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Post by ncsfsgm on Jun 13, 2022 7:55:57 GMT -6
"Fifteen hundred square feet of Zoysia sod had been used on the face of the dam." You'd mentioned previously the dam was 50' tall. Not sure if you ever mentioned width but to hold back 300 acres it has to be sizeable. For an earthen dam the slope face would be much longer than the 50' height. So I'm thinking you possibly meant more like 150,000sqft? It might even be a lot more than that. I left out a foot note I had. They ended up placing the sod in a patchwork design and planted a mixture of clover seed in the bare areas. This would keep the soil in place and provide nitrogen to the soil. In a couple of years the Zoysia will fill in the spaces, choking the clover out.
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Post by CountryGuy on Jun 13, 2022 13:14:05 GMT -6
"Fifteen hundred square feet of Zoysia sod had been used on the face of the dam." You'd mentioned previously the dam was 50' tall. Not sure if you ever mentioned width but to hold back 300 acres it has to be sizeable. For an earthen dam the slope face would be much longer than the 50' height. So I'm thinking you possibly meant more like 150,000sqft? It might even be a lot more than that. I left out a foot note I had. They ended up placing the sod in a patchwork design and planted a mixture of clover seed in the bare areas. This would keep the soil in place and provide nitrogen to the soil. In a couple of years the Zoysia will fill in the spaces, choking the clover out.Makes sense and would let them hydroseed the biggest areas with the clover and something like rye to get a quick start to prevent any erosion.
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Post by freebirde on Jun 13, 2022 16:37:27 GMT -6
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Post by ncsfsgm on Jun 13, 2022 17:44:33 GMT -6
Chapter 32
Jason paid the check and then left the diner.
“Is there a good grocery store nearby? I bought milk in Mena yesterday but I only bought a quart and I used that this morning.” Jason asked.
“Sure, we can stop on the way back.” Freya said.
Freya pulled into Harps and went in with Jason. Jason got a small buggy and headed to the dairy section. He got four quart containers of 2% and looked at the cheeses.
”Would you look at that. Kerrygold cheese!” Thought Jason.
He picked out a couple of blocks of Irish cheddar and placed them in the cart basket. He went down to the margarine and butter area of the case and picked out a pound of Kerrygold salted butter and a container of Kerrygold spreadable. Freya held the front of the basket and pulled him over to the meat section and placed a Danish Salami in the basket, then over to the cracker and cookie aisle and picked out a box of water crackers. Jason added a box of Captain’s wafers.
“Is there anything else you need?” Freya asked.
“Well, I’ve got the snacks here, I guess I need more beer.” Jason replied.
Freya led him over to the beer section.
“What do you like?” Jason asked.
“I don’t drink beer.”
Jason shrugged and picked up two six packs of Dos Equis amber. Freya pulled him and the cart over to the wine section.
“I do drink wine though.” Freya said, smiling.
“Pick out a couple of bottles of what you like.” Jason said.
Freya picked out a Merlot and a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and placed them in the cart basket.
“Anything else?” Jason grinned.
“No that should hold you for now.”
They headed for the checkout area and Jason noticed the fruit baskets on display.
“Oh! They have fruit baskets.” Jason said, turning the cart.
“Don’t you dare!” Frey said, grabbing the cart and guiding them to the checkout. “You buy your fruit from Aunt Mollie!”
They loaded the groceries in the back of the Cherokee and drove back to the market. Freya grabbed one of the bags of groceries to make sure she got a good look inside the trailer. Jason knew what she was doing, smiled, and didn’t say anything. He put the beer, milk, butter, cheese, sausage and wine in the fridge.
“Would you like a tour?” Jason asked.
“Sure.”
“It doesn’t look as big as it can be, but a slider makes this area twice as big as it is right now.” Jason explained.
Frey slowly walked through the trailer, taking in everything. When she opened the bedroom door she said, “Oh! I didn’t know they put queen-size beds in trailers.”
“You can put any size bed you want. I didn’t get the King because sleeping alone, I’d get lost in it.” Jason explained.
They turned and went back to the front of the trailer. Freya did a stutter-step when she saw the AR-15 in a quick-release mount above the door.
“You run into some bad people on the road these days.” Jason explained.
“Not just on the road.” Freya said, lifting up her shirt high enough to show some skin and an IWB holster containing what looked like a Glock 42.
“Good, a pretty woman like you should have some protection at all times.”
Freya flushed and led the way out the door. They went inside the market and picked out four Comice pears, four Ambrosia apples, two pounds of red grapes, and five bananas. Freya checked Jason out. As he picked up the bags he said, “As soon as I’m settled, I’ll call you.”
“You’d better.”
Jason secured the fruit and called the contact number he was given.
“Cassidy,”
“This is Jason Palmer.”
“Jason, where are you?”
“I’m sitting in the parking lot of a farmer’s market in Waldron.”
“Okay, go to the GPS coordinates you were given, I’ll wait for you at the gate in a John Deere Gator.”
“Roger that.”
About 25 minutes later, Jason arrived at the coordinates, an Y-intersection on the dirt road. Jason slowed and followed the Gator through an iron gate and down another dirt road. The Gator came to a stop and the man got out of the Gator.
“Hi, I’m Jeremy Cassidy. I was given short notice of your coming. It’s going to take me a few days to get a well and septic put in. You have solar power by the looks of it.”
“No problem. I just filled my freshwater tank and emptied the waste tank so I can go for a couple of weeks on what I have.”
“Good! Well, pull in over next to that pavilion and I’ll help you get it leveled out.”
Jason got out the wooden pads he had made and lowered the leveling jacks down. Unlatching the kingpin from the 5th wheel, he laid the pads under the two front leveling jacks and lowered them just enough to release pressure on the 5th wheel, then pulled his truck forward. When he had everything where he wanted, Jason pressed the “Auto” button and the control panel and the trailer leveled itself.
“That was easy enough.” Jeremy said.
“Love this modern technology!” Jason grinned.
Jeremy invited Jason up to his place for a drink, so Jason locked up and rode with Jeremy to his home.
“Wow, this is neat!” Jason said when he saw the container home.
“It has everything I need. It’s probably got as much floor space as your trailer.
“I’ve heard of container homes but have never seen one. What is all the cleared land below?”
“That, hopefully, will be a beautiful 300 acre lake come this time next year.” Jeremy replied.
“I might not be around to see it.” Jason said.
“And you might be. You’re on the reserve list now. You might go out, but it would be for a combined project that would require the best of the operators.”
“Are you still active?” Jason asked.
“Officially, I’ve retired, but I’m still available.”
Jason nodded.
“How are you fixed for food?”
“I just stocked up and my freezer is full. I stopped at Harps and got some things and fruit at the farmer’s market.”
“Well, looks like you have the basic lay of the land.”
“Do you have bears around here?”
“Occasionally, also mountain lions, Bobcats and Howlers.”
“Howlers? What’s that?”
Jeremy chuckled. “Bigfoot.”
Jason stared at Jeremy. “You’re shittin’ me!”
“No, I’m serious. You might not see them that much on this side. I haven’t seen any sign of any here yet, but in the forests to the northeast here, there’s several. My son leaves fruit out for them.”
“Why hasn’t it been reported. I lot of people have hunted those things for years!”
“Jason, they don’t bother us, we don’t bother them. They apparently were here long before we got to this area and don’t want to be disturbed. We try to accommodate them. I trust you won’t say anything to anyone.”
“Absolutely not! I don’t want to be put in a box with all the UFO nuts and such. The secret is safe with me.”
They sat and drank their beers and stayed carefully away from their line of work. Jason mentioned he had met the green-eyed girl in the farmer’s market.
“That’s probably Mollies niece.” Jeremy said.
“Yeah, she called her ‘Aunt Mollie.’ I’m going to call her and ask her to go out.”
“Well, there’s not much around here. Let me recommend 21 West End in Fort Smith. It’s near the river. I think it’s the best restaurant in Fort Smith. Call for reservations because it is very popular.”
“I’ll do that. Well, I need to get back and put the slider out. Anything special going on?”
“Nope, you’re here to wind down for a while. Just relax and enjoy it. Come on, I’ll give you a ride back.”
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Post by gipsy on Jun 13, 2022 18:07:33 GMT -6
The crew is growing. Thanks for the update.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Jun 14, 2022 19:50:42 GMT -6
Chapter 33
When Jason got back he called Freya.
“Hey Freya, It’s Jason.”
“You get settled in?”
“Pretty much, for now. Would you like to go out Friday night?”
“Friday is usually a heavy day at the market, and they stay open until 8:00. Can we make it Saturday?”
“Certainly, I don’t want you getting up tight about our first date. Saturday will let you have time to get ready without a rush.”
“It gives me time to get my hair done too.”
“Don’t. Your hair is beautiful just the way it is.”
“Oh. Well thank you. Where are we going?”
“I was thinking of 21 West End in Fort Smith. Have you heard of it?”
“Yes I have, but I’ve never been. It’s supposed to have excellent food.”
“I’ll make reservations then. Well, I’ll let to get your beauty rest, not that you need any.”
Freya giggled. “You are really laying it on thick! Can I call you tomorrow when I get off work?”
“Absolutely. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Bye.”
Brian began emplacing the habitats he had made with the cedar limbs he’d saved. Cedar would last a long time under water. Using plastic tubs, he’d fill them with concrete and stuck the limbs down into the wet concrete. Once they dried, he’d haul them with a tractor and trailer to the lake and start all over again. He started making eight at a time right after he had talked to the ecologist and had 40 waiting to be emplaced. He started at the areas closest to where the water was pooling and worked his way back. Brian had marked the sites with stakes and written on the stakes what type of feature should go there. There was a man down near Kenner that had a good stand of bamboo growing and taking over an area next to his pond, Brian inquired about cutting some and got permission. It was becoming a nuisance. Brian cut a trailer load and using 5-gallon buckets, made crappie structures. He looked up several examples of different structures on the internet and worked on making some of each.
Generation X, Y and Z Marxist agitators were gathered in a third floor meeting room of a hotel in Gaithersburg, Maryland with Congressman Kareem Bledsoe to coordinate actions during a March for Life taking place on Saturday at the on the Mall in Washington. Their security was weak, having the guards stationed on the inside of the room instead of in the hall. A woman with a hotel maid’s uniform wheeled her cart in front of the door to the meeting room, pulled out an pressurized adhesive gun and sealed the door. The high-strength adhesive hardened in seconds. Five minutes previously, the hotel video security system failed and none of the actions were recorded. With the press of a button from a remote transmitter, two pressurized tanks, one containing Chlorine and the other Ammonia released streams of the chemicals through a mixing valve, spraying the toxic concoction into the room. People started coughing and running for the door. When the guards found the door wouldn’t open, they attempted to shoot the lock out, like in the movies. Bad move on their part. Chlorine gas, created by the mixture of the two tanks, is harmful, explosive and volatile. The mixture has been used in chemical warfare -- it's that dangerous. The mixture will either explode, causing painful chemical burns if close enough to skin, or make its way into the mouth, throat and lungs, causing intense pain, cellular damage and death. All of these things happened. Fortunately (or unfortunately), Congressman Bledsoe survived, but in critical condition. Questions immediately arose as to why the Congressman was meeting with these domestic terrorists, and investigations were demanded.
The three main operators stripped their clothes, took of their disguises, peeled the cosmetic rubber off their hands and fingers and dropped everything in a bag that was dropped off at a dry cleaners where it was further taken to an incinerator nearby and destroyed.
The women had been coordinating since just after Thanksgiving for their Christmas Dinner get together. They had everything mapped out. It would be held in the enclosed patio at Brian and Jenna’s. The menu was laid out and the activities practically choreographed. Jenna and Brian went to the farmer’s market to get a tree and Jenna insisted on getting two, one for the house and one for the patio. That entailed stopping by Walmart and getting more lights, ornaments and another tree stand. Jenna was thrilled to find Christmas themed patio lights and bought enough to string around the inside perimeter.
The FBI Field Office that covered the Gaithersburg area was in Baltimore. When the evidence was gathered and traced down. They had no more information than when they started. The propane tanks used to hold the chemicals both had serial numbers. One was traced to a lumber and hardware store in Dixfield, Maine and the other to a True Value in Halstead, KS. The chemical tags indicated the ammonia came from a plant in New Jersey and the chlorine from Louisiana. The other components could be found in any big-box home improvement store. The explosive squibs that had taken out the hotel’s security fiber optics system were traced to a shipment sent to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, They were used on tank cannon simulators mounted on tanks. They had a lot of evidence, but it didn’t point to any one person or group. There were a lot of questions to be answered, but in the people’s minds was what was a sitting Congressman consorting with Marxist agitators in secret.
Jason cut off the TV. If that was Shield, they’d done a good job on that operation. They didn’t hide the fact that the attack had been done, but did it in a way that put more suspicion on the Congressman than the perpetrators, who the FBI hadn’t a clue about.
Jason went to the kitchenette and put three slices of bacon in the microwave and scrambled three eggs. He heated up a couple of croissants and got out the Kerrygold. Next, he brewed a K-cup. Setting his plate, coffee and a glass of milk on the dinette table, Jason got down his portable radio to scroll through the local stations while he ate.
Christmas wasn’t far away and he thought about getting Freya a Christmas gift. He could fall back and go with what his Mother once advised him:
“If you just like the girl, get her a nice knit hat and a scarf, maybe even a pair of gloves too. They are non-committal.”
Well, he was very smitten, but didn’t really know that much about her. Hat, scarf and gloves might be the best way to go.
Jason cleaned up his dishes and put them away. After wiping everything down, he locked up and drove over to Jeremy’s.
Jeremy was sitting on his deck drinking a cup of coffee.
“Morning Jason. You want a cup of coffee?”
“Morning. No thanks, just filled up. Say, how do I get out of the gate?”
“Just drive up within 6 feet of it. It will automatically open. Hold on a second.”
Jeremy set his coffee down and went inside, coming back with a gate opener.
“This will get you back in.”
“I have the gate/garage opener feature in my truck. All I have to do is program in the code.”
“The code is 64792.”
Jason handed the opener back to Jeremy.
“Better keep it until you’ve tested your programming.”
“Oh yeah, you’re right.”
“You headed anywhere specifically?”
“Not really. Get to know the lay of the land, do a little Christmas shopping.”
“We’re having a big dinner Christmas dinner at my son’s place across the road. You don’t want to miss that.”
“Okay, thanks.”
Jason went to his truck and programmed the code in. He drove up to the gate and the gate opened automatically. Jason drove through, turned the truck around and drove back up to the gate. He pressed the button in the overhead console and the gate closed. Jason backed up, waited for the gate to close, turned round and headed for Waldron.
Waldron wasn’t a metropolis for fine shopping so Jason pulled over and set the GPS to search for shopping in Fort Smith. He found a place called the Boutique Market and figured that was as good a place as any to start. Forty-five minutes later he arrived. He did his walk-through and spotted a shop called Hot Soxx and walked in. He told the salesgirl what he was looking for and she showed him the hat and scarf selections and there was one set that closely matched Freya’s eyes, or at least would enhance them. The girl showed him socks and knit gloves that with match the set and he bought the bundle. They even gift wrapped them for him and he was in and out in 30 minutes. Jason decided to go ahead to the 21 West End and mark the location on his GPS so he would be familiar with the location in the daytime. The place was closed during the day so he pulled into the parking lot, marked the location on the GPS and headed back to Washita Lake.
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Post by gipsy on Jun 14, 2022 20:06:13 GMT -6
Lets see Kacie and Earl Jaylen and Glen Jason and Faya. Did I miss anybody? Thanks for the update.
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Post by imahic on Jun 14, 2022 21:49:54 GMT -6
Thank you.
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Post by iamnobody on Jun 15, 2022 7:49:43 GMT -6
Lets see Kacie and Earl Jaylen and Glen Jason and Faya. Did I miss anybody? Thanks for the update. Yeah, he has forgot me
All the good loyal women are in his stories. No wonder I can't find any in my area.
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Post by gipsy on Jun 15, 2022 8:27:19 GMT -6
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Post by iamnobody on Jun 15, 2022 8:39:03 GMT -6
Show them your preps and they will fall all over you. Telling them I read PAW stories sends them running away while screaming. I don't know what their reaction would be if I told them I attempt to write PAW stories.
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Post by solo on Jun 15, 2022 8:54:59 GMT -6
Excellent story. I like the fish habitat details. Haven't really thought about the pond, stocked, with habitat route. But it is self sustaining if you keep it secure. Best security is secrecy... Thank you! You always make me think.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Jun 15, 2022 18:08:27 GMT -6
Chapter 34
When Jason got back, he drove to Jeremy’s and gave him the transmitter back.
“Jeremy, are there any roads or trails in this forest I can use for running?”
Jeremy chuckled. “I saw you running the obstacle course this morning. Yeah, Let’s get the Gator and I’ll show them to you.”
Jason got his hand-held GPS out of his truck and got into the Gator with Jeremy. Setting the GPS to record the route, they took off. An hour later when they returned, Jason found there were almost ten miles of trails he could use. He would set up five and ten mile routes later.
“I like to get a good workout in the mornings.” Jason.
“Yeah, I exercise in the mornings but save my running for the late afternoon. It helps me sleep.” Jeremy replied.
Jason went back to the RV and checked his clothing. He had a nice blazer and slacks, a light blue dress shirt that he could wear Saturday. Checking his dress boots, he took them out of the bag and they didn’t need polishing. Grabbing an apple, he turned on the satellite TV and watched The Quiet Man.
“Oh Aunt Mollie, he is the most adorable man I’ve ever met!”
“Now Freya, please don’t move too fast.”
“Aunt Mollie, I don’t go forward with anything I’m not sure of. I’ll take it slow but I think he is The One.”
“Freya, you hardly know the man. Please don’t get your hopes up just for them to come crashing down. The Heart is a fragile thing.”
“Wait until you meet him. You’ll see.”
Brian took another load of habitats, this time they were cages made of four plastic milk crates zip-tied and weighted down, that would provide fry a place to hide in when predator fish came near. These were placed near the sand and gravel areas placed for spawning beds. This would enhance the survivability of the hatchlings. Brian drove the tractor through the gate and down to the lake near the pavilion. He saw the 5th wheel trailer parked there but hadn’t met the guy it belonged to yet. As he headed across the beach, Brian saw a man came out of the trailer and watch. Brian went two hundred yards beyond where the beach was and the float would be and began emplacing the structures.
Jason watched and walked down to where Brian was unloading the strange…whatever they were.
“Hello, I’m Jason Palmer.”
“Brian Cassidy,” Brian replied, shaking Jason’s offered hand. “Dad told me you were here.”
“What are these?” Jason asked.
“Fish structures. They will provide shelter for the fish when we stock the lake. I wanted to get them in before the lake filled so I know exactly where they are at.”
“How long before the lake fills?”
“Well, at the latest, by next fall. Sooner if we get plenty of rain.”
“Need some help?”
“Sure, let’s grab these fry structures and place them over there”
They worked and emptied the trailer then Brian dropped Jason off at the trailer. Jason got in his truck and followed Brian back to the Lodge and helped load it up again. When they got back to the lake, Brian checked his sketch of the structure sites and they emplaced the fish habitats and went on to the next. Brian only had two more sites to set up and they were going to be made of stacked cinderblocks, and it would take 80 of those. Brian had gotten them for free when a garage was tearing down an abandoned building to extend a newer building. He would place those in the lake bed tomorrow. They rode around and Brian showed Jason the different structures, gravel and sand spawning beds.
“What are those boxes?”
“Catfish spawning boxes.”
When they got back to the trailer Jason invited Brian in for a beer. Brian shut the tractor down and went in. Jason lowered the back deck and they sat out in the fresh air.
“It’s unreal how mild it is here a week before Christmas.” Jason said.
“Yeah, but the weather will turn on you in a heartbeat. I’ve seen it 60 degrees in the morning and snowing by nightfall. You have to be prepared for anything around here.” Brian replied.
“If you don’t mind me asking, just how much acreage us here?” Jason asked.
“Just under ten thousand acres.”
“WHEW! I can’t fathom the taxes paid on that!”
Brian shrugged. “It’s all paid for by a Trust. I let the accountants worry about it.”
“You’re going to put in the cinderblocks tomorrow?”
“Yep. They’re already loaded on a trailer. I’ll just hook it up and bring it over in the morning.”
“I’ll watch out for you and come help.” Jason said.
“Okay, thanks. I think Dad is going to chip in too. Well, I need to get going. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Okay Brian.”
Jason put the bottles in the trash and turned on the TV to watch a movie until it was time to call Freya.
Jason fell asleep but fortunately he had set his phone alarm to wake him at 6:00. That was the time Freya got off work. Jason washed his face with cold water to wake up and ate one if the pears. Man! They were good!” He waited about 40 minutes before calling her.
“Hi Jason!”
“Hi Freya. How was your day?”
“Busy, but not overwhelmingly so. What did you do today?”
“I helped the owner here out in fish structures into a lake. It was interesting.”
“Less than 48 hours!” Freya said.
“Less than 48 hours what?” Jason asked, grinning.
“You are going to take me out to dinner in less than 48 hours, or did you call to cancel?””
“Heck no. I was just pulling your leg. I’m looking forward to it too.”
“Where are we going?” Freya asked.
“That’s a surprise. You’ll just have to wait.”
“That’s not fair! How am I going to figure out what to wear?”
“Wear a nice dress, nothing fancy, you don’t need it. You are beautiful as you are. I’ll be wearing a blazer and dress slacks.”
“Well okay. I’ll figure something out.”
“We’re forgetting one thing.” Jason said.
“What’s that?”
“I don’t know where you live.”
Freya gave him the address and even the house color. They talked for a while and finally Freya said she needed to go take a bath, that she felt sticky from working all day. They hung up and Jason leaned back on the couch, envisioning Saturday night.
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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 Jun 15, 2022 18:19:46 GMT -6
Won't be long until the hook is set. Thanks
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Post by udwe on Jun 15, 2022 20:37:28 GMT -6
Thanks!
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Post by gipsy on Jun 15, 2022 21:50:07 GMT -6
Thanks for the update.
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Post by solo on Jun 16, 2022 8:37:03 GMT -6
I am more and more intrigued by the structures. We usually just put old tires in for the catfish, but I am sure that wasn't ecologically sound....
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horn
New Member
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Post by horn on Jun 16, 2022 10:52:13 GMT -6
The Guy about 6 miles away used rejected cement culverts and other shapes from the precast place.
different sizes of tubes placed in different configurations stacked, on end, I think there is even a set of steps in there. LOL
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Post by ncsfsgm on Jun 17, 2022 0:09:54 GMT -6
Chapter 35
Jason checked himself out in the door mirror and smoothed down the lapels of the blazer.
”It’s the best I can do. I hope it’s good enough.” Thought Jason.
He got in his truck and headed for Freya’s house. It wasn’t that far, about seven miles. He pulled into the driveway and got out, checking himself again and walked up on the porch. Knocking on the screen door, it was immediately opened by an older woman.
“You must be Jason. Come on in.”
“Lord, that girl of mine has been steppin’ around here like she’s walkin’ on roofing nails.”
“MOMMA! Don’t say things like that!” Freya said, walking into the foyer.”
“Momma, this is Jason. Jason, this is my mother, Emma Maguire.”
“I’m pleased to meet you Mrs. Maguire.”
“Jason, come on in and meet Daddy.” Freya said, tugging on his arm.
Freya led them into what was probably the den and Jason saw a man sitting in a wheelchair.
“Daddy, this is Jason Palmer. Jason, my father, Sean Maguire.”
“I’m pleased to meet you Sir.”
Sean held out his hand for Jason to shake.
“Pardon me for not getting up. A little after effects of Agent Orange.”
“You were in Viet Nam? Thank you for your service.”
Sean squinted a moment at Jason. You’ve a look about you. You’ve served some time too.”
“Yes Sir.”
“Well, thank YOU for your service.”
“It was a honor.”
“Yeah, I guess it is….until it puts you in a wheelchair. Okay, you don’t have to make nice, I’m no longer on active duty.”
“Just the same Sir, it is an honor to meet you.”
“Hmmph.”
“We’re going now Daddy, Momma.”
“Have a nice time Honey.” Emma said.
Jason took Freya’s elbow as they went down the steps and opened the truck door for her. Hurrying around the truck, he got in and buckled up. Jason backed into the turn-around and drove back out to the highway.
“Now can you tell me where we are going?”
“Have you heard of 21 West End in Fort Smith?”
“Oh yes! I’ve heard they have great food, but Jason, that place is expensive. We can go to somewhere cheaper.”
“Too late. I’ve already got reservations.”
“Jason, I just don’t want you to go to all of the expense.”
“Freya, I started working when I was 8 years of age, just to buy my own school clothes. I have not received any allowance ever in my life. Both my parents were alcoholics and they spent every extra dime on drinking. If I wanted something, I saved for it. I paid my own way through college and my first new car I paid cash for. I saved practically every dime when I was in the military. I later got into investing and I have done quite well at it. Except for essentials, my money went into investments of one type or another. All I've ever done is work, saved and invested. If I want to spend money, it is my money and I'll spend it. I don't know if I could spend it all now even if I tried at this point because I keep making more."
Freya was silent. ”This guy is too good to be true!” Freya thought.
“Your hair looks beautiful.” Jason said.
“I went to the beauty parlor and just had them wash it.
It’s beautiful. When I look at you, I get this vision of you standing at the top of the Cliffs of Moher, the wind blowing your hair out behind you.”
“YOU’VE BEEN TO IRELAND? Daddy is second generation. I have always wanted to go to Ireland. He has cousins still living in Ballymacurtain.”
Jason made a goal in his mind to see that she got to go to Ireland sometime in the future.
They arrived at the restaurant and the maître d’ immediately escorted them to a private table. The sommelier was quickly on hand and Jason asked for his suggestion, and to bring his best. He was presented with a wine that was quite good and Jason nodded. They were poured their wine and their waiter was quickly on hand to take their orders. They both ordered the Aged Angus Fillet Mignon Oscar, she a six ounce and Jason a 9 ounce, topped with succulent crab, homemade béarnaise sauce and asparagus.
“It’s a shame they don’t have nice restaurants like this closer to home.” Freya said.
“Oh, it’s only 40 miles away. Besides, it makes it a treat. It would get boring having really nice restaurants nearby. Believe me. I still like fried liver, baked chicken, pork chops and collard greens. Going to a place like this is a treat, but I like all aspects of life and food.”
“Do you like fried chicken?”
“I love fried chicken, with mashed potatoes and pan gravy…..”
“I’ll make it for you sometime.”
“I accept.”
They were soon brought their meal. The meat practically melted in your mouth. The hot whole wheat bread was delicious too. The conversation died down to just a few words as they ate.
“I haven’t eaten since breakfast because I was determined to eat whatever we were served, even if it was octopus.” Freya said.
“You don’t like octopus?” Jason asked in feigned surprise.
Freya wrinkled up her nose. “Not especially.”
Jason chuckled as Freya buttered the last piece of bread, then stopped.
“Do you want this last piece?”
“No, go ahead. Do you have room for dessert?”
“Let me look to see what they have.”
The waiter came and cleared the table and Jason asked for the dessert cart. Another waiter wheeled the cart tableside and Freya selected a creamy strawberry pie and Jason selected a piece of triple chocolate cake. Freya was in heaven, quickly ate her pie and took a couple of bites of Jason’s chocolate cake. Freya’s eyes lit up.
“Oh! The wine is perfect with the cake.”
They sat and finished off the wine then ordered coffee. Jason asked for another slice of the chocolate cake and they shared it, laughing and talking. When they had drunk the last of their coffee, Jason paid the bill and tipped heavily. It was truly a memorable meal. On the way out, Jason slipped the maître d’ a 50 and was happily invited back.
Jason helped Freya into the truck and got in.
“They don’t really have any good dancing spots around here that I’ve found. Do you have any ideas? What about a movie.”
“What about if we go back to your place?” Freya asked, smiling.
Jason turned the ignition on. “The lake it is.”
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Post by gipsy on Jun 17, 2022 5:09:31 GMT -6
The hook is set. Thanks for the update.
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Post by solo on Jun 17, 2022 8:53:15 GMT -6
She moves fast. That is good, but it always makes me a bit wary....
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Post by biggkidd on Jun 17, 2022 12:31:09 GMT -6
She moves fast. That is good, but it always makes me a bit wary.... I thought about dating this woman 6-7 years ago. We hung out several times and she let me know she'd like to move things forward but those little warning bells just kept ringing faintly in the back of my mind. For once in my life I listened! It's been a long eleven years since my ex split and I've remained single since. I did go out a couple times with an old ex but I'm not even sure that one counts with us living on opposite sides of the state.
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Post by CountryGuy on Jun 17, 2022 12:47:50 GMT -6
She moves fast. That is good, but it always makes me a bit wary.... Yeah this little nugget - Freya was silent. ”This guy is too good to be true!” Freya thought. gave me a bit of pause hoping that was a thankful comment and not a gold digger vibe.
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Post by udwe on Jun 17, 2022 15:11:35 GMT -6
Thanks! But you made me hungry!
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Post by ncsfsgm on Jun 18, 2022 3:58:50 GMT -6
Chapter 36
“Jason, do you believe in ‘love at first sight’?”
“No, not really. I think a couple develops a relationship over a period of time as they get to know one another’s likes, dislikes and mannerisms. A relationship becomes stronger and develops more intimately, or not, as time goes on.”
“Jason, I want you to take me home.”
“Freya, what’s wrong?”
“I realize I have been practically throwing myself into your arms since I met you and I’m scared I’m going to push you away. You told me about your money tonight and it scares me. Now I’m afraid you’re going to start thinking I’m some gold dinger after the good life and don’t lov… like you. I don’t want you thinking of me as some cheap slut. Besides, this dress itches me.”
Jason chuckled. “First, I believe the term you’re looking for is ‘gold digger.’ Second, since the first moment I laid eyes on you, I have been captivated. It wasn’t a moment of instant lust, but intrigue. You have the most beautiful eyes and Raven-black hair I have ever seen. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the rest of the package is pretty damn incredible either. I’m not rushing into anything just to become intimate and notch my bedpost. I’ll take you home, but only so you can change into something comfortable. I don’t want to put you into a situation to where you are not comfortable with me and you decide to take off that beautiful dress just because it itches.”
“They rode for a couple of minutes when Freya said, “Pull over into that service station!”
Jason pulled over and Freya took her clutch purse inside and came out a couple of minutes with two Cokes and two bags of peanuts. She got back into the truck and set one of the sodas on the floor, ripped open a bag of peanuts, poured them into the Coke and handed it to Jason. She repeated her actions then took a drink, chewing the peanuts she drew through the neck of the bottle.
“Now I’m comfortable.” Frey said, smiling. “Take me home and let me change clothes.”
Jason smiled, took a drink of the Coke/peanuts and pulled back on the highway.
When they got to Freya’s house, she got out of the truck and said, “Wait for me. I’ll be right back!”
When Freya went into the house, her Mother was still up.
“Freya, it’s early. Is everything all right?”
“Couldn’t be better Momma. I’m just going to change out of this dress. Jason and I are going to talk. Don’t worry, I’m not spending the night with him, but I may be back late.”
”God! This man is too good to be true!”
True to her word, Freya was back quickly and jumped into the truck. She had changed into jeans, a light crew-neck pullover and a puffy vest.
“Okay my Prince, take me to your castle!”
Jason chuckled, then backed out and turned around. They were at the security gate in a few minutes and slowly drove down to the trailer. Jason got out and opened her door and let her inside.
“Do you want something to drink?” Jason asked.
“Maybe a glass of ice water. That Coke was awfully sweet.”
“Coming right up.”
Jason took off his blazer and draped it across a chair and got two glasses down. Freya watched as he filled them with ice then filled the glasses with water from a big silver thingy.
“What is that you’re getting the water from?”
“It’s a British Berkefeld water filter. I don’t always know the quality of the water I fill my fresh water tank with so I filter my drinking and cooking water. Taste it.”
Freya took a sip. “It tastes like spring water!”
Jason sat down at one end of the couch and leaned back into the corner. “So you weren’t comfortable with getting dressed up tonight?”
“Well, yes and no. I thoroughly enjoyed going out with you but for some reason that dress didn’t seem right. I haven’t worn anything like that since my prom night in high school. I think I dress well enough but I’m just not used to getting all dolled up. For you, I made the effort.”
“Well, you impressed me. The food was good though.”
“It was delicious!” Freya replied.
Jason held out his hand to her and she scooted over to him. He put his arm around Freya and she laid her head on his chest and sighed. Neither said a word for a few minutes, just enjoyed the contact with each other.
They sat and talked until almost three in the morning when Jason took her home. They hesitantly kissed goodbye on Freya’s porch. Jason started back to his truck when Freya called out:
“Jason, would it be all right if I came out tomorrow….I mean this afternoon and we could take a walk or something?”
“Sure! Maybe I’ll give you your Christmas present.”
Freya’s eyes got large. “Okay.”
“Call me before you get to the gate and I’ll come get you.”
“Good night Jason.”
“Good night.”
Jason was up at six and had his pushups, sit-ups and run done by 7:30. He sliced a Honeydew melon and had eggs, toast, melon, coffee and three glasses of water. Getting together his dirty clothes, he did a load of laundry. The septic people were coming tomorrow and would have the tank in in no time. Jeremy said the well driller very well could have the well in within a day, the water table being easy to reach through the limestone. Jason really liked this part of the country. The people were great and laid-back, Jason thought, as he ran a dust mop over the hardwood floors and wiped everything down. Jason got out his camera and charged the battery packs. He wanted to take some pictures his afternoon, especially of Freya.
Freya called at 1:30 and said she was on her way. Jason hurried to his truck and went to wait at the gate. It wasn’t long before she showed up and before she reached the gate he had it opening. He followed her on down to the trailer. She parked and got out of her car, grinning from ear to ear.
“Well, don’t you look chipper.” Jason said.
“Of course I am! Are you going to show me the lake?”
“Sure, There’s not much to see yet but I’ll show you what there is. It’s a little chilly out so I think I’ll give you your gift first.”
They went inside and he had her wait while he went into the bedroom. Her eyes shined when he handed her the wrapped gift box. She cooed over the hat, scarf, gloves and socks.
“I’ll put the socks away, but I’ll wear everything else on our walk."
Jason got his camera and as they walked the edge if the lake bed, he was taking some really good candid photos of Freya. One was of her standing on the dam, looking out across the acre of water that had pooled up. The breeze had lifted her hair on the right side, fluttering around her shoulders. He was going to frame that one. They went back the same way. The way they came, was a mile and a half from the trailer to the dam. When they got back, Freya asked to use the restroom and Jason guided her back. He went back to the kitchen, fixed a snack tray and opened a bottle of wine. Freya finished up her business, washed her hands and was leaving the bedroom area when she walked by Jason’s opened closet door.
“Where did you get all these nice clothes?” Freya asked.
"I had a friend that went to Vegas and picked up a hooker. When I went, I replaced my wardrobe."
Freya giggled. “I hope your friend’s taste in women was as good as your taste in clothes.”
Jason shrugged. He set the snacks on a folding table in front of the theater seating and poured the wine.
Freya and Jason looked through the photos in the digital camera.
“These are good but this isn’t fair. All the pictures are of me. I want one of you and one of us together.”
“What makes these photos good is you aren’t paying attention to the camera. Those make the best photos. I have a tripod. I can take a picture of us that way on the timer.”
Freya stood up with the camera. “Let’s go outside.”
Freya had him walking along the wood line as she took pictures of him. When she was satisfied, Jason got his tripod out and set it up in the pavilion. They sat on the picnic table and took several photos. They went back inside and Freya picked out the photos she liked and saved them to a flash drive. Freya knew of a place she could get them printed and framed.
“What do you normally do Sunday afternoons?” Jason asked.
“Study, read a book, anything to take my mind off the football games Daddy watches without fail. He’s a little hard of hearing so the volume is always up.”
“That sounds exciting. I hope this isn’t boring for you.”
“Not in the least. This has been relaxing.”
They sat the rest of the afternoon snacking, talking and sipping wine.
“What are you doing Christmas day?” Freya asked.
“Well, they are having a big dinner over at the Lodge.” Jason said. “Would you like to come?”
Freya frowned. “I always eat with my parents. Could you come over after your dinner? I have your present under the tree.”
“Sure, what time?”
“Maybe around 4:00?”
“Sounds good.”
“If you give me your favorite picture you took of me, I could get it framed with the rest.”
Jason went back to the computer and copied the picture if Freya with her hair blowing in the wind onto the thumb drive and gave it back to her.
“Let me know what it cost and I’ll pay you.”
“This has been great, but I need to go help Momma get Daddy ready for bed. Aunt Janey usually helps but she went to Branson this weekend to see the Christmas shows.”
“Well, thank you for coming. You brightened up what could have been a boring Sunday afternoon.”
Freya stepped up to Jason and kissed him softly on the lips. “I hope there will be many for like it.”
Jason walked her out to her car and they kissed goodbye. As Freya started up her car, she rolled the window down. “How do I get out of the gate?”
“Just pull up slowly and it will open by itself.”
Jason watched as she drove slowly out of sight up the lake road.
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