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Post by ncsfsgm on Apr 4, 2022 4:12:23 GMT -6
Chapter 88
Gil went ahead and bought two towable 30kw generators and more light sets. The foreman with the steel workers said they could string lights as they went up. The steel workers came with their own compressors and hoses to run their air tools and quickly got to work. Jon gave them three sets of plans and a crew began measuring and marking. Soon, a team began drilling holes in the rock floor to put the first column in. Gil left them to their work and stopped by to see how the Gregory family was doing. Bill was talking to his insurance adjuster on the phone and Mary had taken the kids to Kingsport to replace their home schooling books and supplies. Gil waited until Bill got off the phone.
"Problems?" Gil asked.
"Not really. The adjuster wanted an inventory of what we lost. Thankfully, we had just updated our inventory last month and have it in our safety deposit box at the bank. I told the adjuster and he seemed surprised that I would have one." Bill replied. "I just need to wait until Linda gets back to go get it and take it to the insurance company."
"Come on, I've got a truck you can use."
Bill got into Gil's truck and they headed to Bluff View but went on past the drive.
"Where's the truck?" Bill asked.
"Oh, it's back at Bluff View. We can pick it up on the way back."
Gil drove to the bank and went in with Bill. George saw Gil walk in the bank and came out of his office.
"Gil, what can I do for you?"
"Nothing for me. Bill here needs to get something out of his safety deposit box."
"Okay, just a minute. Sally, will you help this gentleman with his safety deposit box?"
"Uh, Sir, my key was burned up last night when my house burned down." Bill said.
"Oh my." George said. "Then we have a problem. For security reasons, we cannot keep a spare set of keys, and the loss of one will render ours useless. We'll have to call in a locksmith and drill out the lock. It could take a while and you'll have to pay for the locksmith and a replacement lock."
"Just a minute." Gil said, taking out his phone.
"Jacinta, have you ever opened a bank safety deposit box without one of the keys?"
"Yes, why?"
"I've got one that needs opening."
"Let me get my kit. Where are you?"
"First Community Bank."
"I'll be there within fifteen."
"You have a locksmith coming? George asked.
"Kinda. She'll be here within fifteen minutes."
"When Jacinta walked in, She walked like a cat over to Gil and Bill. Her flowing black ponytail, black jeans and sleeveless tank had heads turning from both men and women.
"George, this lady can get the box opened."
""I'll need the bank's key." Jacinta said.
Sally handed Jacinta the key and she, Bill and Sally went in to the vault. George and Gil went into George's office."
"Who is she?" George asked.
Before Gil could answer Jacinta and Bill came back. Bill had several envelopes, a binder and a small box with him.
"Done?" Gil asked.
"Yes. Bill said. But I have these things I need to secure."
"Jacinta, did you leave the door open?"
Yes."
"George, can we get Bill another box. Since it is open, a locksmith can change out the lock without any drilling. Debit me for the cost of the new lock."
Sally got him issued a new box and key and they headed over to the Insurance agent. The binder had the inventory and pictures of everything the inventory covered. In minutes they were leaving with a promise from the agent the binder would be returned and a check from them in a couple of days.
"I appreciate this Gil. If we didn't have that inventory, it would take weeks to get the insurance check."
"No problem. A man can't do his best work when he's got a lot of worries."
"You have some work for me?" Bill asked.
"Not yet, but I would like to show you around where you will be working. Let you get a feel of things."
They got to Bluff View and Gil handed Bill the keys to one of the E-pickups.
"This should hold you until you get your check and replace Linda's car. If the charge gets down to a quarter, bring it back and we'll swap it out for the other one. Follow me out and I'll take you down to the Haven."
Don's crew was working the once hairpin turn on one the other side of Racoon Pass, widening and straightening it when Gil drove through. The men slowed their equipment as Gil and Bill drove through. When they pulled into the staging area, Bill noticed even more signs of activity. They parked and walked up to the passage, stopping as a forklift moved a pallet inside. They followed the forklift in and over to a lighted UHV parking area where Gil selected a Gator, reached into a utility box on it and took out two headlights, handing one to Bill. They got into the Gator and Gil slowly drove down through the huge chamber, passing the steel workers were erecting columns and stringing temporary electrical cables as they went along. They drove to the end of the chamber and stopped.
"How big is this thing?" Bill asked.
"This one, around 800' long and 600' wide the ceiling is 168' on average. There are some lower spots."
Gil drove into the north passage and continued to C2, the second chamber.
"This is the second chamber and will be used to store foodstuffs, clothing parts, etcetera. It's around 600' feet long and 350' wide."
Gil drove on until he stopped at was he was beginning to call the "Cargo Passage," where he intended to bring supplies through in the future.
"This will be our future entrance to bring supplies through. Like on the other passage, there will be a twelve ton blast door here." Gil explained.
Gil continued along the wide passage until they came to the third chamber, or C3.
"In here we'll have farm equipment, hay, livestock food, fencing for the animals, seed for future planting, things to help get food production back on its feet again."
"So, what is my part in this?" Bill asked.
I want you to take a look at the electrical plans and see what needs to be done. I'll introduce you to Harold Davis, my General Contractor and you work with him. You'll be working with Drake Simpson also. He and his company are the people we use for alternate energy solutions. We'll be putting a commercial solar and wind powered power system."
"This is going to take years!" Bill said.
"Are you complaining about having a steady job for years?"
"Oh no! What I mean is this is quite an endeavor. I'll give you 100%."
"That's all I ask Bill."
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Post by kiwibutterfly on Apr 4, 2022 4:19:31 GMT -6
Thanks, now it's sleep time in my neck of the woods.
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Post by gipsy on Apr 4, 2022 6:23:03 GMT -6
Thanks for the update.
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Post by solo on Apr 4, 2022 8:13:50 GMT -6
Very nice edition to the tomes. Good that the Lady J got to work on her skills a bit.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Apr 5, 2022 15:28:25 GMT -6
Chapter 89
Gil called Blake and ordered six GMC 2500 Denali trucks to be converted.
"What color do you want them?" Blake asked.
"Forest green, with a logo on the side. I'll get the decals to you later."
"Okay, can do. We're about done with the six Gator conversions."
"I'll get someone over to pick them up." Gil said. He ended the call and went down to Jon's office trailer. Drake was there going over the plans
"Do you have it figured out yet?" Gil asked.
"Pretty much." Drake said. All I need is a place to put in 42 PV panels and I think you should add three of the wind turbines like you have but 600 watt versions."
"Is that going to be enough turbines?"
"I think so, there is always a breeze blowing here, especially at night. One you've got it built, we can run everything at max draw for a week and see if they charge okay. If not, we can add more turbines. If you keep to 12v led lighting systems you should have plenty of power with the battery bank system we're putting together."
"Good. Drake, I've got an in-house electrician on board and I'd like him to work with you as much as possible.
"Sure, no problem. I'm headed back to the office right now but I'll hook up with him when I get back."
"Good. I appreciate it."
Gil drove back along Haven Road and stopped when he got to where the road crew was working. They were widening the road another eight feet allowing two lane traffic. The big D8 Cat was ripping the rock and soil from the uphill side and packing it on the downhill side. Luckily, there was enough rock upthrust that held the rock and soil in place and all they'd have to do would be put in guard rails in places.
Jon looked up at the knock on the door.
"Come in!"
The door opened and Debbie came in, carrying a basket.
"Hi! Grace asked me if I would bring these over. She said you loved the candied and pickled watermelon rind and sent you a couple of jars of each."
"Won't you have a seat?"
"Oh, I don't want to bother you, I'm sure you're working hard."
"Well, to be truthful, I'm hardly working and even I need a break from that."
"So, you get paid for just sitting there?"
"Well, I have to be available in case someone has a question about the plans. Aren't you supposed to be writing another book?"
Debbie shrugged. "I'm still trying to find inspiration."
"I'm sure it will come. Where can I can I get a copy of your book? I'd like to read it."
"I get you a copy. It thing Grace still has some extra copies. My characters are based on some of the people you've probably already met."
"That will be interesting, trying to figure out who they are, Did the book do well?"
"It only got up to the top twenty on the New York Times Bestseller List."
"Hey! That's pretty good!"
Debbie shrugged. "I'd better get going. I need to stir around and see if anything trips my inspiration."
"Would you like to see the Haven?"
Debbie's eyes brightened. "Sure!"
Jon got two hard hats with lights on them and they drove up to the staging area. Walking up to the passage, Jon explained what had been done to this point and what was going on inside. To Debbie, it looked like they were putting together a sky scraper inside the huge chamber. The steel workers were already working on the second story of what would be a four story structure."
"What is all this going to be?" Debbie asked.
"Basically apartments on that side. On this side will be the dining facility, recreation area, library and meeting area. Come on, let's get a Gator."
"They got one of the Gators and rode down to the second chamber.
"We don't have any lights or construction going on here yet, but this is mainly storage for food, clothing, work area….and whatever."
They rode through the passage to the third chamber and Jon just rode around the perimeter.
"This chamber, almost as big as the first chamber, will hold the livestock, poultry and whatever other animals."
They rode back to the parking area in the first chamber and parked the Gator.
"This place is huge!" Debbie said.
"That it is. It's going to take a lot of work to put everything together."
"So, you'll be around for a while?" Debbie asked.
"Hopefully long enough to take you out to dinner Saturday night." Jon said.
"Are you asking me out on a date?"
"Well yes, I am. Is 7:00 okay?"
"I'm staying in the guest cabin."
Gil, Trace and Colt each pulled a trailer loaded with two Gators on them into the staging area.
"Let's set up the chargers over there. That area gets the most sun."
They set everything up and plugged the Gators in.
"How are you going to charge the Gators inside?" Trace asked.
I'll use the GPR and find out how thick the overhead is. I'll get the pneumatic rock drill back and drill down from the top, run the cables and put the PVs for the chargers up top. That's a future project. I want to wait until Drake is ready to run the power so I don't have to lease the pneumatic rock drill for so long."
"Why don't you just buy the thing. Didn't you say they didn't rent it out often. I think we'll be using it quite a bit around here in the future."
Gil nodded. "We probably will."
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Post by gipsy on Apr 5, 2022 16:42:47 GMT -6
Thanks for the update
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Post by biggkidd on Apr 6, 2022 11:24:28 GMT -6
If you need to rent or borrow something twice or more its time to buy if it's within your budget's ability!
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Post by ncsfsgm on Apr 6, 2022 20:09:45 GMT -6
Chapter 90
Gil spent a substantial amount of money in Kingsport. He not only bought the pneumatic rock drill and extra cutter heads, he also bought an Ingersoll Rand 375 CFM air compressor and a150' Articulated Diesel Powered Boom Lift. He bought the boom lift and the air compressor from the same company so they were to deliver them the next day. The lift would come in handy working at the ceiling height and stringing light cables. Harold told Gil the batch plant would be in the next day and they would be ready to start pouring floors in a couple of days.
Jon picked up Debbie at 7:00 and took her to Chesapeake's Downtown in Knoxville. They shared a hot appetizer platter over wine and talked.
"Are you originally from the area?" Debbie asked.
"No, I grew up in Yorba Linda, went to USC and got a degree in engineering, following in my father's footsteps."
"What made you come to Tennessee?"
I needed a change." Jon said.
Debbie studied his face. "Don't want to talk about it?"
Jon looked at Debbie and took a deep breath.
"I think I can now. If I have to stop, bear with me. I met Gloria while we were at USC and we were exclusive our last two years before graduation, at least I know I was. I'm not so sure now Gloria was now in retrospect. Anyway, we got married upon graduation and settled down in Walnut Canyon. Gloria is a beautiful woman. The problem was a lot of other men thought so too, and she showed them her appreciation. When I finally caught her in bed with one of her lovers. Six months later the divorce was final. Luckily, my father had talked me into having a pre-nuptial agreement and she got little out of the divorce. My father passed away suddenly before I had the wool removed from my eyes and my mother followed him less than six months later. All I had was the company and my wife left. But she got more standoffish as time went by and I finally hired a PI firm. She had multiple lovers and had at least four abortions in the six years we were married. There I was, I only had my engineering firm out in Anaheim, California. Actually, it had been my father's and he turned it over to me when he retired. We were renowned for our earthquake resistance buildings. But things weren't the same after the divorce. I needed a change, sold the firm to the employees, and came east. I easily got the job in Knoxville but I had just been skimming across the surface of life. Oh, I had been putting a smile on my face and doing my work or chat with Eric and Jacinta or work with Gil, but it had all been impermanent. I decided my past was not going to continue being an anchor around my neck or give Gloria any more headspace. I started back running and eating better and life is looking a lot brighter."
"Good for you! Things are better then?"
"Gil hiring me made a world of difference. I wasn't being challenged near enough at the firm here in Knoxville. I've been challenged and don't have to wear slacks and a tie to work, and I got to meet you."
"Well, I'm sure I'm low on the list of things you like about Bluff View."
"Au contraire ma dame. You are a nice distraction. Almost as nice as my kayak." Jon grinned.
"You are comparing me to a little boat?"
"Not at all. My kayak is nice, but it would be nicer if you were to go kayaking with me some time."
"I don't have a kayak."
"I can take care of that. You'll go then?"
"I guess so. You'll have to teach me."
"I'll do that. Let me get the other kayak and we'll coordinate a time."
"Where are you living now?"
"In the Taylor cottage on the lake."
"Oh, when your house is done, that's where I'll be living."
"It's a wonderful place. I'll miss it a little when I move."
"Then you'll just have to come and visit often."
"That, I will."
The waiter came by and asked if they'd like to order dinner. Debbie frowned.
"I'm afraid the appetizers filled me up. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all. I don't eat a big meal at night anyway. This was just right. Would you like to take a walk along the river?"
"That would be nice."
Jon paid the bill and they took the car to a parking lot next to the river walk.
"Well, I've told you all I'm going to tonight."
"Why?"
"Well first of all, I want to go out with you again so you'll just have to wait in suspense for the rest. Why don't you tell me about yourself?"
"Well, I'm originally from Bristol, Tennessee, not Virginia. I got a journalism degree at UT and was doing freelance articles for whomever would buy them when my book came out. My agent wanted me up in New England, but I just couldn't get in my writing groove up there. I decided to come back and see if I could get the Jones off my back."
"Well, I'm glad you did. Where did you live in New England?"
"I had a little place outside of Hartford."
Oh yeah? I've got some friends that live in Rocky Hill."
"Yes, that's south of Hartford."
They walked slowly under the lights and just enjoyed the time. They finally turned around and started walking back.
"I now this hasn't been a very exiting date. I just like the simple things." Jon said. "Maybe next time we can go dancing or something."
"Oh no! I had a wonderful time. There was no pressure, just relaxing and enjoying the evening with you."
She touched his hand with hers and entwined her fingers with his. They walked along slowly, hearts beating a little faster. When they reached the car, Jon opened the door for her and she slid in. He walked around the rear of the car, got in, buckled up and started the car. They drove back to Bluff View talking about the Haven and kayaking. When Jon walked her to the door of the guest cabin, Debbie gave him a soft goodnight kiss and went in. Jon had to hold on to the door handle as he got back to his car to keep from floating off into the air.
Gil watched as a crew set up the batch plant and another guy was directing the dump trucks of sand and gravel in to be dumped in the staging area. A bucket loader was in operation piling the sand and gravel up. Another crew was setting a big water pump down next to the lake to pump water up to the batch plant. The steel erectors had the corrugated decking in, ready for the concrete. They were down far enough they could still do their work while the concrete was being pumped in and worked.
Trace was scouting a route to get the drill up on top of C1. The GPR indicated there was six feet of soil and twenty feet of rock over the area they wanted to drill. Drake got them 200 feet of shielded cable they could run the power from the detached solar panels and wind turbine through the roof and down to the charging stations. The 150' lift would come in handy because now they could secure the electrical cable along the roof and wall instead of just having it hanging down. Harold saw Gil and walked over to him.
"The batch plant will be up and running tomorrow. They'll start pumping around 10:00."
Good. I'll be here." Gil said.
Gil took one of the Gators to C3 and sat for a moment before getting out.
"Sagartotisa, may we speak?"
"How may I help you Caomächter?"
"The workers we have here. Can they all be trusted? I've felt no warning signs."
"They are compelled to do their work. That is all. If they come back later they will suffer the same fate as outsiders, and before they reach this place."
"I understand."
Gil got back in the Gator and went back to C1.
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Post by gipsy on Apr 6, 2022 20:40:01 GMT -6
Thanks for the update.
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ydderf2
Member
"I'm from the government and here to help" hahahaha
Posts: 321
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Post by ydderf2 on Apr 6, 2022 21:56:56 GMT -6
Thanks for the updates.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Apr 7, 2022 18:52:57 GMT -6
Chapter 91
Jarrod raked the last of the leaves onto the tarp and pulled the edges together. Taking the bundle down into the woods, he dumped the load and returned to the firepit. He liked Fall. It was a melancholy time of year when the plants began their sleep only to be awakened to renewed life in the Spring. The campsite area was neat and all he had to do was rake up the next round of leaves that fell, wHich would be soon because rain was expected within the next few days. Right now, he wanted to get a fire going and grill some deer sausages. He shook Beau's bed and laid it back down by the pit, then had gotten the fire started and went inside to get the sausage when he heard a small vehicle pull up outside. Taking the sausage and a set of tongs, he went back outside. Carla was standing by the fire petting Beau. No wonder he hadn't barked.
"Hey stranger! Haven't seen you for a while." Carla said.
"I've been busy establishing new planting plots. Hold on, I've got something for you to try."
Jarrod went inside and came back out with three shiny toothpaste tubes and handed them to Carla.
"What's this?"
"It's Cattail Jelly. It grows between the leaves of the cattail. You use it for skin infections. It can also be used as a Novocaine substitute. When the pioneers were hit with a ravaging toothache, they would just go get their jar of cattail ooze and rub it around their gums. The pain would subside in minutes." Jarrod said.
"Interesting. It sounds like it could be used for hot spots on dogs and cats."
"Yes, it's great for treating fungus too."
"Thank you Jarrod. If it works, it would be cheaper than the medicines I have for my customers. I could give them the option."
"Have a seat and enjoy the fire. I was about to cook up some deer sausage and have a little wine."
"Thank you." Carla said, sitting down.
"I'll go get the wine."
Jarrod soon returned with the wine, paper plates, utensils and two camping wine goblets. Pouring the wine, he handed Carla a goblet.
"To a mild Winter." Jarrod toasted.
Jarrod separated the links and laid hem on the cooking grid, turning them as they browned.
"Did you fill the tubes yourself?"
"Yes, I buy them in bulk, fill them, then roll crimp the ends. How's business?"
"It's good. I've had five or six customers a day, not including visiting the farms for vaccinations."
"That's good. What are you doing roaming around here in the evening." Jarrod asked.
"Oh, I got houseatosis and decided to ride around a bit. I hadn't see you in a couple of weeks and thought I'd check on you."
"Well, I appreciate the thought. Like I said, I've been transplanting some things and establishing new ginseng patches."
"What do you use ginseng for?"
"Well, it lowers blood sugar, boosts the immune system, helps treat fatigue and weakness, and has the potential to treat many cognitive deficits and improves brain function. I give it to Uncle Glen in capsule form.
"He has cognitive problems?"
"No, but it will help prevent them. He does say the capsules gives him energy."
Jarrod placed two sausages on a plate and handed them to Carla, then prepared his plate.
"These are good. What is the crunchy?"
"Acorns. Acorn nuts contain vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6, and vitamin B9 (folate). Minerals like calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, iron, potassium, and zinc are also found in acorns."
"I thought acorns were bitter."
"They are. You have to leach the tannin out of them. Then I roast and grind them."
"Well, the sausages are good and the acorns give them an interesting texture."
"Thank you. To me they are comfort food. More wine?"
"Yes please." Jarrod poured her more wine and cut up the sausage he had set aside to cool for Beau. Laying the pieces down on his now empty plate, Jarrod set the plate down in front of Beau who sniffed and gingerly took a piece.
"It is nice out here." Carla said, stretching her legs out. "Without the lights, you can see the stars."
"I like sitting out here, even when it gets colder. I just add a heat reflector I make out of those rock blocks sitting over there. As long as the wind isn't blowing too much, it is quite comfortable."
"What do you do when you aren't working with your plants?"
"Experiment with different mixtures of medicinal plants, weave specialty baskets to store things in…."
"Oh, I've been meaning to see Glen. I would like a couple of small baskets with a covers to keep dog and cat treats in on the counter." Carla said.
Jarrod held up his finger, got up and went inside. He turned a light on, then moments later it went off and he returned with two square baskets with covers."
"Will these work?"
"They are perfect! They've even got different colored bands around the lids so I can tell them apart."
"Then take them with Beau's thanks. He's always wanting to go to the clinic because he knows he will get a treat." Jarrod chuckled.
"Well, he's welcome at any time."
Jarrod got up, swung the grill out of the way and added more wood to the fire.
"Have you seen the Haven?" Jarrod asked.
"No, I haven't had a chance to go over there."
"It is huge. They will be able to house a lot of people and store years' worth of supplies."
"Yes, Gil told me to make up a list of vet supplies that could be stored long-term. I guess I've got an ensured place there."
"Oh, you'll have your own apartment.. Like I said that place is huge!"
"I'll have to go by and look at it some time."
"I could take you by there Sunday after Church. Just bring some low heels with you."
"Okay. Sounds like a plan. Well, I guess I need to be going. Thank you very much for the wine and sausage. I'll have to reciprocate some time."
"I look forward to it."
"Do you like Chicken and Dumplings? Mollie showed me how to make her recipe."
"I love Chicken and Dumplings!"
"Well, what about tomorrow night? Say 7:00 PM?"
"I'll be there. Is Beau invited also?"
"Of course he is. I'll cool a bowl off for him."
Jarrod walked her to the Gator and watched her go down the trail.
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Post by gipsy on Apr 7, 2022 19:08:58 GMT -6
Thanks for the update. I hope Jarrod will have a place in the Haven to save samples of all his plants.
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ydderf2
Member
"I'm from the government and here to help" hahahaha
Posts: 321
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Post by ydderf2 on Apr 7, 2022 21:48:53 GMT -6
Thanks
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Post by solo on Apr 8, 2022 9:16:25 GMT -6
I know you've said that most of what you write about is what you have experienced... Do you have a background in medicinal plants as well? I have sugar issues and that the first I've heard about ginseng. It is pans out, I may try it.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Apr 8, 2022 11:34:51 GMT -6
I know you've said that most of what you write about is what you have experienced... Do you have a background in medicinal plants as well? I have sugar issues and that the first I've heard about ginseng. It is pans out, I may try it. Ginseng root, oatmeal and cinnamon, Chamomile and cinnamon (all without sweetener) help with blood sugar levels. I regularly take cinnamon capsules and drink Chamomile tea ever since they had me on insulin during chemo. I'm off insulin and blood sugar levels or normal, unless someone waves a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup under my nose.
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Post by gipsy on Apr 8, 2022 12:06:37 GMT -6
The bane of my diet also.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Apr 8, 2022 19:39:53 GMT -6
Chapter 92
Jon was sitting at the drafting table, staring down at the paper and slowly sharpening a drafting pencil with a sharpener when Gil walked in. He didn't move until Gil closed the door. Snapping his head toward the door, he relaxed.
"What's got you wound up?" Gil asked.
"Nothing." Jon replied.
"Bull! Something's on your mind and you need to clear it out so start talking."
Jon sighed and put the pencil down.
"I took Debbie out to dinner Saturday and gave her a tour of the Haven yesterday."
"So?"
"Gil, I'm afraid I'm developing feelings for her."
"And the problem with that is what?"
"Gil, my history with Gloria isn't…."
"STOP! First, the past is not prolog. You were in a different time and a different place one that is almost 2000 miles away. You're on a fresh start, a new life. What could be a better time to meet someone new who you can start a relationship with? I'm not trying to play matchmaker or anything, but you'd have to search a damn long time to find a woman as good as Debbie. She's just down the road and I don't think she's going to turn you away after seeing the look on her face when she was next to you in Church yesterday."
Jon took a deep breath and nodded. "I'll give it a shot."
"Feel better now?" Gil grinned.
"What's your plan on furnishing the apartments?"
"I'm working a deal with a furniture manufacturer in North Carolina for supplying everything. Becky Tatum will be taking the wheel and decide what we need. I need you to provide her with floorplans you have for the different size apartments."
Jon nodded. "I'll make her copies."
"Seriously Jon, don't generalize all women in the same vein. Sure, nobody knows what the hell they are going to do next but Debbie has a good heart. There's not a mercenary bone in her body. Anyway, I'm heading up to the Haven. Oh, if you want to use the Maule some weekend, let me know."
"How did you know I had a pilot's license?"
"I have my ways. Talk to you later."
Jon grinned to himself. "Maybe a little trip out of town would be nice."
Gil pulled up to the gate and it definitely was heavy duty. The installation crew must be installing the next gate. He drove on down to the second gate and found the crew there.
"Hello Mr. Conner. We're just about finished here. I have your openers here ready to program."
"How many are there?"
"I've got an even dozen. We can grt you more if you need them. They are programmed with the default code. I can show you how to program one then we can program the rest."
The crew finally got the gates hung and secured and the foreman showed him how to program the remote. Gil pushed the button and watched the gate swing shut.
"If nothing trips the motion detector beam, the gate will begin closing in five seconds when it is opened."
"Great! That's just what I wanted." Gil said.
Gil watched as the crew packed up and drove away. Closing the gate, he drove back to Ridgeback Road and activated the gate and then closed it, testing the remote. He opened the gate and left it opened. This would be their new service gate for the Haven. Since the gate would be opened all the time, he needed to put some security here. Gil expected that with the growing interest in the Haven, he didn't want people snooping around, especially reporters. He stood aside as another dump truck of sand came by and headed for the staging area. Getting in his truck, Gil headed down to Eric's.
Eric and Jacinta were next to the office trailer talking to Jon.
"Hey guys. Eric and Jacinta, I need you to find me a gate guard for the Ridgeback gate to make sure only construction vehicles come through. For right now, they'll have to sit in their vehicle. I'll have a portable guard hut with a bathroom set up in a couple of days. Issue them a radio on our net too."
"Any age preference?" Eric asked.
"No, all they have to do is sit and monitor as long as the construction crews are working. The gate will be closed at other times. You can use a senior citizen. Pay is $18.00 an hour."
"We'll get on it."
Gil headed back to Bluff View to cut off sunflower seed heads and get them shelled and stored for the winter. Colt and Trace were working at the silos grinding mixed grain.
"How's the loading area for the delivery passage going?" Gil asked Trace.
"They have it shored and leveled out. Don said they would finish out with the macadam tomorrow then we can start using it."
"Good, we're getting the blast doors delivered Friday. I want to start installing those Monday."
"Brad stopped by a while ago." Colt said. "They punched through and we are going to help him and Bill run cable in the morning."
"Thanks guys. If you all weren't picking up my slack, I don't know what I'd do."
"We just fill in where we can. When we get the feed truck filled, we'll fill the silo down at the pasture."
"Okay guys, thanks."
Gil stopped by the Aging Cellar and checked on one of his "Special" barrels. He took a taste and added more charred Hickory spirals. He was going for a more smokey taste to this barrel and call it "River Bank, Smokehouse Edition." It was really smooth right now, but he wanted to see how far he could take it. He set an alarm on his phone calendar to check the barrel frequently.
Gil knew it was going to happen, but just not so soon. They were unloading the blast doors when a woman and a guy with a camera walked up. The guy started taking pictures of the cased blast door.
"Excuse me, can I help you?" Gil said, walking up to them.
"Hello, I'm Amanda Slater with the Daily Sun. We wanted some information on the Doomsday Shelter you're building."
"Stop taking pictures sir. You two are trespassing. The No Trespassing signs clearly state that access is not allowed unless coordinated and no photos are allowed. Since we had no prior notice of your arrival, and because you are a journalist and I wouldn't have granted you an interview anyway, much less access, these two Reserve Deputies will escort you back out the gate and you came through. Colt, secure the camera. You may retrieve your camera from the Hawkins County Sheriff's Department this afternoon after 5:00 PM."
"You can't do this, we are the free press. We are protected under the 1st Amendment!"
"Yes you are, but the press has covered its asses with the same amendment when it deliberately misconstrues the words of those they interview, unless they fit the left's agenda. The pernicious part is you should be reporting the facts and not deliberately lying to your few readers by omission of the truth. What we do here is none of yours or anybody else's business. I don't know where you got the wild idea of a 'Doomsday Shelter' but the people under the umbrella of the Foundation are being offered a place of refuge during times of natural or other disasters. Now, these two gentlemen will escort you out in handcuffs or you can go at your own volition, but you will go."
They were escorted to their car where Brad and Trace followed them out through the Ridgeback Gate in one of the E-trucks.
"Colt, wipe the card and take the camera to the Sheriff's office and tell them what happened."
"Roger that."
Gil grumbled. This was going to delay the installation of the door. He got a crowbar and began taking the wooden boards protecting the door. He was probably going to catch hell for what he did but he was within his rights.
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Post by gipsy on Apr 8, 2022 20:21:16 GMT -6
Thanks for the update
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Post by techsar on Apr 8, 2022 21:44:03 GMT -6
First, a big thank you for this series. An outstanding read with some interesting items. Definitely looking forward to seeing how this works out! Curious, though...Sagartotisa let the uninvited press on site with no adverse effects...not even something simple like explosive diarrhea. LOL Could it be they are in line to join the community?
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Post by ncsfsgm on Apr 8, 2022 23:34:37 GMT -6
First, a big thank you for this series. An outstanding read with some interesting items. Definitely looking forward to seeing how this works out! Curious, though...Sagartotisa let the uninvited press on site with no adverse effects...not even something simple like explosive diarrhea. LOL Could it be they are in line to join the community? I would dare to suggest either they are no danger to the Sacred Lands or she is setting them up for her own agenda.
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Post by udwe on Apr 9, 2022 9:58:27 GMT -6
I vote for the 2nd option!
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Post by ncsfsgm on Apr 9, 2022 19:10:17 GMT -6
Chapter 93
When everyone got back, they began drilling the holes for the door frame. There were 28 holes to be drilled 24" deep into the rock, in fact it took them three days to complete the drilling. The men became experienced in using the pneumatic drill. Even Bill, the electrician, took a shift getting the job done. During this time, all traffic had to go through the delivery passage.
Jarrod and Beau had come down the lake in the hovercraft and landed at Eric's to offload his Rokon and trailer. He had come over to move some small sassafras plants from the area they were going to put the PV racks. Hooking the trailer carrying tools, Jarrod got on the bike and Beau jumped up behind him onto the cargo rack and placed one paw on Jarrod's shoulder. When they arrived at the site, Jarrod immediately began to work as Billy and Jacinta came up to help. Beau went sniffing around for elephants.
"I thought you were in school." Jarrod said, carefully digging up a root ball.
"I finished all my classes and got my mandatory amount of socialist indoctrination." Billy grinned. "How big should I make this root ball?"
"Make that one about 12 inches." Jarrod replied. "Make the balls a third larger than the height."
After they had moved the sassafras, Jarrod gave the area a cursory inspection and was satisfied.
Drake's men came in and began drilling the support post holes and mixing concrete.
Gil walked up to where Drake was talking to one of the men.
"What do you think about the panels?" Gil asked.
"Where did you find this company? The panels outperform anything we're getting from China!"
"Yeah, they're a bit more expensive than what I've seen but they are performing well."
"And these are made in the U.S.?"
"Yes, out in Colorado. I'm hoping they can get a manufacturing plant set up here in the east."
"Well, I haven't seen any advertising but I want a distributorship. They may be more expensive but you don't have to use as many. Do you mind if I monitor your setup remotely to get some data on performance?"
"Not at all. And put out the word."
Jon was inspecting the house. They were doing some final trim work and would be finished before the end of the day. The appliances would be arriving tomorrow and Becky said the furniture would be delivered the day after. Now he had the task of getting dishes, linens, and all the other little things that fill a house. He sighed, then pulled out his phone.
"Debbie, it's Jon. I need your help."
"Oh, hi Jon! What can I do for you?"
"Look, I'm nowhere near to being a Domestic God and I don't know the first thing about equipping my house when it comes to the little things like dishes, pots and pans, linens and such. Could I get you to help me?"
"Of course I will, but I'm going to warn you, I don't do cheap and you're going to shell out a bit of money."
"That's what money is for. Are you free this afternoon?"
"Yes, but that little car isn't going to hold much. I'll borrow Grace and Gil's Suburban and we can let the seats down for more cargo space."
"That's fine. If we leave soon, I'll treat you to lunch."
"I'm grabbing my purse now. I'll meet you at the house."
Jack was dancing around the boat, barking, as Glen hauled the catfish in.
"Boy, we'd best quit with this 'un. I don't want to be eating catfish every day. Most of this I'll stick in the freezer and we can have some more this weekend. Maybe make a catfish stew."
Jack watched as Glen strung the fish on a stringer and hauled the six catfish in."
Now you leave 'em alone. You don't want to get stuck with a spine again."
Jack jumped up on the seat and squinted down at the catfish.
Glen started the engine on the boat and cruised back to the landing. They were filling the lake again for the winter and they water was already up a couple of feet. Glen's mind ramble as they moved along Cherokee Lake had a greater fish density than most reservoirs maintained by the TVA, so it was popular fishing lake. Most came for the bass and ignored the catfish and the panfish. Glen like the panfish and catfish, but the bass he had to soak it in milk for a while. He and Jack liked the catfish the best Jack would eat fried catfish every day if he could. He liked Tartar Sauce on his and would lick the sauce of first then wolf the fish down. Jack had become fond of the sweet potatoes that Glen would roast on the stove and keep around for jack to snack on. Glen liked sweet potato pie but could take 'em or leave 'em any other way.
They landed and took the fish up to their cleaning station and gutted and stripped the skin off the fish. Glen left the Ziplock bag of fish on the cleaning able while they went back down and covered the Jon boat with the tarp.
Jon and Debbie had lunch at Yoder's and drove to a Bed Bath and Beyond in Knoxville. Debbie guided him methodically through the store and picked up everything from kitchen trash cans to little corn ear holders. She was constantly asking him questions about what he liked to eat and cook. He especially wanted cast iron cookware after tasting Mollie and Grace's cooking, but Debbie told him to wait. They would get the cast iron from Bass Pro Shops. The brand they sold in Bed Bath and Beyond was Le Creuset and was too expensive for what it was supposed to do. They continued on and picked up bakeware, must have kitchen gadgets, cutlery and cutting board, Keurig® coffee Maker that had the single serve K-Cup pod & carafe brewer. They the went on to get pot holders and oven mitts, dish towels and cloths, dinnerware and flatware. At that point they had filled the cart and Debbie wasn't near done. They decided to checkout this cart and come back for the rest. By the time they finished at Bed Bath and Beyond, Jon thought he heard his Amex Platinum card groan. They stopped by Bass Pro and got two sizes of Dutch ovens, a six inch and a twelve in frypan, two loaf pans, cast iron baking sheet, two loaf pans, a ten inch baker's skillet and a roaster oven. Loading the purchases in the Suburban, Jon asked if there was anywhere else they needed to go.
"Yes, I forgot. Yoder's sells flax seed oil. We'll use that to season the cast iron. Don't worry, I'll teach you." Debbie said, grinning.
They went back to Bluff View and unloaded everything, setting the bags and boxes on the counters.
"We need to go to Food City tomorrow and stock up on food, spices, detergents and all. All the linens, towels and such need to be run through the washing machine. All the kitchen stuff needs to be washed too." Debbie said.
"Are you going to be available to go with me?" Jon said.
Debbie grinned. "I'll pick you up. You need to think about upgrading your personnel vehicle too. That little thing doesn't cut it. I like Yukons."
They applied the epoxy to all the holes and partially slid the bolts of the door frame into the holes. Quickly pumping more epoxy into the holes they slid the door frame in and using jacks and the forklift to put pressure on the door, everything was perfectly leveled. The epoxy was supposed to expand and cure within one hour, but they were going to leave it overnight. Tomorrow they would pump the door full of concrete to complete the installation. Brad would begin drilling the holes for the delivery passage door the next day.
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Post by gipsy on Apr 9, 2022 20:32:32 GMT -6
Thanks for the update
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Post by texican on Apr 9, 2022 20:39:36 GMT -6
Things coming along, but when will the bad guys show up?
Thanks n.
Texican....
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Post by bluefox2 on Apr 9, 2022 21:08:51 GMT -6
Things coming along, but when will the bad guys show up? Thanks n. Texican.... I am sure it won't take long
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