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Post by kaijafon on Oct 5, 2023 6:49:22 GMT -6
ESCAPE AND SURVIVAL
This is my first and probably my only story.
This is pure FICTION Do not try to do what you read here. It could kill you.
# 1
I played the Power ball game for the first and only time in my life, Low and behold I won, I was stunned and didn't know what to do. So I checked on line It said to make copies of the ticket and put the original in a safety deposit box, take a copy to a money manager, a lawyer, and a tax expert for advice on what to do to protect myself And not tell anyone about it. Then wait, don't go crazy spending money.
I never said anything to anyone But the word got out, I don't know how but it did. I talked to a lawyer and the only advice he gave me was GO SLOW. AND DON'T GO NUTS WITH THE MONEY
I went to a money manager and he said do not take it in a lump sum pay out. Take it over 30 years and I will invest it for you. He was more interested in the investments than in me. The tax expert said if I took it all at one time I would pay more in taxes up front but from then on I would only pay on what I made with my investments. I opened a bank account and put 50 bucks in it to keep it open. I would put a lot more in it soon. I had to go to the lotto office with the winning ticket to collect, my money they checked and verified every thing, numerous times and finely transferred the money to my bank, I started with a 20million dollar ticket, since I took it all at one time that cut it to
10 mil,400 thousand, then they took out state and federal taxes, CHOP CHOP if they don't stop taking out soon, I will have to get a loan to pay them.
I finally ended up with a little over 6mil.I had never seen so many zeros. The tax man will take care of any additional taxes or fees and bill me I did talk to Al . He was the only real friend I had made at work, After the word got out he was the was only one that treated me the same as before. He didn't avoid me or ask for anything from me, I gave him my contact info and told him if he ever needed any thing to let me know. I quit my job and went to the post office an put in a change of address to general delivery Red Lake Ontario, Canada that was where I was raised by my grand parents from an early age. And I am going back home.
I had the truck serviced and checked out, every thing was OK so I fueled up and the truck was ready to go and so was I. I loaded my clothes and gave the key back to the landlord, it was a furnished apartment and I was paid up for a couple more weeks, let him keep it. It is a twenty hour drive and one night in a motel and I will be almost home. It will be a long and tiring trip.
I had called ahead and arranged a flight to my grand parents lodge, they already knew I was coming. I parked and walked into the flight office and behind the desk was a girl I had known when I lived here before, I introduced myself and she said I know who you are, from before you left besides your name is on the the flight roster, she ask about my luggage and I told her it was in my truck, She pointed to a float plane ant told me to pull up to it, we loaded my stuff aboard and she took my keys and parked my truck out of the way and put my keys in her pocket, I looked a question at her and she said we always keep the keys so they don't get lost out in the boonies. She ask if I was ready, as she got in the pilot seat I got in and we are off. I ask her name and apologized because I couldn't remember it. She said no problem it has been a few years but it is Jill Smith remember me now? I told her I knew who she was just not her name. She ask me how long I was staying, and I said for ever hopefully. She landed and coasted to the dock, Dad tied us off and we got out, I think she got as many hugs as I did. We got my things out of the plane so Jill could get back, I thanked her and she was gone, We carried my things in with more hugs, and questions, about what I wasn't really ready to go into detail about yet. After we had talked for a while, I vaguely told them about the lottery, quitting my job, the trip and avoided the questions about how much I had won . Mom said, DAD no more for tonight, he is tired and getting tense, you can talk to him more tomorrow,{THANKS Mom} I didn't know it showed but she was right. We talked a lot over the next several days, then dad just came out and ask about my winnings. I told him I had never known about his finances and don't need to know now, that was his bushiness and I had mine. We left it at that. I don't know why I felt that way, I just did.
I got Jill's email address from mom and made arrangements to have someone pick me up the next day and take me back to town, I had some business to see to. I told mom and dad I was going to town and ask if they needed any thing while I was there, mom said Jill has our list. It was a pleasant surprise to see it was Jill, On the trip the next morning we talked about what we had been doing since I left and what I planed to do now. I told her about my job in the machine shop, and she told me about learning to fly and getting her license. I told her I would need a ride back later and she said she needed a half hour notice and at least three hours of day light for her to get back home.
I went to the bank and told the teller I wanted to open an account and I wanted to talk with the manager's he said he was busy, I told her I would go to another bank, she called him and he came out and ask what I needed and I told him I would prefer to talk in your office, I don't think he liked it but he said OK, I told him I wanted to open an account, saving, credit and debit cards and checking. He told me the teller could have done that. I told him I wanted privacy this would be a rather large account. He ask how large? I said around 6 mil. And I don't want the world to know about it, I don't think he believed me, he said to move that kind of money he would need proof it was legally obtained and how it was going be moved, I explained about the lottery and gave him my old bank information and the managers name and number and I waited, He made the call and talked for a few minutes and his attitude changed, he became my long lost friend he couldn't do enough for me, or do it fast enough. Then he wanted my physical address but I didn't have one. He said I should talk to Moore he could take care of everything for me and his office is across the street from the flight office, I drove back over and talked to Mr Moore , he said just Moore no Mr., I told him what I needed and he said to use his address, everybody who he did business with used it. He would keep track of everything and send me a statement once a month. He said I have done that for your grand father for years . He gave me a business card so I had his address then he gave me a couple of papers explaining everything. I went to the license office and got my driver license changed and registered my truck. I still had to go back to the bank, to sign the papers and make sure the electronic transfer had come through. As soon as I walked in my new best friend was right there to shake my hand and offer me something to drink, I declined, He said the money was in my new account. It would take two weeks before my cards and checks would be mailed. I had to go back to the post office with my new address information. After that I called Jill and told her I was done but wanted to get some lunch before she took me back, she said pick me up and I will show you a good spot to eat, I went back to her office, and she was ready and climbed in the truck and gave me directions and we had lunch and when the check came we both grabbed for it and she said, I ask you, and I will pay. We argued and ended up flipping a coin and she won and paid for it. I said the next time I come to town I would like to take you out to eat and I will pay. She agreed. We drove back to her office, and she went to the bar next door and told her dad where she was flying to. On the way back she told me the old timers meet to drink beer and tell lies every afternoon.
After we landed, I ask if she had time for some iced tea and she said sure. She also had a bag for mom. Mom saw us coming and had the tea ready when we got there. Mom and Jill went to the kitchen, and I didn't think she was ever going to come back, they finely came back and sat down to drink their tea before she had to get home, It was nice to just sit and talk. I walked down to the plane with her, and she thanked me for an enjoyable time. I thanked her for dropping what she was doing just to shuttle me back and forth, and lunch. I wish she could have stayed longer, maybe next time. She took off and I stood there until she was out of sight then I still watched where she had been, until dad walked up behind me and ask me if I was going to stand there until she comes back, I hadn't heard him walk up. I said no I was just oh never mind I just let my mind wander sometimes.
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tzr
New Member
Posts: 10
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Post by tzr on Oct 5, 2023 8:29:26 GMT -6
Good start and right in time with the Powerball jackpot
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Post by gipsy on Oct 5, 2023 8:33:40 GMT -6
Nice start
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Post by NCWEBNUT on Oct 5, 2023 13:28:55 GMT -6
This is starting out to be a good tale.
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Post by cashless1 on Oct 5, 2023 14:18:16 GMT -6
# 2
Mom only had six hens left but that was enough eggs for them, and it only took a few minutes to take care them of so that worked. The next day all three us spent a couple of hours in the garden on weed extermination as dad called it.
Dad spent a lot of time in the Quonset hut, it housed the workshop and store and storage room they were only 36by36 ft each. He sold tackle and supplies to fishermen who rented the cabins. If they forgot or lost something dad tried to have a replacement to get them by, he also had shirts caps and other things for sale with the LODGE printed on them that he sold a lot of. He also carried can goods small bags of flour, sugar cornmeal, over the counter medicines, and bug spray, there was no fresh food or perishable items, but he did have powdered milk and powdered butter and powdered eggs, is amazing what people forget when going on vacation it seems like all they can think about is getting there and having fun, not, what they really need while they are there.
Back in the house later I had the stack of papers I collected while in town, I sat down at the table to try to make Sense of them. Dad asks what I had? I told them about Moore and said I didn't understand about him. Dad said that is the way things worked around here. Moore saves us a lot of work and makes things simple. When a bill came in, he paid it out of our account and sent us a very detailed statement each month. He also took care of the reservations when they came in, and sends a schedule of who was coming, how many in the group and when. All marked on a calendar nice and neat. He does that for a lot of the remote businesses. I have never heard a complaint about him from anyone. We have never found a discrepancy on any of his monthly statements. If he has a question, he emails us, and Mom takes care of it. I guess I understand, but I am used to people in the city always trying to screw each other over. OH WELL LIVE AND LEARN, I HOPE, I LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO LEARN IT ALL. I told dad I wanted a sat phone, my cell didn't work out here, He said get one like mine, it comes with a charger and carry case, but you should order an extra battery so WE would have a spare and I won't have to pay for one. And I can still take it off my taxes. So I ordered one with two extra batteries' JUST TO BE A SMART ASS, I also ordered two sets of FRS/GMRS walkie-talkies. I had to use his credit card because mine had not come yet, DAD WINS AGAIN.
Mom would yell every time she needed dad for something, so he mounted a big bell on the side of the house. Just to be nice he tied a string to the bell and ran it through the wall, so mom didn't have to open the door, to ring the bell and it worked too well. She would ring the bell and he would go see what she needed. Usually when he was in the loft over the shop or under a piece of equipment. But it did work for mom.
It took a week for the radios to get to Mason and he took them to the flight office for delivery. As soon as Jill saw where they were going, she grabbed them and told her dad she had a delivery, she had been looking for an excuse to come out.
When she arrived, we were just setting down to lunch, mom got up and got a bowl and filled it with moose stew for her. Jill said she wasn't hungry, but mom just sat back down and ask her if wanted a biscuit to go with her stew,We all ate our stew and biscuits the cleared the table to check out the phone and radios. I was reading the manual for the phone when dad said put that down, and help me set up the radios, he wanted to see how well they worked, we got the battery's put in and set all to the same frequency then he gave Jill and I each one,and sent Jill to the plane and me to the work shop to test them out to see how they worked, They worked fine. Dad was as excited as I have seen in a long time so I ask him why,and he said one would stay in the charger for mom and he and I would each carry one with us, no more running to see what mom wanted every time that Damn bell rang. Mom didn't say anything but I could see was thinking about something evil.
Jill and I took a walk and talked. I ask why she came all the way out here, just to bring the radios? She said I just wanted to come out, and the radios were a good excuse, she said “I just love it here it is so quiet and peaceful.” Then said she had to get back to the real world and we returned back to the cabin so she could say her good-byes to mom and dad, I walked her down to the plane and ask when she would be back? She said, “the first time I get a chance,” and she was gone.
I went in and Dad told me to put our radios on to charge, I looked but one was missing, A few minutes later all three radios came to life, “Big bird to lodge.” Three radios at one time are loud. I turned two of them off and answered. Jill ask, “how do you read I am about three miles out.” I answered loud and clear. Then I ask why she took the radio with her? She said your dad wanted to see if they worked, just testing as ordered. I will try again at five and ten miles out. I looked at Dad and he had that stupid grin on his face, again.
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Post by gipsy on Oct 5, 2023 15:03:11 GMT -6
Fine update. Thanks
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Post by gipsy on Oct 5, 2023 15:14:33 GMT -6
Ok who is writing this tome?
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Post by kaijafon on Oct 5, 2023 15:46:22 GMT -6
Ok who is writing this tome? Cashless 1 is the one writing. I just posted his first post for him. He is getting the hang of it all now
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Post by gipsy on Oct 5, 2023 16:16:19 GMT -6
Thanks that's what I needed to know.
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Post by feralferret on Oct 5, 2023 16:51:52 GMT -6
Cashless1, thank you for this fine story.
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Post by rep1270 on Oct 5, 2023 17:24:11 GMT -6
It is a great story and a good start. Ralph
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Post by ydderf on Oct 5, 2023 19:09:22 GMT -6
cashless1 thank it is an interesting beginning to a 500 chapter story. grin
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Post by cashless1 on Oct 5, 2023 22:19:01 GMT -6
only time will tell
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Post by papaof2 on Oct 5, 2023 22:41:56 GMT -6
Good start.
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Post by cashless1 on Oct 6, 2023 12:27:11 GMT -6
#3
That was the last we heard from her today. She dropped the radio when she laid it on the seat and couldn't reach it. I ask if Jill made all of the deliveries to us and was surprised when Dad said “no, not until you got back. It was usually Wes and once in a while one of the other pilots. It doesn't matter who, we order something, and they deliver it. That's about it.”
We worked in the garden with mom, Or Dad and I tinkered around in the shop. If Mom wanted one of us, she would ring the bell just to harass Dad, he would growl, and then call her on the radio and say, “yes dear, do you need something?” Usually, it wasn't anything pressing but she knew Dad hated that damn bell, but at least we didn't have to go to see what she needed, a win for everyone.
We went fishing a couple of times a week, caught enough for supper, and some for the freezer. If we were out and one of the fishermen needed something from the store Mom would take care of it. Dad had it made. He did what he wanted most of the time, and helped Mom when she needed it. He cleaned up any messes he made, and helped her when he could, she accepted and appreciated it, he never told her no unless he had no choice, when she asks, it was almost an order to Dad, and that was his choice not hers. It was a good life here, no hustle and bustle and no one trying to get the better of you. Except Dad getting in his jabs in at me.
We always went to the cabins when a new group of clients arrived to show them how things worked and answer any questions they might have. We always told them about the store, and that they could get anything we had there during day light. It wasn't safe to be on the water after dark, too many rocks.
They flew in on Saturdays, sometimes all three cabins on the same day and it got kind of hectic. One evening I ask, “have you guys ever went on a vacation.” Mom was the one to answer, “we can't go during the summer, we have cabins rented five or six months and, in the winter, we have to keep the fire going or everything would freeze and bust.” I said, “OK, I see, but don't you ever get bored?” Her answer was, “boredom is in your head, if you keep your mind busy you won't get bored.” I wasn't buying that but kept my mouth shut, to each his own. I didn't say anything about a vacation for a couple of weeks. Then one night I ask what more had to be done before the end of summer. Mom said, “just get the garden finished, the vegetables canned, and the root crops put in the cellar.” She asks why? I said “nothing, just curious.” In the shop the next Dad ask me why all the questions last night? I said I think I know enough about this place to take care of it if you guys wanted to get away for a while. Once the garden in taken care of, I could handle the rest for a while. He said, “I don't know where we would want to go or what we would want to do.” All I said was “think about it.” I left it at that. {THE SEED IS PLANTED NOW WE WAIT AND SEE IF IT GROWS. Nothing was said but I did hear them talking in bed like they did when I was little, and they thought I was asleep. This went on for a week and Mom ask, “what were you thinking about us taking a vacation?” I said, “you don't have to take a vacation. I just wanted to give you a break. You deserve one, and you have done so much for me. I thought I would give you a chance if you wanted to. I am even willing to pay for anything you want to do, and for as long as you wanted.” THE SEED HAS GERMINATED Dad waited a couple of days and couldn't stand it anymore so he asks me if I was sure I could afford to do this financially? I finally made up my mind, I said, “let's talk about it after supper.” LET HIM STEW. For some strange reason we had an early super and not too much to clean up either, I noticed Mom was kind of nervous, so I didn't beat around the bush, “do not worry about the money. I have plenty. Dad said, “I know you do not like to talk about money, but I will ask one more time How much did you win?” I thought for a few minutes and finally said, “I will tell you, but you have to promise me you will never tell anyone, and I mean anyone.”
They agreed so I told them it was twenty million, Mom gasp and I thought she might need CPR, or something, but she was OK, so I continued. “I took it all in a lump payment so that cut it to 10 million 400 thousand then they took state and federal taxes. When they got done I had just a little over 6 million.” Nothing was said, Dad got up and ask, “do you want a beer” and before I could answer, Mom said, “yes I do.” Mom didn't normally drink. He got each of a beer. I told them, “To show you, this is no B/S. I will transfer 50 thousand to your account tomorrow when the bank opens.” They said I didn't need to do that. I said, “I said, I would, I will,” and I did.
Jill flew in the next day and noticed right away that something was different, Mom was asking her questions, she ask where do you go in the winter after things shut down? Everything she said, Mom didn't seem to care about or said that must have been a lot of walking. Jill got me aside and ask what was going on, because Mom never asks so many questions before? I told her the truth, that I had offered to take care of the place if they wanted to go on vacation. That was the truth, just not the whole truth. I never lied.
Jill asks Mom if she had ever thought about a cruise, That got Moms attention. And more questions started streaming toward Jill. She just told Mom to check on the computer and that ended the questions, And nobody saw Mom for two hours. When she did come out she had a bunch of copy paper in her hand and she went straight to their bedroom with it. When she came out she was empty handed. Nothing was said about the papers. Mom ask if we wanted something to drink while she made us something to eat, nobody wanted anything. Jill offered to help her, they went to the kitchen, and Jill marveled at the modern conveniences. Mom said as long as the sun shines we have power, we just can't waste it. We only run one or two things at a time. In the winter we don't even use the gas stove, The wood stove helps heat the house and doesn't cost anything. Jill said my grand mother had a stove like that and it made the best bread. And she taught me how to cook on it. We ate and Jill and I went for a walk I showed her the shop and store. We skipped the storage room then she wanted to see the chicken set up and the birds. Then all too soon she had to leave for home. Same thing, watch her fly away and then stand there and watch the empty sky. We didn't talk about much just chit chat a little.
The bedtime talking resumed between Mom and Dad. they must think I am deaf. We continued to work in the garden, we had most of the weeds under control and we were getting fresh lettuce, radishes and cherry tomatoes. The regular tomatoes are still green but starting to turn, I can't wait, fresh bacon lettuce and tomato sandwiches. When things really start to ripen, we will be busy from daylight to dark.
Mom finally made reservations for their cruise; it would be a couple of months until departure. Plenty of time. Dad and I fish as often as we can, they like fish for supper once a week, and it takes a lot of fish in the freezer to carry us through winter. Dad won't fish in the winter the ice is too thick and he doesn't like the cold that much.
Jill flew in one morning and we were just coming in off the lake, we put the fish in the live well and headed for the house, she had just entered ahead of us. Mom had tea out and Jill was eating radishes, onions and cherry tomatoes fresh from the garden. WHAT A COMBINATION, I don't think I will try for a kiss when she leaves today. Mom and her were talking about the garden, and canning and the trip Jill ask Mom if she could come out and help can. DUMB QUESTION. Of course, Mom said she would love to have the help, Mom said it would be a couple of weeks before it would be time. But everything would be ready when she got here. Mom said she would email her and let her know when.
I got the knives and a pan and Jill and I walked to the lake. I cleaned four nice walleyes for her to take home to her dad. We picked up the pan of fish and headed to the house to bag them up for her to take, then we took a walk around the garden and then the chickens, she loved to pull weeds and feed them to the birds, the birds loved it too. She wanted to know what else I did around here. I told her I work in the garden, fish and walk around and that is about it. She didn't believe me, but that was what it seemed like to me. We got her fish, and she thanked Mom and Dad, and we walked down to the plane. She thanked me with hug then she was gone, again. AGAIN.
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Post by gipsy on Oct 6, 2023 13:12:54 GMT -6
Nice update
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Post by feralferret on Oct 6, 2023 13:20:57 GMT -6
Another finer chapter. Thank you.
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Post by ydderf on Oct 6, 2023 17:09:57 GMT -6
It's hard to watch a potential love interest walk away even if it is for a short while. Thanks for the new chapter cashless1.
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Post by logger on Oct 8, 2023 7:09:44 GMT -6
great start Thank you
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Post by cashless1 on Oct 8, 2023 16:19:01 GMT -6
#4
As the days passed, we fished, Mom checked the garden and made a list of what I had to carry up from the cellar. She said she didn't need much, just six cases of quart and six cases of pint jars, both of the caners and two big stock pots, everything else was in the pantry and store room in the hut. Dad just chuckled because he didn't have to run up and down the stairs this year. Mom and I washed jars and caners and pots. I think I am getting dish pan hands, but we got it done. The next day Mom emailed Jill and said tomorrow would be canning day-number one.
Three hours later Jill flew in, she had a pack with her and said I came today so we can get an early start tomorrow. I figure a couple of days of caning and her mind will change. I was wrong she seemed to have more energy every day. Her and Mom would laugh and joke and have fun with every caner full of vegetables that came off the stove. They set the jars on a towel on the counter to cool, then took the rings off and wiped the jars off and put a date on the lid, and that evening I got to carry them down and put them on the shelves. After the last load they would wash the rings and caners so they would be ready for tomorrow. Mom only needed forty quarts of tomatoes plus tomato juice and sauces. We would all go to the garden right after breakfast and pick until Mom and Jill had enough to start the first batch, then it was just me and Dad in the sun picking the rest for them. Dad was pretty good at knowing when we had enough for the day. We would carry them in, and then disappear to the shop to drink a beer and act busy until they were done.
It only took four days to do tomatoes and juices that was on Friday. Jill went home to check on her dad and get clean clothes and a bigger pack. She was back Sunday, just as happy as if she had good sense. How could anybody enjoy standing over a hot stove all day canning vegetables for someone else. Even if she did take some home for her dad.
The green beans started next. Eat breakfast, head for the garden, break your back picking beans in the sun. Same procedure as the tomatoes, but the beans took longer to can, so they didn't get as many done in a day but no juice or sauce so it about the same amount of time. Jill and I did manage to get our walk and talk as she called it, in every evening. It is a good thing the caning is done for a few days. The birds are getting fat off of the scraps.
I ask Jill how they managed to get the meals ready and, on the table, while doing the caning? All she would say was, we are just good, and don't you forget it, buster.
The corn would be next, some would be frozen on the cob, some cut off of the cob and bagged or caned, depending on freezer space. They said that would be most of the canning, Mom did want to can some potatoes and sweet potatoes, a little cabbage and Kraut. And they said it was almost over. Mom had already done the pickles and relish earlier; I still don't think it is ever going to end.
The best part was that I get to spend time alone with Jill. I wonder if she will come out If we get a moose or bear this fall, and help can that too. I will have Mom ask her for me. I don't think she would tell Mom no about anything.
I knew Jill's Dad from when he did the flying as I was growing up, I knew who he was, I didn't know if he would remember me or not. The next time I go to town I will make a point of talking to him, just to let him know I am around.
When Jill was talking to Mom, they decided the corn wasn't quite ready yet, so Jill was going home and see her dad. I said I needed to go to town for some different clothes since winter wasn't that far off. I could go in with her and get a room and do my shopping and come back when she did. I wanted to see more of the town to. I could kill three birds with one stone. Be with Jill, meet her dad, and get some clothes. Everyone agreed so I got my pack and was ready when she was. We left and we were both tired from everything we had been doing so it was a quiet ride. When we landed, she said I didn't need to get a room, I could stay at their house, they had a spare room. I thought we should talk to her dad first to see what he thought about it. She said he was probably at the bar, so we went there first, and she was right.
I ask her if she wanted a drink, and she said a beer sounded good, since she wasn't flying tomorrow, it surprised me I had never seen her drink before. I got our drinks, and we walked over and waited for a lull in her dad's conversation, and Jill said Dad this is Lee from the lodge. Do you remember him? He looked at me and said “you growed up some since the last time I saw you”. Jill jumped right in and said “he is going to be in town until I go back to help his grandmother. Would you care if he stayed with us instead of getting a room at the inn. He didn't even look at her and said, “it don't bother me none.”
He didn't ask how long I was staying, or how she was or anything thing. When we got outside I commented on it, and she said that was the way he was. If he didn't want you to stay, he would have said NO, no explanation or anything just no. We went to the house, and she showed me where I would sleep and the bathroom. She asks if I wanted to go shopping today or tomorrow. I said tomorrow, I am in no hurry.
Jill went to the kitchen and got us each another beer. Then said let's order a pizza I haven't had one for a while. I told her you order it, and I will pay for it. The pizza came and I paid for it and tipped the delivery man, we sat down and ate the whole thing. We were both stuffed and tired, so we straightened up and went to our rooms. I was asleep in minuets and slept all night.
The next morning, I heard noise in the kitchen and thought it was Jill, so I got up and got dressed. It was her dad making coffee. When he saw me, he asks me if I wanted coffee? I said, “yes Mr. Smith I do, and I want to thank you for allowing me to stay.” He said, “no mister my name is Ralph.” I decided Ralph was the total opposite of his outgoing daughter, but he is her father, and I would treat him with respect as long as I could. Jill came into the kitchen and got a cup of coffee and ask what was on the agenda for today? Ralph didn't answer her, so I said I was going to go get some breakfast and then go shopping, that should kill part of the day. And then the next thing out of her mouth was “I'd like breakfast too. Was she asking or making a statement so I ask her to come along then ask Ralph. He said it is too early to eat.
We took my truck to a local greasy spoon for a good breakfast. Then back to the truck. She said let's go shopping. I said OK, but what about your dad? To my amazement her answer was, “Dad has a burr up his butt, let him sit on it alone. I said “oops I think I have caused a problem for you at home. I had better take you home and get my stuff and get a room at the inn until you are ready to go back to the lodge.” She just glared at me before exploding, and said it is my home just as much as it is his, if you are intimidated by him go get yourself a room and get one for me too. He doesn't run my life, and I don't run his. I am old enough to make my own decisions, and so is he. I didn't know how to respond without digging this hole I am in any deeper, so I didn't respond.
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tzr
New Member
Posts: 10
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Post by tzr on Oct 8, 2023 17:00:36 GMT -6
Becoming a good story, Thanks
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Post by gipsy on Oct 8, 2023 18:55:46 GMT -6
Don't open mouth and don't insert foot. Good way to live long
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Post by feralferret on Oct 8, 2023 22:40:48 GMT -6
Cashless1, thanks for the new chapter.
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Post by cashless1 on Oct 10, 2023 12:35:17 GMT -6
#5
I just drove to the first clothing store I saw, she asks “are you sure you want to shop HERE ?” I looked up at the sign and busted out laughing, it was a woman's dress shop. We both had a good laugh, and it did relieve the tension, she gave me directions to the proper store, we went in and I grabbed a shopping cart and so did she. I looked at her and all she said was we are here to shop, so shop. I got three pair of Levis, I preferred cargo pants, but they aren't as rugged as jeans. She put two pair of insulated jeans in her cart, I got a couple of long sleeve jean shirts, and she got three flannel shirts for her cart. For everything I picked up she got two or three. When we got to the underwear section, I got my usual briefs and tee shirts , she got insulated long underwear bottoms and tops. same with socks, she did leave me alone about shoes. I picked a nice down coat, and she got a sheep skin vest and coat. When we got to check-out, I put all of my things on the counter and so did she. I looked at her and ask what is all of this stuff? She said I will explain later.
We loaded the truck and headed back to her house. On the way, she said, “you would freeze in the things you bought so I picked out proper winter clothes.” I said I thought you were getting things for your dad, to appease him. Her only comment was “NOT LIKELY.” “Now are we staying here or are we getting rooms at the inn? No, we will stay here, I have caused enough trouble as it is. The next morning, we flew back to the lodge. This trip she had two large bags of her belongings, plus three cases of beer for Dad. Dad was happy with the beer and Mom was glad we were back, and so was I. Mom thought the corn was ready so the next day after eating breakfast, Dad and I got to pick corn, shuck it and brush as much silk off as possible. The hens are in their glory, scratching the husks and getting every loose kernel they could find.
When we got our bounty to the house the girls had a large kettle of water boiling, they would blanch it then drop it into cold water to cool then roll it in plastic wrap it and put as many ears in a gallon zip loc bag as it would hold. We were done by lunch time, we had a light lunch, then back to work but this time we cut the corn off of the cob and put in pint bags to freeze, that took a lot longer than on the cob.
We had vegetable soup for supper with homemade bread. Iced tea for the women and cold beer for us corn pickers. I said we had to have done a hundred ears, but Dad swore it was only eighty, and I was not going to count them, so we called it ninety. Mom canned the left-over soup for an easy meal later when we didn't have fresh produce to put in it. We don't waste anything if we don't eat it the birds do.
The next morning, I raked out the chicken pen with the chickens helping and piled everything on the compost pile, while I was at it, I cleaned out the chicken house too, our compost pile is growing. It won't go to waste ether. Jill stayed three more days but had to go home and make sure her dad didn't mess anything up while she was gone. Standing by the plane she said I don't want to go; it is so beautiful here I could stay here forever. I told her I would work on that. She kissed me, not on the cheek but a real kiss, I think I am falling in love. And she was gone again. She would be back in about a week to take Mom to town to buy better clothes for the trip, Dad refused to go along, he said he wasn't "going to stand around while you two look at every piece of clothing in god only knows how many stores." So, it was decided Mom would go this week and Jill would take dad the next time, I thought Jill was going to bust a gut trying not to laugh, but Mom, not so.
Dad and I cleaned up the parts of the garden that were done for the year, and fished it was relaxing to fish and talk, it also got us out of honey do projects, but we did need the fish for winter, so it was justified, another job that just had to be done, so we volunteered. Mom couldn't wait to go to town, I would catch her looking in the direction Jill always came, I thought it was cute, but I caught myself looking too. That woman has made a place in all of our hearts and we all miss her when she is gone.
Moms' big day came. Jill showed up early and Mom was waiting with her purse on her arm and a list in her pocket, no waiting and they were gone, it was almost funny. Dad and I just farted around the shop, ate a lunch mom had prepared for us and went fishing. That is what two adult men should do once in a while, just ask and Dad will tell you. It was getting late, so we heated up some supper that Mom had for us and as we finished cleaning up, we herd the plane coming. We met them on the dock and gave them a hardy welcome. Then they let Dad and I carry all of the packages to the house, my god it is only a two-week cruise, oh well.
Then Mom had to show us everything she had bought, but not the underwear. I was afraid that was next. Jill said," come on pack mule. We need to secure the plane, I am not flying home tonight, I am tired, and it is getting late. She climbed in and handed me a couple of packages; those are for you. We forgot them when you went shopping, it was six pair of leather work gloves and three pairs of insulated gloves and a pair of mittens that looked big enough to put your feet in. I thanked her and then we tied the plane up better and went to the house, Dad got up and got a beer for himself but didn't offer me one That is a hell of a fishing partner for you.
She left early the next morning, even before breakfast, just a travel mug of coffee. She will be back for Dad's shopping trip, in a couple of days. I hope she brings a rope to drag him around with. I went down to the cellar and got Moms five-gallon crock. She is going to start making sauerkraut tomorrow, she has a cabbage shredder. It looks like a mandolin, but it has two blades instead of one, it looks wicked but does a good job. The kraut has to sit and ferment for about six weeks where it is cool. You have to scoop the scum off daily and change the cloth that covers it. It's time consuming but it sure is good. We got the crock cleaned and then I started cutting cabbage into a pan. Mom would put a layer of cabbage in the crock, add salt and mix it up and tamp it down tight and then do it again until the crock was almost full, then cover it with a cloth and put a plate with a rock on it on top of the cloth to hold the cabbage under the juice the salt pulled out of the cabbage.
It won't be long until we dig the potatoes and sweet potatoes, there is still cabbage to can but it is OK for a while. The onion tops are turning so it won't be long for them either, then the carrots, just before the freeze up. Then the garden will be put to rest for the winter. Dad went shopping with Jill and she didn't need the rope, he wasn't anxious, but he went. I stayed around the house and helped Mom. We didn't get much alone time together very often. Dad was always around, or we were busy, it was nice, just the two of us. We talked about the trip, and I could tell she was looking forward to it.
The plane arrived a lot sooner than we expected Mom looked up and just shrugged her shoulders, we went down and waited. We tied the plane up and Dad crawled out then Jill hopped out with a big grin on her face and passed out their purchases, two cases of beer and about half as many bags as Mom had bought. Dad grabbed the beer and headed to the house, the rest of us picked up the packages and followed him. When we got inside dad hit his recliner, and said that dang girl tried to drag me through every store in Canada. Mom ignored him, just asking what he got? All he said was two cases of beer and a shit load of clothes, that I will only wear one time if I am lucky. She even made me buy a suit, I ain't going to no funerals on this trip. Jill said it is not a suit it is a sport coat. Dad responded same difference to me. Jill just couldn't resist , she said, “DAD you sound just like my father.”
That was the first time she had called him Dad, I don't think anybody else even noticed. Dad asks how are we supposed to carry all this stuff? PANIC, no one had thought of that. Mom headed for the computer with Jill right on her heals. Dad said boy go get me a beer. She wouldn't stop at the bar for nothing. I got us a beer and we waited to see what was coming next, Mom came out and said the suitcases will be here next week, I don't know how I forgot that. Dad said, "that is what I am here for, to cover up for your brain farts.." Three more weeks to go before they leave, two weeks to drive, two-week cruise, and two weeks to drive back. Mom is getting more excited every day and so is Jill. She has been here almost constantly since she brought out the luggage, they have packed and repacked everything trying to get it perfect. Dad couldn't leave a sleeping dog lay; he said you two are going to wear those clothes out if you don't quit messing with them. I was ordered to take him fishing, and I didn't necessarily have to bring him back.
Jill and I were getting better acquainted and more comfortable with each other. We didn't talk about finances or the operation of the flight service. She told me her mother had been killed in a car accident right after I left for the states and she still misses her, that is part of the reason she likes Mom so much. The air service pretty much runs its self. Mason takes the reservations and transfers the money for flights to their account from the lodge account, and the other rental company's. All she has to do is make sure they have the pilots to do the flying. Her Dad schedules all of the maintenance. Usually in the off season to keep the planes flying when needed.
I told her about wanting to see something besides pine trees, I couldn't wait to get out and see the world. I told her about a client that came out every year, He was from Illinois and owned a machine shop, and he told me when I was old enough, to get in touch with him and he would give me a job. The year I turned eighteen, when he came for his vacation, I went back with him.
Mom and Dad didn't want me to, but they finely agreed to let me go, and Dad told me, when you get this nonsense out of your head, come back here where you belong, So here I am. I worked in his shop learning to run different machines and doing different things. He said I was a good worker and easy to train, because I didn't have any bad habits to break the only way, I knew how to do things was the way they taught me to do them.
She asks how I came to live with my grandparents? I told her I didn't really know, I don't even remember my birth mother, it was always my grandparents, and me and that I always called them Mom and Dad. We didn't go into details, just the highlights of our pasts.
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Post by gipsy on Oct 10, 2023 13:28:40 GMT -6
Fine update. Thanks
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