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Post by ncsfsgm on Oct 20, 2021 16:25:48 GMT -6
Jeannie and Patty monitored their different sources and nothing was said at the Intel Center. There was a blurb on the local news about a fire destroying a garage. Then Patty picked up that four unidentified bodies had been found in the rubble of the burned out garage. It wasn't until a week later that Jones and Gilbert were identified. The other two bodies hadn't been identified yet.
"Well, we did our good deed for the community, plus saved taxpayer dollars for their incarceration while their appeals lawyers argued they had dysfunctional childhoods." Andy said.
"We've reached the point where the criminals and anarchists have even less respect for the law and are feeling their oats." Cal commented. "It's time to put a little fear back into them. Find us some targets….lethal or non-lethal."
"Roger."
"Will you smoke a turkey and a shoulder?" Siobhan asked.
Cal looked up. "Sure. Why?"
"I want to make Brunswick Stew. It's good weather for it."
"I'll go pull them out of the freezer to thaw." Cal said.
"I did that yesterday. They are ready to prep."
"Then I'll go get the smoker ready. You prep the meat."
"Deal."
"Del, do you know what this is?" Charlie asked, handing Del a small heavy box.
Del opened the box and frowned. They looked like .50 caliber bullets but were strangely made.
"I'm not sure. Where did you get them?"
"They came in the shipping containers we got before Christmas. That's just one box out of the case. There are 3 more cases of them too."
"Well, leave them here and I'll check them out."
"I'll bring up the other cases. I'm not even going to add them to the inventory since they seem to be an incomplete component."
Del got out the calipers and measured the bullet. He looked at the reading. 12.7 mm, but it seemed heavy. He weighed the bullet and it came in at 50.54315 grams. That's 780 grains. He thought about firing a couple and see what they did, but the round was too big for his indoor bullet traps to handle. He ran the information through his reloading program and came up with loads for different ranges with the same approximate bullet drop and started reloading.
Siobhan finished rubbing olive oil on the meat and was applying the rub. Cal came back in as she was washing and removing her rubber gloves.
"Ready?" Cal asked.
"Yep."
"Let me get the smoker up to heat and I'll put them in."
Cal took a drink of water for his Klean Kanteen. Have you talked to Mary Lucero?"
"Yes. I went down to get some dried Sage and talked to her for a bit. She's enjoying her work. Charlie says she's doing great and has organized everything very efficiently."
"I wonder how Linda is doing in school."
"Oh, Mary was talking about her. Linda is so thrilled. She loves going to school here."
"She seems to have a bright mind."
"The agency called and have some work for Amy."
Cal's head jerked up. "What?"
"I said the agency called and they have some work for Amy."
"Oh, the advertising agency. You would think they wouldn't be pushing advertising with the economy the way it is."
"Well, the upper crust must be catered to, darling."
Cal chuckled. "Well, if this mess keeps going, they'll get caught up in it and feel it worse than the 'lesser people' have had it. Have you picked up on any problems on the Ranch or from our neighbors?"
"No, everyone is doing fine. Margie Blake's toaster went on the blink. She's now bragging how she now is toasting her bread in a cast iron fry pan and how good it tastes."
Cal grinned. "You didn't offer her one of the toasters down in Supply?"
"Heaven's NO! Those toasters were from a lot sale. Margie wouldn't dare have anything that wasn't chrome and with a Macy's receipt."
"But at least she's learning the simpler things in life are usually better."
Cal's radio squawked.
"Cal, Del. Can you come down to the range?"
"On my way Del."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Oct 20, 2021 16:32:05 GMT -6
Cal pulled up to the tables and Del was on the 300 meter line with a strange setup on the shooting bench.
"What is this?" Cal asked.
"A remote firing device for the .50. I didn't know what these things would do."
"What things?"
Del pulled a bullet out of his pocket and handed it to Cal.
"Looks like a .50 caliber bullet, but slightly longer."
"Wait until you see what it does. I set up a camera, but it got blown over when the bullet hit the target. I hope that camera wasn't damaged."
"Well, let's go take a look at the target."
Cal drove them both down to the target stand and it was clear to see that it had been turned into junk. Cal inspected the target plate and the penetration hole was three times as big and it should be and the jagged edges were pointed back toward the entrance.
"How does this thing work?" Cal asked.
"I have no idea. I think it must have some type of delayed activation or something after it penetrates. It's almost like the Paineaalto round but it's a hell of a lot more powerful. This thing could take out an aircraft by itself. Let me get the card out of the camera and see if it picked up anything."
They retrieved the camera and took it back to the bench. Del plugged the card into his tablet and all they saw was a small flash as the round hit the steel plate then the plate and target frame being obliterated.
"We'll have to slow this down to get anything from the film. Gather your stuff up and meet me over at the Facility."
Cal went in to the building and back to Jeannie's work area.
"Jeanie? Can you run this in slo-mo for me?" Cal said, handing Jeanie the card.
Jeanie took the card and plugged it into an adapter and plugged it into a USB port.
They sat there in silence as the video went through its sequence.
"Make a copy that and run it again….take it a few frames slower."
They watched as the bullet floated to the target and just before the bullet hit cal said, "STOP!"
Jeannie stopped the video.
"Now, run it slow enough so we can see a gradual penetration of the bullet."
Jeannie made the adjustment and continued the video.
The bullet moved forward slowly and penetrated the ½ inch steel plate with a small flash as if it were going through butter. The bullet was almost completely through the steel when the next explosion occurred. This was where the devastation occurred.
"DA-Y-Y-Y-YA-A-AM! What the hell is that thing? A baby nuke?" Jeannie asked.
"Make a copy of that. Del is on his way over here. Play the videos in sequence for him. Is the coffee fresh?"
Del was grinning when he finished watching the videos. "Talk about nuclear hand grenades!"
"How many of these things do you have? Cal asked.
"I loaded ten out of the first case and there are 1500 in each case. There are 3 more cases."
"And they were in one of the containers?"
"That's what Charlie told me."
"Get a load for 1000 meters and make 1200 rounds."
"Roger that!"
Jeannie, when Andy gets back, show him the videos in sequence, then tell him we need to talk."
"Par vos ordres mon Général!"
Cal looked at her and shook his head, then turned and left.
Cal rode down by the gate and watched as Shay dumped another truckload of rock for the wall Kengo and his men were using to build the wall between the road and the fence. They had been working on it, as weather permitted for the last few weeks. Embedded in the top of the wall were random sharpened short scraps of rebar. Cal had wanted to use broken glass but they saved their bottles and jars for recycle uses around the Ranch.
"The wall is looking good Kengo."
"We are doing what we can. The additives lets the concrete harden before the freeze comes at night."
"You're the boss. Do what you can."
Cal's phone rang.
"Cal, I'm back. You wanted to talk?"
"Yeah, I'll be back there in a couple of minutes."
Cal drove back up to the Facility and went to Andy's office.
"Did you review those videos?" Cal asked.
"Yeah. That is one powerful round!"
"When Del finishes up reloading, I want you to go hunting. Use your judgement. Let's start taking out these gangs before they get any stronger and braver."
"Okay, no problem. We'll start gathering information."
Cal got up and headed to the door, but stopped and turned around.
"Andy, be careful not to let us become monsters."
Cal continued to the door and left.
Andy sat there watching Cal leave.
"When did he start quoting Nietzsche?" Andy wondered.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Oct 20, 2021 16:37:45 GMT -6
"The po-leese have plenty of guns there in their bidding." DeShawn said.
"You fool! They also got a bunch of men there too!" BigDog said.
"What if we got them away from there. I seen it on a movie once."
"I'll think of something. Any Spam left?"
Cal watched as the drone hovered and engaged the target, a large boulder in the quarry. Large pieces of the boulder were shot away with the one round.
"Which round was that?" Cal asked.
"Paineaalto" Del said.
The second drone got into position and engaged an almost identical boulder next to the first target. When the dust cleared, the boulder lay in a couple of dozen pieces. Pieces of rock came near their position a little over 400 feet from the target.
"That, my friend, was the Terminator round." Del grinned.
Cal smirked. "Catchy name."
Cal turned to Andy. "Go get 'em."
Jo Jo and four others pulled up to the Mesa Mall and parked for a quick getaway. They pulled out the rifles they had stolen from the National Guard Engineer battalion. They waited for the time BigDog told them to start shooting and let loose, not really aiming at anyone, just shooting out windows.
"ANDY! WE HAVE ACTION AT MESA MALL!" Andy rushed over to the console and watched over Adam's shoulder.
"There they are, next to the pottery store."
'Take them out!" Andy said.
"Which round?"
"Paineaalto" Andy said. "Right through the engine block. That will take out everything."
Adam set the crosshairs and fired. The car exploded and once the smoke rose out of the way, four bodies were seen laying at awkward angles.
"The police station is being attacked!" Patty yelled.
"Reposition and engage." Andy said. "Jeannie, launch a backup."
"Jake, notify Cal the police station is under attack."
"Target acquired!" Sonia said.
"Engage at will. If they are firing at the station, take them out."
"All I've got are Terminator rounds!" Jeannie said.
"Take out their cover. You'll more than likely take them out too." Andy replied.
Andy moved around, going from screen to screen, watching the action. Cal came into the room and moved next to Andy.
"We took out some shooters at Mesa Mall, which seems to have been a diversion for an attack on the police station."
"Anything other than small arms in the attack?"
"I haven't noticed any."
Cal watched as the rounds devastated the hiding places of the shooters around the police station.
"I'm about out of ammo. Launching last Stinger." Adam said.
"Leave your Stinger in position for observation. Watch the back parking lot."
"Shooters at the back door!" Andy said."
"Repositioning." Jeanie replied.
Jeanie put a round in the concrete at the two assaulter's feet and the blasted concrete shredded them.
"Cease fire!" Andy called.
"There goes one with a rifle." Adam said.
"Take him out." Andy said.
A flash and the running man crumpled in the blast.
They didn't have sound capture on the Stingers so all they could do was observe. Slowly, the doors of the police station cracked opened and men in SWAT gear came out and deployed. As they were getting into position, Police and Sheriff cruisers came in with sirens screaming.
"Okay, pull the Stingers out. They have the field." Cal said.
"There's going to be a lot of potholes to fill." Jake said.
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Post by cavsgt on Oct 20, 2021 17:38:09 GMT -6
And it just keeps getting better and better.
As always Thank You for the fine story.
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Post by gipsy on Oct 20, 2021 18:02:54 GMT -6
Thanks for the update
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Post by ncsfsgm on Oct 21, 2021 12:10:10 GMT -6
Dale Hartman called Cal that afternoon.
“Cal, I want it straight. Did you or your people have anything to do with stopping the attack on the police station?”
“Dale, I’ve have to stick with an old Clinton Administration policy.”
“What was that?”
“Don’t ask, don’t tell.”
Dale was silent for a moment.
“Okay, I’ll play. Well, thanks anyway. Somebody left the town a lot of potholes to fill.”
Cal grinned to himself. “Was anyone hurt?”
“We had a couple of glass cuts but the 19 attackers are dead.”
“That’s a shame, I hate to see broken glass. Well, at least you don’t have to feed and clothe the attackers.”
“There is that. Next time you’re in town, stop by and talk.”
“Will do Dale. Stay safe.”
Cal grinned at Andy.
“What?”
“Apparently, no one spotted the drones. Dale is complaining about the potholes.”
Andy grinned and shook his head.
“Cal, I want add enclosures on the roof to protect all six Stingers from the weather. The four we have work perfectly. We even tried them after the storm and the gearing worked without problems lifting through the snow.”
“Go ahead. I would add something to melt drifting snow though.”
“We’ll look into it.”
Cal headed to the house and saw Ben and Odell down by the steam engine looking like they were getting it prepared, so he pull in and parked.
Ben was using the torch to light the fire on the boiler.
“They running the generator today?” Cal asked.
Odell walked over. “Yeah, Dawn and her crew are thinning out the herb beds and want to freeze-dry them.”
“You guys set?”
“Yep. We’ll take turns manning the engine. I brought some manuals to look over and it’s warm in here.”
Cal grinned. “Okay, if you need something, give out a shout.”
“Okay, thanks Cal.”
It was close to 1630 when Cal walked into the house. He took off his coat and put his gun in the gun safe on the shelf. Something smelled good. He took off his boots and walked into the kitchen. Siobhan was just putting the lid back onto the large Dutch oven. Cal walked over and started to lift the lid on the pot and Siobhan cracked his knuckles with a wooden spoon.
“Hey!” Cal yelped, grabbing his hand.
“I’ve already checked it. I don’t need you doubling up.”
Cal grabbed her and took the spoon out of her hand and swatted her butt.
“Owww!” Siobhan whined.
“Don’t worry, I’ll kiss it and make it all better.” Cal said, grinning.
“Well, the pain will be all gone by the time the kids go to bed.” Siobhan pouted.
“Then, I will swat the lady’s butt again!” Cal said, wiggling his eyebrows.
“Hush! Is ainmhí den sórt sin tú!. (You are such an animal!) The chicken and dumplings will be ready in about twenty minutes.”
“Ahhh. I thought that was what I smelled. You have a good day?”
“Quiet. I went down and worked with Dawn for a while harvesting some herbs. I chopped onions to freeze dry also. We did 150 pounds.”
“Why that many?” Cal asked.
“They were the last of the onions from the harvest. Onions only last a couple of months in the cellar. They’ve been checking them frequently and decided to just freeze-dry the last of them and can them in #10 cans.”
“I’ll go round the Indians up for dinner.” Cal said.
By the time he had herded all the cats back to the dining room, Siobhan had dished out the chicken and dumplings to cool. Amy gave the blessing and the discussions quieted somewhat but went from English to Irish. Siobhan had instituted this so the children were sure to practice every day.
After dinner, Cal and Siobhan sat and played board games with the kids on the dining room table until it was time for baths. Siobhan shooed them into the bathrooms while Cal poured a glass of whiskey and stoked the fire in the fireplace.
Cal’s phone rang. That was never good at this time at night.
“Hello?”
“Cal? Bob. A 737-800 with 78 members of Congress just crashed outside of Waterville, Kansas.”
“And I need to know this because......?”
“They were all Democrats, headed for Denver.”
“Whew. Thanks for calling. You doing okay?”
“Still hanging in here….for now.”
“Okay, thanks for calling.”
Cal didn’t think this was a coincidence.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Oct 21, 2021 12:18:43 GMT -6
"You catch the news this morning?" Andy asked.
"Yeah, I'll be down to talk to you later. Sparrow wings."
"Roger."
Cal looked at Siobhan, who was looking at him.
"What?"
"I said Earl is coming out her to their cabin to convalesce. He's being released this morning."
"Oh, okay. Is Millie picking his up?"
"No, the Deputies are escorting him in our clinic's ambulance out here. Don and Lisa will be close by to keep a check on him."
"That's good. I need to go and talk with Andy. If you need anything, shout."
Cal walked into the Facility and walked with Andy into the SCIF. Jeannie and Patty, sitting at their consoles, stopped what they were doing.
"Have you found out anything about the crash?" Cal asked.
"Yeah, a little." Jeannie said. "The plane refueled in Kansas City and hadn't reached cruising altitude when the plane became erratic and finally crashed 900 meters north of Waterville, Kansas in the floodplain of the Little Blue River. No in-air explosion was reported."
"So, somehow the crew and passengers seem to have been incapacitated after leaving Kansas City. Cal mused.
"Easy enough to do, if you know what you are doing." Andy said.
The other three people in the room looked at Andy questionably.
"How?" Cal asked.
"Switch the oxygen regulator out for a barometric switch, built to look like a regulator with a relief valve, and pump something other than oxygen into the tanks."
"Jeannie, how long were they on the ground in Kansas City?"
"Just a sec………. one hour and fifteen minutes."
Cal looked at Andy. "Should be time enough. Try to pull what you can from NTSB and see what they are coming up with."
"We're on it." Jeannie said.
Cal and Andy went outside to Andy's office.
"I wonder why almost a hundred Democrats were going to Denver." Andy said. "There isn't a convention or something going on, is there?"
" I have no idea." Cal replied.
Ca's phone buzzed with an incoming message.
"Coming in tonight 2000. Need quarters. B.G."
"Well, we might get some answers this evening. Gillum is coming in and staying the night."
"Hmmm. That's interesting." Andy said.
"Well, I guess will find out something tonight." Cal said.
Cal went by the greenhouses and saw people working in the Production Building. He went in and saw Mary Shaner and the dairy workers making cheese.
"What kind of cheese are you making Mary?"
"Oh, we're making Manchego, Queso asadero, and Queso fresco."
"Good. I like 'em all."
"Here, take this to the house and save Siobhan a trip." Mary said, handing Cal a basket.
"Yes Ma'am. Right away."
Cal took the basket of cheese out and drove the EV back to the house.
Cal put the cheese in the fridge and took the basket to the pantry. He came out and was greeted with an "EEEEK!" Cal grinned at the startled Siobhan.
"You scared the bejesus out of me! I didn't hear you come in!"
Cal took her in his arms and hugged her, grinning.
"Sorry. I brought cheese back from the Production House. What about if I took you down to the Coffee Corner and fed you some pecan pie?"
"Oh Sir! You just want to have your way with me."
"Well, that too, but I feel like a piece of pie too"
"Let me get my coat on."
They took an EV to the store and went in. Cal looked around and poked Siobhan with his elbow and chin pointed to a table. There sat Walter Hancock.
Walter Hancock was everyone's gruff old Grandpa. He'd owned a small spread over near Knobb Canyon since Moses was a baby. He didn't ranch much these days, letting adjoining ranchers use his land. He like to watch the cattle and could still sit a horse. Walter's favorite haunt was the Coffee Corner in the winter and the Liar's Bench the rest of the year. Another thing he liked was Siobhan. He might be gruff, but he crumbled like a soda cracker when she was around. When she showed up, he turned into Ferdinand the Bull.
Siobhan grinned and walked over to Walter. Walter was reading a Copy of Farm and Ranch Living magazine and hadn't seen her yet. She bent over and kissed him on the cheek and sat down. Walter jerked and blushed when he saw it was Siobhan, then quickly composed himself.
"When are you going to leave that wet behind the ears, heart purloiner and run off to Vegas with me?"
"Oh Walter, I couldn't possibly go this week. I'm having my hair done."
"Forget dolling yerself up and all those foofaraws. Yer pretty enough as you are."
Cal brought over a tray with a coffee pot, two cups, two pieces of pecan pie and two forks. He sat the tray on another table and transferred everything to the table Siobhan and Walter sat at.
"Oh! Hi Cal. Didn't see you come in." Walter said.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Oct 21, 2021 12:25:51 GMT -6
"That's because you had your eyes on my wife's good parts you old wife filcher." Cal said, filling Walter's coffee cup.
"Cal, I'm 75 years old. I owe it to myself to enjoy life before I go toes up. How are things?"" Getting by. You?"
"Hmph! You know, it's hard on the mind getting old. I turned around and all of a sudden I was 70 years old and not 30 like I once was. A blink and I'm 75 and nothing to look forward to except finding out if there is really a Heaven or not. Where does time go?"
Cal nodded and took a drink of coffee. "I know Walter. I've got kids growing up before I want them to."
"Yeah, that's life." Walter said. "How are the kids doing?"
"They are all doing fine. Amy was asking if you would be all right during that last snow. You didn't run short did you? Siobhan asked.
"No, no, I did fine. I stocked up back in the fall and had plenty of firewood. I just got lonesome." Walter said, looking down at his coffee cup.
Siobhan looked at Cal, then placed her hand on top of Walter's.
"Walter, why don't you sell out and move here with us on the Ranch?"
"Ahhhh. You don't need me dirtying up yer house. I'm okay where I'm at."
"You wouldn't be dirtying up my house or I'd take a broom to you Walter Hancock! Besides, we have a one bedroom cabin no one is using and you could move right in."
Walter looked at Siobhan, then Cal, with hollow eyes.
"Let me think some on it."
Siobhan and Cal finished their pie and prepared to leave.
"Walter, I meant what I said. Amy would love to have you near. You inspired a couple of her paintings from some of the stories you've told."
"Yeah, she's painted one of you with Siobhan slung over your shoulder running down the trail." Cal said, grinning.
Walter cackled, then became solemn. "Like I said. I'll think on it."
As they were driving back to the house, Siobhan turned to Cal.
"Do you mind if he came to live on the Ranch?"
"Heck no! Sometimes I worry and wonder if he's doing all right. He probably doesn't have many years and I'd like him to live those years without all the stress of being out there by himself. He's a tough old coot but I know he likes to be around people once in a while."
As they were going by the Facility, Andy waved him down.
"Take the 34 on up to the house. I'll be up in a bit." Cal told Siobhan.
Andy led Cal straight to the SCIF.
"The plane was sabotaged. There was some type of knockout gas used but they haven't found out who was in on it. The people on board the plane were headed to Denver International to view their shelter they would go to during an emergency for continuity of government operations."
"Why only Democrats? The government has Republicans also."
"Maybe they were planning to making things different."
Have the Republicans said anything?"
"Congress is in recess. The Republicans claim they knew nothing about the Democrats' trip."
"Okay, keep sifting for anyone taking responsibility."
Cal decided to walk back to the house to think. He decided not to reveal to Gillum their ability to gather information. He'd wait to see what Gillum had to say.
Cal was waiting at the airfield when Gillum's plane, a LearJet 31A, landed. The plane taxied up to the apron at Hangar #1 and shut down. Cal waited for a couple of minutes Gillum to come out and finally the door opened. Gillum stepped out and walked toward Cal with an overnight bag in his hand. Cal shook Bob's hand and they started walking toward the EV.
"What about your pilot?" Cal asked.
"Don't have one. I flew myself."
"I didn't know you had a license!"
"Yeah, for about 8 years. I didn't want a pilot along on this trip."
Cal took him to the house and they went into the study. Cal poured them drinks and they sat down in the overstuffed leather chairs.
"Can we talk here?" Gillum said, looking around.
"It's secure."
"Well, I'm sure you've checked the news. Well someone stepped in and took out two thirds of the Democrat leadership. The crash was not an accident. As a matter of fact, whatever they used was highly flammable. When the plane hit the ground, it exploded like a napalm strike. The torsos of the bodies are blown apart, probably from breathing in the gas and it igniting during the crash. A pretty effective assignation tool."
"Any idea who is responsible?"
"Not officially."
"But you have an idea?"
"Well, remember a couple of years ago when those top dog politicians were killed because they weren't doing their jobs? Well, We think the same group is cleaning house."
Cal nodded.
"I think a communique will surface before long."
"Maybe. Have you eaten?"
"No, I flew here from San Diego."
"Come on. There's some Brunswick Stew in the fridge."
While Cal was warming up the stew, Bob sat on a stool at the bar.
“Word has it the Democrat party is shaken to its core. They are walking very softly right now.” Bob said.
“I should think so. Their main leaders are mostly ash and if I was a big donor, I’d find a rock to hide under. I wouldn’t be surprised if the donors don’t all of a sudden become accident prone.” Cal replied.
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Post by iamnobody on Oct 21, 2021 12:39:23 GMT -6
A bunch of Demons headed to Denver where there just happens to be an imaginary underground bunker city.
Okay, I'll yell it already - MOAR!
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Post by gipsy on Oct 21, 2021 12:47:16 GMT -6
And the World just became a nicer place
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Post by NCWEBNUT on Oct 21, 2021 12:47:53 GMT -6
^^^^^ This
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Post by frankie on Oct 21, 2021 13:51:43 GMT -6
Love love love this story. I'm glad to see more action!
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Post by udwe on Oct 21, 2021 19:56:50 GMT -6
Keep it up! Got us all hooked!
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Post by ncsfsgm on Oct 22, 2021 18:13:03 GMT -6
"Good afternoon Mr. Coleman. My name is Brian Clark. I'm a producer at KMGH-TV in Denver. We've been told that you have a large ranch and you are totally off the grid. We'd like to interview you live via Skype on how you went about deciding to use non-fossil fuels for your power needs and how it is working for you. We would like to do it for our science segment in our afternoon report. Would you be willing?"
"Sure, I'd have no problem with that. When would you like to do this?"
"Would Monday of this coming week be convenient for you?"
"Sure, I can make that time available."
"Excellent, I'll get back to you to firm up the time. Thank you Mr. Coleman."
"You're welcome, and good bye."
"Who was that?" Siobhan asked.
"KMGH-TV in Denver. They want to do a Skype interview on our use of alternative energy."
"Oh boy!" Siobhan said sarcastically. "Go easy on them."
"Who, me?"
Monday morning, the producer called back to confirm that Cal would call in on Skype at 1330 to test the connection. Cal called on time and poured a glass of iced tea and waited in his study for them to start the show. He had set up the study so a framed copy of the Constitution was clearly visible in the background as well as any militaria he could collect up.
Cal settled himself in his chair when the reporter came on air.
"Hello everyone. I'm Gale Richards with today's science segment."
"Good afternoon Mr. Coleman. Thank you for joining us."
"Thank you for having me on." Cal grinned.
"This afternoon on our science segment we are discussing use of green energy and the investments that need to be made to move America away from fossil fuels. We have with us also, Janet Newsome from the American Council on Renewable Energy. Janet we'll start with you.
"What do you see America having to do to move away from fossil fuels?"
"We must have more money put into research and stop producing oil and coal. The big oil companies are getting richer on the backs of the American people and ruining our climate."
"Yes, Mr. Coleman? What do you have to say."
"Well Ms. Newsome gave one of the most opaque and on-sided solutions anyone will ever heard. First, thousands, maybe millions of products in use daily in this country come from fossil fuels. Everything from medicines to parts of the underwear I presume Ms. Newsome is wearing. Those 300 foot wind turbines and many components used in setting up solar panels have components are made from fossil fuels. Windmills are lubricated with fossil fuels. And also, those 60 to 100 meter wind turbine blades that frequently have to be replaced, aren't recyclable."
"There is that. Ms. Newsome, would you like to respond?"
"Yes, Other types of lubricants can be found and besides, isn't your ranch using renewable energy Mr. Coleman?"
"Why yes, that is a fact. We charge our battery banks with solar, wind, hydro, and have bio-diesel and steam engine powered generators as a backup for power. However, I've done that for a different reason. I didn't want us to become slaves to the power companies. We are able to generate more power than we can use. The problem is, organizations like yours advocate replacing reliable sources of energy because it causes…. what are you calling it now? Global Warming or Climate change? An act of nature that has been cyclic for millions of years."
"Ms. Newsome?"
"Yes. Climate Change is real and caused by the use of fossil fuels. We need more wind generators and solar power installations."
"Mr. Coleman, you have the last word."
"Renewable energy is fine for small operations like ours, but not for cities and large urban areas, if people like Ms. Newsome have their way, get used to brownouts and rolling blackouts people."
"Thank you both for being with us today. This is Gale Richards with the Science Segment."
"Parts of her underwear?" Siobhan said."
"Well, I wanted to throw her off. Did you notice after I said that she was a little addled and fell back on their usual talking points?"
"You're still bad."
Cal's phone rang. When he answered, all he could hear was Andy laughing. Cal waited until he got control of himself.
"Cal, don't they ever learn?"
"Yeah, but then they think they have a solid argument and blow it."
"I just called to tell you an intel update from this morning is on the secure net."
"Okay, I check it out."
Cal leaned back in his chair. "I should know better. But I can't help but shove it back in their faces when an opportunity arises."
"Well, at least it was live. They can't edit it out without getting called on it. Did you capture it on your computer?"
"I certainly did!"
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Post by ncsfsgm on Oct 22, 2021 18:21:55 GMT -6
Cal logged into the secure net and pulled up the intel estimate. The first thing that caught his eye was a report from WLNS-TV, Lansing Michigan. It was a anonymous audio broadcast sent to the station.
"This morning, it was to our great annoyance we had to take steps to eliminate some of the progressive leaders in our House of Representatives. For too long they have shown their loyalties do not lie with the people of our great nation, but only with the progressive movement and their quest for totalitarianism. Do not fool yourselves into thinking that we will be tracked down and brought to your justice. We have members of our group in every government and political organization and have eyes on you at all times. You have been warned before and you cowered for a time. You will not be warned again. This is not politically partisan. You can be independent, Democrat, Socialist, or Republican. If you continue on your current course to stab the backs of the citizens of this country, you WILL be dealt with."
"Effective, but ruthless and drastic." Cal mused. Well, it would be interesting to see in the coming months if any real change would come about.
Cal logged out and filled his Pelican mug with coffee. Donning his coat and hat, he went down to the woodworking shop and began cutting out wheels for a toy train. He was going to try to get ahead of the toy making this year. He was still working when Siobhan called him to dinner.
The next morning Cal was up early before dawn and put on a pot of coffee. He turned on Fox News and the headline was Will Yates, billionaire entrepreneur, was shot and killed coming from a woman's apartment in Bellevue, Washington. His bodyguards were not injured. There was a lot of cross chatter about a possible link to the assassinations due to Yates pouring in millions of dollars to Democrat PACs during the last election. A lot of speculation but no facts. Just give the facts guys. Well, the communique did warn them they wouldn't be given any more warnings.
Cal shut the TV off. He was tired of the political squabbling. He went back into the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee and pulled up the weather forecast on his phone.
Crap! It looked like they would be in for another big storm this weekend. He'd have Shay check the coke bins and hoppers and make sure they were all filled. He'd attach the snow blowers back on the ToolCats and move them from the equipment hangar to the Maintenance Bay this morning. Cal wrote a couple of notes on his note pad and slipped it back into his shirt pocket. He remembered his promised to drop off four mineral blocks for horses at the K bar S for Karen. He'd go ahead and do that right after breakfast.
Siobhan walked in kissed Cal on the cheek.
"Good morning. You were up early."
"Yeah. I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep."
Siobhan poured a cup of coffee and came over and sat down beside Cal.
"What's bothering you?"
"Nothing. Maybe subconsciously I knew another storm was coming."
"Another snow storm?"
"Yeah, this weekend."
"I'll see if Millie and Earl want to spend the weekend in their Shelter quarters rather than fight the mess."
"Yeah, do that. I'll pull one of the Elk roasts out of the freezer."
Siobhan got up and got out the big cast iron frying pan and began frying bacon. Cal got the eggs out and started putting things together for French Toast. Siobhan finished with the bacon and began scrambling eggs while Cal started putting the bread slices on the griddle. The smells had awakened the kids and they began filtering in. Siobhan had to go back and roust Grady. He didn't seem to want to wake up this morning.
When breakfast was over, Cal loaded the mineral blocks and ran them over to the K bar S. Returning to the Ranch he went to the equipment hangar and began working on the ToolCats. One by one he moved them to the back of the Maintenance Bay and on the way back, stopped by Earl's cabin to see how he was doing. Millie answered the door when he knocked and invited him in.
"Where's Earl?" Cal asked.
"He's on the patio getting some fresh air."
Cal went out the kitchen door and found Earl slowly walking around, with the use of a cane.
"How are you doing Earl?"
"Good morning Cal. I'm doing fine. Just exercising my leg. Hope to be back to working in another week."
"That's good. Looks like we're getting another storm this weekend."
"Millie said Siobhan called. I think we'll come on up. I hate messing around in the snow."
"Good. Siobhan is preparing an Elk roast that will melt in your mouth."
"Can't wait. Let's go in. I'm getting a little chilly." Earl said.
Earl went in and eased himself into his chair. Millie brought them both a cup of coffee.
"What do you think of all the goings on in Washington?"
"Politically, not a big loss."
"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Those people forget they are up there to serve the people and not to serve themselves. The whole gaggle of them need to be flushed into the Potomac River."
Well, looks like someone has already cornered that market."
"Yeah, interesting times, interesting times."
"Dale called me. Did you have anything to do with pulling their asses out of the fire?"
Cal took a sip of coffee.
"As me no questions and I'll tell you no lies."
Earl looked at him for a moment.
"Well, the way I see it, it was fellow law enforcement helping out fellow law enforcement. That sounded like some pretty heavy artillery though. When I retire, you'll have to let me in on some of your 'Test and Evaluation Projects'."
Cal grinned. "You, retire?"
"Yeah, I'm not running for re-election next year. I'm going to endorse Grady."
"He's a good man. Well, if you need any help moving up, give me a shout."
"I think we'll be all right. We'll see you later."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Oct 22, 2021 18:29:43 GMT -6
Walter drove up in his old, but reliable S-10 and got out.
"Cal. Ya got a minute?"
"Sure Walter."
"Well, I've been givin' it some thought, and if the offer still stands, I'd like to move here on your ranch."
Cal grinned. "Of course the offer still stands. Look, there's going to be another big storm Friday evening. I want you here Friday morning with what you need until the storm is over. I'm glad you made a decision. Siobhan will be thrilled."
Walter grinned. "Well, I guess I'd better go start putting my things together."
"Okay Walter. I'll see you no later than Friday morning, or sooner if you can."
Jon pressed the switch and the door began to lower.
"Well, nothing left to do. I'm headed home and stoke the fire and watch a John Wayne movie."
Cal chuckled. "You sure Diana is going to let you veg on John Wayne movies tonight?"
Jon grinned. "Sure she will. She loves them to. The first movie I'll put in is 'The Quiet Man,' her favorite."
"Yeah, Siobhan loves that one too."
Cal looked at his watch. "Well, it's too early for dinner. I'm going by the Armory and clean my pistol. I'll see you later."
"Have a good evening Cal."
Cal walked the corridors and unlocked the Armory. Taking a mat out from under the cleaning table, he laid it out and unloaded his pistol. Quickly field stripping it he wiped the parts down and lightly oiled them with BPL. Three minutes later the pistol was reassembled, loaded, and back in his holster. After putting everything away, he locked the Armory and continued on to the house.
Hanging his coat on the coatrack stand in the study, Cal turned on the computer and checked the RanchNET weather page. Switching to NOAA he compared the forecasts. Six of one, half dozen of the other. He went to the FreeRepublic website and read the articles for awhile until he heard the table being set. Logging off, he shut down the computer and headed to the kitchen, laying his pistol on the shelf above the study door on his way out.
Walter was sitting at the breakfast bar watching Millie and Siobhan dishing vegetables into serving bowls.
"Where's Earl?" Cal asked.
"He just got up from a nap. He's probably washing his face." Millie said.
Cal heard the "thump, thump" of Earl's cane as he came down the hall.
"Something smells good!" Earl said.
"Oh, it's just some old meatloaf Siobhan threw together." Millie said.
Earl's eyebrows raised. "Please tell me it's that saucy stuff she makes!"
Siobhan grinned. "Sit down at the table Earl, you too Walter. We're getting ready to call the kids in and I don't want you to get knocked down."
Cal went and told the kids to wash up for dinner and stood at the beginning of the hallway to slow them down to a walk as they got to the kitchen.
Once everyone was seated, Cal said Grace and the serving bowls were passed around. Cal watched with amusement as Earl ate two helpings of everything, plus a decent helping of peach cobbler.
"My God, Earl!" Millie said, as Earl cleaned his plate with the last of a yeast roll.
Siobhan giggled. "Oh, let him be Millie. He's still healing and needs his nourishment."
"Well, he just healed himself up another ten pounds at the table tonight!"
"That was the finest meal I've eaten years." Walter said.
Cal grinned. "Come on Earl, Walter, I have just the thing to take off the pounds and deter indigestion."
The three went into the Great room, Earl and Walter settling in the overstuffed leather armchairs and Cal handed them glasses with a couple of ounces of Michael Collins in them.
"Cal, do you mind turning on the news for a few minutes?" Earl asked. "I want to get the gist of today."
"Sure, which station do you want?"
"Fox. I don't need to hear Democrat talking points."
They watched for about 20 minutes and the women came in. Earl signaled Cal to shut it off.
"Cal, what was with moving all the equipment this afternoon?" Millie asked.
"Oh, we get our snow removal equipment ready and position it in the Maintenance Bay in the cave. When the storm is over with, the first thing we do is clear the roads and driveways. It only takes two or three hours."
"Everyone seems to work together well here." Earl said.
Earl, we have the best people you could find anywhere here. We are all singing off the same sheet of music so it's easy to work together."
"It is a mighty fine ranch." Walter agreed.
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Post by iamnobody on Oct 22, 2021 19:31:17 GMT -6
"Yeah, interesting times, interesting times."
That is surely the truth
Your stories are better than any newspaper I could read for the truth.
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Post by gipsy on Oct 22, 2021 19:49:06 GMT -6
Thanks for the fine update
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Post by cavsgt on Oct 22, 2021 20:19:37 GMT -6
As always Thank You for all of your story telling expertise.
Phill
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Post by udwe on Oct 22, 2021 20:30:44 GMT -6
Thank you!
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Post by NCWEBNUT on Oct 24, 2021 13:07:26 GMT -6
Moar please I need my daily dose of this Story
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Post by udwe on Oct 24, 2021 19:59:39 GMT -6
What he said (up)
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Post by ncsfsgm on Oct 24, 2021 21:54:12 GMT -6
Cal woke about 0500 to the sound of the wind. He got up and threw on a set of scrubs and went to the kitchen to make coffee. Once the coffee was started, he went in and stirred the fire and added more logs. Going over to the front door, he looked out the side panels and saw the snow blowing horizontally and maneuvering around, he could see the snow beginning to drift onto the porch. He waited for the coffee to finish perking and poured a cup to take into the study, first switching on the fan on the Heat-a-lator. Turning on the computer, Cal logged into the RanchNET and went to the weather instrument page. The barometer had fallen a lot since he last checked and the winds were at a steady 40 miles per hour. Temperature at 10 degrees, -15 wind chill. Snow accumulation on the top of the mesa was at 28 inches, but that didn't account for the drifts down below. It looked like they were going to get a good bit of Global Warming today.
He sat reading the articles on FreeRepublic until Siobhan got up at 0600. When he heard her in the kitchen, he logged off and headed there. She was just sitting down at the bar when he walked in.
"Can you get me the 12 quart Dutch oven out of the pantry? I want to put on the Elk roast after breakfast."
"Yes, My Love. It's nasty outside."
"By the sound of the wind I would think so. I'm glad Walter came over."
"Yeah. He shouldn't be out there all alone, especially in weather like this."
"Amy wants to give him one of her paintings of him today. I told her to hold off until a little later."
"Are you going to need help with the vegetables this morning?"
"No Alice and June stayed in their Shelter quarters last night."
Just as she said that, Alice walked in.
"Good morning!"
"Cal grinned. "You're awful cheerful this morning."
"I'm not driving through a blizzard to get here this morning either."
Alice poured a cup of coffee and sat down at the breakfast bar.
"What's on the agenda today? Alice asked.
"Elk roast and extreme relaxation. I'm planning for us to get the roast on, spend time with the kids in the activity room and more or less veg out the rest of the day. I don't want you doing anything more than you absolutely have to."
"That's easy. What time are you going to put the roast on?"
"After breakfast. It's going to slow cook all day until 4:00 PM. We'll have an early dinner. It's popcorn and movie night for the kids."
Between the three of them, they got breakfast prepared. They let the kids sleep and placed everything in the warming oven and sat, drank coffee and talked. Around 0730 the kids began filtering in and were served orange juice. This didn't sit well with Amy. They couldn't eat until everyone was at the table. She ran back to Grady's room to get him up. Siobhan poured milk for the children while Alice started setting the food on the table. Cal, getting another bottle of maple syrup out of the pantry, swore the kids were drinking it.
The kids were well into their breakfast when Earl and Millie came in and took a seat, followed by Walter. Alice passed the serving bowls and poured their coffee.
"What's it doing out there?" Earl asked.
"Fifteen below and snowing. Wind at 40 miles per hour." Cal replied.
"Good day to stay inside."
The kids asked to be excused and went to the activity room to watch cartoons.
"You've got some fine young'uns there." Walter said.
"Yes, they are adorable." Millie agreed.
"What have you got going on today Cal?" Earl asked.
"Well, after I clear the drifting snow off the porch, I'm doing absolutely nothing, except maybe taking Walter on a tour of the Shelter, if he wants." Cal replied.
"Shore." Walter said. "And I'll hep you clear that snow too."
"Also, I see Siobhan has a basket of winter squash and turnips over there. I might help her prepare those this afternoon." Cal added.
"YOU WILL NOT! YOU STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN THE REST OF THE DAY!" Siobhan shouted. "The first time he helped with squash and turnips, he sliced them without peeling them, placed them on a pine board and sprayed them with WD-40. When they were cooked to his satisfaction, he took them out of the oven, dumped the turnips and squash in the trash and set the board out for us to eat. He hates squash and cooked turnips."
Earl almost sprayed coffee across the table and Walter cackled.
"He's not that bad of a cook is he?" Millie asked.
"NO! He's an excellent cook. Just don't ask him to prepare squash nor turnips."
"Turnips are good raw." Cal said.
"Well, I can prepare the squash and turnips." Millie said.
Siobhan got up. "You men get out of the kitchen. We have work to do."
The laughing men got up and headed to the Great Room to watch a little news. Later, Cal took Walter and Earl in an electric cart and showed them the Shelter layout. After the women had finished getting the roast prepared and in the oven, Siobhan and Millie found all three men with their feet propped up on the ottomans, snoozing.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Oct 24, 2021 22:05:18 GMT -6
Cal woke from his nap and checked the porch. He put on his cold weather gear and cleared the porch and the steps. It was an easy job because the snow was powdery and more than likely would have to do it again. He went back into the house and took of his coat and mukluks and walked in his stocking feet into the kitchen, finding the women clustered around the table playing Scrabble. The smell of the roast permeated the area
That smells good. It's making me hungry." Cal said.
There's cheese, crackers and summer sausage. Make do." Siobhan said.
"Yes Ma'am."
Cal got a tray and sliced some sausage, cheese and added pilot crackers and a jar of Vegemite and a container of mustard to the tray along with some knives. Taking the tray into the Great Room, Cal set the tray on the coffee table. He selected "Ice Station Zebra" off the computer movie list and turned the volume down. Taking up a pilot cracker, he spread Vegemite on the cracker, topped that with a slice of summer sausage and then a small square of cheese. Setting the prepared cracker back on the tray, he went back to the fridge and got a bottle of ale.
Munching on the snacks and washing it down with the Irish ale, Cal watched the movie for almost an hour before Earl and Walter woke up. They started stirring and stretching.
"What are you eating?" Earl asked.
"Crackers and cheese. There's summer sausage and Vegemite too."
"What's Vegemite?" Walter asked.
"Manna from the gods!" Cal grinned.
Cal went back and got two more ales and brought them out as Walter was spreading Vegemite on a cracker. He took a bite and chewed slowly, finally looking up at a grinning Cal.
"What do you think?"
"This stuff wouldn't taste worth a damn without that stale-assed cracker." Grumbled Walter.
Earl burst out laughing.
"Well, it's an acquired taste Walter." Cal said, chuckling.
Walter tool a drink of the ale and swished it around in his mouth before swallowing. He made another cracker, this time with sausage and cheese with a dollop of mustard...but no Vegemite.
"I'm gonna have to kiss a goat's butt to get that taste outta my mouth." Walter complained.
Earl was laughing so hard tears were forming in his eyes.
The women came into into the room.
"What's going on!" Siobhan asked.
"Cal….Cal….fed Walter some of that Vegemite!" Earl said between gasps of air.
"Cal! You know better. Nobody likes that stuff but you."
"Hey, he spread it on his cracker by himself." Cal grinned.
"Alice, would you set the table? I'm going to go wake the children. They all fell asleep watching cartoons. Cal, would you take the roast out of the oven?" Siobhan asked.
Cal went into the kitchen and turned the oven off. Taking a set of heavy pot holders, he lifted the heavy Dutch oven out and placed it on top of the stove. Cal got a large platter and the meat lifters and sat them on the counter. Getting a couple of serving bowls, he took out the potatoes and carrots out of the pot, separating them into separate serving bowls. He then lifted the roast out and set it on the platter. Turning back to the stove, Cal turned the burner on low and added flour, salt and pepper and whisked it around and made gravy. Transferring the gravy to a couple of gravy boats, Siobhan came back in and helped transfer the food to the table while Cal sliced the roast.
Once the kids were seated, Earl said Grace and the food was served. Walter was eating like he hadn't eaten for a week. The only comments made were about how good the food was, even the turnips and squash, which none of the accolades for those two vegetables came from Cal's mouth.
When the dishes were cleared, warm apple pie with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream was served.
Finally, a bleary-eyed Walter pushed away from the table.
"Well, I guess I won't have to kiss that goat. That was the finest meal I have ever eaten. Thank you ladies."
The children got up and took their plates to the sink while Alice served coffee to the adults.
"Movie and popcorn at 7:00 Amy!" Siobhan said.
"Okay Momma."
"That was a good meal." Earl said.
"A body shouldn't go through life without having experienced a meal like that." Walter agreed.
The men retired to the Great Room, or rather, were pushed out of the kitchen by the women. Cal poured three glasses of Rye and they sat talking until the women joined them.
When the ladies came in, Cal opened a bottle of the wine of their choice and put on a some soft music.
"You still heading in to work Monday, Earl?"
"Yeah. I won't be getting out much at first, but I can walk around a little and exercise my leg." Earl replied.
"Just don't overdo it Earl." Millie said.
"I know my limitations. I'll be resting enough. I can do some things for Grady's campaign."
"What do you think of Earl retiring, Millie?"
"I just want to get him away from Grand Junction. It's getting dangerous there, but Lord only knows what he's going to do now! I'll have him underfoot all the time now."
Cal grinned at Earl. "You haven't told her?"
Earl chuckled. "I wanted her to suffer a little."
"What!?!" Millie asked.
"Earl is going to be working at HTR Security as part of surveillance operations." Cal said.
Millie breathed a sigh of relief.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Oct 24, 2021 22:10:34 GMT -6
Amy came into the room and whispered in Siobhan's ear. Siobhan nodded and Amy ran to the art room, coming back with a small frame in her hand. She walked in front of Walter and stopped.
"I'm glad you've come to live at the Ranch. We don't have an Uncle here, can we start calling you 'Uncle Walter'?"
Walter sat up straighter in the chair and looked at Cal and Siobhan. They both nodded.
"Why shore you can."
"Uncle Walter, I enjoyed the time you told us those stories and I painted this picture of you so I could look at it and think about those good times. Since you are here now, I want you to have it."
She turned the frame around and showed Walter the picture. It was of him, sitting on the Liars Bench, whittling on a stick. It was so life-like you could immediately recognize Walter. Walter stared at the picture and his eyes began misting. He slowly took the picture out of Amy's hands and brought it closer to inspect it.
"This is the purtiest thing anybody has ever given me. Thank you Amy."
Amy smiled and turned to her Mother.
"Momma, what movie are we watching tonight?"
Siobhan looked over at Cal. "Cal?"
"You're going to watch a movie I enjoyed when I was your age. It's called 'Toby Tyler'."
"Go get the Whirley-Pop out of the pantry and I'll help you pop the corn." Siobhan said.
"Okay Momma."
Amy left for the kitchen. Walter leaned forward and pulled his bandana out of his rear pocket and wiped his eyes.
"That girl shore can paint good." Walter said.
"If you want something painted, just tell her. She'd be more than happy to do it for you." Siobhan said.
Cal went and checked the front porch. There seemed to be less snow falling but the wind was still high. He'd wait a while before clearing the snow for the night. Going to the fireplace, he turned the burning logs and added another one.
After breakfast the next morning, the wind was down to about ten miles per hour and the snow had stopped. It was colder than a mother-in-law's kiss but survivable. The Reverend had posted on the RanchNET that church services were canceled that morning so it was a good time to begin clearing the snow. Cal got on his cold weather gear and walked through the Shelter to the Maintenance Bay. Jon had the Oshkosh warming up as Cal walked into the bay.
"Good morning Jon. What's it looking like?"
"Around 38 inches."
"How did you get here this morning?"
"Oh, Diana and I stayed in our quarters in the Shelter yesterday."
"Why didn't ya'll come up to the house?"
"We were fine. Diana and I had our own little private vacation. She fixed a picnic basket and we brought some wine and had our own little adventure." Jon said, grinning.
"Oh…okay. Why don't you go ahead and start clearing the roads in the housing area for the rest to get here. I'll follow you with a ToolCat and start on the driveways."
"Sounds like a plan."
Jon flipped the door switch and the huge door rose. There was a six foot snowbank up against the door so Jon remotely turned the discharge spout to the front and began removing the snow. Once he cleared the door, Cal cleaned the rest of it out with the ToolCat. As they worked by the houses, more men came out in their EVs and headed for the Maintenance Bay. It took them longer than usual. The snowdrifts had to be removed from the areas where they were blocking critical areas. Walter wanted to help out so Cal took him down to the equipment hangar and they mounted a blade to one of the tractors and Walter started pushing snow into the drainage channels so the snow melt could drain into the lake and ponds.
When Cal and Walter got back to the house, Siobhan had a fresh pot of coffee on. They had taken off their coats and boots and were warming themselves by their fire when Siobhan handed them their steaming mugs.
"Ahhhh…that's good!" Walter said.
Siobhan came back in with two sets of moccasins in her hand and handed one pair to Cal.
"I think these will fit you, Walter." Handing him a pair of fleece-lined moccasins.
Walter tried them on and they fit."
"What are these made of?" Walter asked.
"Moosehide with the fleece liner. I have a friend up in Minnesota that makes them for me." Cal replied.
"They are mighty comfortable."
"They are nice for around the house. I've got others with tougher soles I use sometimes for outside wear."
They warmed up and got another cup of coffee.
"Walter, there's an extra EV out in the underground garage Any time you want to take it down to the General Store, feel free to do so."
"Thank you Cal. I think I'll go wash up for supper."
"Okay Walter.
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