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Post by feralferret on Oct 10, 2023 20:56:03 GMT -6
Cashless1, thanks for the wonderful chapter.
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Post by ydderf on Oct 12, 2023 16:43:50 GMT -6
Thanks
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Post by imahic on Oct 13, 2023 14:28:31 GMT -6
Thanks for the new chapter.
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Post by texican on Oct 13, 2023 22:30:44 GMT -6
Cashless1,
Good enjoyable story.
Now, you need to be more descriptive in your writings about the grandparents place including if they have solar power being out in the woods. Docks? This is called fleshing out your story.
Texican....
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Post by cashless1 on Oct 14, 2023 10:06:03 GMT -6
Thanks tex coming up
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Post by cashless1 on Oct 14, 2023 11:05:48 GMT -6
#6
The big day finally came. Jill had stayed the night before and was ready to go when her passengers were. We had loaded the plane the night before with all of their luggage. No one wanted breakfast except me, and I didn't count, so after hugs and kisses they were gone and I was on my own, first things first, number one was some food for me. Then take care of the birds gather eggs and relax. I walked around everything was as it should be. This was the life of Riley, what more could a guy ask for. OK this is getting boring, I went back inside and did my dishes from this morning and looked around, nothing else to do. I thought about making my bed but, Mom wasn't here to see, and I would just mess it up again when I went to bed tonight so why bother.
I laid out a couple of burgers for super and two frozen buns, and took a nap, I had not taken a nap in years but why not, it is just me. I found out, the first day that I am boring, but it's only for 6 weeks and then they'll be back. I will survive; I think.
Out of boredom went to all 3 cabins just to check on things over, I gathered the bedding to take back to be cleaned and stored for the winter. Each cabin had 3 bedrooms with 2 twin beds each. That was 18 bed spreads, blankets and pillowcases. That was a boat full.
I noticed, well not really notice, I tripped on a loose board on the dock and almost went swimming.
Next time I go out I will inspect all 3 boat docks. Each dock is shaped like a T. there is room to tie up 2 boats on each side with enough room to tie up a plane at the top of the T. I will just note any damage on my to do list. I stored everything in the shop, one of the pilots will take them to town on their next trip, to be cleaned, it would be too much for mom to do herself.
The next day Jill returned. I have been rescued. I have been saved from my own boring self. She told me Mom and Dad were on the road and both seemed to be excited to be on their big adventure. I am counting down the days until they return. I told her how boring I was, and she said I needed a dog. I didn't think that was a good idea. I would probably forget to feed it and it would starve to death and I would feel bad about that. She said I was exaggerating but I had already convinced myself I was right. She had to get back home, and I hated to see her leave, but she would be back in a couple of days, to me it would seem like a week. I sent the bedding with her when she left. I fed the birds and gathered the eggs as needed, what is one person going to do with four or five eggs a day? I had eggs every morning and they were still pilling up, so I boiled eggs and made egg salad. It was OK but not as good as mom's. Jill returned, I have been saved again, she is my Angel. I had been checking the email every night, they were OK and on schedule, that was good, but it also showed me how much farther away they were getting.
We talked and took a walk and talked some more, she asks if I had anything to eat, she was hungry. All I had ready was egg salad, she said that was fine she liked it. We went in and had lunch and I told her the egg salad tasted much better with company. She told me I was crazy. She had to get home but would be back tomorrow and might bring company with her. I told her I enjoyed our time together better by ourselves and she said OK.
Then it was time for her to fly away again. Oh well, I think I will live. She was gone and I had to take care of those damn birds again, I did that and decided to go swimming, it beat going in to take a shower. So, I went skinny dipping, I hadn't done that in years, it felt good, there was nobody here so why not. I gathered up my clothes and went in to eat and check my email. Mom sent more pictures, mainly road signs and restaurants where they stopped to eat, and she said they were having a good trip and thanked me for sending them.
The next morning, I got up and had breakfast, more eggs. I can't get ahead of the birds. I am thinking more and more about chicken and noodles. Two days later Jill came flying in. I was up on the hill in the outhouse. Before I got to the dock she was already out of the plane, and she had brought me a teddy bear. My first thought was I am not that desperate yet, and then the bear started to squirm in her arms. I thought it was a dog, but it turned out to be a puppy, not quite a dog, yet,
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Post by cashless1 on Oct 14, 2023 11:58:28 GMT -6
#7
She handed it to me and smiled, then it peed on me, and she thought that was funny, I didn't, and I wondered if this thing could swim. She saved it by putting a leash on it and putting it on the dock, still laughing. She drug it off the dock and up to the house, she was still giggling. I wasn't, I ask what are you doing with that thing, she said he is your new companion I said no I do not need a companion, but I knew I was fighting a losing battle, and maybe when he got bigger, he would eat a chicken or two. Loose one battle win another. She spent the night, I don't know if it was to be with me or to protect the dog from me, I got up the next morning to start coffee and stepped in a puddle in front of the stove, when I yelled, she came running, and the dog went sliding under the sofa peeking out at us. Then she explained he wasn't house broken yet; I had already figured that one out by myself.
I tied the fountain of youth to a tree in the front yard and went in to clean up the puddle, but Jill had already done it and had the coffee ready. We each got a cup and sat down for a minute before starting breakfast when Jill said she would fix it while I went to the plane and got the dog food and bowls for the pup. My first thought was it hasn't been twelve hours yet and I am already running errands for it, just what I need. I got the food and bowls, and she measured out food and gave it a bowl of water. I told her it didn't need more water, and she started laughing again. She fixed biscuits and gravy, way better than eggs. So, I sorta forgave her for all of the laughing. We did the dishes and went to do chores. I drug the pup behind us and told Jill it will learn to follow or continue to have skid marks on its belly, I was not going to carry it around. She insisted it had to have a name, and it was him, not an it. I didn't have a name in mind I could come up with. So, we just called it him, Eventually I called him Ralph, named, after her father. We went to the chicken coop and let the birds out and Ralph took off like a scared rabbit. I thought it was funny, Jill didn't so I let her chase him down. She said he was a yellow lab, and I said the color fit. I think I am getting under her skin, so I better quit. We sat outside with Ralph and let him chase leaves until he wore himself out. We talked about Mom and Dad's trip and their upcoming cruise and Ralph. She had to leave early to meet a new pilot they were thinking about hiring. I checked my email, no new pictures but four more days left until they set sail.
I did send a dozen eggs home with her for big Ralph. It only took a couple of days for my Ralph to learn to walk instead of sliding behind me. We are working on house breaking him sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I got rid of the leash he can follow along or stay behind. He still won't go near the chickens. Jill came back two days later with balls and toys for Ralph and an apple pie for me, GOOD GIRL.
Mom sent an email with pictures of the ship and their quarters she loved it, all dad said was, this is one big ass boat. Mom says Dad is really enjoying himself, but he won't admit it. I am sure I will hear all about it when they get back. I took Ralph fishing today, and he can swim, I had to use the dip net twice to retrieve him: I thought he was the retriever, not me. Either he is learning or I am. Jill came out today and reminded me Mom and Dad will soon be on the road home. I knew because I was marking the days off on the calendar and Mom reminded me every night in her emails.
Jill started to clean the house and I told her they have a long drive ahead of them, she cleaned any way. It didn't take long after we locked Ralph outside, he liked to attack the mop. After we did each of the 4 bedrooms we closed the doors, Ralph liked to play with the throw rugs, and leave us a surprise once in a while. If I kept him confined to the kitchen, living room and dining room it was easier to find any puddles or piles he left. Jill said the new pilot they hired was doing OK and I would probably meet him before summer was over. And she wanted to be here when Mom and Dad got home.
I haven't mentioned Ralph to them yet, we never had a dog before. I don't know how that will go, but I hope after they meet him it will be OK. I am trying to keep the house clean, but Ralph isn't helping. If he doesn't straighten up, he may become a workshop dog.
Mom and Dad have been on the road for five days, they figure three more and they will be home. They aren't pushing too hard, but it is tiring for them.
Jill is coming out tomorrow to help clean house again and do up the laundry, so Mom doesn't have to do it when she gets home and fix a pot of stew for them. Jill got here about 10 this morning and started right in. We stripped the beds, and she fired up the ringer washer. It's old but it still works good and doesn't use as much water. She would get a load going and go do something else, when a load was done, I took them out and hung them on the clothesline in the back yard. I thawed a meatloaf last night and we had sandwiches and tea for lunch, we had been dusting between loads of clothes so we got a lot done the first day. The beds were made, and the rooms dusted, tomorrow a couple of loads of clothes and sweep and scrub the floors and we would be done if Ralph cooperates.
I didn't think the house looked bad before she got here. But it does look and smell a lot better now. I cleaned the chicken pen and the coop, I even put new straw in the nest boxes, so it does look like I stayed on top of things while they were gone.
Jill put a large pot of moose stew on to cook and had a couple of loaves of fresh bread baking. Mom will be impressed. Knowing Dad, he will be thirsty, so I put a 12 pack in the frig. I am actually a little nervous, I guess I want everything to be perfect.
Jill's sat phone rang which was a rare thing as it was seldom used. All I could hear was her side of the conversation. WHAT, WHICH PLANE, WHEN, WHERE, OH NO, OK I AM ON MY WAY GIVE ME AN HOUR. Then she said to me I have to go we lost a plane I will be back as soon as I can.
Watch the stew and don't let it burn. A quick kiss and she was gone.
The stew did stick a little but I saved it, and turned it off, I was tired of baby sitting with it.
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Post by kiwibutterfly on Oct 14, 2023 12:57:34 GMT -6
Enjoying this story, thank you
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Post by gipsy on Oct 14, 2023 14:58:08 GMT -6
Fine update. Thanks
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Post by texican on Oct 14, 2023 21:24:13 GMT -6
Lost an airplane. The area is large and lots to search unless the plane has a beacon.
Texican....
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Post by feralferret on Oct 14, 2023 21:51:44 GMT -6
Lost an airplane. The area is large and lots to search unless the plane has a beacon. Texican.... I concur. I have a friend who is in CAP who participates in a number of such searches if they involve the emergency transponders. He has a story of one transponder that had been triggered that was still moving. He was able to pinpoint it from the air with direction finding equipment from quite a distance.It turns out that it was an airplane being transported by rail. It had been jolted hard enough to trigger the ELT in the tail. He thought it was strange that it was moving so slowly and erratically. It was the train moving, stopping, and starting.
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Post by cashless1 on Oct 15, 2023 12:49:51 GMT -6
#8
I was tired of waiting, I was about ready to get on my sat phone to call Jill, it was starting to get late when I heard a plane, it is either, Mom and Dad, or Jill, or both. As it got closer, I could tell it was Jill. She landed and I tied the plane off, and when Jill got out, I saw she had been crying. She didn't say a word she just went to the house. She sat down, and I ask which pilot was it? She said the new pilot John, I ask how bad was it? No survivors. I have never seen her this rattled. She hung her head and said he was bringing Mom and Dad. And that is when I collapsed. The next thing I remember, Jill was sitting on the floor with my head in her lap, crying and saying it will be OK, we will get through this together. We got up with each other's help and just sat at the table looking at each other, but really not seeing anything. After a few minutes, that seemed like hours, she got up and got two beers and sat back down. She drank her beer, and I don't think I even touched mine. She got her sat phone and called her dad. All I heard her say was “BAD, I WILL NOT BE HOME TONIGHT. HE NEEDS ME.” then she said, “I WILL CALL IN THE MORNING, JUST HANDLE IT.” she repeated “I SAID I WILL CALL TOMORROW.” She turned off the phone and threw it on the table. Then she got up and dug through the cabinets until she found a bottle of bourbon, she got two glasses of ice and a can of soda and made us each a drink. We must be short on soda because it was a strong drink. She handed one to me, picked up hers and tapped her glass against mine and said too two of the best frigging people I have ever known. Then she started crying and sobbing. Then she got control of herself and got up and said "take Ralph out and let me think." I took him out and let him do his business and we went back in. Jill was at the table making a list. She got up and started warming up the stew, she told me to set the table and slice the bread, I didn't even think, I just followed instructions, my mind would not work. After we nibbled on our supper, we cleaned up the kitchen like nothing was wrong. She mixed us another drink without asking, so I drank it. She got her list and said, "tomorrow nothing, but Thursday we fly back to town so you can make arrangements for services and their funerals." I said they wanted to be cremated with no services. She said OK, "I didn't know. That will be just a phone call, but you need to talk to Moore and see what else you need to do. He has all of their information and has handled this kind of thing before.
Out of my stupor I said I can't go I have to take care of Ralph and the birds. With out even a pause, she said we will take them with us, Dad has an old chicken pen he isn't using, and Ralph can stay with him for a while. It will give him something to do. For now, let's go make sure the plane is tied up securely, and take care of the birds, and finish off the bottle we are working on, and go to bed. When this woman takes control there is no stopping her, just get out of her way and hang on. She hasn't steered me wrong yet and my mind refuses to work right now anyway. Tomorrow might be better. So, we did as she said, and we are working on that bottle now.
I woke up with a headache and a warm body curled up against my back, where am I, and who is curled up with me? It was Jill. She got up and didn't say a word as she headed for the outhouse. When she came back, she smiled and started the coffee like nothing was unusual. I ask why were you in my bed and what happened? She said after I got you tucked in, I went to my room and went to bed, but you kept mumbling and crying so I knew nobody was going to get any sleep so joined you, I held you until you settled down and went to sleep. Then I did too.
Do you want breakfast or just coffee? We had coffee and she started cinnamon rolls while I fed the birds. We had more coffee with the rolls. as she planned out our day. First get a shower, neither of us got one last night. Then I had to pack a bag for three days stay, find a cage for the birds and pack feed for them and Ralph.
After she talked to her dad, I ask what happened? All she knew was a pilot from another firm had taken off right after John and was going in the same direction and saw the plane just nose over and go down. He circled around looked at the crash site several times, and called in the coordinates and told them what he saw. Then he returned to town to fill out a report of what he had seen, and answer questions. That is all I know right now. If he hadn't seen them go down God only knows how long, it would have taken to find them. When we get to town, we can get more information. If they know any more and can tell us.
The fishing season was over, so we went to each cabin and turned the gas off and checked that everything was OK, she wanted to catch some fish for her dad. Ralph had learned how to not fall out of the boat, so he could go with us. I think she was just trying to keep my mind busy. I cleaned the fish and bagged them up, then we went inside and ate last night's stew. I went out and gave the leftovers to the birds and then locked them in for the night. Jill had the weather channel on to see the conditions for tomorrow, it looked good. She checked in with her dad, they emailed back and forth, the search and rescue team had removed the remains from the plane, and the plane would be choppered out when the FAA gave the word so they could do their investigation.
I am dreading the next few days, but Jill said she would help me through it, and I believe she would carry me if she had to.
We got up early and just had coffee. I got the birds in the cage, and they were not happy. Jill reminded me to put a tarp under the cage, or I would be cleaning the plane. They were less happy to be in the plane. We hit the outhouse and called Ralph. He did not want to get in with the birds but finely gave in. Jill thought it was cute, but she wasn't the one wrestling with the dog. We landed and several people gathered around us, giving me their condolences, and saying how good Mom and Dad had been. If they don't stop, I am going to lose it, again. We got Ralph and the birds to her dads and taken care of. I don't think her dad was impressed when I said "Ralph, this is Ralph." We got the critter feed and Ralph's bed put where it belonged. We went to see Moore; he had papers laid out waiting for me and ask Jill to step out while we discussed things. I said "no, I need her, she is the only thing holding me together right now."
He started with his copy of their wills, he said these are not legal papers just copies. He said the originals are supposed to be in their safe deposit box. He also had power of attorney papers that were not originals and some insurance policies that we didn't go over. I don't think he wanted Jill to see them. He had already talked to the funeral home, and they would talk to me when I got there. Then I needed to go to the bank and see if I could get the original wills to take to the attorney, I also needed to stop at the hospital to sign some papers, and I should go there first.
We went to the hospital, first they wanted my ID, then signatures to get the body's released to the funeral home and make payment arrangements. At the funeral home they had the papers all ready. First the ones showing everything was paid for in advance. Then one giving my consent for the cremation. They ask about visitation and service. I told them no, just cremation and a simple box no fancy urns. He looked at me and ask just one box? I said if that is legal, I want them together as they have always been. He said that would be fine, and he would notify Moore when the ashes were ready for pick up. I ask if Moore could pick them up and he said that would be OK.
We got outside and Jill said one more stop. And I said not now, I am not ready for any more right now. She held my hand and said that would be OK.
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Post by gipsy on Oct 15, 2023 13:28:30 GMT -6
What a chapter. Thanks for the writing.
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Post by CountryGuy on Oct 15, 2023 14:14:43 GMT -6
Great chapter and sad ending, though I will say I had an inkling Ma & Pa weren't making it back. Though I was envisioning an SHTF or something while they were somewhere out to sea on their cruise.
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Post by feralferret on Oct 15, 2023 16:05:05 GMT -6
Wow! What a shocker of a chapter.
Thanks for another fine chapter.
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Post by danielsga01 on Oct 15, 2023 17:41:20 GMT -6
Wasn't expecting that, what a twist. thanks for the chapter.
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Post by texican on Oct 15, 2023 18:55:43 GMT -6
Cashless1,
Sad chapter. Jill and Lee are becoming an item which Lee needs.
Did you include the names of Lee's grandparents in any of the chapters?
You show signs of a author becoming great.
Texican....
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Post by cashless1 on Oct 15, 2023 19:28:48 GMT -6
to
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Post by cashless1 on Oct 15, 2023 19:34:05 GMT -6
I didn't use names EVERYBODY remembers mom and dad. too many names can get confusing
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Post by cashless1 on Oct 16, 2023 12:36:51 GMT -6
#9
We went to her dad's house and petted Ralph and visited with her dad. Jill filled him in on our progress and he offered me a beer and I took it even though I knew Jill would not approve. She didn't say anything, but it showed. She got us a sandwich and I finished my beer then she said we need to go to the bank. I told her I'm as ready as I am going to get. My best buddy, the manager was waiting for me, and he said let's go into my office. I said come on Jill, he just looked at me but didn't say anything. I told him I needed to get into their safety deposit box he ask if my name was on the signature card? I know, he knew, it wasn't, but I explained I was not old enough at the time they got the box.
He ask if I had the will giving me the authority to do so. I am starting to get pissed. So Jill came to my rescue, or his, and explained the wills are in the box YOU WILL NOT let him in. He stammered and said he would let me in the box but I could only take the wills after he viewed them, and nothing else. I didn't like it but I agreed. I gave him my key and he got his and we went together and he unlocked the box I got the wills, he looked at them and gave them back to me. As we were getting up to leave he said wait, let me get your name on the signature card so you don't have to go through this again, after I told Jill I may be looking for a new bank, She told me he probably broke a few laws just doing what he did. All I said was lets go see the attorney, and jump through some more hoops. She shook her head and led the way,She knew the lawyer and told him with a smile, be gentle with Lee, I almost had to save the bank manager from him.
He said he would make it as easy as possible I handed him the wills, he looked at them and said these were supposed to be in their safety deposit box. I said they were. He wanted to know how I got into it, I told him it wasn't me it was my pet tiger here, that I kept with me. He laughed and said I know this is a very bad time for you, leave these with me and come back after things settle down. There is no hurry and you will need the death certificates, and get four or five copy's. I thanked him, and he said don't forget your tiger.
We checked with the investigators but they had nothing decided yet, It was still under investigation.
I told Jill I can't believe we got it all done today. She said we aren't done yet You are going to be doing your own cooking so you need something easy to fix or you won't eat, Have you thought what you are going to do with the lodge yet? I told her I don't know I haven't even thought about it yet I need time to think. She said if you are going to stay, I know you could run the Lodge easily. I thought, and said If I make a decision now it will come back and bite me later. No hurry I have a lot of time. She disagreed, you have a bunch of people already scheduled for next year and they have already paid, so you don't want to wait too long to tell them, it is bad for business.
Let's get something to eat, we can get grocery's Tomorrow, I don't even want to think about what I will need. She told me you don't have to think just push the cart and pay the bill, let's go I am hungry.
Now my mind is spinning so I ask her if we were going back tomorrow or the next day No answer. OK, do you want to call your dad and see if he wants to go with us to go eat? She said he won't go, he eats early. I had to ask is he still riding that burr? She laughed then said Dad thinks I am spending too much time at your place, and with you. I was shocked, so I ask “does he think we are sleeping together when you stay at the lodge?” Wrong question to ask, she blew her stack. “It is none of his business what I do, or who I do it with. I am 25 years old, not 15. Since Mom died, he has not been very nice to anyone. I have about had it with him and his attitude.” Now, I don't know what to say to her, so I told her “I don't want to cause trouble between you and your dad. You can take me back in the morning.” I don't need grocery's; I will just go back. HERE SHE BLOWS AGAIN, “I will take you back when I am damn good and ready, it doesn't matter when I do, I am staying for as long as I want and if he doesn't like it that is his problem not mine. If that is a problem for you just say so, and I will go somewhere else for a while, and he will still think I am with you, anyway, his problem, not mine.
What have I done? I said let's go eat and calm down some before I take you home, OK? Again, I said the wrong thing. “I am calm, now let's go eat and go to the store It's open late. “I ask are you baiting him or what?” she smiles and says “I am 25, not 15. GOT IT?” We went to a nice place to eat, and it was very good, then she said, and I will pay. I told her, the mood you are in, I am not going argue with you this time, so what store do you want to go to, she gave me directions, and we got the grocery's that she thinks I need. What I don't eat the birds will. When we got to her house it was dark, so we unloaded the cold and frozen food, and put it in her refrigerator till morning. She went to her room, and I went to mine. When we got up her dad was already gone. She left him a note and we got my food; the birds and Ralph and we were ready to get out of town, it was a quiet ride, except for the birds. As soon as we landed, I got Ralph out, while he watered a few trees I got the birds put away with fresh food and water, Jill took the food to the house. Nothing more was said about her dad. She did keep in contact with him via email every night. But never said what they talked about, that was her business not mine. So, I didn't ask.
I was thinking about what I was going to do with the lodge but couldn't make up my mind. The only options I felt I had was to hire someone to run it for me, sell it, run it myself, or just close it down, any choice I made would probably turn out to be wrong in the end.
Everything I saw or did, made me think of Mom and Dad, But Jill kept me from getting even more depressed than I already was. After two weeks I was getting better, not good but better. I got an email from Moore saying the lawyer had things ready for me to settle the estate, and he had their ashes for me. I talked to Jill, and she said we could go on Monday. I agreed so we made lists of what we had to get done while we were in town. We would take Ralph with us; the birds were good for a day by themselves.
Two weeks alone with her was just great, I don't know what it would be like when she went back to town without me, and I don't think I want to find out. I thought about winterizing the lodge and going to town with her, I mentioned it to her and she pointed out all of the things she and Mom had canned and every thing else that would freeze would have to be removed and taken to town or a big mess would have to be cleaned up eventually. [another bad idea I came up with ]
We got up early, had coffee and ate biscuits left over from last night, fed the birds and we were in the air by 9am, Ralph was better traveling with out the birds, and so was I. Jill pointed out that he had never had any of his puppy shots. She will see if we can get him into a vet and get that done today.
We landed and went to see Ralph, but he wasn't home. Jill found a vet that could get us in this afternoon. First stop the lawyers office he had all of the papers ready, I was the only heir so that was simple. Except now I have to deal with my best buddy, the banker. The lawyer had the death certificates, so I didn't have to do that The worst part of the day would be picking up their ashes,Ralph thought the worst of it was getting all of his shots, Moore was busy so we went back to the house and her Dad was there,we visited for a while, and Jill ask him if he would watch Ralph for a little while so we could get a bite to eat and go back to see Moore? He said sure, I guess I am good for something. Before Jill could explode, I said never mind he will be fine in the truck, but we need to get going I need to see Moore, and a couple more stops before I go home. I took Jill's hand and called Ralph and we left. She was mad, I told her to forget it, “he feels like I am corrupting you.”
We went to Moore's and got the ashes, and Mom and Dads personal belongings the only things I got was what was in their pockets and moms purse and rings, the investigators still had every thing else from the wreckage, I told Moore the lodge would not be open next year. Please contact all of the clients that have made reservations to let them know, and that I am sorry, but due to the deaths of the owners, I have no choice. Refund their money. I will post a notice on our web site to that effect. I don't know about any thing after that. I am sorry for the trouble I am causing you but I do not know what else to do. Thank you and I do appreciate it. When we got to the truck she took my keys and said I will drive you are too messed up to be driving. She ask where to now. All I could say was home. She pulled across the parking lot and parked the truck then, she got Ralph loaded. I was still in the truck. She walked over and said lets get you back to the woods where you belong. It was a long ride back with my grand parents ashes held in my lap. She landed, tied off the plane and got Ralph out then opened my door and took the box out of my hands and led me inside. I sat at the table and she got the bottle and a glass and said you need a drink. I told her I do not need a drink and I am not going to crawl into a bottle to escape. There is no escape, It is what it is and I am caught in the frigging middle of it. I am going to bed.
It was no where near dark yet, she took Ralph out side, fed the birds and locked them in. I later found out she sat down and had a good cry. I knew I had hurt her but I could not do anything about it at the time, I was still awake when she came back in and got ready for bed. A little while later I herd her crying, and I knew I had caused it, so I got up and went to her bed room and got in bed with her and held her and we both cried, I told her I was sorry, all she would say was “its OK”
The next morning when I woke up we were still holding each other. I told her again I was sorry, she said “OK, you had to go off on something, or you would have exploded.” Then she kissed me and said I LOVE YOU.
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Post by sniper69 on Oct 16, 2023 13:14:32 GMT -6
cashless1 - thanks for another chapter to this great story. I know I'm definitely looking forward to reading more.
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Post by feralferret on Oct 16, 2023 15:16:13 GMT -6
Cashless1, thanks for another fine chapter.
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Post by gipsy on Oct 16, 2023 15:35:37 GMT -6
Good way to end a chapter
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Post by cashless1 on Oct 18, 2023 11:01:28 GMT -6
10
It was two days later, her dad flew in. When he got out of the plane, I knew he was mad and so did Jill. You could tell by the way he strutted up to the house. He didn't even say hello, all he said was, we need to talk, I don't know what is going on around here but, you two shacking up is not right, that is all he got to say before Jill stopped him. And said Lee has just lost the only family he has ever known, and I am staying here helping him get over his loss, I am not screwing his brains out or anything else then she stormed out the door crying, after a minute he ask me, what are your intentions with my daughter. I said I hope to marry her. Then he ask how do you intended to support her since you closed down the lodge? I told him I had the finances and not to worry about it. Then he ask just how much money do you have. I told him that was none of YOUR damn business, I want Jill to marry me, not my check book. Then I told him when my grandparents returned, I was going to ask if Jill and I could live here after we got married. Then I was going to talk to you before I ask her, if she didn't want to live here, I would move to town. But now is not the right time.
Then the door flew open and slammed into the wall with a bang, and she barged in and yelled, why in the hell isn't it the right time? The answer is yes, I will marry you. Then she launched herself into my arms Her Dad and I were both in shock. Then everything changed he seemed to be satisfied, he congratulated us and left, no good bye, no, I am sorry, no nothing he just left.
Then Jill got a tear in her eye and said I have to tell you. I stopped her, no you don't have to tell me anything. Then she said yes, I do. Do you remember when I told you about the wreck when my mother died, I was with her and I got hurt bad, they had to do surgery to save my life and I will never be able to have children. I am sorry, I should have told you sooner, then she broke down.
I held her and told her as long as I have you, I don't need kids. I held her, or we were Holding each other and sharing our love. Then just to break the tension I ask when? She said a week from Friday. At the courthouse I don't want a big wedding. So, I ask where do you want to go on our honeymoon? She looked at me and said, right down that hall to your, no to our bedroom.
The rest of the day we walked around and enjoyed each other, I don't remember what was said, I guess my mind was in the clouds. We fixed supper together and after the cleanup, the dog fed and the birds tended to, I watched a movie, Jill was in planning mode, so I left her to it, I hope this is the only wedding she ever gets to plan.
She ask her dads next door neighbor to be her matron of honor, I didn't know anybody, so I ask Moore, and he agreed, I told Jill I don't have a suit, she said you don't need one, nice shirt and slacks would be fine. Because she wasn't wearing a gown, just a nice dress, but now we have to go shopping, and make an appointment at the courthouse. Then I remembered the rings I have to get you rings, she said that can wait.
Now Jill is going through my closet making room for her clothes, rearranging my dresser, she is moving all of her things into my room, everything but her, she says you can wait, such a tease, but she has to wait too. Tomorrow we fly to town after a quick breakfast, she loves to shop, she wants to get up early, eat quick and go, so I drag my feet, I double check the birds, make sure everything is perfect before I finally say I am ready, what are you waiting for?, she gives me the one finger salute, and tells me after the wedding she is going to fly slow and take the long way home, just to get even. When we got to town, we dropped off the dog and she drug me through the men's store, new shirt, slacks, shoes the whole nine yards, then she took me for a haircut, I am beginning to think she wants a new man, I told her to take me to a jewelry store, she said a ring was a waste of money. Then she ask about mom's rings? I told her I couldn't ask her to wear a dead woman's rings. She said let me tell you right now BUSTER, those rings belonged to one hell of a good woman, and I would be proud to wear them. All I could say was OK skip the jewelers if, you are sure. She dropped me off at her dad’s, so she could go shopping for herself. Ralph was a totally different man, we went to the bar and he introduced me as his future son in law to all of his friends everyone wanted to buy me a drink, I drank three and had to get out of there or I would be in a world of trouble, I thanked everybody and went back to the house to wait for Jill, the first thing she said when she got back was, I thought they would have you drunk by now. I told her they tried but I didn't play along.
The next time I come to town I would take home a wife, rather my wife would take me home, just three more days. I need to learn how to fly.
The day of the wedding we left early, right after I fed the birds and the dog. She told me to stop calling him Ralph, no need to stir her dad up anymore.
We went to the jewelers to get Moms rings resized and polished up. We went and got breakfast then back to her dads, the rings won't be ready for an hour yet. While Jill got ready, I went and got the rings, they look like new I think she will be pleased. When I got back everybody was there waiting for Jill to make her grand appearance when she came out, she was stunning. Her dad was taking pictures like crazy. It was getting close to time to go to the courthouse. We all piled into Moore's S.U.V. And we arrived ten minutes early, but the judge was ready for us. Ten minutes later we are married. I told Moore to take us to a good restaurant, we are going to have a good meal to show our appreciation for your help. We each had a big steak with all the trimmings. Jill couldn't stop smiling and looking at her rings, Ralph commented I guess I had better fly you out to the lodge, Because the way Jill can't stop looking at those rings, she might get lost, everybody laughed, and Jill, blushing put her hands in her lap. Moore took all of us back to the plane, as we got in they were clapping and wishing us well. She did not fly back slowly or take the long way back; it was straight and as fast as the plane would go. It was almost a race to tie up the plane and get to the house. I did carry her across the thresh hold and straight to our bedroom, and no, the birds did not get locked in for the night.
The next morning we did get up out of necessity, and I fed the birds and dog, and Jill made coffee, the rest of the day we just goofed around and did what newlyweds do, after we cooked supper together and had eaten, we went for a walk just looking around and throwing a stick for the dog we decided we should at least clean up the kitchen and do the dishes, she needed to check her email and let her Dad now we were still alive, Their flights were slowing down, about the only thing they had to do was get supplies to the homesteaders to hold them at least until after ice up. She gave her dad a list of things, she wanted him to pick for us, he said it would be a couple of days to get some of it, but he would let her know before he brought it out because he knew we had important things to do. We did start to dig the potatoes, but we didn't work too hard, perhaps a third of them at a time, and left them to dry for a day or two. then put them in the cellar. Then do it again, we were just being together and enjoying ourselves after that was done, we did the carrots and the rest of the onions. I still had to spread the compost then plow it under. I took the fence down on one end of the garden so I could get the tractor and plow in. Dad had an old ford 8N, Ford tractor with a trip bucket loader on it. It worked but it was slow, you lowered the bucket and drove into the pile, then raised it up and took it where you wanted the compost and tripped the bucket it just dumped it in a pile, then back up lower the bucket and drag it backwards until it latched and do it again.
The battery was dead, we didn't use it enough to keep it charged, up and I forgot to hook up the charger yesterday. That is OK I am not in a hurry any way. It will charge overnight. I still need to winterize the cabins and Jill wants to help that makes it easier. The next morning after our usual morning routine We gathered up our tools and went to the farthest cabin to start. It wasn't difficult just time consuming. I had already shut off the propane tanks, so I disconnected the batteries from the solar system and climbed up on the roof and take the wires off the panels, that kills the power so I can pull the water pump out of the lake and disconnect it. Then I open the faucets to drain the pipes. I drained the water heater, and unhook the water filter, Jill had cleaned out the frig and deep freeze and propped the doors open I didn't bring my battery drill so I will come back and take the solar panels off of the roof later.
The boat will be full enough as it is, the 4 batteries’ ,3 fuel tanks for the boats, the water pump, and filter and any trash that was left behind. We take everything back and put in the shop. Then repeat twice. Then we will take an air tank and air compressor and blow out the lines in case they didn't drain totally, collect 4 outboard motors and 2 solar panels from each cabin. It gets tiresome but has to be done. It takes several trips to complete, and it is cool on the water. Jill said she has had enough cold boat rides for a while. I spread the compost and plowed the garden. Jill has been going through the canning supply's and said we are short on jar lids and rings, if we are going to try to get a moose we would need more. She had been looking online and saw tattler reusable lids and rings and wanted to try them so she ordered a gross, and a gross of replacement rubbers, that should do for now. When everything came in her dad made the delivery, He wanted to see us anyway, so it worked out. He had the tattler lids and a camping toilet that Jill had ordered and a box of AA rechargeable batteries that we used a lot of and some seasonings she wanted. We talked for a while, and he had lunch with us. He was doing OK living by himself the neighbor was sending meals over once in a while. He told us he would bring another pilot out in a couple of weeks to take her plane back to town for the winter. She told him she would bring it in herself she had some more shopping to do to carry us over the winter and he could bring her back. She wanted to do a thorough inventory of what we had on hand. She didn't want to run out of something critical. After he left, she ask what we did if we ran out of something in the winter?
I told her we did without; she didn't like that option. Mom had us pretty well stocked up, but she had to be sure for herself. We had about70 lbs. of flour and that sounds like a lot, but if you bake bread and biscuits all winter you use a lot, we had plenty of cornmeal, salt and sugar, but she wanted more yeast and baking powder. With what we had and what hadn't sold over the summer in the store we had just about everything we needed, I told her to get 200 lbs. of cracked corn and 100 of wheat and 100 of oats+35 of grit for the birds and add 40 rounds of 30/06 ammo for moose season.
She kept checking all of our supply's , I keep telling her we will be fine. She went through the freezer and added a case of whole chickens and 25 2 lb. packages of bacon.
I had forgot to go to the bank to put her name on my accounts and I hadn't made a will either, so I told her I had to go to town too and explained why. She said we can go tomorrow so I can do my own shopping and you can handle those heavy bags of bird feed, and you can buy me lunch.
I emailed lawyer Jones and he said he could see me tomorrow and my friendly banker was always there. I was ready for bed, but she was still checking. I told her we will get the things on the lists and if we miss anything your dad can bring it when he comes for your plane. She came to bed, but her mind refused to shut down. The next morning was the usual coffee and a cold biscuit and do bird duty and go. We went to see Jones first I told him what I wanted in my will, Jill gets it all. And she left her dad 10%, and me the rest of hers. He said he could have them done in 4 hours. Then to the bank to put each other on all of our accounts. We ask for current statements and I handed them to Jill to put in her purse, I didn't even look at them. We got the safety deposit box in both of our names, then we went and got the chicken feed first then the grocery's and back to the lawyers We signed the wills and he said he would record them and keep them for us until we made it back to get them.
We went out to eat then checked on her dad and he was fine.
Moore waved us down and said they had released mom and dad’s things from the crash, and he had them, so we went and got them, a couple of the suitcases had duct tape on them to hold them shut. I didn't want them, but Jill insisted, so we loaded them up and drove over and loaded the plane and, it was full.
My mind wasn't working again, I loaded the suitcases, then the food and finely loaded the grain. When we got home, I had to unload the grain before I could get to the food, I just stacked it on the dock, and took the food in for Jill. I went to the shop and got the little trailer we used, it was rated at1,000 lbs. and could be pulled with a lawn mower or by hand, anything over 250 lbs. and you couldn't pull it by hand, so it took several trips to the shop, I got the grain put in the feed barrels and sealed up. While I was taking care of the grain Jill got the suitcases and put them in her old room, she said she would go through them later.
We fixed supper and ate. We were both tired but did the dishes and the evening chores. Before we collapsed on the sofa with a beer for me and a soda for her. After a shower and a good night’s sleep we both felt better. After we ate, I did my morning rounds and took care of everything. I told her we need to eat more eggs the birds are getting ahead of us. She said she would take some to her dad when she took the plane in next week. I told her to ask her dad if he would check the stores for me. I wanted a couple of old grocery carts, damage didn't matter I could use one for parts to fix the other one, I didn't explain why, and she didn't ask.
She had gone through the suitcases and found Moms I pad and charged it up and gave it to me. There were dozens of pictures mostly of Dad, but a lot of both of them, I have never seen them happier, all smiles and holding hands. It made me sad, but happy at the same time, the clothes she put in totes and left them in the bedroom, out of sight out of mind.
It is getting cold outside not freezing, but cold. I wanted to try to get a moose before I pulled the water pump for the winter. Processing a large animal uses a lot of water. We discussed going hunting and she wanted to go too, we both had permits but didn't need two moose that would be way too much meat for two people and a lot of work. It was decided, I would go one day and if I didn't get one, she would go the next. that would work, the next day we sighted in the rifle, and she was a better shot than I was. We got up early and ate, she said she would do chores so I could get to hunting sooner. I motored as quietly as I could, close to where I was going to set up. I had only been there a little while when a bull moose charged into the clearing, he was a nice bull, not the monster most hunters would be wanting, I wanted meat not horns, plus I had to get it to the boat. I bled it out and gutted it, saving the organs and tongue in a plastic bag. I skinned it and sectioned it out so I could carry the pieces to the boat after wrapping the sections in an old bed sheet saved just for that purpose. it took me until late afternoon to get it done and loaded. When I got back Jill was sitting on the deck with a shotgun across her lap.
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Post by feralferret on Oct 18, 2023 15:32:27 GMT -6
Thanks, cashless1.
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