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Post by gipsy on Jan 4, 2019 9:09:11 GMT -6
YOu go girl
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Post by texican on Jan 4, 2019 16:37:42 GMT -6
PP2,
Thanks for the chapter....
Glen has a lot of maturing to do and quickly....
Texican....
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Post by bluefox2 on Jan 4, 2019 16:44:06 GMT -6
Glen's real life education has started.
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Post by 9idrr on Jan 4, 2019 17:48:29 GMT -6
Just wondering, sir, if there's any particular martial art that he's teaching the girls or if it's just rough & tumble, no-hold-barred whatever it takes to get the job done bashin'? Maybe it's already been mentioned and I'm just sufferin' from CRAFT.
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Post by papaof2 on Jan 4, 2019 18:12:13 GMT -6
Training not specified, but Sally does say "Jack has certificates for all types of martial arts." (Chapter 44) and he used "book learning" back in Chapter 1.
You decide what Jack would think is likely to provide "his kids" the most protection the quickest.
Before someone mentions that Glen is older than Sarah and probably bigger: He's almost 12 but she's almost 10. Girls often grow in height faster than boys in certain age ranges so she could be very close to his height. Plus she was motivated ;-)
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Post by bluefox2 on Jan 4, 2019 20:54:34 GMT -6
Training not specified, but Sally did say "Jack has certificates for all types of martial arts." (Chapter 44) and he used "book learning" back in Chapter 1. You decide what Jack would think is likely to provide "his kids" the most protection the quickest. Before someone mentions that Glen is older than Sarah and probably bigger: He's almost 12 but she's almost 10. Girls often grow in height faster than boys in certain age ranges so she could be very close to his height. Plus she was motivated ;-) I would suspect a mix of everything he knows
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Post by papaof2 on Jan 5, 2019 0:49:22 GMT -6
There are about 8 chapters remaining. While I have ideas for a sequel (Homestead - Book 2?), I have exactly one chapter fleshed out but it doesn't fit with where the story is now - need several intervening chapters to get there. If my muse becomes generous again, I might continue this tale but not in random bits. You will get the next 8 chapters as they are polished for public consumption.
I'm also in the process of polishing "Just Another Voicemail" for Kindle publication - not yet at the point of adding a cover or the like, just checking spelling, sequence, etc. Maybe by the end of this month. When "Voicemail" is sent to Amazon, I'll start that work on "Homestead". Maybe get it up in February. Undecided on "Daylilies" at the moment - might make it a freebie or include it with one of the other tales. I have another (very) short story that could be included if I make "Daylilies" a standalone freebie. Need to go back and see what bits and pieces I wrote but didn't use elsewhere - most of my stories wind up with a folder of "outtakes" or "culls", depending on how charitable I feel when I toss the first one ;-) Might be some short-short story material in some of those.
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Post by texican on Jan 5, 2019 0:56:24 GMT -6
There are about 8 chapters remaining.
PP2,
8 more chapters.... Just great....
Another chapter would be great....
Texican....
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Post by misterjimbo on Jan 5, 2019 13:08:32 GMT -6
Just to bump this back to the top. Amazon sent me a sales Email announcing both :Jack's War and "An Accidental Family". Congratulations Papaof2.
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Post by papaof2 on Jan 5, 2019 14:48:09 GMT -6
Thank you. I'm apparently not on that mailing list so I didn't know Amazon was actively promoting the books.
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Post by papaof2 on Jan 5, 2019 19:49:53 GMT -6
Chapter 44 - Tuesday, 20 July
"Dad?"
"Yes, Glen?"
"I'm sorry I've been wrapped up in me. I did some stupid things when you let me order part of the food and I don't think we'll have enough to eat."
"That's a refreshing change from you. Anything else?"
"I need to tell Alice and Sarah that I'm sorry but I don't know if either one will listen if I say their name."
"Perhaps if you ask to speak to Miss Alice Jackson and Miss Sarah Jackson?"
"Sarah did say 'That's Miss Jackson to you'."
"Then think about what you should say and how you should say it. When you've worked that out, I'll call Jack and see if you're welcome there."
"I screwed up didn't I?"
"Considering your grades last year, you seem to have done that most of the year."
"How do I fix that?"
"For your immediate situation, think about what you should say to everyone at your Uncle Jack's house. For some things in the past, there may be nothing you can do. I don't think you'll see Erin Greene in the near future but you could write her a letter of apology. You might ask Melissa to write a cover letter for that and have her return address on the envelope so it at least gets opened."
"I'll ask Melissa. Sarah's prettier than Erin and Melissa says Sarah can cook but she's family so I won't be dating her."
"Glen, Sarah's not immediate family. Jack is your uncle but the girls are Sally's children that Jack adopted. Those girls aren't the only kids in the area, they're just the closest ones and therefore the only ones you've met. If the schools are open this fall, you'll meet the others then."
"Melissa said something with an 'if' about school. Why?"
"If the new flu is as bad as it appears to be, people will not be gathering in groups except with people they know are immune. That means no school, no stores open…"
"But where will we get food?"
"We either have it stocked for an extended period - we have some and more is on order - or we grow our own. Every family will have at least a kitchen garden and some chickens for day-to-day things but we'll also be growing corn and wheat. Jack has chickens and goats and is considering raising pigs. James and Laurie will have dairy cattle for milk, butter and cheese - you and Melissa will probably be helping them, especially if commercial power goes out…"
"What commercial power? We just have that big generator that you won't run so we can have air conditioning."
"The commercial power that will be connected this week. Even with commercial power we still won't have air conditioning because this house has never had it. However, I might consider getting a window unit or two for the hottest nights."
"Never had air? How did they sleep?"
"Pretty well with the ceiling fans running. It gets hot here but it's not muggy like the valley was. Try cooling down the room with the fan on its lowest setting while the gen is running then sleeping in shorts."
"That works?"
"Ask Melissa."
---
Ring!
'This is Sally.'
'Sally, it's Andie.'
'Yes?'
'Glen asked to speak with Charles this morning and they had a long talk that Glen started with "I did some stupid things".'
'That's a change!'
'I heard part of Glen's conversation with Melissa last night. I think the "she kicked your butt" from Melissa and the "we're gonna get hungry" from Glen probably define the sources of Glen's introspection.'
'Andie, I almost feel sorry for Glen. It's hard to be an invincible 12 year old when your younger sister saw and heard proof to the contrary and she rubs your nose in it.'
'I'm looking at Melissa as being a lot more mature than I previously thought. I think she and Sarah might actually be invincible if working together.'
'You know they will be when they're in self defense class together.'
'Should I warn Glen?'
'No. Part of Jack's teaching is the "just enough to keep you safe" that Sarah did with Glen. Glen may be embarrassed but he's not likely to be hurt - other than his pride.'
'I can live with that. Melissa mentioned that Sarah has guns?'
'A .22 rifle in the rack by the front door and a .22 pistol that's in the holster on the belt in the shorts that are hanging there. The key to the trigger locks is on a chain around Sarah's neck. That's been in progress for a while as Jack and Leanne have been doing "shooting lessons" - including the "when not to shoot" parts - for all the girls. Sarah's "just enough to protect" response to Glen was Jack's impetus for offering her the weapons.'
'"Just enough to protect". That sounds like some Asian martial art mantra.'
'Could be. Jack has certificates for all types of martial arts.'
'I think the training will be good for Melissa for more than just self defense. Could Jack include her in the shooting lessons?'
'I'll ask Jack and he can ask Melissa when she's here for the self defense lessons.'
'Thank you. I'll have Charles call before he comes over with Glen, when - or maybe that's if - Glen gets up enough courage to do that.'
'Might take a day or two. Bye.'
'Bye.'
---
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Post by 9idrr on Jan 5, 2019 21:54:54 GMT -6
Might be more than just a glimmer of hope for poor little Glen. Maybe with everybody explaining to the newcomers how incremental increases of responsible behavior lead to more privileges, it'll become second nature to some of the youngsters. Wait... nah, no guarantees there, based on my younger days. More than once, it was one step forward and two steps back. At least now I can say that I seem to be doin' a bit better than that. Thanks for more story, sir.
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Post by papaof2 on Jan 5, 2019 22:00:47 GMT -6
As long as they get that "one step forward" AND get the kid to pay attention to "Hey, I did it!" they might get another step forward.
Even baby steps are "steps"...
I remember being 12 and thinking I was the most important person on earth ;-)
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Post by 9idrr on Jan 5, 2019 22:12:11 GMT -6
As long as they get that "one step forward" AND get the kid to pay attention to "Hey, I did it!" they might get another step forward. Even baby steps are "steps"... I remember being 12 and thinking I was the most important person on earth ;-) Why, with the exception of myself, you probably were. ;^)
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Post by texican on Jan 5, 2019 23:03:03 GMT -6
PP2,
Appears that Sarah helped to sober Glen up to the way of life....
Will wait to see what else develops....
Is the flu there in SE Okieland yet?.?.?.?
7 chapters left....
Texican....
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Post by htfiremedic on Jan 6, 2019 5:14:05 GMT -6
Amazing! Thank you!
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Post by papaof2 on Jan 7, 2019 18:24:46 GMT -6
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Post by texican on Jan 7, 2019 18:55:01 GMT -6
Link to photo.
You will have to enter into a tab....
Photo would not copy over....
Dana White worked the bloke over....
Texican....
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Post by papaof2 on Jan 8, 2019 0:18:53 GMT -6
Chapter 45 - Wednesday, 21 July
"Jack, you're going by the rental storage place?"
"After I leave the Co-op office. Charles is going with me to help load the trailer. We'll park the trailer in the barn at their place and they can move things to inside storage as they have time. Having the trailer in the barn keeps it out of the sun and relatively cool."
"See you in a couple of hours."
---
"May I help you, si… Weren't you in here a month or so back?"
"Yes, looking for power for property on County 217 and now also on Walker's Chapel Road."
"We now have the franchise for that area but until some upgrades are finished we can only provide 60 amp service for four meters in the area around you."
"That will be an upgrade from the 30 amp service we have from the solar plus wind power system and I've read the plans for the area. For now, there are three properties that need power. I own all of them and here are the deeds."
"Yes sir, Dr. Jackson. You're the M. Jackson that's now part owner of the Thompson Co-op?"
"That's correct."
"Then you should see the ad campaign I drew up after your previous visit."
---
"This is very good, Lucy. I'll take it to the board. Is your name on it?"
"Here and here."
"Very good. I want those who contribute to get proper recognition and rewards."
"Thank you, sir. Marsha has the paperwork for you to sign for the power installation. With your cash pre-payment, a crew will be out to install poles and run wire tomorrow. They should get all three installations completed in one day."
"Here's my signature. Thank you, ladies."
---
"Marsha, do you think there's a chance he's single?"
"Not with the picture I saw in his wallet. He's the one that married Sally Jenkins."
"You think it's like that country song about a 'Sally' who 'wound up married to a millionaire'?"
"Considering how fast the PSC and the people running McClellan got arrested, I wouldn't be surprised if he is. He sure does have good manners for someone with money - he really is the boss but he says 'please' and 'thank you'."
"Kinda makes you want to 'get 'er done'. I'll tell the line crew before they go out."
---
"Jack, the loading of those boxes went faster than I expected."
"Having a pallet jack always helps, Charles. And this time I didn't have to provide it."
"Wish it could be that easy to unload at the house."
"Short of having a garage-type door into your basement, there is no easy way of moving this much food."
"Glen and Melissa want to help. Probably Melissa being aware of the numbers and Glen trying to make up for some of the stupid things he's done in the past year but I'll be glad of the help."
"Andie?"
"She'll be directing placement and recording inventory. I got the $10 Nutrition Calculator spreadsheet from SmarteKits.com and Andie's been working out how to automate the inventory spreadsheet so it can query the Nutrition Calculator for the info on each food item in the inventory. It's not a perfect match as the calculator doesn't have every foodstuff we've collected but it's certainly easier than doing manual calculations on a week's menus."
"Tell her I want a copy of the macros or VBA code she's using."
"On this thumb drive. Also our inventory spreadsheet and a copy of Nutrition Calculator in your name as we don't know if that site is still up."
"Andie's still doing her usual good navigation."
"And saying 'Thanks' in a practical way. We appreciate you providing places for all of us."
"We should be saying 'Thank you'. We need all of you to keep us alive. Sally, the girls and I could manage subsistence level farming but having multiple working farms in our compound makes it much more likely that we will all survive."
"I hadn't thought of it that way but you're right. We need multiple sources of many things."
---
"Well, Jack. Was your hour on the ham radio after the girls were asleep productive?"
"Unfortunately, yes. The new disease is widespread in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Sudan and Egypt and it has an official name: Flu2 - because it's the second and much more deadly pass of the flu from last November and December. There are now reported cases in the rest of the world in cities with international airports…"
"Being carried there by travelers and the carriers are not obvious because of the long incubation period?"
"Exactly, which means that 'Flu2' could now be moving toward us from all directions and there's a much higher possibility of the epidemic being bad enough to shut down much of the world's economy. In the US, the quarantine around the crash site is now out more than 50 miles. With the huge perimeter that area has, you know there are holes in the quarantine. The proof of that is reported cases in Oregon, Nevada and Arizona and I think that will continue spreading faster than the medical system can control it. At the first confirmed report from Colorado, New Mexico or Texas, we'll go into self-imposed quarantine in our block of properties. I've told Walter to increase the Sheriff's Office's stocks of masks, gloves and Tyvek suits to protect the Deputies and he'll pass the word to other counties. He's already given the various hospitals and doc-in-a-box groups a heads up about what's happening in California. They've probably heard the sanitized reports on the national news but they know Walter doesn't deal in rumors and doesn't mince words about threats - whether criminals, wild animals or health issues. He also told the staff at The Community Church and they're looking into streaming their services on Youtube and having masks and gloves for those that do attend in person. We also need to tell the girls and have them practice with the masks and gloves."
"At least Sarah is already experienced with the gloves from being your grease monkey."
"Also the masks because I've had her wear one when she's sanding on the buggy. Speaking of the buggy and on a more positive note, another few days and I think the buggy will be ready for a Sunday drive."
"Where to?"
"If the flu is still a day or two distant, maybe to church or to visit Walter and Leanne. The girls have been good about caring for the horses and they usually get a whinny in greeting when the horses see them coming. Maybe next week to start them riding?"
"Melissa has asked to ride. She rode some when she was at that farm 'camp' last year."
"She just needs time with the horses so they know her."
"I'll have Melissa go out with the girls when she's here and I'll give the quick lessons. She will have Sarah and Marie to watch and ask questions of."
"That works and the girls love having any reason to talk to or about the horses or to be with them. I think Rob's kids were involved in naming those horses as I don't know where else 'Goldilocks' would have come from."
"Or 'Cinder' for a black horse which is likely an abbreviation of Cinderella. Rob does have four girls."
"Our girls got a good giggle out of the names at first but now those are the names of 'their' horses with a strong emphasis on 'their', except when it's time to clean the stalls. Then it's 'Do we hafta clean up after *your* horses?'"
"But they do the work."
"They do. I'd like them if they weren't my kids."
"You softie."
---
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Post by texican on Jan 8, 2019 0:44:44 GMT -6
PP2,
Posting a chapter at 12:19 am....
What a find....
Flu2 spreading across the globe from the airline transportation hubs.... Who would have thought....
Now how about cruise ships being enclosed breeding grounds for Flu2 which will be floating death traps....
Getting out in the public is a risk especially with a long incubation period can have Flu2 anywhere across the America....
The only safe action is not to leave out of you AO, so going to church may not be wise....
Thanks for the early early morning chapter....
Texican....
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Post by htfiremedic on Jan 9, 2019 21:08:06 GMT -6
And a fine feeding for the Hounds of MOAR!
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Post by papaof2 on Jan 9, 2019 21:11:58 GMT -6
A short one, but I think this makes it two chapters in less than 48 hours ;-)
Chapter 46 - Thursday, 22 July
"Trucks and trailers before we finish breakfast, Jack?"
"They're from the Thompson Co-op. The three occupied houses will have limited commercial power before the end of the day."
"How'd you arrange that?"
"Went by the Co-op office yesterday with deeds and cash in hand and one of the ladies there recognized 'M. Jackson' as now being part owner. She had also listened when I was there previously and told them that they would be providing power for me very soon. She had drawn up an ad campaign for this corner of the county. I'll take it to the next board meeting and present it. I made sure her name was obvious on the documents so she can get credit for the ideas and the work."
"It's good?"
"It's very good. They won't be able to provide 200 amp service to most properties in the new service area for six months to a year but we will have 60 amp service. That's twice what the solar plus wind system can provide so it's more than adequate for most of our needs. Plus it will be cheaper than propane or diesel although we'll keep those tanks filled because of the risks from the coming flu epidemic."
---
"Jack, Andie will drop Melissa off here in about an hour. She's spending the night with the girls but you know part of that is getting more sun and part is for the self defense class."
"We'll start with self defense and I'll have Lisa and Marie demonstrate how effective a smaller person can be against a larger person. I'll limit the lesson to about 45 minutes. If you'll then be sure there's some high SPF lotion carefully applied to Melissa's previously untanned areas before she goes out uncovered?"
"I'll do that the first time and encourage Melissa and Sarah to check each other for pink or red. I will set a timer to limit Melissa's exposure today, tomorrow and the next five or six days she's here."
"Excellent."
---
"We've been out here almost an hour but I don't see any difference in the white places."
"Melissa, the only thing you see the same day is pink or red if you get too much sun. The tan will happen, just not that fast."
"Bummer. I want all of it to match."
"How long have you been wearing short sleeves or sleeveless tops this year?"
"Since Valentine's Day."
"Then don't expect months of tan to happen in one day. I know about 'too much sun' 'cause my skin is so fair when I don't have any tan. This is all my tan for the year and I'm not as brown as you are anywhere."
"You sound a lot older than nine."
"Daddy talks 'grownup' to me and makes me think. Maybe that's the difference?"
"I think your Momma and your Daddy both see a lot of 'grownup' in you. Mom doesn't let me cook unless she's in the kitchen with me but your Momma just tells you what needs to be done and you do it."
"She watched me a lot closer when I started but now I remember all the 'real careful' things she's told me and I always do things that way."
---
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Post by udwe on Jan 9, 2019 21:28:02 GMT -6
Thank you!
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Post by texican on Jan 9, 2019 21:47:28 GMT -6
PP2,
Thanks for the chapter....
Now 3 down and five to go....
But who is counting....
Texican....
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Post by htfiremedic on Jan 10, 2019 5:37:05 GMT -6
Thanks for the feeding! Better hurry before the Hounds cry MOAR!
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