a crossbar provided a place to drain and dry out hoses. Every able bodied man and woman showed up for training. Harry had to split the class and give the initial class to the other group later. For now, he just trained them on how to use the equipment and handle the hoses. Training was slow until Mesa County Emergency Management arranged for training teams from the city fire departs came out and sped up the training. Cal had purchased 60 large shipping containers and American Fire Training Systems came and built a fire training site northeast of the lake in a cleared area. Sylvio and his men had been busy clearing sagebrush away from the buildings and roads out to 300 feet to negate the danger of any fires spreading, even though Martha said she couldn't remember the last time there was a fire around there except north above Grand Junction. Along with the firefighting equipment they had assembled, they still had the belly tank and a 900 gallon bucket that could be slung under the S-70. Cal felt at ease knowing he had taken another step to protect his people. After the first class Harry gave Cal stayed behind and toured the fire house again. He came back and Harry had just finished putting everything away. Harry, you've made this a very professional place, but you are working yourself to death. "Yeah, it's rough sometimes, but we've got to get these guys trained." "What about getting another guy to be your deputy? Do you know anyone that might be available? Harry paused for a second. "Yeah I might know of a guy. He's got a B.S. in Fire Science. Worked ten years in Chicago, worked three years in my district. Good solid man. "Give him a call a call and feel him out. I'll offer $65K a year." "I'll give him a call in the morning." Harry said. Cal drove down to the cornfields and watched as one of the men used the gleaner to harvest the crop. As the bin filled up, the Unimog with a dump trailer pulled up and the corn was transferred to the trailer. As soon as the transfer occurred and the corn would be taken to the silo where the trailer was dropped off and an empty trailer picked up and taken back to the fields. Two men at the silo would hook the trailer to a tractor and the trailer backed up to the grain auger hopper and transferred to the silo. Silvio had a smooth operation going. Cal watched for a few more minutes then drove back to the fire station. "Cal, I just got off the phone with Dane and he's interested." "Well, invite him out to check things over." "I invited him out this weekend. We can put him up in our guest room." "Good. Why don't we plan on steaks at my place Saturday evening?" "Sounds good." Cal looked at his watch as he left the station and decided to take Siobhan and Martha to lunch. Barry stopped his truck next to the fire station when Harry and Dane drove up. What's up Barry?" Harry asked. "I've got these Faraday cages to install over on that wall." "What are Faraday cages?" Dane asked. "They're to protect vital electronic components from EMP." Barry replied. "Are you expecting a nuclear war?" "Electro Magnetic Pulse isn't strictly limited to a nuclear weapon, you know. A CME or a severe solar flare could have the same effect."
John and Eric walked in, each carrying boxes. Barry began bolting the metal box to the wall and running a grounding cable through a conduit in the wall.
"Hey Harry, I've got the spare electrical components for trucks here to go in the Faraday cage." Jon said. "…and I have your spare radios and batteries here." Eric added." "What does EMP do to the radios?" Dane asked. "EMP is a large, short lived, magnetic field. A collapsing magnetic field induces a current in metal within that field, so any wires or traces in an unprotected circuit would now have induced current flowing through them. If those induced currents are more than what the circuit was designed for, it fries.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 12:57:33 GMT -6
More complex electronics like the radios and vehicle computers use lower voltages and currents, so they are easier to knock out with an EMP."
"What about the electric vehicles?" Harry asked.
"Well, we haven't had an EMP yet, but Ryan and John have protected the vehicles and they've worked with me to protect our power generating equipment and appliances. Even this building's electrical is protected, but the Faraday cage is grounded separately to ensure protection. If you have any fancy lights, you may want to check them out. These days some of them have small circuit boards in them." Barry replied.
The men finished putting the electronics within the foam-lined cage and Barry finished the cage installation of the cage by attaching the grounding strap to an 8 foot grounding rod outside the building and filling the conduit hole with silicon sealant.
Harry showed Dane around the fire house.
"Looks like you have everything here. It doesn't look like any corners were cut." Dane said.
"Believe you me, Cal doesn't cut corners. It's done right or not at all. How's the water situation?
"Cal had a 100,000 gallon tank installed and hydrants installed on a 6" waterline on the compound. There are three more ranches within 6 miles of here that we'll cover also. That's why the tanker, although we're getting a pumping point on a lakes at two of the ranches. Also, we just added class A, B and C extinguishers to all dwellings."
"Man, this must be costing him a fortune!"
"Cal doesn't care. He just wants safe, with a capital 'S'."
Siobhan invited their guests in and the men went out on the patio where cal was getting the grill ready. Sally went with Siobhan to the kitchen.
Cal, this is Dale Harper. Cal shook Dales hand and said, Good to see you Dale. What do you think of the fire house?"
"It's great Cal, the fire training complex is top notch too."
"Well, we tried to get Harry what he needs."
Cal offered them an Irish ale and they accepted.
"This is a nice place here, Cal. I can't make up my mind whether it's a ranch or an industrial complex."
Cal chuckled. "I guess a little bit of both. It started out with the security company. Then some of the people started growing crops for our own use. It got so successful, they started selling at the farmers market and to restaurants. Then someone else wanted a store, so we built the store, then the restaurant, then the market. I needed some vehicle restoration work done…ran into Miguel and his brothers, who were losing their lease, and brought them out here. Ryan and John showed up and things grew even more. Dane, to tell you the truth, I kind of guided them to these things because I want a self-sustaining community in case of bad times. We've weathered the ash-fall, sickness, and economic downfall. We've done just fine. When you come on board, we'll clue in on a few more things."
"They also make their own biodiesel. You were asking why he opted for the older trucks, it was because they can run pure biodiesel, unlike the newer trucks." Harry added.
"Well, as far as I'm concerned, I'm in. This is a nice area and out of the city." Dane said.
"And you won't have to worry about someone shooting at you while you're pulling kids out of a burning apartment/." Cal said. Dane's head whipped up. "How do you know about that?"
"Dane, we run background checks before anyone even comes through the gate. Jack Black still your favorite?"
A surprised Dane just nodded.
"If you need a trailer to haul your things back from your apartment, we've got several around here." Cal offered.
Dane chuckled. "I guess there isn't much you don't know about me."
"We try to be thorough. You'll understand why once you get here."
Cal cooked the steaks to everyone's preference and they dined on the patio. By the end of the evening Dane was more than happy he had accepted the job offer. Ernesto had cut the hay on the Carlton place and had turned it for the first time. In a couple of days he turn it again and finish forming the windrows. Sylvio asked Cal what type of bales he wanted. They had the round baler and a square baler.
"I don't know, how about 35 in square and 35 in round?"
"Señor Cal, you can figure 90 bales an acre for square bales and 10 for round bales."
"Then let's do half square and half round then."
"As you wish."
They actually ended up with more hay than they could store in the barns, so Cal got some long telephone poles and nailed 2x6 planks across them and stored the rest of they hay. The hay was then covered with huge tarps to waterproof it.
Eduardo pulled the large portable pump down next to the creek and irrigated the fields for their next crop of hay. "Cal? Larry. I'm flying in this afternoon with a couple of guys. Are you going to be around?"
"Sure Larry, I'll meet you on the hardstand."
Mike notified the Citation was on final and Cal headed for the airfield. When he got there, the Citation had taxied over to the hangar on the other side of the runway. Cal drove over and Larry came out of the hangar to meet him.
"How's it going Larry?"
"I brought these guys out to do some upgrades and tests on the drone. Can you put them up for four or five days?"
"Sure. We have a contingent of LEOs in for training. We can put them up in the dormitory with the students. They can eat with them in the dining facility or at Casey's. I'll get them a Silverado to use."
"I appreciate it. You have anything to process?"
"Yeah, around 350 pounds."
"You want it in the same form?"
"No, this time I want it in 100 ounce,1,000 gram, and 100 gram and one ounce bars. Even it out a much as possible and I want the bars in the exact weights and .9999 fineness."
"No problem. It might be a two or three week turnaround."
"No problem. You look tired."
"Yeah, I'm getting burned out. I'm thinking of hanging up my gun belt."
"Well, this isn't a bad place to settle down. At least it's quiet, most times."
"I'll give it some thought. If you'll get the gold I'll be on my way."
"Okay, I'll be back in 30 minutes."
Cal went back and loaded the 25 pound wooden cases in the back of the Suburban and went back to the airfield. Larry helped load the cases in the Citation, said his goodbyes and left.
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Post by cavsgt on Aug 11, 2021 13:04:20 GMT -6
OK OK Very nice but I need to get some work done. No more posts for at least 1/2 hour so I can at least do the dishes.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 14:20:03 GMT -6
OK OK Very nice but I need to get some work done. No more posts for at least 1/2 hour so I can at least do the dishes. Sorry...
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Post by sniper69 on Aug 11, 2021 14:22:57 GMT -6
OK OK Very nice but I need to get some work done. No more posts for at least 1/2 hour so I can at least do the dishes. Don't ruin it for the rest of us. LOL
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 14:28:34 GMT -6
The next week, Mike called Cal and told him a C-27 was inbound, 20 minutes out. Cal called Andy and Gary to meet him at the airfield. They watched as the plane landed. "Wonder what this is?" Andy asked. "I have no idea. Larry didn't mention anything. The plane pulled and parked, shutting down the engines. The ramp lowered and the loadmaster came strolling out. "Got some goodies for you. Three pallets." Gary brought out the forklift and unloaded the first pallet and set it in front of the hangar door. When the third pallet was unloaded, Gary loaded three empty pallets and nets onto the C-27. The ramp closed, the pilots started the engines and taxied back to the runway. It wasn't until then that Andy took a closer look at the contents. "HOLY COW! This is a lot of hardware and ammo!" Cal took off an envelope that was attached to the cargo net and opened it up. "Just a few stocking stuffers. Save some for me. Will be talking to realtors in your area. Larry." "Looks like Larry is retiring." Two hours later Andy came back to Cal. "Here's the inventory." Gary said, handing him a sheet of paper. The first pallet had held two dozen SOPMOD 2 kits, which includes the EO Tech 553 holographic reflex site, LA-5 infrared laser, foregrip, the M3X visible bright light (tactical light) and associated accessories. There were 24 M4 carbines. Another case held M-203 barrels to be mounted on the M4s. There were cases of magazines and cleaning kits. The second pallet held cases of various types of 40mm grenades and the third pallet held nothing but 5.56mm ammo. "I'll bet Del is drooling. Turn the equipment over to him and place the ammo in the outer ammo storage room." "Roger that." Cal later went to the armory and Del had an M-4 stripped and it's parts being cleaned in a Vibratory Parts Cleaner. "Well, what do you think?" Cal said, grinning. "Del chuckled. "It's like Christmas! I'm taking down each one and giving it a thorough cleaning and a light coat of oil." "Good. Mount the foregrip and the laser before you rack 'em." "No problem." Cal went back to his study and browsed through land for sale listings on the internet. He noticed one plot for sale and checked the address. Yep, it was 50 acres adjoining Hugh and Amanda's place. He told Siobhan he was going to check something out over near Hugh's place and jumped into his Suburban and drove over. Cal pulled into an old road going through the property and got out. As he looked around, he could see some distinct possibilities. It would need some earth moving and a well, but Larry might like this. He pulled out his phone and sent a text message to Larry telling him to give him a call. An hour later, Larry called back. "Larry, I might have found you a place about 6 miles from the Ranch." "I appreciate that. What's it like?" "You can do anything you want and build whatever you want. It's going to be easy to level for a house or anything else you want." "Let me get back to you. I want to take a look at it and need to clear my calendar." "No problem. I'll talk to you later." Larry called later that afternoon and said he would be there Saturday afternoon but he could only stay a few hours. Larry flew in flying a Cessna Citation 510. When the engines shut down, Larry was the only one on the plane. "I didn't know you flew!" Cal exclaimed. "Yep. Present from my late father…along with a bank full of money. I'd appreciate it if you didn't let it get around. The plane has been good while I worked, but I'm going to sell it. Already got a buyer. I kind of like your STOL aircraft." "Come on. Let's talk on the way out to the land." Cal said. "If you want a SuperSTOL I got my last one from Wild West Aircraft in Nampa Idaho. They'll give you familiarization class there. Of course, we can familiarize you before you get there also." When they got to the unimproved road that went onto the property, Cal drove about 300 feet in and stopped. "This is a pretty good homesite here. You wouldn't have to do much dirt work and the soil is pretty good. It looks like they grew crops here at one time. If you get it, the first thing you need to do is dig a well. Water isn't going to be a problem. This area is sitting over a big aquifer, but run the well down 200 feet." Larry looked around. "I like it. How much land is here?" "Fifty acres. That even gives you room to put in a hangar and a strip for your aircraft. What sized home do you want to build?" "I want to build with logs, like you have, except single story with four bedrooms, basement, off-the-grid power, attached three stall garage and a separate multipurpose outbuilding." Cal chuckled. "You must have been thinking about this." "Yeah, for a while." Larry said. "Listen, Siobhan has the plan book for our local builder. Why don't we go to the house and take a look. If they don't have what you want, I can do a sketch of what you do want and give it to their architect to do a design for you." "Sounds good." They went back to the house and went out on the patio and looked through the book. He found one in the design he wanted, but it had only three bedrooms and two baths. "You know, I really don't need 4 bedrooms. It's not like I'll be having many guests. I think I'll use these plans." "Well, if you order it now, they could have it done by the time you retire." "I just won't have the time. My plate is overflowing and they aren't in a hurry to bring in my replacement." Larry said. "Well, if that is the design you want, why don't you let me ramrod this. I can get everything moving for you." Larry looked up at Cal. "I'd really appreciate that. For the first time in….I can't remember when… I'm starting to feel the stress melting away. I really look forward to moving out here. Do we need to set up a bank account or something?" "No. I can handle the costs and you can pay me in the end. We just need your signature to close on the land. I'll set all that up and you pay me at the end."
"That will work for me. Just give me a head's up when you need me for my signature, and I can bring a certified check to the closing." "Hold off on that. I might get the land cheaper by offering gold as payment." "I didn't think about that…I mean, I was so anxious to see the land I forgot to tell you I had your gold on the plane. I need to get going anyway. Let's go get your gold." Larry took off and Cal headed back to the House. He moved the gold and silver to the vault and sat it on the heavy table and laid the paperwork on top. Harriet and Glenda could handle it Monday.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 14:29:34 GMT -6
The land sale went through quick. Cal managed to get the closing scheduled on a Saturday morning, so Larry flew in on Friday night in time for dinner. Cal had Gary's revised house plans and a building plan for the site. "Cal, this is exactly like I want. The only thing I need to do is get it furnished and I'll be set." "What are you living in now?" Siobhan asked. "I've got a condo on the Anacostia River. I'm going to sell it furnished. It's all high quality furniture and realtor thinks it will go quick. I want to go with a more western feeling in my new home." "Larry, I have a friend, Sherry Colter, who is an interior decorator you could consider." "That's an idea. It would take me months to decorate and try to settle in at the same time. Would you give her a call for me? I'd like it decorated…something like you have. It feels comfortable." "I'll give her a call Monday. Do you need kitchen things?" "Everything. I'm not bringing anything but personal items. What I can't sell I'll give to the Salvation Army." "I see you still have the Citation 510." Cal remarked. "Yeah, It will be gone by the end of the month. I've got my eye on a Socata TBM. I'll have to pay up, but it is one sweet plane." "It costs more than a Citation?" "You've got to see it. Only problem is, I'll need a 4,000 foot runway." "You've got room." "Yeah. I have to think about it. I still want a SuperSTOL, but I'd like to be able to take longer trips." "The well driller will be there Monday, and Sam's crews will start moving dirt on the basement." "Cal, I really appreciate you handling this for me. By the way, I'll be sending a few more planes your way in the next few weeks. And when you have some product to process. I can still get it done." "Thanks Larry." "Not a problem. It's the least I can do. Oh, And my deputy will be taking over so things will pretty much remain the same." Cal just nodded. The next morning, Larry signed the paperwork and was soon on the way back to the east coast. Two weeks later, Larry Called. "Cal, I'm in K.C. this week and can get the weekend off. Can you put me up?" "Sure Larry, the guest house is available." "Cal!" "Hold on a minute Larry." "Ask him if he has time to meet with Sherry on the furniture." "Larry, Siobhan wants to know if you have time to meet with the interior decorator to go over furniture." "Yeah, no problem. Tell her to set up the time. I'll fly in Friday afternoon around 4:00." "Okay Larry, I'll pick you up." "I'm going to invite Sherry for dinner so that would give them three or four hours to go over the furnishings." "What are you cooking for dinner Friday night?" "How about you smoking some Baby Backs?" "I can do that. Cole slaw and potato salad?" "I can make them." "What are we eating tonight?" "BLTs and fries." "Sounds good." Larry arrived at 3:50 in his brand new Socata 910. After looking it over, Cal helped him tie it down and they drove back to the house. Cal got him situated in the guest house and they went to the main house. They found Siobhan and Sherry out at the patio table with different catalogs spread out. "Hi Larry. Larry, this is Sherry Colter, your interior decorator." Larry stepped forward and shook the woman's offered hand. It was soft and beautifully manicured. "Pleased to meet you Sherry." Sherry echoed the greeting with an attentive look on her face and had him sit beside her. Siobhan poured Larry a glass of iced tea. "So, what style are you looking for?" Sherry asked. They discussed different things and looked at pictures while Cal and Siobhan left them to attend to the ribs and the rest of the food and to feed the kids.
When dinner was ready, Sherry cleared the table of the designer material and Siobhan and Cal brought out the food. Cal asked what they wanted to drink; tea, wine or beer. Everyone opted for beer. "Man, I thought the ribs were good in Kansas City, but these beat them all to hell." Sherry groaned. "That was GOOD! I'm sorry, I usually don't eat that much, but I couldn't help myself. They cleared the dishes and returned to the patio and sat in the deck chairs. "One thing I forgot to ask about Larry, what color linens and towels do you want?" Sherry asked. Larry looked at her. "I don't know. Why don't you furnish them like you would be living there?" Sherry blushed and didn't say anything.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 14:31:32 GMT -6
Cal glanced at Siobhan; SHE smirked back. Cal cleared his throat. "Larry, they've started laying the log walls." "Oh, good. I'd like to go look at it in the morning. Sherry, would you like to see what they've done?" Sherry blushed again. "Yes, I'd like to." "Good, can you meet me out here at 10:00 and we can ride out together?" The next morning they all rode out in Cal's Suburban. The walls on the house were three quarters done. Workmen were still working on the house while a separate crew was working on the outbuilding. A ditching crew was installing waterlines to the house, the outbuilding and the area where the hangar would be.
"Now that I know you got the TBM, I can get the right sized hangar." Cal told Larry. They all walked over to the foreman's work table and viewed the house plans, Siobhan nudged Cal and chin pointed to Larry and Sherry. They were sticking close together. They stayed on the site for about an hour before heading back to the Ranch. Siobhan invited Sherry to stay for lunch but she declined. She had to do her Saturday shopping. Siobhan made sandwiches and salad for lunch. Cal finished and leaned back in his chair and grinned at Larry. Larry looked up from his plate. "What?" "Getting settled in with Sherry, hunh?" Larry grinned. "I would like to get to know her better. Working like I did, I just didn't have the time for relationships. It feels like I'm settling down for the first time." "Leave him alone Cal. Larry, you go for it. Sherry has been alone for too long. Her husband was killed in Iraq and is just now coming out of her shell. Just make her happy." Cal shook his head. "Well, you have Siobhan's seal of approval. You might as well go any buy a ring. She won't be satisfied until you two are married."
Larry grinned. "I haven't even kissed her yet! Let me, or us, take this at our own pace." Cal laughed. "Tell her Larry. The women on this ranch will have their own way. It will take about a week for the slab to cure for the hangar, then the people from Miracle Truss will be out to install the building." "What about the runway?" "Harris Construction will start on it next week. It will be 4,000 feet with an parking apron in front of the hangar, and I've already got you a 24" high-velocity windsock with pole." "You're on the ball!" "Do you want your drive paved while Harris is out there?" "No, the job your guys did is perfectly good. I don't want to appear too ostentatious. Whew! Three more weeks. I can't wait to load my plane and get out here. I can slowly feel the yoke being lifted off my shoulders. Cal, I think I'm getting out just in time. I'd have blown my top if I'd stayed much longer."
"Well, it's time to fill you in on a few more things. Let's take a walk." Cal led Larry into the study and flipped the hidden switch. The bookcase swung open to reveal the blast door. Opening the door Cal led a surprised Larry into the shelter hallway. "How long have you been working on this?" "Years. We have a complete underground shelter the will hold all our people and families. Food, parts, weapons….everything we could think of for an extended stay. Our vehicle maintenance facility is also underground. All of this is powered by either solar, wind, or hydro, or a combination of all three. You have a place here if the SHTF." "This is amazing!" "It was a lot of work, but the upside was we recovered quite a bit of gold. It paid for practically everything you see around here. But on top of that, what we've put in the place is making even more money, thanks to the people who work here." "How so?" "It's the little things Larry. Take for instance all this off-grid power equipment we put in. We incorporated a power company. The Mesa Power Company bills the Ranch for all the power it uses - and HTR L.L.C. owns both of them! Same thing for the Mesa Water Company. Little loopholes like that save a lot and make a lot of money, at least on paper." "You are a very fortunate man, Cal Coleman." "That I am, and I have some of the best people in the world here." "You've done good." "Oh, I didn't mention it, but we're putting in a positive pressure NBC filtered system in your basement. If you never experience any type attack, at least it keeps the dust down in your house." "That's something I need to do once I get here….stock up on long-term foods and such." "We can set you up with a list of suppliers, or better yet, we can supply you out of our stocks and reorder." "That would be helpful. I'd like to get a couple of guns too." "You're asking me? You take what you want, and ammo too!" "I can't believe I'm almost here. Is there a landscaping service in Grand Junction? I don't want grass, Too much work. I think I'd rather have a stone garden or something like that. I'm going to have a pool and cabana put in and I think a garden would compliment it." "Then you need to talk to Kengo. He's done all our landscaping around here. Let me show you one special place he has done." Cal walked Larry down to Serenity Garden and walked the paths with him. "This is exactly what I am looking for. It's restful, shady and quiet. Do you think he would do something like this for me?" "all you can do is ask." Cal called Kengo on his radio and asked him to come down to the garden. Kengo showed up a few minutes later. "Kengo this is Larry Augustine. He's building a place over near Hugh and is impressed with your work." Larry shook Kengo's hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you. Kengo, would you consider doing something like this at my place…not as big as this but a comfortable place to sit and feel." Kengo looked at Cal, who gave a slight nod. "It would be a pleasure Mr. Augustine. May I take a look at the area?" Larry looked at Cal. "I can drive you over Larry. "They all went and got into the Suburban and drove back to Larry's place. Kengo looked around. Larry showed him where he wanted to put the pool and cabana. Kengo kept walking and observing. Finally he turned to Larry. "I will begin when the pool is finished and we can tie the garden into the pool area." "Thank you Kengo. This will be my forever home and I want it done right."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 14:33:42 GMT -6
On the way back to the Ranch Cal called The pool company they had used for the community pool. They were delighted to get the business and offered to send someone out that afternoon to do the survey. Cal gave them the address and they said they would be out at 3:30. Cal dropped Kengo off at his house and returned home. They had an hour and a half to kill so they sat on the patio and sipped iced tea. "This is coming together nicely." Larry grinned. "Getting it right the first time is the way to go." Cal agreed. "Cal, I feel like I'm in a dream. For the first time in years, I'm really happy." "When is your final move here?" "I'm turning in my creds on the 19th and 40 minutes later I'll be in the air." "Good. On the 22nd I want you to fly to Calgary and pick me up." "Calgary? What will you be up there for?" "I'm taking the Twin Otter up there to get a few upgrades. Passenger Cabin Wireless Headset System, aft lavatory, lavatory external service panel, wingtip tanks. bigger tires. They'll have to replace the front fork for that." "Yeah, sure. Keep me informed." "We need to get going to your place." Cal said. The owner and an assistant of Pool World met them at the site. They measured off the dimensions and drove a few stakes. After making their calculations, they gave Larry a price and he accepted it. Larry was smiling. They pool was far enough away from the house that they could begin digging on Tuesday. They went back to the house where Cal poured two glasses of Redbreast 15 year old Irish Whiskey and toasted their endeavors. "Cal, can you meet me in supply?" Diana's text wasn't expected, and Cal wondered what she had on her mind. When he met her at the entrance she turned and walked over to the opening ramp to Level 4. All of a sudden she stopped and turned around. "I need to calm down a second." She then took a deep breath. "All the gold seams we've hit so far have been no more than four inches across, at best. Last night, we hit a vein that's nine inches across." "Show me." Diana led him down the tunnel to the silentd excavators. "It seems like the deeper we go the wider the vein gets." Diana said. "Well, I can't say it's not welcome. I'll run the paydirt from last night and see what is there. Continue with the present floorplan, but make sure the columns will support what's above. Don't go after the gold. Mark it, maintain structural integrity, and continue on." Cal went up to the sluice and started running the paydirt. He had to stop and exchange the mats for the second set. The gold was clogging them up. He ran until Siobhan called him and said dinner would be ready in thirty minutes. Cal ran the sluice for a few more minutes and shut down. When he got to the house he told Siobhan what was going on. "You don't seem to excited." Siobhan said. Cal frowned. "Probably the last thing I need is more gold." "Well, don't worry about it. I'm sure you'll figure something out." After the kids went to bed, Cal went back and ran the sluice for two more hours. He rinsed both sets of mats out and decided to wait until the morning to run the concentrate through the Gemini Table. He could tell there was a hell of a lot of gold there. "What's on the agenda this week?" Cal asked Andy. "Final class of the Reserve Deputy Training. That will make everyone legal, at least in the eyes of Sheriff Gilmore." "Fine, can you get me a list of the badge numbers? "Sure….and the reason?" "A surprise." Cal had taken a picture of Earl's badge to Akira and ask her if she could reproduce it. "Of course." She smiled. He had her make a badge out of white gold, pure gold mixed with palladium. In his spare time, he made wooden presentation boxes lined with blue velvet. When she had completed the task, it was beautiful. He was now going to give her the list of badge numbers of the Reserve Deputies and have the badges made for the men and women. Siobhan and Martha got in on it and trimmed the cloth and foam rubber and lined the boxes. Retail, the badges could cost around nine to ten thousand dollars, but Cal wanted to show his appreciation to the people for their efforts. The badges were completed and Cal was now going to do the presentations at the upcoming community dinner on Sunday. Cal invited Earl and his family out for church and dinner. After the people had mostly finished eating, Cal got up and asked the 18 Reserve Deputies and earl to come to the front of the room. Cal looked around to make sure he had everyone. "As most of you have probably figured out I like to reward people for a job well done. We have a very good working relationship with the county so I have included Sheriff Gilmore because he has always backed us as we have backed him when he needed us. In appreciation of their support, I had Akira Nelson to make commemorative badges out of white gold for each of the Deputies and the Sheriff. Cal called Earl forward first and he humbly took it. Cal stepped aside to let him speak. "It was the smartest decision I ever made when I asked Cal and his men to act as our southern support arm. Every time I've asked them for help, they've come through with flying colors. They are a real asset to Mesa County." When the applause died down, Cal finished handing out the badges. Cal went back over to his family table and sat back down with Earl and Betty Gilmore.
"Cal, you needn't have done that." "I know, but I did. Just remember, when you decide you don't want to play Sheriff any more, you and Betty have a place here." "I wish you hadn't said that out loud. Now Betty won't let me run next election!" Betty smiled. "Well, it wouldn't hurt you. Look how well Dan has done since he retired. He's even looking younger." Earl sat there with a thoughtful look.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 14:35:07 GMT -6
Cal was checking the irrigation pond near the greenhouses when Dawn walked out to him. "Feel like taking a walk?", Dawn asked. "Sure"
Dawn led him through the orchard to the open area on the other side. "What are you going to use this land for?" She asked. "I don't know. Waiting for a reason to use it, I guess. Why?" "I'd like to put greenhouses where the garden is now, two of them, and plant two acres here. I figured if we prepared the land and planted a cover crop, it would be ready to plant next spring." "Well, get some stakes and mark out what you want. I'll get a couple of Sylvio's people to bring the subsoiler and the rock rake out and dig it up. We'll start collecting manure and pile it over to the side." It took them almost a month to clear the rocks from the two acre field but the prep was done. Cal had Dennis dig a tank at the end of a drainage ditch to catch the runoff in the winter to augment water being pumped from the well he had dug between the field and the orchard. The manure spreader got its workout and a crop of clover was planted. The field would be in good shape come spring. "Want to go to Las Vegas this weekend?" Larry asked? "Las Vegas! I've never been there." Sherry answered. Sherry finished frying the pork chops and put them on paper towels to drain. "Why don't you check the internet and pick a couple of shows you'D like to see." "Okay." Sherry said softly. Larry brought the vegetables to the table and poured the wine. They barely said anything except to comment about the food. When they finished eating, Sherry declined dessert and they rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. Larry poured more wine and they sat in the family room. "It will be the first time I've been out of the state since…" "You will love it! The shows are fantastic and the shopping unbelievable. We could leave Friday afternoon. It's less than two hours to fly there and we can take in a show that evening. We can even go to a casino, if you like. Saturday, we can go shopping or whatever you want to do, then take in another show that evening. We can fly back Sunday any time you want." Larry got his laptop and they checked out the shows. Sherry picked out the Ron White Show for Friday evening and they both picked a dinner show, The Jets 80's and 90's Experience, for Saturday night. Around 11:30 Larry got up to leave. Sherry walked him to the door. Taking his arm, she pulled him around to face her. Putting her arms around his neck, she softly kissed him. "I look forward to this weekend." Sherry said. "Two days away. Wear casual clothes for the flight. We can dress in the hotel." The next morning Sherry showed up at the Ranch. Siobhan greeted her at the door and led her back to the kitchen for tea. "Larry asked me to go to Las Vegas this weekend." Sherry said." Siobhan turned away from the stove. "That's GREAT! You are going, aren't you?" "Yes. We're leaving Friday afternoon and coming back Sunday." "Have you two….?" "All we've done is a little kissing." "Well, you let your heart do the leading. It's time you were back on the market." "Siobhan, I think I'm falling in love with him." "Well, there you go. You're both over 21 and can do adult things. Why don't you head to the mall and pick out something that will boggle his mind?" Sherry grinned. "Maybe something from Victoria's Secret?" Cal had asked Dale Anderson to look into the specifics of building an overpass over the state road to connect the Ranch compound with the housing and General Store side of the road. Dale petitioned the Department of Transportation to build the overpass. They declined until Dale said that HTR L.L.C. would foot the bill. They were willing to pay the $1.5 million dollars for the expertise of the D.O.T engineers. Cal and Andy were down near the Facility gate watching the surveyors marking out the grading stakes for the ramp construction. "Are we up to snuff on the prep supplies?" Andy asked. "We've resupplied and now have a ten year food supply for 150 people. We also tried to corner the market on coffee, bacon, hams, butter, pasta and feminine supplies. We bought chest freezers to hold the bacon, hams and butter. We bought pinto, great northern, navy and kidney beans in the largest bags available. We bought a ton of jasmine rice. All of these things we are storing in Mylar bags containing oxygen absorbers and sealed in 5 gallon screw-on lid pails. I had found a supplier for bulk cocoa power and put up a dozen pails of that. We bought a large mill and medium sized commercial flaker and roller. We have rebuild parts for all the generators and alternators and all the filters available from different locations. We have oil by the drum. There were spare solar panels and wind generator heads. Joshua laid in vast quantities of farrier's supplies including shoes, nails and tools that might wear out.. Our horses were pretty much uniform in size, them being Rangers, so we had saddles and gear for each of them. We checked little things, like the replacement lamps for the greenhouse so we could keep growing for years. Any time someone comes up short on something, the first thing through their minds should be whether they could get it from a supplier if things got tough. If not, it and spares should be ordered. Everyone needs to get into the "Prep" mindset. I have long thought that something could affect civilization in a very negative way. Because of those beliefs, I try to prepare for the eventuality. It became a way of life for me and prepared as best as humanly possible. Everyone else has kind of drifted to the mindset. We may have missed some things, but, we will have a roof over our heads, clean air to breathe, water to drink and food to eat. We have a means of transportation, be it mechanical or animal. We have fuel and animal feed." Larry got his final clearance and began his descent into Henderson Executive Airport. He looked over at Sherry. "Are you okay?" "I'm fine. Just a little nervous. I've never sat in the front seat of a plane." Larry smiled. "You'll get used to it. We can do little getaways like this anytime you want." After landing, Larry picked up their rental car and headed to the Mirage Hotel. After confirming their reservations, the bellhop took them to their room, or rather their suite that contained two bedrooms. Once he got his tip, the bellhop closed the door as he left. "Both bedrooms are the same. I can take either one." Sherry took Larry's hand and pulled him and her roller bag into the closest bedroom. "Larry, I'm at the point where I don't want separate bedrooms. I have very strong feelings for you and I'd like to see where this goes. But right now, I need something to eat. I didn't eat earlier because I was afraid I'd get sick on the plane." Larry chuckled. "Okay, you can freshen up. I'll order something from room service."
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Post by freebirde on Aug 11, 2021 15:04:35 GMT -6
Thank you for your writing. I do have a complaint, you are getting in a little bit of a rush and doing some double posting. Understandable with the amount you are posting. Other than that keep up the good work!
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Post by paulk on Aug 11, 2021 15:10:30 GMT -6
The extra posting is OK with me. I reread it all several times anyway. Thank you for all your work.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 11, 2021 17:20:08 GMT -6
Cal was checking the irrigation pond near the greenhouses when Dawn walked out to him. "Feel like taking a walk?", Dawn asked. "Sure"
Dawn led him through the orchard to the open area on the other side. "What are you going to use this land for?" She asked. "I don't know. Waiting for a reason to use it, I guess. Why?" "I'd like to put greenhouses where the garden is now, two of them, and plant two acres here. I figured if we prepared the land and planted a cover crop, it would be ready to plant next spring." "Well, get some stakes and mark out what you want. I'll get a couple of Sylvio's people to bring the subsoiler and the rock rake out and dig it up. We'll start collecting manure and pile it over to the side." It took them almost a month to clear the rocks from the two acre field but the prep was done. Cal had Dennis dig a tank at the end of a drainage ditch to catch the runoff in the winter to augment water being pumped from the well he had dug between the field and the orchard. The manure spreader got its workout and a crop of clover was planted. The field would be in good shape come spring. "Want to go to Las Vegas this weekend?" Larry asked? "Las Vegas! I've never been there." Sherry answered. Sherry finished frying the pork chops and put them on paper towels to drain. "Why don't you check the internet and pick a couple of shows you'd like to see." "Okay." Sherry said softly. Larry brought the vegetables to the table and poured the wine. They barely said anything except to comment about the food. When they finished eating, Sherry declined dessert and they rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. Larry poured more wine and they sat in the family room. "It will be the first time I've been out of the state since…" "You will love it! The shows are fantastic and the shopping unbelievable. We could leave Friday afternoon. It's less than two hours to fly there and we can take in a show that evening. We can even go to a casino, if you like. Saturday, we can go shopping or whatever you want to do, then take in another show that evening. We can fly back Sunday any time you want." Larry got his laptop and they checked out the shows. Sherry picked out the Ron White Show for Friday evening and they both picked a dinner show, The Jets 80's and 90's Experience, for Saturday night. Around 11:30 Larry got up to leave. Sherry walked him to the door. Taking his arm, she pulled him around to face her. Putting her arms around his neck, she softly kissed him. "I look forward to this weekend." Sherry said. "Two days away. Wear casual clothes for the flight. We can dress in the hotel." The next morning Sherry showed up at the Ranch. Siobhan greeted her at the door and led her back to the kitchen for tea. "Larry asked me to go to Las Vegas this weekend." Sherry said." Siobhan turned away from the stove. "That's GREAT! You are going, aren't you?" "Yes. We're leaving Friday afternoon and coming back Sunday." "Have you two….?" "All we've done is a little kissing." "Well, you let your heart do the leading. It's time you were back on the market." "Siobhan, I think I'm falling in love with him." "Well, there you go. You're both over 21 and can do adult things. Why don't you head to the mall and pick out something that will boggle his mind?" Sherry grinned. "Maybe something from Victoria's Secret?" Cal had asked Dale Anderson to look into the specifics of building an overpass over the state road to connect the Ranch compound with the housing and General Store side of the road. Dale petitioned the Department of Transportation to build the overpass. They declined until Dale said that HTR L.L.C. would foot the bill. They were willing to pay the $1.5 million dollars for the expertise of the D.O.T engineers. Cal and Andy were down near the Facility gate watching the surveyors marking out the grading stakes for the ramp construction. "Are we up to snuff on the prep supplies?" Andy asked. "We've resupplied and now have a ten year food supply for 150 people. We also tried to corner the market on coffee, bacon, hams, butter, pasta and feminine supplies. We bought chest freezers to hold the bacon, hams and butter. We bought pinto, great northern, navy and kidney beans in the largest bags available. We bought a ton of jasmine rice. All of these things we are storing in Mylar bags containing oxygen absorbers and sealed in 5 gallon screw-on lid pails. I had found a supplier for bulk cocoa power and put up a dozen pails of that. We bought a large mill and medium sized commercial flaker and roller. We have rebuild parts for all the generators and alternators and all the filters available from different locations. We have oil by the drum. There were spare solar panels and wind generator heads. Joshua laid in vast quantities of farrier's supplies including shoes, nails and tools that might wear out.. Our horses were pretty much uniform in size, them being Rangers, so we had saddles and gear for each of them. We checked little things, like the replacement lamps for the greenhouse so we could keep growing for years. Any time someone comes up short on something, the first thing through their minds should be whether they could get it from a supplier if things got tough. If not, it and spares should be ordered. Everyone needs to get into the "Prep" mindset. I have long thought that something could affect civilization in a very negative way. Because of those beliefs, I try to prepare for the eventuality. It became a way of life for me and prepared as best as humanly possible. Everyone else has kind of drifted to the mindset. We may have missed some things, but, we will have a roof over our heads, clean air to breathe, water to drink and food to eat. We have a means of transportation, be it mechanical or animal. We have fuel and animal feed." Larry got his final clearance and began his descent into Henderson Executive Airport. He looked over at Sherry. "Are you okay?" "I'm fine. Just a little nervous. I've never sat in the front seat of a plane." Larry smiled. "You'll get used to it. We can do little getaways like this anytime you want." After landing, Larry picked up their rental car and headed to the Mirage Hotel. After confirming their reservations, the bellhop took them to their room, or rather their suite that contained two bedrooms. Once he got his tip, the bellhop closed the door as he left. "Both bedrooms are the same. I can take either one." Sherry took Larry's hand and pulled him and her roller bag into the closest bedroom. "Larry, I'm at the point where I don't want separate bedrooms. I have very strong feelings for you and I'd like to see where this goes. But right now, I need something to eat. I didn't eat earlier because I was afraid I'd get sick on the plane." Larry chuckled. "Okay, you can freshen up. I'll order something from room service."
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