|
Post by gipsy on Aug 15, 2021 15:40:20 GMT -6
Cool to see you continuing.
|
|
|
Post by eyeseetwo on Aug 15, 2021 17:39:08 GMT -6
Yes indeed, thank you!
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 15, 2021 22:00:08 GMT -6
Will and Cal stood in front of the shell of the River Junction Mall.
"When is the projected opening Date?" Cal asked
"Jun 15th."
"Are we on schedule?"
"Of course! As a matter of fact, we're almost three days ahead of schedule. I've started notifying the future tenants so they can get the proper seasonal inventory ordered." Will said.
"What's or occupancy so far."
"We're at 80% with another 15% in negotiations."
"I'm serious Will. When we reach full occupancy, I want to sell." Cal said.
"I hear you and we are ready to buy you out."
Will handed Cal a hard hat and took him on a tour inside. Lots of wires hanging, metal stud piled up to make walls, lots of other construction materials stacked around. Workers moved with determination from place working on different projects.
"Have you had any problems with the unions?"
"None whatsoever…except one of the electricians came in half-drunk one morning. The foreman and the union rep quickly got him out of here and smoothed things over."
"That doesn't sound like the union. What's going on?"
"I don't know. All I know is he was told there would be NO trouble from the union under any circumstances."
"Well, just keep your eyes and ears open. Things are certainly going better than I thought they would."
Cal got into his truck and headed for the Ranch. On the way, he'd stop at the stockyard and check on things. Nick had already moved their cattle over there and should have already fed and watered them.
"When he got there he ran into Casey and a couple of her employees working in the snack bar filling water bottles and stocking food for tomorrow.
"Hey Cal!"
Good morning Casey. Everything under control?"
"Yep. We opened for a while today because some of the ranchers are bringing in cattle and like to grab a snack."
"Money in the till!"
"For sure. I'm adding beef and bean burritos to the menu tomorrow. We'll bring down the filling and chopped onions, tomatoes and lettuce in the morning. We'll see how they sale."
"I'll be sure to try them out. How are you on hot sauce?"
"Brought down a dozen bottles this morning."
Cal went to the office and found Burl talking on the phone. He waited until Burl was finished.
"We'll have all the pens filled by this evening." Burl said.
"Buyers?"
Burl chuckled. "We may have more buyers than we have cows. Word's getting' around." "We. We might just be able to pay the light bill." Cal grinned.
"Pertain near." Burl grinned.
"You need anything?"
"Yeah, have Casey keep the snack bar open seven days a week. That shore is some good food!"
Cal grinned. "Try shaving once a week and crawl out of this barn and go down to her restaurant. Now THERE is some good food!"
"Hmmmph! When's that Dale boy gonna have some horses for sale?"
"He should have two or three ready in a couple of weeks."
"He's got some pretty ones."
"Well, I gotta go. If you need anything, give me a call."
Cal drove down to Casey's and went in. He asked for a glass of tea and an Elk Burger, Fries and a large, iced tea to go. He quickly downed his tea when Sarah brought his bagged order. He gave her a twenty and told her to keep the change. Cal drove back down to the stockyard and sat the meal on Burl's desk in front of him.
Cal tipped his hat. "Enjoy"
Cal walked back into the house and saw Gabby sitting on one side of the breakfast bar and Amy sitting across from her. It appeared she was sketching Gabby. Becky was at the island kneading dough.
"Whatcha making?"
"Cinnamon Rolls for in the morning. You and your Dad coming for breakfast Gabby?"
"What was it Amy said a little while ago? 'Ya darn tootin'?"
Cal chuckled and walked up behind Amy. He was astounded! Amy was using colored pencils and had captured Gabby perfectly, even that elfish glint in her eye.
"Amy, that is beautiful! It's perfect!"
Amy looked up at her Dad. "It has to be Dad. Gabby is sending it to Billy."
At breakfast the next morning everyone praised the cinnamon rolls Becky had baked. Cal and Jacque discussed the vineyard and Becky, Amy and Gabby discussed going to the Mall and looking at "girly" things. Siobhan decided she wanted to go Penney's and pick up the boy's some pants and shirts. She asked Cal to go with her. So at 9:30 they all headed for Grand Junction, Cal and Siobhan in his K5 and Becky, Amy and Gabby in Gabby's Tahoe.
When they arrived at the Mall, the girls were three cars ahead of Cal and found a parking spot close to the side entrance. Cal ended up parking a couple of rows behind them. The girls got out and were headed for the entrance as two men were coming down the walk. All of a sudden the men grabbed Amy and Becky and started dragging them toward a van parked in the front row. Becky was grabbed around the waist and was struggling. She reached up and raked her nails across her attacker's eyes, making him release her. She turned around and kicked him straight in his family jewels. Gabby launched and kicked him in the side of the head, putting him down.
Cal, seeing what was happening, drew his pistol and shouted "YOU!"
The man holding Amy around the throat, turned his head toward Cal. Cal didn't hesitate. He placed a bullet on the bridge of his nose, throwing him against the side of the van. Released, Amy ran to Becky. The van door was quickly opened and Cal saw a gun. As soon as the torso appeared, Cal shot for the head and missed. The bullet hit the guy in the throat, throwing him to the far-side wall of the van. Cal's eyes were in constant movement as he cautiously approached the van and cleared it. Holstering his weapon, He quickly located his family and moved to them.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 15, 2021 22:05:08 GMT -6
"Is everyone all right?"
Everyone answered "yes" so he had them move over to a bench next to the entrance and sit down.
A security vehicle, quickly followed by two police vehicles sped up. Cal kept his arms spread out until one of the policemen addressed him.
"Cal, what happened?"
"Cal gave him his statement of what had occurred."
"The other officer had called for an ambulance and was checking the guy down who hadn't been shot. He was alive, but not in any shape to harm anyone but he slapped cuffs on him anyway. Cal was told to go over and join his family. They would take statements in a few minutes.
Five minutes later, the Chief of Police arrived and came over.
"Cal, is everyone all right?
"Yeah Dale. A little shaken up, but no one was injured."
"Well I'm sorry this happened to you all. Do you recognize any of them?"
"No, not any of them." Cal answered.
"Sir, we have possession of the security tapes."
"Very well Jenko."
"Sir, we can take their statements in our substation in the mall so there wouldn't be a need for them to go downtown."
Dale looked at Cal, who nodded."
"Officer Jenko, would you show the Colemans the way?"
"Dale, do you need my pistol?"
"No, that's not necessary. I believe we already have your ballistics on file." Dale grinned.
Cal shook his head and smiled and followed his family into the mall.
They gave their statements and were allowed to go.
"Gabby, where did you learn that kick?" Cal asked.
"When I got back to France, Papa sent me to Savate classes."
Cal nodded. "Very effective. Okay girls, we have two choices. One, we shake it off and continue on with what we had planned to do, or Two, we turn around and go home. Your choice."
Gabby and Becky looked at each other. "We're going to shake it off."
Cal nodded and he and Siobhan watched them walk off. Amy had slipped between the two older girls and was holding their hands."
Cal and Siobhan continued on to Penney's.
The next morning Cal was sitting at the breakfast bar when Bill came.
"Dad, you're going to have to restrict Becky from going to the mall. It seems every time she goes to the mall, she kicks some guy's butt." Bill said smiling.
Cal sat down his cup and smiled. "First, she's a women. They go where they please. Second, it wasn't Becky who put the guy down, she just disabled him. It was your sweetheart who clocked him with a French-boxing kick that put him down."
"WOW!"
Siobhan walked in and kissed Cal on the cheek. She turned to Bill and poked his chest with her finger.
"You better watch out buddy-boy. That girlfriend of yours won't need a club to drag you to the alter. She'll just kick you down the aisle!"
Laughing, she went over and poured a cup of coffee.
Taking a seat, Siobhan turned to Cal.
"I'm going to pick up Alice and Judy this morning."
Cal looked at her, bewildered,"
"The new housekeeper!"
"Oh, okay. You didn't tell me her name."
"I'm having them over for dinner tonight to meet everyone."
"Does she give massages?" Cal asked, ready to duck a swinging fist.
Look Bucko, if any massages are to be given around her, it's you giving them to me!"
Cal grabbed her and kissed her on the neck."
"My pleasure!"
Becky and Bill ushered the rest of the kids in and Siobhan started preparing breakfast, with Becky and Cal pitching in to help.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 15, 2021 22:16:58 GMT -6
"Becky, you need to make this a short, short landing." Bill said over the radio.
Becky slowed her aircraft speed. ("This is going to be easy. The wind is blowing right down the canyon.") She said to herself.
She slowly lost altitude and the plane was practically in a hover as she felt the slight jolt as the tundra tires contacted the ground."
"WooooHoooo! Billy, it's almost like landing a helicopter!"
She advance the throttle and moved out of the way for Bill to land. He mirrored Becky's approach and hovered in for a landing. Neither plane had rolled ten feet. Bill moved up and parked beside Becky. The first thing they did was put in the screw stakes to tie the planes down. The winds might get pretty gusty down there.
Bill checked the area for snakes where they would erect their tents while the girls brought over the tents and started rolling them out. Once the tents were up, they gathered rocks to make a fire ring. Wood was gathered from along the edge of the river and while Bill cut the pieces to length, Becky built the fire.
With the fire going, they began unloading the sleeping bags and coolers from the planes. They finally sat down around the fire.
"I love those sounds." Becky said. "Just the breeze blowing through the brush and the river rushing over the rocks."
Becky jumped up and ran over to her plane. Rummaging around, she pulled out two blankets, Walking back over to the fire she said "MOVE."
Bill and Gabby moved out of her way as she spread the blankets next to the fire.
"Now, use your sleeping bag as a pillow!"
Bill laid back and pulled his compact sleeping bag under his head. Gabby laid down and rolled over, laying her head on Bill's chest.
"I'd rather use Billy as a pillow."
Becky giggled.
"Billy, when is your next leave?" Gabby asked.
"Not until Thanksgiving."
Je t'attendrai mon cher."
"Let's roast some hotdogs!" Becky said, jumping up.
Becky went back to her plane and pulled out three extendable cooking forks.
Bill laughed. "What the heck else to you have hidden in your plane, Beck?" "Hey! I was NOT going to cook my hotdogs on a branch from a creosote bush! Be glad I thought of you and Gabby too."
Bill got out some paper plates, hotdog relish and catsup and the pack of hotdogs.
"Did you bring buns?" Becky asked.
Bill pulled the package of buns out of the cooler. Bill went over to his plane and brought back a large bag of potato chips. Each person pushed a hotdog onto the fork tines and began cooking their meager meal. Becky pulled out three sodas out of the drink cooler and handed them out. When the skin on Bill's hotdog started turning dark and the skin to bubble, Bill propped the cooking for on the cooler and squirted a line of hotdog relish and catsup in his bun and slid the dog on top of the goo. He opened the bag of chips and put a handful on his plate.
Bill savored his first bite of his hotdog, swallowing and drank down a third of his soda. He then declared:
"The vilest of meat will taste good, cooked over an open flame"…then gave a loud burped.
Gabby giggled, Becky muttered "pagan."
They finished their meal, Bill having eaten two hotdogs, and burned their plates. Placing the foods back in the cooler, Bill returned the food cooler to the plane and returned with his pistol.
"Should be anything too dangerous around here, but you can't be too careful."
He returned to the blanket and laid his head on the sleeping bag. Gabby returned to his side and, again, laid her head on his shoulder. She muttered, "C'est là qu'est ma place..." ("This is where I belong...")
The cool night-time breeze soon forced them into their tents, Bill made sure the fire was out while the girls zipped up their tent and rolled out their sleeping bags.
"Don't you want to go over to Billy's tent?" Becky said softly.
Gabby sadly shook her head. No, not until he invites me.
The next morning, Bill woke up as the morning light began to brighten the canyon. He climbed out of his tent and broke up some fast burning wood and started the fire. In a couple of minutes the first coals were formed. He laid a few more small sticks on the coals and got out his cooking pot and filled it with water and packets of cocoa. Sitting the pot on the coals he waited for the cocoa to start steaming, occasionally giving it a stir and added a few more small sticks of wood.
He heard muffled noises from the girl's tent.
Billy. Is the cocoa ready yet?"
"Crawl your butts out and suffer like I do."
Giggles came from the tent. He turned when he heard the zipper being pull down. Gabby was the first out, followed by a grinning Becky.
Becky walked over to the drink cooler and separated the three titanium cups that had been stored in Bill's cooking pot. Bill sipped from his stirring spoon and declared it was hot enough.
Picking up the pot by its bale, he used his bandana to control the tilt of the pot as he poured cocoa into each cup.
They sat silently, enjoying their hot drink.
Becky grimaced. "I'm going to have to pee before I get in that plane."
Bill shook his head. "TMI, Beck."
"Hey, Let's go back to the Ranch for breakfast…or down to Casey's." Becky said.
Billy stood up and walked over to a group of tall rocks about twenty yards away.
"Where are you going Billy?" Becky shouted.
"Checking for alligators!"
"Gabby gasped. "There are alligators here?"
Becky giggled. "He went to bleed his lizard."
Gabby looked at Becky, puzzled.
"He went to pee." Becky giggled.
"Ohhhh."
Bill sauntered back over to the girls.
"Billy, did you find any lizards?" Gabby asked.
"Becky started laughing and fell over on the ground, laughing and crying at the same time.
"Alligators Gabby, alligators." Becky said weakly, trying to breathe.
Bill shook his head and went to his plane, drawing a roll of tissue and a folding shovel out of his pack. Becky sat back up, wiping the tears away.
"I checked for snakes, but be careful." Then he handed Becky the shovel and tissue.
The girls left and Bill began taking down the tents and packing everything away.
When the girls got back, he handed a bottle of water to each and put the cooler in the back of Becky's plane. He then walked in the direction they would be taking off and checked for obstacles. When he came back he check around the campsite for left items and trash. Kneeling down, he felt the coals and made sure there were none burning.
"Becky, let's pull the planes back to where we touched down. When you lift off fly straight. The river makes a ninety degree turn up ahead. Don't try to clear the canyon rim until after you've made that turn."
Becky snapped to attention and saluted Bill. "ROGER, WILCO, OVER AND OUT. SIR!"
Gabby giggled and started helping move the planes.
|
|
|
Post by gipsy on Aug 16, 2021 7:25:30 GMT -6
Nice wakeup. Thanks
|
|
|
Post by iamnobody on Aug 16, 2021 11:16:16 GMT -6
From Book 2 I love your list of reloading supples that Dec inherited
Those LBT bullet molds – Lead Bullet Technologies – Veral Smith does excellent work and many satisfied customers. Those bullets are accurate and hit like a sledge hammer. Veral is a wealth of information about making lead bullets just as accurate as jacketed bullets moving at the same fps. He puts out a small book - Jacketed Performance with Cast Lead Bullets – that should be on every person's bookshelf.
Rifle or handgun bullets, he makes custom molds for whatever you have and at a decent price. He is a 1 man operation that still believes in quality workmanship.
|
|
|
Post by cavsgt on Aug 16, 2021 11:45:18 GMT -6
Nice Little fix should hold me for a while. Totally Love your work and can not get enough. 5 STARS
Thank You phill
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 17, 2021 0:37:38 GMT -6
There was a knock on Bill's door. Before he could say anything, Becky came in and closed the door. She walked over and sat beside him on the bed.
"Billy, how do you feel about Gabby?" Becky asked.
"What do you mean?
"Billy, dammit, don't answer a question with a question!"
Billy sat there, silently looking at Becky.
"Billy! WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS FOR GABRIEL?"
Billy faltered. "Becky…"
"Billy…DO YOU HAVE FEELINGS FOR GABRIEL!?!
Billy pulled up his knees and placed his forehead on them.
"TELL ME BILLY! I'M NOT LEAVING UNTIL YOU TELL ME THE TRUTH!"
"Beck, you were right. The first time I saw her, my knees buckled. She looked like an angel to me. I go to bed and wake up each morning with her on my mind. I have to make a conscious effort to stay away from her in fear of folding.
Becky, she scares me. She makes me want to throw everything down, grab her in my arms and fly off into the sunset. Becky, that a fantasy. I'm fighting for real life. I want to be successful so I can settle down someday with a wife, raise a family and strive for that 'happily ever after.'
Becky crawled up on Bill's bed next to him and sat up with her back to the headboard.
"Billy, that's what they call love. Nothing says you can't have love and be successful at the same time. Would it not be better to have a woman who loves you, even though you aren't married, to stand beside you…praise and adore you, at every milestone along your road to success? Sure, Mom and Dad and the kids will always be proud of and support you, but Gabriel really, really LOVES you. Sit and talk with her. Discuss with her your and her dreams and goals. That girl will stand by you through thick and thin. Billy, one thing I am sure of, if you turn your back on her, you will be throwing away the best thing that could ever happen to you in your life. Billy, Gabriel really and truly loves you. She will gladly take you any way she can and will love you even more for it.
Becky slowly crawled off the bed and went through the door, closing it behind her.
The next morning the family was gathered on the porch to see Bill off. Siobhan was as fidgety as a mother hen as her chicks were running off.
"Bill, please call when you arrive back at the Academy!"
"I will Mom."
"Bill, if you need anything…well, you know."
"Sure Dad."
"Becky moved up to him and hugged him tightly. "Take care Bro."
"You too Beck."
Then there was Gabby. Bill took her hand and led her away from the others to his Tahoe.
"When I come home at Thanksgiving, we're having a long talk."
Cupping her head in his hands, he kissed her.
"I will be waiting for you Billy."
Bill waved and got into the Tahoe and drove out of sight past the gate.
Gabby, her eyes shining with happiness, turned and walked to Becky.
"Gabby, he loves you." Becky said.
Gabby hugged her and sighed.
Cal stood and watched the sales. He thought the last auction blew the barn doors open but this one beat anything he'd ever seen. Usually, these things were pretty mundane. Buyers buy cattle at market prices moving from one group to another. This morning the prices on his group went through the roof.
He turned away and saw Nick over in the snack bar area talking to Joanna and Jimmy and quickly walked out the side door to his truck. Opening the lock box under the seat of his K5, Cal pulled out two leather coin wallets embossed on the bottom right with s small HTR brand. Each had eight pockets separated by a leather divider. The four pockets on the left contained I oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz. and 1/10 oz. Gold Eagles. On the other side of the leather divider contained 1, ½, ¼, an 1/10 oz. Gold Ranch Medallions. He had to place the wallets in opposite inside vest pockets because of the weight. Going back inside, he walked over to Nick and Joanna.
"Are you watching this guys?" Cal asked.
"Yeah, the HTR brand is getting to be well known." Nick said.
"No, it isn't the brand, it's you two. You Nick and You Joanna. You two compete against each other yet work together. Your leadership and teamwork is what made the name. People just look at the brand and say 'Yeah, those are some good cattle.' Very few look deeper to understand why they are better. I want to congratulate you and thank you for all of your hard work."
Cal shook hands with Joanna then replaced his hand with a leather wallet. He did the same with Nick.
"Sometimes I like to back my words of appreciation with something a little more substantial. Again, thanks guys."
That evening when Cal returned home he was assaulted by a quarter of a dozen ankle biters. Becky, leaning on the breakfast bar broke out laughing. Cal was finally able to hang his hat and vest up and made his way to the kitchen. Becky moved to the fridge and poured her father a glass of tea.
"How'd it go today, Dad?"
"The sale went great! It was the best ever."
Siobhan walked in, a folder clutched to her chest.
"Cal, I want to show you something," and opened the folder.
Cal set his tea down and looked in the folder Siobhan laid before him. It was a drawing of he and Siobhan. He in his Stetson with Siobhan beside him, the two looking into each other's eyes.
"Wow!"
"Cal I want an addition to the house. A room bathed in natural light to illuminate Amy's paintings."
"Paintings?"
"That's her next step."
Cal pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
"Gary, Cal Coleman. Could you find time to run out here tomorrow? I need your input on something that's completely out of my league. Oh, come for lunch at 12:00, if you can, and we can work from there. Okay, thanks."
"You'd better feed him good tomorrow." Cal grinned.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 17, 2021 0:44:24 GMT -6
Cal went over to Harry Bell's to take a look at that manure spreader. He really was in the market for one. It would be sa big help spreading the compost on the gardens and fields. As he started to turn into Harry's drive, a car came tearing down the drive and slid sideways, almost into the far ditch, turning toward Glade Park Store. Cal watched in his mirror as the car fish-tailed down the road and finally straightened, all the time burning rubber.
Cal continued up the road and pulled up by the garage.
"I'm sorry Cal. I saw what happened." Harry said.
"No problem Harry."
"These damn kids these days….drinking and smoking that dope….that boy just don't want to listen."
"Well Harry, sometimes you've got to let them stumble and fall and bloody their noses before they start to learn."
"Yeah, but I'm afraid he's going to get into some really bad trouble one of these days."
"Hey, what about that manure spreader?" Cal asked.
"Oh yeah, it's over here under the shed."
Cal walked with Harry over to the shed and looked the spreader over. Although used, it was in pretty good condition. These things went for around $23,000 new.
"How much do you want for it Harry?
Harry rubbed his chin. "Well, I was looking about $15,000."
Cal walked slowly around the spreader, checking the box, the beater paddles and the apron chains.
"I'll give you $13,000, in gold Eagles."
"Gold?"
Cal pulled a tube of 7 gold eagles out of his vest pocket.
"Seven Eagles are actually worth $13,195, but you can keep the change."
"Deal!" Harry said. And they shook hands.
"I'll have a couple of my men come pick it up."
"That's fine Cal.
"I'll see you later Harry."
Cal went back to the Ranch and found Sylvio at the equipment barn.
"Sylvio, I just bought another manure spreader and Need a couple of guys to go pick it up."
"Where is it, Señor."
"It's at Harry Bell's place. It's 22 feet long so you probably need the big equipment trailer with the wench. There's a set of portable tongue wheels here in the barn somewhere."
"I know where they are Señor."
"Okay, thanks."
Cal looked at his watch. Gary should be arriving soon. He walked back up to the house. Siobhan and Alice had made a pot of chicken and dumplings. Alice had just finished putting together a tossed salad. Siobhan was pulling an apple pie out of the oven.
"Whoa! You're really going to butter him up, aren't you?
Siobhan smiled. "I want the best out of him."
Cal heard Gary pull up and went out on the porch to greet him.
"Hey Gary. Come on in."
"Hi Siobhan. Something really smells good!"
"Maybe it's the chicken and dumplings, or it could be the fresh apple pie I just pulled out of the oven." Siobhan grinned.
Alice dished out bowls of the dumplings and sat bowls of salad out for everyone. Gary ate like he hadn't eaten in weeks. With the last bite of his pie, Gary leaned back in his chair.
"That was absolutely the best chicken and dumplings I've ever eaten. My wife has to get your recipe. So now, what can I do for you?"
Siobhan went over to the counter and picked up the folder. She opened it up and placed it in front of Gary.
"Hey, this is really good! It looks just like you two!"
"Gary, that was drawn by our 9 year old daughter. I want you to design an addition to the house for her to use as her art room. She'll need as much natural light as you can get her."
"I can do that. I saw something similar to that in Architectural Review. I've got the plans for this house on file and can get started right away."
"Thank you Gary. Dawn just got through picking some of those square icebox melons. Would you like a couple to take home?"
"Yes, I would!"
"Come with me."
Cal helped Alice clean up the table then went to his office.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 17, 2021 0:53:48 GMT -6
Jacque's barrel storage facility was complete so Cal went over to take a look at it.
"Cal, it is better than I thought. The temperature stays constant, something we will need."
Cal looked around. Jacque, you need to put some radon gas detectors in here."
"But this is concrete…"
Doesn't make any difference. It can seep up through the concrete."
"I will get them installed."
"You don't need to have someone install them. You can pick them up at a hardware store. For a room this size, you only need a couple. If you do detect radon, you'll need install a fan venting system."
They got in the EV34 and Jacque drove them over to the equipment building.
"Your Sam and Gary were a great help in the layout of the buildings. I was going to just build an equipment building but Gary showed me the building layout and how we could intégrer…incorporate the business office into the structure complex, keeping it away from my private life. I have fewer…how do you say… journée stressante…"
"Stressful days."
"Yes. Come to my home and see my wine cellar, which I just completed."
They drove the EV up to his house and were greeted by Fancy as they went through the door.
"Jacque! I was worried! I hadn't heard from you!"
Jacque flushed. "I am sorry Francine. I left my phone here on the hall table by mistake. Here, see. It is now in my coat."
"Jacque, perhaps I could send up Eric Mayes. He's my communications expert. He could design you a communications system that would allow you instant communications with the vineyard people and your…uh…staff."
Fancy blushed and turned toward one of the inner rooms.
"Yes, please, send him. Come, see the wine room."
They came to a beautiful oak door. I had this door shipped from France. It also was on my wine room door there."
"Beautiful!"
Jacque opened the door to a 15x 20 room with wine racks on all walls and a double-sided rack running down the middle of the room. Soft, recessed, lights came on automatically and illuminated the bottles.
"L'assurance était très chère…the insurance was very expensive, but I had my collection shipped here."
"Very nice."
"Come, we will have refreshments."
They went to the kitchen.
"I have become fond of your thé glacé…Francine…"
Fancy didn't hesitate. She got two glasses and filled them half-way with ice and took a pitcher of tea out of the refrigerator. After pouring the tea, she handed them to Cal and Jacque.
"Come, we will sit on the terrasse…" then his phone rang. He looked at the call waiting.
"I am sorry, I must take this call" he said, and walked into the next room.
Cal turned to Fancy. "How are you doing Fancy?"
"Cal… I…" then she blushed.
"Fancy, Are you happy?""
"Yes, very."
"Then that's all that matters. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't want you to be."
Jacque returned and he and Cal continued to the terrace in front of the home.
"You have a very beautiful place here Jacque."
"Yes, I find it quite enjoyable. Many evenings Fra…Gabriel and I will sit here and watch as the shadows lengthening down the sides of the hills as the sun sets."
"Jacque, about you and Francine. It is nobody's business. I am happy for the both of you, my friend."
"She is a wonderful woman. I cherish her..."
"I must show you one more thing…a surprise. Come."
They got into the EV and Jacque raced over the ridge and down to the hangar door. Jacque opened the door and there sat Gabby's plane and next to it, Cal was surprised to see a Robinson R44 Raven.
"I am surprised Jacque! First, I didn't think the hangar was going to be this big, and second, I didn't know you flew helicopters."
"Yes, I miss my little Cabri G2. I found this one, it had everything I wanted, so I bought it. Now when I want to visit you, I just climb into my Raven and zip over, rather than enduring your winding, torturous roads."
Cal chuckled. "Very well. It's beautiful."
"Let us fly to your ranch and talk to your communications man."
"Sure."
Cal helped roll the helicopter out and removed the wheels. Jacque did his walk-around pre-flight checks, but before climbing in, called Fancy on his phone. He told her where they were going and ended his call with "Yes, Dear."
Cal called Siobhan and had her tell Eric to meet them at the airfield.
Jacque started the engines, checked his instruments, selected Cal's airfield on the GPS and smoothly lifted off.
"Nice." Cal said over the intercom.
"It has the range to go to the major cities that I would wish to go to for a day or weekend."
Ten minutes later, Jacque was hovering over the runway and maneuvering over to a landing spot. Eric pulled up as the blades were slowing to a stop. The three went into the break area and sat at the picnic table.
"Eric, you know Jacque. He needs a radio system for his vineyard. His earth-berm house sits about 70 feet above a 318 acre vineyard. The vineyard has no masking terrain."
"I think a Motorola DTR600 would work. Range is two to four miles; for the house, we can easily run an antenna up top. With external mikes/speakers, extra charging bases and batteries, it'll cost around $2,500. Plus, they don't require an FCC license."
"Perfect!" Jacque said. Where do we purchase these radios?" Jacque inquired.
"There's a Motorola dealer in town."
"Eric, would you be able to go with him to make sure he's not over-sold?" Cal asked.
"Sure, What time to do want to go tomorrow, Jacque?"
"10:00, maybe?"
"10:00 it is."
They all shook hands and Jacque did his pre-flights and he and Cal returned to Gabriel Vineyards.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 17, 2021 1:02:36 GMT -6
Cal was having his morning coffee when his phone rang. "Cal, Earl Gilmore."
"Hey Earl. What's up?"
"Macy Roberts was beaten and robbed last night. Also, a John daily's place, a quarter of a mile away, was broken into while he was in Denver."
"Is Macy all right?"
"Yeah, she was knocked unconscious and has some contusions, but she'll be all right."
"That’s a relief. Want me to set up some UV patrols in that area?”
“It would be a help, I think, Cal,”
“Let me do some checking. I’ll give you a call Back.”
“Okay Cal, thanks.”
Cal called Larry. "Larry, who took over the MQ project?"
"Guy name Roger Wilcox. Why?"
Cal told him about the break-ins and why he wanted to use the MQs."
"I'll call Roger and have him contact you."
Thirty minutes later, Larry called back.
"Cal, Roger is sending a team of mechanics and controllers, plus a liaison there this afternoon. Just tell the liaison what you need."
"Thanks Larry. I owe you a beer."
Cal then called Sheriff Gilmore. "Earl we need to do some coordination. Is your helipad clear?"
"No, they're doing some construction, but you can land in the impound yard behind the building on the west side."
Cal keyed his radio and made an all-call. "Ken, meet me at the airfield."
Cal arrived at the airfield right behind Ken.
"We need to fly to the Sheriff's office."
Cal used the tug to pull the S-70 out of the hangar. Ken began his walk-around while Cal started down the checklist. Ken climbed in and the two finished up with the checklist and Ken fired up the turbines. When everything was in the green, Ken hover-taxied out to the runway and took off. In six minutes they were slowing, on final to land in the impound lot.
Ken told Cal he would shut down and catch up with him. Cal moved to the building and was met by Deputy Hamm, who led him to the Operations Center.
"Cal, thanks for coming."
They walked over to an illuminated planning map of Mesa County attached to the wall.
"Cal, these red dots indicate the locations of the break-ins. This yellow dot is an equipment shed where an attempt to force the lock failed. All these break-ins were done at night and these people seem to know the area and are smart enough to cover their tracks."
Cal nodded, studying the map and especially the road and trail networks."
"What are these people taking?" Cal asked.
"Money, small things, but stuff that will be expensive to replace."
Cal turned back to the map and continued studying it.
Cal picked up a day-glow marker that would be illuminated by the back-lit map.
"Okay, we'll put up drone coverage tomorrow night from here in the National Monument down to here, up this canyon to Ela Bridge, over to Thompson Reservoir Number Three, over to Colorado Canyon, then back down to the National Monument."
"That's a big area Cal. You sure you can cover that?"
"Yep. We can Earl. I suggest you have a Tac Team locate to my Ranch and one over at your substation in Redlands. We'll use my S-70, which will carry six people if we pull the seats out. You can use your helicopter over in Redlands. I don't know what your helicopter will carry."
"Your helicopter can only carry six people?"
"Look around, some of your Deputies are big ol' boys." Cal grinned.
Earl grinned and nodded.
"Okay, we'll send a team out to your place around sunset tomorrow and have the others in place in Redlands. We'll also place some cars, out of sight, off the roads around the perimeter."
The first night was a bust. The two MQ-1s flew from EENT to BMNT and nothing unusual was spotted.
The second night though, one of the MQ-1 controllers called out to Adam.
"I think I have something."
Adam went over to the screen and looked where at the camera cross-hairs were pointing. Three small dots were moving at a rapid pace on a trail coming from the border of the Colorado National Monument toward a solitary homestead five miles southwest of the Glade Park store. The dots slowed and then came to a stop a few hundred yards from the homestead.
Adam called Cal and gave him the coordinates and that the people were using trail bikes or 4-wheelers. Cal alerted the Tac Team and told Ken to get blades turning. He in turn called the Sheriff's Operation Center and gave them the coordinates and advised them they were launching. The Sheriff's Tac Team in Redlands moved into a position to the east of the vehicles to block access to the trail.
Cal was able to fit eight Deputies into the S-70, so the plan was for three to remain on board in case they had to react to a changed situation."
With the help of the MQ-1s the Tac Team quickly apprehended the three men, or boys. One of them was Harry Bell's son.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 17, 2021 3:18:42 GMT -6
Gary came back out with the re-drawn house plans for Siobhan to approve.
"Siobhan, I cheated a bit. I called an architect in New York who designed such a room as you desire. There are extensive windows and skylights involved and special log construction techniques will have to be used in order to main wall strength. Now, you do get some shading from the mesa during the day and we do get some rather dark days during inclement weather. Inside these false beams are recessed elongated light fixtures containing special daylight lighting elements. It could be dark as a coal mine and they would give off the equivalent of full daylight."
"Now, for the grade view of the house. I made a copy of the grade view plans and drew in what it would look with your addition and the other coy has how it would look like with my proposed changes."
"In this plan, you can see the art room looks like a big hernia on the side of the house. On this grade view you can see my change. It balances out the grade view of the house."
Cal was looking over Siobhan's shoulder as she studied the plans.
"Gary, you and Sam are bleeding me dry, but do your changes." Cal said.
"But what would we do with the space, Cal?"
"I don't know, make it a reading room, or a sun room, or just put a nice recliner in there and you can rub my feet."
Siobhan elbowed him. "In your dreams, Cowboy."
Gary and Cal laughed.
"Gary, go ahead and do it with the grade changes." Siobhan said.
"Well, I'll get with the crew and they'll start putting it together."
"Thanks Gary." Siobhan said.
Cal got Roger Wilcox's number and gave him a call.
"Mr. Wilcox, I'm calling to thank you for allowing us to utilize your assets."
"Call me Roger. More than happy. It sharpened the edges on our crew. They had a good workout. Perhaps we can do this again in the future Mr. Coleman?"
"Call me Cal. I'll put you on speed-dial Roger. Our situation turned out much faster, and much better than we could have hoped for."
"I'm glad. Any time we can be of assistance, please let me know."
"Thank you Roger. Have a good day."
Cal sat there for a few minutes, thinking. Then dialed Larry's number.
"Larry, Cal. Is Wilcox one of the good guys?"
"One of few." Larry replied.
"Thanks Larry. Talk to you later."
A few days later Mike called and said a Gulfstream was asking for landing instructions. Cal told Mike to clear it. He drove up to the airfield with Larry pulling in behind him.
"You know anything about this plane?"
"Yeah, and we need to go down to the Facility when he arrives."
The Gulfstream came in and Arny came out with batons and guided the plane to a parking space.
Roger Wilcox came out of the aircraft and got into Cal's Suburban. When they arrived at the Facility, Andy led them to the SCIF and activated the counter-measures.
Larry began. Cal, Roger is one of 25 people in this government that can be trusted with your Mother's soul. Everything we've done here has been wiped from the records. If someone contacts you, do exactly what you did with Roger….check them out. Because of compartmentalization, we don't give out contact names unless required by mission. You are one of only a trusted few outside of government members that knows anything about what we are doing."
"And what is that Larry?"
Larry looked down at the conference table for a moment, then back up at Cal.
"I'm sure, you being Special Forces, remember DET-A. The stay-behind Green Beret force in Berlin during the cold war. They were prepared to conduct acts of sabotage in Berlin in the event that the Soviets ever invaded. That is what we have been building. We have several dozens of sites established throughout the United States and its territories just like you have here. Eugene McCarthy was right. There are socialists and communists embedded in our government. We are the finger in the dike and the strike force when things go toes up."
Cal looked at the two for a moment.
"I suspected as much. How do I identify accredited members?"
"I will give you a list of bona fides. Memorize the list and destroy it. They are the Keys To The Kingdom." Larry replied.
"We'll be standing by." Cal promised.
Cal, Larry and Andy watched as the Gulfstream lifted off.
"What now?" Andy asked.
"Maintain." Larry said. "We are just one of hundreds, maybe thousands, of three-man cells." When the upper leadership needs something, they will let us know."
"Larry, you and Sherry have been shut in too long." Cal said. "Why don't you two come over for some ribs Saturday afternoon around 3:00. There will be other couples there. We'll tip a few and squeeze the wives." Cal said.
Larry laughed. "Okay Cal, we'll be there."
|
|
|
Post by biggkidd on Aug 17, 2021 3:56:44 GMT -6
Nice way to start the day!
|
|
|
Post by ydderf on Aug 17, 2021 4:47:37 GMT -6
Thank you
|
|
|
Post by gipsy on Aug 17, 2021 6:31:03 GMT -6
Cool
|
|
|
Post by sniper69 on Aug 17, 2021 6:34:02 GMT -6
I'm thoroughly enjoying this new story as much as I enjoyed the previous two. Thank you for sharing.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 17, 2021 7:02:42 GMT -6
"Hey Bro! How's it going?"
"Same Oh, same Oh."
"Why don't I run down there Saturday and we can spend some time together. Can you get a pass?"
"Sure. I'd love that. Make it 9:00 and we can go have brunch."
"See you Saturday."
They ended up at IHOP stuffing themselves with blueberry pancakes, eggs and bacon. They almost had to waddle out, holding on to one another. They decided to go down to one of the local parks and walk around.
"So, have you talked to Gabby recently?" Becky asked.
"Yeah, I talked to her Sunday. We talk every Sunday."
"Good. Billy, She is something special. Even I love her to death. She goes over all the time and talks to Mom, asking her advice on different things."
"Oh God" Bill groaned.
"QUIT! It's not like that. She respects Mom's opinion. Not everything is about you, Billy."
"I'm not supposed to say anything, But Dad got tickets and they are flying up for the game at Falcon Stadium. They are going to bring Gabby, so act surprised. After which, we will all fly home to a very thankful Thanksgiving."
"Where's he flying in to?"
"Meadow Lake. I'll pick everyone up and I can leave my vehicle there when we go home."
"Man, you all have been planning!"
"And what are your plans for Gabby?"
Bill was quiet as they walked among the trees in the park. He stopped and sat down with his back to a tree. He turned his head to Becky.
"Well, I'm going to do what you said….talk to her."
"Now that is sensible! Where did you come up with that!"
Bill reached over and pinched her on the thigh.
"Hey! That hurt!"
"Sorry. Look, I've been thinking. I can't ask Gabby to marry me when I graduate. I'll have five more years of training and assignments before I can go into the inactive reserves. I could be stationed anywhere in the world. I could be rotated overseas for three to six months at a time…."
"Whoa Bro! That's not for you to discuss with me. That's a discussion you and Gabby should have. Your two futures are your decisions…as a couple."
"You're right."
"You know, right now, Mom loves Gabby like a daughter."
Bill was silent.
"Beck, what do you think?"
"Nah anh! The only advice I'm going to give you is to talk to Gabby. Sort the things in your head and your heart and make a decision on your future."
Becky dropped Billy back at the Academy and went back to Golden.
Bryan, stunned, looked over at Shannon. "Are these readings correct?"
"It's the fourth time we've run the tests. John has monitored the tests also."
"Okay, let's run this for thirty days and increase the loads to twice the average for New England, Mid Atlantic, East North Central, West north Central, South Atlantic, East south Central, West South Central, Mountain, and Pacific contiguous and non-contiguous zones. Keep this low key. This could shut down and bankrupt every domestic power company in North America."
Cal sat on the hood of his truck and watched Sylvio's sons plant the corn field. It was amazing what they had done to bring these green oases to the high desert. Loads and loads of compost made from the refuse of the ranch and greenhouse operations had been added to the soil and enriched it. The soil actually smelled rich.
Cal jumped down and got into his truck and started to crank the engine when his phone rang.
"Cal, can you come to the house?"
"On my way…"
Cal pull up and parked off to the side to keep away from the contractor vehicles. Siobhan met him on the porch.
"Gabby's here, I want us both to ask her to go to the game with us."
Cal nodded.
Cal walked into the kitchen. Gabby was sitting at the breakfast bar, thumbing through one of Siobhan's recipe binders. He filled a glass with ice and tea and took a seat at the breakfast bar next to her.
"What are you looking for?"
"Nothing really. Some of these recipes are interesting."
"Gabby," Siobhan interrupted, "Before Billy comes home for Thanksgiving, he has to stay for the annual football game at Falcon Stadium at the Air Force Academy. Cal has tickets for us and we're flying up. We'd like to ask you to attend the game with us."
Gabby froze. "Will Billy be able to come home with us?"
Siobhan nodded and smiled.
"YES! Yes I will go with you." Gabby said. "Thank you."
Siobhan pulled a tissue out of the box and handed it to Gabby.
"I miss him so much!" Gabby said.
"Siobhan, I went to see Dr. Gaddy…"
"Uh…I need to see about some stuff in the barn." Cal said.
Siobhan smirked as Cal grabbed his hat and beat a hasty retreat out the door.
"What did you go see Dr. Gaddy for?"
"I wanted to get protection, in case Billy…"
"I understand. Are you sure you are ready?"
"Yes. I ache for him. There is no other, nor will there ever be anyone else for me."
"I know the feeling. So-o-o, plan on flying up with us and we'll have a lovely weekend!"
|
|
|
Post by iamnobody on Aug 17, 2021 9:07:56 GMT -6
Great story. You write a good story that could be off of current newspaper articles, if the newspapers would write honest reportings.
|
|
|
Post by gipsy on Aug 17, 2021 9:45:30 GMT -6
The power companies are feeling the pinch. It's about time.
|
|
|
Post by texican on Aug 17, 2021 13:37:09 GMT -6
Posted by ncsfsgm 12 hours ago.
ncsfsgm,
2:30am or there about.
This is dedication in feeding your moar hound readers.
Thanks,
Texican....
|
|
|
Post by texican on Aug 17, 2021 14:04:48 GMT -6
Siobhan and Alice had made a pot of chicken and dumplings. Alice had just finished putting together a tossed salad. Siobhan was pulling an apple pie out of the oven.
My maternal grandmother prepared chicken and dumplings which were outstanding and there was never any leftovers due to the family's appetite for grandmother's chicken and dumplings. Grandmother would also have green beans from the garden and peach cobbler with the meal. Cobbler is a Texas and southern staple. Pie would be pecan or pumpkin. Pecans from our pecan trees and pumpkin from the garden. When I was a youngin, we planted a pecan orchard to compliment the two pecan trees on the homestead. The original huge pecan tree is now estimated to be over 140 years old.
Salad and chicken and dumplings do not compliment each other for those raised in Texas. Salad does compliment steak which was a staple along with fried potatoes when we had steak. If we had chicken fried steak, there would be gravy and fried potatoes with onions and tomatoes from the garden.
Texican....
ps: The peaches were also from our orchard.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 17, 2021 20:34:35 GMT -6
I didn't get as much done today, was reloading ammo.
Cal slowly backed the trailer up to the woodworking shop door. He got out and pulled on his gloves as he went to open the garage door. As he pulled the door up, he saw Darryl by the lumber stacks. "Hey Cal. What's up?"
"You busy?" Cal asked.
"Nope, just checking the lumber stacks to see what was available."
"Help me unload this lumber. I went to an estate sale and got this lumber dirt cheap. I don't think they even knew what they had. I've got eight 2x8x12 walnut boards, six 2x8x12 birch, twelve 2x8x12 white oak and ten 2x8x12 Cedar. They just auctioned it off as dimensional rough-cut boards."
"Wow! Darryl said, pulling on gloves.
They carefully stacked the lumber and marked the racks with a piece of masking tape with the name of the wood on it.
"I was looking for some wood to make a display coffee table for Siobhan's reading room." Darryl said.
"Siobhan's reading room?" First, she asked me what the hell we would do with the expansion room, now it's 'HER' reading room!" Cal fussed.
Darryl grinned. "Women, can't live without 'em!"
"Yeah, pick out whatever you need. Make sure you wand them for nails before you run them through the planer. The spare planer blades I ordered haven't come in yet"
Cal pulled the trailer down to the equipment shed and dropped it off. He drove back up to the house and back the K5 into the garage.
"Cal, is that you?"
Cal hung his hat and vest up and walked toward the kitchen.
"In here!"
Turning, he went to Siobhan's "reading room."
"Try this chair out. Siobhan said, patting the back of a leather covered easy chair."
Cal sat down and wiggled around a bit. "Nice."
"I thought so too. I called and having three more delivered tomorrow."
"What's this about a display coffee table Darryl is building for you?"
"I wanted to put things in there that depict our life history here. Oh, and I need you to knock me off as piece of gold ore, maybe half the size of a golf ball, Mr. Gold Miner."
"Well, which is it? One day I'm your 'Cowboy', the next I'm your 'Gold Miner."
Siobhan leaned over the back of the chair and hugged Cal. "Doesn't make any difference. They're both the same man that rescued me and stole my heart."
"I love the buttery talk, but it sometimes comes with a price. What is it now?"
"I want to let Bill and Gabby have the guest house during Thanksgiving."
Cal sat straight up and looked back at Siobhan. "You sure?"
Siobhan nodded. "We can never know what the future brings. Let's let them have their time together and hope it's for the rest of their lives."
Cal got up and wrapped his arms around her. "You never cease to amaze me."
They walked to the Art Room and opened the French doors. Siobhan had, that morning, laid down a Native American area rug, moved a rollable oak cabinet filled with art supplies on one side of the room with an easel standing by it. A padded backed stool sat next to the easel. A comfortable looking arm chair sat next to the windows, along with an oak drafting table with chair. The room was finished out with a sink and built-in refrigerator against the wall on the right. Cal walked over and checked the refrigerator. It was filled with bottles of water and juices.
"Has Amy seen this yet?
"Only the sink cabinet. Alice and I put everything in here this morning. I haven't told her what this is really for, so she should be surprised."
Cal looked at his watch. "Well, we have three more hours before school is out. Is there anything else that needs to be done, besides feed me?"
"Siobhan grinned and took his arm. "Come on Cowboy, I've got a pot of chili and a basket of warm tortillas waiting for you.
Cal was eating his bowl of chili when Alice walked in.
"Alice, how is Judy doing in school?"
"Oh Cal, I have never seen her so excited to go to school and when she comes home she's bright-eyed and eager to do her homework. She says she feels like she is really learning things for the first time."
"Well, if she continues like that and keeps her marks up, she'll have a full college scholarship."
Alice fidgeted with her hands. "She has dreams of being a Pediatric Nurse."
"Then we will help her achieve those dreams."
"Siobhan, overhearing the conversation, came in
"What about you Alice. Do you have any dreams?" Siobhan asked.
"Oh, my dreams have been fulfilled. I have a warm and safe home for my daughter. She is happy and looking forward to the future, and I have a great job with wonderful employers. That was all I prayed for."
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 17, 2021 20:43:28 GMT -6
When the kids came home from school, Cal and Siobhan stood in front of the French doors, blocking the view into the room. Amy went right on by to her room to drop off her books. When the kids gathered in the kitchen for the snacks Alice had laid out, Siobhan called Amy over. Cal open the door and Siobhan ushered her in.
"Amy, this is your art room."
Amy's hands flew up and covered her mouth. She whirled around and buried her face in Siobhan's breasts. A muffled 'Thank You Mom.' was heard. Amy released her hold on Siobhan and walked around the room. She checked the sink and refrigerator out, ran her hand over the drafting table and chair, and opened the storage cabinet.
"Thank you so much Mom and Dad. Mom, do you have that picture that Andy took of us at the lake this summer?"
"Yes, I'll get it for you after you finish your homework."
The flight to Meadow Lake Airport took only an hour and fifteen minutes. Siobhan rode in the back with an excited Gabby. Winds were calm and nothing was in the pattern so Cal was able to make a straight in approach in on runway 33. Becky was waiting for them at the General Parking area.
Entering the front gate was no problem but they ended up using a satellite parking lot and caught a shuttle to Falcon Stadium. It looked like it was going to be a packed crowd for the Colorado State - Air Force game.
The found their seats just before the cadets started filing in. with the seats practically filled, Gabby and Becky were scanning across the stadium, trying to see Bill. One of the cadets stood up facing in their direction, raised his arms they crossed them over his head.
"It is Billy!" Gabby shouted. She jumped up and gave the same signal.
Bill and Gabby waved at each other. She finally sat down as the game began.
It was a good game and the Falcons squeaked by Colorado state by a touchdown. They met Bill by the cadet chapel and made their way to the parking lot and to Meadow Lake. Siobhan rode in the right seat on the way back to the Ranch. About 20 minutes out, Siobhan took Gabby to the rear of the aircraft to talk to her. She returned to the right seat and put her headset on.
"I told her. You need to speak to Bill before we reach the house.
When they landed at the Ranch, Cal and Bill unloaded Becky and Bill's bags and the girls went on ahead. Bill helped Cal dock the plane back in the hangar and closed the door.
As they Got into the EV Cal said, "You and Gabby will be staying in the guest cabin this weekend. Your Mother has already told Gabby."
They drove in silence all the way home. Cal dropped Bill in front of the guest house and went to park the EV in the underground garage.
Bill walked up to the door of the cabin and hesitated before lifting the latch and going in. Gabby was standing in front of the fireplace, mindlessly gazing into the flames. Bill closed the door and moved in behind Gabby, pulling her into his arms. At first, she leaned her head back into his chest then turned in his arms and pulled his head down,
Becky, Alice, Judy and Siobhan were busy prepping the turkey and other things when Bill and Gabby came in.
"Well, finally!" Becky grinned and winked at Gabby. Gabby blushed.
"Where's Dad?"
"He and Jacque are down at the range shooting clay pigeons before he starts the smoker." Siobhan said. "If you two are hungry, there are blueberry pancakes and bacon in the warming oven."
Bill got out the pancakes and bacon out while Gabby got plates and silverware, Becky brought over the coffee pot and poured their coffee. They sat down and started eating.
"Is Dad smoking pheasants again this year?" Bill asked.
"Yes. He and Jim went up to Holyoke and brought back their limit of pheasants and quail. He's going to smoke 4 pheasants and 8 quail this year."
"O-o-o-o-oh-h-h-h. I see right now I will be in protein overdose this evening." Bill grinned.
Mary came in carrying a pie, "Good morning!"
"Good morning Mary!"
"What can I do?"
"Well, nothing really." Siobhan said. "We're just about through. As soon as Cal gets back, I can put the turkey in the oven."
"I can do that for you Mom." Bill said, rising from his chair.
"Okay. Let me put on a sweater. I got a chill earlier when I went down to turn on the oven."
Siobhan opened the shelter door and Bill carried the turkey through and placed it it the back of an electric cart. Siobhan drove to the shelter kitchen. She opened the oven door and set two timers. One she left in the shelter kitchen, the other she took back to the house with her. They had just arrived back at the house when Cal and Jim came back.
"Ready to put the turkey in?" Cal asked.
"Bill just put it in for me."
"Okay…well, I'll go get the smoker ready."
Cal placed the pans of pheasants and quail out to take the chill off of them. The women had gone into Amy's art room where Amy was showing them her latest drawing she had placed on a rolling 8 foot rolling wall that Darryl had made for her. The wall was covered with opened-top plexiglass frames large enough to slide a sketch pad page into for viewing.
Cal walked in and listened to Amy's descriptions of the sketches and her feelings when she sketched them. They came to a sketch of Cal, in black pencil, wearing his Stetson, cleaning his Ruger Blackhawk.
"I don't remember you there when I cleaned that gun, and I'm pretty sure I wasn't wearing my hat."
"I know Daddy. I heard you tell Mama you were going to clean your gun and I sat and visualized what you would look like."
Siobhan led Amy over to the drafting table and handed her the pencils and sketch pad.
"Amy, I want you to visualize the koi pool in Serenity Garden. There are pixies playing around the pond….now sketch the scene."
The women and Cal quietly moved behind Amy and watched as she sketched the scene she could see in her mind.
In minutes, Amy had drawn a detailed sketch of the koi pond and the tiny pixies play around the pool. There was even one pixie bent over pool, holding a life-sized food nugget in her little hands, feeding the koi. Amy had used her colored pencils to highlight the sun rays and the flowers in the hair of the pixies and made the calico koi stand out.
"I love that picture!" Judy said.
Amy handed her the sketch. "Here Judy, you can have this. I will draw you one even better, later."
Cal went back to the kitchen and began applying rub to the carcasses. He then carried them out and placed them in the smoker. Taking the pan back into the kitchen, he hand-washed it, dried, and put it back into the pantry. Setting a timer, he stuck it on the refrigerator. The women began to come out of the art room.
"I have never seen the like! Mary said.
"She is very talented." Agreed Alice.
"Siobhan, next month, the Art Center is having an exhibit of amateur artists. Amy should enter it." Mary said.
Amy's eyes lit up. She grabbed Gabby by the arms and said. "Stay right here!" And ran to her room. She came back with a big floppy Santa hat and guided Gabby over to an open corner of the room with the light of the fireplace highlighting Gabby in flickers. When she had Gabby turned to her liking, Amy placed the hat on Gabby's head, arranged Gabby's hair and the floppiness and tilt of the hat, Amy moved back slowly, all the time staring at Gabby, almost as if in a trance. She broke her gaze and went to Gabby and removed the hat.
"Finished!"
The adults looked at each other in wonderment.
|
|
|
Post by gipsy on Aug 17, 2021 21:13:16 GMT -6
They will have to watch what she draws so she doesn't give away any secrets.
|
|