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Post by cavsgt on Aug 26, 2021 14:42:58 GMT -6
Once again the much used phrase "THANK YOU" followed by the self serving phrase MOAR MOAR
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Post by NCWEBNUT on Aug 26, 2021 15:21:01 GMT -6
"Sorrow comes in great waves… but rolls over us, and though it may almost smother us, it leaves us. And we know that if it is strong, we are stronger, inasmuch as it passes and we remain."
Henry James
So true
Yeah that saying was rather heart warming when I read it, I lost a distant uncle yesterday to failing health and it struck me odd that I would read that on the same day.
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Post by gipsy on Aug 26, 2021 16:09:20 GMT -6
Thanks for the update. I was raised using big grey Percherons for farming till an Allis Chalmers show up. Miss them boys.
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Post by iamnobody on Aug 26, 2021 16:16:52 GMT -6
"Sorrow comes in great waves… but rolls over us, and though it may almost smother us, it leaves us. And we know that if it is strong, we are stronger, inasmuch as it passes and we remain."
Henry James
So true
Yeah that saying was rather heart warming when I read it, I lost a distant uncle yesterday to failing health and it struck me odd that I would read that on the same day. After losing my late wife, a lot of times it felt like I was standing on my tip toes in a pool of water that came up to my nose. Every ripple of that pond water threatened to overcome me. It seemed like a lot of “circumstances” where standing on shore throwing big rocks into the water creating waves. See, I married her late in life. She was 36, I was 41. So for her, ages 37 – 50, as a “conservative Christian” to commit adultery many times – shaking my head. So I am a 60 year old widower raising 3 teenagers. I can do all things through Christ.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 27, 2021 2:40:03 GMT -6
Alice was vacuuming and Siobhan and Becky were finishing up the breakfast dishes.
"Momma, I want to pick up some eggs and stuff to take up to the house."
Siobhan picked up a dish towel and dried her hands. Smiling, she turned to Becky.
"Well then, let's go raid the freezers too!"
The Mother Hen in Siobhan sprang out and it wasn't long before the back of the Tahoe was sitting low.
"Momma! God, enough! I won't need to buy groceries for a 6 months!" Becky said, giggling.
Siobhan threw her hands up. "All right. I just didn't want you to go without."
"There's no danger of that. I just need to get some crackers."
"Wait! I have extra in the pantry!"
Becky smiled and shook her head as Siobhan rushed into the house.
Siobhan came out with two different kinds of crackers. "Do you need help unloading this?" "No Momma, I can handle it. The kids will be home soon."
"Are you coming back for dinner?"
"I don't think so. I'll fix something."
"Okay then, I'll see you later."
Becky pulled into her drive and stopped in front of the garage. Gabby came speeding up in an EV as Becky opened her door and got out. Gabby was laughing.
"I knew, when I saw the way your vehicle was sitting, what happened. Siobhan did the same to me when I moved in. My Jeep was so loaded down I had to use 4-wheel drive to get here. Come, I'll help you unload."
The two women finally got everything unloaded and put away. Becky opened a bottle of wine and they sat in the living area.
"Are you doing all right Becky?" Gabby asked.
"Yeah. I'm ready to go to work though. I've still got a week and a half before I report in."
"Hey, why don't we take the STOLs up to Soldier Creek tomorrow? Take a lunch with us," Gabby said.
"Okay! I'll pack some sandwiches and chips, you bring some drinks."
"Pepsi and water?"
"That's good."
Shay scooped up the last bit of coke with the bucket and dumped it on the last pile.
"How much is that Dennis?"
"I'd say ten truck loads. I don't think Darryl needs to blast anymore."
"No, but you know, this stuff can be burned in the outside furnaces. Save on buying wood. There's five of them. We need to ask Cal about it."
Shay drove the excavator onto the lowboy and they moved it back to the equipment barn.
Gabby carefully laid the dress bag into the back of the Jeep and closed the hatch. She went in the opposite direction when she left Helen's house and went to Siobhan's house.
"Hello!"
"In here, Gabby!"
Gabby went into the art room and saw Siobhan standing behind Amy at the easel. Gabby went over and stood beside Siobhan. Amy was finishing painting a scene of a young woman in a flowing dress, reaching out to a flowering lily floating on a shimmering pool.
"It's beautiful Amy." Gabby said softly.
Finishing, Amy put her brush in a holder, suspending the brush in water and turned around.
"I have something for you Gabby." Amy said.
She got off her stool and went over to the roll-around wall. Reaching behind it, she pulled out a wrapped package and brought it to Gabby.
"I wasn't sure when to give you this, but I think now would be a god time."
Gabby unwrapped the package and turned the frame over. Her hand went over her heart as she saw the likenesses of her and Billy. She felt the emotions Amy had portrayed in the picture.
"Amy, it's beautiful! Thank You! I know just where to hang it!"
Amy smiled.
Cal received the call from Jerry, to set up a time to visit.
"Jerry, how about next weekend. My son is getting married this weekend. I'll pick you up the following Friday at 5:00 PM. Bring your bags for the weekend and I'll fly you back on Sunday afternoon."
"Sounds good Cal. We'll see you next Friday."
As Gabby wanted, the wedding was simple. Edna had decorated the Chapel with a few tastefully arranged flowers. She looked like a princess as Jacque walked her down the aisle. Bill, standing there in his dress uniform stood tall. The Chapel was filled with members of the Ranch, all of whom had watched little Billy grow into a man. Siobhan and Becky both couldn't resist shedding a few tears. When the ceremony was over, Nick drove the newlyweds to the Community Center in a white carriage. It was a happy day, except sometimes Becky was forced to snap herself out of her thoughts. When the bride and groom had finished their dance, and the parents had their dance, other couples got up and danced to the music played by a string quartet hired from the Grand Junction Symphony. Becky was sitting enjoying the music when she felt someone come up beside her.
"Would you like to dance?"
She looked at the offered hand, then up at Craig.
"Yes."
She took his hand as he led her out onto the floor.
"I liked this wedding. It was simple, yet filled with emotion." Craig said.
"Yes, it was beautiful." Replied Becky. "I haven't seen you much lately."
"You haven't flown much lately." Replied Craig.
"Don't you do anything else besides hang around the airfield?"
"Yes I do. Last weekend I flew my helicopter down to Big Mesa Reservoir and did a little fishing, but mostly relaxed."
"Yeah, I do that sometimes too." Becky said.
"What, fishing or relaxing?"
"Just getting away." Replied Becky.
"Getting away from, or running to…?"
Becky looked up at him, then around at the people looking at them. The music had stopped. Apparently, for a while, and they were still dancing. She blushed and took her hand from his and made her way back to her table with Craig escorting her. When she was seated, he bent slightly and said. "I apologize."
Becky turned in her seat and watched as he left the building.
Siobhan watched as Becky turned back around and took a sip of wine.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 27, 2021 2:55:25 GMT -6
Cal landed at Kansas City International and taxied to the FBO to refuel.
"We're making good time." He told Sylvio. "We had a 40 mph tailwind."
Cal and Sylvio got out to use the restroom while the plane was being refueled. After paying for the fuel, they took off. Next stop, Akron-Canton Airport, about 15 miles from Dalton. They would spend the night and go out to Pioneer Equipment Company in the morning.
The next morning, after a fair breakfast, they drove out to Pioneer, which was about 4 miles south of Dalton. When they got there, Cal was like a kid in a toy store. He pulled out his pocket notebook and took notes as he and Sylvio discussed the different pieces of equipment and the numbers they might need. Once they agreed on the number that would be purchased, Cal would write the information down they would move on to the next piece of equipment. A couple of times a salesman would approach them and Cal would explain they were ironing out a plan. They did, a few times, ask questions about a particular piece of equipment and when satisfied, add it to their list. At the end of the day, they had a pretty large list of what they would purchase. Cal asked about potato planters and diggers. They didn't make any but referred Cal to a company in Wyoming that made them and might be adapted to Pioneer's forecarts. If not, he gave him some contact information for people who might be able to find him some antique ones. Cal told the salesman when they were ready to purchase, he would send them an email outlining what he would like to purchase ahead of time.
After being on their feet all day, the two needed to sit down to a couple of cold beers and a meal. They found what they wanted and turned in early for the flight back.
"Becky, do you want to fly right-seat with me on a trip to South Dakota tomorrow afternoon?"
"Sure, where are you going?"
"A place called Presho. I'm picking up a family there to return them here for the weekend. I need to leave at 1600."
"Kinda late to be flying."
"We'll be back before dark."
"Okay, I'll meet you at the airfield."
Cal drove over to the Carlton place the next morning to see what they were doing at the building site. They had just finished grading and a crew was assembling steel forms for the foundation and floors. Nothing to really see, so he went by the airfield to check the Piper to make sure it was ready to go that afternoon. Craig came over.
"Another trip?"
"Yeah, a run up to South Dakota and back."
The fuel tank was topped of and everything else looked good. He went ahead and pre-programmed the computer and shut down the power.
"What time are you leaving and I'll have it out on the apron for you."
"I'm leaving at 1600. Thanks Craig."
Becky got to the airfield early and found Craig towing the Piper out of the hangar.
She stood aside as he unhitched the tow bar and approached him.
"Why did you apologize to me then leave the reception the other day?"
"I..uh…felt I had made you uncomfortable."
"It wasn't I was uncomfortable. I...I was embarrassed because we were dancing and so in to talking we didn't hear the music stop….and I wouldn't be uncomfortable dancing with you next time, either." She smiled.
"Okay." Craig smiled. "Then I won't hesitate to ask you to dance when there is a next time."
Cal drove up and parked his truck next to the hangar. "Ready?"
Becky followed Cal around during his walk-around and climbed into the plane. She followed him closely as he went through the checklist. Craig watched as the engine started and Cal warmed the engine up. Cal slowly moved to the taxiway and onto the runway, turning right to go to the threshold. He turned into the wind, advanced the throttle and released the brakes. The plane quickly reached V2 and the plane lifted off the runway. He got on course and leveled off at 5000 feet. Cal set the autopilot and said nothing unless entering or leaving a Control Zone. Becky was silent but occasionally said something concerning the instrument display.
"Daddy, after Hope died, how did you feel when you found yourself attracted to Momma?"
Cal was silent for a few moments.
"Scared, sad, disappointed, hopeful…. All those things. I was scared because I felt myself drifting toward your Mother and I didn't want the pain of another loss ever again. I was disappointed because I was afraid I was betraying Hope. I was sad because I felt that even though I still loved Hope, my love for your Mother was getting even stronger. I was hopeful that life would get better. It was all those things."
"What did you do to change?"
"I didn't do anything. Your Mother's love enveloped everything. She loved our children, and me, UNCONDITIONALLY, and brought the joy of life into our home. I was caught up in that whirlpool of love and I never want to leave its hold. With the love of Evan and Amy and the strength of the love of your Mother…I…I don't really know how to explain it….I wanted to live again…I wanted to protect them from the pains I had gone through…I wanted to love completely again."
"I think I know how you felt."
Cal turned off the autopilot and took control of the plane. The dropped down 2000 feet and turned slightly to the north east.
"We're about ten miles out. There isn't a control tower so help me scan for aircraft. Do you see that little town at our ten o'clock? That's Presho. The airfield is just to the right of the town."
Cal slowed the aircraft slightly and watched for other aircraft.
"A one seventy two at two o'clock, on final." Becky warned.
"Roger." Cal lowered his landing gear and reduced speed slightly, then banking.
"On final." Becky didn't acknowledge.
"Cal adjusted his speed and sank onto the runway. Reversing this prop, he quickly slowed to a safe taxi speed and followed the taxiway to the parking area. He came to a stop and began shutdown procedures. Becky saw a group of four standing just outside the parking area with bags. Becky got up and moved to the rear and opened the door, Cal just behind her. Stepping out of the aircraft, the two greeted the Clayton's as they approached.
"Good afternoon, Jerry" Cal said, shaking Jerry's hand.
Cal, this is my wife, Janice, my oldest, Jake and this little devil is Mike."
"We are pleased to meet you all and welcome aboard!. "This lovely lady next to me is my co-pilot AND my daughter, Becky."
They all said "Hi" and shook her hand.
"Well, let's get your bags aboard and you seated. Flight time should be around two hours and twenty-five minutes. We have a slight quartering headwind. Cal started handing Becky the bags and she stowed then. Moving to the cockpit, Cal begin getting the plane ready while Becky got everyone seated and seat belts fastened. Cal started engines as Becky stepped into her seat and strapped in.
"Clear right." Becky said.
Cal cleared to the left and taxied to the runway and stopped. Becky looked to her right.
"Clear right."
Cal cleared left and pulled onto the runway, taxiing down the runway to the turn-around and lined up the aircraft. Moving the throttles forward, Cal released the brake and the aircraft rapidly moved down the runway until Cal pulled back slightly on the yoke.
"Gear up." Becky flipped the switch that brought the landing gear up.
Cal slowly banked to the left and came up to two thousand feet. Checking his radar, he climbed to 5000 feet and leveled off. He checked the display and switched the intercom to the "PA" setting.
"Welcome aboard folks. We are currently flying at 5000 feet at a speed of 260 kts. It seems we lost that headwind so we should arrive at High Top Ranch before the chickens go to roost. Enjoy your flight."
As Cal predicted, they arrived back at the Ranch an hour and fifty minutes later.
"Hotel Tango Romeo, this is Piper zero seven niner on final."
"Roger Cal, Winds two niner six at eight."
Cal slicked the landing and moved onto the parallel taxiway up to Hangar #1 and brought the aircraft to a stop. He quickly signed the logbook and handed it to Becky.
"Finish filling this out and I'll take them to the house."
As he crawled out of his seat, Craig opened the door.
"Welcome to High Top Ranch folks. If you will unbuckle and move to the door, Craig will assist you from there."
They filed out of the plane and Becky began to pass the bags to Cal and he to Craig. With the last bag, Cal stepped out, followed by Becky. Cal led them over to the Suburban and got everyone and their bags loaded, and drove to the house.
Becky turned and went back to the cockpit and began filling out the logbook. She finished and returned the log to its holder. Climbing out of the seat, she made her way down the aisle and had one foot on the bottom step when she realized Craig was standing there, his face level with hers. She froze momentarily.
In what felt like slow motion Craig cupped her face in his hands and moved his mouth close to hers. It suddenly dawned on him that Becky may harbor similar feelings towards him. Gently, he brushed his lips against hers, then increased the pressure of his lips against hers. They both closed their eyes as he kissed her. Her breath was becoming heavier and her hands went up around his neck and softly caressed him. The light fragrance of her perfume was electrifying…and then he slowly eased his tongue into her mouth. She moaned loudly, and slid her tongue against his and wetly kissed him back.
Craig suddenly broke the kiss. He looked startled as he backed away and walked back to the hangar.
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Post by kiwibutterfly on Aug 27, 2021 3:19:15 GMT -6
Many thanks...again. See you tomorrow.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 27, 2021 4:02:33 GMT -6
Cal drove the Clayton's to the guest house and showed them around.
"When you get settled, come to the house and we'll have some refreshments before dinner."
Jerry acknowledged and Cal went to the house. Alice and Siobhan were just finishing preparing dinner. Cal walked over behind Siobhan and kissed her under her right ear.
"What's for dinner?"
Siobhan smile and turned around.
"Oh!" Cal said. "I thought you were Alice!"
Alice burst out giggling.
Siobhan slapped Cal on the arm. "Hush, you chooch! We're having Schnitzel vom Schwein, mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy, green beans and yeast rolls."
"Hm-m-m-m. Let me go wash up before they get here."
Fifteen minutes later, Cal answered the knock at the door.
"Come in, come in!" Cal said as Jerry ushered his family in. "Evan, Grady! Come out here!"
Of course Kaitlin and Brigid came out also. They weren't about to let their brothers do something they weren't in on!
"Siobhan, this is Jerry, his wife Janice, and we have here their Rough Riders, Jake and Mike."
"Folks, this is my wife Siobhan, and in order of misfires, this is Evan, Kaitlin, Grady, and Brigid."
Siobhan popped Cal on the arm. "Cal!"
Janice giggled.
"Pleased to meet you." Jerry said.
"Evan, Grady, why don't you show Jake and Mike the Rec Room. We'll call you for dinner."
"What would you like to drink? We have iced tea, wine, Irish Ale, whiskey, Rye…" Siobhan offered.
Janice looked at Jerry. "A glass of wine for me." Janice said.
"I'll take a shot of Rye." Followed Jerry.
Janice went with Siobhan to get the wine while Cal led Jerry over and poured each two fingers of Rye."
Jerry took a sip of the Rye. "From what little I have seen, this ranch is more than about ranching." Jerry grinned.
"Well, yes." Cal nodded. "We raise cattle and horses, but also have produce greenhouses, grain crops, an aircraft test and evaluation center and electric vehicle assembly and design plant."
"Wow! Your hands are full!"
"I've got good people working for and with me. I'll show you the layout tomorrow."
Siobhan and Janice came into the great room.
"I just love your home!" Janice said.
Siobhan smile. "Why thank you Janice."
"Please, call me Jan."
"Jan, Jerry, one thing I didn't mention is that the farmhouse on the land I'm buying is old and needs a lot of work to bring it up to my standards. So what I propose to you is to build you a new log home on the property. Jan, Siobhan can show you an example tomorrow. Jerry. The barn there isn't in bad condition, but I want to build a couple more. I'll go over the design with you tomorrow also."
Siobhan watched the two as Cal talked. If there was any doubt in their minds on whether they would move here, Cal just pulled the plug and all the doubt drained away.
Siobhan and Jan went to get the kids washed up for dinner. Cal and Jerry help get them seated. Jan gave the blessing and bowls were passed and plates filled.
The kids pretty much devoured their meal and sat patiently awaiting their parents to finish. But they weren't in any hurry. Siobhan and Jan looked at each other, got up, and removed the children's dishes and replaced them with slices of fresh strawberry cake topped with a dollop of homemade whip cream.
The children quickly snorted down their cake and Evan asked for them to be excused. Cal gave them permission and the children quickly scooted off to the Rec Room.
"I've never seen my boys so polite! Jerry said. "They're learning quickly from your kids."
Jan smiled. "Maybe they need to spend more time with them?"
Jerry didn't say anything.
They finished their dinner and Jerry and Cal rinsed the dishes while Jan and Siobhan put the leftovers away and wiped down the counters and table.
"More wine?" Cal asked Jan.
Please."
"Jerry?"
"I'll have a little more Rye, if you don't mind."
"I'll have a glass of wine Cal." Siobhan said.
"Siobhan, why don't you take them out to the patio and light the fire while I bring the drinks."
Siobhan led them out to the patio. Jan's mouth dropped open. There was a stone fireplace with a short chimney at one side of the patio. Padded chairs sat in an arch around the front of it.
"Have a seat!" Siobhan said as she walked to the fireplace.
She took a tissue out of her pocket and shredded it slightly. Taking a Lightning Strike fire starter out of a metal box on the mantel, she raked the steel over the rod and a hail of sparks burst forth and ignited the tissue, which in turn, ignited the kindling under the logs.
Jerry watched in amazement. "Could I see that?" Pointing to the fire starter in Siobhan's hand.
Siobhan handed him the fire starter and he examined it. He raked the steel in the slot and again, a huge shower of sparks flew out the barrel.
"Cal says they are expensive, but I'll pay more for something that is effective every time." Siobhan said.
Cal came out with the drinks and sat them in the individual's cup holders.
"Here's to family and bright futures." Cal toasted.
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Post by gipsy on Aug 27, 2021 7:21:11 GMT -6
Thanks for the fine update.
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Post by paulk on Aug 27, 2021 19:51:11 GMT -6
More please.
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Post by texican on Aug 27, 2021 20:14:19 GMT -6
Yeah that saying was rather heart warming when I read it, I lost a distant uncle yesterday to failing health and it struck me odd that I would read that on the same day. After losing my late wife, a lot of times it felt like I was standing on my tip toes in a pool of water that came up to my nose. Every ripple of that pond water threatened to overcome me. It seemed like a lot of “circumstances” where standing on shore throwing big rocks into the water creating waves. See, I married her late in life. She was 36, I was 41. So for her, ages 37 – 50, as a “conservative Christian” to commit adultery many times – shaking my head. So I am a 60 year old widower raising 3 teenagers. I can do all things through Christ. iam, Your walk with Christ has carried you this far and will carry you the rest of the way with your 3 teenagers. Keep on keeping on. God bless. Texican....
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 27, 2021 20:27:31 GMT -6
After breakfast, Cal and Jerry took an EV to the airfield, Cal prepped his STOL for flight and the two of them pushed the plane out onto the apron. Cal told Jerry to hop in and fasten his 5-point harness. Cal finished his walk-around and got in, fired up the engine and taxied out onto the runway. Turning into the wind, Cal held the brakes and firewalled the throttle. When he released the brakes, the plane rolled a few feet and leaped into the air. Jerry thought his tonsils where going to go through his butthole!
Jerry fumbled with his headset cable until he found the P/T switch.
"What the hell was that!?!" He said, through fits of laughing.
Cal grinned. "I was just showing off a little. But I was showing you one of the reasons I like this plane. We don't always have the luck of have nice long runways. With the tundra tires I can land and take off in some pretty rough terrain."
Cal flew around the three ranches and two homesteads he owned, showing Jerry the expanse of the holdings. He flew back and slowed the plane. Setting his flaps, he landed on the road close to Karen's house. Cal shut down the engine and they got out.
"Come one, I want you to meet someone." They walked up to the house and Karen came out.
"Hey Cal! Come on in!"
"Karen, this is Jerry Clayton, Jerry Karen Austin."
"Pleased to meet you Jerry."
"Karen and her husband Kirk raise horses."
"Karen, We were flying around and looking at terrain. How's the horse business?"
"Doing really good Cal. Kirk and a couple of the men are delivering some horses up in Montana as we speak."
"That's good! Well, I was just showing Jerry around and wanted Jerry to meet you. I need to talk to you later about extending the road. I'll talk yo you later Karen. " "Stop in anytime Cal!"
They got back to the plane and Cal checked the wind. Picking up the tail of the aircraft, they turned it around and faced it into the wind. They got in and Cal started the engine, making another short-field take-off.
Becky sat on her deck, sipping on a glass of iced water and staring at the far hills. Her phone buzzed. Becky picked the phone up and read the text."
"Want some company?"
"Sure." Becky text back.
She heard the EV on the gravel and a few seconds later Gabby came around the corner of the house and up onto the deck. Plopping down in a deck chair she smiled at Becky. The smile quickly disappeared. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Don't tell me that! One day you are glad, the next day you've gone from glad to sad. What happened?"
Becky turned her head back toward the distant hills."
"Craig kissed me last night." Becky said with a deadpan face.
Gabby watched her, trying to ascertain Becky's feelings.
"Did you kiss him back?"
"Yes." Becky said in a small voice.
"Well, did you like it?"
"Oh Yes!"
"Then what's the problem?"
"He…he broke the kiss first, gave me a startled look and rushed away.
"Well, have to talked to him to find out why?"
"No."
"Becky, you've got to talk to him. You've both have got to get it all out in the open, now!"
Becky stared at the distant hills.
On the way to the airfield, Becky saw her Father's truck pull in next to Hangar #1 She pulled over and waited a few minutes. Sure enough, she watched as the plane took off. She continued to the airfield and silently parked by Hangar #1.
Becky walked slowly up to the office and knocked on the edge of the door. She peeked around jamb and Craig looked up at her.
"Can I come in?"
"Sure."
Becky came in and leaned against a filing cabinet.
"Becky, before you say anything, I want to apologize, I may have stepped over the line….."
"I told you not to apologize to me." Becky said softly.
"I know… but I was out of order and…but I have questions on my mind…"
"What questions?" She asked softly.
"Look…you gave someone your heart and... they died. Did they take your heart with them? Are you going to spend the rest of forever with a hole inside you that you can't, or won't, let be filled? Do you have the slightest bit of interest in seeing someone yet... or ever?"
Becky blinked and looked down. "Do you…do you regret kissing me?"
"No," he replied gently. "No, I could never regret that."
Becky looked up at him, her eyes shimmering, a look of relief washing over her face. She smiled.
"I was so afraid you regretted that kiss," she whispered, then turned and walked away.
Craig turned to his desk and banged the top of it with his head.
DAMN! That woman is driving me crazy!"
Siobhan took Jan down to the greenhouses as a part of her tour.
"Oh my! They sell all of it?"
No, that is only a secondary reason for the greenhouses. First, this food is to feed all the Ranch personnel. What is left over is sold to stores, markets and restaurants. Most of the time we have an abundance. Everything produced on the ranches is for the benefit of all the residents. Even though the ranch Cal wants to raise draft horses on is separate, it will still be considered part of HTR. The residents would benefit as if they lived on our doorstep.
Siobhan saw Jan was deep in thought. She saw Ellen talking to one of the workers so Siobhan guided Jan to her.
"Ellen, this is Jan Clayton. She and her husband are considering getting a log home similar to yours. Would you mind if I took her down and showed it to her?"
"No, not at all! Jan, I love that home. If you decide to get that model I'm sure you will too."
Siobhan and Jan thanked Ellen and left to go view it.
When Jan walked in she expected to see dreary log walls with deer heads lining the room. Instead, Ellen had sheetrock covered walls painted light colors. The rooms were very bright. There was a shiplap wall around the fireplace, but with the décor items hanging on it, the wall was quite attractive. The master bedroom was huge and to two other bedrooms were nice sized too. The kitchen, living dining area were open and spacious.
"I love this!" Jan said. How long would it take to build something like this?"
"Probably less than three months. The longest time involved is the basement."
"Siobhan, I'll tell you right now. I'll come here in a heartbeat. The area is rustic, but beautiful and the people friendly. I've had my fill of wind-blown prairies."
Siobhan smiled "Hooked!"
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Post by udwe on Aug 27, 2021 20:37:51 GMT -6
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 27, 2021 21:06:12 GMT -6
Cal and Jerry traveled up Hoot's drive and parked behind his Hoot's truck.
Hoot came out of the kitchen door.
"Hey Cal! I just talked to my lawyer. He says we can have the signing Tuesday morning."
"That sounds good, Hoot. I haven't heard anything, but I've got 113 gold Eagles about to burn a hole in my pocket."
Hoot grinned.
"Hoot, we want to walk over the property and check out the barn."
"No problem Cal, go right ahead."
They first walked down to the barn and inspected it. The barn wasn't in bad condition at all. There were 14 stalls, a feed room and a tack room.
"Not bad." Said Jerry.
"This work for your horses until we get another 14 stall barn built?" Cal asked.
"Yeah temporarily. Sometime down the road I'd like to put in something like Versa-grid flooring in the stalls and aisle. It would improve drainage and prevent hoof problems.
Cal looked up in they hay loft. It was about a quarter full with old square hay bales."
"I'll move these old bales over to the Ranch and use it for mulch and make compost." Cal said
They checked an equipment shed near the barn and found a Case Farmall 95 tractor with a front end bucket, probably used to clean out the barn. There was also a manure spreader.
"Where would you put a 12-stall barn Jerry?"
"Probably over there. It has good drainage, looks like it would be easy to run electricity to."
"We won't be using commercial electricity."
"What? Why?"
"Jerry, our ranches are completely off-grid. We produce enough electricity we don't need it."
"What about here?"
"We'll set up a similar system here."
Siobhan and Jan had steaks marinating and baked potatoes cooking in the outdoor kitchen when Cal and Jerry got back. Cal got a couple of Smithwick's out of the outdoor kitchen fridge. They sat down and Cal slid a sheet a of paper across the table to Jerry.
"What do you think of this?"
Jerry studied the drawing of what he could easily was a 12 stall horse barn.
"Nice." Said Jerry.
"I figured that would be what you needed at the new place."
Jerry looked up at Cal. "How do you know I'll even take the job?"
"Because Jan will probably be brought up on 1st degree murder charges when you get back to North Dakota if you don't accept."
Jerry chuckled. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Yeah, this barn is what I need. What about here? This is where you would do most of the farming, isn't it?"
"That's correct. I've got plans for a 20 stall barn for here."
"What about the apartment on the plans?" Jerry asked.
"I'm thinking you need a horse-minded person as an assistant. Also, I need you to look for experienced person for our barn."
Jerry took his eyes off the plans and nodded. I think I know of a couple of people."
"I just want you to know we have a farrier on the Ranch and two Vets on call just down the road. If there are any special shoes the farrier needs to get, leave me a list. As soon as Jan has picked out a house plan, The builders can get started.
Siobhan and Jan walked out. "….and Jan HAS picked out her house plan." Jan said, smiling.
Jerry grinned. "Cal said if I didn't accept the job offer you would probably be brought up on 1st degree murder charges when we returned to Presho."
"That IS a distinct possibility!" Jan grinned.
"So, I've accepted the job, Jan's got her house plan selected, what now?" Jerry asked.
"Well, you two have a house to pack up, prepare the horses for movement, get at least one barn built, for now…."
"I'd have to hire someone to truck the horses here." Jerry said.
"Remember Karen? She has two 18-wheel horse rigs."
Jerry looked up at Jan. "Well Jan, looks like we have some work to do."
Cal closed on the property and Hoot and his wife were packed up and gone to Florida. Cal took a good look at the house. Hoot had left a lot of things they didn't want to haul to Florida. They boxed up a lot of things for charity and threw the mattresses and old furniture into the field and made a big bonfire pile. The inside walls were covered in shiplap that Cal wanted to salvage if they could. Once they had recovered the shiplap and metal roofing, they burned the place down, along with the bonfire. Dane had filled the tanker truck up and Dennis had driven it over and was standing by to keep any fire from spreading. The old house burned quickly and in a couple of hours there was nothing but smoldering coals. Cal had Shay cut a fire lane around the house but not to dig too deep to make sure they didn't damage the water lines. Dennis used the excavator to dig a hole and buried the bed springs and other metal from the bonfire. They fire-damaged metal would rust away in no time. Once the ashes had cooled they could run a magnet broom over the ashes and pick up the nails. Then they could start digging the basement.
Cal went in and showed Gary and Sam the scale plans of both horse barns. He wanted the smaller barn built on the Gibson place. Once they got the house and barn built, he wanted the bigger barn built on the Ranch.
"What is all this?"
Cal look down and saw something had been taken apart, piece by piece and laid out in an orderly manner on the shop floor.
Joshua grinned. "That, my friend, is a complete horse-drawn, McCormick Deering two row potato planter, disassembled."
"And it is important to me because….?"
"I can copy the parts and make a brand new one."
Cal grinned. "And you are standing around, jacking your jaws, and not building two of them?" Joshua laughed. "Just getting started."
Cal and Siobhan stood on a knoll and watch the excavating, Siobhan looked up at Cal, and hooked her arms around his right arm.
"What's bothering you?"
"Nothing really. It's just a big, and expensive endeavor. There are a heck of a lot of pieces to this pie. We've got the horses to shelter, shelters to build, breeding programs to establish, equipment and repair parts to purchase, storage building to build for long-term equipment protection….the list goes on and on. If you read some of those PAW stories, one minute there is a need , two paragraphs later, problem solved. This has taken years to get to where we are now. This is reality. Come on, Let's go check out the construction on the Carlton place.
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Post by paulk on Aug 27, 2021 21:49:40 GMT -6
Excellent, Amazing, as always. I really want to thank you for your efforts. You are a wonderful story teller.
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Post by gipsy on Aug 27, 2021 22:26:01 GMT -6
Fine business for sure. Becky is hooked, but she already has a house. Lots of building on the Carlton place though.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 28, 2021 0:18:47 GMT -6
Bryan put Becky to work immediately. She had her own set of rooms to do her research and experiments. What equipment she didn't have there was being shipped. She began working with John and Shannon on testing the new battery box made from Becky's plastic, which they called BCP. They had built a omplete battery and remotely shorted the battery, fortunately, on the Facility's explosives test range. The battery went off like a small tactical nuke, which would not be good, not only for the battery owner and their vehicle, but also for the company's liability. Becky was working shoulder to shoulder for a solution to the battery problem.
She was so busy that week she didn't have time to think about the "thing" between her and Craig. She was practically brain-dead when she went home each night. She had dinner with her family on Friday night and caught up with the news of the new construction and gossip and begin to unwind.
Saturday morning, the weather was sunny, the winds were moderate, so she decided she'd go flying. She was almost at the airfield when she stopped and almost turned around and went back home, remembering Craig would be at the airfield. She was turning the wheels when she saw Craig's helicopter lift off. She watched until she was sure it wasn't just a local flight around the airfield and continued to her hangared plane. Becky prepped the plane and used the 727 tug to tow the plane out onto the apron. Grabbing a bottle of water out of the refrigerator, she climbed in the plane and started the engine. Checking the windsock as she taxied to the runway, Becky looked left and right for aircraft then taxied onto the runway and used most of 50 feet to take off.
"Hotel Tango Romeo this is November six zero five Alpha Delta in route to Gobbo Reservoir."
"Roger. Keep the blue up top."
Becky smiled and shook her head.
Gobbo was one of her favorite places to sit down. She took a circuitous route, flying over Piñon Mesa, Hay Press Campground , then banking slightly left she could line up on the trail by the reservoir. In distance from the Ranch, it was only 10 miles, but it was secluded and quiet. Only the wind blowing through the grasses and trees could be heard. She set the flaps and floated down on the trail and pulled off into the grass. As soon as she shut the engine down, she heard a helicopter, Becky got out of the plane and saw the helicopter on the same flight path she had used. As it drew nearer, she recognized the helicopter.
Craig.
The helicopter was landing to her right rear. Ignoring him, she began walking to the small dock at the lake, Sitting down, she dangled her legs over the edge. She heard the thudding of his footsteps on the dock as he approached.
"Becky, I want to talk…to explain."
Becky didn't even look back at him, just patted the space to her right. He sat down next her, neither one saying anything for several long seconds.
"Becky, I was afraid. I was afraid to get involved. Afraid you'd you would end up rejecting me in the end. If that happened…..well, I don't know what I'd do. I certainly couldn't work on the HTR anymore."
"Yeah, Gabby said it was probably something like that."
"You talked to Gabby about…?"
"Of course! She's not only my sister-in-law, she's also my best friend. Where did you get the stupid idea I'd reject you?"
I've worked around resorts, I've seen the girls come in, kick up their heels with a guy for a weekend, or even a week, and then walk away, laughing about the fun they had. I don't play that way."
Becky turned her head and looked at Craig. "And you think I'm that shallow?"
"NO! No, it isn't like that it's.....Oh God!"
The silence grew between the two.
"So, you wanted to play with me?" Becky said coyly, cocking her head and smiling, her hair falling over her right eye.
"Becky, you're killing me!"
Becky, still smiling, reached with both hands and pulled his head to her. She closed her eyes and softly kissed him. Releasing him, she opened her eyes.
"Does that feel like I want to reject you? Want to come over for dinner…and dinner only, tonight?"
"Yes."
Becky hopped up. "Then I'd better go back and sort a meal out for us."
Craig took her hand but she pulled it back.
"Nah Anh! You'll make me want to stay. Baby steps Craig, baby steps."
Craig watched her walk to the plane, do a walk-around, and climb in. She put her headset on, cranked the engine, and taxied out onto the trail. She took off quickly and he watched the plane disappear to the northwest.
The equipment building on the Carlton place was around two days from being completed. Cal sat down and transcribed the list from his notebook into an email. He added the geo coordinates of the of the Ranch and requested they contact him for exchange of banking information.
"Cal, I told Jan not to ship any furniture here, that I would get the furniture for their house. She's just shipping special items. She and I have talked to Sherry and she's going to select and decorate a bit."
Cal leaned back in his chair, fingers interlaced behind his head, looking at Siobhan.
"You're trying to get a rise in me, aren't you?" Cal said, wiggling his eyebrows."
Siobhan chuckled. "Down Boy! Not like that! What about long-term food?"
"I'm giving them a year's supply for a family of four. Charlie is putting it together. What else?"
"Sherry and I are getting the initial things they'll need right away before they unpack; towels and linens, kitchenware…things like that."
"Have you told Kathy about the new students? They'll have to re-arrange the bus route."
"No, I'll give her a call. You're looking a little more relaxed."
"Yeah, I just ordered the horse-drawn equipment. Another check on the list."
Cal picked up a sheet of paper off his desk.
"Here, I'm throwing this in your lap. That's the plan for Jerry's horse barn. It has a small apartment for a caretaker. Will you take care of furnishing it?"
"Of course!. I'll get on it right away."
"Well, don't be too hasty. It won't be ready for another month."
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Post by paulk on Aug 28, 2021 7:05:31 GMT -6
More please.
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Post by gipsy on Aug 28, 2021 7:31:26 GMT -6
Morning
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Post by udwe on Aug 28, 2021 13:22:34 GMT -6
Thank you! Need more!
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 28, 2021 19:25:06 GMT -6
Becky banged loudly on Gabby's door. An astonished Gabby quickly opened it as Becky rushed in.
"I need a bottle of wine!"
"What is wrong with you Becky!?!"
"Craig is coming for dinner and…."
"STOP! STOP! Now what is going on?"
Becky took a deep breath. "I've invited Crag for dinner tonight. I need a bottle of wine."
"What are you making?"
"A small fillet, baked potato, and salad."
"Good! Simple, not too filling, leaving room for more wine."
Gabby went over the wine rack and pulled two bottles out.
"You require two bottles for seduction."
"But I'm not going to….."
"Trust me."
Becky looked at the Mantle clock. "He should be here soon."
She fluffed and repositioned a couple of pillows on the couch and looked around. Hurrying back to the kitchen, she wiped the counters down again and vigorously wiped at a fingerprint smudge on the refrigerator door handle. The wine was breathing in a decanter and glasses set out next to it.
There was a knock at the door.
She smoothed her blouse and skirt out and went over to the door. Taking a deep breath, she opens the door, only to see a smiling Gabby.
"Get out of here! He'll be here any minute! Hissed Becky.
No sooner had she said that than Craig drove up.
Gabby grinned and wiggled her fingers at Becky. "See you!"
Becky stayed on the porch and greeted Craig at the top of the steps. Handing her a small bouquet of flowers he said, "Nice house."
"Hi Craig, come on in."
She followed him through the door, surreptitiously fanning her face.
She led him over to the wine and poured their glasses, handing him his.
Craig held up his glass. "To the beauty before me."
Becky blushed and took a sip of her wine. She took his hand and led him over to the couch and sat down.
Dale added a scoop of COB into the feeder of each stall before letting the horses into the stalls for the evening. He had five horses that were being picked up the next week. Two were going to a cutting horse trainer and the others were just good working horses. A ranch down in New Mexico was picking up the working horses. He'd have a little breathing room for a while. He had his eye on a brood mare he was considering picking up on a trade.
He saw Steph and Wynter coming from the chicken yard. They had been peeling carrots and potatoes for a roast Steph was going to put on to slow cook and the two had taken the peelings out to the chickens.
"Daddy, we've been finished making the roast for tomorrow. I can't wait to go to Church!"
Dale took off his hat and scratched his head. "I don't know, I might not feel like going tomorrow."
"But Daddy, you've got to go! You've got to sit with me and Mommy and Finn. We have to sit as a family! And you have to carry the pot for Mommy. It's too heavy!
"Well, okay then. I'll go and sit with you and be Mommy's pot carrier.
Wynter, with a smug look on her face, held the bowl to her chest and marched toward the kitchen door. Steph kissed Dale on the cheek. "Tease!"
"Is roast all you're taking tomorrow?"
"I was going to make some fresh bread but Mary is bringing 4 loaves. Are you coming in?"
"I've got to turn the horses in. I'll be in shortly."
"Maybe after the kids go to bed we can snuggle up to up to a movie?" Steph smiled suggestively.
Sweat popped up on Dales brow as he turned to let the horses in the barn.
Siobhan was standing in front of the Church talking with Belinda and Carmen when she was pleasantly surprised to see Becky walking up with Craig.
"Momma where do they keep the brooms in the Church?"
"I think they're in the closet to the left-rear of the pulpit. Why?"
"I'll probably need one to beat off the bats and little winged demons that may come flying out of Craigs mouth when I take him into the Church."
Belinda laugh and Carmen slapped her hand over her mouth.
Craig blushed.
"Quit teasing him Becky, or he might not come back again! How are you this morning, Craig?"
"I'm well, and you?"
"I'm so much better, and relieved. "I've been watching you two dancing around like two chickens on a hot griddle!"
Both Becky and Craig blushed.
"Come on Craig, before Momma has us married off in the middle of the sermon!"
Barry and Jerry Sweeney were connecting batteries and checking circuits when Cal peeked into the power house.
"Hey Barry. Looks like you're about finished."
"Just about. The electricians want to hook up the power tomorrow, so I was getting ready to connect everything up and let the generator automatically bring the batteries up."
"What's this thermostat for?"
"When the temperature drops down to 40 degrees that will turn on two Prima heat lamps to keep it relatively warm in here. I had them build the building with 2 x 6 studs and fill the centers with foam insulation. I made the building 10 x 12 so This building can have duel use. On this side is the electrical. The other side can be used for storage of freeze sensitive stuff, like canned goods." Jerry answered
Cal looked around and nodded. "Looks like this was a good site for a wind generator, the wind comes down that canyon pretty good."
"Yeah." Barry said. "As soon as the generator shuts down, I'll release the brake and let the wind generator handle most of the load."
"Has power been run to the barns?"
"Everything is complete in the older barn. I think the electricians will start doing the fixtures in the new barn tomorrow."
"Good. The horses will be here Monday."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 28, 2021 19:26:14 GMT -6
Cal stepped out of the power house to see a GMC Jimmy pulling up, towing an Oliver travel trailer. A woman in a ball cap got out and walked over.
"I'm lookin' for Cal Coleman."
"You got him. What can I do for you?"
"I'm Carrie Prescott, Jan's sister and Jerry's assistant. I came down early to make sure the barn was ready."
"Come on Carrie, I'll show you the barn."
Cal walked with her to the barn and stood by as she checked the barn out. She looked around a got a spade off the wall and dug three holes, one about two inches deep, one about four inches deep, and one about ten inches deep. Going over to a spigot, she drew water in a bucket and slowly poured the water into the holes, filling them.
"What about hay and COB?" Carrie asked.
"I've got 250 bales square bales coming tomorrow. For now, there's 1000 pounds of COB in 100 pound bags in the feed room. I'm getting a silo built next week. Oh, and the feed room comes with its own cat. I haven't seen any mice."
Carrie nodded her head. "Good."
She walked over to the holes she dug and checked the water level. "Fair."
Carrie looked at Cal. I was checking the drainage of the soil in here. If the soil doesn't drain, the urine puddles up and makes a mess, not only on the ground but it's not good for the horse's feet."
"Yes, Jerry mentioned Versa something."
"Yeah, a grid mat would be just the thing. Jerry said the new barn would have that. Once the new barn is completed will we be able to do this floor?"
"Whatever you and Jerry need."
"Okay, thanks. Where can I park my trailer?"
"Probably the best place is between the well house and the power house. That way you'll be able to hook into both. They walked back up to her Jimmy and he ground-guided her into the parking space."
"Anything you need?" Cal asked.
"No, I don't think so. I'm pretty self sufficient for a week in this thing. I stocked up on some stuff at that General Store a ways back."
Cal smiled. "That's across the road from my ranch. If you get tired of your own cooking, try out Casey's. You won't be disappointed."
"Okay Cal, thanks. Oh! This trailer has cassette tanks for grey and black water. Where can I dump them?"
"Let's check over here."
They walked over to where the septic tank was located. Cal searched around and found what he was hoping to find. A hinged tank access cover. The grass had grown up over the edges and he couldn't quite budge it. He walked over to his K5 and came back with a Indian Hammer Poll Tomahawk.
Carrie grinned. "Multi-tool?"
Cal chuckled. "Yep, never leave home without it!"
Cal chopped around the edge of the cover and cleared the grass away. He lifted the lid and quickly turned his head away."
"Better hold your breath and dump quick!"
Carrie laughed. "Oh I will!"
Cal cleaned of the tomahawk and placed it back in his truck.
"Is there anything else you need?"
'I don't think so." Carrie replied.
"Well, here's my number if you need something. There's tools in the tool shed and tractor's in the tractor barn. If you're short of something, don't hesitate to call."
"Okay Cal. Thanks."
Cal went to check the work on the road cutting through Karen's property. Karen had given him permission to extend the road through her property to the Gibson property. Shay and Dennis had been taking turns with the D6, cutting the new road. Cal caught up with them where they were cutting a ramp down into the little valley. It was only about a 2% grade, but they had to move some good size boulders in the process. Shay was working with the excavator to stack boulders up the banks of the ramp to keep the dirt in place.
Both shut their machines down when they saw Cal.
"Lookin' good guys!"
"This has actually been the hardest part." Shay said. "Cal, can you give me a ride back so I can bring the grader out. Once we hit the valley, the grader's all we're going to need. I'll start at Karen's and start prepping the roadbed for gravel."
"Sure, you guys need more help?"
"We could use two or three to help with the stone. We've got more than enough stockpiled. If we had a guy running the loader at the quarry and someone running the compactor and a guy hauling stone, we'd be through in no time."
"I'll get on it."
"Dennis, we might as well knock off. We'll need the lowboy to move the compactor, and we need to fill the transfer tank on the maintenance truck." Shay said
"Yeah. It'll go quicker with a few more hands. We can start the grader work in the morning and begin laying rock in the afternoon." Dennis said.
Cal went back and asked Joshua to run the loader and Ben and Adam to haul stone. Darryl would run the compactor.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 28, 2021 19:26:57 GMT -6
With the extra help, the 16 foot wide road was finished before the weekend. Cal drove slowly down it inspecting the road and drainage ditches and was pleased at what the guys had done. He'd had the guys connect with the driveway going up to the new house and had them spread some gravel on the driveway and parking area. There were several vehicles, including Siobhan's Jeep parked at the house. He got out of his truck and walked to the back door."
"YOU BETTER CLEAN YOUR BOOTS OFF BEFORE YOU COME IN HERE!" Siobhan shouted.
Cal looked around and saw the Scrusher by the steps and ran his boots through it. He walked back to the door and went through.
Siobhan Mary, Gabby, Belinda, Edna, Sally and Sandy were all moving around arranging or moving something or folding something or washing something. Cal backed out of the door and quickly walked to the new horse barn. Carrie was there spreading wood shavings in the stalls. Cal had purchased a 40 Ft. Aluminum Grain Trailer with a roll tarp and had it filled at a sawmill near Colorado Springs with wood shavings. With the rubber stall mats, they could use less than the normal four inches of shavings.
"Hey Carrie."
Carrie leaned on her rake. "Hey Cal! Thanks for having the contractors finish sooner."
"I didn't do anything. That's just a good crew. I've never had them finish late. The road is finished."
"Where exactly does that thing go?"
"It's just a private road that goes back through Karen Austin's ranch, the K bar S, and on to the HTR. Want to go check it out?"
"Sure." Carrie said, leaning the rake against the stall wall.
They went and got into the K5 and went down the drive to turn onto the road.
"This is a pretty good road. Better than some of the state roads up in South Dakota." Carrie commented.
"We're coming onto the K bar S land now." Cal said. As they were going by one of Karen's barns, Cal saw her by it, talking to Charlie Stevens. Cal pulled in and drove over to the two.
"Hey Karen, Charlie, I'd like you to meet Carrie Prescott. She's what makes the Gibson place work….we've got to come up with a better name, Carrie."
Karen and Charlie shook Carrie's hand.
"Are you about settled in Carrie?" Karen asked.
"Pretty much." Replied Carrie.
"There are a bunch of HTR women over there moving around like whirling dervishes getting ready for her brother and his family who are arriving on Monday."
"Yeah, I talked to Bard and Lloyd this morning. They said they should be in between six and seven o'clock." Charlie said.
"Sounds about right." Carrie said.
"Carrie, If you need any help unloading those Shires, don't hesitate to ask. We'd be more than happy to help."
"Well, If you don't mind. It couldn't hurt to have a couple more hands around."
"We'll be there. That's what neighbors are for."
"Ya'll want to come in for some tea."
"Some other time Karen." Cal said, looking at his watch. "I was kinda getting Carrie out of the way before the female locust descended on the new barn and started working on her apartment. They are liable to hang her in a closet or something."
They laughed, but Cal was serious.
As they road back to the Gibson property Cal blurted out, "Shire Hill Farm! What do you think about that name?"
"I like it. Shire Hill Farm."
When they got back to the barn, sure enough the women were bumping elbows getting the bed made, putting food and water in the refrigerator, putting away pots, pans, dishes, and everything else you could think of.
Cal and Carrie just stood in the door and watched. Finally the buzz died down and they were finished. Carrie looked at Cal and mouthed, "WOW!"
Siobhan finally noticed Cal and Carrie standing outside the door.
"Well come on in Carrie!"
Siobhan took Carrie on a walk-through. There was food in the pantry, the freezer was practically stuffed, which Siobhan gave her a list of what was in there, Dishes, cups and glasses we in the upper cabinets, pots and pans in the lower, the bed was made, linens and towels and washcloths in the linen closet, and there was even a large jug of laundry detergent above the washer and dryer. The furniture was just what she would have selected. There was even an Indian blanket draped over the back of the couch. All she had to do was move her clothes in.
Carrie turned in a 360, "I don't know what to say. It's beautiful! I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate this."
"You are part of the HTR family now. We take care of our own." Siobhan said.
"Okay ladies, and one somewhat of a gentleman, let's clear out and let Carrie enjoy her new digs!" Mary said.
The convoy made wound its way back to the HTR on the new road.
Stephanie hadn't said anything to Dale. She didn't want him worrying, so she made an appointment with Dr. Gaddy. He did some tests, drew blood, and did a physical exam. She waited patiently in the waiting room, chit-chatting with Chip when Lisa came back out and took her to Dr, Gaddy's office.
"Stephanie, you should be due around June the eight."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 28, 2021 19:27:53 GMT -6
The trucks pulled through the gate led by Jerry in his truck and Jan and the boys in her Jeep Cherokee. The big rig's air horn sounded a short blast as Cal waved to Lloyd.
Cal walked up to Jerry's truck. "Just follow me Jerry"
Cal got in his K5 and led the convoy down the road to Shire Hill Farm. At the beginning of the property, Joshua had erected a sign announcing you were entering Shire Hill Farm in 10 inch letters. When they got there, Siobhan and the kids were waiting at the house while Carrie, Charlie, Karen and Kirk waited near the barn. Cal waved Jan on to the house while Lloyd and Bard pulled up side by side next to the barn, the hissing airbrakes announcing their arrival.
A grinning Jerry shook Cal's hand as he looked around.
"Okay, Carrie, Let's do this!" Jerry said
They lowered the tailgate/ramp on the trailers. Carrie went in and led the first horse out by its lead and handed it off to Jerry. Jerry led the horse in and stabled it, watching as the horse went immediately to the waterer to get a drink, then over to the feeder and take a bite of the COB. Carrie brought another horse down and handed the lead to the next person. The dance continued until all the horses were unloaded.
Jerry raised his arms in the air. "Thank you all for your help!"
"Our pleasure Jerry. Those are some beautiful horses." Karen said.
Jerry turned to Carrie. "Take us on a tour Sis!"
Carrie slowly walked the group through the barn. Of course, they all had seen the stalls so she showed them the wash area, the tack room and the feed room, with the partially completed silo feed chute on the wall, the hay chute, and the office. She briefly opened the door to her quarters.
"Nice, nice" Jerry said.
"Very nice, Jerry" Karen said. "Well, we're headed back to the house. Good night all!"
"Good nights" echoed.
"Well, I'm going up and pull my brood out so your family can enjoy your new home." Cal said.
They walked up to the house, scraped their boots, and went in. Jan ran to Jerry and grabbed him in a hug.
'it's so beautiful Jerry!"
Cal motioned to Siobhan.
"Jan we're going now. If you need anything, please call." Siobhan said.
"Thank you so much Siobhan!" Jan said, hugging her.
Cal took the kids out to the truck and got them seated. Siobhan got in with a big grin.
"That is one happy lady." Cal grinned.
"Did you add enough LTS food for Carrie?" Siobhan asked.
"Sure did. When I found out about Carrie, I had Charlie add another 1-year unit."
After the kids were put to bed, Cal and Siobhan relaxed in the Great Room.
"When do you start on the barn here?"
"It will be a couple of weeks. They are still cutting the mortise and tenons on a lot of the timbers and assembling it in the yard. Once its erected they'll take it down and bring it out. I told Sam they get a performance bonus if they can get it dried in by Thanksgiving. That will give them the winter to finish it out."
"Why would it take so long to finish it? Siobhan asked.
"For one, it will be twice as big as the barn at Shire Hill, plus I learned a few things from Carrie I want to integrate into our barn."
Cal was working with Sylvio's men hauling hay to Dale's and Shire Hill. They towed the hay conveyer to each location to fill the upper levels of the barns. Dale took a dozen round bales he stored under a hay shelter. They didn't have as much to sell this year because of Shire Hill, but that wasn't a problem. They probably wouldn't have as much again next year when they started putting hay in the new barn.
Joshua was learning a lot about forging the gears and other large parts as he copied the potato planter. He didn't even try to manufacture the drive chain. He and Cal looked it over and Cal bought bulk 25 foot spools of motorcycle chain. Joshua could produce any size chain he wanted. When the first forecarts came in from Pioneer, Joshua finished the tongue to attach to the forecart. They took the a forecart, bottom plow, tandem disc, a harrow, and the potato planter over to Shire Hill for them to work the teams with. A half-acre plot was set aside for training purposes, later enlarged to one acre. A double horse team had no problem using the four blade bottom plow. Once the field was prepared, Joshua cut up potatoes using the seed cutter and planted a double row. After adjustments, he finally arrived at the height he wanted the hill and wrote down the adjustment for future reference.
Jerry was thrilled to have the actual implements to train the horses. Cal sent over a Hitch wagon, a farm wagon, and a Utility wagon also. Of course, they had to put up an equipment shed to keep the equipment out of the weather. Once the horses were trained, they'd move the horses to the HTR… once the barn was completed. Cal ended ordering more equipment to replace that which had been transferred to Shire Hill.
Gabby was over for dinner one night. She was looking forward to flying out to Oklahoma and bring Bill back for the weekend. After dinner, they were sitting in the Great Room talking about her trip.
"Cal, would you fly with me a some night to get me current on night landings?"
"Sure, has it been longer than 90 days since you've done one?"
"Yes. With the days getting longer, I want to make sure I'm legal, and safe."
"No problem. We can go tomorrow night, say, 2000 hours. We can get in your three landings with no problems."
"Come to dinner too." Siobhan said.
After dinner the next night, Cal flew right-seat as Gabby did her take off. They flew around until the runway lights automatically shut off and Gabby set up for her approach. Changing her VHF frequency, she clicked her mic button 5 times, activating the pilot-controlled lighting, turning the runway lights on. She continued with her approach and made a perfect landing. After the third landing Cal said, "I think you have this."
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Post by paulk on Aug 28, 2021 21:06:31 GMT -6
Thanks again. Great writing.
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