All Things For Good - Part 1

Good Morning Fabulous Friday Fiction Fans,
Tis a lovely morning although it is supposed to be another HOT day. I don't remember ever having a summer here where it was in the 100s so long!


I've been kept occupied. The mail is fun to get now days. Since Priscilla De Silvosa is going on that trip of hers, we've gotten lots of mail every day from different states. Yesterday for example, we received info from 9 states. Some states only send one packet while others have every city, county, or town (or so it seems) send something. The state that has sent the most has been, hands down, MN! But boy, oh boy does this trip of hers look like fun!:)


The Western is coming along. I keep wanting to get to the end of it, but I can't rush it or no one would be happy and besides, Carson, Ty and Sally aren't people you can rush when they don't want to be rushed. :)


This story was an assignment which I gave to my Scribblers some time ago. My friend took the picture and when I saw it, I knew there was a story in it. Since it is long, I'm only going to post half of it today. Enjoy! Abigail, I didn't think you'd mind reading it again.:)


Oh, yes, don't forget to go to the end of this post to read more about Miss Priscilla De Silvosa's trip!
Okay, so much for getting pictures up. This is giving me problems. I'll try to get the pictures up later.

All Things For Good
by
Rebekah M.

Rose gave a deep sigh of satisfaction as the car made the last turn before her home was reached. From the driver’s seat her dark haired, dark eyed fiancé glanced over at her. Her reddish blonde hair, pulled loosely back from her face, was tied with a dark blue ribbon which just matched her eyes. To him she had never looked so sweet.
“Are you that eager to reach home?”
Her bright smile flashed across her face as she answered, “Only because I get to see Daddy. I don’t know what I would do if we were going to move far away after we get married.”
Josiah laughed but didn’t answer as he pulled into the driveway. A large, slightly old fashioned, red brick house with white trim around the windows stood before them. Flowering bushes almost hid the lower windows while next to the small porch an overgrown rose bush almost reached the roof and sprawled out toward the path. Rose gasped and clutched his arm.
“Rose, what is it?” Josiah demanded.
“Where’s Daddy?”
“Honey, we just got here. He’s probably inside.”
“Something is wrong, Jose, he never lets the grass grow this long. Something must have happened!”
“Now don’t start to worry, maybe the lawnmower was broken.”
Rose shook her head. Almost running up the walk she tried the door. It was locked. After fumbling in her purse for the house key, she tried with trembling hands to insert it. Finally Josiah reached out and gently took the key and turning it in the lock, opened the door.
“Daddy! Daddy, where are you?”
Silence was the only answer.
“Daddy! Daddy!” the words were frantic. “Jose, we have to find him!”
“Calm down. We’ll search every room. Perhaps he had to run an errand.” Josiah’s words were soothing and together they began to look through the house with its host of rooms, many of which were hardly ever used. It was no use. The house was empty.
When the last room had been looked into, Rose turned frightened eyes towards the stairs and gave a half sob. Josiah’s arm went around her.
“It’s going to be all right, Rose,” he soothed.
Suddenly she stiffened. “Jose! We have to find him! He must be hurt. Call the hospitals, the police. He was kidnapped. He’s dead, something happened to him!”
“Whoa, Rose! Listen to me!”
“No, we have to do something! We have to do something now!” Her hands clenched and her knuckles showed white through her skin.
“Rose!” When she wouldn’t quiet, Josiah grasped her shoulders and turned her face to his. “Stop,” he ordered. “You are only making it seem worse. Get a hold of yourself now.”
With an effort, she finally calmed down, but still looked white and shaken.
Drawing her gently downstairs, Josiah set her in an easy chair and brought her a glass of water. “Now,” when she had regained a little color, “let’s think of what we can do.”
“Call Sergeant Dwight. He knows Daddy.” Rose brushed away a tear. “Maybe he can help.”

“And there is no note on his desk or the dining room table?” Sergeant Dwight asked.
Both of them shook their heads.
The sergeant was quiet, his brow drawn in thought. “Who is his lawyer, Rose?”
“Edward Randolph”
“Called him?”
Rose shook her head.
“I think I would. Who knows, he might know something. Let me know what he says. I’ll keep my eyes and ears alert for any leads. But for now, I’ll have to go.”
Josiah followed the sergeant to the door for a few last words.
“I really don’t know what to tell you. Check the windows for signs of break-ins, check with the neighbors, and talk with his lawyer.”
“Thanks. I’ll do that. I just don’t want to panic Rose more than necessary.”
The sergeant nodded. “I understand. Call me with any news. Like I said, it’s probably nothing.”
Josiah thanked him and turned back to the living room and Rose.

“Rose, you have to get some sleep.” Josiah’s voice was firm yet coaxing at the same time.
“I can’t sleep.”
“Try. You’ll need your strength in the morning. I promise to wake you if anything happens.”
“The lawyer?”
“It’s after hours. I’ll try first thing tomorrow. Now get some rest.”
To this Rose at last reluctantly agreed and went up to her room with heavy steps.

“Yes . . . I see . . . Of course . . . Thank you, we’d appreciate that. . . . You too, good bye.”
“Well?”
Josiah hung up the phone and turned to Rose who was standing beside him. “Mr. Randolph had a stroke three days ago and is in the hospital. His secretary hasn’t gotten to see him nor does she know anything about your father.”
For several minutes Rose stood in pale silence trying to calm her taut nerves.
Her fiancé watched her in concern. Would the strain be too much for her? If only they had some clue. The neighbors hadn’t known anything except that no one remembered seeing Mr. Davidson since the week before last. There had been no news from Sergeant Dwight and now this discouraging phone call. Into his thoughts Rose’s painfully quiet voice broke.
“Let’s go through every room and look for some note. It could have slipped behind something like . . .” her words died away into nothing, and she stared into vacancy.
“Rose?”
She came out of her reverie with a start and the search began. Each room was thoroughly gone over. Every scrap of paper carefully looked at. Every drawer was taken out to see if anything had fallen behind it. Every thing movable was moved. The search went on with only a short break to get a bite to eat at Josiah’s insistence.

Come back next Friday for the rest of the story.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The plans for this trip are growing and will be oh such fun! If you have not yet picked the specific states you wish go travel to, do so now after you check to see if there is still room. All states with an X beside them are full. If they have a 1 beside them, then they have room for one more person. Some of them might have a ? and that is because someone has reserved those states, but isn't sure yet if they can go. If a state is not on the list, than it is open. The packets of information which have been coming to me have sparked my interest in this trip as never before! I can't wait to get started!
My companion is checking her calendar to see if she is going to be able to make the trip. I sure hope she can. I know she would enjoy it.:)
I hope you know your state postal codes.:)
AK -1
AZ -X
CA -1
FL -1
GA -1
IA -1
KY -?
ME -1
MT -1
NV -?
NM -?
SC -?
VA -1

If you want to come, let me know! ~ PDS

Meleah's Western - Part 49

Welcome to Western Wednesday!
I
hope you enjoy today's Western. I must say the more title suggestions I
receive the better they seem to get.:) Keep them coming because I
haven't decided on one yet.

Not much to say this morning so I'll let you get to reading.

Part 49

Then the blacksmith poured fourth such a torrent of mixed German,
Spanish and English that the three travelers could only stand in utter
bewilderment. Not one of them understood. But the lovely Spanish wife
evidently did, for she replied with approval, “Si, si, I will take the
senorita in the wagon. The ninos will also go. The senors will follow,
si?”
“Ja, ze vill follow as soon ve take care of dis poor horse.” Then,
turning to his guests he explained, “Ve have house on ze other side of
town. It is large house, but ve have nicht moved in yet, nein? Ve must
first move zees shtuff,” and he waved his hands towards his furnace,
bellows, anvil and tools. “Ze house, she shtand empty. Now you shtay
dere vile your horse she goes well an I make new shoe, nein? Dis very
goot. My Frau vill drive ze vagon vith your schwester.” At Ty’s blank
look, Herr Rohbar smiled. “Ze fraulein, how you say, sister. Ze go
start fire, get supper ready, nein?”
“Ya willin’ ta go with her, Sally?” Ty questioned his sister softly
while Juanita was hitching up the light wagon.
Nodding, Sally half touched her six-shooter at her side. “I think they
are trustworthy, Ty. And I like them. Just take good care of
Starlight.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll be ‘long an’ join ya jest as soon’s we can.”
The Frau Senora Juanita gave a command in Spanish and the three
children tumbled into the back of the wagon. Ty helped Sally up beside
the blacksmith’s wife and watched them drive down the street. He felt
rather bewildered at how quickly things were moving along since their
arrival in Dead Horse. For several minutes he stood watching the wagon
until it turned down the main street and disappeared. He had no fear
for Sally for she could take care of herself with that six-shooter of
Pa’s, besides the fact that Herr Rohbar had an honest look about him.
While Ty stood in thought, Carson and the friendly blacksmith were
unsaddling Starlight and leading her over to the nearby livery. The
other four horses would be taken to the house and stabled there. The
blacksmith loved to talk and Carson wasn’t adverse to it himself since
both Ty and Sally could be as quiet and closed mouthed as their father
used to be. Thus it was that the wagon with the ladies and children had
been gone for over an hour before Ty decided it was time they left.
“Carson,” he called to his friend, “I reckon Sally’s been gone long
enough ta cook an’ eat the supper. We got a couple a days ta jaw if’n
ya feel the need. I aim ta head on ta the house. Ya comin’ or not?”
Herr Rohbar broke forth, “Ja, ja, you should go vith your young friend.
No doubt ze Fraulien is vonderin’ vere you are. Mine Frau vill be back
soon with the kindders. Ve can talk another time, nein?”
“Yep, that sounds mighty fine ta me. Till then.” Carson swung up on
Flint and nudged him on after Ty and Par.
At the house, Sally was examining everything with delight. There was
even a pump in the kitchen so she wouldn’t have to go out of the house
to get water. “Oh, this is lovely,” she exclaimed to her hostess. “It
was so kind of you to let us stay here for a few days. It will only be
until Starlight can have a new shoe put on.”
“Si, this place, she need someone to live in her. Senor Rohbar will
bring much tools, heavy things over soon. Then we come. Now you stay,
make building feel home, si?”
Sally smiled and nodded. “Home,” she echoed. “Oh, if only we could go
home sometime. But ‘they’ are there waiting for Ty,” she mused. “They
would kill him if they could.”
“Banditos?”
“Bad men.”
Senora Rohbar shook her head in sympathy.
“But,” Sally said brightening, “they are far away. I don’t have to
worry about them here.”
“Si. Now I leave. The senorita will not mind staying alone?”
“No, I won’t mind. I’m sure Ty and Carson will be along soon.” And
Sally looked again in amazement at the pump in the kitchen finally
tearing herself away long enough to wave farewell to the three children
in the back of the wagon. “Now to make supper.” Humming to herself,
Sally set about her task with pleasure.
Ty and Carson rode slowly towards the main street of town, their horses,
seemingly unwilling to go far from Starlight and the food they smelled
in the nearby livery. Turning west down the main street, Ty noticed the
sign for the hotel. It was hanging crooked and the whole building
presented a sorry looking sight as a place of shelter and rest.
“I reckon that Rohbar were right ‘bout that there hotel. I wouldn’t
want ta keep my horses in that!”
“Yep. It’s a purty sad lookin’ thing fer a hotel,” Carson agreed in
disgust. “An’ the rest a the town ain’t that nice neither.”
They rode in silence past the hotel and then, as a clean cut, well
dressed man stepped up to them with the badge of a sheriff on his vest
and a direct honest look to his face, they halted. “Howdy,” the sheriff
greeted them. “New here?”
“Yep.”
“If’n you have any trouble, just let me know. I’m Sheriff Owen. This
town hasn’t had a sheriff for over a year an’ we’re still trying to get
it cleaned up. An’ welcome to Dead Horse.”
“Thank ya, Sheriff. I don’t reckon we’ll be needin’ yer help, but it’s
right nice ta know theLaw’s ‘round.” Ty shook the sheriff’s hand before
they moved on.
As the rode past the third saloon, neither one of the travelers noticed
the men gathered by a window, nor saw that one of them moved out to the
porch and watched until they turned into the yard of the new house.

Any Questions?:)

One of Those Days and A New Adventure!

Good Morning FFFFs,
It looks like it is going to be another very hot day.:{ That little rain we got last Wednesday is all gone and it's dry again. Anyone have any rain to share?

Sorry, Grace and Christian, I didn't get another Triple Creek Ranch done. More Westerns were written and then last night came. I pulled out my map to check on a route for our friends, and discovered to my great dismay that right before them lay the towering peaks of a mountain range! Oh phooey! Now what? And here I had thought the end was so close! Well I pondered and puzzled over the perplexing problem those peaks posed for nearly an hour. I think I might have figured out what to do, but I'm not certain.

Now, since everyone seems to be enjoying reading about Western life, I have another "western" story for you today. This was an assignment which I gave to my writing class students and we each wrote our own story. This is my version of it. Don't laugh too hard.:) And yes, I will admit it. I did draw those pictures.:} Now you know why I don't illustrate my own stories! We had to write about what was happening in the pictures.

But that is not all! After this short story there is something else, so keep reading.:) And I hope to hear from many of you. :)

One of Those Days

by
Rebekah M.

Striding away from his horse, the tall, brown-haired cowboy sighed. It was a cool morning in Santa Fe, lovely in all aspects as far as weather goes, but Big Tom didn’t notice. To him it should have been dark and stormy for then it would have suited his mood better. “I can’t wait until this morning is over,” he grumbled. “It started out bad, and has only gotten worse.” Bitterly, he recalled his problems. First his boss had accused him of stealing and dismissed him! The very thought still rankled deep in his heart. Then his horse, Dixie, who was usually a well mannered animal, had been balky and stubborn all morning and even now, as he glanced back at her, was tossing her head and pulling at ties holding her to the hitching post. Everything and everyone was against him! Depressed, his kicked at a clump of dirt in the road. Dolefully he looked up and a feeling of relief and excitement swept over him. There before him was Pixie, his fiancee! Then he remembered. He had no money, for he had purchased only the day before, a new saddle for Dixie, and now he was out of a job! How could he buy Pixie the engagement ring he had promised? Dashing forward, Big Tom hoped she would understand.


Pixie, tossing her head in annoyance, spied the dark horse tied to the hitching post and was struck with an idea. Her meeting with her fiancé, Big Tom had ended in an argument about the missing ring. Sadly, with tears in her eyes she thought, “What a selfish man he is.” She sniffed, completely upset. Stomping away, Pixie hadn’t noticed the unhappy droop of Big Tom’s shoulders; all she could think about was revenge. Now, seeing the horse standing there, she began to plot. Quickly untying the horse, she led him over to a wagon which had just driven in. “Will you buy this saddle?” she questioned the driver. It just so happened that the driver had come into Santa Fe for the purpose of purchasing a saddle. Soon the deal was made and Pixie hurried to catch the stagecoach to the city. There she planned to buy her own engagement ring, for her love for Big Tom was still there in spite of her annoyance. Having completed her plan, Pixie was driven off and the feeling of anger dwindled.


“Something must have happened!” Sheriff Chris exclaimed to Big Tom as the two of them conferred in the street. “I always tie Belle up to this hitching post, and now I can’t find her anywhere!”
Big Tom frowned. He was also upset, for not only was the sheriff’s Belle gone, but Dixie was missing too. Worriedly, both men looked at each other. If someone was stealing horses in the day time, this could get serious! At that moment, a dark horse came wandering down the street with no rider. “Dixie!” Big Tom exclaimed catching hold of her bridle. “I’m glad you weren’t stolen.” But what could have happened to Sheriff Chris’s horse? Big Tom began to think. “Pixie! I wonder if she sold your horse, Sheriff!”
“Why would she?” the Sheriff demanded.
“Because I didn’t have the money to buy her a ring. I must find her!” Big Tom was growing frantic. Where had Pixie gone?
“Hey, Sheriff! Here’s your horse!” someone hollered, leading forward a horse without its saddle. “Some girl brought it to the livery before catching the stage,” he explained.
Big Tom wasted not a moment, but springing onto Dixie’s back, galloped away at a breakneck pace. The chase was long and hard, but at last he caught the stage, sprang off his horse and flung open the door. “Pixie! You sold the sheriff’s saddle! I love you and will sell Dixie to buy you a ring if you want it now,” he exclaimed all in one breath. Instantly, Pixie burst into tears of remorse. She could wait for a ring, she told him.
Back in Santa Fe, Big Tom and Sheriff Chris agreed that this had just been one of those days.

Epilogue

Big Tom did manage to get Pixie a ring. It was only a bit of metal from Dixie’s bridle, but Pixie was happy. The sheriff bought himself a new saddle with the money Pixie had given him from the one she sold, declaring that the old one wasn’t ever one he had really liked. Becoming the Deputy for Sheriff Chris was the best move Big Tom had ever done. As for Pixie, she never again let her annoyance get the better of her. It was only a matter of a few months before Pixie became Mrs. Big Tom and all lived in relative peace (as much as is possible in a town like Santa Fe) and happiness for the remainder of their lives.

Comments on this story?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I would like to welcome you all. My name is Priscilla De Silvosa and I am planing a trip across these wonderful, fascinating States of America! I'm sure it will be a trip full of exciting discoveries, amazing scenes, fabulous history, delightful food, thrilling adventures and oh, so much more! Are you just longing and wishing you could be a part of it? Well, you can! That is right! I am inviting each and every one of you to join me on this exciting excursion across the greatest nation I've ever seen! Traveling through each of the fifty states without crossing through the same state twice (except for California since I'll be flying from there to Alaska and Hawaii and back again) will add to the delight of the trip. Now, I wish I could take you all with me to every state, but unfortunately there is not that much room in my RV. But, if there is a state or two that you would love to visit, sign up by leaving me a comment. It is first come, first serve and I can only take two to each trip since I'm not sure if my travel partner can make it. If you really are wanting to go the entire trip with me, let me know and if my partner can't make it, I'll be in touch. There is one requirement, you must be able to ride a bike. And I hope you won't mind my two dogs.

Stay tuned here for more about this exciting trip! I am starting to collect information and plotting the route will be fun. So, if you are wanting to join me for a certain State, or States, let me know and also be thinking of where you would like to go and what you would like to visit in that State. You will be expected to do you share in research and writing about the State you visit.

For those of you who decide to leave the traveling with all its cares and delights to me, my two faithful companions and whoever else wants to join, you will be able to follow along on our trip for we will post about it right here for you to enjoy from the air conditioned or heated homes.

Anyone want to come? Ideas, thoughts, comments?

Meleah's Western - Part 48

Welcome to Western Wednesday!
This
Western is really going to town. Last night I got two westerns written
each in about an hour. And the night before I finished a western and
wrote another western. That means four westerns were written in two
days! And, I don't have to babysit this week, so though my days may be
full, my evenings look free. Mom says I'm like a horse that has sighted
the barn!:)

Okay,
one exciting thing happened yesterday. I got together with a friend who
is an artist and she is going to start working on some ideas for the
cover picture! Thanks Brittany!!!! I can't wait to see what it looks
like!

I have a very busy day today and so have to go.
Enjoy
Part 48! Oh, by the way, this part introduces some friends of mine.:) I
don't know if they will recognize themselves in it, but it was fun to
put them in.:)

Part 48

Agreeing to take turns walking, Ty, Sally and Carson continued on their
way. It was slow traveling now for Starlight wasn’t used to walking
without shoes and now that she only had three, she walked with a limp,
favoring her shoeless foot especially over rocky ground. For three days
they traveled thus and on the fourth day, as Sally was walking beside
her horse, she noticed Starlight was limping more than usual.
“Ty, if we don’t find a town soon and get another shoe for Starlight,
she’ll be a dead horse before long. Or at least an injured one. The
poor thing can hardly walk as it is!”
Ty dismounted. “Yer right ‘bout that, Sally. An’ if’n we do find us a
town today, I reckon she’ll have ta rest for several days ‘fore she can
be shod. Carson,” he asked, turning to the older man, “What ya think
if’n one a us rides lookin’ for a town?”
“I think it’d be right smart. We ain’t got the money for a new horse
‘sides the fact that Sally’s used ta Starlight. I’ll jest ride . . .
Why wouldn’t ya know!” Carson exclaimed looking off at a distant hill.
“There’s someone comin’ our way.”
Ty and Sally looked also. A lone rider was coming rapidly down the hill
and across the valley towards them. It only took him a few minutes to
reach them and at Carson’s wave, he drew rein and halted.
“Howdy,” the stranger greeted them, touching his hat to Sally.
“Howdy,” Carson returned his greeting.
“In trouble?”
“We’re jest need’n a town with a blacksmith,” Ty explained. “Horse’s
thrown a shoe.”
The stranger grunted and jerked a thumb back over his shoulder. “’Bout
five miles. Dead Horse. Ask fer Herr Rohbar or whatever his name is.
Furriner, but the best blacksmith I ever seen.”
“Thanks.”
“Yep. So long!” And the stranger rode off in a cloud of dust.
“’Bout five miles. That ain’t too far. Let’s make tracks,” and Ty
gently urged Starlight forward.
“Dead Horse, ugh,” Sally made a face. “It doesn’t sound like a very
nice town even if they do have the best blacksmith. I just hope poor
Starlight doesn’t give them a reason to change the name of their town
to Dead Horses.”
The five miles were at last ended and a small town was to be seen. It
wasn’t exactly small but neither was it what one might call large. The
main street was lined with the usual buildings: hotels, saloons, a post
office, general store and jail. Boardwalks lined either side of the
dusty street.
Ty asked the first person they saw where the blacksmith was.
“Jest down there ‘bout four houses.”
After thanking the man, Ty led the others down the street indicated and
soon stopped before the blacksmith’s shop.
A short, broad shouldered man stepped out wiping his hands on his
leather apron. His dark hair and beard gave him a sturdy look while his
dark eyes twinkled in friendliness. “Can I help you?” he asked, his
thick accent showing plainly that he was indeed a foreigner.
“Are you the blacksmith?” Carson asked.
“Ja, I am Herr Rohbar. You in need of vork done, nein?”
Ty nodded. “This horse threw her shoe couple a days back. I reckon
she’ll have ta rest a bit ‘fore she gets a new one.”
The blacksmith with gentle but sure hands lifted Starlight’s leg. “Ah,
ze poor horse. You are right. Zis horse should rest for a few days. You
have place to stay?”
Carson shook his head. “I reckon we’ll jest find us a hotel.”
“Nein! Zat vill not do. And the Frau, your vife?”
“Sister,” corrected Ty.
“Ah, the fraulein, she iz tired. My good Frau Senora Juanita vill get
all you a cool drink, nein?”
Before Carson, Ty or Sally could say anything, the good blacksmith
called out, “Juanita, ve have company.”
The door of the little hut behind the blacksmith flew open and a lovely
Mexican woman came out with a small child in one arm and two more about
her skirts.
“You called, my husband?”
“Ja, my Nita, ve have guests. Zis Fraulein is veary of her journey an
for zees mine herrs, a glass of vater you bring, bitte.”
The dark eyed Juanita beckoned for Sally to follow and led the way into
the small hut, the little children following.
In a voice soft and sweet, Herr Rohbar’s Frau Senora Juanita spoke, “If
the senorita will sit, soon I
shall have cool water for her to drink, si?,”
Sally sat as she was bidden and watched the small woman move swiftly
about the tiny hut. She was clothed in a brightly colored skirt and
blouse and her dark hair was in a knot at the back of her neck. With a
mixture of Spanish and English she directed the children. The oldest a
boy and girl of about six and four looked more like their mother with
her darker skin, black hair and dark eyes while the smallest child
looked so like his father that Sally half expected him to say something
in a deep German voice.
Soon a mug of cold water was handed to Sally and the Senora took some
out for Carson and Ty, leaving the three children to stand staring wide
eyed at Sally. She offered a smile and said, “Hello.”
“Hello,” the boy replied giving a small smile in return.
The younger two remained soberly silent standing beside their big
brother until Frau Rohbar returned.
Out in the yard, Herr Rohbar was assuring his visitors that they did
not want to stay in the hotels in this town. “Nein!” he exclaimed
emphatically, “Zees hotels, zay are full of bugs an ze streets are no
place to be aftar dark. Nein, zay are not ze place for ze fraulein. I
vould offer mine house, but it iz shmall. Ah, vait! I know ze very
place. Nita!”
His wife appeared instantly, followed by Sally.

Questions?

Triple Creek Ranch - Part 7

A Good Morning to my Favorite Friday Fiction Fans,

I
can't believe it is Friday again! I seem to have lost several days this
week, so if anyone seems some days or maybe just hours lying around,
would you send them to me? :}
I
thought this week was going to be a quiet one were I could get a lot
done. Well . . . think again. Monday was kind of Monday-ish, if you
know what I mean. I didn't seem to really get anything done. I did go
babysit some friend's kids in the morning so the mom could go to JoAnns
with my mom and S. (Yes, finally we have a JoAnns again. Haven't had
one since the tornado.). On Tuesday I did get a doll outfit cut out for
a little friend from church, and then after lunch I went with my best
friends (who I've known since we were 6) out to get their birthday
Sunday at Culver's. That took a couple of hours because I ended up
going to their house and looking at pictures when we were done.
Wednesday morning I was sure I'd get some things done.:} I did. Only
this time I spent it playing with my niece and two of my nephews
outside for hours in the morning while Mom and S helped J price books
for the upcoming home school conferences. Baby Doodle Bug was sleeping.
But we all did get to hold and cuddle him before we left. Yesterday
Mom, S and I went to the place where S and I have a booth with
different things and added a few more and tidied it up. Then last
evening we went to babysit the kiddos.:) We did everything from reading
stories, to building a house with the dinning room chairs and a sheet
to playing "rodeo" and rabbits in my garden.:) Got to cuddle the baby
before we left again. And then today, we will probably we going over
this afternoon to help with more pricing. Hump! Like I said, I seem to
have lost days or hours or something!

I
did manage to get three westerns written Monday and Tuesday evening. I
was hoping to get another one at least written on Wednesday, but I got
stuck, bewildered, confused, unsure, befuddled and so couldn't go on. I
have since that time fixed the problem and now I can write. If I can
find the time.

I
still haven't written anything but Westerns for a long time. At least I
still have enough things written to keep going on Fridays. To those of
you who are really enjoying the Triple Creek Ranch, sorry, this week is
the last I have written. You can ask me questions about what you want
to know and maybe I can squeeze another 1,000 words of it in soon. With
that story, I really don't know where it is going or what is going to
happen. Any suggestions?

Oh, and keep the titles for Meleah's Western coming. I have yet to decide on one.
Is that enough ramblings for those of you who like to read this part of my posts?:)

Part 7

Dropping the hairbrush he had been using, Norman suddenly stepped
across the room, put a finger under Jenelle’s chin and lifted her face
up to looked deep into her blue eyes which sparkled with life, joy and
love. “Sweetheart,” he whispered tenderly, “I love you.”
The clock on the mantle ticked loudly and Norman drummed his fingers on
his chair. Supper was ready and waiting, and he was hungry. He would
have liked to eat quickly and go out to talk with Hardrich, his
foreman, about the ranch, but Orlena had yet to make an appearance.
Where was she?
“I’m going to go see what is keeping her, Norman,” Jenelle came into
the dining room from the kitchen.
Mounting the stairs lightly, Jenelle wondered if her new sister had
fallen asleep, worn out by the trip, or if she was crying for
homesickness. “The poor dear,” she thought as she approached Orlena’s
door. “Orlena,” she called gently as she knocked softly.
“Come in,” was the calm and completely unexpected answer.
In amazement, Jenelle opened the door to behold Orlena with hair loose,
seated in the chair near the east window. She didn’t appear to be
homesick or even extra tired. She looked simply bored.
“Yes?”
“Supper is ready and waiting. Aren’t you going to come join us?”
Speaking in the haughty fashion she used for her grandmother’s
servants, this young, spoiled girl replied, “I wish my supper served to
me here. I don’t want to go down.” She shrugged.
“Are you feeling all right?” Jenelle was puzzled by this state of
things.
“I am just fine. I only wish my supper served in my room. And send the
girl up to unpack my trunks. I wish to supervise while it is done. That
will be all,” she added as Jenelle opened her mouth as though to say
something.
Feeling herself dismissed, Mrs. Norman Mavrich withdrew and shut the
door. For the first time in her life she had been ordered away with
instructions of what she must do, and all by a mere child. Always one
to find the humorous side of things, by the time she reached the
stairs, she couldn’t hold back her laughter.
On reaching the dining room she sank onto a chair putting her hands
over her mouth to try and suppress her merriment.
“Jenelle, what is it? Is she coming down? Darling, you’re laughing.”
Norman exclaimed, striding across the room to stand in front of her.
“What is going on?” He folded his arms and stood waiting.
“Oh, I suppose I really shouldn’t laugh, but it was all so comical and
not in the least what I was expecting.” And she burst into fresh
giggles.
Her husband tried to look annoyed, but couldn’t keep back a grin. His
wife’s amusment was contagious. “Then do share it, Darling, for really
I am quite famished. I was too busy to eat in the city before we left
and I haven’t had a bite since.”
As he figured, Jenelle’s sympathies were instantly aroused, and she
sprang up. “Oh you poor thing! Just sit down and I’ll have Flo bring it
right out. It is a shame to have made you wait. And I know you want to
go talk with Hardrich.”
“What about Orlena?” Norman wanted to know as the steaming dishes were
brought out.
“She asked that her supper be served to her room since she didn’t want
to come down this evening.”
“No.”
Jenelle looked up somewhat startled. “What?”
“Unless she is sick, Orlena will eat her meals with us here in the
dining room.” Norman’s voice was firm and full of decision. “I don’t
want to be harsh, but if we give in to her every whim now--” he looked
at his wife for support.
She smiled. “Of course. I can see no reason why Orlena must have her
meal served in her room except that she is used to being catered to.”
Norman placed his napkin on the table and half rose, “I’ll go tell
her.”
“No, Dear,” Jenelle put in sweetly, “you eat. I’ll tell her. You are
much too tired to try dealing with your sister tonight. I’ll manage.”
And before Norman could protest, she had slipped from the room.
Though still somewhat amused by Orlena’s earlier orders, Jenelle had a
feeling that Miss Orlena wouldn’t be amused by her refusal to follow
them. What would Orlena do? Would she submit and come down to eat in
the dining room or would she stay
in her room? What if she refused to leave her room tomorrow unless her
wishes were granted? For the first time since Norman had told her of
old Mrs. Mavrich’s passing, Jenelle began to wonder how they would
manage with this young household tyrant. She was thankful she had
refrained from mentioning to Norman all Orlena’s words.
Opening the door in answer to the command, Jenelle refrained from
dropping a curtsy at the look of aloof superiority on Orlena’s
countenance. Before she had time to say anything, the new member of the
Triple Creek Ranch burst forth.
“Where is my supper? It has taken long enough to have gone half way to
China by now. And where is the girl to unpack my trunks? Why didn’t you
send her up?”
Jenelle quietly closed the door before replying. “If you wish to eat,
your place is waiting for you in the dining room. Norman had to eat
quickly so that he could have a talk with our foreman. As for the
‘girl,’ she is only here for a little while longer and I’m afraid
doesn’t have time to unpack for you. If you would like, you and I can
do it together tomorrow.”
Then Jenelle was treated to a flash of eyes and a blaze of cheeks which
rivaled a fireworks display on the Fourth of July. Orlena was furious.
Not only had her wishes been tossed aside by this “mere sister-in-law,”
but her brother apparently didn’t care about her now that he was back
on his ranch.

Thoughts? Questions? Ideas?

Meleah's Western - Part 47

Welcome to a Wonderful, Wet Western Wednesday!
It
has been HOT and DRY here for weeks! Usually when it is hot it is also
very humid, however, this time it was dry! The grass was starting to
turn brown and you felt as though you had just stepped into the oven
when you stepped outside. But it began to rain last night! And it is
raining this morning! Maybe it will rain all day!:)

Just
to let you know, until I do decide on a title for Meleah's Western,
please keep the title suggestions coming! You never know if one of them
will just be the perfect one.:) Speaking of Western, that is all I've
written for the past month! But, the end is in sight! I think. :) I'm
writing as fast as I can but I can only write in the evenings.:} It's
not that I don't have time during the day, it is just that my brain
refuses to think "writing stories" until after supper. Oh, well.

Here is Part 47. Enjoy!

Part 47

“Uncle Bob,” whispered Sally, pausing as she was about to lie down, “Do
you think Ty really is strong enough for traveling? Joe told me that
Jack didn’t give Ty his full approval before leaving.”
Yawning, Carson gazed into the fire before answering. “I reckon it
wouldn’t a hurt Ty none ta’ve jest stayed a few more days or weeks ta
kind a build his strength back. He ain’t been in the saddle none since
he was shot. That’s a mighty long time. But, I reckon if’n we take it
easy, Ty’ll get his strength an’ ain’t goin’ ta be none the worse. Sure
Jack didn’t want him leavin’ but he could tell Ty’d jest be frettin’
‘bout goin’ an’ that weren’t goin’ ta do him no good.” A soft sigh in
the darkness told Carson that his words had relieved Sally’s fears. Now
he added a few last ones. “Jest be sure ya tell ‘em how Ty’s doin’ when
ya write them there letters yer supposed ta. I reckon that’ll set all
their minds ta rest. The other thing we can do, Sally,” Carson spoke
slowly, as one not sure how to say it.
“What, Uncle Bob?”
“We can pray fer him.”
“I do.”
“Then I reckon the good Lord’ll take care of him.”
A deep, peaceful silence fell over the little group of travelers
resting beside the glowing embers of their campfire under the thousands
of bright, twinkling stars in the heavens above while a soft breeze
caressed their cheeks and gently stirred their hair. All was hushed.
Sleep, with gentle persistence, claimed Carson and Sally before further
words were exchanged.
For several days following that first one back on the trail, Carson and
Sally set an easy pace. Ty noticed it but didn’t say anything, for,
until he regained much of his earlier strength and stamina, he knew he
wouldn’t make it to the next town if they pushed on as they had done
before he was wounded.
Often as they traveled they were silent, but now and then one of the
trio would make a remark and a lively, serious or reminiscing
conversation would ensue. It was Sally who began it this time.
“Ty, when you were sick you didn’t seem to like Joe. You would order
him away from your horse or tell him to leave your things alone.”
“Hmm, could be I thought he were the kind ta take what ain’t his.”
“Joe would never do that,” protested Sally warmly.
“Huh, well I ain’t too sure ‘bout that. I reckon it were a right smart
thing we left ‘fore he had more chance.” And he turned to look at
Carson. “Ain’t that right, Carson?”
“I reckon so.”
Sally was indignant. “Ty Elliot, Joe would never take what weren’t--
wasn’t his, especially not from someone else.”
Ty grinned slyly at Carson before replying, “Ya think so, huh? Well, I
ain’t none too sure. I reckon the only reason somethin’ weren’t taken
was ‘cause he decided ta wait till I had another one.”
“Another what, Ty?” Sally questioned innocently.
Ty only looked at her with such a teasing grin on his face that Sally
felt the blood rush to her cheeks and she looked away, slowing her
horse until she was the last of the line. Not another word did she say
for several miles.
As the days passed and still the companions rode south, Ty’s strength
was rapidly returning. The sun and wind were darkening his face and
arms once more and when Ty was able to beat Sally on a draw, he knew
they could travel at a faster pace. He was eager to reach someplace
where news might be obtained.
It was while they were picking their way down a rocky hill that
Starlight stumbled. Sally was jolted in the saddle but managed to stay
on. Patting her horses neck, she murmured, “Easy, Starlight. Did you
step on a loose rock? Take it easy now, we’re almost to the bottom.”
With those gentle words to reassure her, Starlight recovered herself
and continued down the hillside. At the bottom Sally slid off and ran
her hands down her horse’s legs. None of them appeared hurt, so,
remounting, Sally nudged Starlight forward to catch up with the others.
Carson and Ty, noticing Sally wasn’t with them anymore, pulled their
horses to a halt and looked back. She was just remounting and as she
came up it became obvious that Starlight was limping.
“Sally,” Ty called out, “Yer horse is limpin’.”
“I know.” Sally rode up and dismounted once again. “She stumbled coming
down that hill. I checked her legs, but they all seemed fine.”
Ty and Carson had both dismounted and now Carson said, “Could be a
shoe’s loose. Let’s take a look see.”
It only took a few minutes to discover that the shoe on her right fore
foot was missing and the foot was cut in a few places.
“No wonder you were limping,” Sally crooned, stroking the chestnut’s
neck and rubbing her face. “You don’t like walking on rocks without
your shoes on. And I made you hurry. I’m sorry, Girl.”
“Well, what do we do now?” Ty looked at Carson. “She can’t be ridden,
least ways not till we’ve got another shoe on her.”
“I’ll walk,” answered Sally simply.
“Ya can’t walk for days,” Ty protested. “Ya can ride Par an’ I’ll
walk.”
“I reckon Sally’d rather ride Flint ‘n Par,” Carson put in. “’Sides, ya
ain’t strong enough ta walk that far.”
“If’n I ain’t, then she ain’t either,” retorted Ty.
Shaking her head, Sally started forward leading Starlight. “If you two
want to stand there and argue, go ahead. You can catch up with us when
you have finished. For now I’m going to walk. It feels good to stretch
my legs.”
For a few brief seconds, the two men could only stare after her. Then,
with slightly sheepish grins, they both mounted and soon caught up with
the pair before them.

Until next week. . .

Triple Creek Ranch - Part 6

Good Morning Friday Fiction Fans!
It
is rather foggy out right now which is fun. At least it means there is
moisture in the air. It was supposed to rain yesterday. We did get a
little rain, but not much. Everything has been hot and dry. And guess
what, it is supposed to continue to be hot and dry.:}

Thank
you Christian for letting me know what you wanted to read. I have been
so busy with Westerns that I haven't been thinking of Friday's
Fictions.:} I have written over 11 Parts of the Western in less than a
month! Yeah, that's a record! For the last two Sundays Mom has had 3
Westerns to check. Well, this week she already checked one and I gave
her two more last evening, and now I have another one and the start of
yet one more. It may seem kind of crazy, but I am getting tired of
writing Meleah's Western and at the same time I can't seem to get
enough of it written to satisfy me.:} Go figure.

And
just so you don't think I have completely forgotten about other
stories, I am starting to get ideas for the 2nd book in the Home Fires
series. This one I already have the title for: Ria and the Gang. Interested yet?:)

Cleaning
house today and then baby-sitting the kids this evening. Miss Pickle
Puss (age 4 1/2) informed me that baby Doodle Bug (Hey, I kind of like
that nickname) (age 3 weeks today) likes her better than the boys. I
asked her if it was because she didn't squish him and she sighs a
little and says, "Yeah." Goof Ball and Funny Boy love their baby
brother, but their loving is rather rough.:)

Well,
I've got other things to do instead of just rambling on and on talking
to myself. Yeah, I know, it can be a terrible writer's habit. But I do
talk myself through some stories that way.:)

Part 6

With a shriek of its whistle and a hiss of its brakes, the train pulled
to a stop at the little station where Jenelle Mavrich stood waiting.
Eagerly she watched the few passengers alight. As Norman swung himself
off and then turned to assist his sister down, Jenelle hurried over to
them. “Norman!”
“Darling!” And Jenelle found herself once more in her husband’s arms
while he bent and kissed her. For a moment neither of them remembered
the silent, aloof sister standing in disgust as she looked at her
surroundings.
At last Jenelle freed herself with a little laugh and turned to the
figure in black. “You must be Orlena. Welcome to Rough Rock. I’m
Jenelle.” And she kissed her new sister with warmth. “You don’t know
how delighted I have been knowing that you were coming. Norman, can you
get the bags? I’ll take Orlena to the wagon.” Linking her arm through
Orlena’s, Jenelle led the way over to the wagon talking in that sweet,
pleasant way of hers though not a word had Orlena vouchsafed in answer
to even her greeting.
It was only a matter of a few minutes before Norman joined them with
the bags which he stowed in the back of the wagon. After he helped his
wife and sister onto the wagon seat, he picked up the reins, clicked to
the horses and they were off for the ???.
Sitting silent and half afraid, Orlena grasped the side of the seat
until her knuckles turned white. She had never ridden on a wagon like
this before. It swayed and bumped over the rutted road. And the dust!
It fairly seemed to smother her though neither Norman nor Jenelle
appeared to notice it at all.
“Orlena,” Norman said at last, looking over Jenelle’s head to his
sister. “You can see the ranch when we reach the top of this hill. It
will only be a few moments before we reach home.”
Turning her lip up in disgust at the word “home,” Orlena nevertheless
looked out at the wide sprawling ranch buildings, pastures and fields
as they stretched before her and was, to her annoyance, impressed at
the vastness of it all. She had never dreamed her brother owned so
much. When she was at school it would be something to tell her
classmates, something she could boast about: how large her brother’s
ranch out west was. But now she was going to have to live here!
The wagon pulled to a stop before a good sized house. It wasn’t a
typical ranch style house for it had been built as a farm house long
before Norman’s great-uncle Hiram had begun his ranch. Two stories
high, and nearly surrounded by shade trees, the house looked pleasant
and inviting to weary travelers. At least it did to Norman. His sister
gave it a scornful look and turned up her pert nose.
“Welcome home, Orlena,” Jenelle smiled brightly. “I’m sure you must be
tired from your trip, so let me show you to your room. Your trunks
arrived yesterday, and I had Hardrich take them right up. I didn’t have
time to unpack for you, but I thought you might enjoy doing that
later.” As Jenelle spoke, she led the way into the cool front room and
up the stairs to a small but cozy and quite comfortable room. It was a
corner one with windows on two sides looking out over the barn yard on
the one side and a large field on the other.
Still silent, Orlena walked about her new room, noticed the light
curtains tied back with bits of pink ribbon, the bed with its patchwork
quilt and the rag rug beside it, noticed also the small closet and
toilet stand in one corner and the chair and writing table in another.
Everything had been made as dainty and pretty, as clean and neat as her
sister-in-law’s hands could make things. Yet, in her eyes, when
compared to the splendor of what she had left only that morning, Orlena
thought she might as well have been sent to sleep in the barn!
She didn’t say these things, only thought them, but her expressive face
betrayed somewhat of her inner feelings. Jenelle didn’t speak either
but watched this young girl with feelings of deepest pity and love.
Coming in with Orlena’s bags, Norman set them down and said, turning to
his wife, “I’m hungry, what is smelling so good downstairs?”
Jenelle laughed, “Your supper. Mrs. Carmond kindly lent me Flo for the
day to get ready for you both. She made supper so that I might meet you
at the station. But, Dear, you should freshen up a bit before we eat.”
“That does sound pleasant. Orlena, we’ll leave you to do the same.” “If
you need anything, just call me,” Jenelle added gently before shutting
the door after them. Alone in their own room on the other side of the
house, Jenelle looked thoughtful. “Norman,” she began at last. “Hmm,”
came the somewhat distracted response. “Orlena seems very quiet. I
don’t think she has said more than two words since your arrival on the
train.
Vigorous splashes of water from the washstand, where Norman was busy
washing the dust of travel off his face, prevented any reply. Jenelle
continued, “Does Orlena talk much or is she always quiet?”
Turning abruptly, unmindful of the water running down his face and
dripping onto the floor, Norman stared at his wife. “Talk?” he gasped.
“Does she talk? She can talk faster than I can rope a calf! And once
she starts, she doesn’t stop!” Then, suddenly realizing the mess he was
making, he grabbed a towel and buried his face in it.
“I predict,” he added a moment later, looking at his wife in the mirror
as she perched schoolgirl fashion on the bed and leaned against the
post, “that in a few days you’ll be wishing she would stop talking so
you can think.” Jenelle only smiled.

Any questions you want answered? I only have one more part written.
Should I post it next Friday or something else?

Meleah's Western - Part 46

A Warm Welcome Wednesday Readers,
Yes,
it is warm outside! It has been in upper 90's or the 100's for days
now. Trying to stay cool can be a challenge. I'm very thankful for AC
and ice cream.:) No, I have not been eating ice cream for breakfast
though my mom remembers do so on hot summer days.

Boy,
this western is really moving along! I'm hoping to have it done,
proofed and published by the end of the year. I do have a problem
though. I don't think I should call the book "Meleah's
Western." At least not on the cover. So, starting today, I'm taking
title ideas. You may suggest as many as you want as often as you want
but the one who's suggestion I use for the title will receive a fee
signed copy of the western once it is published. How's that for
incentive to get thinking?:) So put your thinking caps on, have fun and
enjoy Part 46

Part 46

Ty was silent. Staring up at the ceiling a moment, he sighed. “I reckon
I ought ta follow yer orders an’ if’n ya say I’ve got ta quit frettin’,
well,” and he sighed again, “I reckon I’ll have ta.” He looked at Jack
and gave a slight grin.
Standing up, Jack returned the grin and said, clapping him gently on
the shoulder, “Get some rest now and I just might let you sit outside
for a while this evening.”
“Anything ta get outside again, Doc.” And Ty yawned and closed his
eyes.
In two more weeks, Ty, still looking pale, having lost much of his dark
tan during his illness, was up and about. His only thought now was to
get back in the saddle and continue the search. Jack was somewhat
hesitant about it, but since Ty’s shoulder wound was healed and other
than not having regained his former strength and stamina, he was fit if
he went easy, he didn’t protest. Carson and Sally, much as they had
enjoyed their stay, were likewise ready to be on the move once more.
And so, preparations began for their departure. Not much time was
needed, however, for the threesome traveled lightly with only two pack
horses.
“Now, Sally,” Mrs. Fields admonished the following morning after
preparations were complete and Jed and Joe were helping Carson saddle
the horses and load supplies on the pack animals, “do write to us each
town you come to if you can so that we can hear how things are going.”
“I will,” Sally blinked back tears. She was going to miss this motherly
person more than she thought it was possible. “Thank you for
everything,” she murmured, looking so like a child, that Mrs. Fields
instinctively kissed her cheek.
“Don’t mention it, Dear. Just let us be hearing from you often.”
Nodding, Sally, accompanied by Mrs. Fields, went out of the house to
where the men were gathered.
“All ready, Sally?” Ty asked, eager to be off.
“Yes.”
“Carson?”
“Any time, Ty. I reckon we ought ta get on if’n we aim ta reach any
place by dark.”
“We’ll reach it,” Ty grinned. “Any place out under the stars’ll work. I
got a hankerin’ for some campfires an’ sunsets. I ain’t complainin’
‘bout stayin’ here, mind ya.”
“Sure you aren’t,” Joe chuckled. “Maybe it was just the bed you’re
tired of.”
“You should have let him sleep on the floor, Jack,” Jed put in, and
everyone laughed.
Carson handed Sally her father’s six-shooter and she buckled it on,
remarking to Ty as she did so, “I don’t know which of us is the better
shot now.”
Ty couldn’t help grinning. “I reckon we’ll find out ‘fore long.”
“You all take care of yourselves,” Mr. Fields directed as Ty, Sally and
Carson mounted their horses, and, turning their heads towards the
south, waved a final farewell to those gathered in the barnyard behind
them..
“I’ll write,” called back Sally with a bright smile, and then they were
off.
Not wanting to break the silence of the late morning, enjoying the
sunshine, feeling the fresh breezes sweeping down from distant mountain
peaks, each lost in his own thoughts, the trio rode in silence for
several miles. It was good to be on the back of a horse again. Ty
sighed in satisfaction. How he had missed this vast expanse of nothing
but nature. Looking back, he could no longer make out the faint wisp of
smoke which marked the hospitable home of the Fields. At last they were
once again traveling on towards their goal of finding Eleanor Elliot,
his missing, youngest sister. How long would it take before the search
was ended? Weeks? Months? Years? Ty didn’t know. But this he did know,
nothing but death would stop him from fulfilling his father’s dying
request.
It was Carson who at last broke the silence. “How far ya feel like
ridin’ today, Ty?” he asked.
Ty hated to admit it, but, it had been so long since he had been in the
saddle or had done anything except sit or lie around, already he was
feeling rather faint and weary.
After a quick glance at her brother, Sally saved him the trouble of
admitting his weakness. “I haven’t been riding much, so if it’s all
right with both of you, I’d like to take a rest. Those trees look
pleasant and shady.
“That’d be right fine by me,” Carson agreed. “Ty?”
Ty nodded but didn’t speak.
No sooner had they dismounted than Ty, stretching himself out with a
deep sigh of satisfaction, fell asleep, more worn out than he though
was possible after such a short ride.
Sally built a fire while Carson set off to see if he could shoot a
rabbit or squirrel for their noon meal.
It was several hours before they set off again, this time halting as
the sun was beginning to sink behind the mountains in the west. Sitting
around their campfire, Ty watched the flickering flames, listened to
the last good-night chirps of the birds and enjoyed the taste of his
sister’s cooking. “I missed this,” he said simply, quietly, to no one
in particular.
“I didn’t know how much I missed it as well until tonight,” Sally
whispered.
“It jest ain’t the same livin’ under a roof with other folks. Don’t
matter how nice they are,” added Carson. “An’ I aim ta enjoy them stars
above for a while ‘fore I sleep.” So saying, he lay back on his blanket
with his arms folded under his head.
Following his example, Ty also lay down, but before many minutes had
passed, his star gazing was over, and Sally, watching him, saw his
eyelids close and his whole body relax and knew he was asleep.
“It worked, Carson,” she breathed. “He’s asleep. I don’t think he knew
how tired he really was.”
Carson rolled over, propping his chin up in his hands. “I reckon we can
all take things easy for a spell.”

Any Title suggestions?

The Lower Lights - Part 2

Good Morning FFFs,
It looks like it is going to be another very hot day. I mean, when it is 103 degrees at 6:15 last evening, you rather expect another scorcher of a day. There is no doubt that summer is here. I'm very thankful for air conditioning! Can you imagine living in heat like this with no AC or fans? Stepping outside is like stepping into an oven. You could certainly cook some slow-bake cookies or something out there.

It is a good thing I have several Friday's worth of stories to post because, even though I'm writing, I've only been working on Meleah's Western. I'm on a roll, so I don't really want to stop and write something else right now. I've already finished three Westerns that got proofed on Sunday, written two others that are waiting to be proofed and last night I got another Western ready to run spell-check, transfer it to the computer and print it for the proofer. I'm having fun getting to parts of the story that I had thought of a long time ago.:) The end is coming, I just don't know how far away it is.:)

Happy 1st of July! Soon it will be Independence Day! Flags and Fireworks, Food and Fun, It's a wonderful day to be out in the sun! (As long as it's not too hot.) Some friends were going to have a get-together tomorrow, but since the heat index is supposed to be in 100's, they called it off. They don't have shade trees.
Did you know that today and tomorrow are very important days? Today marks the 182 day of the year and tomorrow there will only be 182 days left.:) The middle of the year. That sounds like something Emma would have written to Maria.:)

Today should be busy, I think I'm going to clean house, search for the dead mouse (yeah, it doesn't smell that great in this heat!), spell-check and transfer the western and baby-sit the kids tonight and hopefully get to hold my newest nephew.:) Those are just the big things I know about.

What do you think of the end of this story? I'd love to know. Enjoy!

The Lower Lights - Part 2
by
Rebekah M.

Last time . . .

Mr. Randall smiled as his old friend sat down on one of the empty seats. “I suppose it’s rather like a lighthouse.”
“Huh?”
“They keep doing the same things day after day, lighting a rocky shoal or marking a way to the harbor. I just pray that our lights have been lit every day. You know, we have the lights along the shore to think about.”
Silence fell on the two men for several seconds, then Perry pulled out his pocket watch and looked at the time. “I think we should--”
What he thought they should do wasn’t finished for at that moment he spied the limping form of someone heading towards the trolley waving his hand.
“It looks like we have ourselves a passenger, Perry,” Oscar remarked opening the door and stepping down to give a helping hand.
It was a young soldier evidently just returned from war. He was breathing heavily as he climbed aboard and sank into a seat. “Thank you for waiting for me,” he managed to gasp out while fishing in his pocket for his fare.
Oscar stopped him. “Soldiers ride this car for nothing.”
The young man smiled faintly.
“Where are you headed, sir?” Perry questioned as with a toot of his whistle he pulled ahead.
“Home. I’ve been gone nearly three years.”
“Are you getting ready to go to that other Home that is waiting?” Perry’s thoughts never strayed far from their Anchor and Hope.
The young soldier gazed out the window and then at last turned. Perry’s eyes were on the road before him, but he heard the reply
“Sir, I hadn’t thought much about it before I left for war, but since then, the sights and everything, well, I just couldn’t help myself. But I don’t know how to get there.”
Perry stopped the car before another empty station and turning towards the young man, smiled. “Let me show you how.” And right then and there, he showed this young soldier the way to his eternal Home.

Stopping only at noon to eat their lunches, Mr. Perry Randall and his conductor continued their rounds of the city in their trolley car. Now and then the stations were empty, but for the most part one or two persons waited. As one lady stepped on she said, “I don’t care to ride those other trolleys. Why, one of the drivers never smiles and most of the time looks like he would rather eat you than give you a ride. No sir, I’ll ride this car till it doesn’t run anymore!”

It was late in the day when a half intoxicated man stumbled up the steps to sink down and mutter, “Take me to --nth street,” before falling into a sleep.
Oscar and Perry looked at each other. Neither one had caught the street name exactly. It could have been 9th or 19th.
“What street shall we take him to?” Oscar questioned, eyeing their passenger doubtfully.
“I say let’s see when we get there,” was the reply as they again started on their way.
As 9th Street approached, Perry and Oscar glanced about. “Humph,” murmured Perry softly to his companion. “Three down and out saloons and two ‘licensed hotels.’ I don’t think he should stop here. . . . No, look,” he added, nodding towards the right. “There is even a poor fellow sent out no doubt to entice the likes of our passenger into more misery and sin. I can’t dump him off here, Oscar. That would be as bad as deliberately turning out the light so a ship would crash on the rocks.”
“Let’s try 19th street. Or we could take him all the way to 29th if we had to.”
Arriving at 19th street, Perry saw to his joy that there were no saloons or hotels. Instead there was a well dressed man standing at the station, not as though he were waiting for the trolley, but as though he were waiting for someone. Pulling to a stop, Mr. Randall opened the door and leaning out called, “Mr. Stanfford, are you by any chance looking for a young man that needs help?”
The man in question looked up with a smile as he recognized the speaker. “I don’t know but I am,” he replied. “I felt compelled to come here, but I need to return to the mission soon. Do you have someone who needs me?”
“We have someone who needs more than you. Come.”

Mr. Stanfford sprang up the steps and with a little difficulty, succeeded in getting the half intoxicated stranger off the trolley and started with him to the mission.
“I think this was the street he was supposed to get off on.”
“Yep,” Oscar nodded.

As the afternoon wore on, the crowds once again became larger and some of the same folks they had taken to work, Mr. Perry, Oscar and their trolley were now carrying home.
“How was your day, Mr. Smits?”
“Not too bad, thank you, Mr. Perry.”
“Mrs. Martin, did you have many customers?”
The neatly dressed woman smiled, “Not too many, but enough to keep the little ones clothed and fed, thank God.” And she moved on to take her seat.
To some Perry gave a kind word and others a pleasant inquiry, to each he gave a smile.

At last, the day over, Perry drove the faithful old trolley back to the shed where someone would prepare it for tomorrow. Stepping down from his place beside the controls, Perry shook hands with his conductor.
“’Night, Oscar. Tell the missus I said hello and hope she’s feeling better.”
“Thank you, Perry. Good-night.” And the friends parted, each going a different direction to his home.
As Perry strolled along, he again broke into singing the song that had been with him all day. He didn’t know how far his “lower light” had shown, but he knew who kept the “Lighthouse” and He would take care of the rest. Little did he know what sunshine his smile had brought to many a weary person, the rejoicing in heaven over the return of the soldier, the young nurse kneeling that moment by her chair or the drunkard, pondering how he had reached the mission when he had planned to go to the saloon, all because of his bright light.

“Brightly beams ou--r Father’s mer--cy,
From his light--house ever more,
But to us, He gives the kee--ping,
Of the lights a--long the shore.”

Next week, do you want "Triple Creek Ranch" or something else?
It's up to you.