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Post by solo on May 12, 2022 12:21:56 GMT -6
Nice!
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Post by gipsy on May 12, 2022 12:51:25 GMT -6
Thanks for the update.
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Post by ncsfsgm on May 13, 2022 5:04:44 GMT -6
Chapter 12
Brian seared the tenderloins, then cranked the grate up and cooked them to a medium-rare doneness. Jenna went inside and brought out the salads and potatoes, then went back in and got the plates and silverware. Brian opened the bottle of Merlot and poured the wine. Running back in, he got the salt, pepper, butter and sour cream. The patio was the perfect place have an intimate dinner, with its softly glowing patio lights, if you could ignore Harley's whining coming from the Lodge. Jenna finally got up and let him out. He trotted out with her and laid down next to the table.
"This is delicious, perfect!" Jenna said.
"Where did you find these tenderloins?"
"We get a whole beef each year from a meat cutter down in Mena. They are really good. We used to raise a couple each year but Dad began buying a side or two each year. They'll cut it up and package it too."
"I need to go down there and stock the freezer. There's absolutely nothing in it. I haven't even plugged it in yet."
"I can call they and have them bundle a side if you want me to." Jenna offered.
"Do that. I may still get three or four head for here. Do they butcher too?"
"Yes they do. You can have them hang and age the beef for you too if you like."
"Sounds good. I'll need you to show me where they are.
They finally finished their meal and sat back with groans.
"That was delicious!" Brian said.
"Yes! I could chill the rest of the night." Jenna said.
Brian got up and pulled the cushions out of the deck box and laid them on the chaise.
"Come over here and get comfortable." Brian said.
Jenna sat down and stretched her legs out. Lifting her arms up she said, "You too."
As Brian turned to sit down on the chaise, the distant noise of an approaching helicopter was heard.
Brian went over to his chair and took his Glock out from under the seat.
"Take Harley into the house." Brian said stiffly.
Jenna picked up Harley and trotted to the Lodge, while Brian slipped into the shadows. The helicopter came to a hover and settled down in a grassy area next to the drive and one person could be seen getting off and begin walking up the drive. As they got closer, Brian recognized the gait of his father.
"Dad, over here!" Brian called and walked out to meet Jeremy.
"Whose car?" Jeremy asked.
"Jenna's."
"Oh, sorry, I should have called ahead."
"That's okay. We were just celebrating getting my chicken coop finished. She helped me a lot."
"Well that's great. She's a good girl." Jeremy replied.
"Come on in. We just got through eating. Can I fix you something?"
"No, I'm fine. I had something in Little Rock before we left."
Jeremy, carrying a small duffle, followed Brian inside to be greeted by Jenna and Harley.
"Well, something more than building chicken coops has been going on around here!" Jeremy grinned.
Jenna blushed.
"You've added a dog too! What's his name?"
"Harley."
Jeremy squatted down to scratch the tail-wagging Harley.
"Well, you're getting settled right in!" Well, I'd like to take a shower. You two go about whatever you were doing. I'm going to turn in. I had a long flight to get to Little Rock. Good night."
"Good night." Brian and Jenna echoed.
They went back outside and Jenna sat back down on the chaise.
"Now where were we." She grinned.
Brian sat down, stretched his legs out on the wide chaise and signed. Jenna maneuvered around so she could snuggle up into his right armpit and lay her head on his shoulder."
"I could get used to this."
"Me to." Brian sighed.
Jenna stretched up and kiss Brian on the cheek. "Thank you." She said.
"For what?"
"For being you." She said, then snuggled back onto his chest.
"Maybe we could make this a weekly event." Brian commented.
"I'll check my date book, but I think I can make time." Jenna grinned up at Brian.
Brian tilted his head down and softly kissed her. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For being you." Brian said, pulling her even closer.
"You need some end tables for the chaise." Jenna said. "My wine is way over there on the table."
Brian chuckled and got up, going over next to the outdoor kitchen and taking two folding end tables out of a cabinet. He set them up on each side of the chaise and brought their wine over.
"Thank you. You really didn't have to do that. I was comfortable."
"Well, you'll just have to get comfortable again." Brian said as she snuggle back into him.
"Would you like to stay the night?" Brian asked.
"I would love to. I even brought a bag, but your father…"
"I understand."
"…but I will when he has gone. He's never around for long."
"I'll run him off tomorrow."
Jenna giggled. "No, don't do that. The anticipation will make things better."
Brian kissed her again and they lay there in each other's arms until she finally had to leave.
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Post by gipsy on May 13, 2022 7:23:56 GMT -6
Thanks for the update.
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Post by udwe on May 14, 2022 22:26:48 GMT -6
Great story!
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Post by CountryGuy on May 15, 2022 6:50:58 GMT -6
Really liking this story
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Post by ncsfsgm on May 15, 2022 13:52:22 GMT -6
Chapter 13
Jeremy took another sip of coffee. "You still practice your Krav Maga?"
Dishing the sausage and scrambled eggs onto his father's plate, nodded. "Yeah, a couple of times a week. It's been a while since I sparred with anyone though."
"Well, You'll have someone soon. I'm sending Joe Adler out her for a few weeks. I need to put him on ice though he may be here permanently. I haven't decided yet"
"Joe Adler. I didn't know he was even still alive. I hadn't heard anything and assumed it was a death you wanted to keep quiet."
Jeremy chuckled. "Oh no, Joe will never go out quietly. He will go out trailing smoke and there will be a lot of people sweating for weeks about what information would be released after Joe's natural or unnatural death. That's why we need to put him on ice, he's getting burned out. Anyway, the things he could do for us can be done from here. He's got a 5th wheel trailer so he won't be staying here. There is a field up toward the center of the property about a mile from here that has a capped well. We were going to run cattle up there, then your grandfather got sick and I just didn't follow through. I'll get a septic system put in and he can park up there and have a little privacy. You too. Oh, and I've got a company coming here from Talihina to go over the solar system. It hasn't been upgraded in several years."
"Talihina? That's over in the Choctaw area, isn't it?"
"Yeah, the company owner is a pretty smart guy, He's either Choctaw or Chickasaw. Anyway, he started up an Alternative Energy company and does mini hydro, wind and solar projects. The company has become well known in eastern Oklahoma. He hires only Native Americans to boost their standards of living."
"When are they coming?" Brian asked.
"I gave him your number. He'll call you when he can get here to inspect the system."
"Anything else?" Brian asked.
"No, that pretty much…..wait. A painting crew will be out next week to pressure wash the Lodge and treat it with wood preservative and a top coat. I do that about every three years."
"I wondered about that. I still looks the same as when they built it."
"Well, every log was kiln-dried and soaked in biocides to kill any insects, so its lasted well. You feel like a little cookout and we invite the McGinnas? I haven't sat down and talked with them for ages."
"That's fine with me. How long are you going to be here?"
"Around ten days, why?"
"Well, Jenna told me about a meat packing place down in Mena where I could buy a half of a beef. We had lomos from there the other day and they were great. I thought I'd call down and have them wrap me up a side and I can order the tenderloins."
"Do that. We can throw a traditional Asada. I can be the Asador. I know a place where I can get baguettes, chorizo, salchichas and cheeses."
"Great, but let's stay away from the Achuras."
"What don't you like calf's thyroid glands?"
"Please, I'll stick to the tenderloin."
"I'll get a couple of cases of Dos Equis Amber. That's about as close to Uruguayan beer as we're going to find. When do you want to throw the party?"
"What about next Saturday afternoon, around 3:00 PM?"
"That will work. By the way, I'm having a vehicle delivered here Monday. It's taken two years to have it restored to what I wanted, but it is beautiful."
"What is it?"
"A 1979 Chevrolet K5 Blazer."
"Are you going to leave it here when you leave?"
"I won't be able to take it with me. You keep it here. I think you'll like it."
Brian grinned. "You know possession is nine tenths of the law."
"I can share, besides, it's registered to the Lodge anyway. Do you have any apples?"
"Yeah, there's a couple of bags in the root cellar."
"I think I'll go hang a bag." Jeremy said.
Monday morning, Brian called and ordered the side of beef and the tenderloins. They would be ready Tuesday afternoon. He wiped out, plugged in the chest freezer and filled milk jugs that he been saved over the years with water and placed them in. Jeremy's Blazer was hauled in that afternoon and it was good looking. It was a two-tone white and what looked like gold paint. The upholstery and dash were completely redone and instead of just a radio, had a radio/CD changer in its place. A small screen was added in the dash with a backup camera installed. The seats were heated and cooled and were covered in leather. They took it for a spin and it drove nicely too.
Brian sat down and made a list of the things he would need for the Asada. The first thing he put down was the ingredients for the chimichurri. When he finished the list, he went over it with his father and his father made a separate list of the things he'd pick up.
Friday, Brian laid on four more large bags of chunk charcoal. They had everything ready. Brian's mouth was already watering. He would peel the potatoes early in the morning and soak them in cold sugar water to make papas fritas. He and Jeremy sat in the Great Room and talked.
"Dad, how long are you going to keep working?"
"I'm already grooming my replacement. It will only be a couple of more years. Our work will take decades so I can't finish it. It's a target rich environment and the best we can do right now, without revealing ourselves, is to make them keep their heads down and toe the line. If we let up the least bit, they will be off and running again. Those that show themselves will never know what hit them."
"So, what's Joe going to do here?"
"Rest, relax, and train you up."
"Me? You aren't expecting me to work for Shield, do you?"
"You already do, being the manager here. You just won't be active outside of Lodge lands. Joe is going to brush you up on some skills. As a young man, Joe was an instructor for Shin Bet you know."
The McGinnas arrived at 3:00 PM the next day. Sally and Millie snooped around to see if there was anything they could do, but the two men had everything already prepared. Jeremy had fired up the charcoal an hour earlier and already meats meats cooking for snacking on. Brian had prepared the chimichurri and everyone loved it. They all just set around on the patio and talked and had a good time. Just before it was time to cook the lomos, Brian and Jenna went inside and prepared a pot of boiling oil, drained and dried the potatoes with paper towels and fried them. They tossed the potato fries in a paper towel lined stainless steel bowl and brought them and the salad out as the lomos were coming off the grill. You could almost cut them with a fork, they were so tender. Hiram stated he had never had a better piece of meat. The men refused to let the women clean up the dishes but they did let them stack them up on one end of the table. Out came the cards and Hiram, Jeremy, Sally and Millie began playing Pinochle. Brian asked Jenna if she'd like to take a walk and she agreed.
They walked down a farm trail toward an oak grove separated from the forest about 300 meters from the Lodge. Brian spread his jacket on the ground at the base of an oak tree and sitting down with his back against the tree, Jenna sat down between his legs with her back against Brian's chest. They were quiet for a long time, just enjoying the evening and the warmth of each other's company. Jenna eventually turned her head slightly and said softly, "Brian, there is something I need to tell you."
Brian's heart lurched in panic. "Go ahead."
"I think you should know is that I've fallen in love with you..." she trailed off, waiting for his response.
Brian's heart was suddenly going ninety miles an hour and he felt like his smile reached from ear to ear. "That's great to know, since I brought you up here to tell you the same thing!"
Relief washed over her face as she reached up to hold the side of his neck, sighed and settled closer into his chest.
"I thought ... but, well, I wasn't sure," she mumbled. "I'm so glad you feel the same!"
"I guess neither of us is easy to read," I replied, stroking her silky hair. "I mean, I was pretty sure you liked me, but I was afraid that if I told you I love you that, well, it would scare you away."
"I don't scare that easily, dummy!" she laughed, reaching and lightly slapping his cheek.
Getting up on her knees, she forced his legs together and crawled onto his lap. "Now, tell me you love me again so I can kiss you properly."
Brian put his arm around her shoulders and they kissed "properly."
"Jer, when's that boy of yours gonin' to ask that daughter of mine to marry him?" Hiram asked.
"I don't know Hiram, but I suspect it won't be long. They've been dancing around like a doe and a buck. I don't know what he's waiting for."
"That's none of you all's beeswax." Jenna said, coming out of the darkness, holding Brian's hand. "Am I eatin' too much at the house that you've got to go and marry me off?"
"No Darlin.' I just want to see you happy."
"Excuse me." Brian said, heading toward the Lodge.
"Brian, wait!" Jenna said.
"I'll be right back." Brian replied.
A couple of minutes later, Brian returned and walked straight to Jenna. Dropping to one knee, he held out a ring box and asked, "Jenna, will you marry me?"
The McGinna women gasped.
"YES! Jenna said, holding out her hand for Brian to slip the ring on her finger.
As Brian stood, Jenna grabbed him and they kissed.
"I guess that answers your question Hiram." Jeremy said, smiling.
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Post by gipsy on May 15, 2022 14:22:18 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 May 15, 2022 14:27:39 GMT -6
Thanks
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Post by udwe on May 15, 2022 22:03:15 GMT -6
Thank you! Awesome addition!
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Post by solo on May 16, 2022 8:26:26 GMT -6
Great addition in many ways. That bronco is going to standout.
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Post by gipsy on May 16, 2022 9:45:54 GMT -6
Great addition in many ways. That bronco is going to standout. How could you insult a Blazer like that. Shame on you
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Post by ncsfsgm on May 17, 2022 19:32:51 GMT -6
Chapter 14
Brian looked at the driveway and saw potholes developing. He didn't want to have to spend any more time than he had to grading and putting more gravel on it. He called a landscaping company and inquired about installation of heavy duty gravel stabilization grids on the driveway. They said they could do it and got the information on the location of the project. They would send someone out to survey the work area.
Jeremy was still there when Dan Brock from Thunderbird Power came out with a couple of people to survey the solar equipment. Brian hung around because he wanted to know more about the equipment. After they had done their inspection, they all sat down and Dan went over what they could do for them.
"Jer, we've found several things that should be upgraded. Your system is over ten years old and there have been some great improvements made over the years that would give you more power and efficiency. First, I'd replace the battery bank. The batteries are due to be replaced anyway. Advancements in battery technology will give you a longer charge time and we've got a few tricks that will keep them charged without have to use a backup generator except in the most extreme cases. I would change out the photovoltaic panels too. There are better ones now that are a lot more efficient."
"Dan, go ahead, but I also want you to overbuild it. I want to run power to all the outbuildings also so we'll need the extra power."
"No problem. We'll need to move the battery bank from the house, it will take more space than you've got now. We can bring in a pre-fab and wire everything."
"Okay, that's fine. What do we do with the old panels and batteries?"
"We can recycle the batteries and the panels, well, they still have a little life in them. We usually donate them to things like the Boy Scouts and community colleges. They have a technology badges now in the Scouts that they can build their own solar systems for merit."
"In that case, replace the charge controllers and inverters too. I'm sure there are better ones out there."
"One other thing, Jer. I'd like to add a wind generator to the system. It has a collapsible tower that rises automatically at night and disappears at daylight. It will take advantage of the evening breezes and continue to charge the bank when there is no sun."
"Add it." Jeremy said.
"Will do. Well, we can start working on this in next week. We've got everything we need in the warehouse."
"Thanks Dan, if you need anything, let me know. I'll help out in any way I can."
"I know Jer. You've done plenty already. That's why I can keep a warehouse full of parts and equipment."
When Dan and his men left, Jeremy turned to Brian. "Well, it's in your hands now to see it through. Now, what other plans do you have?"
"Just the driveway for now. I do want to find a rotary tiller attachment for the tractor to do a garden with."
"Brian, I'm sure you can find one that will work, but I think you should get rid of it. Allis Chalmers went out of business around 1989. If I were you, I'd replace everything. That tractor is over 50 years old."
"Yeah, that might be a good idea. Parts are going to be hard to find and will be expensive too. I'll get it and the attachments replaced this winter."
"There are people who buy antique tractors. You probably can sell it pretty quick." Jeremy said.
When Jeremy left, Brian began looking for a tractor dealer. He found one over in Cabot and they said they could cover everything. Brian made an appointment to go see the equipment before they made a deal. Brian called Jenna and asked her if she'd like to ride there tomorrow. Of course she said yes. Just to keep his memory straight, Brian took pictures of the tractor and all the implements with his phone.
Since they were leaving early the next morning to make the two and a half hour drive to Cabot, Jenna invited Brian and Harley to eat breakfast with them. He did and they were able to leave the McGinna's by 7:00 AM. As they were going out , Jenna picked up an overnight bag she had placed by the door. Brian looked at her and looked at the bag as they went out the door.
Jenna looked at him looking at the bag. "I told Momma I was staying over at your place tonight."
They made it to the dealership shortly after it opened. Jenna snapped Harley's leash on as they walked around looking at the equipment. Brian picked out a Massey Ferguson tractor with a cab and what Massey Ferguson implements they had. The rest of the implements were all Woods brand. The salesman noticed Brian scrolling through the photos on his phone.
"Are those pictures of your present equipment?"
"Yes they are."
"Would you mind if I looked at them?"
"No, not at all." Brian said, handing the man his phone.
The salesman scrolled through the pictures.
"These are all original Allis Chalmers implements?"
"Yes, I believe my grandfather bought it all at the same time."
"I'd like to buy it if you're interested." The salesman said, and quoted him a price, which was almost a third of what he was spending today.
"I have no way to get the equipment here." Brian said.
"I tell you what, what if we delivered your new equipment to you and we can backhaul the Allis Chalmers equipment back here."
Brian thought a second. They would deliver free of charge if you were within 100 miles. The Lodge was over 200 miles and he would have to pay for delivery. He could get the new equipment delivered and get rid of the old stuff at the same time.
"You've got a deal."
Brian walked away happy with the deal. He held no sentiments for the equipment and was getting the equipment out of the way. He would start setting the implements out for them to be picked up and get some new gravel in the equipment barn. On the way home, they stopped in Danville and got a late lunch at the El Mariachi Restaurant. Neither felt like cooking that night.
"So, what are you going to do first with your new toys?" Jenna grinned as they were waiting for their food."
"Hook up that rotary tiller and cut up the garden. I want to get that manure compost good and pulverized and mixed in. I want it so rich we'll have to tie down the corn stalks to keep them from jumping out of the ground."
Jenna giggled. "What all are you going to plant?"
"I don't know yet. I definitely want tomatoes, collards, corn and potatoes. I was hoping you could help me plan it out."
"Momma has tomato seed we save every year, and some other seeds too. I'll see what she has. We need to build a cold frame or something to start the plants late this winter for Spring planting."
"Okay, you're in charge of planning the garden. I'll help you." Brian said.
When they got back to the Lodge, Harley went on his pee patrol and they went inside. Jenna took her bag into Brian's bedroom, came back out and started to get a glass of iced tea.
"Do you want a fire in the fire pit?" Brian asked.
"Yes, that would be nice. I'd better not drink iced tea then. What if I made some hot chocolate?"
"That would be good." Brian said. There's a bottle of Michael Collins Irish Whiskey and a bottle of Baileys in the liquor cabinet if you want to dress them up a bit."
"Perfect! Go get the fire going and I'll make the drinks."
Brian got a lap blanket out of the hall closet and went out to the covered patio. He loved having the firepit out here. The chimney for the hood over the firepit went right up through the roof. You could have a downpour and still be comfortable. Maybe he would look into glassing in the patio so they could use it in the winter. Maybe a covered walkway to the porch too. Brian laid the fire and started it. They dry kindling quickly catch and in turn catching fire to the larger split wood. He would add unsplit short logs later. Brian got out the cushions for the cypress sofa and was putting them in place as Jenna came out with two large, steaming mugs in her hand. She handed one to Brian who took a sip and smacked his lips. Turning on the patio string lights, Brian went over and sat down next to Jenna. Handing her his mug, he spread the blanket across their laps.
"This is nice. The blanket soaks up the heat and radiates it to my legs." Jenna said.
"What would you think about fixing the patio area so we could use it in the Winter?"
"How would you do that?" Jenna asked.
"Oh, you could build a knee wall and make windows that would go in when it got colder. Once it's enclosed, it would heat up in here."
"Do you know how to do that?"
"No, but I'll find someone who can."
They enjoyed the fire and finally finished their chocolate. Jenna got up and took Brian's mug.
"Come up in twenty minutes." Jenna said, kissing Brian on the lips.
Brian watched Jenna walking to the back porch, took a deep breath and looked at his watch.
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Post by imahic on May 17, 2022 20:47:08 GMT -6
Thanks for the update.
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Post by gipsy on May 17, 2022 21:03:00 GMT -6
They won't need a fire tonight. Things are getting hot. Thanks for the update.
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Post by ncsfsgm on May 18, 2022 18:10:18 GMT -6
Chapter 15
Dan and his work crew were back in a few days in a convoy of box trucks and 5th wheel campers. Brian show them where they could park their 5th wheels and Dan gave them the rest of the afternoon to get settled in. They ran water hoses with manifolds to the three trailers and had all the comforts of home. Dan sat down with Brian and went through the sequence of events on how they were going to proceed with the installation. The power would be off only a relatively short time when they switched over to the new battery bank.
Earlier that day, The new tractor and implements were delivered and Brian was waiting for a truck load of gravel. The had placed the implements and tractor inside the shed but when the gravel arrived, Brian would use the bucket attachment on the tractor to move the gravel inside. Brian told Dan he had free use of anything if needed. They did use the auger attachment with the 12" bit to dig the holes for the mounting bases for the sun-tracker frames. A pre-fab, unfinished 10'x16' utility shed was delivered. While they were installing the batteries on the reinforced floor, Jenna stained the outside with the same colors as the Lodge. When Brian had finished spreading the gravel, he helped her put the wood waterproofing treatment on the shed.
When it was time to switch the power to the new system, Brian turned all the circuits off while they made the switch. Once they were ready, he turned each circuit on with a 30 second pause between each circuit so they could monitor the meters. When the last switch was flipped they continued to monitor the system. One of the men installed a transmitter inside the bank building and a receiver in the Lodge so the meters could be monitored without going out to the battery bank. Brian was shown how to download a systems test, should anything ever go wrong, and send it to their office for evaluation. Dan and his crew left the next morning. Brian couldn't really tell any difference, but then he had learned to live with an off-grid system and did the little things you did so as not to use too much power at a time, The two appliances that used a lot of power were the gas clothes dryer and the washer.. The motors used more electricity than the refrigerator. Dan told him he wouldn't have to worry about that any more. He would have power to spare.
Brian finally got around to tilling the garden with the rotary tiller, and just in time. The early winter rains came, giving them four days of slow, soft rain.
When the rains stopped, the landscaping company came in and graded the drive and began laying the gravel stabilization grids down. It took them a couple of days but now the gravel didn't shift after being driven over several times.
Joe Adler showed up the next week. Brian took him up to the site where he was going to set up his travel trailer.
"We had a septic system put in. I'll need to get a pump to put on the well." Brian told Joe.
"Don't worry, I got this. Give me a hand." Joe said.
Joe walked around to the rear of the trailer and pressed a button on his key fob. The rear lowered and the back end was a toy hauler, except it carried more than toys. Brian helped him carry out a solar panel and set it beside the trailer.
"I've got a 12 volt water pump I can hook up. Jer said the water was at 60 feet so it will pump just fine. Now, all I've got to do is guy in the support pole for the panel and we're in business."
"Joe, I've got a tractor with an auger we could dig a hole, then all you have to do is guy off the panel to keep it from twisting in the wind. We don't have to fill in the hole."
"Good idea."
"I'll go get the tractor."
Brian was back in a half hour and Joe had everything laid out. Brian dug the hole where Joe indicated and they soon had the panel angled correctly and guyed. Joe got the trailer leveled and disconnected.
"What do you do about power?" Brian asked.
"The top of this thing has nine 200 watt PV panels. All I really needed was water. The grey and black water are captured in cassettes. I just needed to dig a hole and bury the contents."
"Is there anything you need?"
"Nah, I've got it from here. I'll be down to see you later. Here, here's my cell number."
When Brian was disconnecting the auger and putting it and the tractor away, Jenna drove up and went inside the house. When Brian went in, she was in the kitchen with an attentive Harley. Brian went over and gave her a quick kiss.
"What's up?"
"I stopped by Mamma Gina's and picked up a couple of raw pizzas."
"You are a sweetheart. Oh, we'll probably have a guest."
"Who?"
"Joe Adler, an old family friend."
"Adler, that name sounds familiar. When is he coming?"
"He's already here. He has a 5th wheel travel trailer parked up northeast of here."
"Guess what I did today!"
"Planned the wedding I hope."
"Well, sort of. I asked my Uncle David, who has a church over in Keener if he would marry us. Brian, I don't want a big fancy wedding. I want to get married right here on the patio with just a few friends and family."
"Whatever you want."
"Oh, and if you want to do the patio thing with the glass, my cousin has a home improvement company. When I explained what you wanted to do, he said he had time to do it if you want."
"Maybe he can do it before the wedding. By the way, when DO you want to get married?"
What about the weekend before Thanksgiving?"
"That doesn't give us much time for a honeymoon." Brian said.
"Oh we'll have a honeymoon, all right! It just won't be on a tropical beach somewhere. Right here in our home is just fine with me."
"Wow! I've searched the world over and finally found what I've been looking for!" Brian grinned.
"What's that?"
"A cheap date!"
Jenna slugged him on the arm and Brian started to grab her when there was a knock on the door. Brian went to answer it while Jenna slid one of the pizzas in the oven.
"Hey Joe, come on in." Brian said when he saw who it was.
"It's good to be back here. Place has been spruced up a bit."
"That's my fiancé Jenna's doing."
"Jenna walked in and Joe squinted. You're Hiram's little girl, aren't you?"
Jenna grinned. "I'm not so little anymore. I remember you. I thought I remembered your name when Brian told me you were here."
"Yes, you must have been around 11 or 12 when I last saw you. Fiancé, hunh? When's the wedding?"
"The weekend before Thanksgiving." Jenna replied.
"Joe, how about a beer? Jenna brought pizzas."
"Yeah, I'll take one."
Brian got beers for everyone and brought them back into the great room.
"Dad say's you're thinking of finally settling down."
"Yeah, it's getting tiresome. Sometimes I think we just need to hunker down and let the fools kill their own selves off. The problem with that they never seem to get hurt buy the crap they pull, but everyone else does. They need to be hurt also. Say, you still hang apples down on the oak?"
Brian tried to signal him to stop.
"Hang apples on the oak?" Jenna said, puzzled.
"Oh, she doesn't know? Sorry."
"Know what?" Jenna asked.
"I'll explain it to you tomorrow." Brian said.
Jenna went to check the pizza.
"Sorry, I assumed you had told her." Joe said.
"I was going to. No foul. I'll take her down with me tomorrow."
"Have you seen any?" Joe asked.
"Not a one, so far."
"Once they get used to you, they'll show themselves."
"Come and get it guys!" Jenna yelled.
When they finished eating, they all retired back to the great room.
"Your Dad said you haven't sparred in a while."
"Not since I went to college."
"Well, if you want, we can get you refreshed."
"Refreshed in what?" Jenna asked.
"Krav Maga." Joe replied.
"What's that?"
"Krav Maga is a self-defense system that uses instinctive movements, aggressive counter attacks and a no-holds-barred mentality without the ceremonial elements of traditional martial arts. It's dirty fighting." Brian explained.
"Then teach me too."
Joe raised his eyebrows. "It can get rough."
Jenna grinned. "No pain, no gain."
Joe chuckled. "Don't forget, you asked for it."
"I always wanted to learn self-defense."
Brian sighed. "Oh boy!"
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Post by gipsy on May 18, 2022 18:32:43 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 May 18, 2022 19:00:06 GMT -6
Thanks
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Post by udwe on May 19, 2022 6:02:41 GMT -6
Thank you, been gone a couple days myself.
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Post by texican on May 19, 2022 22:56:35 GMT -6
Got caught up.
ncs,
Really like this tale. Now, when is what is coming will get here?
Just wondering.
Thanks,
Texican....
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Post by ncsfsgm on May 20, 2022 15:38:00 GMT -6
Got caught up. ncs, Really like this tale. Now, when is what is coming will get here? Just wondering. Thanks, Texican.... No spoilers Tex...
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Post by ncsfsgm on May 20, 2022 17:50:59 GMT -6
Chapter 16
The "refresher" training began the next morning. Joe and Brian went for a run to warm up and came back to the Lodge where Brian demonstrated to Joe, in slow motion, the counters to Joe's attacks. Then they went at full speed, and except for groin kicks and punches, everything was full contact. Brian held his own as Joe kept attacking in different ways.
"Okay!" Joe said, backing off. "Now, let me show you a couple of other techniques."
They were just finishing up when Jenna drove up.
"I said I wanted to train too!" Jenna pouted.
Joe chuckled. "I tell you what, I've now some new techniques to teach Brian. I'm going to let Brian teach you the three basic techniques and we'll go from there."
Jenna looked at Brian. "Will you?"
"Yes, but you're going to have to be here early. Will start with some warm-up exercises, we'll run a couple of miles to get limber, do some cool-down exercises, then start your training. We will train for an hour to begin with and once you get the soreness worked out, we'll extend the training times."
"Okay, I can do that. Can I say overnights?"
"You're a grown woman. I'm fine with it. You make your own decision." Brian said.
"Well come on in. I'll make y'all breakfast."
"I'm going back and get a shower. I'll be right back." Joe said.
"Come on sweet cheeks. Get your shower while I start breakfast." Jenna said, pinching Brian on the butt.
Joe came back and he and Brian ate four eggs each, a stack of buttermilk pancakes and six slices of bacon each. Jenna had to get up and make another pot of coffee.
"You need to take that rotary mower and clear those trails out." Joe said. It will give you longer and varied routes to use on your runs." Joe said.
"Joe, I've never been to the ends of those trails. Where do they go?"
Do you know the story of those trails?"
"No, I don't think so." Brian replied.
"Well, back during the Depression, there were very few jobs and people were having a hard time getting enough to eat. So they came up with a bunch of job projects. The Civilian Conservation Corps, established by Congress on March 31, 1933, provided jobs for young, unemployed men during the Great Depression. The CCC made valuable contributions to forest management, flood control, conservation projects, and the development of state and national parks, forests, and historic sites. In this District they had a hotshot supervisory committee that decided they needed roads through the national forest to give access to the area. Without doing due diligence, They started doing road building projects through the area and through the Lodge parcel. Well, the family didn't have anyone living on the land and it wasn't until late 1940 that it was discovered what the CCC had done. They went to court and it wasn't until 1946 it was finally settled. The family was reimbursed for the trees that were cut and the government had to close off the entrances to the land. All they did though was put up big earth berms to block the roads. All you need to do is bush hog the roads to clear them. It would be easier now and get rid of the old stuff, then keep it cleared every month or so. That will give you around four extra miles of trails." "Well, I've got a Woods 15' batwing rotary mower I can put to use and make one pass. It'll help fill in the time." Brian said.
"Well missy, are you ready for your training?" Joe asked Jenna.
"In Krav Maga?"
"No, we'll start that in the morning. Today, we'll go to the pistol range."
"But, but I don't own a pistol!"
Joe looked at Brian. "Get her equipped and I'll meet you at the pistol range in an hour."
When Joe left, Brian took Jenna into the library.
"Jenna, what I'm about to show you stays in our immediate family. Your family shouldn't even be told about this unless an extreme situation calls for them to come here."
"Okay."
Brian opened the entrance to the shelter and went down. In the common area, he unlocked a box on the wall and selected four pistols and laid them on a table. A Walther CCP, a Glock 43, a CZ 75 SP-01 and a Heckler & Koch P30.
"These are guns that should be comfortable for you. I'm going to run you through a firing drill and you decide which one is the most comfortable for you."
Brian got a box of snap caps out of the cabinet and loaded two rounds into each pistol's magazine. He showed her how to clear the weapon and had her reload the expended round. She loaded a round in the chamber and flip the safety off with her thumb. Doing this with each pistol, Jenna decided she liked the Glock the best. Brian got six magazines, a belt holster and a ammo box of 9mm ball and went back upstairs. They let Harley out to pee then locked him back in the house. Brian drove them to the range, which was behind the field where Joe had parked his trailer.
Brian set his range bag and the can off ammo on the range bench. Jenna pulled the Glock out of her holster, laid the magazines on the table and began loading them. Brian got two sets of electronic ear protectors out, tested them, then gave a set to Jenna, along with a set of eye protection. Joe put up targets for both of them at 7 meters and came back behind the firing line. When they were ready, he had them engage the 7 meter target with three rounds. Brian put two rounds in the center of the target and one in the head, Jenna put three rounds in the head area of the target. Joe looked at Jenna with amazement.
Jenna grinned. "I said I didn't own one, not that I couldn't shoot one."
They cleared their weapons and Joe moved the targets to the fifteen meter line. Again, he cleared them to engage with three rounds when ready, once he was behind the firing line. Again, Brian put two in the chest and one in the head. This time Jenna put one in the head and two in the groin. Joe winced when he saw what Jenna had done. They cleared their weapons and laid them on the range table.
"Jenna, why did you take those shots?"
Jenna shrugged. "A vest doesn't generally cover the groin area. I read that somewhere."
Joe shook his head and went downrange and set targets at the 25 meter range. When given clearance to fire, this time Jenna put two in the chest and one in the head. Brian did the same."
Joe nodded. They would do. "Pack up and go clean your weapons. 0600 out in front of the patio for training in the morning."
Brian and Jenna picked up their brass and packed up their equipment. Back at the house, Brian got out the cleaning kit box, they stripped their pistols and gave them a thorough cleaning.
"You keep that pistol with you. We need to see you about getting you a CCW permit. We'll take care of that this week."
Jenna wrapped her arms around his waist. "I had fun today."
"We'll don't think you're going to have fun tomorrow. Tomorrow evening you're going to be sore as a boil."
"Like I said, no pain, no gain."
"I'll need to go home after dinner and pack a bag with my running things and some other clothes." Jenna said.
They walked into the into the house to fix lunch….er dinner.
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Post by udwe on May 20, 2022 19:45:01 GMT -6
Great story! Thank you!
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Post by gipsy on May 20, 2022 20:52:23 GMT -6
Thanks for the update.
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Post by ncsfsgm on May 21, 2022 18:35:08 GMT -6
Chapter 17
A slightly damp Jenna, from running and exercising, stood in front of Brian.
"Krav Maga is based on simple principles and instinctive movements using Punches, knees, elbows, and kicks, something you would do instinctively, but I will show you how to do it more effectively. We'll begin by learning the 7 basic Krav Maga moves. They are the Neutral Stance, the Fighting Stance, basic punches, basic elbow work, the groin kick, the stepping side kick and the palm strike."
Joe watched and listened a few minutes. Brian was doing fine and going by the book, so he jogged back to his place to get a shower.
After his shower, Joe was pulling on his boots when his phone rang.
"Joe, it's Jer. I've got a plane coming in this afternoon. Have Brian put the forks on the tractor and bring a trailer, the 6x10. Store and tarp it up by your place. We're putting in a bunker next to the range."
"What time?" Joe asked.
"Around 1700."
"We'll be ready."
"Okay, talk to you later. Out here."
Joe looked at his watch and went over to the refrigerator and peeked inside, trying to decide on lunch.
Jenna stood in the shower, the hot water pouring over her aching body. She had undoubtedly used muscles this morning she had not used before because they were talking to her. Lathering her washcloth, she slowly washed her body, rinsed and got out. After drying off, she put on fresh clothes and made a single braid of her hair. Slipping on her socks and boots, she went into the Great Room, then into the kitchen where she found Brian laying out her lunch, barley soup and a sandwich.
"Are you going to starve me now?"
"This m'lady, is both nutritious as well as filling."
"Well kind sir, if you so insist."
Brian pulled the chair out for her to sit and slid a plate in front of her. He poured a glass of juice and placed a straw in the glass.
"Is every day to be like this?" Jenna said.
"You'll get used to it. Once you exercise those muscles more, it will become easier."
"No, I mean the special treatment. I don't ever want to get used to it."
"Then I shall dole it out lightly, but the love will always be there."
Jenna grinned and took a spoonful of the soup. "Delicious!"
Joe knocked on the door and Brian opened it.
"Tuo padre ha chiamato. C'è un aereo in arrivo alle 17:00."
"Capito, grazie Joe."
"What was that you two were saying?"
"Joe was just telling me there was a plane coming in at 5:00 PM and I thanked him for the information."
"Why were you speaking in that language? What was it?"
"Italian, and it is part of my refresher training."
"Well, I don't like it. It's like you are keeping secrets from me." Jenna said.
"You wouldn't believe what knowing a different language from those around you can mean in a tight situation."
Jenna remained silent and ate her lunch.
After lunch, Brian saw Joe down by the equipment shed. He walked down to see what Joe was doing.
"Jer said to have the tractor and a trailer at the airstrip. There is cargo to retrieve. Get your rifle and one for Jenna, plus ammo and magazines and meet me back here. We'll go from the range to the airfield. Help me put the forks on."
Brian went back inside and got his M4, another one for Jenna, his range bag, two mag carrier vests and an ammo can of 5.56. Jenna helped him carry everything down to the equipment shed where Joe waited. Brian and Jenna put the vests on, loaded the bag and can into the trailer and rode there as Joe drove them to the range. Jenna wasn't familiar with the AR-15 variants so Brian gave her a short class. Walked her through finding her zero and got a good zero. This side of the range had a distance of only a 100 meters but it was good enough for defensive practice. Jenna did quite well, especially with the reflex sights. She was getting kills with every shot. During a lull in training, Jenna went down to Joe's trailer to use the bathroom.
"Brian, have you ever killed a man?" Joe asked.
"No."
"Are you going to be able to pull the trigger when the time comes?"
Brian shrugged. "The sooner we all find out about that, the better. I think I can do what I'll need to do, but I'm not fool enough to say that I can without having done it."
Joe's eyes scanned Brian's face, and Brian held his gaze. Joe gave a quick nod and said, "You'll do. Just think about what needs to be accomplished, what you are fighting for, nothing else."
Jenna returned and they continued training until 1615. Picking up their brass, they bagged it and loaded everything into the trailer and Joe drove down to the south pasture.
"Brian, let me show you something." Joe said, pulling his belt knife from its sheath.
Walking out into the pasture, he dug through the matted pasture grass and moved it aside.
"This is a grid system, not unlike the one on your driveway, but made for an airfield. It runs a 100 feet wide by 800 feet long. This area was laid out for STOL cargo aircraft."
"What is coming in this evening?" Brian asked.
"Won't know 'til it gets here."
They actually saw the plane before they heard it. Brian popped the smoke and stood next to the "runway" with Jenna.
"What is that?" Brian yelled to Joe.
"It's an Arava, with modified flaps."
The plane touched down and taxied over to them. It pivoted around so the twin boom section was pointed toward them. The engines were shut down and latches released on the inside of the fuselage while Brian lowered the trailer jack and unhitched the trailer. Driving the tractor over to the aircraft, he took the first pallet over to the trailer and set it down. After retrieving the second pallet, the rear of the aircraft, the back end was closed up and the engines started. As they were hitching the trailer back up the aircraft flew off, hugging the terrain.
"What do we do with this?" Brian asked.
"I'll drop you two off at the Lodge and take this up to my place. There are tarps and camouflage nets on the pallets I can cover them with. I'll bring the tractor back in the morning."
Joe drove the tractor back and stopped in front of the Lodge. Brian and Jenna grabbed the gear off the trailer and Joe drove off into the twilight.
"Want to tell me what that was all about?" Jenna asked.
"I don't know Jenna, I really don't know."
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