The Shadetree Mechanic

[papaof2]

I've been working on this story for about 3 years and my muse has simply disappeared. I'll post the 22 chapters that are complete but it may never be finished.

The Shadetree Mechanic

Chapter 1


This story Copyright © by the author as of first date of posting or publication.


Friday, 6 June, 12:40PM


"Jack!  Lunch!"


Pop!  Pop!  Chug!  Sputter!


"It almost started that time.  Ten more minutes, Cindy!"

"That's what you said ten minutes ago, Mr. Wilson.  And ten minutes before that."

"And it almost started this time, Mrs. Wilson.  Just a tweak on the mixture screw and I'll try again.  At least I'm using the cordless drill to spin it instead of the rope starter."


Pop!  Chug!  Chug!  Purr!


"That's all the noise it makes?"

"It's just five horsepower and it's an old engine that uses points and a condenser instead of electronic ignition.  Being in the sound control box with rock wool insulation for heat and sound, plus having the air intake and outlet padded with rock wool and those making 90 degree turns absorbs a great deal of the noise."

"Your power failure insurance for pumping water?"

"And for limited other power if the spare 105 amp alternators wrapped in some recycled copper foil survive an EMP or solar flare."

"We'd get how much power from this one?"

"Rule of thumb is 746 watts per horsepower and the car alternators are about 55% efficient so 5 * 746 * 0.55 = 2051 watts.  2051 / 14 volts = 146 amps.  We're not getting the 210 amps the pair of alternators are rated at because we're limited by the size of the engine.  A seven horse engine should get the output up to 205 amps and 2872 watts at 14 volts but the alternators only produce full power when they're cold.  Hot output with the bigger engine would be something less than 2800 watts.  Maybe 85% of that?  With the five horse engine, the ballpark power is 1800 to 2000 watts depending on how good the used engine is and the actual efficiency and operating temperature of the alternators."

"Estimated fuel usage?"

"Maybe three hours per gallon at full load?  When we're in 'Wait until daylight' mode we'd be at about 700 watts when the central heat is on - but that's usually less than six hours out of 24 - and 200 watts when it's off so at least twice the runtime and possibly better because I added an Arduino and a servo for throttle control and the Arduino tracks the battery voltage and the time in bulk and absorption charging and then holds the batteries at float voltage during the day if there is no sun and at 12.8 volts at night by adjusting the engine speed and thus the alternator output.  It also monitors the load on the battery bank and increases the engine speed when the amp hours used take the battery bank below 80% State of Charge (SOC).  Probably not as efficient as a purpose-built inverter generator but it does do 'smart' throttle control to improve fuel economy more smoothly than the AC generators with 'load control' that go to idle unless there's enough load to go back to full speed.  Sometimes those only need a few watts of load to have the engine at full speed which, while better than the engine always being at full speed, aren't truly a 'smart' solution.  I can give you a good answer in a few hours as there is an inline all-in-one power monitor with volt, amp, watt, watt-hour and amp-hour metering capabilities and I have just the "Wait until daylight" items on the backup system with this junkbox DC generator powering the inverter and keeping the battery bank topped up."

"That sounds almost as efficient as some of the inverter generators and it's about the same wattage.  How much did it cost?"

"Engine from an old yard vacuum in the free section of Craig's List.  Used alternators $30 each in the automotive section of Craig's List.  $22 for the engine pulley from surpluscenter.com.  $12 for the belt from Advance Auto.  Two by four lumber and plywood for the box, plus the rock wool, in the free section of Craig's List.  $7 for the cooling fan at Goodwill.  About a gallon of gas to make the pickups of the various pieces.  Plus about four hours of my Saturday."

"Less than $100 isn't bad.  When you're not repairing someone else's older vehicles or equipment with payment in cash, food or their labor hours, building things for us is a good use of your time.  If the gas tank is full, come eat."

"As soon as I lock the door on the sound control box.  The chain to the ground anchor is already in place."

"This generator won't 'walk off'?"

"Only with a lot of help.  If it does 'walk off', there are short range transmitters on two different frequencies and a cell phone that can 'call home' with the GPS coordinates.  Those will be triggered every five minutes if the door lock is forced, the chain is cut or the starter cord is pulled without having the key to turn off the alarms.  The final location of the 'walked off' generator might also be the whereabouts of a number of other items that have gone missing from various properties out here."

"You'll give the Sheriff the coordinates."

"Better that he organize a posse - or maybe the SWAT team - than me going in alone.  Although I could pick people off from a distance until I liked the odds.  With the current unstable political and economic situation, that might be a real option in a few weeks."

"No argument on the situation but do you have that much ammo for the .50?"

"Couple thousand rounds, which should be more than enough.  However, we're taxpayers so first Sheriff Paul Lawson gets an opportunity to earn his salary."

"Would he have you leading them there?"

"Possibly.  Wouldn't be the first time I had more firepower than his people did."


---


"Daddy, can we go shooting today?"

"Yes, Sarah.  You and Lucy have both been very consistent with proper handling of the plastic pistols so I'll add handguns to the rifle and shotgun time today.  Tomorrow we'll do more on the unarmed self defense lessons."

"We get pistols today?"

"Lucy, when did I say you get a handgun?"

"I show you I can handle it safely and hit the target when I shoot it.  Today I get to try hitting the target 'cause I got the 'handle it safely' part right yesterday and the day before."

"Very good, smart girl."

"I like being your smart girl!"

"Me too!"

"Just remember that the 'handle it safely' applies any time you have a weapon in your hand.  While we eat, I want each of you to tell me what we need to take to the range.  When I point to you, tell me one thing.  I'll go back and forth until you name everything or you run out of answers."


---


"Daddy!  I know I'm taking myself to the range!  Why do I hafta tell you?"

"Lucy, I want you to remember who will be at the range so you'll have that reminder of how many people should be behind the firing line before you shoot."

"That is important.  I'll add 'myself' to my list."

"It's OK, Lucy.  Daddy caught me on that last year.  See?  It's down at the bottom of my paper list."


---


"Can either of my girls tell me why your second pistol target has a much better pattern than the first one?"

"It's like the rifle was, Daddy.  I didn't wait long enough when I started squeezing the trigger and when I pulled it faster I jerked the gun and lost my point of aim."

"Excellent analysis, Sarah.  Lucy?"

"Some of that but the trigger is a lot harder to pull than I thought it would be.  I had to hold it tighter with both hands so pulling the trigger didn't make it move to one side."

"Also excellent analysis.  I have hugs for both my daughters but you won't be getting a handgun for a while."

"But…"

"Girls, watch this video your mother took with her phone.  It's on the laptop."


---


"We're not doing good with where it's pointed when we're excited about hitting in the center of the target."

"Correct, Sarah.  Remember that 'where it's pointed' is the most important thing right now because you don't want a bullet to go in an unintended direction."

"We get more time with the plastic guns?"

"Yes, Lucy.  But that will be tomorrow.  Both of you said you wanted to help give the clothes dryer its birthday present."

"Present?  Oh, I remember.  You replace the seal and the rollers and the belt and stuff every five years and it will be 20 years old tomorrow so we get to help fix it.*  How do you get the cover off?  There aren't any screws on the front or the sides."

"The repair kit comes with instructions.  See if you can figure that out."



"There's no brand on the instructions!  It just says '26 inch dryer'."

"That's because basic clothes dryers are almost identical on the inside no matter what label is on the outside.  Whether Amana or Kenmore, many of the basic dryers are made on the same assembly lines with just some differences in knobs and labels.**  The motor, drum, heater and other parts are identical."

"It says something about using a screwdriver to release a clip.  How do I do that?"

"Why don't we go look?"

"I'll get your toolbo…  It's too heavy!"

"Lucy, that toolbox is 35lbs so it weighs more than half your 56lbs.  Not something you'll be picking up easily with one hand for a while."


---


"Show us how to open the dryer."

"First I unplug it.  You don't want to be working on anything connected to power.  The clips are here and here and when you use the screwdriver to do this - you can lift the top up.  I have some wire to tie the dryer's top to the handles of the cabinet above it so we can get to other things."

"The whole front comes off!"

"That makes it easy to get to things, doesn't it?  See how the belt goes around the tension pulley?  Can you get it loose?"

"If I move the pulley this way, Lucy can get the belt off it."

"What about getting the drum out?"

"Our arms aren't long enough."

"Then I'll do that.  What next?"

"The rollers have little clips."

"Try these needlenose pliers."

"So that's what those are for!"

"You might learn about some other tools while we do this."


---


"It runs so quiet now!"

"Maybe it was time to replace some parts?"

"But it sounds like the new one Melissa Green's momma got last week!"

"Maybe there's a reason I spend $60 or so for parts every five years instead of buying a new dryer?"

"'Cause it's a lot cheaper than a new dryer and you and Momma put the money you didn't spend on the dryer on the house note and that's why the house is paid for."

"And so are the 70 acres of farmable land and the 30 acres of harvestable firewood which include a year-round spring near the top of one of the hills.  All that was also paid for with the money not spent on a new dryer or washer or stove or car…"

"But Momma's car and your truck always work so you don't need a new one."

"How often do I check our vehicles?"

"Two or three times every week.  The oil, antifreeze, tires and a bunch of other things on the laminated list in the glovebox."

"Do you know anyone one else who does that?"

"Grandpa Ed.  Did he teach you, Daddy?"

"He sure did.  He always gave me the opportunity to learn when he worked on things…"

"Like us helping with the dryer!"

"Exactly like that.  Think you could do it next time?"

"I'll be a lot bigger in five years, won't I?"

"You'll be 14 and Lucy will be 13."

"We can do it next time."

"I think so, too, Sarah."


---


"Hello the house!"

"Daddy, why would someone do that instead of coming to the door and knocking?"

"Lucy, maybe they heard us out back at the shooting range and don't know if we might answer the door with a gun in hand?"

"Good reason to call out before you get to the door."

"That's probably Amos Tanner's truck.  Open the door."


"Hello, Mr. Tanner."

"Hi, Lucy.  Is your Dad here?  I have something for him."

"I'm here, Amos."

"Got some stuff in the truck to pay you for fixing the tractor.  There's rice, beans, some .22LR, some 12 gauge 00 buck and an unopened gallon of 90 weight gear oil to replace what you used."

"Thank you, Amos.  Back up to the barn and I'll be out to help you unload."


"Jack, this box is for the ladies but I didn't want the kids to see it."

"'Russell Stover's Dark Chocolate Assortment'.  You do know the way to their hearts, Amos."

"Just a little repayment for the meals we had while Troy and I were learning how to rebuild that engine and transmission.  I know we got a lot more than I can pay for."

"Amos, I have a neighbor who can grow crops that I know nothing about.  I might be asking you for help if things get bad."

"You think that new Chinese flu might get here?"

"By air, we're less than 24 hours away from China.  If no infected people are here yet, the first one could be here tomorrow."

"Then you do think it'll get bad?"

"What I've seen in the news and from some of the online newspapers in Asia, I don't think they acted fast enough to contain it completely.  There's been speculation that the incubation period could be as much as 14 days although the most common figures are two to five days.  There's a very good chance that someone infected and contagious but not yet showing symptoms is on a Chinese container ship that's headed for New Orleans or San Diego as we speak.  What are the odds of that person infecting others on the ship and then all of the infected people from that ship infecting others at the docks?"

"Makes terribly good sense.  I just need to convince Dawn and the kids."

"Go to scmp.com to see what the 'South China Morning Post' has to say and share that with your family.  They're all old enough to understand what's being said."

"I'll do that.  Maybe this payment wasn't as generous as I thought it was."

"It's fine, Amos.  If you also get your family on-board with the idea of N95 masks and nitrile gloves by the time the first case is reported in the US that will be more than enough payment."

"If you're sure…"

"I'm sure.  Go check online and talk with your family.  Do you have a hand pump for your well?"

"We'll lose power?"

"If this spreads as quickly here as it has in China, how long will things keep working if half or more of the workforce is out sick?"

"Not long.  And before you ask, I had the diesel, gasoline and LP tanks filled last month.  Thanks, Jack."


---


* Based on fact.  The Kenmore dryer 40 feet from me at the end of the laundry room will be 20 years old this year - and this year's rebuild kit is in the cabinet over the dryer.


** There are Amana dryers from the same model year as our Kenmore which are identical except for the labels.

[papaof2]

Chapter 2


Friday, 6 June, 6:30PM


"Girls, do you want to help cook?"

"Me!"

"Me too!"

"There's crust to mix and roll out, cheese and pepperoni to…"

"Pizza!"

"Yummy!"


"Mrs. Wilson, do you know any other kids who get that excited about cooking?"

"No, Mr. Wilson."

"Then your lessons for them have been spot on!"

"You goof!"


"We gotta wait 20 minutes while it bakes?"

"Lucy, that's what the recipe says and both of you inhaled this pizza the last time you made it so the recipe must be correct."

"I remember it's yummy!  I just don't wanna wait."


---


"They're both asleep, Jack?"

"After a second chapter of 'Dr. Doolittle' and a second goodnight kiss.  I wonder how much Amos' tone of voice when discussing the new flu contributed to their 'Too scary!' responses about having the lights off in their bedroom?  Let's give them 30 minutes to be sure they're asleep before I play what I recorded from Fox News during supper and the bedtime story.  The promos looked to be very bad news."

"For us?"

"For China specifically and the world generally but not as much for those who are or can be self-sufficient."

"So at least a ten acre homestead here?"

"Unless you have five perfect acres and your own year-round spring-fed stream."

"We do have the stream and somewhat more than five acres.  Not sure if I want to watch or just let you give me the synopsis after I get a cup of chamomile tea."

"Sit with me and I'll hold your hand."

"That sounds like a first date."

"New relationships need a gentle introduction and exploration and so does this.  Go get your tea."


---


"Your synopsis, Jack?"

"Cindy, the Chinese bio-weapons complex appears to have let another 'flu' escape and it is devastating their people.  The number of container ships in service is down 40% from what it was two months ago.  The promised delivery time for electronics - cell phones, laptops, big TVs, etc. - has more than doubled in that time frame.  A third of the Chinese delegation to the UN went home two months ago for 'family medical emergencies' and none have returned.  Those still here are now refusing to return to China.  There is speculation that they won't have enough healthy people to harvest or transport this year's rice crop which could lead to mass starvation.  Surveillance video from some of the container ports has what looks like Ebola victims on a few of the Chinese ships.  The containers with blood or other bodily fluids on them that are offloaded are being washed down with firehoses but that isn't an anti-bacterial or an anti-viral so it's just getting surface dirt and wouldn't affect any infection that might be present."

"So what could they do with those containers to make things better?"

"Take the ship to the Equator and leave it in the sun for a couple of months?"

"Sunlight is the best non-human-intervention anti-viral and anti-bacterial agent.  But what about containers other than the outside layer?  Or the dark side or sides of any container actually exposed to the sun?"

"I didn't say it was a perfect or even a good solution but it's the one most likely to be implemented because it seems 'easy'."

"Easy path to a false sense of security.  We'll be in nitrile gloves and N95 masks soon?"

"As soon as we know the new flu is active within an hour's drive of us.  Even that might not be soon enough so we also watch for any reports of new or suspicious illness in or near a port city or a city with an international airport."

"We tell the girls in the morning?"

"Maybe have comfort food for breakfast and then tell them, Mrs. Wilson?"

"Waffles with maple syrup, peanut butter or Nutella™ plus hot chocolate, Mr. Wilson?"

"I could go for some of those comfort foods for a midnight snack right now."

"You goof!  Get the jar of Nutella and a small spoon.  Just one spoonful, or the sugar high will have you awake until 4:00AM."

"Regretfully, you're probably correct."

"So where's your list for the 'China stops exporting goods' event?"

"In the 'Situations' binder, under 'C' for 'China' and also under 'E' for 'Exports that affect us'.  Lots of clothing and footwear come from China, in addition to the electronics, some tools and some small engines.  Plus other countries move containers to the same ports the Chinese do, so any given Chinese container ship could have cargo from or to half the world's countries."

"The new 'flu' could already be active elsewhere."

"It hasn't yet made their local news so not yet on the regional or international news."

"Mr. Wilson, are you anticipating the ships carrying crude oil will not dock at any port that's reported illness?"

"Entirely possible for any of the ships without automated unloading, Mrs. Wilson.  That means the local authorities will try to hide any new illness and thousands could be exposed to the new 'flu' before enough are so seriously ill that the truth is obvious."

"So fuel will become very expensive or unavailable and the power plants that burn oil will rapidly shut down."

"The remaining coil-fired plants are supplied by trains and trains need diesel to move the coal."

"Major power shortages and possibly a grid overload and shutdown without needing any nukes to generate an EMP."

"Simply stopping the supply of fuel, whether oil or coal, causes a major decrease in the capacity of the power grid.  The nuclear and hydro plants will continue to function, as will the natural gas fired plants if there's power for the gas pipelines and the oil-fired plants if there is oil and power for the oil pipelines.  And we're not alone in this.  It's possible every country in the world will lose some portion of their power grid."

"No power at some point along a pipeline means the pipe is empty beyond that point?"

"Correct.  The parts I'd collected to run that old Ford tractor on wood gas could be my next rush project."

"You have enough fuel to run the welder for that?"

"Yes.  Pri-D treated diesel in the 500 gallon tank.  StaBil treated gasoline in the 300 gallon tank and both tanks filled last month.  There is a PTO generator in the barn but that might also work with a waterwheel if it could be geared to get 540rpm to that generator.  Don't know if there's enough water flow from our stream to produce that gen's 10KW rating but even a few hundred watts that's available 24/7 would be very helpful."

"Small amounts of 'always on' incoming power do wonders for extending the runtime of a small solar power system.  Do we have a way to store that power?"

"Maybe if I found a truckload of batteries headed to Advance Auto?  More likely, see if we can set up the 'pump and store' that some hydro plants do each night?  When the electricity usage is low at night, they pump water uphill to some type of storage so the pumped water can provide some of the power during the peak hours the next day.  I'll need to determine how much water is needed hourly to produce those 'few hundred watts' and see how much I can expand the pond.  Even if six hours of pumping only provided four hours of power that would enable us to shift the hours when we can produce the most power to the hours it's most needed."

"We'll need charts of the devices we have and when they can be used."

"After I work out how much hydro power we can generate from the basic stream, then how much the pond can be enlarged, then how much power that additional water could provide and for how many hours.  That needs a spreadsheet and I need to find a source for some large pumps."

"You're good with spreadsheets so do your research and then work out how much hydro power we might have and which hours we might have it."

"As you wish."

"You goof!"


---

[papaof2]

Chapter 3


Saturday, 7 June, 6:15AM


"Good morning, Lucy."

"Good morning, Daddy."

"Good morning, Sarah."

"Good morning, Daddy.  Why the nose kiss instead of the alarm clock?"

"Some bad things are happening in the world that may affect us but we'll have breakfast before we talk about them."

"Breakfast is what Momma calls 'comfort food'?"

"Sarah, are waffles and hot choc…"

"Yes!"

"Potty, wash your hands and get dressed for the day.  Breakfast will be on the table in five minutes."

"I'll be there!"

"Me too!"


---


"Can I have another waffle?"

"Are you able to eat another one, Lucy?"

"May I have half a waffle?"

"I'll take the other half!"


"When you finish, go wash your hands and faces.  Lucy, check your nose in the mirror.  Licking your plate to get the last of the chocolate left evidence on your nose.  Then brush your teeth."

"Then you and Daddy have bad news."

"But you may have a lap while you hear that news."


"I'm done."

"Me too."

"Then pick a lap."

"Lucy always wants Momma's lap so I'll get in Daddy's lap."

"Nice that these girls know each other well and are considerate of each other.  Think I might keep them."

"Daddy!"

"But you do have little smiles."

"You're good at that.  So what's the bad news?"

"Do you remember researching the 2003 'Bird Flu' outbreak for Mrs. Jenkins back in October?"

"I got extra credit for doing outside research and I did it 'cause I was curious how a bird could make a human sick.  The proper name is 'Asian Avian Influenza A Virus' and there are two kinds, H5N1 and H7N9.  Either one can make people very sick!"

"There are reports of a new and much more deadly virus in China and some other places near them.  The autopsy the Japanese did on a crew member of a Chinese container ship…"

"The big ones covered in truck trailer boxes?"

"Correct, Lucy.  That autopsy showed a new virus with traits of both H5N1 and H7N9…"

"It'll kill you really fast?"

"Sarah, that's what the scientists who did the research think.  There have been other signs that there were possible health problems in China because fewer container ships are out making deliveries, production schedules for the laptops and cell phones they make have been extended by weeks and some other items they produce are not available in the usual quantities."

"Lots of people out sick so the work doesn't get done?"

"That's my smart girl.  What things do we use that are made in China?"

"Your laptop.  Your and Momma's cell phones.  You said Mr. Davis' SUV was made there?"

"Yes, some 'US branded' cars are made in China.  Where did your boots come from?"

"They're by the door so I can go look.  Label says 'Made in China'."

"While you're there, what about my L.L.Bean boots?"

"Label has 'Made in Maine, USA'."

"Why the difference?"

"My boots only need to last two years because I'll grow out of them after a year and Lucy after the next year.  You're not growing so you'll be wearing your boots for a lot of years."

"Very good.  If we had nine kids, it might be cheaper to buy you very good boots each year and let the other eight kids wear them out over time.  With only the two of you, the bigger feet get new boots each year and those boots get passed down as needed.  In a few years we won't be doing that…"

"When I'm 14 or 15 and my feet aren't growing."

"Yes, smart girl.  Somewhere around those ages we'll be buying good boots that last a lot of years.  Related question: where do our clothes come from?"

"Goodwill!"

"We do get some clothes from there, Lucy, because $9 a pair for 'nearly-new' work jeans that may wind up with mud, manure or paint on them makes much better sense than paying ten times that much for jeans with a 'name brand' label.  But where are those clothes made?"

"Girls, there's dirty laundry in the basket by the washing machine."

"OK, Momma.  Malaysia.  Thailand.  China.  None of these were made here!"

"So how did they get from the country of manufacture to the US?"

"A container ship?"

"This chart I found online lists the container ships by country.  Who has the most capacity for moving things?"

"That's the 'TEU' number?"

"Yes, Sarah.  'TEU' is the abbreviation for 'twenty-foot equivalent unit' or the basic twenty foot long container, although we probably see more forty foot containers."

"China has the most.  If the Chinese are sick, they won't be moving things for other countries either.  We'll be naked?"

"I think you need a hug.  Where did your costume for the school play come from?"

"Momma made it."

"Did it fit OK?"

"It was the best costume anyone had!"

"So maybe clothes aren't a concern for a while?"

"As long as we have fabric and zippers and buttons and elastic and needles and thread and a sewing machine that works.  If people here get that flu, will things stop working like in China?"

"They could, but I want you to think about what other people make for us."

"We buy groceries."

"What do we buy, Lucy?"

"Salt.  Sugar.  Flour.  Cornmeal.  Spices.  Some veggies and fruits we don't grow."

"How much of our pantry is dedicated to those things?"

"Not much, other than flour and corn meal.  Most of it is stuff we grew and canned or dried - and we got a bunch of stuff in the freezer!  Will we have 'lectricity if a lot of people get sick?"

"Where do we get our electricity now?"

"From the outlet in the wall."

"I think there's a better answer than that.  Sarah?"

"The outlets get their electricity from the Lee County Electric Co-op, 'cause that's what's on the trucks when they come out to fix things after a storm.  But I got to help Daddy put little solar panels on the equipment shed and they charge the batteries that run the LED lights in there.  If we had enough panels and batteries and stuff, we could do the house and the barn and make our own electricity when the sun is shining."

"Very good, smart girl.  Also good that you remembered the 'if' of having all the equipment to be able to make our own power.  There are some trade-offs, because you need to know how much electricity your solar panels can make, how many hours you have enough sun to make power, how much power you need to store in batteries to cover the hours when you don't have sun and that's not just at night because a cloudy day or having snow on the panels could mean you don't have enough sun to meet your power needs for the day."

"Lots of big batteries?"

"That's the usual way of having autonomy."

"Auto-named-who?"

"I'll spell it: a-u-t-o-n-o-m-y.  That means having enough power stored to cover the hours or days you don't have sun.  It could be having batteries to store the power not used each day but it could also mean having a generator powered by gasoline or diesel or propane or even a waterwheel.  It might mean dropping back to using less power than you're accustomed to which could be as simple as unplugging the cable box and not letting it use power when you're not watching TV.  Right now, we're just doing 'what if' speculation because we don't have the money to install solar power for the house and the barn and the yard lights.  I was able to barter time and goods for most of what was needed for the solar backup system so I'm not out in a thunderstorm or seven inches of snow getting a generator going but powering the entire house takes many times more equipment."

"It's 'spensive?"

"Very expensive, Lucy.  For the equipment shed, it was cheaper to build a small solar system than to run conduit out there and use waterproof underground wiring when the electrical code requires the wiring to be so deep in the ground under areas that get traffic from heavy equipment."

"Some of the old stuff you fix for other people."

"Correct, Sarah."

"But you being able to fix stuff means we don't hafta buy much or buy it new."

"Correct.  That's another reason the farm and everything on it are paid for."

"So we always have a place to stay."

"Yes.  Always."

"Can I nap in your lap?"

"I think both of our girls might feel better after a short nap.  Snuggle in."


---


"Amazing how a 20 minute nap rejuvenates them."

"Cindy, that's 20 minutes of being held while they nap.  Nothing better than body contact for enhancing their feelings of 'safe and secure'."

"And the unarmed self defense lessons plus firearms training certainly don't hurt."

"I can't be with my girls - including you - 24/7 but I can teach some of the things I've learned and the more you know…"

"'The safer you are.'  I absolutely agree with what you're teaching.  You'll start Lucy on field dressing animals when you take her hunting next week?"

"Of course.  We'll be looking for rabbits because they're easier to skin than squirrels."

"And I'll be teaching her fried rabbit and rabbit stew."

"Unless you want to swap teaching chores."

"I'm aware that either of us could teach either set of skills but she needs more 'woods time' and you're more silent than I am."

"Then that's what we'll do.  I should get back to work on the wood gas generator for powering the old tractor."

"Lunch in three hours.  I'll have the girls help with some comfort food for adults."


---


Ring!  Ring!


'Wilson residence.  This is Sarah.'

'Sarah, it's Sam Davis.  I need to speak with Jack.'

'Mr. Davis, he's in the equipment shed working on the tractor.  If you're not in a hurry, I can take a message and he'll be back inside in an hour or so.  Or I can go get him.'

'It would be a very long message so probably best if you go get him.'

'Yes sir.  Be right back.'


"Daddy, Mr. Davis is on the phone.  I offered to take a message but he said it would be a long message so I should get you."

"Thank you, Sarah.  Let me turn the welder off and I'll go speak with him."


'This is Jack.'

'Jack, I know you don't usually work on Sundays, but a tree fell on a house I bought recently for high-end rental property and it needs a new roof…'

'I don't do roofing.'

'I know that, but the undamaged part of the roof has a huge solar system and it needs to be removed with minimum damage to that part of the roof and I need the equipment and batteries out of the house.  I have a crew from Thompson Roofing available tomorrow to do the removal of what's on the roof and I'll pay you $150/hour to supervise that removal.  If you want the solar equipment, it's yours as I don't have anyone who knows what to do with it and the landfill quoted me $2.25/lb to take it - and some of those batteries are huge!'

'Why the rush?'

'The house has original hardwood floors, heart pine paneling in several rooms and some incredible hand-carved crown molding that I couldn't afford to replace even if I could find replacements.  I need to protect all that from the three days of rain in the forecast starting Tuesday afternoon.  Thompson guarantees they can replace the entire roof before noon Tuesday if the equipment on the roof is cleared tomorrow.  I'll text the location.'

'OK.  I'll need to drive over and check how much is on the roof and how it's mounted, plus how big the other equipment actually is and whether I can move it in the pickup or if I'll need a trailer.  Any rush on getting the equipment out of the house?'

'I have a cleanup crew coming in Wednesday to wash walls and wax floors in the main area and a crew to patch and paint where the solar equipment was on Thursday.'

'I'll text you with a time estimate after I check things today.'

'Thank you.  You're also on the clock today, including driving time.'

'Thank you.'


"Free solar equipment, Daddy?  How much power?"

"Sam said the system was 'huge' but most people who aren't knowledgeable about solar power have no idea how big an 'adequate' solar system is for a typical house.  I need to see it to determine how big it actually is."

"Worth getting to be able to power this house?"

"Most likely, love.  Even if all the batteries are dead, what he's paying me to supervise the removal would buy enough additional batteries to increase the 'Wait until daylight' system's runtime to something over 24 hours and we'd probably have enough additional solar panels and charge controllers to keep that size battery bank charged.  Sam does have a tendency to exaggerate and he uses 'huge' more any other two people I know.  If he'd let me set a price after I saw the place, I probably wouldn't have asked over $100 an hour but he set the pay so I'll accept it."

"Can we go see?"

"Yes, Lucy.  We might as well make this a family outing.  I don't immediately recognize the location Sam sent but I'm rarely involved with new properties so this could be something that was built recently."

"We go armed?"

"Your Momma and I with handguns.  The two of you with your rifles."

"Sarah, can you reach my rifle?"

"Here, Lucy."

"Thanks."


---

[papaof2]

Chapter 4


Saturday, 7 June, 9:50AM


"'MacLaren Preserve'?  Did someone buy and rehab the old MacLaren family place?  That thing's more than a hundred years old - maybe 150? - and they just kept adding on as they had kids and grandkids.  Owning the sawmill meant they were among the richer families in the area."

"Daddy, you sure do know a lot of history!"

"One of my great-great-great-grandfathers was a MacLaren but was disowned when he married a woman from Mississippi.  Most of the family was strictly a 'We're from Alabama' clan."

"So your line never had wealth?"

"Cindy, that great-great-great-grandfather started a very successful general store which then became 'Mac's Hardware'."

"That's where the County Historical Society is now."

"Yes, love.  One of his descendants was a very unsuccessful gambler and embezzled the company dry before losing the building in a poker game."

"So not all who inherited wealth could keep it?"

"Correct.  I did inherit my Dad's mechanical abilities and I've managed to keep them."

"Keep and enhance.  I've heard him compliment you on doing things he never thought of attempting - especially some of the ways you've been able to move immovable objects like a non-running CAT D-8 dozer."

"Just seemed like the easiest way of doing things."

"Easy for someone who thinks way outside the box.  I think Sam may have been right - this entire side of the roof is covered with solar panels!"

"I brought an extension ladder so I'll check the labels on a couple of panels to get their wattage.  Girls, I want each of you to count to number of rows and the number of panels in each row and write that down for me.  Pencils and paper in the door pockets."


---


"And the panels are?"

"Jinko 250 watt panels, love.  I have a couple of these and I know they can deliver 235 watts in backyard sun so they are very good panels.  Sarah, how many panels?"

"Two rows with 20 panels in each row."

"Lucy?"

"Same, but there are some on the end of the house.  Two rows of ten panels."

"Jack, why would they do that?"

"The small array faces East to get some level of power as soon as there's sunlight in the morning.  The big array faces South to get power most of the day.  I need to see what's in the power room."


Batteries are Trojan L-16 AGM.  Be nice if the charge controllers have been on and the batteries have been getting proper charging.  Tap a button on one of the Outback charge controllers and the display shows the voltage is 58.6.  Need the data sheet for these batteries to know what the float voltage should be, but 58 point something is probably a ballpark value for a "48 volt" battery bank.  Knowing that each Jinko panel has a Voc of 37.5 volts, the safest connection for the Outback Flexmax inverters is three panels in series for 112.5 volts (recommended Flexmax limit is 145 volts).  That would mean 18 of the 20 panels on the East end and 39 of the 40 panels on the South side would actually be wired.  They could have wired four panels in series and lived close to the edge, with the Flexmax simply shutting down when the solar voltage exceeded 145 volts in cold weather.  I'll have to do a little more research on that.  Maybe there is a system diagram in this cabinet?  


A four inch binder with "Solar Power" on the front and spine in the top drawer of the file cabinet and the original manuals for the charge controllers, inverters, breaker panels, transfer switches and the batteries are in the other drawers.  I'll take the binder home and do some reading.  Looks like one of the 10KW inverters is still on.  10KW?  That could run most of the house and there are three of them!  Maybe one each for house, barn and spare?  Need to know what the active inverter powers before starting the shutdown and disassembly so I'll need to see which breaker panel that inverter feeds.  How big is the battery bank?  The L16 is a 6 volt, 370AH battery so eight of them in series for a 48 volt system.  The bank has 32 batteries which makes it four strings of eight batteries which add up to 1480AH.  Best practice is usually no more than two strings in parallel.  Do I re-use this as-is or make some changes?  Need to think about that.  With 15,000 watts of solar panels, 1480AH should be good for three or four days with no sun in the summer and one or two days in winter with our normal loads.  Dropping back to "Wait until daylight" mode might give us a week of autonomy.  Need to do some measurements at the house to see what we could do with this much power and whether the controllers and the battery bank could be split to have decent power in the barn.  Who owes me a favor that would extend to helping put 60 solar panels up on the house and barn?  Maybe put all the panels on the South side of the barn roof and the equipment in the one finished room in the barn and just run split 240 volts AC back to the house and some wiring for monitoring the controllers and inverters?  Need to sketch that out…


"Jack?  Jack!"

"Sorry, Cindy.  I was deep in thought."

"I could tell when neither girl's 'Daddy' got a response.  Can they use the toilets?"

"Turn a faucet to check whether the water is on.  If it is, use them and then they can wash their hands with cold water.  If not, the outhouse is behind the garage because I can see it from this window.  In any case, take this bottle of hand sanitizer and the roll of paper towels with you."


After the second flush, the well pump started to refill the pressure tank because the inverter's load went up to several hundred watts.  The inverter's metering doesn't respond fast enough to see the pump's start surge but that's OK.  I'm thrilled to soon have an off-grid power system that can probably run everything except the clothes dryer and it won't be running the dryer because that 5600 watts is much better used when spread out over time to run the fridge, the freezer and the well pump.


"Jack, they're done."

"I may have to poke their bellybuttons to check that."

"Bellybuttons, Daddy?"

"You do know how babies are made in an oven in Heaven and an angel checks them with a finger poke to the tummy and the angel says 'You're done!' and that's how you got your bellybutton?"

"You're silly!  That's not how babies are made or how we get a bellybutton."

"But my version makes you smile."

"It does.  Can we help here tomorrow?"

"Now, girls…"

"Cindy, they actually can help.  It won't be fun but it's something that needs doing.  There are fasteners that hold the racks to the roof and the solar panels to the racks.  The people taking things apart will try to catch all the fasteners as they are removed but some will get away from them, slide or roll down the roof and end up on the ground near the house.  After the people on the roof finish a section, I want you two to pick up all the hardware and put it in a bucket so we'll have that hardware when we start putting the system back together at our house."

"That'll be boring."

"Sarah, there are several reasons I started the description with 'It won't be fun'.  Bending over and checking for nuts and bolts in even short grass is slow and not comfortable.  However, it's important for two reasons.  It's important for us so we'll have all the pieces to put the system back together.  It's important when the next person cuts the grass here so the mower doesn't throw random hardware at people or through a window."

"It really is important!"

"That's why I asked my responsible daughters if they wanted to help."

"Show us what we'll be looking for."

"Back in the equipment room.  The spare parts are in this rack of bins so you'll be looking for bolts like these, nuts like these and washers like these.  Just remember that things sitting out in the weather for months or years won't be shiny like these are."

"More like the bolts in the wheelbarrow's bottom?"

"Correct.  Still want to do boring things tomorrow?"

"Un huh."

"Me too."


---


"How much will fit in the truck and how much on the trailer?"

"Love, the controllers, inverters and associated breaker panels are on a piece of plywood that's about three feet high and six feet long.  That will fit in the bed of the truck.  The longest piece of the mounting racks for the solar panels is 12 feet, so better if it's on the 6' x 12' trailer.  The Jinko panels are 65 inches long and 39 inches wide so they can be put on the trailer on edge with cardboard between them to protect the cells.  I could also move panels in the bed of the truck but probably best to move the equipment panel and the wiring in the truck's bed and the racks on the trailer and then come back for the panels, putting a third of them in the truck's bed and the rest on the trailer.  Then come back for the batteries and their racks.  A group of batteries in the truck's bed with spacing that allows the legs of one rack to also be in the bed and the other two racks on the trailer with the rest of the batteries."

"We have a place for these at the house?"

"Initially the unused horse stalls in the barn.  Things can be put in there in the same orientation as in the truck's bed or on the trailer so it will just be 'pick up, move, put down' to get them from point A to point B.  Later I'll mount the equipment in the small finished workshop area where the barn's breaker panel is.  The batteries can also go there as AGM batteries don't need the large amount of ventilation that flooded batteries do."

"The girls can help move things?"

"Maybe some of the smaller wiring and some of the remote monitoring equipment.  The batteries are 58lbs each.  Lucy couldn't move my 35lb toolbox with one hand so I don't think she could carry her 29lbs of a battery very far.  The solar panels are 40lbs each.  They might be able to move one solar panel at a time with one girl on each end but they'd be holding it flat and the girl in the rear wouldn't be able to see where she's walking.  Unless there's a major change in circumstances, I won't be letting either girl do things that might get them hurt."

"I'm good with that.  The removed hardware will need sorting?"

"Yes.  Depending on who is putting things back together it might work best to have the different pieces in separate buckets or it might work best to have a complete bolt set together: bolt, washer, lock washer, nut; maybe in a baggie with all the hardware needed for each panel taped to the frame of the panel?  I'll try putting a couple of panels on a rack while it's at ground level to see which works best."

"Putting the panels on the roof-mounted racks is a two-person operation?"

"Much easier with two people until the first two bolts are secure.  Then one person can do the other two bolts and then torque all four of them.  Probably easiest if I use the Ryobi drill/driver and set its clutch as needed so it's just a quick trigger pull to get the bolts to the right torque."

"You get more done in less time than other people because you think the job through in advance and figure how you can do it with the least effort."

"Maybe I'm lazy?"

"Maybe you're a genius?"

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"Why does Sam want the solar system removed?"

"Possibly a liability issue when he doesn't know the technical abilities of the future renters?"

"They would need to know what not to do when your primary power is solar and that's something most people have zero experience with."

"Correct.  Whatever his reasons, we get a very nice 'payment' for taking care of his 'problem'."

"How much in new cost?"

"Zeiss Battery currently has a system with 10,000 watts of solar panels, one 10kw inverter/charger, 1250AH 48 volt battery bank and the associated interconnect cables, mounting hardware and racking for $39,000.  Easily $50,000 for this system when it was new."

"Nice week's work, Mr. Wilson."

"Thank you, Mrs. Wilson.  And it's a tax free 'payment' because we're clearing out things Sam planned to send to the landfill."


---


11:50PM


Ring!  Ring!


Who's calling at this hour?


Ring!  Ring!


'This is Jack.'

'Jack, it's Oscar Tatum.  I got a big favor to ask.'

'Yes?'

'One of the twins let his girlfriend drive their shared car and she blew the engine on the interstate.  The boys will need that car to get to their summer jobs Monday week and to college in the Fall.  I have a two wheel dolly so I can tow the car to you and I found another of the same year at Wiley's Junkyard that had been rear-ended and totaled and Wiley said he could bring it on the rollback.  Can you swap the engine or engine and transmission and let the boys work it off?'

'They're available to do whatever work I need done?'

'As long as you need them.'

'I have a commitment to Sam Davis for most of tomorrow but I'll call you when I get home and we can make plans for Monday.  The boys will be paying me for my time by installing 15,000 watts of solar panels on the South side of the barn.  I'll be working with them so they get it right but it's something they can include in their job history.  Plan on maybe three days.'

'I have the phone on speaker.  They're OK with however long it takes 'cause they know the car will be done right and anything they learn from you is like getting money.'

'I'll call you late tomorrow.'

'Thanks, Jack.'


"You have workers?"

"Timmy and Tommy Tatum.  One of them let his girlfriend drive their shared car and they think she blew the engine out on the interstate.  Considering the hour, that probably happened shortly before dark as Oscar has already found another vehicle for a donor engine and transmission."

"They install solar panels until it's finished?"

"That's what I said.  Oscar's phone was on speaker and the boys didn't quibble."

"That sounds like he'd already promised them time in the woodshed."

"I wouldn't be surprised.  Oscar stretched himself to get a vehicle that new and that nice for the boys.  I plan to make sure they appreciate the cost to get it repaired so maybe they'll take a little better care of it."

"Two or three days working on a metal barn roof in June in sunny Alabama is punishment?"

"I certainly think so and I said I'd teach them."

"But they can't give up until the 'old man' does and you work outside a lot more than they ever have."

"I do have that advantage."

"I'll tell the girls the details of you getting help but not until the work is done.  At least one girl would be sitting by a window with a glass of iced tea in her hand and laughing at the hot and sweaty workers if they knew beforehand."

"Probably both girls.  Those boys are good at football but they never did anything to endear themselves to the younger kids on the school bus."

---

[gipsy]

Great first run.

[feralferret]

papaof2,

Excellent story so far. Thanks!

[papaof2]

Chapter 5


Sunday, 8 June, 5:10AM


Ring!  Ring!


'This is Jack.'

'Jack, it's Sam.  The NWS is now saying Tuesday morning for the rain.  How early can you start today?'

'Never before daylight when working on a roof.  Sunrise is officially at 5:57AM.  I'll probably be there before the Thompson crew is.  Did they find the bucket truck I mentioned?'

'They got it late yesterday.'

'Then I'll see them when they get there.'


"Sam thinks this is early?"

"Probably.  Having been up since 4:15, I have my lunch and supper in the 12 volt fridge in the truck plus tools, cardboard for solar panel spacers and the big water cooler in the truck's bed and the trailer is hitched and ready to go.  Have the girls finished breakfast?"

"Almost.  Then I'll send them to brush their teeth and get dressed.  I packed lunches and snacks for them and there's chocolate milk in their Contigo mugs.  Your supper is big enough to also feed them if you're there that late.  Pillows, stuffed animals and blankets if they need naps before you return."

"It'll be an hour or maybe two before the crew has the first set of panels and their racks off the roof and it's safe for the girls to start their scavenging.  I might suggest they go ahead and get the first of several naps."

"The way both of them are yawning, I think another hour of sleep would be a good thing."

"Then that’s what I'll do after they meet the crew."


---


"The kids are already tired?"

"No, Alvin Chipmunk…"

"Chapman!"

"That's what I said.  The girls are here with buckets, gloves and magnets but you guys haven't yet gotten the first panel loose so they'll read or nap until they have work to do."


"Jack, I can't get these wires loose."

"You're using the tools I handed out, Cal?"

"Yes, but the connectors won't unscrew."

"Never said they did.  Sarah, can you get this apart?"

"It's easy!  You use the blue thing to press these clips in and just pull the connectors straight out.  Like this."


"You think they've got it now, Alvin Chipmunk?"

"Chapman!"

"That's what I said."


"Daddy, he won't get mad about 'Chipmunk' will he?"

"No, Sarah.  We saved each others' lives in the Sandbox and I've called him 'Chipmunk' ever since.  He also has a name for me but it's not one he'd say in front of children.  You can read or you can nap because it will be at least an hour before it's safe for you to be collecting nuts and bolts."

"Safe?"

"As in the crew has moved to another area of the roof and no more hardware or tools will be sliding down the roof to hit you in the head."

"That big hammer was really loud when it bounced down the metal roof!"

"It was and it sank into the ground far enough to be standing with its handle up.  Think about how much damage that could have done if you had been in its path."

"Lots safer here in the truck!  Goodnight kiss?"

"This time."

"Me too?"

"This time, Lucy."


---


"Daddy, I'm tired of bending over to pick up stuff!"

"Lucy, I told you what you would be doing and how you would be doing it.  You agreed that it was important work and you wanted to do it."

"But…"

"Check your watches.  In ten minutes you may take a 15 minute break.  There are snack bags with your names on them.  You OK for ten more minutes?"

"Yes, Daddy."

"Then you watch the time because I'm needed up in the bucket truck."


"What's the problem, Alvin?"

"I thought these were disconnected but some of the guys are getting shocked on some of the connectors."

"Where are the small tarps?"

"Don't need tarps when there's no rain."

"That's a roofer's comment which doesn't apply to the solar work they're doing today.  Those tarps are to keep the sun off the panels while you disconnect them.  With the inside equipment disconnected, four panels in series can deliver about 150 volts when in the sun.  Those tarps are long and narrow and can cover a group of four panels because these are wired in groups of four."

"I guess that 150 volts does deliver a shock."

"Not if they're wearing gloves."

"They're not doing things as you told them to.  If they're not listening to you there is someone you can tell; Sam just drove in and I think the guy with him is Robert Thompson."

"Time to take this elevator back to ground level."

"I'll meet you down there."


"Wilson, I got calls from four of my people that you have them working on live equipment!"

"Bobby!"

"What, Alvin?  Can't you see this is important?"

"It is important but first use these binoculars and check your crew's hands."

"They're not wearing gloves!  Wilson…"

"Bobby, Jack started the day with a safety briefing on everything from covering the panels with tarps before touching the wiring to wearing gloves to hourly breaks for water.  I don't know where you got this crew, but whatever you're paying them is too much.  You need to apologize to Jack and take control of your crew.  His daughters paid better attention during the briefing than the crew did.  One of those little girls had no problem taking apart a connector one of your people said couldn't be disconnected."

"Damn!  That's what I get for trying to keep my sister's kids fed.  This is her husband's crew and he said they had solar experience and that they took direction well.  Sorry, Jack.  I should have known better when you are involved.  Sam, if Oliver and I can't get this crew doing the right thing in ten minutes, I'll call in my own crew.  I'll eat the cost difference because I know what the weather forecast is."

"Good enough, Robert.  Just so the roof gets done in time to protect the inside."

"It will.  Are we good, Jack?"

"Maybe next time you'll do a little more investigation before assigning blame?"

"Absolutely!  Now to motivate this crew.  OLIVER TROUT!  OVER HERE!  NOW!"


---

"Jack?"

"Yes, Sam?"

"I just wanted to tell you how impressed I was with the way your Sarah handles the phone.  Telling me when you'd be available if I left a message and then going to get you when I told her the message was too long to write down.  I have office staff that doesn't always do things that well.  When she's in high school, do you think she'd consider part time office work in the summer?"

"Thank you for the compliment, Sam.  I'll ask her."


---


"Based on the little progress I see, and the evidence of you not following safety directions, I'm docking all of you two hours' pay as of right now.  You either get your act together and do the work as Mr. Wilson told you or you're off the job.  We have a deadline and that's sundown because you won't be doing this work in the dark.  If you aren't doing what you should be doing and you haven't made adequate progress on the job in an hour, we lose this job and there's already a crew on standby to replace us.  This is the best money we've made in months.  You don't want to be the one the guy with hungry kids is looking for because you cost him food for his kids."


"Jack, those may be the most eloquent words I've ever heard from Oliver.  It might be because he's one of those with hungry kids.  He dropped Lisa and the kids off to spend the day with Uncle Rob and Aunt Charlotte so we fixed breakfast for them - I've never seen kids in single digit ages eat that much!  They all wanted seconds of everything but I took my time making more pancakes so they wouldn't eat so much they got sick.  When I left the house, all three kids were asleep on a quilt in front of the TV.  Reminded me of adults after Thanksgiving dinner."

"Will they be OK for the long term, Robert?  I'm sure you've seen the news about the devastation the new flu is wreaking in China.  Remember that international flights mean the first case in the US is less than 24 hours away from China and that many of the big container ships are Chinese-owned."

"They have maybe 30 acres of farmable land if that old Ford 8N still ran and they had fuel for it."

"Think about the entire sequence of fuel getting to us.  From a well halfway around the world via ship…"

"That's a major problem right there if the Chinese ships bring the new flu to the US ports."

"How quickly would that flu spread from the initial city if the incubation period is a week or more?  Infected people could be out sharing the virus for days before they show any symptoms.  How many businesses would be affected if one infected UPS driver was contagious for a week of deliveries?  How many people would the people working at those businesses infect?"

"Something like the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic?"

"Possibly, but the ability to very quickly spread infection widely could make it a pandemic that rapidly becomes active in every country with a container port or an international airport."

"The end of the world as we know it, Jack?"

"I honestly don't know, Robert.  I do expect things to get worse before they get better.  Getting this solar system is a way to ensure that we have some power if things do go badly.  When you called, I was in the equipment shed welding up a wood gas generator to have an alternate fuel for the tractor."

"Wood gas?  Didn't they do that in WWII?"

"They did, but we have much improved filtering materials so the wood gas that gets to the engine will be much cleaner and the engine should last as long as on gasoline.  We have a large woodlot so I'd be interested in steam power if I could find steam engines small enough to be moved."

"Steam engines, Jack?  I saw a small one somewhere that was for sale or trade and the price was under $500.  I'm pretty sure I took some pictures so I'll check when I get home and see what the dates were and I should be able to tell you where from that."

"Thanks, Sam.  Probably at one of the 'Trade Day' markets you visit out in the boonies every month or so.  Have you seen any waterwheels or water turbines out there?"

"Pictures of an old mill at Trade Day in Collinsville last month.  Even video of the waterwheel turning and the stones grinding corn.  The pond that powers the mill has been polluted by a local company that's gone under and the people that own the property can't afford to do that kind of remediation so they're selling the guts of the mill and letting the property go to the county for taxes."

"How big is the waterwheel?"

"I'd guess about eight feet."

"The grinding wheels?"

"About three or four feet and they have maybe a half-dozen of them.  Would that be for grinding corn versus wheat?"

"Perhaps.  Perhaps coarse versus fine?  I'd have to see them."

"I think the pictures I made are sharp enough to see the details.  I'll email the pix."

"Thanks, Sam."

"You're welcome and thanks for getting this project going.  It seems that Oliver's 'We have an hour or we're fired' has gotten results."

"The pulley system on the bucket truck has had continuous use, with the panels coming off the racks and immediately going to the ground and then to my truck.  The panels on the East end are all down and they're removing the racks.  When they finish that, I'll have the girls scavenging for dropped hardware and tools.  I'll use the binocs to check whether they're patching the holes left by the mounting screws…  Those look OK for a day or two and the new roof should start in the morning."


"Daddy, I'm hungry!"

"Me too!"

"Then now is a good time for us to stop and eat and I'll tell Oliver to have his crew break for lunch when they finish the East roof which should be very soon."


---


6:40PM


"Jack, will you check that everything is done before I send the crew home?"

"Yes, Oliver."

"We can help?"

"Only from the ground, girls."

"But we can't see the roof…"

"If I put a tarp on the seat and open the sunroof, you can stand on the seat and use the binoculars to look at this side of the roof.  I checked the other part of the roof when they finished with it."

"OK."

"There's some stuff by the chimney.  It looks like a long hose all coiled up."

"That's probably some of the 2 gauge wiring that someone wants to sell for scrap."

"They're stealing wire?"

"Sarah, do you remember what happened to that new house about a mile up the road from us?"

"Someone stole the wiring before the sheetrock was up."

"The scrap price for copper is high.  In this case, the value of that big coil of wire is probably in the range of grand theft.  I'll leave it there and call the Sheriff."


Ring!  Ring!


'Sheriff Lawson.'

'Paul, it's Jack Wilson.  I have an excellent candidate for a grand theft level of copper heist.'

'Tell me more.'

'I'm supervising the removal of a large solar system at one of Sam Davis' properties and my girls spotted a "coil of hose" on the roof and partially hidden by the chimney.'

'How much?'

'About $3000 at current replacement cost.'

'Have you told anyone else?'

'The girls know because they spotted it but they won't be telling anyone.'

'You expect someone to return after dark?'

'Yes, because a crew will be here early tomorrow to replace the roof.'

'Then I'll arrange a welcoming party for them.  You're planning to use the removed solar system?'

'Yes.'

'Then I'll have someone available to appraise the wiring tomorrow and you can pick it up Tuesday or maybe sooner.  I'll call you when it's available.'

'Thanks, Paul.'

'Thanks for the heads up.  We've had a number of copper thefts recently and it's likely the same people.  A charge of grand theft means they'll get more than a token bail.'


---


7:10PM


Ring!  Ring!


'This is Oscar.'

'Oscar, it's Jack.  We still have about an hour of daylight if you want to bring the car over now.'

'What about the other car from Wiley?'

'Let me check this engine first.  I'll know what the problems are in less than an hour.'

'The boys can watch?'

'Certainly.'

'Be right there,'



"We can watch too, Daddy?"

"You may, Lucy."

"'May'?  Oh, yeah.  Able to and permission.  I'll get it right next time."


"Where you want it, Jack?"

"Just nosed into the shed is fine."

"You got a lot of test equipment out here."

"I got most of it in payment for cleaning out the old Pure station so they could turn it into a taco stand."

"The 'Taco Ticonderoga'?"

"Yes."

"How'd you get all the gas and oil smells out of there?"

"The building is almost all concrete so I pressure washed it with a mixture of baking soda and Oxi Clean."

"How do you get both of those to dissolve?"

"Hot water, at least 120F.  First the baking soda and then the Oxi.  I mix it in a plastic container using a paint stirrer in the drill.  After the concrete dries for a day or two, everything gets two coats of epoxy primer to seal the surfaces and it's lightly sanded between coats and on the final coat to provide good adhesion for whatever paint they wanted to use."

"Manuel Ortega didn't believe the people who told him you could make the gas and oil smells go away but now he brags about how smart he was to find you because the station is a good location but the property was cheap because of the smells."

"If he's happy, he's a good advertisement for my work."

"So what do you see on the engine?"

"The OBDII connection shows several faults are set but the repeated engine overspeeds and the engine overheat are the ones I need to clear to be able to do further testing."

"You do it with a laptop and that little dongle?"

"And the right software, Oscar.  Some of the basic OBDII software is very reasonably priced but some of the manufacturer-specific software is priced way out of reason.  I've learned how to use some of the basic software to do non-basic things.  Overspeed 3 is reset.  Now overspeed 2.  Now overspeed 1.  Now the overheat.  Now a full fault scan and we wait a minute or two for that to finish."


"And?"

"Couple of minor things, like the 'oil change due' reset that wasn't done at the miles the sticker on the windshield shows and the 'replace coolant' reset that wasn't done when the tag on the radiator's neck says the coolant was changed."

"So, will it run?"

"Try it."

Whir!  Whir!  Purr!

"How much oil will it burn now?"

"I checked the oil and made a picture of the dipstick when I opened the hood.  Let's let it get up to temperature and then let it run 30 minutes and we'll see if there's visible smoke out the tailpipe or if a white card shows oil residue or the level on the dipstick has changed."


---


"You didn't spend even an hour checking it!  I ain't gonna be working in the sun for a couple of days for that!"

"That's what it costs, Tommy.  Oscar, here's a copy of the flat rate manual page for this vehicle.  I highlighted each thing that I did.  Have the boys add this up."


"$1837.50?  Are you sure?"

"Look at the logo and the date on that page.  It's from last year's edition of the Buick Enclave flat rate manual."

"But that's robbery!"

"No, that's having a high tech vehicle that needs high tech test equipment.  Based on those rates, each of you boys owes me $900 and change.  Tom, do you really think you can make $300 a day somewhere else?"

"No sir.  If'n I took it to the dealer they'd've wanted proof I could pay before they even looked at it and they sure wouldn't've had work I could do to pay for it.  I'll do whatever you say."

"Tim?"

"Me too, Mr. Wilson.  We just got a real expensive lesson at a bargain price."

"And you won't be racing Doug Jeffers' Shelby GT350 Mustang again?"

"How'd you…  No sir.  Not racing anybody 'cause you might not have work for us the next time and we'd be on foot."


"Thanks, Jack.  For the repair and for the lesson - and the lessons still to be learned."

"It'll be long, hot days out on that roof but we'll have plenty of electrolyte beverages."

"What my Granddad called 'switchel'?"

"Water, vinegar, ginger, molasses or honey and a few other things that vary by region.  It's the original 'replaces what you sweat out' drink."

"That's what I remember.  It's as good as Granddad thought it was?"

"It is.  We make it by the gallon in the summer.  Lots cheaper than the pretty colored stuff and just as effective.  Some people even use it for digestive upsets.  Have the boys look it up online.  I'm sure they can do that kind of search if you're not comfortable doing it."

"Your girls are probably better at that than I am."

"They just see it as a game they can win or a puzzle they can solve and it's not that much of a challenge."

"To have the unquenchable optimism of youth again."

"I like to think that it rubs off on me every time one of them hugs me."

"It might, seeing as how you always seem to be on the cutting edge of technology."

"I do a lot of research."

"I can tell."

"Remind the boys that we'll start Tuesday morning at 6:30.  We'll stop for an early lunch and then take a break during the hottest hour or so and then work until just before sunset."

"I'll tell them and be sure they're up in time."


---

[papaof2]

Chapter 6


Monday, 9 June, 3:10AM


Bzzt!  Bzzt!


A text?  At 3AM?


It's from Sheriff Lawson.


{Jack, had four people turn up just before 2AM.  Deputy Sims was in the bucket 30 feet up with his scoped .243 deer rifle and a couple of big lights aimed at the roof.  Had pickups in front and rear of the house with armed deputies in the beds and they got up behind the cabs when the lights came on.  Sims had worked for Game & Fish before he joined us and he said it was exactly like spotlighting deer - when the lights came on, the four on the roof froze.  Had to send deputies up to help them down.  Their truck had a lot of new residential wire pieces in the bed.  Looks like your girls get the $5000 reward the insurance company had posted as it was 'to the person or persons whose information leads to the capture of the perpetrators'.}

{Wonder if there's a safe place for that for the next few years?  It might or might not be a good start on college funds.}

{Invest it in animals and crops.  Seeds for human and animal food are investments in the future that have a real potential for growth.  If the banks go under or power mostly shuts down or some or all of the economy goes under, you'll be able to feed them.  Ask Cindy as I'm certain she's been your sounding board for most of what you've done with that place.  Probably three or four days for the paperwork and the check probably made out to you and Cindy as the girls' guardians.}

{'Real potential for growth'?  Groan!  It's way too early in the morning for that level of pun-ishment.  Glad things worked out as they did.  Any others involved?}

{Most of the Hispanics on the crew that was working there today - well I guess that's now yesterday.  We have names for arrest warrants and locations for search warrants.  There might be some level of reward for some of the other stolen items if they're found.  Didn't you have a generator disappear?  As the primary reporters, that $500 reward would also go to your girls.  Maybe buy them cookware for their future homes?  We're still using the set Daisy bought before we were married and that's now 30+ years.}

{Cookware is a question for Cindy, when or if that money materializes.  Yes, I had a Wen 1600 watt inverter gen taken from the truck.  I'll email the serial number later today.}

{I sent a text thinking it wouldn't wake you, so go back to sleep.  Anything else can keep until daylight.}


---


6:40AM


"Breakfast is good, Daddy!  Can we have waffles every day?"

"I think you know the answer to that, Sarah."

"But I'll always ask 'cause they're yummy!"

"Me too!"

"Clear your places, wash sticky hands and faces, brush your teeth and then I have a project that needs some extra eyes and hands."

"Me!"

"Me!"

"First you do all the other things I mentioned.  Then we'll see if you can do what I need help with."

"If I gotta."

"You 'gotta'."



"Why are we taking pictures of the back of the solar panels?"

"Sarah, what writing does the barcode in the corner have on it?"

"'SN' and a bunch of numbers."

"You think that might be the serial number of that panel and the only way to identify it among that group of panels?"

"In all the panels, that's the only thing different?"

"We'll find that out with the other picture, which will be of the panel's specification label.  That label identifies the manufacturer, the model, its power ratings and so forth."

"Together that's a unique identifier - like DNA or a fingerprint."

"Very good.  Having both of those things means I can go online and see if there have been any recalls by the manufacturer or if people have had problems with those panels generally or perhaps only in certain batches but that type of problem would likely affect a specific group of serial numbers."

"And we need to do this today 'cause we might not have the internet tomorrow or the next day."

"That's possible, Sarah.  The internet consists of thousands of computers scattered all over the planet and you don't know where the information you're looking for might be located.  With the stability of power and other things questionable, the sooner we do these checks the more likely we are to find the information we're looking for."

"What about all the stuff that was mounted on the wall?"

"The original manuals for those things are in the big file cabinet I brought home, but I will check for any changes or updates.  But I can be doing those checks while the two of you are making pictures and scanning the barcode with this scanner…"

"Just like at the store!"

"Correct.  One of you takes the picture and the other scans the barcode and then you move to the next panel.  All the panels are leaning against the walls out here so you don't have to move anything to see another panel."

"You said it would take both of us to move these."

"Correct.  Here's a green marker.  Put a letter 'S' on the frame of each panel after you scan and photograph it.  If you stop for lunch…"

"We'll know where we stopped and so will you if we can't help after lunch."

"I love working with my smart girls."


---


"Lunch smells good, love."

"Sausage bean chowder with a side of cornbread.  It seems we never tire of it, whether the cornbread is on the side or your preference of chowder ladled over crumbled cornbread in the bowl."

"Comfort food that one person can put together in 20 minutes and then it simmers for an hour or until we come in to eat."

"If I ever write a cookbook, that recipe will be the first one in the 'Easy Comfort Foods' section."


---


Beep!  Beep!


That's sounds like the email alert.  And it is. A half dozen messages from Sam and all have attachments.  I guess he did find those pictures.  Scroll through them and…  That's about a three horse steam engine and the next one is somewhat bigger.  Maybe a five horse?  From the background, both of these pictures were taken at Trade Day in Collinsville.  

But steam horsepower is usually more effective power than a gasoline engine of the same HP rating.  I wonder how much the big flywheels contribute to that.  My favorite example is a YouTube video* of an "80HP" steam tractor at a tractor pull and it slowly chugs its way past the end of the course dragging the sled through the dirt well past the "300" marker - something you never see from the multi-hundred horsepower competition tractors.  But those "tractors" don't have the weight or the lugged steel wheels that just bite into the dirt and keep going.  Back to Sam's pictures.  Here's the mill.  From the person standing near it, the waterwheel is about eight feet.  Is the pollution in the pond something that can be removed from the wood of the wheel?  If not, the wheel can be the pattern for its replacement and I have some cypress that should survive a long time immersed in water.  This picture is the gearing to turn the stones.  It's all metal and looks to be in good condition.  Contact info at the bottom of this picture: Howard Brown with an address south of Gadsden, email and a phone number.  And the last line is "Make offer".  He probably fed the pond from the stream that runs through the park in the middle of town.  Had the pollution been north of town and affecting the water coming into the park, the city would likely have been suing someone to force a cleanup.  

I need to write an email and make arrangements to go check the pieces.  Maybe Friday if nothing changes?  And discuss prices and benefits with Cindy.  

There are people named "Miller" - or their language's equivalent - in every country because that was an important job - converting corn to meal or wheat to flour for baking bread.  Does our stream have enough flow to spin those stones at the proper speed?  Howard Brown should be able to answer that.  If the flow from the pond isn't adequate, I can raise the dam and the levees to collect enough water to have useful flow.  Can I do that much earthwork with the frontloader and the blade on the tractor?  Jack, first you need to know how much earthwork is needed and then figure out how you'll do it.  It's possible to dig a pond with a horse and a single bottom plow but that would take a long time and requires a plowhorse that you don't have, although there are a few horsedrawn implements at the back of the barn.  Is a horse something else to be looking for while we're out?


---


* www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr8aSBct6pw

[papaof2]

Chapter 7


Tuesday, 10 June, 5:15AM


Beep!Beep!  Beep!Beep!


That's an annoying alarm but the little clock keeps very good time, it nearly always wakes me in less than a minute and it runs for more than a year on one AA cell.*  Oscar said he'd have the boys here at 6:30 so kiss my better half awake.

"Good morning, Mrs. Wilson."

"Good morning yourself, Mr. Wilson.  You were correct.  With the soft earplugs in I didn't hear your snoring or the alarm clock.  And this is a much better wakeup call."

"We have breakfast to make and eat and kids to get started on chores before the Tatum boys get here."

"And I was going to tell you to wake me again."

"Maybe later?"

"I'll take that raincheck.  If things go sideways in the world in general, will we still have things like that alarm clock?"

"Barring a CME or an EMP.  I have rechargeable batteries for every device that uses batteries and solar chargers for the smaller batteries.  Once the big solar system is up and running, the plug-in chargers will have plenty of power to charge all types of batteries - which is why we need to be up and working."

"If I gotta."

"You 'gotta'."

"I was afraid you'd say that."


---


"A car out front this early, Daddy?"

"Sarah, that's Tim and Tom Tatum who'll be helping me put the racks and the solar panels on the barn roof.  Working in the sun on that metal roof is hot work so we're starting early.  I'll need you and Lucy to keep us supplied with electrolyte beverage…"

"The stuff you call 'switchel'?"

"Correct, smart girl.  I think we'll be drinking a lot of it today and tomorrow as the job will take most of two days even with three people working."

"The crew that got it off the other roof only needed a day but there were eight of them."

"There my observant daughter goes seeing cause and effect.  We also don't have the bucket truck they had to get the racks and panels down from the roof so I put the forks on the frontloader bucket to be able to get the big pieces up on the almost flat section of the barn roof and we'll be moving things up from there by hand."

"Two people on all the big pieces?"

"Correct, because it's easier and safer.  I do have the ropes and harnesses but falling and being caught by the harness can leave some painful bruises so we'll be working slowly but steadily and we'll take breaks every hour or so.  I think your Momma might need help with lunch because those two boys will eat like hungry teenagers…"

"Bad pun, Daddy!"

"But probably correct?"

"That too."

"Then you and Lucy have your work assignments that start after your regular chores."

"If we want 'lectricity next month we hafta work on it too?"

"Correct, Lucy.  I love it when my smart girls see things out in the future."


---


"Boys!  Time for lunch!"

"Mr. Wilson, we brought sandwiches and chips."

"The work you've been doing today needs more nourishment than that.  The ladies have a pot of chowder on and there's enough for seconds or thirds if you're that hungry but plan on at least 20 minutes on the porch swing while you let some of that food digest a little so you can get back up on the roof and move 40lb panels."

"Yes sir."


"Miz Wilson, this is so good!  Is there any left?"

"The pot's on the stove, Tim.  Go get as much as you want."

"Thank you!"

"Me too, Miz Wilson!"


"Jack, do you think they'll nap after they eat?"

"They'll probably want to but they won't admit it.  Sarah, Lucy.  No comments from you about how much they're eating.  Remember how hard it was for you to move one of those panels?"

"Un huh!"

"They've put all the racks in place and maybe ten panels.  Would you be hungry if you moved that much?"

"Starved!"

"Remember what I said."

"Yes, Daddy."


---


2:10PM


"Daddy, this is the last gallon of the switchel.  Momma said to ask you if we should make more."

"Yes.  Make as much as you have containers for as we'll go through as much tomorrow as we have today."

"I'll tell her."


"Sarah, thank you for bringing this out to us."

"You're welcome, Tom."


"Mr. Wilson, your girls know more about this than we do.  I always thought younger kids were annoying because they didn't know anything and couldn't do anything but Sarah and Lucy know about lots of things and both of them cooked lunch.  Are all kids like that?"

"Most kids are curious and want to learn, so those who have the opportunities to learn and are encouraged to find out the 'why' and the 'how' are usually 'people' and not just 'annoying kids'."

"Dad's taught us a lot about farming but I'd sure like to know more about making our own power, raising animals and farming with horses."

"Tom, there's a treasure chest of that kind of knowledge just waiting to be opened and it's free."

"Where?"

"The County Library.  They're even in the 21st century as they have ebooks available on many topics.  However, some of the best farming information may only be available in paper books.  Things are being converted to digital media but there are millions of paper books.  Some of the best short 'how-to' books are from the 'Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin' series which are available as ebooks and paper on Amazon.  Sometimes the paper copy is only a dollar or two more than the ebook and you never need power to read a paper book."

"We like to think that we know where the best deals are but you can't beat free!  How do we get access to the library's stuff?"

"It's free to county residents.  Just show your driver's license and get your library card and you're ready to check out paper and ebooks."

"Where is it?"

"There's a branch in town near the courthouse and branches in a half dozen other places in the county.  Check it online and see which branch is closest to you.  If a book you want isn't available at your closest branch, they deliver books from library to library around the county twice a week so anything you want is at most a couple of days away."

"And it's free?"

"Paid for by County property taxes so free to County residents."

"Why didn't somebody tell us sooner?"

"They did.  The school system does a field trip to the library in second grade and you could have gotten a card then - but I suspect you were too interested in 'outside' and 'football' to have paid attention to the librarian's 'We have books about all kinds of games and about a lot of people who played football'."

"We were dumb."

"You were seven years old and didn't have anyone encouraging you to use resources such as books.  Oliver doesn't read much, does he?"

"Just the Sunday paper."

"So neither of you saw much value in reading?"

"Not really.  You read a lot?"

"Yes, and we started reading to the girls when they were infants.  Lap time for a book creates a special relationship between kids and books.  We read a chapter of some book as a bedtime story every night.  On a bad day, we may still get a request for lap time and a book."

"No wonder they just said 'OK' and went off smiling when Miz Wilson told them to go read for an hour.  I gotta remember that when I have kids."

"Probably one of the best things you'll ever do for your kids.  Since you both look stuffed, 20 minutes on the porch swing to let lunch digest before we go back up on the barn roof."

"Yes sir."


---


6:45PM


"Same time tomorrow, Mr. Wilson?"

"Yes, Tim."

"We'll be here."


"How much did they get accomplished, Jack?"

"All the racking and 23 of the 60 panels in place plus the battery racks are in place and the batteries on them.  The equipment panel is up on the wall.  I'll work on that wiring after supper.  There was room to put the inside equipment in the same relative positions as the original location so the original wiring should all be long enough.  I had hoped to hear from Sheriff Lawson about the roof wiring that they're holding for eviden…"


Bzzt!  Bzzt!


"Speak of the Devil; it's a text from the Sheriff."


{Deputy Sims goes by your place on his way home from the Sheriff's Office garage.  He'll drop that wiring off on his way home tonight.}


"I'll have that wiring tonight so the boys can complete the rooftop wiring tomorrow."

"We'll have nearly unlimited power?"

"As long as the sun is shining.  There's a generator connection on one of the transfer switches so we can use a gen to provide power for whatever we're powering from the solar system.  The inverter/charger unit will also charge the batteries as needed when the gen is running or from commercial power when it's available."

"Automatic transfer?"

"No, strictly manual and requiring a trip to the barn but that's actually a good thing as that will allow the head pressure to bleed off on the fridge or freezer - or the central air if we're using it - so it's not trying to restart a compressor at what's effectively 'locked rotor' power.  Just have to remember that benefit when it's raining or snowing."

"I think I can deal with that.  You'll teach the girls?"

"They can test the instructions I've written and help me revise them if needed."


---


* Westclox 1818 - discontinued so long ago it's not even in their online clock database.

[papaof2]

Chapter 8


Wednesday, 11 June 5:15AM


Beep!Beep!  Beep!Beep!


I'd much rather turn the alarm off and enjoy more time with my wife's head on my shoulder but I'll have workers here in a little over an hour.


Beep!Beep!  Beep!Beep!


"Jack, turn it off so we can go back to sleep!"

"Wish I could but we have people coming."

"So we do.  Go wake your children."

"As you wish."


---


"No waffles?"

"Not after two mornings in a row of waffles, Sarah.  The eggs are fresh because one of you brought them in today.  The bacon is fresh from the freezer as it was defrosted in the fridge overnight and you know that it keeps well when frozen.  You have milk and apple juice to drink.  This is a typical breakfast for working girls."

"What are we working on today?"

"Some time with the plastic pistols with your Momma as I'll be on the barn roof much of the day.  Maybe some sewing lessons because you were concerned that not having international shipping means you might not have clothes.  Bringing the chilled switchel out for the people on the barn roof.  Probably some other things your Momma or I will think of later today."

"Probably a bunch of other things."

"You live on a working farm.  You know there is always work to do, so if you have to ask about working…"

"You'll find something for us to do.  I'm glad we don't have horses 'cause Melissa said her Daddy sends her to shovel out the stalls when she asks what to work on."

"If we can't get fuel for the tractor or our vehicles we might be farming and traveling on one horsepower."

"Bad pun, Daddy, but I guess you're right.  People did that a long time ago and it worked then.  One horse can't plow as much as a tractor, can he?"

"A pair of horses can't plow as much as a small tractor so plowing and other work with just one horse will take much longer or you farm a lot fewer acres."

"Growing corn and not cotton?"

"Very good, Lucy.  Food is more important than other things such as cotton or flax so first we'd ensure we had enough acres in food crops and then we'd consider other things."

"But you might run the tractor on wood?"

"If it works well enough.  We do have a good source of wood and I try to cut and split more wood than we'll need each winter in case we don't have propane for heating and cooking…"

"That's why we have that 'Princess' stove?"

"Yes, Sarah.  We can cook on it, it has a water tank for hot water for washing dishes or taking baths and it can provide some heat for the kitchen.  To heat more of the house, we'd be using the pot bellied stove or the outside wood furnace.  When the solar power system is finished, we could run that furnace blower on solar power when we don't have commercial power."

"But you only use that one when we don't have propane."

"Correct, Lucy.  It's our fallback heating system for the times the propane truck can't get here.  The propane heat has a thermostat and a timer so we can wake up to a warm house.  The wood furnace requires someone to keep feeding it to keep having heat."

"You load it full at night but set the air intakes and the damper for a small, slow fire so we have some heat during the night - but somebody's gotta feed it in the morning when it's the coldest!"

"That's why we like propane heat and we have two buried 1000 gallon tanks.  But I still start each winter more than 20 cords of split and dried hardwood firewood."

"So we can always be warm!"

"Yes, Sarah.  Humans like being warm in winter."


---


11:40AM


"Tim, Tom.  We've made good progress this morning so time for lunch…"

"As good as yesterday?"

"Same cooks."

"It'll be good!"


"Miz Wilson, Sarah, Lucy.  Thank you.  It was really good!"

"You're welcome, Tim."

"Now to the porch swing for a few minutes, boys."

"Yes, Mr. Wilson.  Would this new flu stop international shipping?"

"Tom, it's already slowed that shipping by maybe 40%.  If it spreads much outside of China, we might have quarantines in place such that a ship must wait ten days before being allowed into port.  That would throw off everyone's schedules because most of the time a container ship docks, unloads, reloads and is gone the same day.  There are limited docking facilities so the ships are scheduled one behind another to make the best use of the available hours in a day.  Any disruption of that schedule could have worldwide consequences.  What if a container has fresh fruits or veggies?  How long could that wait?  How many days - perhaps just hours - of fuel do the refrigerated containers carry?"

"It could impact oil shipments?"

"It certainly could.  The oil handling ports don't want an epidemic affecting their people any more than the container ports want one.  However, oil is the lifeblood of certain industries - trucking, trains, some power plants - so would the port operator allow a ship with an infected crew in to unload their cargo?"

"People die without medicine that comes by truck and without power for their CPAP or whatever but people could die from letting that crew have contact with other people at the dock.  That's a hard one."

"The dock managers could be making lots of hard decisions in the near future."

"I saw your diesel and gasoline tanks.  What will you do when those run dry?"

"On our way back to the barn roof, we'll stop and you can look at the wood gas generator I'm building to run the tractor on wood.  We have 30 acres of hardwoods so I have a long term source of wood."

"Wood gas?  Dad said something about his grandpa or somebody making something for that in WWII."

"There was more interest in wood gas in England than in the US then, but people have experimented with it ever since.  We have much better filtering materials now, so the wood gas the engine burns would be a lot cleaner than what they had back then."

"It really works?"

"Wood gas production tends to run at a rate determined by the size of the fire in the wood gas generator so it works best with an engine running at a steady speed and load but that's exactly what you're doing when plowing or mowing or almost anything else you use a tractor for."

"Where'd you find the info?"

"Online and at the County Library."

"We gotta get cards tomorrow!"

"Yes, you should."


---


"All the seams are welded?"

"Tim, the vessel used for cooking the wood and those containing the filters need to be airtight so all the cleaned wood gas gets to the engine."

"Not sure if my welds are that good."

"Close the ports on the end of the vessel, pump it up - a hand tire pump would work - then put it in one of the big animal watering troughs to check for leaks."

"You're making use of stuff we already have!"

"If the new flu is as bad as some reports indicate, we all could spend a number of years 'making use of stuff we already have'."

"Fuel, food we don't grow, medications, clothes, shoes…  There's a lot of stuff that comes from somewhere else."

"And we need oil to fuel the movement of that 'stuff'.  Some power plants burn oil.  What happens to commercial power in those areas?"

"They cut way back or they shut down completely?"

"They might go to rotating blackouts to stretch the fuel they have but what if there are no ships bringing oil?"

"Eventually they run out and everyone is in the dark."

"Correct.  They might move power from one area to another with an available hydro or nuclear power plant providing four hours of power to their usual customers and the next 20 hours of power going to other areas four hours at a time."

"But what about folks like Grandpa Jones who's on a CPAP at night?  He needs more than four hours of power."

"You think a lot of people might be in that situation?  If they've planned for power outages, they might have a UPS that's big enough to run the CPAP all night and it could be charged back up the next day or maybe a small generator and some stored gasoline…"

"But when he runs out of gas…"

"Or someone steals that generator while he's asleep?"

"Really, Mr. Wilson?"

"Tom, I had a small generator stolen out of the back of my truck when I was at a work site.  I was inside the building maybe five minutes and when I came back to the truck the gen was gone."

"So the UPS that's inside the house would be better?"

"Better in the sense that it's almost silent and not easily stolen.  However, most UPS units are designed for short term backup that only happens occasionally.  The batteries they use aren't sized for daily full discharge.  They might not last more than a few weeks or months."

"Then some kind of backup power with bigger and better batteries?"

"That's something you can research online while we still have commercial power and the internet.  Here's a list of links to check out.  If you go to batteryuniversity.com you'll probably be there for a while.  The name is appropriate as they have a university worth of information about batteries."

"I think we just got homework."

"If you boys want things at home to work next month, it might be worth some research this week."

"If you're doing this much work on the barn's roof in this heat, you're dead serious about the value of solar power.  I'll be looking."

"Me too, Tim."


---


"That's the last connection up here, Mr. Wilson."

"OK, Tim.  Let's go down and I'll call the ladies on the intercom so they can flip breakers and see the system come to life."


Beep!

'Yes, Jack?'

'Love, you and the girls can do the honors of turning things on.  Bring your phone and get video.'

'OK, Jack.'  


"Girls, shoes on for going to the barn."

"Yes, Momma."


"First we'll do the standalone parts.  Lucy, you move these breakers up to the 'ON' position."

"They're hard!"

"They are, because they're big breakers.  They connect the solar charge controllers to the battery bank."

Click!  Click!  Click!  Click!  Click!

"These things have lights on them!"

"They're on, the displays are backlit for a minute or so and the battery bank is as 56 volts.  Sarah, these breakers…"

"Are labeled 'Solar Array' and a number. There are five of them."

Click!  Click!  Click!  Click!  Click!

"Now what do the displays have?"

"Stuff with labels of 'V', 'A' and 'W'."

"Lucy, those stand for the volts, amps and watts the solar panels are putting into the battery bank.  The separate display on the end of the panel is the combined output…

"Volts are 57.1, amps are 43 and watts are 2455.  I thought there were 15,000 watts of solar panels?"

"There are 15,000 watts of solar panels, but they only produce full power when they have full sun at the right angle.  In this case, full sun occurs at what's called 'solar noon' which is NOT 12:00 noon on the clock.  Depending on your exact location in your time zone, it could be anywhere in an hour or so around noon - an hour later in clock time if you're on Daylight Time.  The optimum hours for solar power production are the two hours before and after solar noon."

"We're on Daylight Time and the clock shows 6:10 so we won't be anywhere near 15,000 watts?"

"Correct.  Having 2400+ watts at this hour is actually very good.  Love, if you'd like to switch us over to solar power, move the 'Co-op Power' breaker to 'OFF' and then wait a minute and move the 'Local Power' breaker to 'ON'."

"OK, Co-op OFF.  Lucy, how long is a minute?"

"The one, one thousand thing, Momma?"

"Correct.  Count off a minute for me."

"One, one thousand.  Two, two thousand. …  Sixty, sixty thousand.  That's a minute!"

"Then the Local Power breaker to ON - and we have lights I don't remember."

"Some LED lighting the boys and I added during the hottest part of the day.  We're shaded in here and having doors open on both ends of the barn took advantage of the light breeze today."

"Daddy, what's this meter?

"Sarah, that's the current AC power load."

"1270 watts?"

"The fridge, freezer and stove are plugged in, the fridge is in defrost mode and the igniter for the oven is on to warm the oven for baking biscuits."

"How can you tell, Mr. Wilson?"

"Tom, I used a Kill-A-Watt meter or a clamp-on AC ammeter to measure the power of all the electrical devices we have, from charging my shaver to running the compressor on the central air.  Knowing what we're doing at a given time and the typical power draw of the various appliances means I can make a reasonable guess about what's running from the total power being used."

"Stuff you need to know if you're running on the batteries because they're all you have unless you can hook a generator to it."

"There is a connection for adding a generator.  It can power the house and charge the batteries.  I'll be looking at a couple of small steam engines this weekend and maybe the waterwheel and gears from an old grain mill.  If the mill can be adapted to run a PTO generator, I might be reworking the pond and putting in a water-driven grain mill that can also power a generator."

"If there's sun, you have solar power but if there's rain and no sun you have water power.  That's thinking way ahead!  Dad said we'd learn a lot working with you."

"I hope you have."

"We know who to ask about grinding corn into meal when we harvest our 40 acres of corn.  Maybe that should be if we can harvest that corn?"

"I have some old horse-drawn equipment in the other barn.  I'll also be looking for a work horse while I'm out this weekend.   However, you can feed hogs by just letting them in where the corn is if your fences are good enough."

"Tim, that's easier than harvesting!"

"But I don't think the fences are that good.  We better talk with Dad."


---


Bzzt!Bzzt!


"It's from Sheriff Lawson."


{Insurance company has a check for the girls but they want pictures of the award being done.  Perhaps best at the Sheriff's Office complex so there'll be no location identifiers?  10AM tomorrow if that works for you.}

"Girls, there's a reward check for you two for spotting the wire the people were trying to hide on the roof.  The insurance company wants to get pictures of the reward being handed to you and we'll do that at the Sheriff's Office so no one sees where we live."

"Paranoid already, Jack?"

"Just being aware that there may be others in that group who haven't yet been arrested, love.  I'd like to keep my girls safe."

"No argument on that.  What time?"

"10AM tomorrow.  Maybe showers and hair washed for both girls tonight?"

"Makes the morning less stressful, so we'll do that.  You'll help Lucy dry her hair?"

"And if she wants, I'll brush it 100…"

"Yes!"

"Then choose some dressy clothes for tomorrow morning and something comfortable to wear the rest of the day as I plan to pull the trailer and go ask a man about a water-powered mill that we might get."

"Grinding corn and wheat?"

"And possibly powering the PTO generator, love."

"All good reasons to be out looking."

"I'm also interested in a horse for working the farm if we can't get fuel for the tractor.  He'd also be transportation if we don't have fuel for the truck or SUV."

"You're looking a long way down the road again."

"Easier to find a horse now than after someone announces that the last oil tanker has unloaded at Port Arthur, Texas."

"True.  Anything on the news?"

"Just that there is a 'health crisis' in China.  No details.  I think we're looking at the '2025 Avian Flu Epidemic' although our current transportation systems could make it a worldwide pandemic in a matter of hours or days."

"You're just a bundle of joy, Jack."

"My 'sixth sense' that told me someone was aiming at me in the Sandbox is tingling again but it doesn't point in a specific direction."

"OK, then you are officially on edge and every weapon is probably locked and loaded."

"Loaded anyway, and with extra ammo next to it."

"We go armed tomorrow?"

"Yes.  Our concealed carry permits are good here and in the surrounding states and there's no limit on open carry of rifles so the girls are OK with their .22s."

"You'll have them back at the range with the pistols?"

"Maybe Sunday?  Not sure how long we'll be in the Gadsden area and I want to be at the Collinsville Trade Day when they open on Saturday."

"Trade Day for the steam engines?"

"Correct, plus checking for work horses and horsedrawn equipment that I don't have but could need."

"The truck and trailer will both be loaded."

"If I find everything.  Getting home with a horse or two might involve finding a horse trailer with a receiver hitch on the back or maybe I should go ahead and weld a two inch receiver to the back of the 6 by 12 trailer and use whatever horse trailer is available.  That trailer is strong enough to pull another 5000lbs or so."

"Because you built it, Jack.  I could drive the pickup and pull a horse trailer if you want to rent a semi and load out a flatbed trailer with 40 feet of equipment."

"Thanks, love, but I'd rather not be renting anything big."

"Trying to stay under the radar?"

"Just as with the solar system.  No money changed hands, there are no records and if anyone asks Sam he'll just say 'I paid to have it removed from the roof and Jack said he'd take care of disposing of it for me and that was cheaper than the $2.25/lb the junkyard wanted'.  The solar panels are on the South side of the barn's roof which is the side away from the road so only those who walk behind the barn and see it will know that it's installed and they'll only know that it works if we have lights but no gen running when everyone else is in the dark.  But we already do that in the short term so possibly a long time before someone notices, if ever."

"The Tatums aren't likely to say anything?"

"No, love.  Not with the bargain repair they got on that car."

"They're not likely to see another job that offers the equivalent of $1800 untaxed over three days."

"Me either."


---

[feralferret]

papaof2,

Thanks for the chapters.

[papaof2]

Chapter 9


Thursday, 12 June, 5:40AM


"Good morning, Lucy."

"Good morning, Daddy."

"Good morning, Sarah."

"Good morning, Daddy.  Why the nose kiss wakeup?"

"Check your clock."

"It has 2:30 but it's morning!"

"The power has had some hits and done some odd things so we're now on the solar system until I learn why the co-op's power is so weird today."

"Makes sense.  And it doesn't cost us anything; not like running the generator."

"Correct.  Up and potty and dressed and breakfast in five minutes."

"We gotta wear those clothes?"

"The insurance company will be presenting the reward check for you two spotting the almost stolen wire so you should be dressy for that picture.  Then you can be in jeans and boots and be your usual grubby, dirty selves…"

"Daddy!  Jeans are comfortable and I can climb and do cartwheels in jeans.  Dresses are a pain and keep me from being me."

"I guess that's at least partly true.  The real you is upside-down most of the time."

"Daddy!  No, stop tickling me!  I gotta go!"

"Then go."

"You're awful!"

"But you're smiling."

"You're good at that."


---


"Wilson family, if we could get the girls in front and shaking hands with Agent Rich and Agent Paullus?"

"Like this?"

"Very good.  Thank you, girls.  For being aware of something not right, for telling your Dad and for allowing us to make pictures of the reward ceremony."

"You're welcome, Mr. Rich.  Daddy, can we change now?"

"Yes, Sarah.  Restroom on your right."

"Yes!"


"Change?"

"To 'real' clothes, beginning with jeans."

"Such pretty girls are tomboys?"

"They'd rather be working on something in the barn but they both help cook and they're also getting sewing lessons because Sarah was concerned that the new 'flu' from China could shut down international shipping and there would be no new clothes available."

"Shipping's been impacted?"

"Container ship traffic is down about 40% over the past few months."

"We need to investigate that area ourselves."

"You do, and soon."


"Momma, Daddy.  Help us put our hair up?  You can do it faster than we can."

"And we have the brushes, combs, scrunchies and clips to do that.  Sarah in front of me and Lucy in front of your Daddy."

"OK."


---


"So what are we doing with their money, Jack?"

"Buying more junk silver so that money won't lose any purchasing power.  A silver quarter bought a gallon of gas in 1928 and its silver value will buy one now.  There's a pawn shop in Gadsden that I've done business with before and we'll be doing some cash business when we get there."

"That's a lot of silver."

"There are reasons we have a truck and a large trailer."

"Very true."


---


"Any news on the power situation, Jack?"

"Let's try the talkradio station."


'Alabama Power has said that the glitches in power today are of unknown origin but that they are investigating every possibility.  They suggest that if you experience more than three hits in ten minutes, you should turn off the breakers for everything except one light so you'll be able to tell when the power becomes stable again.  They do NOT have an estimated repair time.'


"Not exactly the answer we wanted, love, but we have power covered for now.  The forecast has thunderstorms starting Monday so we might be using a generator or I might just turn everything electrical off and we'll use LED flashlights and the Aladdin lamp.  We can cook with propane or wood."

"What about water for flushing?"

"What we've done before when power was off for a day or more.  Pail of water on the counter by the sink.  Pan for washing hands.  Bucket on the floor for the used wash water.  Use the bucket to flush."

"That does work, but Lucy may not be strong enough to dump the bucket."

"Use the two gallon buckets for that.  She can lift 15lbs so she can lift that bucket when it's more than half full.  And remind them of 'If it's yellow, let it mellow'."

"Yuck, Daddy!"

"That's what we've done before, Lucy."

"But it smells."

"Then you can use the outhouse."

"But there's bugs out there!"

"Nothing a little spray can't fix.  I think you're old enough to learn how to de-bug the outhouse."

"Still yuck!"


---


"Turn the radio up, Jack.  They said something about arrests at the Atlanta airport."

"OK."


'…man coughing on his hands and then touching faucets and door handles in the restrooms in Hartsfield's North Concourse.  Two others were arrested for coughing on their hands and touching the packaged foods at a kiosk in the South Concourse.  All three are in custody and under guard at Grady Hospital while they are being tested for the latest flu from China.  Now the weather…'


"Masks, gloves and wrap-around safety glasses in the red box on the back seat.  We all get into our 'flu armor' until we get back home."

"Do we hafta?"

"Sarah, look at the front page article of the newspaper back there."

"'26,408 infected, 2,403 confirmed flu deaths in China.'  That's scary!"

"Do you think the people at the Atlanta airport might have been spreading that same flu?"

"That's even scarier!  How do we do the masks?"

"We'll stop at the service station up ahead and your Momma and I can help you with everything before you get out of the truck.  The safety glasses may be a little big but we have some rubber straps to help hold them in place."

"OK."

"Lucy?"

"If Sarah's scared, I'll do it too."

"That's my smart girls."


---


"Jack, did you notice the fuel price sign?"

"All their prices just went up - from $3.37 to $4.04 for unleaded regular.  I think they may have heard the same news we heard.  The prices of all the drinks and snacks probably also went up 20%.  I think we can expect increases in the price of almost everything - when diesel goes up, so does the cost of transport and the price of things that travel by truck which includes almost everything.  We may not see as much of that in outlying areas but along major highways and in the bigger cities prices are probably going up as fast as the sellers can change them.  The electronic price signs at the gas stations are one of the easiest things to instantly update."

"We don't need fuel?"

"Gauge still almost on full.  If we take back a trailer of mill parts and a trailer with a horse or two, we'll burn more fuel going home but we'll probably still have half a tank when we get there.  Remember that this truck has two 30 gallon tanks.  We can travel a long way on the fuel we brought with us."

"So we can."


"Girls, you've finished your ice cream so use the hand sanitizer we brought and dry your hands with a paper towel.  Then back in the truck and buckle up."

"Yes, Momma.  We'll be doing the masks and gloves and stuff until we're home?"

"Yes, Lucy.  And any time we have visitors on our property."

"What about the mail?"

"You will always armor up to go outside and your Daddy will set up a wooden box with germicidal UVC lamps in it and a timer on the lamps.  Things coming into the house will go in that box for two passes.  One right side up and the other upside-down.  That should expose all the surfaces to the UV light which can kill nearly all bacteria and viruses."

"Daddy, can we help?"

"Sarah, you've both helped with simple wood construction before and you've seen how to wire a simple circuit with one light and one switch.  It's a different type of light that you don't want on your skin or your eyes so you won't be looking at it to see if it turns on but there will be a small viewport of UV blocking glass so we can see what's happening in the box.  We'll also wire in some safety switches so the light can only be turned on if the doors of the box are completely closed."

"That's a lot of trouble.  Couldn't you just open the mail outside while you're in gloves and stuff and toss the envelopes?"

"Lucy, how would you bring in what's in the envelopes?"

"In my hands."

"The same hands that just removed the possibly infected envelopes?"

"That won't work, will it?  We change gloves before taking the mail out of the germ box?"

"Remember that I said 'safety switches'?  The box will have doors on two sides.  One for putting the mail in and the other for taking it out.  That way you won't dirty your fresh gloves on the handle on the dirty side of the box.  There will also be an envelope holder to keep the pieces of mail apart so the UV light can get to all sides of most things.  Some things will need to be turned over to ensure the bottom is exposed to the UV light."

"We gotta think about how we bring in the mail now?"

"What if my smart girls work out some instructions for cleaning the mail?  You can make an outline now and add details when we finish the box and you see how it works.  Paper and pencil in the door pocket."

"Yes!"

---

[papaof2]

Chapter 10


Thursday, 12 June, 12:10PM


"You were right, Momma.  The fried chicken is good cold!  And the 'tater salad."

"I thought you'd remember what a picnic was like when you started eating."

"This is lots better than stopping at a burger place."

"And we can take off our masks and gloves 'cause we're the only ones here."

"Correct, Sarah.  I think you'd find it hard to eat with the mask on."

"Of course I would, you goof!  We won't be taking the masks off anywhere there are other people?"

"Most places.  We don't want food that other people have touched unless we know they're not infected and the incubation period - that's the time between someone getting infected and them starting to show symptoms such as fever or coughing or sneezing - could be as little as two days or as much as 14 days.  If your body's incubation period is also 14 days, it would be four weeks before you started showing symptoms and you'd have no idea where you might have been infected."

"We're gonna be spending a lot of time at home."

"We are.  We're out shopping for some things that could help us survive if a lot of people get sick or we wouldn't be out in a place where we don't know what the possible infection status is."

"There's no international airport here."

"But there is one that's just a few hours away.  Someone could have been in China last week and is now back home.  What did I say about the incubation period?"

"Up to 14 days.  Someone could have been there last week, got exposed to the flu Friday, got back home Sunday and not started showing symptoms until yesterday.  And most people would think it was just a cold?"

"That's what the early symptoms look like."

"This is scary!"

"Scary for us too, smart girl.  That's why we have the masks, gloves and safety glasses and why we brought food for a couple of days.  It's important to be able to grind the grain that we grow but we must survive to get the mill parts home and to put those parts back together to make a working grain mill.  And we might get some water-powered electricity."

"That's always quiet and it's not visible so it's like being plugged in to the co-op."

"Very good, Lucy.  We'll need to be careful to NOT look like we have unlimited power if no one else has power…"

"They might try to take it?"

"Yes.  I think you know how we would respond to an attempt like that…"

"Shoot, shovel and shut up?"

"Unless Sheriff Lawson is available, Sarah.  We'd rather have him involved in anything like that so he can caution other people on what they should watch for."

"And question the bad guys to see what else they're doing?"

"You've been reading the 'Ellery Queen' books?"

"Un huh.  From the dates in the books, they're older than you are but the stories are still good."

"My Granddad liked those stories so those were his books.  Gather up the dishes and we'll go see Mr. Howard Brown about a mill."

"OK."


---


"Hello the house!"

"Who's there?"

"Jack Wilson and family."

"About the mill?"

"Correct."

"Let me get my mask and gloves on and I'll be right out."

"OK."


"You folks heard about Atlanta's airport?"

"That's why we're in 'flu armor'."

"Good name for it, Mr. Wilson."

"Call me Jack."

"Jack, I'm Howie - ever since first grade.  The mill is a quarter mile down this road.  If you want to drive, you can back right up to the pieces.  That little crane on the trailer looks like it might handle 1,000 lbs or more."

"It's rated for a ton at its shortest extension and 750lbs at its longest."

"The millstones are about 1600lb each so it could lift them singly.  Your trailer looks to be made of heavy stuff."

"It started life as the chassis of a 12 by 60 mobile home in 1979.  It's somewhat shorter now but it would have been rated for 40lbs a square foot mobile home weight or 12 * 60 * 40 = 28,800lbs.  The bed and the sides don't take much from the weight limit so I'll load it up to 26,000lbs.  I did rework the axles to have brakes on all wheels so I can stop the trailer when it's loaded."

"And the receiver at the back?"

"I'm interested in a farm horse or two to pull a plow and other implements that are in the old barn.  That receiver is a place to tow a horse trailer."

"I no longer have horses but Zeke Taylor - he's about a mile to the South - is getting too old to farm with horses and his kids and grandkids can't see the value in demonstrating how things were done in the past.  He's tried to get them to move in and take over the farm 'cause he makes a decent living with folks paying to milk a cow or walk beside a plowhorse.  If'n things get as bad as they might with this new flu, Zeke's place could be the new Garden of Eden because there'll be food there year 'round with his greenhouses and whatnot and not needing a single gallon of gas or diesel.  Sorry, I'm running off at the mouth.  The mill is just around the bend."

"That's the water I hear?"

"Yes."



"Momma, it's so pretty!"

"It is, Sarah.  It's like a storybook picture of a grain mill.  Jack had mentioned the pond being polluted…"

"That's something the real estate agent came up with when she saw an algae bloom on one edge of the pond.  I treated that and it's fine but that story just won't die.  The whole works needs to be disassembled and everything checked and lubed but it should be good for at least another 50 years.  The waterwheel is cypress and ash so it's almost indestructible.  You're welcome to look around anywhere and this is the County Extension agent's card so you can call him for verification.  He doesn't want the mill to go because he sees the stuff coming down the road like you and I do, but the mill is useless without willing hands and until folks start starving I'm not likely to see anyone willing to work that hard."

"That A-frame with a block and tackle are what you use to get the wheel on and off?"

"You've either worked at a mill or done your homework."

"Did a lot of homework before deciding to start looking for a mill I could move."

"Always works out better that way.  When the waterwheel is lifted, it can be swung to the right and be rolled down that ramp to get it to level ground where you could back in the trailer and use its crane to put the wheel on the trailer.  There's a smaller A-frame with block and tackle for lifting the millstones and a little cart for moving them.  It's mostly level so you might be able to move the loaded cart with the winch on the trailer."

"That's what I was thinking.  The flyer had 'Make Offer' but I don't want to insult you..."

"Jack, I see you and your family carrying on what five generations of my family did here.  That's more important to me than money.  It's all yours.  If I turn up on your doorstep, I might bring an empty flour sack."

"Thank you, Howie.  We'd be more than happy to fill that flour sack for you."

"That's what I thought.  Let me get the big Deere started and we can use its bucket to lift and move some of these things.  All the 'as built' drawings are in the blue folder and the brown folder has the original plans.  The 'as built' also has pictures and measurements made when my Dad and I did the disassembly and lube of everything about 30 years ago."


---


"Jack?"

"Yes, Cindy?"

"There are some cloth sacks with 'Brown's Mill' on them.  We should get a few to carry on the name."

"I'll ask…"

"Ask what, Jack?"

"Cindy would like to have some of the 'Brown's Mill' sacks to carry on the name."

"Still got a couple gross in unopened boxes.  You're welcome to them all.  They make good rags as they're 100% cotton but have been sized so they don't shrink when washed.  There might still be some that were made into kids' tee shirts if the girls want one."

"We can?"

"Please?"

"I love being around well-mannered children.  Come with me girls.  The leftovers from the gift shop were all moved into the room upstairs where the grain was poured down a chute to the stones."


"Daddy, look!"

"It fits, Sarah and the color matches your jeans."

"Me too, Daddy!"

"Yours too, Lucy.  Thanks, Howie."

"Thank you, Jack, for wanting to keep a water-powered grain mill alive.  Let's go load your trailer.  I called Zeke and he has four horses and he'll make you a good price on as many as you want.  I'd suggest getting the two mares as they were bred to different lines and if one has a male offspring you could breed either or both with that male."

"Getting four horses for the price of two already sounds like a good deal."

"He said $450 each for the mares and he has a two horse trailer he'll sell for $550.  I told him what you want to do and he thinks you'll be a lifesaver where you are so he wants to help.  Maybe four hours to get everything here disassembled and loaded.  He said tomorrow is fine to get the horses.  You folks have a place to spend the night?  There's a caretaker's cabin up closer to the road.  Other than having Trudy Jones in a couple times a month to sweep and dust, no one's been in it for almost a year."

"Cindy, girls.  You want to spend the night in a cabin here?"

"Yes."

"Me!"

"Me too!"

"Thanks again, Howie."

"My Granddad and Dad were very much into having a place kids could learn and I hate to see the rest of my family drop that but what I've seen and heard of your girls tells me you'll carry on the tradition even if not in the same buildings.  You folks need anything?"

"We're good, Howie.  We came prepared to sleep in the truck if needed so Cindy and I are pleased to have a bed and the girls are thrilled to be in 'a real log cabin'.  Let's get things moved to the trailer."


---


"That's the hardest I've worked in a long time, love."

"And probably the biggest wrenches my favorite shadetree mechanic has ever used."

"You would be correct.  Some of those bolts needed both of us on the wrench: one pulling and the other pushing.  Makes me long for a truck-mounted gas-engine-powered air compressor and some serious impact tools - something like you see on the heavy equipment maintenance vehicles."

"Dream on, Mr. Wilson.  I don't think that's in our budget for a long time."

"Me either but it's nice to dream and it would have saved us more than an hour."

"The girls helped me with supper.  I thought you might be hungrier than usual so chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and apple pie."

"If you got all that done, it must be late."

"Nice that DST gave you that extra hour at the end of the day so you could finish before dark.  Both girls got their hour of reading in and then we cooked.  Go wash up and we can eat."


---

[papaof2]

Chapter 11


Friday, 13 June, 6:10AM


"Good morning, Lucy."

"Good morning, Momma."

"Good morning, Sarah."

"Good morning, Momma.  Why are you waking us like this?"

"Your Daddy worked very hard yesterday and he's still asleep.  You want to play 'rock, paper, scissors' to see who gets to go first?  Just speak softly so you don't wake him before you kiss him."

"OK.  Ready Lucy?"

"Yes."


"Rock beats scissors."

"Yeah, it does.  Go ahead, Lucy."


"Good morning, Daddy."

"Good morning, Lucy.  What did I do to get this kind of wakeup?"

"Momma said you were sleeping late because you worked hard yesterday and asked if we wanted to wake you."

"Where's Sarah?"

"I'm here.  Lucy beat me in 'rock, paper, scissors' so she got to kiss your nose."

"Then I'll take a good morning hug from you."

"Yes!"


"Anyone want to help cook breakfast?"

"Me!

"Me too!"


---


"Jack, what's so interesting on your phone?"

"I can access the Power Disturbance Monitor that monitors the power coming from the co-op at home.  The power is doing a lot more of the odd things it did yesterday before we left.  Probably a good thing the solar power installation was finished when it was so we could leave the place running on stable power."

"You can also see that remotely?"

"Yes, as long as cell phone service and the internet stay up.  The solar system looks fine.  There's only a trickle of power from the solar panels but it's not yet full daylight there.  Another hour and they'll be handling the small load we left running."

"What did we leave running, Daddy?  You sent me back to turn off the light in the bathroom."

"Sarah, there are things that are always plugged in and 'ON' such as the fridge, the freezer, the sump pump in the basement…"

"Stuff that doesn't have an ON/OFF switch and just runs when needed."

"Correct.  That would include the LED security lights that come on for a couple of hours at sunset and then change to motion triggered light for the rest of the night."

"Those are the breakers with the red tags on them - stuff we don't turn off unless there's a real problem with the solar power."

"Correct, Lucy.  If we turn off the microwave oven and the TV to conserve power, we still want the fridge and freezer to run so those breakers have a special marker to remind us which ones should stay on."

"You do stuff that makes it easy to get things right."

"Maybe because I want to get things right if lightning or a falling tree wakes me up at 3AM and I'm stumbling my way to the breaker box?"

"Sometimes it's hard to find the bathroom light switch when you wake up then and you gotta go."

"Most people aren't very functional at that hour so the red tags help the adults."


---


"'Taylor's Natural Farm'.  I think that sign tells us we're at the right place.  Hello the house!"

"I'm Zeke.  From the load on your trailer, you're Jack.  Pull back to the red barn as the horse trailer is there.  If you can back in the center door, you'll be in line with the trailer."

"On my way."


"How'd you do that, Daddy?  Most people I see backing boats and other trailers are all over the place and hafta try two or three times to even get close."

"There's a secret to backing a trailer.  Instead of holding the wheel at the top like most people do, I hold it at the bottom and just move the wheel in the direction I want the trailer to go.  With a little practice to learn how a given trailer responds, you can get it right the first time - most of the time, anyway."


"About three more inches to have the ball under the hitch, Jack.  I wondered about someone pulling two trailers with the kind of load you'll have but I can see that you know what you're doing.  The trailer has electric brakes if you have the hookup."

"I hoped the trailer I found would have brakes so I have two trailer brake controllers.  The green and yellow jack is for the second trailer.  It's set to start braking about a tenth of a second before the other controller starts braking so my road train is slowing from the back and I don't wind up with a jackknife."

"Then you absolutely know what you're doing.  Let's go look at horses.  If the girls want a short ride, both mares are gentle with kids and I have saddles."

"Really?"

"Pretty please?"

"Zeke, I think that's a 'Yes' from both of them."

"If you'd help me with the saddles?  Blankets in the cabinet to your right.  Bridles hanging to your left. "

"I see them.  Girls, did you get the apples out?"

"Un huh."

"Me too."

"Teaching them how to show they're friendly?"

"Zeke, in my experience it almost always works."

"It always works with Belle and Buttermilk."

"Buttermilk?"

"That's a name one of my kids remembered from seeing some very old western movies.  Your Dad probably knows where it came from."

"I do, Zeke, and we have a few of those movies on DVD.  One of those can be our next movie night after we get home."

"OK."


"Those are work horses?  But they're so pretty!"

"Girl, there's no law saying useful things have to be ugly.  I'll bet you're both good workers and you're both pretty."

"Sarah, tell Mr. Taylor what you're working on in the truck as we travel and why."

"When Daddy told us about the Chinese ships running behind with deliveries, I asked how that could affect us and he had me look at the labels on clothes and shoes to see where they were made.  Momma's teaching us to sew in case we have to make our own clothes.  Daddy said if we have pigs we could make the top part of the shoe from pig skin and the soles and heels from cow leather."

"You have them at the range already, Jack?"

"Yes, and we've talked about handguns, had some inside practice of 'where is your gun pointing' with the plastic guns and a little range time with several different handguns…"

"But I can only hold the .22 good enough to shoot it.  Sarah can almost hold the .38."

"Long fingers.  You have her in piano lessons?"

"We'd like to but we don't have a piano and a kid needs the opportunity to practice daily."

"If you can get another 450lbs on that trailer and you can find someone to tune it, I'll give you my late wife's console piano.  I think it's a Cable or something like that.  Lots better for these girls to be learning on it than it just collecting dust."

"Thank you, Zeke."

"Me!"

"Me too!"

"Not sure I want you to leave, Jack.  I'm enjoying the sounds of kids excited about learning."

"We also like that sound and try to give them opportunities to learn anything that interests them and lots of things that might not be interesting but are useful - such as basic cooking."

"Which means they'll probably never be hungry."

"We can hope."

"Let's get these girls up in the saddles and then we can lead them around in the corral."


---


"Do we hafta stop?"

"Yes, Lucy, you 'hafta'.  We need to load the horses and head for the place we're spending the night so we get there before dark and can get Belle and Buttermilk settled in their new barn."

"I bet it's not a new barn!"

"It will be to them."

"Daddy!"


---


"Cash or junk silver, Zeke?  With silver at $26/ounce this morning, the melt value of dimes is $1.88, quarters are at $4.70, halves are at $9.40 and silver dollars are at $20.11."*

"Cash.  Silver coins are for young men's pockets and old men's safes.  I started putting silver back several years ago, before the big jump in price.  Paper is a lot smaller and lighter and I expect it to be good for at least another month, maybe two.  Some people won't believe that the dollar is dead until they learn that the local bank president is using the $20's for toilet paper."

"Then fourteen Franklins and one Grant."

"Pleasure doing business with you, Jack.  Take care of all your ladies."

"I plan to."


---


"There's no seat belts for the horses?"

"No, Lucy.  We don't strap horses in because they are standing and are in a space that's just a little wider than they are so they can't fall over on turns."

"OK, I guess."

"They'll be fine.  You'll see when we get home.  Your Momma and I made some PB&J sandwiches and you have chocolate milk so we'll be eating in the truck.  There are some shady places to park up ahead so we'll stop to eat lunch and then be on our way to our place to spend the night.  I think both of you might nap after you eat."


---


"You're staying upbeat for our sleeping kids?  What I heard on the turned down radio sounds bad."

"The men that were coughing on their hands and touching things in the concourses at the Atlanta airport have all tested positive for the new flu.  No way to know how many people might have been infected going through that airport yesterday and the infecting group all had tickets from Miami to Seattle with three stops along the way.  Fortunately, Atlanta was the first stop and they were taken into custody there, so only one planeload of people exposed for an hour or two and one boarding area in Miami exposed for an extended period but they're checking security footage for where these guys were and what they might have done in Miami's airport.  Everyone on that flight from Miami and everyone known to be in that concourse at Miami is being notified.  All the passengers who were on that plane and all those who arrived at or departed from Atlanta within two hours either side of when the perps were apprehended are being notified but there's no easy way to know how many other people might have been exposed - from janitorial staff to baggage handlers to servers in the airport eateries to drivers of public transportation.  There is a 'Seek medical care immediately' message being sent to all the phone numbers and email addresses they have and it's on the radio and TV news so the powers that be are hoping they can contact most of the people who might have been exposed."

"And I noticed the 'most' in your description of the situation.  We go home and into quarantine mode?"

"As much as possible after going to Trade Day."

"And the item about ships that had made stops in Asia being met by not just a harbor pilot but a harbor doctor in a HazMat suit to check all members of the crew before any of those ships are allowed to dock?"

"I suspect that I'll be asked about 'making things work' for a lot of older gear as fuel and power begin to fade and new things stop arriving."

"As long as you're working for food."

"Or heirloom seeds or certain fertilizers and pesticides or a piece of gear we need, such as another manual corn sheller."

"Still related to food production."

"Correct.  I'll be out with one or both horses most of the day after we get them home, getting them accustomed to the horsedrawn implements we have."

"That's also food production."

"So it is."


---


"How much longer, Momma?"

"About an hour, Sarah.  Your nap did make the trip a little shorter as both of you slept a little over an hour."

"Momma, I gotta go!"

"Jack?"

"Gas station with convenience store up ahead.  You check out the restroom status and I'll stay with them until you come out to take them in."

"Extra gloves?"

"One pair per baggie.  Good soap and our paper towels also in this bag."

"I'll get the bag when I get them."


"Not as clean as I'd like but I'll spray and wipe as needed.  Girls, I'll have some instructions for you when we go in the restroom."

"Yes, Momma."


---


"Hey!  Come back here with that beer!  I'm calling the Sheriff!"

"Put the phone down or I'll shoot you!"

'911.  Where is your emergency?'

Pop!  Pop!

"Damn!  You shot me in the leg!"

"Where's the cart?  Since you're being stupid, we'll take all your beer and soda and chips…"

"DROP YOUR GUN!"

"Who the hell are you?"

"A much better shot than you are with a lot more rounds."

"Leroy, use that shotgun!"

Bang!

"My hand!  You shot my hand and the shotgun!"

"You're useless, Leroy!  I'll get him!"

Pop!  Pop!

Bang!

"My shoulder!  I can't hold the gun!"

"ON YOUR KNEES!  NOW!"

"I don't know who you are mister, but you do a nice job of hiding your wings."

"I'm no angel."

"You are to me.  And the cameras got all that.  I hear sirens."


"Put your weapon down!"

"Deputy, I'm Jack Wilson, Reserve Deputy in Lee County.  You can check with Sheriff Lawson there or Sheriff Wallace here.  I'll put my weapon away when these two are cuffed.  My wife and children are in the restroom and I have a lot more incentive to keep these two under control than you do."

"Jack?"

"Sheriff Wallace?"

"Thought I recognized your voice.  Cochran, cuff them and get them out to the EMTs.  These two are lucky Jack's family is in the restroom or there would a neat hole in each of their foreheads."

"He's that good?"

"Consider where he's standing and how many shell casing are near him."

"Thirty feet away, two shell casings and two disabled perps.  He probably is that good."


"Tammy, you OK?"

"Other than the graze on my leg, Sheriff.  Thanks to my angel here."

"Your cameras working today?"

"Maintenance girl was here yesterday so they should be.  Let me check back 15 minutes.  That's them getting out of the ratty Ram pickup.  Coming in.  Grabbing two cases of beer each.  Running for the door without paying.  Me yelling at them.  It's all here.  I'll burn you a DVD."

"Jack, go check on your family."


knock.  KNOCK!  knock.

'Abraham'.'

'Isaac.'

"It is you, Jack.  The girls were scared when there were loud voices and shots and sirens.  You're OK?"

"Other than the clerk thinking I'm an angel."

"Don't think she'd make that mistake if she knew you better.  Both girls needed the 'deep breath and count slowly to 50 while you blow it out' to get back in the frame of mind to do what we stopped for."

"No surprise there.  Do my girls need hugs?"

"YES!"


"Let me put both of you down as I'm sure Sheriff Wallace will want at least a written statement from me.  On the bright side, the cameras were working and they caught the entire incident."

"So no time spent proving what happened?"

"Not when there's video.  People may lie but video gives an unbiased report of what happened."

"Good.  If things are falling apart this soon, I really want to be home."

"As Lucy would say, 'me too'."


---


"Even with the adventure of stopping to use the restroom, we'll be at the motel before dark?"

"It's a bed and breakfast but it looks that way."

"You're comfortable with the B&B's location?"

"Yes and they're near the animal auction area so we can rent secured space for Belle and Buttermilk and if we're there early enough the girls could ride for maybe 20 minutes while we exercise the horses.  Plus the B&B and the auction area have automatic backup generators so there will be power for outside lights if commercial power goes out."

"What about food preparation?"

"The owner and his wife are both retired epidemiologists who worked at the CDC.  They have boxes of masks and gloves at the front door and in every room."

"That sounds safe enough.  Are you concerned about the traffic lights flickering?"

"The power problems we saw at home seem to have spread.  Traffic is a little heavier than I'd expect out here but part of that is the traffic lights being flakey and some of the businesses could let their people leave early because it's Friday and there's bad news from Atlanta with the infected people at the airport.  That concern could mean the people aren't getting much useful work done because they're standing around the coffee maker discussing 'What if'."

"Things are beginning to fall apart?"

"Depends on what we see over the weekend and how many people head back to work Monday morning.  When we get home tomorrow evening, I will activate all the electric fence sections until I hear something that persuades me otherwise."

"Or you hear a scream in the night that verifies the electric fence was needed."

"That's always a possibility."


---


* Silver was $29.81 on 6 August 2020, $27.18 on 7 January 2021 and $23.62 on 16 February 2022 so $26 is likely a very conservative number.

[papaof2]

Chapter 12


Saturday, 14 June, 6:20AM


"Good morning, Lucy."

"Good morning, Daddy."

"Good morning, Sarah."

"Good morning, Daddy.  Where's the music coming from?"

"Go over to the window."

"It's birds!  Lots of birds!"

"Mister Charles and Miss Ann have birdhouses and birdbaths and they keep food out so this is a bird sanctuary and a lot of them live here.  They sound happy about it this morning."

"They sure do.  I think this is the nicest place we've ever stayed!"

"Better than the log cabin, Lucy?"

"Because of the birds."


"Potty, wash your hands and get dressed and we can walk out under the trees for a few minutes before we go to breakfast."

"We don't gotta cook?"

"No.  That's what the 'breakfast' part of a 'bed and breakfast' establishment means.  They fix breakfast, we eat and they wash dishes."

"That's even better!"


---


"The butter on the pancakes is a rose that's melting!"

"That's just another part of the special treatment you get here - the food even looks good."

"Yummy!"


---


"Sarah, you got one big pancake for your 'seconds' so no more."

"If I hafta."

"You 'hafta'.  Then it will be time to brush your teeth and we'll go to Trade Day.  I think you'll find lots of things to interest you there."

"OK."


"Charles, Ann.  You've done wonders with this place."

"Thanks, Jack.  I heard your girls talking about the birds.  That's a very positive thing in the summer because they eat their weight in mosquitoes which means we need to use very little insecticide to keep the guests comfortable when they're outside."

"And I heard them talking about the food.  Nice that you've taught them to appreciate small positives."

"We work at it.  We're also working on them learning to be independent with cooking and sewing lessons."

"Those are good things in our current circumstances.  You're covered for the possible power problems?"

"I was asked to oversee the removal of a large residential solar power system and the person who wanted it removed asked me if there was a cheaper way to dispose of it than the landfill's by-the-pound price.  I drove my truck and pulled a trailer so I could 'help' him with his 'problem'."

"You made out like a bandit again?"

"15,000 watts of solar panels, 48 volt, 1480AH battery bank, five Outback MPPT controllers and three 10KW Outback inverter/chargers."

"Jack, you could fall in a hog pen and come out with clean money in your pockets!"

"Ann, being lucky helps when you don't have a real job."

"Not a lot of civilian calls for your skills with that .50."

"But I do enjoy being a civilian and spending time with my family."

"We can tell.  I'm pretty sure Cindy knows what a great thing she did when she caught you but those girls may not yet fully appreciate you."

"I think they might like me a little."

"What I see of you and them is that you like each other a lot.  Keep them safe."

"We try to.  They've been doing the exercises with plastic handguns and had their first range session with handguns this week."

"How'd they do?"

"Good in hitting the targets, in need of more 'what's in my hand and where's it pointing' awareness."

"Good for it being their first time at the range with handguns.  They have good teachers."

"Thanks.  Stay safe."


---


"How big is this place, Jack?"

"Acres, love.  I don't know exactly how big, but the Trade Day officials use gas powered golf carts to get around the place and they have some UTVs for getting bigger pieces to the parking area."

"We'll be here all day?"

"Probably until 2PM or when the vendors start to pack things up.  I have a couple of specific places I want to check…"

"The steam engines."

"That and some horse-drawn implements.  You take the girls and start up this aisle and just work your way up and down and back toward the parking area.  I checked my phone and we have a decent signal here so you can call me if you need to locate me.  Lunch at the truck around 11?"

"That's good.  The girls will have walked off their breakfast by then."


---


"Momma, are these the corn husk dolls that we read about in 'Little House'?"

"Yes, Lucy.  Do you want to watch them being made?"

"I wanna learn how!"

"Me too!"

"Ma'am, have your girls sit here on either side of me and I'll help them do what I'm doing."

"Thank you!"


"How much do I owe you?"

"Ma'am, the girls each did two dolls and I have video of that.  If they will leave one of the dolls, I'll have been paid very well because they can now carry on a very old tradition and I have dolls to give to little girls who can't make their own.  These go to the Children's Hospital in Birmingham."

"Girls?"

"I'll just keep this one, Momma, 'cause it shows how to make another one."

"Me too."


---


"You're asking good questions, mister.  You have steam engines?"

"No, just been doing my homework about other ways of powering things if the new flu gets as bad here as it is in China.  I lucked into a solar power system for the house but that won't power a thresher or the like out in a field.  I also have 30 acres of hardwoods that I manage to ensure we keep 20 cords of cut, split and seasoned wood on hand for winter.  Wood isn't our primary heating or cooking fuel but it is our backup."

"You have clean water for a steam engine?"

"A spring-fed stream that provides excellent water."

"You have a way to move these things?"

"If you can get it to my trailer, it's good for 26,000lbs."

"OK, you could move a dozen of these.  I'm asking…"

"Cash or junk silver prices?"

"I can beat what's on the sign."


'Jerry, it's Todd Smith.  I need help moving two small steam engines to the parking lot.'

'How big?'

'Three horse and five horse.  Don't think both will fit on the small UTV.  Buyer has a crane on his trailer.'

'I'll send Jason with the Gator.  Five minutes.'



"You're building a grain mill?"

"Also looking to have it run a PTO generator with an addition to the gearing."

"You do expect things to get bad."

"I don't see how we can maintain the current level of food and fuel production if the new flu hits us as hard as it has China."

"I've noticed Harbor Freight and Northern Tool have very thin stocks of some things."

"International shipping has dropped about 40% in the past three months.  The Chinese have the most conex shipping capacity and if their ships aren't running a full schedule…"

"Goods to and from other countries don't move either."

"That's what I see."

"I think it's time to close up shop here.  I should take my other engines home and put them to work for me.  You want a good deal on one of the hit-and-miss gas engines?  I can't get all of them on the trailer and I don't plan on coming back to Trade Day for a long time."

"Let's talk prices."


---


Ring!  Ring!

'This is Jack.'

'Just checking where you are.  The girls have filled their wagon and are asking about lunch.'

'Wagon?'

'Purchased with their money to move the books and games they also purchased with their money.  I think they're beginning to understand that we may not have TV or the internet in the not-too-distant future.'

'I'm strapping things to the trailer so come on and we can eat.  Then they can go back out and fill their wagon again.'

'That's what they asked to do.  They found another stash of 'goodies'.  I'll tell you about it when we get there.  Bye.'

'Bye.'


---


"Lucy, you can play with that later.  You need to finish eating if you want to have the energy to walk around the rest of the booths."

"If I hafta."

"You 'hafta'.  The Spirograph™ will still be just as much fun when you get back to it and you might find some more colors of pens and pencils…"

"I'm finished!"

"Jack, I don't believe she got that much PB&J in her mouth and chewed it that fast!"

"She had incentive.  Any kid playing with that toy is always looking for more colors."

"True.  Masks back on, girls."

"Yes, Momma."

"Where are you headed, Jack?"

"Saw some horsedrawn implements at the far end of a couple of aisles, saw signs for rabbits and heard piglets."

"Rabbits for the girls to raise?"

"Correct.  They can also feed and clean up after piglets and grow into that job as those animals grow."

"Where will the pigs be?"

"Well away from the house on the downwind side but still visible."

"As long as I can't smell them most of the time."

"I'm planning a large enough area that the smell shouldn't be a problem.  I need to check some fencing but I might be able to pasture them if the fencing is good enough in that small fenced section nearest the house."

"What about water?"

"I can run some pipe from the stream to feed an automatic waterer.  If they need a mud hole in the summer for cooling, that same pipe could feed that."

"You have paper plans for this?"

"I thought you'd ask.  Green folder in the truck's console."

"I'll have something to look at on the way home."

"For a few minutes.  It's two sketches and about four paragraphs."

"Momma, c'mon!"

"See you, Jack."

"You too, love."


---


"Girls, I think your wagon's full."

"It is, Momma.  It needs one of us to pull and the other to push."

"Then we need to go back to the truck."

"Can we get a funnel cake?"

"Lucy, are they wearing masks?"

"Un uh.  That means no funnel cake?"

"But one of the cookbooks I pointed out to you has a recipe for funnel cake."

"We can make it when we get home?"

"As soon as you and your Daddy finish the mail cleaning device.  I think we might want to run a lot of other things through there before we use them."

"Anything we got this week."

"And anything we get from someone not in mask and gloves for a long time in the future."

"Momma, is there room for our stuff?"

"Maybe in the bed of the truck, Sarah.  Your Daddy was looking for horsedrawn farming implements and I think he found the jackpot."

"Jack?"

"I'm on the other side of the trailer, love, and tightening some tiedowns.  If you don't recognize them, there's a sickle mower, a hay rake, a baler that I might be able to repair or replace the ground drive on, a feed mill and three sizes of hand churns, one of which is probably just right for making butter if we keep goats or a cow for milk."

"You also have those animals in the trailer?"

"No, but I do have leads on some close to us.  I staked out the horses near grass and water since I would be close enough to hear them.  They seem much happier.  The piglets are in a classic wooden cage in the back of the truck, as are the rabbits."

"Room for another wagon load for the girls?"

"Yes.  Shielded from the animals by a plastic tarp.  Your timing is good as it's 2:30 and I've seen a lot of people leaving the parking area."

"Everything is closing up except the food vendors who are hoping to capture impulse buyers - and those who skipped lunch - on their way out."

"Lucy asked for a funnel cake but the vendors weren't wearing masks…"

"But Momma showed us a cookbook with a funnel cake recipe!  It was only a quarter."

"'Farm Journal Dessert Cookbook' sounds yummy, Lucy.  I need my helpers tomorrow when I build…"

"The mail cleaner thingy 'cause we can put books and stuff through it too."

"Very good, smart girl."


---


"They're asleep, love?"

"Yes.  Pillows, blankets and comfy objects are always good to have on trips.  This is about the news on the turned-down radio?"

"Correct.  Alabama Power is planning phased disconnects of each of their power plants so they can isolate the source of the glitches that are getting worse.  Some of the smaller plants won't make much difference in the overall load for short periods but taking some of the larger plants offline could cause brownouts from the big air conditioning load with today's temperature in the high 90's.  We won't be directly affected but there's a definite possibility of blackouts from the unprecedented loading of some of those plants during the testing."

"But they need to do the testing."

"Correct.  Better to be without power during the day than at night so those things are happening now and not at 3AM."

"But the total load would be lower at 3AM."

"Probably 70-80% of the current load.  At least they are notifying people as things are done so their customers will be aware of possible additional problems."

"I hear a mumble from the backseat that probably indicates we'll need to stop soon."

"We're maybe ten minutes from the place we stopped going out.  Maybe there won't be any unusual excitement today."

"We can hope."


"Momma, I…"

"Gotta go?"

"Un huh."

"We're almost at the gas station we stopped at on our way out."

"No shooting this time?"

"We don't think so.  You want to carry your rifle anyway?"

"Un huh!"

"Me too, Momma?"

"Yes, Sarah.  You too."


'He's the one that shot Leroy and Bo the other day?'

'Yeah, Cletus.  His wife might also be armed.'

'That's why there's two of us with shotguns, Dougie.'


"Hi, Deputy.  I didn't see who was in it but Leroy's ratty pickup is out front.  Couple of their cousins might be looking for payback."

"Thanks, Daisy.  They might get more than they bargained for."

"Your girls can shoot?"

"Only at paper targets before today but they are accurate."

"There's a ladder to the roof in the storeroom at the end of the hall where the restrooms are.  Here's the key to the hatch."

"Thanks, Daisy."


"Do you girls understand what I want you to do?"

"Shoot people?"

"Only if they start shooting at your Momma and me.  Do you remember how your body may respond if you shoot a person?"

"I remember.  I'd rather not puke."

"You may not have to shoot anyone, but you are our cover while we go out to get behind them.  If they start shooting, you just put bullets in their windshield.  They won't be shooting at us much if someone is shooting at them.  We'll go around the end of the building where you will be and you'd be shooting over our heads if you're still shooting when we get close to the truck."

"I'll try."

"Lucy?"

"Me too, Daddy.  I get a hug later?"

"How about one now and another one later?"

"Even better."

"Me too?"

"Of course, Sarah.  And your Momma also has hugs for both of you."


"Up the ladder.  I'll hand your guns up when you're on the roof.  Loaded magazines in your pocket?"

"Yes, Daddy."

"Me too."

"Sarah first so she can help Lucy."


"Daisy, down behind the counter.  That double aisle of soda should be a decent shield."

"I'm down."


"Out the back, love."


'What's takin' 'em so long, Dougie?'

'They're taking kids to the restroom.   Probably have to wipe kids that young.  Always takes longer.'

'If you say so.'

'There's somebody by that gas pump!'

'I got him!'

Pop!

'Missed!'

Pop! Pop! Pop!

Crash!

Tinkle!

'He's shootin' back!'

'Nah, that came from the roof and it sounds like an automatic on 'three round burst'.  How many of them is there?'


"PUT THE GUNS DOWN!"

"NOW!"


"That's the adults, Dougie.  Who's on the roof?"

"I don't know but we're dead anyway.  Gun's on the dash!  Here's my hands!"

"Me too!"

"Use the outside handle to open the door."

"This door opens from outside but that one don't.  Dougie can slide out over here."

"Do it slowly.  Hands where I can see them."



"On your knees, hands behind your heads, fingers interlocked."


"Sirens, Jack."

"Daisy probably called 911 on the first shot.  Hope her cameras are working today."


"Deputy Wilson?"

"Yes, Deputy Cochran.  Didn't expect to see you so soon."

"Likewise.  If you and the missus are here, who holed the windshield?"

"Our girls, on the roof with their .22s."

"I feel sorry for the first boy who gets his hand in the wrong place."

"That boy won't be shot.  The girls are also learning some unarmed self defense."

"Some of those moves can be very painful."

"That move is included."

"You watch these two and I'll cuff them."

"Go ahead."


"Cletus and Dougie Kirksey.  Sit on the pavement until another cruiser gets here."

"Then I should go tell the girls to come down."



---


"Sarah, safe the rifles and hand them down to me."

"Yes, Daddy."


"Now help Lucy get on the ladder."

"Yes, Daddy."


"I have you, Lucy.  We're all safe now.  I think your Momma might also want to hug you."

"Yes!"


"Sarah, come on down.  I'll go up the ladder to close and lock the hatch."

"Yes, Daddy."


"How about a big and long hug?"

"Yes, Daddy!"


"I think your Momma also wants to hug you."

"Yes!"


Hatch is closed and locked.  Time to see if Daisy has video.


"Jack?"

"Sheriff Wallace?  I didn't expect you again."

"I was on my way home to check on Alice as she's not feeling well.  I do have some elderberry syrup to make her some tea."

"Probably as good an option as anything your local pharmacy has."

"Your girls are good and these two got the scare of their lives."

"I noticed the large damp spots."

"That 'three round burst' had Dougie thinking it was someone with an automatic weapon, which explains the spots on the back of their jeans.  If your girls ever want to be in law enforcement, I'll be glad to give a character reference."

"Thanks, Lloyd.  They might have had all the 'enforcement' they want after today."

"I heard your wife talking with them in the restroom.  That's a very common first-time-shooting-at-a-human response."

"I reminded them of that just before they went up on the roof.  Kinda hate to expose them to these things but probably no time with more incentive than someone shooting at a parent."

"They're old enough for the 'Do you want your Momma to go hungry?' speech when hunting deer the first time but it's rare that a kid this young is shooting at someone."

"We'll see that they get extra lap and shoulder time when we get home and if they need to be sleeping together or if it's a 'head on a parent's shoulder' night."

"I think you have it covered.  If you'll write out your statement, you can go.  The cameras were working."

"Then let's do paperwork so we can get the girls home to familiar surroundings."


---


"It's too dark to ride the horses?"

"Yes, Lucy.  We've put away the things from the truck's bed that need protection from the dew, the horses and other animals are in the barn and the trailer is under cover.  Tomorrow will be a long day as we get things put in their proper places and I introduce Belle and Buttermilk to some of the implements they will be pulling.  I'll start with a single bottom plow as Zeke said that's something both horses have done.  Then I'll change to the bigger things that make more noise and we'll see how they do.  You and Sarah have quite a bit to sort and put in its proper place.  Your cookbooks can go in the kitchen bookcase where your Momma's cookbooks are kept after they go through the UV cleaner which we might get to tomorrow.  How many ViewMaster™ reels did you get?"

"Two shoeboxes full!  And two viewers.  There's some awesome stuff in there, like George Washington's plantation!"

"Then you have plenty of rainy day things.  Did I see a badminton set?"

"And the thing with big wood hammers and balls."

"A croquet set?"

"I think that's what the lady said.  And there's a net and some paddles and some little white balls in another box."

"Ping pong.  I was good at that in college."

"You can teach us?"

"On a rainy day and I think we'll have several of those this week.  You and Sarah also have some new animal chores to learn."

"We do?"

"Rabbits, pigs and horses."

"Pigs?  Yuck!  They stink!"

"If you don't set their pen up correctly and clean it regularly, it will smell bad.  That's part of your new chores."

"Yuck!"

"Then you don't want bacon or sausage with breakfast or ham sandwiches for lunch?"

"I didn't say that!"

"If things get as bad as we've talked about, where will we get groceries?"

"We grow them."

"Where does bacon come from?"

"Pigs.  And the sausage.  And the ham.  I guess we gotta if we want those."

"You 'gotta'.  We'll start teaching you in the morning.  For now, it's supper, then a bath, then a story, then to bed.  Go help your Momma and sister with supper."

"OK."

"If she agreed to helping with supper that easily, she's tired."

"We all are.  We've been traveling, sleeping in different beds, eating different foods - although the B&B breakfast seems to have been a hit with all of us, and we've been party to two gun battles in three days.  I think that adds up to tired."

"I agree.  I'm helping the girls heat some home-canned beef stew and they are making cornbread.  Supper in about 15 minutes."

"I'll be there as soon as I get the 15KW PTO generator off the trailer and then turn on the electric fence sections on the entry gates and activate the motion alerts on all the cameras."

"Generator?"

"One of the better deals I found today.  My 'sixth sense' went active when I saw the gen on its two wheel trailer and I talked the seller down to $20 face value silver or about $400 in FRNs."

"The price of a 500 watt hour 'portable emergency power unit' such as the Kyng or the Aeiusny or the Jackery model that's about half the power of the others?"

"Correct.  I can power the gen from the tractor running on wood gas or via the waterwheel when I figure out the gearing for that."

"So immediate and future backup possibilities?"

"And it's 'whole house' level of power which would also run some small businesses."

"Sounds like a bargain to me as the trailer itself would be more than that new and a new PTO-driven gen that size has to be $1000 or more."

"My thought also on the trailer.  Harbor Freight's 15KW PTO gen is $999 and Winco's is close to $2000.  I'll know if it was a good deal when I connect it to the tractor and see if it can run the house."

"Tomorrow?"

"Probably later in the week."


---

[gipsy]

Very fine update.

[papaof2]

Chapter 13


Sunday, 15 June, 6:10AM


Beep!Beep!


"After 6AM, Jack?  Why so late?"

"As tired as everyone was when we got home yesterday, I didn't think anyone would complain about a little extra sleep.  We can let the girls sleep until breakfast is ready as they'll only be an hour or so late starting their chores.  Be different if we had one or more animals that needed to be milked but that isn't the case today.  However, it might be in a day or two.  I'll see if the phones are working and check with the list of people one of the vendors at Trade Day gave me.  He deals in milking and churning equipment - that's where the small butter churn came from - and he knows who has what kind of milking animals all over the state."

"You're looking for?"

"A cow that's currently giving milk or a pregnant one that will deliver soon.  Or a couple of goats.  Considering how much milk the girls might go through if we had our own source, a cow would typically provide enough milk to fill both girls and still make butter and maybe cheese.  A couple of nannies would provide enough milk for the girls and to make a little butter but probably not enough for making cheese."

"Sounds like you might want both."

"If we had both, we could also make goat cheese.  Don't think anyone will be getting that at the deli section of a grocery in three months."

"Being a food provider means we always have something to barter."

"Correct.  If TSC or the feed and seed is open, I need to stock up on animal meds.  Also some of the antibiotics for fish and birds, and some other things that are acceptable for human treatment."

"Spending how much?"

"As much as needed.  This could be our last trip there for months."

"Anything refrigerated?"

"Possibly.  The Whynter 12/24 volt fridge/freezer I got for fixing Dale Thomas' big mower last year might be a good thing to have in the truck on this trip.  If there are any grocery items that you need to fill in holes in the pantry, today might also be our last trip to the grocery or Walmart for a while.  If you'd explain these things to the girls and ask about things they want or need?"

"My period started when I was nine and a half.  I need to stock up on things for myself and for Sarah - you're about to tell me to get enough for both girls for at least a year?"

"At least a year, maybe two.  While you could sew some reusable things, all three of you might be happier with some of the commercial products until we can no longer get them.  Is Auburn big enough or do we need to go to Columbus?"

"I do have those patterns and the materials.  I would like to check the fabric store and the fabric section at the Walmart up the road.  I agree; we need to make a trip to town, preferably Columbus, but maybe adjust that based on the radio news and any reports you can find online.  I also agree that we should plan on it being the last trip for a long time.  By the way, the box on the porch was the last order of used books which included 'Where There Is No Doctor' and 'Where There Is No Dentist'.  It came from the Goodwill in Omaha.  Anything in the news online about the new flu being there?"

"I'll check while the coffee brews."


---


"Good morning, Lucy."

"Good morning, Daddy."

"Good morning, Sarah."

"Good morning, Daddy.  I like this a lot better than the alarm clock!"

"Your Momma does too, but it won't be happening every morning.  I thought you might like sleeping a little later and getting a gentle wakeup your first morning back at home."

"I do!"

"Me too!"

"After breakfast, you need to do your usual chores and we'll be talking your through your new chores with the rabbits and the pigs.  We might also get a cow or a couple of goats or maybe both this week."

"I'll be milking a cow?"

"If your hands are big enough and strong enough.  I think you might be fine milking the goats but I'll have your Momma work with both of you to see who can do those things and who might be ready for those things in a few months."

"All the new chores mean we won't be going to school next fall?"

"They mean we're planning for you to be home schooled next fall because we don't know if the Lee County Schools will even be operating then.  Potty, wash your hands, dress in chore clothes and then to breakfast.  Food will be on the table when you get there."


---


"What's with the noise on the radio, Daddy?"

"It seems our local AM station, WANI, had some problems at their transmitter because of the flickery power.  They were able to repair enough of the damage to get back on the air but they are running at much lower power because of the damage and they'll only be on for the first ten minutes of each hour because they are on their backup generator to have clean power.  They also have limited fuel - it seems someone forgot to schedule their diesel delivery and they'll be running on the five gallon cans one of the techs brought from home until the supplier can fill their big tank on Wednesday."

"Jack, your tone of voice makes it sound more like 'if the supplier can'."

"Love, remember that I said we'd have to see how many people went back to work Monday?"

"Yes.  You see that as a bellweather for people either trying to make things work or things starting to seriously degrade?"

"Correct.  I hear a horse.  Girls, go ahead and eat.  I'll see who's there."


"Hello the house!"


A horse and that voice?  I think that's John Bradford.  


"Hello, John.  What's the owner of the agricultural oil and gas delivery service doing on horseback?"

"The power's been too noisy to run the pumps and computers and my backup generator smoked this morning when Hal started it.  I need power to run things and get the trucks loaded for deliveries.  I think the radio station and the hospital should be at the top of my list.  I'll pay you whatever rent you think is fair if you can get me power 'til the Onan service tech can get here from Montgomery.  They're saying Tuesday morning at the earliest and the phased power outages will affect us all day today and most of Monday."

"John, I have a 20KW diesel powered Kohler 120/240 gen on a trailer.  My rental rate is three to one: you pay me three gallons of diesel for every gallon the gen burns while running at your place."

"We've done that before and I think it's fair, especially since none of the rental yards have anything bigger than a 5KW in stock.  You can get it there this morning?"

"Breakfast is on the table.  Since you haven't eaten, come on in and get a plate and a cup of coffee.  I suspect I won't get to eat again until everything is working at your place and I remember what a rat's nest of wiring I had to clean up the last time I provided a gen for you…"

"About that…"

"Lewis has had his hands in it again?"

"I suspect he did."

"Then I'll put a 50 gallon gas tank in the bed of the truck and you can fill it while I'm there.  We may need to run the inverter gen quite a bit in the near future."

"You don't think Alabama Power can find and fix their problem?"

"I'm confident they can eventually find it.  Fixing it may require parts they don't have on hand and much power equipment is custom made for the specific installation.  Lead times on some of the big transformers and switchgear can be many months.  Some of that equipment comes from other countries, such as South Korea.  If they need something from there, the construction time could be three to nine months, the transit time by ship could be weeks and the truck transit time from the port to the destination power plant could be several days."

"So flickering power until it's replaced?"

"Or they take that bad component out of production and the loss of power capacity puts areas of the state on brownouts or rotating blackouts until the new part is installed."

"Rotating blackouts could impact everything!"

"Correct.  If your county only has power eight hours a day, which eight hours do you get or is it two four hour blocks, maybe from 5AM to 9AM and then from 5PM to 9PM?"

"That's a horrible set of hours for business or schools or …"

"Almost anyone except retired people who get up early and go to bed early and can spend hours nursing a drink and sandwich at Jack In the Box to be in air conditioning during the hottest part of the day?"

"Exactly.  I'm good for fuel for the generator but most people won't have fuel for days.  I spoke to Todd Jamison at the feed and seed yesterday and he said he'd sold all his generators but that the buyers never bought more than one gas can and none of the cans were bigger than five gallons.  Five gallons is quite a few hours on a little inverter gen running a fridge and freezer but it may not fill the tank on a 5000 watt or larger gen."

"People with more money than sense just throwing money at what they think is the problem.  Bigger is better so they buy the biggest gen at the store and have no idea how to power anything that doesn't have a plug."

"Speaking of that.  Could you add a transfer switch for the 7000 watt gen I got from Todd yesterday?  And plumb in the 20 gallon diesel tank?"

"What are you offering?"

"Two bred nanny goats.  They're due in a couple of weeks and you'd have a good supply of milk when the kids are weaned."

"Love?"

"The goats are good payment if you have the hardware in your junkbox.  If not, that will need maybe $400 in parts if they're available."

"$400?"

"If you want it done right, with there being one cable to a weatherproof connector on the house and the interlocked transfer breaker so you can't connect the generator to the co-op's powerlines by mistake."

"Here's $400.  The gen is electric start.  Can you also make that remote start?"

"Wired or wireless?"

"Which is better?"

"Wired is more reliable.  Wireless doesn't do you much good if it doesn't work because the battery in the remote is dead.  An auto-start and auto-transfer unit will be closer to $1000 if it's available."

"Not sure that I want automatic backup power.  Let's say wired remote start and whatever it needs to make it safe."

"When I get the gen running at the depot, I'll go check your house and see what's needed - every brand of breaker box is a little different."

"I'll text Lisa when you head that way."


"Daddy?"

"Yes, Sarah?"

"May we go?  I wanna know how you hook up a generator and we finished our chores while you were eating."

"Cindy?"

"I'll consider this part of the STEM curriculum in their home schooling.  Girls, paper and pencils for making notes and I will have questions for you."

"Yes, teacher."

"And let's pack you some lunches."

"That too, Momma."

"And your 'flu armor'."

"Yes, Daddy."


---


"That's a big toolbox!"

"Lucy, this is my power installation job box.  It has tools and supplies that I only use when doing large electrical work, such as the 20KW generator that's on the trailer.  I'll need wire and connectors of the proper sizes to handle the power from the generator to the transfer switch at Mr. Bradford's business.  I've worked on his generator before so I know the original generator was 12KW and the breaker on the transfer switch is 70 amps.  I know that #4 wire is the correct size for that breaker from experience but here's a laminated sheet that lists the wire size, the watts and the breaker amps that go together."

"I see the line '4 gauge, 70 amp, 13440 watts (240V)'.  That's what you just said 'cause 13440 watts is more than the 12KW 'cause you said 'K' means 1000 and that makes it 12000 watts."

"Very good, smart girl.  We'll talk more about other things as I check the wiring to see what 'smoked' the generator."

"You won't just hook it up and start it?"

"No.  Unless there was a problem with the generator, the 70 amp breaker should have protected the generator from a load that could make it smoke.  Like all electrical and electronic things, they don't work it you let the magic smoke out."

"Daddy!  It's not 'magic smoke'!  Smoke means something went wrong or someone did something wrong.  I guess if you don't know the difference, it is 'magic smoke' 'cause stuff usually stops working if it makes smoke."

"Very good, Sarah.  Lots of people who deal with electrical and electronic equipment kid about the 'magic smoke' for exactly those reasons.  If things stop working when smoke comes out, it must have been 'magic' smoke."

"You goof!"

"My girls are smiling."

"You're good at that."


---


"Mornin', Jack.  I see you brought the first team today."

"Morning, Lewis.  I did bring them and I'll have them walk me through what they see."

"A couple of kids?"

"My smart girls."

"This I gotta see."


"Girls, this is the original generator.  This is the transfer switch it connects to so it can be switched in place of co-op power.  This latch lets you open the box the transfer switch is in.  These latches let you open the generator cover.  It's heavy so I'll do that for you."

"There's black marks here on the transfer box.  Can we see inside it?"

"Let's go verify that the main breaker from the co-op is off before we open anything."

"Good idea!"


'Those girls might be smarter than I am.'


"What, Lewis?"

"Just thinking out loud, Jack."


"That's a big handle!"

"This one switches all the power from the co-op off and on.  The breaker for the generator is smaller as it only powers essential things: the fuel pumps, the fire alarm system, the computers needed to run the business.  The warehouse lights, the charger for the forklift and most of the air conditioning are not on the generator although the air conditioning for the office is powered by the generator as the computers need to be kept cool."

"It's been hot.  Did somebody try to run more air conditioning?"

"Let's go check the breaker box in the warehouse."


"Those wires just kinda go the shortest way instead being neat like the others."

"Lewis!"

"Yes, Jack?"

"When did you put these in?"

"This mornin'.  Today's s'posed to be 95 and it's hot in the warehouse."

"What did I tell you about the backup generator when you asked me about this?"

"You said it wasn't big enough but the nameplates on the roof units say '5KW' and that gen is 12KW."

"That gen has the fuel pumps that fill the delivery trucks.  Each of the six pumps is 1KW.  The computer that manages and tracks everything and logs usage is 2KW.  The office air conditioning is 4KW.  If it's all running, that's 12KW.  What happens when you add 10KW and make it 22KW?"

"The breaker on the gen tripped so I wired around it.  Then when I was filling the first truck, the gen smoked.  I'm gonna get fired, ain't I?"

"I have to tell John what I found and what it will cost him to get it fixed.  What he does with that information is his choice."

"I guess he could hire your girls.  They figured it our pretty quick."

"By state law, you must be 16 to pump fuel so he won't be hiring them for a few years."


---


"You said the #4 wire, Daddy.  Which colors?"

"White, black, red and green, about ten feet of each.  Plus a 70 amp Square-D breaker and about six feet of the gray inch and a half plastic pipe."

"These rolls are heavy!"

"Just slide them to the back of the truck.  Then get the small work gloves on before you grab the wire to unwind it.  As a shortcut when measuring, the new plastic pipes are ten feet long so you just unroll enough wire to match the pipe's length."

"Then use these cutters?"

"Yes, but I don't think either of you have enough strength in your hands to cut 4 gauge wire.  That cutter needs a lot more squeezing than the pistols do."

"It is kinda big."


---


"Jack, what's with the paper and pencils the girls seem to be carrying everywhere?"

"John, Cindy said they could come with me and learn some things about electricity and generators as part of the STEM section of their home schooling."

"But school's not in session."

"Lee County Schools might not be back in session for a long time but the girls can be learning almost any time.  We're taking advantage of a technical learning event.  They'll learn more when we're at your house."

"The masks and gloves and goggles?"

"That's a health lesson, more easily followed since the infected group was apprehended at Atlanta's airport."

"But that's over with!"

"CDC says the virus can live on a hard surface for two to five days and the incubation period for someone who is exposed is two to 14 days.  Someone can be contagious for up to five days before they show any symptoms."

"Where'd you get the masks and gloves?"

"Plus the safety glasses or goggles because your eyes are mucus membranes and also an entry point for the virus.  Unless the Seed & Feed still has some, most other places are sold out."

"Where'd you get the straps for the girl's safety glasses?"

"Dollar General.  I found them there when I was doing some repairs that needed me hanging nearly upside-down and trying to keep my readers on."


---


"Do I fire Lewis?"

"That's something you'll have to decide, John.  I would suggest putting locks on the breaker and switch boxes and having a limited number of keys available.  Things can still be turned on and off but the boxes can't be opened for modifications without a key.  And you should have a log of who opened what, when and why.  Might be cheaper in the long run and I wouldn't need to bring the 'A team' the next time."

"Lewis admitted what he did.  I think he feels really bad at being found out by a couple of smart kids - and he's afraid they might get his job.  That might be incentive to keep his hands out of certain things and the locks will be insurance.  When you come to pick up the goats, bring a trailer.  There's a year of food to go with them.  Watching you with your girls tells me I should have my kids down here or at the barn or in the fields learning every day."


---


"We go do his generator at home now, Daddy?"

"We go check what will be needed as John doesn't know which brand of breaker panel is at his house and the breakers and interlock switches can be unique to each brand.  Then we go home for lunch and I'll check my junkbox stock for parts.  If I have all that's needed, we can plan on going there later because we need to go shopping for some things that we'll need if power is off or in rotating brownouts or blackouts while Alabama Power finds the problem and gets things fixed."

"The guy on the radio just said something about Georgia Power.  Can we affect them since we're next door?"

"Good question, Sarah.  Alabama Power and Georgia Power are both part of the same parent company, The Southern Company.  So is Mississippi Power, along with five natural gas companies and maybe a half dozen other companies.  I'll turn it up and we'll see…"

'…thern Company announced that in addition to the problems Alabama Power reported yesterday, Georgia Power and Mississippi Power are having unusual and unexpected variations in the voltage and frequency of the power they're producing.  The across-the-board recommendation for residential users is to protect their appliances by turning off all but one breaker serving a single light and wait for the power problems to be resolved.  Organizations with backup power capabilities are advised to go to that backup power until the problems are resolved.  The resolution of the problem will be announced on radio and TV and residential users with their company's power outage app will receive a message advising them of the steps to take to protect appliances and when to return to normal usage.'

"That sounds bad.  Are power problems like the flu and another company can 'catch' them?"

"It is bad, Lucy.  The controls for the power plants and the lines that connect them to each other and to the users are electronic and there has been concern that hackers could get into the control systems and cause problems.  Because the various parts of the power grid can share power with each other if needed, there is also the possibility that something a hacker put into the grid in Alabama might find its way to other parts of the grid."

"The whole country is tied together?"

"In segments.  The Northeast, the Southeast, the Midwest, Texas, the far West and the Pacific Northwest are the major segments that share power with each other but they do have the potential for other interconnections so something that started in Alabama could spread to much of the country if the people controlling the grid didn't institute protective actions soon enough when a problem showed up in a grid segment."

"So they didn't keep the bad stuff in Alabama?"

"That report certainly sounds like the problem has spread within The Southern Company but they didn't mention any other places - at least not yet.  We're at the Bradford house so check your masks, gloves and safety glasses."

"Do we hafta?"

"Always, because I love my girls and I want them around for a long time."

"I think that's a 'hafta', Sarah."

"But it's a nice one."


"Hello the house!"

"Hello, Jack.  John asked you to wire up that expensive generator he got yesterday?  Do we really need it?"

"Carla, you need to check the news on WANI.  The weird problems with power have expanded to Georgia and Mississippi and the power company is saying to use backup power if you have it."

"They never want you to use less power so there is a serious problem.  When can you get this done?"

"We're here to check the breaker panel and determine what's needed for an interlock connection of the generator so it can't feed power back out on the power lines and kill someone working on them.  That's maybe ten minutes.  Then get us home for lunch and for me to check my stash of parts.  If I don't have what's needed, that might require a trip to Columbus for parts but we're already headed there after lunch for some things we'll need if they can't fix the power problems soon and the most recent reports make that less likely.  I can be back here after dark or first thing tomorrow."

"Better today.  I want the yard light on tonight."

"Today it is then.  If the phones are still working, I'll call you before I turn into your drive."

"'If the phones are working?'  Why wouldn't they be working?"

"That might depend on how much fuel the cell tower out here has for backup and how long its generator has been running."

"Davey said he heard an engine running when he brought the cattle in from the pasture yesterday."

"Then we hope it has more than 24 hours of fuel."

"I learn something almost every time I speak with you, Jack, but you're so often a bearer of bad news."

"No, Carla, I'm just better informed on the things that might fail and make my life more difficult."

"I guess you could say that.  Sarah and Lucy will be helping you?"

"They did the initial failure analysis at the fuel depot."

"They're how old?"

"Nine and eight."

"Davey's twelve and doesn't know that much about how things work.  I think he needs to be going to work with his Dad."

"John mentioned having 'kids' there on a regular basis."

"We'll discuss that when he gets home.  Thanks, Jack.  See you in a few hours."

"See you."


---


"We won't be building the UV thingy for the mail?"

"Not today, Lucy, if both of you want to learn about connecting a home backup generator."

"Tomorrow?"

"As soon as the morning chores are finished."

"So before the mail gets there?"

"Pete usually doesn't usually deliver mail on our road until late afternoon so we should be finished with the box by then."

"Could we have him put the mail in?"

"I think he'll be curious about anything my smart girls have built so we'll plan to be outside then and ask him."

"Yes!"


---


"You're back, Jack.  Did you hear the news about Georgia Power and Mississippi Power?"

"Yes, love."

"We're still going to Columbus?"

"Yes.  I need to check my stash but I think I'll be going to a home center in Columbus for some parts for the generator interlock for the Bradfords."

"You're going back there today?"

"When we get back from our shopping excursion.  Carla said after dark was OK but she wanted the yard light on tonight."

"At least they have the fuel to keep a gen running for a long time."

"John mentioned that he had a 20 gallon tank for it.  At half power, he should get close to 50 hours on a tank of diesel."

"Just in time to change the oil?"

"Very possible with an air-cooled diesel engine, although I think that model is every 100 hours."

"It will last how long?"

"With good care, perhaps 6,000 to 10,000 hours."

"That's how many days?"

"Running 24 hours a day, that's 250 to 416 days.  Much better if you have some things on battery power and just run the gen to recharge the batteries."

"Or have solar power?"

"Solar is even nicer, but if we were footing the bill we'd be running the inverter gen just long enough to charge the batteries on the 'Wait until daylight' system on the days we didn't have sun.  We are extremely fortunate that I could help Sam with his 'problem'."

"We are.  But that also tracks with you being there to help other people and fix things that are 'unfixable' so you're the first one most people think of when they have a problem."

"It seems I do have a bit of a reputation."

"You do.  Girls, finish lunch, go potty and get your 'flu armor' so we can go shopping."

"We can take some of our money?"

"Of course, Sarah.  You will have to explain what you want to buy and why you think it's worth the price that's asked."

"We always do."


---

[papaof2]

Chapter 14


Sunday, 15 June, 2:20PM


"Question, Cindy.  First the fabric store, then HD, then Walmart and then Publix?"

"Yes, Jack.  The girls asked to stop at the used book store next to the fabric store.  I have lists for all the other places and I don't want us to get separated anywhere.  Girls, that means restroom trips are a family affair."

"Do we hafta?"

"You 'hafta'."


---


"The fabric store is a little dim but they do have some lights."

"Then we stop and I use your LED head light."

"I have one for each of us.  Girls, remember to turn the light off or down when you're talking to someone."

"Yes, Daddy.  They are kinda bright."

"That's what makes them useful."


---


"Jack?  That Janome 712T sewing machine is $409!  Are you sure?"

"Considering the wear on your grandmother's Singer treadle machine, it won't last another year if you're making clothes for all of us.  The Janome has a 25 year warranty so it should be fine for years.  Get 30 bobbins and 50 assorted needles and four big spools of each color thread you think you might use, then double or triple the amount of fabric you planned to buy."

"You sure?"

"I don't think anyone else was watching the TV behind the checkout but I just saw someone on the floor and bleeding from the eyes on the South Concourse at the Atlanta airport.  They switched off that scene very quickly but I know what I saw.  We're preparing for at least three years of limited quarantine that starts when we get home."

"Lucy, we'll need another buggy.  Your Daddy will walk you over there to get it."

"Yes, Momma."

"Same at the other stops, Jack?"

"Yes.  I wasn't sure why my 'sixth sense' was prompting me about the trailer but, as always, I'm glad I listened.  I'll be getting more plywood, dimensional lumber, screws, nails, wiring and so forth as well."

"Remember paint and varnish."

"That, roofing, PEX and PVC pipe and copper tubing plus fittings, paintbrushes and a half dozen other things I'm adding to that list."

"More clothes at Walmart and larger sizes of socks, shoes and underwear for the girls are on my list, Jack.  You'll tell the girls?"

"When we're back in the truck."


---


"I don't think I've ever spent $1300 at the fabric store before."

"Love, we may also set some new records at other stores today."


"Momma, what's going on?  You don't ever buy that much stuff here."

"Sarah, wait until we're in the truck."

"I think it's gonna be scary, Daddy."


---


"OK, Daddy.  What's going on?"

"Sarah, I don't think anyone else in that store noticed the TV behind the checkout counter but I saw a very short bit of video that I don't think they intended to air.  It was in the Atlanta airport and a person was on the floor bleeding from his eyes."

"Yuck!  How?"

"That's one of the symptoms of an advanced case of the new flu.  I suspect that the airport is now under lockdown and no one is getting in or out until they've been checked for fever and other symptoms.  At this hour, there are hundreds or maybe thousands of people in that airport and no flights will be coming in or going out until all the people have been checked.  Even if they're keeping it off the news, there will be people who got pictures or video and are posting those on social media.  That event can't be contained for long.  We've upped our shopping quantities to be big enough for us to go home and be in self-quarantine for at least three years…"

"What about the generator…"

"We'll do that tonight; we'll just not get there until much later because I'll need to unload the trailer so I can take it to move goat feed on it.  I'll have the wood and other house maintenance items loaded so that I can unload with the forklift arms on the frontloader.  That way most of the unloading can be done quickly."

"What about food?"

"You know about the section of the basement that no one can see.  We have over a year of food there and we'll be expanding the garden by several times.  That means we'll all be working in the garden more but it will be most of our 'grocery store' for the next few years."

"It'll really be that bad?"

"I hitched the big trailer because my 'sixth sense' was telling me to.  It's usually right, isn't it?"

"Bummer.  It's almost always right.  Things are gonna get bad."

"So we're doing what we can so that we can be insulated from that 'bad'."

"Better squash casserole than an empty plate."

"Correct, Lucy, and I know how much my smart girl doesn't like squash."

"Yuck!"

"To our next store."

"The used book store here?"

"That's what my smart girls asked for and they rarely ask about spending their own money unless they've thought those purchases through - and you did.  I have the door."


---


"The guy in sporting goods at Walmart really didn't want the hassle of opening the ammunition cabinets and then you unloaded half his stock into your buggy."

"Probably the best sale they've made in months.  Having my Deputy ID makes it a lot simpler to buy ammo.  You got all the clothes you wanted?"

"Including bras for both girls.  Three years is a lot of growing time when a girl is at or near puberty."

"No argument there.  I remember my sister going from almost flat to very curvy in a matter of months.  You get everything in grocery items?"

"Even better with the sale on some of the laundry products.  I did get 25lbs of corn meal and 50lbs of flour but we might be making our own in the future."

"That's a project that needs more research before things start going away online.  I'll add a reminder to my phone and get on that after the girls are asleep."

"Glitchy power or the lack of power could shut down computers and networks so that's a definite 'tonight' item.  I'll brew you some good coffee to keep you awake."

"Thank you, love.  You may also need some of that coffee as I'll want to bounce some ideas off you."

"I'll see if I can find a cup big enough to join you in."

"You goof!"

"I made my favorite husband smile just a little bit for the first time in several hours."

"So you did."


---


"That'll be $1783.27, sir."

"And my Lowe's card makes that $1694.11."

"If you'll pull over to the professional entrance, the forklift will be there to load your trailer."


---


"The 12 volt freezer is cold?"

"It's been running since we left the house."

"Just so I have a place for the meat that's in the clearance cooler."

"We do."

"Sarah, Lucy.  All of us will be pushing buggies today.  Your Momma in the lead, then Lucy, then Sarah and I'll bring up the rear."

"That's a lot of groceries!"

"Remember how long I talked about being in quarantine and that most people don't yet know?"

"I remember."


---


"$970 at Publix?"

"We could have done better on a number of things with recurring orders from Amazon but 'two day delivery' might not be happening."

"Better to have it in hand than not at all."

"Correct.  It's getting dark so let's get these things in the back of the truck and head home."

"I didn't like the looks of some of the people who came into the store just before we checked out."

"Me either.  I suspect that clip I saw or someone's cell phone picture or video is making the rounds and some people see it as an SHTF event and will just be sweeping things off the shelves into their carts."

"That will rapidly give way to pandemonium."

"What's pande…"

"THAT'S MY BAG OF CHARCOAL!  LET GO OR I'LL SHOOT YOU!"

"I HAD IT FIRST!  IT'S MY BAG!"

Bang!  Bang!

"Buckle up!  We're out of here!"

Screeeech!

"Daddy, you don't ever squeal the tires."

"Lucy, people back there shooting at each other over a bag of charcoal.  That's not a safe place for anyone, especially my family.  Things like that are pandemonium - people doing crazy things because they're too scared to figure out what they should be doing."

"Straight home from here?"

"As straight and as fast as we can safely get there, love."


---


"Momma, I gotta go!"

"We'll be home in five minutes, Lucy."

"I don't think I can hold it."

"Sarah, there's a big towel in the door pocket by you.  Roll it up and let Lucy sit on it."

"It's OK if I wet my pants?"

"We're too close to home to try finding another place, even behind a tree."



"I'm still holding it."

"Then keep the towel in place and waddle to the outhouse.  The truck will trigger the motion sensor light on the house and the solar powered light out there comes on when you open the door."

"Not by myself!"

"Cindy?"

"I'm armed and will go with her, gun in hand."

"I'll unlock the door and get Sarah inside.  She looks just as much in need but is trying not to admit it."

"Daddy!"

"So I'm correct?"

"Like always."

"Door's unlocked; lights are on."

"Yes!"


---


"Girls, we'll fix a quick supper while your Daddy uses the forks on the frontloader to unload the trailer.  If you still want to go with him…"

"I do."

"Me too."

"Then you'll be carrying your rifles."

"OK."

"Me too."


---


Ring!  Ring!

'This is John.'

'It's Jack.  I'm about to turn into your…'

'Jack?  Jack?  Jack!'


"John, it that Jack's truck?"

"He was just on the phone saying he was about to turn in when the call just went away."

"Wonder if the cell tower generator ran out of fuel.  He mentioned earlier today that it might not have much."

"He was probably right…"

"Dad!  Those girls have rifles!  Why don't I?  I'm older than they are."

"Davey, you won't understand this but those girls are smarter and more mature than you are.  They were able to figure out what had happened to the generator at the fuel depot by just looking at things and asking questions.  I'm sure Jack has been teaching them firearms safety as well as giving them range time to practice.  We'll talk more about this tomorrow.  If you can listen and do what those girls tell you, you can be out there to learn how to connect a generator."

"Do what they tell me?"

"They know more about it than you do, so it's appropriate that they tell you what to do."

"No way!"

"Then you're confined to your room."

"But…"

"No buts."


---


"John, I don't hear the little engine I heard running in the distance earlier today.  With that lack of sound and my cell call going away I think the cell tower is out of fuel."

"Things can start falling apart this soon?"

"We hit multiple stores in Columbus to stock up on other things while I was there to get the parts needed for the gen interlock…"

"I'll cover your fuel.  Gas and diesel tanks are by the barn and here's one of the spare keys.  I suspect we'll need you again if things are going away this fast."

"As we were leaving a Publix in Columbus, two people were in a shouting match over a bag of charcoal and it devolved to gunfire."

"Then things really are as bad as you implied."

"Did you bring home enough oil to change the gen every 50 or 100 hours?"

"20 hours the first time; 100 hours after that.  How many hours do I get on 20 gallons?"

"At half power, you should get about 50 hours on 20 gallons."

"Thirsty, ain't it?"

"You need that kind of power for running the central air or cooking with electricity."

"There was a Princess stove in the kitchen when we bought this place.  It's in one of the sheds.  How much to get it hooked back up?"

"When was the chimney last cleaned?"

"I don't know.  The fireplace has gas logs so we've never burned wood in it."

"Anything in the paperwork when you bought the house?"

"I'll ask Carla and let you know.  Will the landline phones still work?"

"As long as the central office has fuel for their generator.  Out here, that could be a couple of weeks.  If you have UVerse or FIOS, all bets are off."

"What's the difference?"

"The basic landline phone is powered from the central office.  The all-in-one services need power on the premises to run their router and power the phone plus the fiber terminal that the router connects to also needs power.  I don't know about out here, but I'm aware that there are places near big cities that AT&T doesn't have much, if any, backup power for the UVerse service.  Maybe they think that if power is off to the houses no one will notice that there is no UVerse service?"

"I may be riding Dusty over to your place to deliver an answer.  At least the horses don't need power."

"You buy their grain pre-mixed?"

"No, I have a hammermill…  Can you get power to the horse barn?"

"How much power does it need?"

"I think it's a one horse 220 volt motor."

"You might not be able to run it if the A/C is running and more than one stove eye is on."

"Plan on putting the Princess stove back in place and can you get me wood for it?"

"Yes, I can get wood.  If all you need wood for is cooking, a pickup load will last a long time."

"Will we be able to get LP?"

"If the natural gas pipelines are running.  LP is transported over those pipelines."

"And they need power."

"Correct.  Dug your 'Woe is me' hole deep enough yet, John?  If you have, my helpers want to learn about wiring a residential generator and interlock."

"And they're already yawning.  Here's the 20 gallon tank.  I knew the original 7 gallon tank wouldn't run 24 hours so I brought this one from the warehouse.  Guess maybe I should have a bigger tank."

"40 gallons would run it 100 hours and it would be time for an oil change."

"It does have an hour meter if I just remember to look at it."

"That's not something I can help with unless you want an electronic hour meter that beeps at 100 hours and the 'Silence' button only quiets it for 30 minutes."

"If Davey winds up doing maintenance, that might be a necessity.  Let's let these girls learn while they're still awake."


---


"We can start it?"

"Yes, Lucy.  Turn the switch on the box to ON then press the Start button until the Engine On light turns green."

"OK.  ON.  Pressing.  I hear something outside.  Now it's louder and the light is green."

"To the breaker panel.  Sarah, I think you can reach the breaker marked 'Main'.  Pull it down to turn it off."

Click!

"It's off."

"Now turn off all the breakers that don't have a green tag."

Click!  Click!  Click!  Click!  Click!  Click!  Click!  Click!  Click!  Click!

"Done."

"Now move the metal 'L' so you can flip the breaker marked 'Generator' to the left."

"You can only do that if the Main is off."

"That's why it's called an 'interlock'.  It controls those two breakers so only one of them can be on at a time.  Turn the 'Generator' breaker on."

Click!

"We have lights!"

"Much better than working by flashlight and the LED headlights."

"Yes, little sister, but the headlights meant we could do the work so we now have lights."

"Correct, smart girl.  And both my smart girls might be asleep before I get them home."

"Five minutes to load goat feed on your trailer, Jack."

"That's fine.  They'll be asleep before we leave."


---


Ring!  Ring!

'This is Cindy.'

'Meet me at the truck?  I have two sleeping children.'

'They were successful?'

'Yes.  The Bradfords have power and he wants the Princess wood cookstove moved back into the house.'

'Didn't Lewis help you…'

'Take it out?  Yes.  But that was some time ago.  I think I'll need younger muscle this time.  Maybe one or both Tatum boys?  I'm at the house.'

'On my way.'


"How much food is on the trailer?"

"A year for four goats."

"John was generous."

"That and he appreciates having power back.  The doctor put him on a CPAP machine last year and his UPS didn't last through the night last night, possibly because the glitchy power damaged it or maybe it couldn't recharge from that bad power.  The UPS is also in the truck to be checked.  For now, I'll back the trailer in the barn and we can unload tomorrow."

"Sounds very reasonable."

"After that, I need to do some research while we still have at least part of the internet."


---

[feralferret]

Thanks for all of the new chapters!

[gipsy]

Thanks for the update

[papaof2]

Chapter 15


Monday, 16 June, 5:40AM


Beep!Beep!


Some days I hate that sound!  Usually when my online research has kept me up unusually late the night before.  I think I might have gotten four hours of sleep.  Time to wake the others.


"Good morning, Mrs. Wilson."

"But not such a good morning for you, Mr. Wilson?"

"My research was worthwhile but it lasted until after 1:30AM."

"Then I'll use the 12 cup coffeemaker and keep your thermos filled today."

"Excellent idea.  I should wake the girls…"


Ringggggg!


"That was…"

"Sarah remembered you saying you'd do research after they were asleep and both of them wanted to be sure they were awake in time to do chores if you didn't wake up early enough to wake them."

"Then I should have an extra hug for each of my smart girls.  I'll go do that."

"I'll go make lots of coffee and include something sweet for breakfast to keep your energy up."


---


"Daddy, are we building the mail thingy today?"

"Yes, Lucy.  I need some help unloading things from the truck and the trailer and then we'll work on the UV cleaner for mail and some other things."

"The books and stuff from Trade Day?"

"Unless you want to always wear gloves, masks and safety glasses so you use them."

"Better to clean them once and not need gloves later."

"That's my smart girl."


---


"Sarah, Lucy.  Do you have your safety glasses, dust masks and work gloves?"

"Yes, Daddy."

"Me too."

"My full size sketch of the UV box is on the white board and I have it in the 3D modeling software on the laptop so you can 'see' it from all sides."

"It's big!"

"How big are the boxes the board games are in?"

"The cleaner is bigger than they are."

"I checked for things that had been delivered here and made the cleaner big enough for the largest of those boxes.  I also made a cage of piano wire so we can mount UV germicidal lamps on the top, bottom and all sides so we won't need to turn the items over to disinfect 'the other side'."

"You're smart!"

"Some of my smart girls' smarts rub off on me every time you hug me."

"You're silly too."

"But my favorite girls are smiling, even when we're talking about building something to protect us from a deadly infection."

"You always keep us safe."

"I'm your daddy.  Keeping you safe is my job."

"We get to use the big saw?"

"No.  The pieces are too big for you to be able to control them.  I have a template for the pocket holes to be drilled and the holes for the hinges and you may drill those.  I'll also have you putting on the glue and helping hold the pieces in place when I put the clamps on them."

"We can help with the wiring?"

"Some of it.  I think both of you can use the gun-style wire stripper and the insulation is marked where it should be removed.  We'll work on that while the glue is drying."

"Tomorrow?"

"Four hours for the glue to set but with pocket screws holding the top, bottom and sides together we can mount the hinged doors at the ends even with the clamps in place."

"When can we test it?"

"When the doors are in place and we finish the wiring.  If this is to be left on the porch, should it be painted?"

"Maybe the waterproof varnish we used on Mr. Sawyer's boat?"

"And about as many coats as we put on the boat?"

"It will be living outside."

"That's my smart girl."


---


"More coffee, Daddy?"

"Lucy, I was up late last night and I need to be fully functional to use power tools so I'm using the caffeine in the coffee to keep me fully awake."

"That's a big saw."

"Correct.  I got the 10 inch Hitachi C10RA3 table saw in exchange for some repairs I did at the hardware store in Auburn.  The man said it didn't work but it was obvious to me that someone had damaged the power cord and I knew I could fix that with parts from the junkbox.  It's not the top of the line saw but it suffices for the basic carpentry I've needed to do.  Let me connect the shop vac as my dust collector while I'm using the saw and I'll move that over to the vacuum sanding table when I finish here so my helpers can do the sanding and not get lost in a cloud of sawdust."

"Daddy!  We won't get lost.  But we don't hafta vacuum our clothes before we leave the shop if we sand things over there."


"Daddy, the saw didn't start with a 'bang' like it did last time."

"That's my observant girl paying attention to sounds.  You're right, Sarah.  I added a soft start device, the C10 from raymondinnovations.com.  It's about $60 but it stops that hard start and drops the need for 40+ amps down to a gentle start and actually using no more amps than it does when it's cutting.  This is part of my planning for providing my own power.  While the commercial power can handle those big startup surges, only the big 5000 watt generator can start this saw.  With the C10 in place, I can start the saw and do light cutting when using the 1600 watt inverter generator.  The C10 is only intended for medium duty but I usually start the saw, cut a few pieces, turn off the saw and check the fit and then start the saw for the next series of cuts.  If the saw was getting constant on/off every minute or so, I would have needed a continuous duty version such as the GS10 or GS11 but those are twice the price.  The C10 also works with the circular saw so I can run it from the inverter generator."

"It's still loud but it's not as scary if it doesn't go 'bang' when you turn it on."

"Ear protection for both of you hanging on the wall at your level."

"Do we hafta?"

"You 'hafta'."


---


"Sarah, use the intercom and tell your Momma that she can come inspect our work - except for the rest of the outside varnish that we'll start on after the glue has fully dried."


Beep!


'Yes?'

'Daddy said to come see the UV cleaner box.'

'Be right there.  Lunch is in the oven and will be ready in ten minutes'


"It's lots bigger than I expected."

"It's big enough for the largest box that's been delivered in the mail.  I have some UV goggles so you can operate the override and clean a box longer than the cleaner by doing it in sections.  Girls, that requires some special precautions and you won't be doing it by yourselves until you're twelve and I am sure you won't forget those precautions."

"That's you being a Daddy and keeping us safe again.  I love you too."

"Me too."


---


"Sloppy Joe casserole, love?  I though you only did that on certain football weekends."

"I thought all of us would enjoy some comfort food with me listening to the only-on-ten-minutes-at-the-top-of-the-hour radio news and the three of you working on a way to keep the next flu pandemic from coming into the house."

"It's yummy!"

"You are correct, Lucy.  I think we all might be going back for seconds.  And the news is saying?"

"Twenty more infected people among those who went through the Atlanta airport the past few days and five more who work there.  The CDC is recommending masks, gloves and safety glasses or goggles for everyone in the city.  They probably should be doing that for anyone who's been through that airport or has contact with anyone who's been there."

"With it being an international airport, that now covers the world.  Any word on who the people spreading infection are associated with?"

"Some Chinese and some Muslims - I think they said 'sardine?' - who acquired the virus from the Chinese.  There's been a lot of saber rattling at the Pentagon and also some in Congress.  The President hasn't commented on the situation yet but the White House Press Secretary did mention that the Pres is following the situation very closely and that the 'masks and gloves' recommendation could become a requirement to be off your own property if the case numbers bloom as they did in China."

."Probably Ansar Dine, a very conservative sect and very violent in enforcing their version of Islam.  When they're involved, it's a 'shoot first and forget the questions' situation if you encounter them.  Need to get you and the girls back on the range for some more handgun practice.  How did they do with the plastic guns?"

"Much better after you slipped into the room, used the board clapper for a good 'Bang!' and fell to the floor.  I knew what you had planned but it's still scary to hear 'Bang!' and see someone go down.  I think you got their attention."

"Un huh!"

"Me too!"


---


Ring!  Ring!


Nice to know we still have cell service here but probably not for long unless we're on one of the few towers with solar backup.


'This is Jack.'

'Jack, it's Todd.'

'What does the Seed & Feed need?'

'Power.  My generator died and I can't run the register or pump fuel.  Can you come fix it or loan me a gen until you can fix it?'

'120/240 and single phase?'

'Yes.  It's a 10,000 watt but I could go a little smaller if I don't run all the pumps.'

'You do remember that my rental rate is three to one fuel?  You pay me three gallons for each gallon the gen uses.'

'I remember.  I have 50 gallons of gas and diesel earmarked for you.'

'Be there soon.  I need to collect tools and load a gen, so about 30 minutes.'

'Good enough.'


"Love, can you…"

"Help the girls finish what they started this morning?"

"Yes.  People bought out Todd's stock of generators but most didn't buy much gas.  By now they all know how much gas their gen needs each day and I'd expect to see pickups with 55 gallon barrels in the bed and the people are looking to buy a lot of gas or diesel."

"You have a place to store the fuel you'll get in payment?"

"The two 200 gallon tanks I brought back from Trade Day.  One for gasoline and the other for diesel.  I'll take a couple of the wheeled 14 gallon tanks from Northern Tool for collecting today's fuel payment.  If I can fix Todd's gen there, I will.  If it needs major surgery, I'll bring it here where I have parts.  I'm almost positive it's a Generac RS series gen and I have a couple of hangar queens out in one of the sheds.  If I can't fix it there, we'll probably have an abundance of fuel waiting tomorrow when I take the repaired unit back."

"Payment for the repairs?"

"What do we need in things that Todd stocks?"

"Animal medications.  I have a list for the animals and a list of the ones that are human usable."

"Then we'll see what kind of trade Todd's willing to do tomorrow."

"Daddy, can we go?"

"Not this time, Sarah.  The project we started this morning needs to be finished so you can use the things from Trade Day - I think there's a funnel cake rec…"

"I'm on it!"

"Me too!"


"You'll keep me posted, Jack?"

"Yes, love.  Phone if it's working.  If not, CB channel 37, upper sideband.  Having the antenna centered on the house's metal roof does provide good coverage."

"It does.  I'll check the channel and turn the volume up."


---

[papaof2]

Chapter 16


Monday, 16 June, 2:40PM


"Back so soon, Jack?"

"Cindy, the spark plug is fouled and the gasoline is dark so my first guess is that someone poured the 40:1 gas/oil mix for the chainsaw into Todd's generator so I need to disassemble and flush the entire fuel system.  Better to do that here than there.  Also likely to be less expensive as I saw some people giving the portable fuel tanks on the truck very envious stares."

"How long?"

"As long as it takes.  Todd said he would be closing at dark today so no later than 8PM or so.  If I'm finished in time, I'll take his gen back but he's good to open in the morning with the gen I took him and that gen is running at full load to power multiple pumps - which are in use continuously.  I was right about the 55 gallon barrels in the beds of pickups.  Most only have one or two barrels but there was one truck with an eight foot bed that had six barrels in it.  Gasoline is about six lbs/gallon and diesel is about seven so a barrel of gas is 330lbs plus 40lbs for the barrel and a barrel of diesel is about 385lbs plus 40lbs for the barrel.  Three barrels of gas and three of diesel is about 2400lbs so that truck was loaded down and the front end was high enough to make steering difficult.  I hope he didn't have far to drive."

"I looked at the notes Howard Brown made for you on the water flow needed for the mill.  The existing pond would work for the mill when full but you need two or three more feet of head to run the PTO generator."

"There's a drain for the pond that's about three feet down from the outlet in the small dam so it could provide the additional water height that's needed.  Or I can move the site for the mill farther downstream and have the total head needed. It'll be farther from the house but the 'Splish!  Splash!' noise of the waterwheel won't be as loud at the house.  I guess that's a good tradeoff."

"I can handle the backhoe and the frontloader so I can be digging for foundations while you're working on that gen.  Do you have sketches?"

"Yes.  There's a yellow folder by my laptop.  You can check my dimensions against the 'as built' of the original mill - that's in the blue folder.  There's some parking lot paint with a rolling paint can holder in the truck's tool box from the parking lot repainting I did a week or so ago at the IGA in Auburn."

"I'll check the drawings and mark things out and then have you check that the foundation is where you want it.  If you're happy with it, I can be digging while the girls work on their assigned sewing and then start supper."

"Sounds good.  If they need more to do, they can work on the instructions for the 'mail cleaner'."


---


"Daddy, we have the first coat of varnish on the box, inside and out and it's dry to the touch.  We need you to put the wire thingy together so we can mount it in the box.  You said we could test it before we do the other coats on the outside."

"The UVC lamps are in their holders?"

"Un huh.  Two on top, bottom, each side and the doors."

"Do they work?"

"We can't turn them on because we don't know where the UV glasses are and the doors are just leaning against the ends 'cause you wanted to adjust the latches."

"Then I should wash my hands and check those latches so the doors can be closed securely."

"We'll be waiting for you."


---


Beep!


'Yes?'

'Come see what your smart daughters have accomplished.'

'On my way.'


"This looks good.  Lucy, tell me how it works."

"Here's the fixed copy of the instructions.  We need to type it in and spell-check it and then print a copy.  We have a plastic sleeve for it on the side of the box."

"Then I should start with step 1.  'Unit must be plugged in.'"


---


"We got it right, Daddy?"

"Yes, smart girls.  If I hadn't thought you were capable of doing this I wouldn't have asked you to do it.  As usual, you proved what you could do."

"It'll clean anything we put in it?"

"Anything that the light can get to all parts of, Sarah.  Would it work for this cuckoo clock?"

"Hmmm?  I don't think so.  There's some space between these pieces and that space would have to be in just the right place for the light to get to the bottom of the space but the space on the other side wouldn't line up with the other light so it wouldn't get clean.  It would work if we did it twice with it in different places."

"Very good.  Can you put that into words on paper?"

"Maybe with a drawing or a photo to show it."

"I think a photo showing the spacing and depth of the spaces between the pieces would be an excellent example of something that can't be cleaned in one step and…"

"We need to put the measurements on the picture so whoever is looking at it would know how wide and deep the space is and how far it is from the one on the other side."

"Correct.  Love, do we have something chocolate to reward these two good workers with?"

"Maybe a brownie after supper?"

"Yummy!"

"Me too!"


---


"And how many hours will they spend using that thing tomorrow?"

"Much of the day.  I do have an idea for a page turner that would make doing the pages of the books from Trade Day easier as it could operate inside the box and they would only be touching a given book twice - once to put it in and again to take it out.  That's an improvement for tomorrow and they can put the pieces of the board games through it after we eat.  I'll need to take one of the hangar queen generators apart for a replacement gasket for Todd's generator so I won't get it back to him today.  I think he'll be OK with tomo…"


Ring!  Ring!


"Jack, why do you look surprised at the cell phone ringing?"

"Maybe because the cell tower near the Bradfords is out of gas?"

"Good reason."

Ring!  Ring!

'This is Jack.'

'Jack, it's Todd.  I got some bad news for you.'

'Since I don't hear the gen running I'll assume it's the item in that news.'

'Kelsey Tucker got out of his truck with a 12 gauge, shot out a tire of the vehicle at the diesel pump and then turned it on me saying he wanted the generator.  His cousins Carl and Gustaf loaded it into their truck and took off.  Any way you can identify that gen?'

'It should be calling home any minute now, sending me a text with its GPS location.'

'How the…'

Bzzt! Bzzt!

'And there it is.  The gen is at Kelsey's uncle Bo's place on FTM 203, just past County 37.'

'It told you that?'

'No, it just sent the latitude and longitude but I can plug that into an online map and get the actual location.  Todd, I need to call the Sheriff.  I'll have your gen back to you in the morning.'

'Go ahead.'


Ring!

'This is Lawson.'

'Sheriff, it's Jack Wilson.  Kelsey Tucker and Carl and Gustaf Darling just stole the generator Todd was renting from me.  It's at Bo Darling's place.'

'How do you know?'

'Phone on the gen texted its location to me.'

'I remember you mentioning a 'call home' device before.  It really works?'

'Yes.  Looks like they're moving it into the older barn there, the one more distant from the road.'

'I'll call Judge Foster for a search warrant and arrest warrants for all three of them.'

'All four of them.  I'm sure Bo put them up to it and I'm equally sure Kelsey will sing if he thinks there's hard time involved.'

'Diesel generator and about $3900 new?'

'Yes.'

'$3000 is grand theft so I'll tell the judge.'

'You need backup, Paul?'

'As in distant overwatch through a scope?'

'I'm thinking Bo's a two-time loser and he could get life on conspiracy for this one.'

'You're probably right, Jack.  How long until you can be in position?'

'Maybe 30 minutes.  Faster than you can get a warrant of any type.'

'Make it an hour.  That'll give me time to get a couple of deputies for visible backup.'

'I'll be there in an hour.'


---


'SHERIFF'S OFFICE!  I have a search warrant for this property and arrest warrants for Kelsey Tucker and Bo, Carl and Gustaf Darling.  It was an armed robbery and if you run we will shoot.'

Boom!

'You're too far away for birdshot to work, Kelsey.  Put the gun down!'

"No!  I'll kill…"

BANG!

"The shotgun exploded and knocked him down!"

'No, that's my backup with a better rifle than any of you have ever used.  He could take your head just as easily.'

"Bo, you said we could take them 'cause they only had little guns!"

"I don't know where they got a cannon.  We're throwing out our guns!"

'Hands behind your heads; fingers interlocked.  Come out five paces and get on your knees.'

"We're doing it."


---


"Jack?"

"Bo, you didn't know I was a Reserve Deputy in the sniper unit?"

"No wonder you could destroy the shotgun and just leave Kelsey bruised.  Glad I didn't go stupid.  Better life in the state pen than dead."

"Probably one of your better decisions, Bo."


"Jack?"

"Yes, Sheriff?"

"This your generator?"

"Pull the start cord out a few inches."

"Why?"

"Just do it."

"OK."


Bzzt!Bzzt!


"Yep, that one's mine as it just 'called home'."

"I can't argue that so I'll tag it and you can pick it up after the evidence techs check it for fingerprints and DNA.  Probably tomorrow afternoon.  You recognize any of the other things in here?"

"TV that probably belongs to Judge Eastman, as there's a receipt on the back with his name on it.  Lots more A/V equipment that will probably match some reports of stolen goods.  The Yamaha motorcycle is probably the one that soldier from Fort Rucker reported stolen…"

"How would you know?"

"Just listening to the scuttlebutt at the diner and at the feed and seed, Paul."

"Better than reading the local newspaper?"

"There's no subscription cost and it's updated every few minutes."

"I guess you're right.  I'll have the office crew check all the reports and see how much of it we can identify an owner for.  Jack, can you fix any of our radio gear or the computers that have been damaged by the up and down power?"

"Get the damaged things to me and I'll check them.  Some of the Motorola radios might just have blown fuses as most of those are built like tanks.  The computers will depend on the brand and model as some are built much better than others."

"You know that most of those were purchased on a 'lowest bidder' basis."

"Which is why I suspect that most of them will need the power supply replaced - that's an easy place to 'save' money when building a desktop or tower PC but the cheap supplies don't have much protection built in for less-than-perfect power.  After I check them, do you want a cash price or is this barter?"

"Barter if you need .22LR, .40, .45 or 12 gauge ammunition.  We got a couple of pallets of DHS 'surplus' ammo last week and it's more than we use in five years."

"So they finally figured out they didn't need a couple billion rounds?"

"So it seems.  Exchanging that for repairs seems a good use."

"Any .38 or .380ACP?  Sarah needs more practice ammo."

"I'm sure we have some of both.  Just make out your list when the stuff is fixed and we'll deliver it."

"Might be easier if I text you that I'm bringing in a truckload of equipment and you load my truck."

"At least I'm spending DHS 'money' this time.  Any way we could get some solar power?"

"Maybe, Paul.  If you can find a place with not-longer-in-use equipment, I can supervise removal and re-use but I don't think you want to drive to Montgomery or Birmingham to shop for solar panels, charge controllers or batteries.  Not sure if Craig's List in Columbus is still up and working but it's a possible source.  Remember that this could be like the N95 masks when the first 'community spread' case of Covid-19 was announced in California and the under-$5 disposable masks on Amazon were suddenly $82 for four."

"Supply and demand."

"That's the system we live under and it works until someone sees an opportunity for price-gouging, although there are some state and federal laws about that and I think there may be a number of 'former vendors' after that debacle."

"So I should check what's available and ask you about prices?"

"Yes."


---

[papaof2]

Chapter 17


Monday, 16 June, 7:40AM


"We can go with you, Daddy?"

"You may, in your 'flu armor' and armed, Sarah."

"We can learn how to plow with horses when we get back?"

"If Belle and Buttermilk are willing.  I don't know if they'll want an audience."

"Daddy!  They won't know the difference."

"They might.  You've already told me they were smart horses."

"I did?"

"You think back over the things you've said about them since we met them."

"OK."


---


"Hello the store!"

"Hello, Jack.  I see you brought your security with you."

"Todd, they've already had one opportunity to shoot at the bad guys."

"Seriously?"

"Yes.  They took out a windshield to stop those bad guys from shooting at Cindy and me."

"Then I'll be sure to say 'Ma'am'.  Gen is fixed?"

"Cleaned the 40:1 gas/oil mix out of the carb, the tank and the lines and replaced the plug.  It also needed a new gasket from carb to intake port because the last person to remove the carb had torn the gasket in half but tried to use it anyway.  That gen was struggling when you had multiple pumps running, wasn't it?"

"I was trying to see if the tri-fuel carb I'd used on the old gen would fit and I was in a hurry."

"Your old gen was a Champion with a Briggs & Stratton engine that has a slightly different carb bolt pattern than the new Generac which has a Generac-built engine.  The company that made the tri-fuel carb might have an adapter but it's probably a special order item with a long lead time.  If you can get to their web site or get them on the phone, see what they can do.  I can machine an adapter from a block of aluminum but it won't be cheap."

"How much is 'won't be cheap'?"

"A year's worth of salt blocks and this list of meds for my two horses."

"How soon for the adapter?"

"Day after tomorrow at the earliest.  I took the measurements of that carb and I already had them for the one on the old Champion gen so I'll need to put that info into the 3D CAD program and work out the size and shape of the adapter.  You need a little clearance for the bigger tri-fuel carb so having the adapter 3/4 of an inch thick should work fine."

"I wish could see that stuff in my head like you do."

"I've seen things like that since I was a kid.  Not sure if it's a gift or a curse sometimes."

"I'd say gift.  Go ahead and make it.  I'll load the salt blocks now but I'll have to check the shelves for the meds."

"Good enough.  Let's get your gen off the truck and back in place making you money."

"What can I do to help?"


---


"DADDY!  RED TRUCK!"

Bang!

Pop! Pop! Pop!

"Hold up girls!  IN THE TRUCK!  HANDS OUT THE WINDOWS!"

"We're doin' it!"

"Open the door with the outside handle.  In case the holes in the windshield didn't tell you, I'm not the only one armed."

"We know the routine."

"You boys have been out on bail for what, maybe 30 minutes?"

"Long enough to get a truck and come out here to get even with you for putting us in jail!"

"Sorry, stupid, but you put yourselves in jail.  I just told the Sheriff where to find you.  Carl, you can keep reaching for the gun inside your waistband, but there are three guns on you right now.  The ones that shot the windshield aren't near me so you couldn't get either of them before they got you."

"There's two of 'em?  I thought it was just one using 'three round burst'.  Who's that fast?"

"My girls."

"Girls can't shoot!"

"Then why did you wet your pants?"

"Uh…  Uh…"

"That's not all he did, Daddy.  Ewww!  He's just like the one at the gas station."

"Gas station?"

"This isn't their first rodeo, Carl.  They also did this last week."

"Jack, Sheriff's on his way."

"Thanks, Todd.  Well, Carl?  Are you really dying to learn whether you're faster than a little girl who's already mad at you for shooting at her daddy?"

"My left hand.  Thumb and one finger.  On the ground in front of me."

"Kick it over here."


---


"Jack, I never knew these boys were so fond of the County's hospitality.  Looks like they'll get to enjoy a lot of it."

"Sheriff, Carl can look forward to the State's hospitality as he now has multiple weapons charges, considering the sawed off 12 gauge you found in their truck."

"That's true and he won't get bail this time.  I was with Judge Eastman when the call came in and his words would have embarrassed a sailor."

"Then I'm confident Carl and Gustaf are in good hands.  Todd, let's get the gen connected."

"I'm here, Jack.  What do I owe you for security?"

"Nothing for me as I never fired a round.  Maybe a brick of .22LR for the girls?"

"How about a brick for each of them?"

"That's fine.  They can practice a little more."

"Let me go get that while I'm thinking about it."


---


"More ammo, Daddy?"

"Yes, Lucy.  Mr. Jamison said he should pay you for providing security.  I suggested ammo."

"We should thank him."

"Go ahead, Sarah.  Let me lock the truck and I'll walk in with you."


"Thank you, Mr. Jamison."

"Me too."

"You're welcome, girls, but thanks aren't really needed.  You did a good job on security today, even if it was totally unexpected, and people should always be willing to pay those who keep them safe."



"Jack, have you heard the latest news?"

"Nothing since maybe 9AM."

"The power stuff is spreading.  Alabama Power, Georgia Power and so forth can't find the source of the problem and are wondering if there's some kind of virus or something in the control software."

"More likely in the firmware of the 'smart' chips and boards that control much of the grid.  The majority of those SCADA chips are probably made somewhere in Asia.  China, Thailand, you name it."

"No US chip plants?"

"One or two but they're NIMBY to many people."

"'NIMBY'?"

"Not In My Back Yard.  It's OK if they're in the country but not within a hundred miles of me."

"So not enough US production to replace all the defective or mis-programmed chips?"

"Maybe if the plants switched all their production to SCADA chips?  But then what do the companies that use those plants' other chips do for a year or however long the total changeout takes?"

"Damned if you do and damned if you don't."

"Correct.  If the power problem spreads far enough, the need for clean power might override the 'We can't build X without their chips' arguments in favor of having power that's good enough to keep the economy running.  If you don't have commercial power, having parts doesn't matter unless your business has solar, wind or water powered backup."

"Not generators because no grid means no refineries and no pipelines and that means no fuel."

"Correct again."

"You are a scary dude when you speak so calmly about the grid going away."

"It didn't exist 200 years ago and people survived without it.  There just aren't as many people now who could survive without it."

"You're right on both counts.  I inherited a hand-written family history that covers multiple generations from just before steam to just after electric lights.  The people in the early chapters knew how to do things I'd never even thought of."

"Any details on how they did things?"

"Yes.  Recipes for cooking on a wood stove - and building a proper fire in that stove for what you're cooking, someone helping birth a calf, building a root cellar, digging a pond with a horse pulling a single bottom plow; there's hundreds of pages."

"That might be good reading this week."


---


Ring!  Ring!


'This is Jack.'

'Sheriff Lawson here.  We have the non-working radios and computers gathered up.  I think they'll all fit in the bed of your truck.  We have an older heavy equipment service truck in the impound lot.  The engine caught fire last night and the owners say to scrap it.  Anything you might be able to use from one of those?'

'The gas-engine-powered air compressor if it has one.  Maybe a few of the bigger tools.'

'Then come look and see how much that will reduce our cost of radio and computer repair.'

'Within the hour.'

'See you.'


"More free stuff, Daddy?"

"More barter stuff, Sarah.  The time I spend repairing things has value so I get that value in money, goods or someone else's labor hours…"

"Like the solar panels on the roof?"

"Exactly, smart girl.  'Getting rid of them' for someone had value to him.  Getting them had value to me.  Getting them mounted had value to me so I repaired Tim and Tom's vehicle in exchange for their labor."

"That was a long way around trade."

"Sometimes they are Lucy, but answer me this: Was it worth it to have reliable power?"

"'Specially now when the 'lectricity isn't good."

"Very good, other smart girl.  In and buckle up and then we'll go see what the Sheriff has that we can use or trade off for something else."

"Yes!"


---


"Daddy, how you gonna move that thing?  It's big!"

"With the crane in the back corner of my truck's bed.  That crane is bolted through the bed to some heavy angle iron that's bolted to the truck's frame.  The crane can pick up 1300lbs that's six feet from the crane's mast.  I'll guess this compressor is close to 500lbs so no problem lifting it off the service truck and putting it in my truck's bed.  I'll need to build a support frame for the compressor so it rides above the bed as it does on the original truck  It's an Ingersoll Rand and I think the Model number of 2475F13GH means it's 24CFM, 175PSI and the engine is 13HP.  There is a battery so it's electric start."

"So how much is it worth?"

"That, Number One Daughter, depends on whether it works.  If the engine will crank and run and if the compressor produces good output, then it's probably worth about half of its new price of $2700.  If nothing works, it might only be worth a few dollars in scrap value but no one is buying scrap steel right now."

"So you won't know until you get it home and test it?"

"Just as I don't know what it will cost to fix the load of radios and computers I have until I've checked each one."

"Can we help?"

"After I've checked which type each radio is, I'll put together a power cable, an antenna and a speaker for each type and you can do the basic testing of connecting antenna, speaker and power and seeing if the display lights up when power is applied.  If not, I'll show you how to check and replace the external fuse on each type.  If a fuse doesn't fix it, you'll put a piece of blue tape on the front of the radio and put a big question mark on the tape because I may have to open that one to find the problem."

"How many are there?"

"More than a dozen.  Here's the inventory sheet that lists each item and its serial number."

"There's 15 of them."

"Is that more than a dozen?"

"Yes, Daddy."

"How many of each type?"

"Four of the little ones and the others are all big ones that look the same - except the thing with all the wires."

"The 'thing' is the control head for those trunk-mounting mobile radios.  These wires go to the speaker, these go to power, this is the antenna connection and this connector is for the microphone which wasn't included.  I have a test set that can replace it."

"So almost everything wires to the control head and everything except the antenna is connected when you put the big plug in place and tighten the screw."

"Correct, smart girl.  When we get home, I'll carry in the big things and you two can carry in the small things and I'll set it all up at the workbench in the barn.  Then I'll show you how to connect and test things and you can test these while I start checking the handie-talkies."

"Yes!"


"Daddy, are you gonna get the toolbox and the tools from that truck?"

"I will look through the toolbox and the storage compartments for any tools that may have been left.  I'm mostly interested in bigger wrenches and sockets."

"What about this silver gun thingy with the black hose on it?"

"That's a 3/4" drive air impact tool, Sarah.  It's for use with these big sockets and those will be most useful when we start putting the mill together.  Probably easier if I unbolt this toolbox and just move it to the bed of my truck than to take the time to spread out and sort everything here."

"Even a socket this big?  I can put my fist in it!"

"Yes, there are some bolts and nuts that big on some of the pieces of the mill.  Remind me when we get home and I'll show you."


---


"Daddy?"

"Yes, Lucy?"

"We checked the fuses and they all needed new ones but only eight of them light up and work with the new fuse.  We can hear people talking on those but it's mostly numbers."

"Things like 'Unit 104, 10-37, FTM 203 near County 31'?"

"Un huh."

"Unit 104 is Deputy Sims.  '10-37' is a suspicious vehicle.  The other is the closest road intersection."

"So if you know those numbers you don't hafta say as much."

"Very good, Sarah.  I have a list of the 10-codes in a plastic sleeve over the workbench."

"I see it!  You put it in plastic after it got greasy?"

"Correct, smart girl.  I do more 'greasy' work out here than electronic work but we had so many pieces it was easier to pull the battery out of the tractor to use for power than to bring a big power supply out here.  I need to check the ones that you girls got working and see if they transmit OK.  That's what this little box does."

"I see how it plugs in but they use a lot bigger mic."

"The size doesn't matter, just that it matches what the radio is expecting.  That's the magic of the switches on the box.  It can emulate dynamic, ceramic, electrostatic and carbon microphones just by turning the switch to the type you need."

"You're smart!"

"No, I'm educated and I'm lazy.  Easier to build a box that does all that than to keep up with multiple microphones.  Let me test this radio."


'Dispatch from 617.  Radio check.'

'Loud and clear.'

'I have seven more to check.  Do you have ten minutes to work with me?'

'10-4.'

'One minute.'


"Turn it off and unscrew the big plug and move it to the next one?"

"Correct, Sarah."


"Off.  Unscrewed.  Pull…  Pull with both hands…  Umph!  It's out.  Put it in the other radio.  Screw it down.  Turn it on.  Can I do this one?"

"You may."

"Permission - I'll get it right next time."


'Dispatch from 617.  Radio check.'

'Loud and clear.  And a much nicer voice than last time.'

'Thank you.  Six more.'

'10-4.'


"Me this time, Daddy?"

"Yes, Lucy.  As hard as it was for Sarah to pull the plug out of the other radio, I'll help you with that."

"OK."



'Dispatch from 617.  Radio check.'

'Loud and clear.  Another very nice voice.'

'Thank you.  Five more.'

'10-4.'


---


"So how do you test the ones that blow the fuse?"

"They go inside so I can use the power supply with voltage and current limiting.  I can set the current to a low value that won't blow the fuse and check the most-likely-to-fail components to see where the short circuit is."

"Show me how?"

"You bring the control head and I'll take these three on the cart.  Lucy, can you bring the box with the handie-talkies in it?"

"I got it, Daddy."


"Sarah, what number is on the fuse?"

"It has 20."

"That's a 20 amp fuse.  I'll set the power supply here for six volts instead of the 12 volts these radios are designed for and the limit the current to five amps instead of the possibly 20 amps it might use."

"OK, I can see the five amps because it can't blow the fuse but why six volts?"

"Most electrical components have a 'working' voltage rating and a 'maximum' voltage rating but sometimes those ratings can change as components age.  I want to be sure we're not seeing that type of failure."

"With the cover off, I can see some of them have '16V' on them.  Is that 16 volts?"

"Yes, smart girl.  The maximum voltage they should ever see from a 12 volt electrical system is a little over 14 volts so 16 volts is adequate.  However, if I need to replace any of those 16 volt rated capacitors, I'll use 25 volt or 35 volt rated parts to ensure that spikes from starting the vehicle or using the winch or jumping off another vehicle won't cause the same type problem in the future."

"You're fixing it better than it was?"

"Yes, because I don't ever want to do the same repair twice and definitely not on a piece of emergency equipment that should always work."

"That's why people want you to fix stuff - 'cause you make it better than new!"

"I do have enough business from County Fire and the Sheriff's Office to justify getting this power supply and building the universal microphone box."

"But why do these car radios need fixing?  They weren't plugged in to the wonky power."

"Reasonable assumption but not correct.  They were plugged in at various places throughout the building, using a power supply similar to the one I test with.  I suspect some of those power supplies may also need repair."

"The wonky power damaged them and they damaged the radios?"

"Except for the ones where the fuse blew fast enough to protect the radio."

"There's a lot to learn about this stuff."

"There is.  It's easier if you learn a little bit at a time.  This week you've learned about wiring up generators and checking mobile radios.  After supper you can learn about the handie-talkies.  I think your Momma will be calling…"

Beep!

'Jack, girls.  Come wash up.  Supper in ten minutes.'

'On our way, love.'


---

[papaof2]

Chapter 18


Monday, 16 June, 7:20PM


"Hello the house!"

"Who's out there, Jack?"

"Looks like Tim and Tom's vehicle.  I'll go talk with them."


"Mr. Wilson, we searched online for way to make enough power to run the little fridge we got for the dorm so Dad can keep his insulin cold until the power is fixed 'cause they said to turn off everything but one light.  We found some info about using a gas engine and a car alternator with a battery and an inverter at theepicenter.com/blog/generator-lawn-mower-horizontal/  

"The engine and frame are from an old tiller and the alternator's from the old Chevy truck behind the barn.  We got the inverter at the pawnshop in Auburn and we all the batteries and cables we could get for $30 at Wiley's Junkyard.  Can you make it work?"

"You have the manual for that inverter?"

"Right here."

"1000 watts, 2000 watts peak.  You're good for starting the fridge.  The efficiency might be the claimed 85%.  You two grab the fridge and take it to the barn while I get a Kill-A-Watt meter."

"Yes sir."


"And that meter tells you?"

"It immediately tells me that the little fridge needs 55 watts of power to run it…"

"All day?"

"Not unless it's sitting in the sun all day.  I've tested a counter height Kenmore fridge like this one before and it runs about 4 hours/day in a 68F environment but 5.5 hours/day at 78F and probably another hour or two for each 10 degrees warmer.  Without air conditioning, expect it to run maybe 7 hours/day in August."

"How many watts do we get from the generator and how long will the batteries last?"

"Let me open up a couple of spreadsheets on the laptop and we can do some 'What if' calculations.  First of all, do you have a list of the battery sizes?  In particular, their RC ratings."

"On this sheet.  There's eight batteries and they all have an RC of 85.  What's 'RC', anyway?"

"'RC' is the reserve capacity, or how many minutes it can run a 25 amp load to complete discharge.  But you don't ever want to discharge SLI batteries that…"

"'SLI'?"

"Starting, lighting and ignition.  These batteries are designed to handle the large load of the starter but be charged back up immediately by the alternator when the engine starts.  What you actually need are the deep cycle batteries the solar systems use.  Those are designed for lighter loads but to be able to handle those loads for days, if needed.  The deep cycle batteries are rated in ampere hours, usually abbreviated to AH.  Most of the deep cycle batteries can do hundreds or thousands of discharge/charge cycles down to 50% or less of their capacity.  The SLI batteries should never be discharged more than 20% if you want them to last even a few hundred discharge/charge cycles."

"But doesn't starting take more power than that?"

"On a nice day like today, maybe no more than a 5% discharge when you turn the key and get an almost instant start.  Maybe 20% discharge in January when it's 20F and the start takes somewhat longer plus the starter is working harder to turn an engine with cold, sticky oil."

"So how do we get an AH rating when all we have is the RC?"

"You multiply the RC by 0.83 and then divide that number by 1.39…"

"You can do that in your head?"

"If I have to.  It was easier to put that formula in this spreadsheet and just have a place to put in the RC value and let the spreadsheet do the math."

"So how many AH and how much of that can we use?"

"I plug 85 into the RC cell and the AH cell shows 55 and a fraction…"

"55AH times 8 is 440AH.  That's big!"

"That's your starting number.  Remember that I said not to discharge these batteries more than 20%?  Plus add in the fact that these batteries aren't new and they probably don't have an RC of 85 now."

"So what do we have?"

"At most you have 20% of 440 which is 88AH.  Let's plug your numbers into my generator spreadsheet.  55 watts for let's say 6 hours a day and make the inverter efficiency 85%..."

"You already worked out all this so the watts are translated to AH on the battery side!"

"Lots easier to do that once Tim, and then let the spreadsheet get it right all the other times."

"Sure is.  And you just put the 440AH in but made the discharge limit 20%."

"Easier if I let the computer do all the work, including the acceptable discharge limit.  This spreadsheet has inputs for solar power or a generator so I'll put the generator at 65 amps but you know it won't run at that level when it starts getting hot from the load.  It looks like you can charge the batteries once a day for a little over an hour and have continuous power for that little fridge."

"The engine is big enough?"

"That's paper arithmetic.  There are 746 watts to a horsepower and that alternator is maybe 55% efficient.  14 volts times 65 amps is 910 watts.  Divide that by 0.55 because of the alternator's efficiency and you get 1654 watts of input power.  Divide 1654 by 746 and you get 2.2 horsepower.  That engine is marked '3.5HP' so it can probably still produce the power you need.  However, …"

"Knew there was a 'gotcha'!"

"However, that little engine may not run much faster than 3000rpm so it needs a bigger pulley because the alternator typically needs a speed of 5000rpm or more to produce full output."

"The alternator pulley is a lot smaller than a car engine's crankshaft pulley."

"That crankshaft pulley is typically twice or more the diameter of the alternator pulley."

"Where do we get that?"

"I have a six inch pulley that will fit …"

"How much?"

"There's a big toolbox in the back of my truck.  I need it moved in here.  It's loaded with big tools so it will take the three of us to get it out of the truck and onto this cart.  Gloves on the workbench."

"Yes sir."

"Me too."


---


"Umph!  Is it in the right place?"

"Yes, Tim.  You know how to remove the engine pulley?"

"Dad said he did.  How long do we let the engine run to charge the batteries the first time?"

"The first time, don't try to charge more than two batteries at a time.  Give them a couple of hours at about half the engine's maximum speed, then do two more and so forth.  Then you can parallel all of them and complete the charge.  Here's an inexpensive meter from Harbor Freight but I did calibrate it from an accurate source* on the 20 volt range.  Check that the batteries are at 14.2 to 14.4 volts after a couple of hours of that combined charge.  If the batteries were new, you'd have 33 hours of backup power but you know they're not new so don't push it.  Try to charge them about the same time every day so you don't exceed 24 hours between charges.  If it works out better in time, do two 40 minute charges, one in the morning and one in the evening so the batteries are never more than 10% discharged.  If you do that, they'll last even longer.  Check with the meter when the fridge is running and charge the batteries if the voltage is less than 12.4."

"I think you've been to that battery university web page.  I need to go back and save some of the charts and stuff."

"Good stuff to have.  Got enough to keep you busy tonight?"

"Yes sir - and part of tomorrow.  Thank you."

"Me too, Mr. Wilson."


---


* The AD584T from Analog Devices has versions that come from the factory calibrated to +/- 0.01 volt on the 10.0 volt output pin, making them ideal for checking inexpensive meters:

www.analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/data-sheets/AD584.pdf

The (now discontinued) AD584L is accurate to +/- 0.005 volt on the 10.0 volt output pin.  Even without a calibration sheet, the AD584L's 10.0 volt output will be in the range of 9.995 to 10.005 volts which is more accurate than basic meters can be set - the inexpensive digital meters typically have a four digit display (10.00 volts).  Jack has the meter calibrated on the 20 volt range for accurate reading on a "12 volt" battery system.  Better versions of the AD584 come with a printout of the output voltages to 5 decimal places at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 volts - more accurate than the meters most people have access to.  A typical calibration sheet looks like this:

 2.5  2.49936

 5.0  4.99871

 7.5  7.49805

10.0  9.99668

[gipsy]

Thanks for the update.