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Post by philipinoregon on Apr 22, 2013 2:04:17 GMT -6
Great readings! That life interrupts writing is no problem for this & most readers, keep on keeping on!
Philip
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Post by papaof2 on Apr 26, 2013 17:12:11 GMT -6
Thanks for your patience.
I've spent my "free time" today doing maintenance - new wheel for the wheelbarrow, collected and burned dead branches, replaced the hard drive in an old laptop so I could load Windows XP to run some needed software. The wheel didn't take long - just a dirty job - and the burn barrel does nicely with minimal attention. The laptop hardware change didn't take all that long, but all the updates from Microsoft are taking slightly less than forever.
It's been so long since I've thought about writing that I'll have to read my story all the way through to refresh my memory before starting the next chapter :-(
I think know where it's going, just need to be sure I've set the stage...
Eventually.
Sent from my M1061 using proboards
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Post by kaijafon on Apr 27, 2013 20:33:55 GMT -6
thanks for the story! we understand about how real life interferes with story time lol!
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Post by papaof2 on May 15, 2013 19:46:57 GMT -6
I'm still tied up with the real world - maybe in a couple of weeks ;-(
Sent from my M1061 using proboards
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Post by philipinoregon on May 17, 2013 14:29:43 GMT -6
Worth the Wait... Understand that ~we understand~ regular life comes first!
philip
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Post by papaof2 on May 20, 2013 12:58:45 GMT -6
Having spent Sunday inside because of an inch+ of rain and severe thunderstorm warnings, I completed a chapter. This is another one that took on a life of its own once I got started ;-)
Chapter 36 - Thursday morning
"I smell pancakes!"
"Good morning, Lexi."
"You're the only one up, Grandpa?"
"Maybe not. You could ring the bell on the back porch to ensure your Daddy and Mr. Abe are awake."
"Is it safe to be on the porch?"
"You only have to reach out and pull the rope. You don't have to be outside."
"OK."
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
"Thank you, Lexi."
"You're welcome, Grandpa. Can I hear about the translations now?"
"After everyone eats. Are Abby and Terry awake?"
"I think Abby's in the bathroom but Terry's still in bed."
"Would you please whisper 'pancakes and honey' in Terry's ear? I think that will get her attention."
"OK."
"You were right, Grandpa. Terry jumped out of bed when she heard that."
"Is there any food that you like that much?"
"Bananas and strawberries. Daddy said we could grow strawberries here but bananas need a special greenhouse."
"We would need a very warm greenhouse to grow bananas, but I have some freeze-dried banana slices. Would you like to try one?"
" Dried bananas? Doesn't even sound good."
"You have freeze-dried bananas, Dad?"
"Good morning, Kate, Alice. Yes, I have several cans of banana slices. If they were rehydrated, I could make banana pancakes."
"How do you 'hydrate' something, Grandpa?"
"It's 'rehydrate' Terry, which just means putting the water back into dried or freeze-dried foods."
"Like the dried apples Grandma Betty used to make fried pies?"
"Good morning, Abby. Yes, it's the same process. We add water to the freeze-dried banana slices and let them absorb it until they look like banana slices again. I'll get the can from the pantry. One of you opens the can, another measures the banana slices and the water, the other one mixes them into the remaining pancake batter."
"I guess I only get to mix."
"You could scoop out the slices with a measuring cup - that only takes one hand."
"Thanks, Lexi."
"I measured out the water you need in this bowl, so you can put the chips in it."
"Thanks, Abby."
"I'm very pleased to see my girls helping each other like this."
"It's what family does, Grandpa."
"It certainly is, Lexi."
"Now can we hear the translations?"
"After everyone eats, Terry."
" Don't say it, Terry."
" Don't say what, Abby?"
"'Everybody hurry up' like you said the other day."
"I won't say it, but I'm still thinking it."
"Everybody's done. Now can we hear the translations?"
"You girls need to brush your teeth, then get dressed. No discussions of things that might cause bad dreams while you're still in your pajamas."
"I don't have any clean clothes."
"You're about my size, Lexi. Come see if I have something you like."
"Thank you, Terry."
"I guess they're officially family now, Dad."
"How so?"
"They're sharing clothes."
"I think that means it's time for Lexi to learn about the bucket and the plumber's helper."
"Plumber's helper? On their clothes?"
"Abe, I take it you haven't done much laundry."
"Mostly squeeze and twist. A washboard for really dirty stuff."
"This plumber's helper has been kept with the cleaning supplies and only used for washing clothes."
"How do you do that?"
"Terry, do you want to teach Lexi and Mr. Abe?"
"As soon as I get dressed. And someone needs to be outside with a gun if we're washing stuff on the porch."
"I also want to see how you wash clothes with one hand, so I'll come with you."
"Thanks, Uncle Jack."
"Remember the clothespins."
"OK, Grandpa."
"We need two pails, the plumber's helper, the soap, some water and the clothes."
"All my dirty clothes won't fit in the pail, Terry."
"We just do as much as will fit each time, Lexi. Fill the wash pail to about here with water, then add about my handful of soap. Put the same amount of water in the rinse pail. Drop in some clothes, but leave room to move them up and down."
"So that's what this thingie is for."
"Lexi, its original purpose was to help clear a clogged drain, but it also works well to swish the soapy water through the clothes."
"You're smart, Grandpa."
"No, I just remember how things work. There was once a washing machine that used three plungers that looked very much like the plumber's helper, only bigger."
"Now what, Terry?"
"You swish it up and down slowly 100 times, then someone who has the use of both hands wrings the soapy water out of the clothes and puts them in the rinse water. Then they get 100 slow swishes there, then they get wrung out and put in the laundry basket. When you're through washing, it all gets hung on the clothesline to dry."
"I can't reach the clothesline."
"I can, Lexi. You bring your clothes and I'll hang them up."
"Thanks, Abby."
"Now can we hear about the messages?"
"Yes, Terry. But before the messages are read, I want you to think about all the uniforms you saw in your dreams and if there were any markings on the collar, or near the shirt pocket, or on the upper arm. That will help us identify who the people are. The markings might be in black letters or some type of metal emblem."
"Emblem? Is that like the thingies on a charm bracelet?"
"Yes, Abby. That's a good analogy."
"What's an analogy?
"When you compare something with another thing that might be more familiar to make it easier to understand."
"Oh."
"I'll ask each of you, in turn, what you remember about these areas of the uniforms, starting with Lexi."
"The ones in the green squiggly uniforms only had one name, except the one with 'Maj Ronson' over the pocket. The other names I remember from those were Bacon, Wilson, and Woods. The gray and black squiggly uniforms mostly had funny characters on them."
"Something like this?"
"How'd you know, Grandpa?"
"Since the Ishams heard Chinese voices, the most likely circumstance was that they used pictogram writing for the names."
"You're smart, Grandpa."
"No, I've just seen a lot of uniforms."
"Terry?"
"Some of them had a bridge on the patch on their arm."
"That usually means an engineering group."
"And some of them had a rifle on the patch."
"That usually means infantry."
"Abby?"
"The one up front had a metal bar on his collar and the letters 'C Li' over his pocket."
"Gold or silver bar?"
"Gold."
"It seems we have an officer, even if only a second lieutenant."
"He shot you, Grandpa! And there wasn't anyone who could do anything about it."
"We may be able to change that outcome."
"Now to the translations. Abe would you read them for us? I know that some of your notes are in Chinese because it was faster to write the pictograms than to translate and spell out the English words."
"You said 'pictogram' before. What is it?"
"You want to take that question, Abe?"
"Sure. Terry, a pictogram is a character that draws a picture of a person, thing, or action. Have you ever seen a picture of someone with a stick across their shoulders and a bucket hung from each end of the stick?"
"In a 'National Geographic'. Momma said he was carrying water, but that they carry lots of stuff that way, even stuff for sale."
"Very good, smart girl. I'll draw a stick figure of someone with the bar and buckets, then simplify it like this."
"That looks like an upside down 'Y' with a wide upside-down 'U' on top of it - but it kinda looks like the stick figure."
"That's what happens over time. After hundreds of years, the pictogram is reduced to its simplest elements and that character becomes the accepted pictogram for 'peddler' or 'seller' or 'merchant'."
"So the guy with that character on his nametag is a peddler?"
"Someone in his family was in the distant past. He was called 'peddler' and the name stuck to his descendants. What's your Grandpa's last name?"
"Mason."
"What kind of work does a mason do?"
"Ed and George said they were doing masonry work when the built the springhouse, so I guess a mason does stuff with bricks or stones."
" Does your Grandpa do that kind of work?"
"No. He's been a soldier and a farmer... but the nametag on his uniform has 'Mason' on it just like the one in my dream had the character for 'peddler'!"
"Very good, smart girl. Keep your thinking cap on while I read. Some of these messages may seem to be about boring, everyday things but they're important because we need to know everything they do and everything they know."
"OK. You make learning things fun, Mr. Abe."
"Thank you, Terry, but I've never seen myself as a teacher."
"I'll second that, Abe - and I may some ideas for using you if we get the school started."
"Thank you, Alice. Back to our initial project. I'll read the messages in the order they were sent."
I wondered what game Lexi had gotten distracted with when she was doing what looked like counting on her fingers and toes - she actually was counting! Fingers for Chinese names; toes for other names. There were 15 Chinese soldiers and their one officer mentioned in the messages, plus five who appear to be MAG members. They also mentioned a group that's about equal in size that appears to be MAG members who did not join with the Chinese soldiers. That group has hidden with their supplies in some of the caves and the soldiers have been unable to find them.
Abby had the little whiteboard and a couple of dry erase markers. She wrote down city and country names she heard, as well as any people in those locations. Now we know that they are in contact with four Chinese military units elsewhere in the US and units in at least six other countries who are having similar difficulties. Looks like World War III happened and took out most of the civilian and military populations but the plan to conquer the world has mostly fizzled out from lack of medical knowledge, poor planning and lousy logistics - what was the biggest military force on Earth is now scattered over the planet but decimated and almost helpless without enough soldiers, food or fuel.
Terry was also counting - their vehicles and the number of times they said 'hungry'. Three jeeps, two deuce and a half trucks, one APC - and more than 20 'hungry' comments. Wonder if we can negotiate their surrender in return for food and them not being shot as enemy combatants? It's reasonable to assume that they won't be going home for a long time and we could use more able bodies to help restart things here.
"We need to talk with the ROTC crew to let them know what we see in the messages and get their take on them as well, but I want you girls involved in that discussion also."
"We're just dumb kids."
"No, Terry. You're my smart girls and you've proved that over and over."
"Group hug!"
"Alice, I have notes from our survey of the Miller Place. I'd like for you to read them and see if there are changes that should be made in the plans. There's still coffee if you'd like a cup while you work. Cream and one sugar?"
"You remember that? I think Dad was right when he said you never forget anything. Thank you. OK if I make notes in the margins?"
"The best possible use of the paper we have is to cover it up. Let me know when you finish - I have some questions about some possible school policies."
"It looks good, Mr. Mason, but I see whiteboards listed. What happens when the dry erase markers all run dry?"
"We'd replace the whiteboards with chalkboards - either from the old school or ones now stored in my barn. There's a chalk deposit here in the valley."
"That's good. You said you have questions about policies?"
"Since any kids that walk to school will be exposed to attack by the wild dogs that aren't yet under control, what will your policy be on kids being armed on their way to/from school?"
"I hadn't thought of that. Guess I'm still in 'school bus' mode. If a child has been trained in the proper use and handling of a firearm, I think a small caliber pistol or rifle or a shotgun might be appropriate. We'd need to add a gun safe to the furnishings for proper storage during the school day. May I list you as a firearms instructor if needed? I think everyone's aware of Terry's action at the church and that's proof that at least some of the children can be very responsible shooters."
"Guess I can't easily evade that teaching, can I? If you'll add 'gun safe' to the list, we'll look for one or two. My other question is about where the most distant children live and how they would get to school. If someone is coming by wagon or on horseback, could they pick up other children along their way?"
"I'm the most distant person on this road, so I'll offer to pick up Abby and Terry. Alex Trotter said he'd allow Kyle and Bobby to use a wagon, so they could pick up Lexi - and I think there are a couple of others on that road. I'll add that info to the list for the other children I visit. Having wagon transport means we'll need a place for draft horses during the day - and space for the mounts of children who come on horseback. How big is the barn there? I see - eight stalls - and there's enough pasture for at least that many animals. Would the kids be bringing feed for their animals each day or would it it need to be stored in the barn for the times there is no pasture available?"
"Each family would be responsible for feeding their animal(s), probably with some assistance from the family of any child they provide a ride to. We probably should look into providing some limited hay/grain storage. We also need to plan for mucking out the stalls - you might include that in the lessons on farming."
"That would be a very appropriate lesson on farming: a chore that must be done frequently and that the muck isn't trash - it's fertilizer for next year's crops. I'm sure some of the kids have already experienced this, but any that lived in the trailer park probably haven't been exposed to animals other than cats and dogs."
" Do any of the families you've talked with so far have cows or goats? Learning to milk would be a good experience if the cows are close enough to the new school for a field trip or if someone could bring a goat or two to the school."
"I did make notes about who had what animals. I'll look through them to see if milking lessons are feasible. Thank you for another good idea. I think it's time for me to continue on down my list of kids. Thank you for putting me up overnight."
"You're welcome, but I think Kate enjoyed having a 'sleepover' as well."
" Dad! Only little kids have sleepovers."
"And talk for an hour after the lights are out?"
Sent from my M1061 using proboards
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Post by philipinoregon on May 21, 2013 19:56:01 GMT -6
Thank you !!!
Patience rewarded !!!
philip
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Post by kaijafon on May 25, 2013 15:34:40 GMT -6
Great chapter!! thank you so much!!!
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Post by papaof2 on May 27, 2013 13:18:20 GMT -6
Chapter 37 - early Thursday afternoon
"Kate, has your or Jack's horse ever pulled a buggy or wagon?"
"Mine did in the 'Pioneer Day' parade we had. That's a big holiday in some places, so we spent time training Max to pull a surrey with the fringe on top - just like in the song. Why do you ask?"
"I'm looking for a way to get the girls to town to meet with the ROTC group and thought we could use the buggy if one of the horses was trained. The girls will probably consider traveling in the buggy an adventure, as well."
"Isn't it dirty from sitting in the barn unused for months?"
"It would have been, but I put a couple of tarps over it and tied them down snugly when I put it away after the Labor Day parade. We'll just need to remove the tarps and collect the tack."
"Aren't you concerned about being out with no protection?"
"I'll have my .45, as usual when I'm outside, and an AR-15 next to me on the seat. There's a mount for a long gun beside the seat and the 12 gauge will be there. Abby and Terry will also be armed. I plan to take Abe with me, to have him talk with the other Chinese-fluent person about them setting up a translation station at the Isham's house. I'm also taking several days' worth of food. The translators can be resupplied as needed if they agree to stay. You and Jack are welcome to come with us - or take advantage of the rare quiet time at the house."
"Sweet of you to offer us some privacy, Dad, but I have some questions about the radio equipment we brought with us and one of the Ishams can probably provide the answers. I did make notes about the specific brands and models, so they won't have to give broad, generic answers to my questions."
"Sounds like the notes you made about the guns and saddle you wanted for your tenth birthday."
"I guess the habit does go back a long way."
"It's a good habit. Wish more people had it."
"Are Abby and Terry at that point yet?"
"Not with written notes, especially since Terry isn't reading yet, but they do make good mental notes. Terry asked me earlier today if we were going to check the garden for things germinating as this is the ninth day after planting and I'd told them that germination on most vegetables is five to ten days. I'd say she's a note maker - but it's all mental. Tomorrow morning will be fine for checking the garden."
"I think Jack got volunteered to push all three girls in the tire swing hanging from the oak tree out back. I'll tell them what we're planning and see if the girls want to help hitch Max up. I'd guess it a foregone conclusion they'll all want to learn to drive the buggy?"
"I think they'll all want to try, but even Abby may not be tall enough and strong enough to manage the brakes, even though they were upgraded to automotive-style hydraulic brakes a couple of years ago. I'll let them try if they ask - it's an important skill in our current circumstances and there's no great hurry to get where we're going initially. Were either of the horses plow-broken as well?"
"Max is- including 'gee' and 'haw', but Royal is not - geldings are somewhat easier to deal with than stallions. Jack thought there should be a few fast horses available if needed and Royal certainly fits that need. Jack can ride ahead and check the road as we travel."
"That's good security."
Of course the girls wanted to help - anything to do with horses attracts them. Lexi's prior contact with Max meant she could keep him quiet while we fitted the harness. Abby and Terry both were curious why Max did better with Lexi holding the reins than with either of them in that place. Lexi's simple and accurate answer was "He knows me." The time she's spent helping with his grooming makes the difference.
That reminds me - I really should have a horse for transportation. There's plenty of pasture behind the barn, there's COB in the galvanized bin, the barn's loft is almost full of hay and, for now, Abby can help muck the stall. Terry can help when the cast comes off - not that she's likely to complain about "not getting a turn" with this chore. I know the Ishams have horses; there may be other people I can ask while we're out today. Wonder what someone would want for a good saddle-plus-buggy trained animal? Would it be the equivalent of a good used pickup a year ago?
"Can I drive?"
"Me too!"
"Me three!"
"Lexi and Terry watch while I explain things to Abby. I'll have questions for each of you before you hold the reins. Terry, it's normally a two-handed job to control the horse. I'll let you try, but there may be things you can't do with the cast on."
"I understand, Grandpa. I can do a little with my right hand but I'll let you decide if it's enough. If I don't do it right, we could all get hurt."
"That's a very mature, responsible answer, Terry."
"Abby, there are two reins. They must be straight and clear of any obstructions."
"'Cause one is for turning left and the other is for turning right?"
"Has someone told you that before?"
"No. You're holding them apart, so each one must be used for something different. Left and right seem the most likely."
"Very good, smart girl. The reins are also used to slow or stop the horse, by pulling back on both at the same time. They can be used to start or speed up the horse by slapping him on the back with them."
"I've seen people talking to the horse pulling a plow or wagon. Does Max know words like 'right' and 'left'?"
"We use different words to tell animals to turn, Abby. 'Gee' for right and 'haw' for left. They use the words oppositely in England and for sled dogs. The word for stop is 'whoa'. The most common word for starting seems to be 'giddyup'."
" Does Royal know these words?"
"No, Lexi. He's not been trained for pulling, just riding. He responds to the reins and to foot/knee pressure from his rider."
"You can steer him without hands, Aunt Kate?"
"Yes, Terry, but only an experienced rider would attempt that."
"I wanna try, Grandpa, but do you hafta keep holding the reins up the whole time?"
"Just like driving a car, Abby. You keep the reins in hand. I'll let each of you try driving for as long as you want, but I'll take the reins back when you're tired. There's another way to slow or stop the wagon - the brake pedal here."
"Looks like what's in a car."
"You're right, Terry. The buggy is old but the wheels have been updated for a better ride and the brakes have been updated for safety."
"I can't get my foot on it when I'm sitting down. Can you, Abby?"
"Just barely, but I can't push it down much. Does that mean I can't drive the buggy?"
"It means you can't drive the buggy fast and that you'll have to practice slowing and stopping just with commands to Max."
"You'll still let us try?"
"Yes, but with the 'not fast' restriction and a lot of practice."
"You're nice."
"No, just practical. I might enjoy having a chauffeur."
"You're being silly again, Grandpa!"
"No, just teasing my favorite grandkids. Before we leave, everyone use the bathroom and remember to bring your BOB."
"Why the BOB? Aren't we coming back today?"
"Abby, what if there's another bad thunderstorm that we can't drive through and we have to spend the night somewhere? What if something happens to the buggy and we have to walk back?"
"You're always taking care of us."
"I kinda like you."
"Which way at the road, driver?"
"Left, so I pull the left rein and say 'haw'."
"Wait until Max is through the gate and remember to pull gently on the rein."
"OK. Haw. He did it!"
"Which way at the next road, driver?"
"Right. Should I stop to look both ways before turning?"
"Even with the small amount of traffic we have, acknowledging the STOP sign is good practice. It's unlikely there's someone coming that you can't hear - although a bicycle is nearly silent on a paved road."
"Whoa. I don't see or hear anything. Giddyup. Gee. I'm doing it! I'm driving the buggy!"
"That you are. And doing well for your first attempt. Stop the buggy, Abby, and let's give someone else a turn."
"You're the next oldest, Terry. You try."
"OK, Lexi."
I don't plan to let any of them drive without an adult present, but I am impressed with their efforts. I'm guessing that within a year Abby will be able to reach the brake pedal well enough to be effective. They'll all get to practice reins and voice commands whenever they're out with me.
Sent from my M1061 using proboards
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Post by musketuser on May 27, 2013 17:11:15 GMT -6
This is turning out to be a fine yarn. can't wait for more.
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Post by nancy1340 on May 27, 2013 19:21:06 GMT -6
Thank you.
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Post by kaijafon on May 28, 2013 0:16:29 GMT -6
very nice chapter and I learned a bit! Gee Haw and when I first read it, I thought "HEE Haw" which was just a 70's TV variety show!
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Post by papaof2 on May 29, 2013 11:27:39 GMT -6
Chapter 38 - Thursday afternoon
"Sergeant Mason, glad you're here. When we finish the group discussion, I'd like a few minutes of your time."
"Certainly, Hal. Everyone, we've been over the translations and have some ideas of our own, but we want your ideas before we say anything. If the group is ready, Abe can read them off."
Once again the different mindsets saw different things. Little comments that we had missed but that pointed to the Chinese group being low on ammo also. There are members from two engineer groups and three infantry groups. They really don't have much organization and are being indirectly led by 'Major Ronson' of the MAG. Ronson? Was he the one so dead set on no one over age 60, no one with health problems, no one without the cash buy-in? Wonder how he's dealing with poor Chinese farmers who were given a uniform, an AK, 50 rounds of practice ammo and then were told they soldiers? Probably not a happy man...
"My granddaughters shared a bad dream last night. Because one of the girls had a previous prophetic experience, I want them to share their dreams with you to see what you might see in them. Abby?"
"We were at the church..."
Knowing that I'd been attacked before and that Abby had at least some warning of a problem then, the shared dream has raised the concern level about another attack. The two things the group saw were the need for more intel and the need for heightened security and awareness. They're definitely in favor of the translation station at the Ishams and offered some supplies for the translators. They told us of the military items their ROTC advisor (in charge of the local National Guard unit) had given them from the National Guard armory: two Humvees with .50 calibers on top, an APC, assorted weapons, cases of ammo, radios, MREs, a couple of generators, tools, clothing, boots, tents, camo netting and more. They also have 3000 gallons of fuel. If we can find enough people, we may be able to field an equal (maybe larger) and certainly better equipped unit than the Chinese plus MAG group. The advisor's reason for the gift? He though they had an excellent opportunity of securing the area and growing crops and animals here - the few people left in each area need a reliable source of food to survive. We'll never be a breadbasket like the wheat and corn fields of the midwest, but we do have the potential to produce more food than we eat.
No one has an explanation for the girls sharing the same dream, unless the ability to "see" what's hidden when they're dowsing also works in other areas and allows them to connect in their dreams. Wonder if there's a propinquity factor in that? Perhaps they can share a dream if under the same roof but not if separated by some (as yet unknown) distance?
When Abe went to talk to his friend about being the second on-site translator, Hal asked us to have a seat in the kitchen.
"Sergeant Mason, Ed Black told me that one of your granddaughters shot a group the size of a squirrel's head at 50 yards. Is that true?"
"Yes. Abby does very well when shooting prone."
"Could you teach me? My 50 yard group is all over the target. Three different instructors have tried but I'm still a lousy shot. I'll give you a four year old mare that's saddle and draft trained if you can get me to the same level as Abby."
"Are you sure, Hal? That's a very expensive trade."
"At the moment, it seems cheap in comparison to my life."
"I can't argue that. Why don't you come out to the house with us and let me see how you shoot on our range? There might be something little that others have missed and we can talk about a more reasonable trade."
"I'll come, but I'll be riding Rose and trailing another horse for my return trip."
"OK, Hal. Whatever you're comfortable with. We'll go by the Ishams to drop off Abe and the other translator if he agrees, then head home."
"Oh, Will will."
"What?"
"The other translator is Wilson Chu. He goes by 'Will' and he will want to help."
"'Will will'!" exploded from Abby as she dissolved in giggles, followed by Terry and Lexi. I didn't think it was that funny, but the tension release was good for all of us. The girls thought it was hilarious and one or the other of them said "Will will" and got all three of them lost in giggles about every five minutes of our thankfully short trip to the Ishams.
"Hello the house."
"Hello, Bill and family. I see Abe is back, so do you now have two translators to maintain a dawn-to-dusk watch?"
"Yes, Walter. This is Wilson Chu who is the other translator."
"Will will."
"Abigail! I warned you just before we got here. No more or there will be unpleasant consequences for you."
"I think you're already in trouble, Abby."
"You're right, little sister. I'm sorry, Grandpa. I won't do it again."
"OK, Bill. There has to be a story behind that exchange."
"Walter, this is Hal Johnson, one of the ROTC group. We were talking with him about Abe being able to get the second person to serve as a translator. He responded with 'Will will' which sent the girls into giggle fits. Hal then explained that the other person is Will and he will agree to help. One or another of the girls has been saying 'Will will' and sending them all into giggles about every five minutes of our trip out here. Their laughter is sometimes contagious, but enough is enough."
"I guess the bright side is that the kids can find something to laugh about - and that we're only 30 minutes from town."
"We brought some food and other supplies. If Abe and Will need to stay more than a few days, we'll resupply as needed - don't want to impact your supplies."
"Since my neck is also on the line here, Bill, I have no problem with providing whatever they may need. If we run low on anything, I'll let you know when the messages are passed along. Could I offer you folks something to drink? We have water, sun tea, sweet and hard apple cider and fresh milk - Millie is still giving more than we can drink. If you want to take some home for the girls, there's a cool gallon in the springhouse and I'm pretty sure there's a big Thermos in the attic."
"Fresh milk? Yummy!"
"Ed, you bring in the milk from the springhouse and I'll go look for the Thermos."
"Will do."
"Thank you, Mr. Isham."
"You're welcome, Abby. You may have uncontrollable giggles, but you also have good manners."
"Grandpa reminds us about that all the time."
"It seems to be working."
The girls gave their full attention to the fresh, cold milk. Powdered milk is better than none, but it doesn't come close to the real thing.
Will and Abe were settled in a spare bedroom and set themselves a schedule of swapping out every four hours from two hours before sunrise to two hours after sunset. If the messages they intercept are just the usual traffic, Abe will ride in to town once a day and drop off a copy for Arnold and the other ROTC members, then bring a copy out to us. If there's something urgent, he'll ride in immediately and also notify other people along the way. If something needs immediate attention from all of us, we'll meet in town.
With the supplies unloaded, we were ready to head for home. Abby sat where she could keep one hand on the Thermos to keep it upright - she really does like fresh milk. Wonder if we could manage a cow or goat? Would the girls even drink a goat's milk? That's a question for later when I can offer samples.
Abby was as good as her word and tried to keep a straight face all the way home. Terry and Lexi never said the words, but they'd look at each other and start grinning, then sound as though they were strangling as they tried to keep the giggles inside. When we got to the house, Hal rode up beside the wagon and said "Will will" which put all three girls into bent-over-double giggles until they were out of breath.
"Get your BOB's, girls. Take them to your room, then wash up. The rest of us have horses to take care of. Then Jack can give Hal the tour of the bunkhouse while Kate and I start supper and you girls set the table."
"It's gettin' dark, Grandpa. Will we still get our story?"
"Yes, Terry. After we eat, the three of you need to brush your teeth and get ready for bed. I'll read one chapter."
"OK."
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Post by papaof2 on May 30, 2013 19:29:49 GMT -6
Chapter 39 - just after sunrise Friday morning
Pop! Pop! Pop!
"Stop a minute, Hal."
"Yes, sir?"
"I see a couple of things. First, you're rushing everything after the first shot. Unless you're taking fire, you need to slow down and do the 'breathe in, breathe half out, hold' on every shot. Second, even though you're left handed, I wonder if you're not right-eyed. Cross-dominant isn't common, but it does happen. I'll put a fresh target up, then I want you to switch hands, remember your breathing and try again. Safe your weapon."
"Yes, sir."
"Now try."
Pop!
Pop!
Pop!
"Your breathing is good. Let's go see the target."
"It's less than four inches!"
"That wasn't so hard. How 'bout you trade me a couple days work here on the farm and we call it even?"
"No, sir. You spend another hour with me to see if there's anything else that can improve my shooting and Rose is yours, along with the two days whenever you want them."
"Are you sure, Hal? I think you're getting the short end of this deal."
"I'm sure. I've improved more in the last ten minutes than I did in ten months of 'training' from others. I think my expert instructor deserves expert payment."
"Thank you, Hal. You want to spend all that time on the rifle or give some to your pistol?"
"Let me try my .45."
"Ready to go eat, Hal?"
"It's been an hour already?"
"Yes."
"I'm enjoying shooting and have completely lost track of time."
"We usually enjoy the things we do well."
"Before today, I never shot well enough to enjoy it. Thank you for all the help. I'll come as soon as I police the brass."
"I think it'll be faster if we both work on that."
"Your smile says that things went well for you today, Hal."
"Oh yes, Jack. They went amazingly well. I still need practice to get where Abby is with the .22 rifle, but I've improved so much it's like another person was shooting. I've had a lot of instructors over time, but I never had a good *teacher* before - someone who can explain things a half-dozen different ways until you understand them completely. Sergeant Mason is still telling me that Rose is too much payment and I'm still telling him that I owe him more."
"That's something the two of you will have to work out. I never second guess other people's trades. Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. Kate and the girls have biscuits in the stove outside and there's ham, bacon, sausage, gravy and assorted jellies and preserves to go with them - and there may still be a little of the apple bread from a couple of days ago."
" Do you need a permanent hand here? Nobody in the ROTC group can cook like this."
"Maybe there's a business in cooking lessons?"
"Considering how few people know how to cook anything other than the most basic foods using a wood stove - not to mention bread of any kind - you could be right. Need a taste tester?"
"You'll have to ask the cooks if and when they decide to start classes."
"Can I ask the blessing?"
"Of course, Lexi."
"God is great. God is good. Thank you that Abby didn't get in any more trouble because of 'Will will'. Amen."
"Amen."
"Amen and amen and amen and..."
"You can stop now, Abby."
"Yes, Grandpa."
"Kate, I remember how good the the food was when you were cooking at Josh Turner's farm and I'm very aware of this breakfast. None of the other people I know are eating this well. Have you ever considered giving wood stove cooking lessons?"
"No. Who'd be interested, how would I contact them and how do I price cooking lessons?"
"I think there'd be a lot of interest if your family took some of the breads you bake to Trade Day and offered to teach people to bake those items and to do other 'fancy' cooking. Students would provide basic ingredients. Payment could be in in supplies, firewood, or some of the finished goods. If visitors discover your flush toilet, you might also be in the rainwater harvesting and plumbing businesses."
"Well, Dad, looks like your retirement may be put on hold again by the opportunity to make money - or at least earn some barter goods."
" Doc, Carl and Alex want me to be County Manager or whatever title it is they've come up with. Now there's a business proposition. Does it never end?"
"But you need to pay for college for us, Grandpa."
"I think my smart girls can probably find jobs that let them work their way through college. We don't know that any college will even be operating then."
"The university Cousin Alice went to will be."
"Maybe the two of you can pay your way as fortunetellers?"
"Grandpa!"
Sent from my M1061 using proboards
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Post by nancy1340 on Jun 2, 2013 21:11:28 GMT -6
Thank you.
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Post by philipinoregon on Jun 5, 2013 17:17:13 GMT -6
been gone awhile, thank you for the new chapter(s) for my reading....
philip
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Post by papaof2 on Jun 11, 2013 12:20:31 GMT -6
Chapter 40 - midmorning Friday
"Grandpa, can we use the costumes and wigs in the barn that are all wrapped in plastic for dressup?"
"Sorry, Lexi, those belonged to the drama club at the high school and they were stored here to keep them safe until the arts are once again back in the schools."
"Are you sure? There's lots of stuff!"
"I'm very sure, Lexi. However, you have given me an idea for something we may be able to do on Sunday."
"Really? What's the idea?"
"I'll have to work out the details before I share the idea, but you will know about it."
"OK."
"Can!"
"Can't!"
"Can too!"
"Can't either!"
"Abigail, Teresa. What are you yelling about?"
"Abby says she saw a trick shooter on TV lighting matches by shooting them and I say nobody can do that!"
"I can hear you fine, Teresa. Stop yelling."
"But Grandpa..."
"In the blue chair, Teresa. Now."
"OK."
" Do you think the two of you could have asked someone before you started yelling? There are enough experienced shooters here to give you a good answer to almost any question."
"Terry wouldn't listen when I tried to tell her where I saw it!"
"Abby, does saying it louder make her pay more attention?"
"No. I'm sorry, Grandpa. We shoulda asked you or Uncle Jack or Aunt Kate."
"Terry?"
"It just sounds impossible!"
"And operating the slide on the pistol with one hand is also impossible?"
"Not if you know how. You're saying lighting a match is possible?"
"Yes, if you know how and you practice."
"Can you show us?"
"Kate, Jack. We're going up to the range for some trick shooting."
"Can I go too?"
"Yes, Lexi. Would you get the bag of vision and hearing protection?"
"OK."
"That's not as far away as the first target usually is."
"Lexi, most trick shooting is done fairly close because of the effects of the wind. If you're inside a building, you don't have that problem. There are five matches in the holder. Everyone gear up."
Pop!
Pop!
"You did it! Two for two! Why didn't you do the others?"
"Terry, I'm sure Abby wants to try this. Jack? Kate?"
"Let Abby have them all, Dad. We'll just watch."
"I do better when I'm lying down so I'll try that way. Where's the best place to aim, Grandpa?"
"You want the bullet to just scrape across the top of the match. See the line where the head changes color?"
"Yes."
"You want to hit the match just a hair above that line."
Pop!
Pop!
Pop!
"You cut one in half but you also lit one. Sorry, Abby. Not only were you right, but you can do it too."
"But I only lit one out of three."
"That's very good for a first attempt, Abby."
"Really, Uncle Jack?"
"Yes, really. I got one out of ten my first time."
Sent from my M1061 using proboards
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Post by kaijafon on Jun 11, 2013 13:15:23 GMT -6
love this chapter! thank you
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Post by stjwelding on Jun 20, 2013 14:36:51 GMT -6
papaof2 This is a great story, just found it and read it to the last chapter. Thanks for sharing with us. Wayne
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Post by bjoyce on Jun 21, 2013 20:34:43 GMT -6
Oh no, I hate when I get caught up. Great story, thanks for sharing.
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Post by notchman on Jun 23, 2013 11:32:42 GMT -6
Love the story, can't wait for the next chapter
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Post by philipinoregon on Jun 25, 2013 1:01:27 GMT -6
Remindsme of back in the early days of my shooting: Grand Pa's Winchester Pump 22, and we shot in a dry gully, great back stop, proper learning, right off the bat.
And yes, we did use, and light strike anywhere kitchen matches as targets !!!
Decade later, I am US ARMY, with M-14 in basic, I shot expert... Decade later, with my own Ruger Ten22, we used 22 Magnum cartridges as targets: if we seperated the rim, from the cartridge (driven into an old stomp) that was a 10, If we left one side so the cartridge looked like a c was cut out, a 9 ... Just touching the cartridge was an 8, a miss Zero.
Ten shorts, my score was never lower than 97 ... But then I was a bit steadier than I am now, at 63, and my eyes are a bit weaker....
Great memories, brought by great writing, Thank YOU very much !!!
Philip
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Post by hardtrailz on Jul 1, 2013 11:24:25 GMT -6
Great work so far. Definitely signed on to follow this one.
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Post by papaof2 on Jul 17, 2013 21:06:26 GMT -6
I haven't forgotten or given up on the story; just been trying to deal with some medical issues. Been waiting almost a month for a biopsy (scheduled for this Friday and results a week later). I've started on the next chapter several times but still don't have it together.
Sent from my M1061 using proboards
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Post by kaijafon on Jul 19, 2013 0:31:47 GMT -6
thank you for letting us know. I sure hope your biopsy comes back clear! you take care and just don't worry about us here. We will be here when you can get back!
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