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Post by gipsy on Feb 6, 2022 19:30:49 GMT -6
Thanks for the great update.
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Post by cavsgt on Feb 6, 2022 19:41:19 GMT -6
Thank You Fantastic as usual!!!!!!!!
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Post by CountryGuy on Feb 6, 2022 20:24:59 GMT -6
Something I was noticing and wanted to ask about, what every happened to Glen's dog? Was it Jack? He was there for a few installments and then after Beau showed and Billy's new dog (forget his name) haven't seen Glen's dog mentioned further. Or did I miss something happening to him?
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Post by ncsfsgm on Feb 7, 2022 13:34:57 GMT -6
Something I was noticing and wanted to ask about, what every happened to Glen's dog? Was it Jack? He was there for a few installments and then after Beau showed and Billy's new dog (forget his name) haven't seen Glen's dog mentioned further. Or did I miss something happening to him? You've been reading my notes!
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Post by gipsy on Feb 7, 2022 13:52:41 GMT -6
LOL
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Post by ncsfsgm on Feb 7, 2022 18:14:57 GMT -6
I'm a little short on product today. I had a colonoscopy this morning and it tired me out a mite.
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Post by gipsy on Feb 7, 2022 18:22:45 GMT -6
It can do that for sure.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Feb 7, 2022 18:23:24 GMT -6
Chapter 228
Gil checked the hanging hams for spoilage and moisture content, then re-bagged them. Right after spring plowing, he would smoke them, after which, Mr. Hirschfeld offered to slice them up for him when they were ready. Satisfied, he closed up the doors and went down to the equipment shed. Before they got into the plowing, he wanted to pull out the trailer kitchen unit and see how everything worked. The Chinese Army, like the U.S. Army had gone to manuals with step-by-step photos and illustrations on how to set the unit up, so they should have few problems. If they did, they could always call Glen.
Glen carefully carved the wood disk with his knife and checked it with the small rod he had carved. "This might work if those tiny drill bits work." Glen thought. He measured the thickness of the two handles and the rod and nodded to himself. Jack groaned from his bed and slowly got up, walking slowly to the door. Glen watched him for a second, put his things down and got up to open the door. Jack wasn't acting right lately. He didn't seem to want to leave the cabin area and laid around most of the time. Jack moved slowly to the bushes and did his business. It seemed he couldn't lift his leg to pee and just squatted. "I've got to do something." Glen thought. He waited for Jack to make his way back into the cabin, take a drink from his bowl and laid back down.
"Jarrod, you on?"
"Go ahead."
"Jack acts like he doesn't feel good. I'm gonna run him in to the Vet's."
"You want me to drive?"
"Naw, I need to run the Suburban."
Glen got his coat and hat on, picked Jack up and carried him down to the hovercraft. Glen wrapped him in a blanket and strapped him to the seat, then started the engines. Jack lay without his usual excitement as they crossed over and up the river. When they got to the boat garage, Glen started the truck with the remote starter and carried Jack over, laying him in the passenger seat. Jack did sit up so he could look out the windows.
When they got to the Vet's office, Glen sat Jack on the ground and they walked into the building. As soon as the Vet saw Jack walking, he took them into an exam room.
"How long has he been acting like this?" The Vet asked.
"I guess since about mid-January. He seems to be gettin' worse. Slow moving around, and sleeps a lot. This morning I noticed he couldn't lift his leg to pee."
"You been having any problems Glen? Arthritis maybe?"
"No, not me, why."
"Just checking. There's an old tale my grandmother used to tell me about people taking a small dog in to sleep in their beds at night. Said the dog would take on the person's arthritis."
Glen looked at the Vet, horrified.
"I would never do anything like that to Jack!"
"I know. Well, looks like Jack may have some arthritis. I can give him a steroid shot for short-term relief, but I want you to start giving him these tablets every day. They're chewable. If he won't chew them, slip them into something he likes."
"I don't know about all those medicines. Sometimes the side effects are worse than the disease."
"Don't worry, these are plant based. They were developed by an old Vet who made them out of Willow Bark, Yucca, and an enzyme mixture derived from the stem, fruit, and juice of the pineapple plant. I've tried it on a couple of dogs and they worked wonders. I'm bettin' Jack will be back to his old self in no time. It will greatly reduce his pain. Here, take this bag of pill pockets. They're chicken flavored. Because of his size, only give him one and a half tablets a day."
"Where can I buy more of these?" Glen asked.
"Here, here's enough pill pockets to go with the tablets in the bottle. Go ahead and give him a dose and see if he takes to them."
Glen opened the bag of pill pockets, took out two, got out two tablets and cut one in half with his pocket knife, returning one half to the bottle. Sliding a tablet into a pocket, he molded the pocket around the tablet and handed it to Jack, who immediately wolfed it down. Glen did the same with the half tablet and Jack ate that too.
"That's good!" The Vet said. "Give him that dose every day and he will be scampering around like a puppy in no time. See me when you run out of tablets"
"I sure hope so. What do I owe you?"
"Kate will help you out front. If there's anything else, just bring him right on in."
Glen sat Jack on the floor and he seemed to be moving better as they walked out front and paid the bill. When they got to the truck, Jack started to jump in but Glen stopped him and sat him up in the seat. When Glen got into the truck, Jack came across the console and licked Jack's face. Glen, with a tear forming in his eye, sat Jack in the passenger seat and started the truck. As they made their way home Glen said, "I'm sorry Jack. I'll start paying more attention to you," saying it more to himself than to Jack.
When they got back to Bluff View, Jack jumped out of the truck and ran over to the hovercraft. Glen stopped.
"Come back fella, let's go see Gil!"
When they got up to Gil's house, he wasn't there.
"Okay, maybe you can help me Grace."
"Sure, come on in!"
Glen sat down over a cup of coffee and told Grace about not catching Jack's arthritis and taking him to the Vet.
"Grace, As we were about to get on the hovercraft, I realized we have to wear hearing protection on the hovercraft because of the noise and I'm thinkin' the noise isn't good for Jack either. Is there some type of hearing protection for dogs too?"
"I'm sure there is. Let me get my computer."
Grace did a search on the internet and found what Glen was looking for.
"How much do you want to spend?" Grace asked.
"I don't care what it costs. I want the best money can buy!"
"Well, here's a set Jack's size. Noise-canceling, like your comms unit, they will ship them overnight."
Glen handed Grace his credit card and she made the order."
"Glen, overnight means tomorrow afternoon." Grace said."
"Good, give me a call on the radio and we'll come get them."
Grace got a dog treat and handed it to Jack, who gently took it from her and quickly ate the chicken jerky."
"Well, his appetite seems okay." Grace grinned.
"Well, come on fella, I want to put on a pot of beans. Jack likes beans too, 'cept he stinks up the cabin somethin' terrible." Glen grinned.
Grace laughed. "Well, go fix Jack some beans, he looks like he could use them."
Jack jumped into the truck this time and was riding like his old self. He hopped up in his seat and waited patiently for Glen to get his act together and get the show on the road.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Feb 7, 2022 18:32:57 GMT -6
Chapter 229
Gil walked across the field checking the moisture. They would be able to start plowing soon. He looked toward the river when he heard the hovercraft, smiling when he saw Glen then and Jack streaking across the water. Jack looked like Snoopy with his flying helmet on, looking as good as he ever did. They stopped at the boat garage as Gil was pulling up in the Gator.
"Morning Gil."
"Morning Glen. Jack's looking a lot better."
"Yeah, he's getting around a lot better. I could kick myself in the ass for not paying more attention."
"Well, you were pretty busy during that time." Gil said, watching Glen remove Jack's ear protectors.
Glen shook his head. "Still, no excuse. Did you get your deer feeders at the Co-op?"
"I bought one, but I like the ones at Tractor Supply better."
"I'll take a look at them."
""Don't buy any feed. I'll set aside some cracked grain for you."
"Okay, I appreciate it."
"How are the mineral blocks working out?"
Glen chuckled. "I think every deer all the way to Galbraith Church has visited. I've got to pick up more blocks today.
"I was thinking of setting some blocks up near that spring in the Doodlebug Hole." Gil said.
I can put some up there for you. Jarrod can haul me up there on his motorbike.
"The weavers down at the Fellowship Hall doing all right?" Gil asked.
"Hey, they took the ball and ran with it. I'm happy they are sticking to the old traditions and not dying the baskets with gaudy commercial dyes. The women are making their own tints too. They are really proud of what they're doing."
Shannon had worked up a cost estimate and although he could get a pretty good write-off on his personal taxes, he decided to let everything go through the Trust. When he had all the men together, and the weather was decent, they set everything up and laid all the insulated containers and ancillary equipment out. First, they tested the field water heater. It was used for boiling water for washing or making water based hot drinks like tea or coffee. It would work with gas, diesel, jet fuel….basically anything that burned, but it may have to be primed with a higher combustible fuel.
The kitchen trailer was something else. Meals could be made up ahead of time and kept hot in the insulated containers. Beverages had their own containers with faucets, and there was a large number of the insulated food containers. There were two of each kind of pot ranging from one liter to 75 liters. They didn't cook anything but tried out the burners that used the same fuel system as the hot water heater. At first, packing it all up was like doing a Rubik's cube. Everything had its place and wouldn't fit anywhere else. After studying the pictures in the manual, they made sense of the puzzle and everything fit right into place. Before packing everything in its place, they filled the provided storage boxes and compartments with cleaning products.
"Okay guys, what's missing?" Gil asked.
"Food." Brad said.
"Water. There needs to be a water source." Colt said.
"Of course, you'd have to have fuel." Trace said.
"Well, you see how the system siphons fuel out of Jerry cans." Gil said. "I think we can make something that will work getting fuel straight from a fuel tank. "I've got an idea. Trace, get your truck and come with me. Brad, you and Colt take that lunette ring hitch off the trailer and replace it with a ball hitch. There's one hanging on the wall in the forge. Trace and I are going to get a couple of trailers."
Trace followed Gil down to Morrisville and back outside of town to a metal building that said, "Custom Trailers." They went in and talked to the owner, Jim Stevens, explaining the setup they needed. The owner just nodded and led them outside to a shelter that had finished tanker trailers parked under it."
"This water trailer here holds 350 gallons. You could add a small pressure pump to it but the water pressure is pretty good just with gravity."
"This for potable water use?" Gil asked.
"Sure is. It is a steel tank with a polypro liner. Will last longer than any of us will. Sold four of them to the Red Cross Disaster Assistance people down in Knoxville. They've used them in flood operations and tornado recovery as far as I know."
"What about a fuel trailer?"
Jim walked them down several trailers and showed them another trailer with eighteen inch clearance, this one clearly marked fuel.
"This one also holds three hundred and fifty gallons of fuel."
Gil showed Jim a picture of the siphon hose system used by the water heater and the kitchen stoves.
"Can you fabricate something that will work with this?" Gil asked.
Jim looked at the pictures. Gil had used the little ruler on his Leatherman Tool to show the diameter of the hoses and fittings."
"Well I don't know. These fittings look foreign. I tell you what I can do. I can use an adapter on the tank to connect this same diameter fuel hose and you can use your connectors on your setup to complete the hose. Worst case, you can cut the hoses and splice them together."
"That sounds good."
"How much hose do you need?"
"Thirty feet?"
"Fix you right up." Jim said.
Jim went in and got some tools and parts and was followed out by another man with a roll of fuel hose over his shoulders. Jim placed an adapter with a female quick release on the fuel outlet of the tank and a male quick connect on one end of the hose, using a clamping tool. The hose went into a storage box located over the left fender.
"That should do ya." Jim said.
"What do I owe you?"
"Let's go inside and settle up." Jim said.
Trace and Gil backed their trucks up, connected the tank trailers and cables, checked the lights and headed home.
When they got back to Bluff View, Brad and Colt looked at the trailers with amazement.
"What did these run you?" Brad asked.
"Makes no difference. The Trust paid for them." Gil answered.
They unpacked the fuel lines from the kitchen trailer and checked the connections. Taking the stove and heater connections off was easy. They had been manufactured with field repair in mind.
"It's getting late." Gil said. "We can fill the fuel tank tomorrow and just pull out the water heater and try it out. If everything works, we'll take them over to the church and park them in the barn behind the parsonage. They should fit in the barn alley just fine."
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Post by CountryGuy on Feb 7, 2022 19:56:32 GMT -6
Something I was noticing and wanted to ask about, what every happened to Glen's dog? Was it Jack? He was there for a few installments and then after Beau showed and Billy's new dog (forget his name) haven't seen Glen's dog mentioned further. Or did I miss something happening to him? You've been reading my notes!Don't know about your notes but I've definitely been reading and following this story and loving every bit...
Was curious to see if any of those magic Bill crates might show up with some Stingers or Javelins or similar big bang types items. Don't think have seen any medium or heavy noise makers show themselves yet...
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Post by gipsy on Feb 7, 2022 19:56:47 GMT -6
Thanks for the update.
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Post by ydderf on Feb 8, 2022 10:07:41 GMT -6
Finally caught up. Thanks for your hard work.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Feb 8, 2022 13:43:00 GMT -6
Chapter 230
They were checking over the tractors and bottom plows to begin plowing the next day when Boyd Haskell drove up.
"Hey Gil! You ready to talk over the addition?"
""Boyd, that's between you and the women at the house. I'm just the guy who's payin' for it."
Boyd chuckled. " All right then. I'll talk to you later."
Gil turned back to the guys working on the equipment.
"You having an addition done on your house? Brad asked.
"Yeah. Tate and Glenda are getting married and Grace and Mollie talked Glenda to moving into Mollie's cabin. We're building a mother-in-law suite onto the house for Mollie."
"You couldn't have a finer woman occupying it than Mollie." Trace said. "How did they talk Glenda and Tate into it?"
"I think a cabin trumps an RV trailer any day." Gil said.
"Gil, Glenda told me she and Tate were getting married on Tuesday March 20th. We're planning the reception in the Fellowship Hall. Right now, the crafters are keeping their overflow stacked along the wall. Could we move one of our shipping containers down there to keep the baskets in so the Hall would look nice?"
"No, but I'll order another one and have it set up."
"Thank you. We'll make the place look beautiful!"
They were plowing the oat fields when Reverend Jim called Gil on the radio and said the shipping container was there. Gil and Trace stopped work and went over to the church to get it leveled, but they needn't have bothered. The delivery people were using the blocks Gil had placed there to sit the container on and level it. Gil and Trace helped a little but most of the work was done by the time they got there. Grace and Allie came down and helped the crafters get a good inventory and helped the organize the storing of the baskets. They found their running inventory was a little off. They had more baskets than they thought, but they should be getting a call from Yoder's soon to update their stock.
They finished the plowing a day later, just about the time Boyd's crew started on the house addition. They weren't going to extend the basement but would have to do something about the slope they would have to cut into. Boyd suggested cutting back further into the slope of the ridge and build a small, private patio area with a reinforced retaining wall with diversion pipes to divert water and anything else from coming down the slope and up against the addition. The covered, screened porch would remain and a door to the addition would open up across from the kitchen entrance. Mollie would have her own private residence but close to the Conners by merely steps. When they saw the timeline for the completion of the build would be past the wedding date, Billy eagerly gave up his room to Mollie and offered to stay in the tiny house for the duration. Grace was concerned about Billy's intentions and addressed them to Gil.
"Honey, he's almost 16 years old. He will be going to pilot's training this summer; he's just stretching his wings a little." Gil said, and that reminded him he needed to take a quick trip to Morrisville.
Gil had been working on the project for several months. Billy had been hinting around and showing Gil and Grace pictures of trucks he liked. Surprisingly, they were mostly vintage trucks. Nothing fancy, just good looking trucks. Gil had been looking in auto trader magazines and online until he spotted a specific truck down in Tucumcari, New Mexico. It was a rare 1976 Chevrolet C/K Crew-Cab 2500 Pickup that had been fitted with a 6.6 Liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine. It was about three quarters through a customization when the owner died of a stroke. Gil paid top dollar for it and had it shipped to a custom rebuilder in Morrisville. They should be about finished with it, or he hoped it would be, before Billy's birthday on April the 3rd.
When Gil arrived at the body shop, he stared in awe at the job they had done. When they received it, they took it down to the very last nut and washer. Every inch of the frame had been gone over with an x-ray and measured for exact tolerances. The frame had been dipped and painted and the truck was put together slowly, piece by piece. Front and rear differentials were completely rebuilt, engine gone over, even though it was practically new, the body had imperfections taken out, sandblasted, primed and painted an Eye Candy Copper. The seats had been completely replaced with more comfortable bench and bucket seats with built in heating and cooling, the seats covered with genuine leather, not imitation, and the dash completely redone. The vehicle even smelled new. When Gil started the truck, it didn't rumble, it…he didn't know what to call it. It was like a lion laying there with a contented rumble in its chest, ready to leap out and roar. Grinning, he got out of the truck and settled up with the owner. It was the second most he had ever paid for a truck, his being the first, and happily paid the price. The owner agreed to haul the truck up to Don's Construction Company at no charge (They should have). Don had agreed to keep it there until Billy's Birthday. Now, they had a wedding to get through.
The Bluff View Belles, (as Gil referred to them as) were in full campaign planning posture. There wouldn't be a moment during the day of March the 20th that wouldn't be choreographed. Gil thought it was a little much, but kept his yap shut. The men were all required to get fitted for tuxedos and of course all the women had to have new dresses, Even Alan an Alana were brought in as Ring Bearer and Flower Girl. Gil and the other guys knew to be able to shift to something else at a moment's notice. Gil and the men got to shine by breaking out the kitchen trailer and for use by the catering company. They even used the insulated food and beverage containers from the kitchen trailer to bring the food out in. The catering company owner got Gil to the side and asked what it would take to sale the complete outfit to them, Gil deferred to Reverend Jim. He held them off by telling them he would have to go through the records and see what it was valued at, Even the Reverend was surprised at what the total cost would be to include the trailers. After a consultations with the church deacons and Gil, them deciding the unit was a bit much for them to handle, Reverend Jim gave the catering company owner the price, plus ten percent, and the owner was ready to write out the check then and there, but would wait until after the wedding when Gil and the men would show them how to repack everything. Everyone came out happy.
The wedding was beautiful. Glenda had a small crown of flowers in her hair and Tate was mesmerized as Don walked her down the aisle. The vows were said, rings were exchanged and the Reverend introduced Mr. and Mrs. Tate Gibson. Everyone threw the quinoa as the couple exited the church and moved to the Fellowship Hall. Mollie, instead of making a wedding cake, had a beautiful 3-tieried cake professionally made.
Glen had a keg of River Bank set up behind the shipping container, out of sight, for those who wished to partake now and again. Even the deacons took advantage of the offering. The reception was prepared to go on for hours but Tate and Glenda had a plane to catch. They changed clothes in the bathroom and Mollie took possession of the wedding dress to have it cleaned and properly packed for storage. Everyone was waiting around the white limousine as Tate and Glenda came out, wishing them good luck and offering semi-naughty taunts. As they went down the drive to 344, Trace and Colt had gone ahead and were waiting out of sight to cut the cans and noise makers off the limo before they got too far.
As the crowd faded, Gil, Brad, Trace and Colt, had changed clothes an helped rinse out the containers and showed the catering crew how to pack everything up. The catering company owner handed a stunned Reverend Jim the check and the unit and its accompanying trailers were towed away.
The ladies decided to come back in the morning and give the Hall a good cleaning and gathered their families up and went home. Glen, parking his Suburban under the garage overhang, cranked up the hovercraft and headed home. When he got to the cabin, he heard Jack barking and opened the door to an excited dog dancing around on two legs. Jack then raced through the opened door and water a tree, leg cocked up without a tremble, raced back to Glen, who had taken a seat on the porch, and jumped into his lap. Glen scratched Jack's ears and let out a sigh of contentment.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Feb 8, 2022 13:46:33 GMT -6
Chapter 231
Grace and Mollie kept all preparations of Billy's birthday party a secret. The had invited everyone on the sly, swearing them to secrecy. Mollie and Allie had been cooking up the schnitzel dinner (Billy's favorite) down at Allie's so Billy didn't get a hint of the preparations. After the men, with Billy, went back to the fields after lunch to continue planting corn, Grace, Shannon, Sarah and Carrie got out "happy Birthday" banners that could be put up quickly. Gil was going to signal them over the radio when they were coming back in to give the women time enough to get the pomme frites fried and the salad ready. The schnitzel was already in the warming oven.
Gil gave the signal and the women hustled to get the potatoes cooked. They were quickly drained and placed in the warming oven and the evidence cleaned up as Gil and Billy came through the door. Billy sniffed, smelling the aroma of the fried food."
"What's for dinner?" Billy asked
"Oh, I thought we might have BLTs and Freedom Fries." Grace answered.
"Oh, okay." Billy said. "I think I'll take a quick shower," heading upstairs slowly to get cleaned up.
"Hurry! Tell everyone to come on up!" Grace told Gil.
Gil called everyone not already hiding in the house, including Glen and Jarrod, who had sneaked across the river slowly as Gil and the planting crew had left the fields. By the time Billy came back down in sweats, everyone was crowded in nooks and crannies, shielded from direct observation from the stairs as Billy came down. As he hit the bottom step, everyone jumped out and shouted, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Billy had a shocked look on his face which quickly turned into a grin. After everyone calmed down, Billy was seated and the food was brought to the table.
"SCHNITZEL!" Billy said, grinning. Everyone sat down to eat and finally deferred to Billy for the last piece of schnitzel. The cake with sixteen candles was brought out and set before Billy. Billy paused, then blew the candles out, with a little help from Carrie. Gil sent a test message to Don for the delivery time.
After the cake and ice cream had been consumed, Grace placed a flat, velvet covered box in front of Billy. Billy, puzzled, picked up and opened the box. Inside was a key fob with the Chevy emblem, a key attached. Billy looked at Gil.
"Go look out front." Gil said, grinning.
Billy jumped up, almost dumping his chair on its back and hurried to the front door. There sat the 1976 copper painted truck. Billy, mouth locked open, stared.
"Go ahead!" Grace said. Check it out!"
Billy went down the steps and opened the door, the new car smell assaulting his senses. Getting in, he placed his hands on the steering wheel and head swiveling, checked out the inside, even looking into the back seat. Inserting the key he waited for the light to come on and started the engine. The engine turned over and caught with a low rumble. When he pressed the accelerator, the lion roared!
Turning off the engine, Billy got out, his eyes moist. He went over to Gil and Grace and hugged them.
"Thanks Mom and Dad. This is great!"
"Well, the Driver's License Examiner doesn't open up until eight. We'll use your Mom's Jeep because you aren't used to your new truck yet. Be ready to go at 0700.
"Oh! I will!" Billy said as everyone laughed.
'Billy, Carrie gave you the key fob." Grace said.
Billy looked at Carrie. "Thank you Carrie."
Carrie grinned. "Happy Birthday Billy."
The women cleaned up the kitchen and filtered out, going back to their own homes.
Billy walked into the Great Room and gave Grace and Gil another hug. "Thanks again. I love the truck."
"You better get a good night's rest and be clear headed in the morning." Gil said.
"Okay, good night."
Billy put on his coat and drove the Gator back down to the Tiny house. Stripping to his underwear, he lay in his bed, looking at the key in his hand. Turning the fob over, he saw it was inscribed.''
"May you always be happy. Carrie"
Billy laid there looking at the inscription until he fell asleep.
Grace and Mollie were feeding the twins lunch when Gil and a grinning Billy walked through the door.
"You two are late. Did everything go all right?"
Gil grinned. "He passed with flying colors! I took him for an early lunch to celebrate."
"Well congratulations!" Grace said, giving Billy a hug.
"Billy, you can go practice driving the truck, but don't get on the highway yet. Just get used to the feel and changing gears. Try stopping on the hill and start again without rolling back."
"Okay Dad, thanks." Billy said quickly moving to the door.
"So, he did good?" Grace asked.
"Well, I watched from the waiting area as he aced the written and the eye test. I wasn't along for the driving portion but when they got back the examiner was grinning and congratulating Billy."
Grace sighed. "Our son's growing up."
Saturday morning Billy came up for breakfast. When they finished Gil told Billy to take him out to the highway and back to show him what he had learned. Billy made stops on the hill without rolling back when he started moving forward again, shifted gears without a problem….all-in-all, he did very well.
"Could we get a mat for the truck bed. I know they have them that will fit down at an auto parts store in Morrisville. I've got money to pay for them."
"Well, then, let's go!" Gil grinned.
Billy kept the speed limits and got them safely to Morrisville to the auto parts place. They went in and Billy asked about the bed mats and the clerk led them over to the display. They found the correct size WeatherTech mat and Billy selected a matching set of mats for the inside of the truck. Billy paid for them and they went outside and installed them, throwing the trash into the trashcan. Getting into the truck, Billy sat there for a moment and rubbed the leather armrest.
"I love this truck!" He said softly.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Feb 8, 2022 13:57:53 GMT -6
Chapter 232
They were just about finished drilling the oats when the house addition was finished. Colt and Gil went back to the house to help move Mollie's furniture from the shipping containers where it had been stored. Of course all the women were on hand to help get things arranged. The two cowards, Trace and Brad, took their time finishing the planting and arrived at the house in time to share a mead with Gil and Colt when all the heavy lifting was done.
Reverend Jim had a visitor that was interested in buying baskets for her small chain of gift shops. Part of her request bothered the Reverend and he called Grace to come down and listen to the woman's request. Grace arrived shortly and talked to the woman.
"How can I help you Ma'am?"
"I saw your baskets in Yoder's and thought they were quite attractive. I own a small chain of gift shops and want to buy baskets to sell in the shops but I noticed each is branded with the name of a Christian charity. Is it possible to have them made without the brand?"
"What is your aversion to the brand?" Grace asked.
"I don't believe in promoting religion, any religion."
"I believe religion is an individual's private decision." Grace said. "Do you have a reason to become everyone's caretaker over religion? It seems like a big responsibility."
"No, I just don't want to have any articles in my store with religious markings."
"I'm sure there are people who buy the baskets and don't care that a charity made the baskets, only that they are handmade and have beauty to the beholder. Yes, we are a religious affiliated charity. The funds derived from the selling of these baskets go to many people, some who are skeptical about the existence of God, some are even atheists. We don't care, we help all those in need we can. Religion is an individual's decision. A lot of people will find beauty in something but then turn their noses up when they find the slightest blemish. There are people like that; they go looking for something to complain about and want to stop it, ignoring the rights of others to different beliefs. I tend to think those people will be unhappy about something for all their lives. We like to think a blemish is a sign from God for us to strive to make things better, to make ourselves better. That one little brand on the bottom of our baskets tell the people who see it, we are here to help people and do our part to make things better. To the weaver, putting on that small brand, a little less than the size of a dime, is their sign that they have done the best they can to make things better. It is with pride they put it on. For me, when I pick up a basket and see that little hidden brand, it means to me that somewhere, someone cares about their fellow man. So no, we won't make baskets without the brand. We won't steal away the pride of the people who make them. Perhaps if you look in Georgia or Alabama, there are basket makers here and there. I'm sure you can find one or two Godless weavers there who would be more than willing to sell you what you want."
The woman stared at Grace for a moment, twirled, and walked quickly to her car. Grace looked at a grinning Reverend Jim.
"That was beautiful. Thank you Grace."
Saturday morning, Gil disced the garden and all the men and women pitched in to form the planting beds and level them. Even Tate and Glenda were helping. As the first week's plants were set into the soil, irrigation drip lines were staked down and mulch was brought in and applied as the plants were planted. Gil himself transplanted the first watermelon plants with care. Standing up, he proudly looked over the huge garden, only one quarter planted, and smiled. The smell of rich soil filled his head as he looked at the people working….working together. Picking up the trowel, he made his way over to where Grace and Mollie were planting the last tomato plants.
"The plants are looking healthy!" Gil commented.
Grace stood up. Yes, the tea we made from the manure from the Henderson farm really made a difference. Look at the stems! They are so strong!. We've already had to pinch suckers off. I think we'll have a record harvest."
Gil grinned. "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."
Grace took her gloves off. "Speaking of chickens, we need to cull out some of the older hens and roosters, also with the guineas, but I don't want to do the guineas until June. That way they'll have a head start cleaning up the bugs and ticks."
"Just give me the word. Can you smell the soil? It gets richer every year!"
Grace grinned. "It's amazing what you can do without chemical fertilizers, isn't it?"
"What's Allie planting outside the fence?" Gil asked.
Grace turned and looked. "Calendula or pot marigolds. They help repel tomato hornworms. The problem is, they also attract a few other pests, including aphids, who like to munch on the peas, so we plant them away from the vegetables. Also, we will be planting Cosmos orange flowers inside the garden border. They attract green lacewings that just vacuum up all sorts of soft-bodied insects, including aphids, scale, and thrips. Added to those will be lavender, which repels cabbage moths, Marigolds, which repel squash bugs, thrips, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies, Catmint repels aphids, cabbage looper, Colorado potato beetle, cucumber beetle, flea beetle, Japanese beetle, and, squash bugs. We have to be careful with Catmint though. We'll plant a border with that but will have to put a root guard up to keep them from spreading. They can get out of hand in a hurry. Plus, not only having the benefit of all the plants repellent properties, the bees love them too!"
"Well then, I'll go and start helping Allie." Gil said. "I don't want to use chemicals if we don't have to."
"Okay, as soon as the rest of us finish, we'll be over to help."
They worked hard that afternoon to get everything planted. They worked a bit longer just to get the protective border planted. At the end of the day, gathered near the greenhouse, they all looked over the garden with satisfaction. They had finished the hardest part. Next week, and the two weeks following, they would plant more to ensure a rotational harvest. After they cleaned their tools and put them away, the tired group made their way back to their homes. Tomorrow they would meet again at Church, then have a day of rest.
Gil got the twins out of the tub, the water slightly tinged from the garden soil. After drying them off, he wrapped them in their towels and slapped them lightly on their little butts. "Jammies!"
Giggling, they ran to their bedroom to get dressed.
Gil went downstairs to find Grace popping corn and Billy making Kool-Aid.
Billy, run get your shower. We'll wait to start the movie." Grace said.
Mollie appeared through the porch door in her robe and fluffy slippers.
"You two go get showers, I'll finish here." Mollie said.
Gil followed Grace up the stairs and into the bedroom.
"Come on, we'll save time showering together." Gil grinned.
"Okay, but save the fun stuff for later." Grace chuckled.
A few minutes later the family was gathered in the Great Room watching Swiss Family Robinson.
Gil awoke, but he wasn't awake. He was standing on the banks of a small river, the early morning mists slowly rising from the waters and leaving dampness on the foliage of nearby grasses. Gil stood there, his eyes slowly taking in the surroundings. He saw her slowly approaching down the game trail. Her eyes turned to him only to stare into his eyes. He started to smile, but stopped. As her face came out of the shadows of the tree branches, he saw it was Grace, but then it wasn't. Her facial features morphed from Grace's to someone…. The beauty was there, enhanced by a beaded headband…but there was something more. Carefully stepping like a young fawn, she approached and laid her hand on the low hanging oak branch that was covered with pale green moss. Her hand leaving no imprint. She slowly closed her eyes then opened them just as slowly. The woman spoke to him in a language he had never heard before, but he understood every word she said. "Be patient young Guardian. Soon you will know the truth and don the pallium."
Gil snapped awake and looked at Grace lying next to him. He looked at her a few seconds, the dream burned forever into his memory. Slowly he got out of bed. He looked at the clock…it was 0430. Getting up, he pulled on a sweatsuit and made his way to the kitchen.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Feb 8, 2022 14:10:02 GMT -6
Chapter 233
After church, Grace and Mollie quickly deboned the cooled chicken they had boiled that morning and made a pot of chicken and dumplings. Gil made Cole slaw. After the dumplings were cooked, Billy helped Alan and Alana cut the dumplings up into smaller pieces for them, and of course Alana pitched a fit because she wanted to do it herself. When they finally sat down and joined hands, Gil thank God for their food and their family and added his wish for guidance in his upcoming tasks.
When the blessing was over, Grace looked at Gil strangely, but didn't say anything.
Mollie took a nap while the twins were playing a board game. Billy was washing his truck and Gil and Grace read in the Great Room.
"Gil, why did you wish for guidance during the blessing this afternoon?"
Gil laid his book in his lap and looked at Grace. "I don't really know. Something has changed and I haven't quite figured it out yet."
Grace slowly nodded and went back to reading.
Gil emptied the ashes from the furnace and added wood. They would be using it less and less as the summer progressed, just for hot water and sometimes to knock the chill off at night. He'd have to let them cool down soon to clean the chimneys, but it wouldn't hinder anything. Gil heard Glen call Grace on the family radio net to tell her he was taking a load of baskets down to the Fellowship Hall. Grace told him to take them inside so they could be branded and inventoried. Gil had four more of the pine frame hassocks ready for seat covers and woven panels he needed to carry down also, but he'd do that later this afternoon. Right now, he was headed to the chambers to bring down the last of the potatoes that were beginning to sprout and put them in the root cellar. They had already cut potatoes and planted the first harvest rows. They still had three more rows to plant and would still have enough left over for cooking. If the women didn't want to use the potatoes, there were plenty of freeze-dried potato dices and slices to use for cooking until the new crop came in. The rest of the potatoes could be fed to the hogs.
Jimmy and Doris arrived with the trucks for the Spring Fill Up, them driving their own Tahoe. Gil and Grace were working in the greenhouse when they heard the trucks coming down the drive and stepped outside. The fuel trucks moved on to the "tank farm" while the Tahoe pulled up to them. Doris got out, looking like she swallowed a watermelon. Grace squealed and ran to Doris, hugging her.
"Why didn't you say something!" Grace cried out. "Come on. I have some of the cutest outfits!" They jumped into a Gator and took off for the house.
Gil grinned and shook Jimmy's hand. Congratulations! That chain on that ball keeps getting shorter."
"I don't give a damn! How are you doing?"
"We're going great. Got the garden started, crops are planted, and the larder is full."
"Is the whiskey aging?" Jimmy grinned.
"Gettin' better every day!" Gil grinned. "Come on, I want to show you something."
Gil led him over to the "Aging Cellar" and opened it up. Going over to a shelf he took down a stoneware jug.
"I had a potter make some of these replica stoneware jugs."
Jimmy took the jug and looked it over. On the jug was printed "River Bank Whiskey, Holston River, Tennessee." The neck was sealed with a wooden, flat top cork, sealed with black wax.
"This is full!" Jimmy exclaimed.
"Of course it is. I'll give you another to take home with you."
"Doris is going to be pissed she can't drink any of this!"
"Well, when she's finally able, you know where to come find it. So how's the Retreat going?"
"Great! Doris and I spend almost every weekend up there and do some work, sometimes just to relax. Steve said I should talk to you about your wind turbines."
"Certainly, let's put these jugs in the Tahoe and drive up to the house."
Gil led Jimmy down to the turbine tower and explained the layout and how everything worked.
"I like this!" Jimmy said. "It doesn't stick up in the daytime, pinpointing your location. Who did this for you?"
"Let's go to the house and I'll give you his card. Have him check over your PV system and see if you need to upgrade it to fit your requirements."
They spent a pleasant day with Doris and Jimmy, seeing them leave with a half-gallon of whiskey and the back seat filled with clothes for their soon-to-be born little girl.
"They are so happy!" Grace grinned.
Gil was back in the clearing by the river when she appeared, walking slowly down the game trail. Walking to a log, she sat down. Patting the log she said, "Come, sit."
"Long ago, there were many tribes of the People living in this land. Most were peaceful, until they were encroached upon by people from the north who raided, killed and took the possessions of the People around us. Soon, there was only our tribe of People left. The Sagartotiso (Shaman Priest) had cast spells over our sacred land and held the invaders at bay. Those who dared enter the boundaries were stricken dead with illness. Soon, no one dared enter our domain. Then came the white men from far lands. Their magic was almost as powerful as our Sagartotisos. But we learned to fight the white peoples with their own magic, their own laws. Since that time, we have maintained a Guardian here as something the white people can see and fear, to protect our sacred lands. Your Great-great-great-grandfather was the First Guardian, and so on down through to this generation, to you. Your responsibility is to gather your chosen, protect the lands from the greed of the white people. Your grandfather did well, as you will. Protect the lands from the greedy so others in the generations to come will enjoy and protect our sacred lands."
"What are the boundaries of the sacred lands?" Gil asked.
She slowly wave her arm and a 3-D depiction of the lands lay before them on the ground. He didn't recognize the terrain at first, then picked up the point he lived on and a bare outline of Bear Head Point. Then he recognized the path of the Holston River, but Cherokee Lake was missing. "Of course it would be! It wasn't built until the early 40's!" The land boundaries extended down to near what was now boat ramp at Cherokee Marina on the north side of the river and from Lee Valley back up the south side of the river to the junction of his present land holdings and the bridge. Another overlay appeared and a faint overlay appeared, showing present day land holdings.
"As you can see, the forested areas are within the boundaries of the sacred lands. Those presently living within the sacred boundaries are trusted, many of which attend your place of worship to the Christian god. They have good hearts and are trusted, otherwise they would have perished one by one. Your guardianship is important for us, your ancestors, and the people who look to you today."
The map slowly faded and disappeared. When Gil looked over the Sagartotisa was gone also.
Gil's eyes snapped open. He sat up on the side of the bed for a moment then went into the bathroom and closed the door and turned on the light. Looking into the mirror for a moment, he then used the toilet, waiting for the tank to refill before shutting off the light and opening the door to keep from disturbing Grace. Quietly putting on a pair of running shorts and a wife beater, he went downstairs to make a pot of coffee and to think.
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Post by jpr9954 on Feb 8, 2022 14:15:56 GMT -6
Turns out Billy and my Dad have the same birthday - April 3rd. Dad would be 102 if he were still alive.
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Post by gipsy on Feb 8, 2022 14:31:37 GMT -6
Fine update but what a cliff to leave us hanging from. Are things about to hit the fan, and who else will he gather to him? Big questions for future chapters for sure.
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Post by texican on Feb 8, 2022 15:03:15 GMT -6
pallium păl′ē-əm noun
A cloak or mantle worn by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
A vestment worn by the pope and conferred by him on archbishops.
The mantle of gray matter forming the cerebral cortex.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition. More at Wordnik
don the pallium
So Gil will don a cloak or mantle?
Texican....
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Post by gipsy on Feb 8, 2022 15:46:25 GMT -6
The mantle of leadership.
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Post by bluefox2 on Feb 8, 2022 18:22:24 GMT -6
That mantle will lay heavy on his shoulders if this story is going in the direction I suspect it to be.
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Post by udwe on Feb 8, 2022 20:37:50 GMT -6
Still getting better all the time!
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Post by ydderf on Feb 9, 2022 11:35:41 GMT -6
Sounds like trouble is coming. A mine? A nuclear plant? An apocalypse?
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Post by ncsfsgm on Feb 9, 2022 13:00:31 GMT -6
Chapter 234
Jarrod cruised slowly through the forest, checking each sassafras tree for laurel wilt disease, which would kill the plant Laurel wilt had been detected in Montgomery and Dickson and Montgomery Counties to the west and northwest of Nashville. Sassafras had medicinal properties and Jarrod wanted to protect as many plants as possible. He was going to ask Gil if he could set aside a piece of the property to cultivate and protect the indigenous medicinal plants.
Unknown to Jarrod, the plants already had protection.
Jarrod rode slowly and would see a plant; Wild Ginger: used for treating earache and ear infections; Blackberry: for treating an upset stomach, blackberry tea for curing diarrhea and soothing swollen tissues and joints; Sumac: used in treating eye problems, as a gargle to relieve sore throats or taken as a remedy for diarrhea. The leaves and berries were combined in tea to reduce fever or made into a poultice to soothe poison ivy.
Jarrod stopped. "How do I know all this?"
He turned around and went back to his camp. Pulling out his iPad he connected with the internet and did a search for plants of eastern Tennessee. He found a site where you could register for a course held in Lookout Mountain to get a certification in native plants. It was a 3-year course to get certified and participants did not need to take classes in order. Jarrod could care less about getting a piece of paper telling the world he knew native plants, he just wanted the knowledge. Something was pushing him. He signed up online and paid extra because he wasn't a member of this organization or that organization. He'd cram as much into a semester as he could and see where it went from there.
Billy and Gil were using Husqvarna Brush Cutters to clean under the electric fence that surrounded the pasture. New growth had taken place and they didn't want it shorting out the fence or starting a grass fire. Taking a break, they took a drink and sat on the Gator's bed.
"Are you still studying the 172 manuals?" Gil asked.
"Yes sir, a lot of the information is just regurgitated information from the other books."
"Yeah, I know, but I wanted you to study the other books first because they explain things a little more precisely than the 172 manuals. Think you're ready?"
"Yes Sir, I do."
"Okay, just like every individual, instructors have their own personalities. They don't like to be blindsided by sharpshooters. Do you understand?"
"Yes Sir, I think so."
"Well, for instance, in class if he or she happens to give out information you know is incorrect, don't give them both barrels. Find the correct answer in your training material and ask him if it is a misprint. If you find something in the training materials that's incorrect, get the reference the material it is based on, you'll find it printed somewhere in the training material, show the correct answer to the instructor and ask him if there was misprint in the training material. Sometimes they intentionally do that to see if the students are actually using the references. To me, it's a dangerous way of doing things, but it's their school, their rules."
"Okay Dad."
They finished the pasture and went back over the ridge. Putting the brush cutters away, He checked the root cellar and checked the potatoes. They had plenty of seed potatoes and were going to have a couple of hundred pounds left over. Billy helped him load the potatoes onto the back of the Gator and take them up to the Chamber where tcut them up, put them into the carboys, and set them up to ferment.
"Are you going to make whiskey Dad?"
"Nope this is pure old alcohol we can burn in the alcohol lamps. It is NOT for drinking. It will make you very sick or even kill you. It will sanitize stuff, remove ticks, kill bedbugs and maybe take some of your skin off, but don't EVER let anyone drink it!"
They added water and yeast, capped the carboys with the airlocks, and filled those with water. Cleaning up any mess they made, they headed to the house.
They walked in to some delicious smells. Grace was teaching Mollie how to make lasagna. Earlier in the day, they had made two loaves of crusty Italian bread which part of one was sliced on a plate next to a shallow dish that contained olive oil, balsamic vinegar and spices for dipping the bread in. Billy headed directly to the counter and started dipping and eating bread.
"Slow down there buckaroo! Go wash your hands.
"But Mom! I cleaned the with alcohol, well, almost alcohol." Grace snapped a look at Gil.
"Billy, go wash up for dinner." Gil said.
"Gil you…"
"Have I told you today how much I love you?" Gil ask, wrapping his arms around Grace.
"Gil Conner, am I gonna have to kick your butt?"
"Nooooo. He just helped me cut up potatoes to run a batch of alcohol. Now give me a kiss."
Grace kissed him. "Now you go get washed up."
Gil was standing again in the small clearing. But this time Abe and Gary Gates were standing next to him. The three watched the Sagartotisa walking toward them on the faint game trail, stopping a dozen feet in front of them.
"Comhairater (Counselor), is your acolyte prepared?"
"Yes Sagartotisa." Abe answered.
"Then so be it. You are relieved of your responsibilities. Go and have a joyful life."
"Thank you Sagartotisa." Then Abe backed up and slowly vanished, leaving only Gil and Gary standing before the Sagartotisa. Slowly waving her hand in Gary's direction, a blue stole appeared, draped around Gary's neck.
"You, Comhairater, known on this plain as Gary Gates. The color of your raiment represents loyalty, truth, trust and wisdom. Do you attest to your willingness to represent the interest of the People on this plain, in the matters of the laws here, to protect our sacred domain, to be a wise and faithful counselor to the Guardian?"
"I so attest." Gary answered.
"So shall it be. Counsel wisely."
Gary backed away and slowly faded.
The Sagartotisa turned slightly to Gil, slowly waved her hand and a waist-length, heavy, gold colored vestment appeared draped over his upper torso, the front of it embossed with silver and black crossed swords.
"You, Caomächter (Guardian), known on this plain as Gilliam Conner, are now appointed Caomächter of our sacred domain. You have lived many lives and in each life you have grown and built upon those things that have given you the right to be a true Caomächter. Do you attest to your willingness to accept the guardianship of our sacred domain?"
"I so attest."
"Then so it shall be. You will attend to your duties until you are relieved."
She turned and started to move away.
"Wait! How will I know…"
"Just ask. I will always be near."
Slowly she moved out of the clearing and was quickly hidden by the foliage.
Gil's eyes snapped open and he stared at the shadows on the ceiling. "I so attest," he whispered.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Feb 9, 2022 13:04:22 GMT -6
Chapter 235
Gil called and made an appointment with Gary for the next afternoon at 1300. When he arrived, a new girl stood as he came through the door.
"Mr. Conner, Mr. Gates said for you to go right in."
Before Gil could open the door, Gary opened it, ushered Gil in and closed the door.
"Gil, you don't need to make an appointment to see me. All other clients are inconsequential. You, the Foundation and the Trust and the Sac….."
"Gil held up his hand.
"Gary, I'd like for you to come by the house Saturday. There's some things we need to talk over."
"Gil I…"
Gil held up his hand. "I will see you Saturday, say around 2:00?"
"Sure, sure. I'll see you at 2:00 on Saturday."
"Helllo the cabin!"
"Come on in Jarrod."
Beau led them in. Jack looked up from his bed then laid back down. Nothing to see there.
"Uncle Jack. I found a course down near Chattanooga on native plants I think I'm going to take . It's about six weeks long."
"Well good for you. You packing up and heading out?"
"Yeah, I think so. There's a campground near where the course is being held where I can stay."
"You planning on coming back?"
"Of course. I may go back down sometime for more classes but here is the place I want to be."
"Well, good luck to you. You need any help packin' up?"
"No, I've got it. I don't need to be down there until a couple of weeks from now. I'll be around for a while yet."
"Well, you need anything, let me know."
"I will Uncle Glen, thanks."
"Jarrod turned and he and Beau went out the door."
"That boy has changed….for the better." Glen thought.
"Your Comhairater needs your assistance at his working place."
Gil looked up, then around, not seeing anything.
"Caomächter! Your Comhairater needs your assistance NOW!"
Gil put the wrench down and raced to his truck. He was at Gary's office in a little over fifteen minutes. The receptionist, Rachel, (whose name he found out later) sat stiffly at her desk with a frightened look on her desk. Gil went right on by her and opened Gary's door. Two men were standing in front Gary's desk. When Gil entered the room the guy on the left reached for Gil who slapped his hand aside and slammed the V wedge between his left thumb and index finger into the guy's Adam's apple. The man gagged and went to the floor, kneeling. The other man turn and Gil grabbed him by the necktie and shoved him into an overstuffed chair to the right front of Gary's desk.
"Would you like to explain to me sir, what you think you are doing?" Gil asked calmly.
"WHY YOU…."
"Before you say anything else, let me explain something to you. First, you and your friend have given me a bad first impression. Second, I don't like being yelled at. Third, in reference to your bad first impression, my instincts tell me you should never have taken your first breath when the doctor slapped you on the butt when you were born. Therefore, I'm going to give you one, just one chance, to tell me what you are doing here. If you raise your voice one decibel, you will find yourself on the floor with your partner, fighting for your last breath.
Gil sat on the edge of Gary's desk. "I'm waiting. But first, introduce yourself, I don't believe we have met."
"My name is Daniel Cleaver. I deal in investment properties. I've tried to buy property for years from Jim Conner. He snuck around and sold it to a Conservation Group who I later found out was fully funded by Conner. The group was later disbanded and the land returned to the Conner foundation. I'm prepared to give top dollar for the land, but the Foundation's new lawyer, the young Mr. Gates here, refuses to entertain selling the land at any price."
"Then it's cut and dried. The land isn't for sale, hasn't been, won't ever be. So you have your answer. You'll have to find investment properties somewhere else. Daniel Cleaver. Are you by any chance be related to Jay Cleaver?"
"Yes, he is…was my brother."
"Well, your brother died trying to get all the land north and west of the river."
"He died of pancreatic cancer."
Gil stared into Cleaver's eyes. "Yes, that's what they said, isn't it. Well, If you or any of your representatives come near that land, you had better be sure your affairs are in order because there won't be any warnings. Do I make myself clear?"
Cleaver nodded.
"Good, now take your scummy partner out of here. When he gets his senses back tell him if he had drawn that pistol, the coroner would have been here by now."
Gary and Gil watched Cleaver pick up his partner.
"STOP" Gil said, reaching over and taking the man's pistol out of its holster. Opening the cylinder gate, Gil dumped the bullets into his hand, flipped the cylinder back in and placed the gun back in the holster. He then dumped the bullets into the man's left rear trouser pocket.
"Okay, leave! And close the door!"
"New girl out front?" Gil asked.
"Her name is Rachel Gaddy, my personal assistant. Kathy retired along with Uncle Abe."
"Well, put me on speed dial. Our friend had to warn me. I'll see you Saturday."
Gil walked out and wished Rachel a good day and went back home.
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