Responsibility - Part 3

Good morning Faithful Friday Fiction Fans,

It's a cloudy morning. A bit breezy and 70º. We had some storms last evening. We needed the rain.

This week has been busy.

Sunday I taught in Children's Church for the first time. It was fun. We learned about 5 of the Judges.

On Monday my nieces and nephews were over for the morning and they got to ride bikes and play games.

Tuesday and Wednesday I worked at the County Clerk's office. More filing and voting people.

Yesterday I worked on the plans for this year's Five Fall Favorites party, and on the writing camp website.

So many projects, plans, and ideas. We'll see how much I get done today. I do want to write if I can. Anyway, I know this is short and probably boring, but I'm going to go walk with my sister since it is so nice outside!

Responsibility

Part 3

    “You really think she’d try exploring these woods alone?” Preston wondered. “Without permission?”
    Levi snorted. “We are talking about Dani, the one who doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything, and doesn’t think about things until afterwards, remember?”
    “Where does this trail lead?”
    “Oh, it winds through the woods and splits off several times. I’ve been out hunting this way before,” Raymond remarked, looking up at his brothers.
    “Well, what are we waiting for?” Levi demanded. “Let’s get moving.”
    In single file the Perry brother’s headed off into the woods with Raymond in the lead. The shadow of night was already falling under the shelter of the tall trees, even though the sun had not yet set.
    “Dani! Dani!” the calls rang out through the woods every few paces, but only the twitter of hidden birds and the soft thud of the horses’ feet answered. The darkness grew deeper and soon the three riders stopped to light lanterns.
    “How much longer is this trail, Ray,?” Preston inquired.
    Raymond shrugged. “I’ve never reached the end. It splits off soon and then again a little later.”
    “Ever reach the end of those trails?” Levi asked.
    “Nope.”
    On they rode, growing more anxious with each passing minute. Were they even on the right track, Preston wondered? Had she been found and was their mother now worried about them?
    “Here’s the fist split,” Raymond remarked, pointing to a path that at first seemed to parallel the one they had been on. “It turns off to the west in a little while.”
    “I’ll take it,” Preston said quietly, turning his horse. “Two shots if you find her,” he reminded the others who agreed quickly and were soon lost in the darkness, the thick foliage hiding their lanterns.
    “Dani!” Preston shouted into the still night air. “Dani!”
    “Help!” The answer was faint but seemed to come from the direction Preston was headed.
    Urging his horse forward, he called again. The answer that came was much closer and unmistakably Danielle’s voice. Drawing his pistol, Preston fired two quick shots in the air and hurried on.
    The trail twisted and turned and Preston wondered if he’d ever reach his sister, but at last the light of his lantern fell on a well known horse.
    “Sundance,” he exclaimed softly. Dismounting quickly, he calmly made his way around the horse to find Danielle lying on the ground near a fallen tree.
    “Dani!” he exclaimed, dropping onto the trail beside her and setting the lantern down. “Dani, are you all right?”
    For answer, the girl opened her eyes, tried to sit up and fell crying into his arms. “I think so,” she whimpered. “I was afraid you’d never find me.” She sniffed. “I thought I’d die out here.”
    From her dramatic way of talking, Preston knew she couldn’t be much hurt and he asked, “What happened? Can you get up?”
    Dani shook her head, brushing away her tears. “No, my foot is caught in the tree and I can’t budge it an inch.”
    Shouts were heard down the trail and Preston called back. In another minute Levi and Raymond had joined them.
    “Just where have you been, young lady,” Levi demanded when she smiled up at him.
    “Hold it, Levi,” Preston directed firmly. “Let’s get her free from this tree and home before Mother is beside herself with worry. There’ll be time enough for talk after that.”
    It took the combined effort of Raymond and Levi to move the tree enough for Preston to gently pull Danielle’s foot free, and when it was out, Danielle sighed with relief. “Thank you. I just knew some wild animal would have me for his dinner or at least his midnight snack.”
    “Why didn’t you send your horse back to the house for help?” Raymond inquired, brushing his hands off.
    Rubbing her foot and ankle, Dani replied, “Oh, I couldn’t. Poor Sundance has hurt her foot or her leg. I don’t know which. She started limping and I got off and tried to lead her back and that’s when we got lost and I caught my foot in there,” and she nodded in the direction of the tree.
    As soon as she mentioned her horse’s injury, Levi had quickly moved over to Sundance who was patiently standing in the trail. “Which leg?”
    “Her right foreleg. She’ll be all right won’t she, Levi?” There was concern in Danielle’s voice as she watched her brother.
    His answer wasn’t to her. “Hold a lantern over here, Ray, so I can see.” His strong, knowledgeable hands gently felt the horse’s leg and then he tried to pick up her hoof. “Come on, up,” he spoke firmly and Sundance lifted her foot.
    “Well?” Preston queried after Levi and Raymond had examined the leg in question and then straightened.
    “Can’t tell for sure, but it looks like it could be just a bruise.”
    “Dani,” Raymond asked, “did you try riding Sundance through a stream?”
    Dani nodded. “There’s one somewhere along the trail and I thought we’d cross it, but then she wouldn’t go all the way and when I turned her, she started limping.”
    “She’s not carrying anyone home,” Levi declared flatly. “Someone will have to walk her back.”
    “Speaking of home,” Preston said, offering his hand to his sister to pull her to her feet. “We’d better start back now. Raymond, you think you can find the way out of this tangled patch of trails?”

How was your week?

Do you enjoy summer storms?

Do you enjoy walking?

Responsibility - Part 2

Good morning FFFFs!

The sun is shining here and it looks like it's going to be another hot, humid day. We had to water our flower garden yesterday and our lilac bush because things have been so dry. We've had chances of rain, and even some lovely lightning storms, but no rain here. I knew there would come a time this summer when I wished for some wonderful rain. ;)

This week has been good. I worked two days and had training for the upcoming election. The more I work in the county clerk's office and see all the work that goes on behind the scenes of an election, the more I want to tell people to GET OUT AND VOTE! I know every state does things a bit differently, but I'm 99% certain that we do not have any dead people, dogs, or illegal persons voting in my county. So, if you are old enough to vote, please make sure you do! And if you aren't encourage your parents or older siblings to get out and vote. Make a difference in this country one vote at a time. Those votes add up.

I've been doing more work on Writing Camp stuff this week. Plus signing up 4 more campers. I've also gotten back to the 3rd book in my Woodbreak series. I'm doing some serious editing. Hopefully, this will enable the ending to actually come together like it's supposed to. ;)

Here's the next part of your story. I hope you enjoy it.

Responsibility

Part 2

    Out by the stables, Preston, Levi and Raymond were saddling their horses. “Dani better have a good reason for not getting back on time,” Raymond remarked. “She sure has Mother worried.”
    “Not to mention chores that haven’t been attended to. Preston,” Levi eyed his brother over the back of his horse as he tightened the cinch, “if you don’t turn that child over your knee when we get her back home—”
    “Easy Levi,” Preston remonstrated, “I thought I was going handle her.”
    “You are. Just don’t be too soft on her.”
    Mounting his horse, Raymond put in, “Worrying Mother and skipping her chores four days in a week shouldn’t be taken lightly, Preston. If I had tried that even twice when I was her age—”
    “You did,” Preston laughed. “As did Levi.”
    “Hmm,” Levi grunted, “seems as though I remember something about that.”
    As the three brothers were about to ride out of the gate, one of the men from the ranch came into view and Levi called out to him, “Jacobson, have you seen Dani?”
    The man shook his head and cradled the sling his right arm was in a little closer to himself. “Not since she left.”
    “Did she say where she was going?” inquired Preston.
    Scratching his head in thought, Jacobson at last shook his head again. “No, she didn’t say anything to me. Is she missing?”
    “Yes. We’re going out to look for her.” Then struck with a thought, Preston instructed, “Jacobson, tell Hawkins that if we aren’t back in an hour, he’s to get the men into search parties and start looking. If she’s not in the few places she usually goes, there’s no telling where she is.”
    The man nodded and the horsemen rode off. For several minutes they rode together in silence. At last Raymond remarked, “If we’re to check her favorite places, we’d better split up.”
    “I was just thinking the same thing,” Levi nodded. “Ray, head up to the promontory. Preston, why don’t you take her fishing hole and I’ll head over to the south pasture. Fire two quick shots if you find her. If we don’t hear the shots we’ll meet in the meadow near the creek. The sun won’t set for another hour, so there should be plenty of time.”
    This was agreed on and they each set off in a different direction. Preston noticed that he had been assigned the most likely place for their little sister to be, while Levi had chosen the most unlikely place. Smiling to himself, he realized that Levi was not in a mood to deal with Danielle and he sincerely hoped that he or Raymond would find her.
    The late summer sun was warm, but Preston was grateful for its light. It would make tracking her horse a little easier if she wasn’t in her usual haunts. But if she wasn’t there, where could she be?
    The evening stillness was descending on nature as Preston rode up to Dani’s favorite fishing spot. “Dani!” he called.
    There was no answer save for the sound of the water tumbling over a small waterfall some fifty feet away.
    Swinging down from his horse, Preston dropped the reins and looked about. There was no sign of a light colored horse anywhere. Upon hearing a movement on the other side of a large oak tree near the bank of the stream, Preston frowned and his long strides quickly carried him across the few separating yards; however, the only thing there was a squirrel who, on catching sight of him, scampered up the tree and scolded.
    “Dani?” he shouted, and again there was no answer.
    “Well, it’s pretty clear she’s isn’t anywhere around here.” With a shake of his head, Preston remounted, turned the horse’s head towards the meadow and nudged him into a canter.
    He reached the large pleasant meadow only minutes before Raymond arrived. “No sign of her?” he asked as his younger brother rode up.
    Raymond shook his head. “No, she hasn’t been up there since last week.”
    “Last week? How do you know?”
    “There’s no new notch.”
    “Notch? Ray, what are you talking about?”
    On seeing that Preston was confused, Raymond quickly explained. “Didn’t you know she puts a new notch on that old dead tree near the promontory every time she goes there? She told me that in the spring when we went up there together. I was up last week and counted the notches as I always do; it’s the same number it was then.”
    Preston sighed. “Hopefully Levi will find her. While we wait for him or the signal, let’s ride around the meadow and look for any sign of her coming this way. That way if Levi doesn’t find her . . .”
    “I was just thinking the same thing.”
    Each taking a different direction, Preston and Raymond started off around the meadow, hoping to find something or hear the signal shots from Levi announcing Danielle had been found. There were no shots and in another five minutes Levi rode into the meadow.
    “Any sign of her?” he called to the others.
    “No,” Preston shouted back.
    “Dani!” Levi bellowed.
    A sudden shout from Raymond brought the other brothers to him at a dead run. Raymond was out of the saddle and down on one knee in the shadow of the surrounding woods by a small but distinct trail. “Hoof prints,” he pointed out as Preston and Levi joined him. “Fresh ones too and the right size for Dani’s horse.”
    “You really think she’d try exploring these woods alone?” Preston wondered. “Without permission?”

Have you had sunshine or rain this week?

Do you get to vote this year?

Where do you think Dani is?

Responsibility - Part 1

Good morning, FFFs!

I hope you have had a good week. Mine has been good. A little different than I thought it was going to be since I only worked two days this week instead of four. But that's okay. I've been able to get other things done. Like more writing. And working on some other projects. Work has been fun. I've done a lot of filing. And now that I've been sworn in as an actual Deputy Clerk, I have been able to vote people which is really fun.

Yesterday my grandparents, aunt, and my brother and his family were over to celebrate my grandma's 92nd birthday. She enjoyed getting to spend it with her husband, two daughters, a son-in-law, some grandchildren and all 8 of her great grandchildren. It was a busy but fun day. Some of us spent time outside between lunch and dessert. It was warm and muggy, but not as hot as it has been.

Today's story was written and posted many years ago. It has several parts so I hope you enjoy it. I'm trying to get something new written to post, but none of my stories seem to want to get finished. *looks at my stories suspiciously*

Responsibility

Part 1

    Preston drew rein at the Perry ranch and climbed down from the buggy. “Hi, Raymond,” he greeted his younger brother.
    Raymond strode over. “Hello. How are things in town?”
    Shrugging, Preston turned to unhitch the horse. “Just fine. Lend me a hand here, will you. Mr. Birks—”
    “Preston!” a new voice shouted from the stables and both brothers turned. “Did you see Dani anywhere when you drove in?”
    The eldest Perry son shook his head and straightened up a moment. “No, Levi, I didn’t see any sign of her. Why?”
    Pushing his hat back on his head and looking disgusted, Levi approached the buggy with his quick stride. “She went for a ride right after lunch, isn’t back yet, and she has chores waiting. This is the fourth time this week she’s been late, and Raymond, when she does get back, don’t help her with her chores.”
    Preston finished unhitching the horse as he said, “Well, I wouldn’t worry yet, Levi. You know how she is when she is off riding that horse of hers. Give her a little more time.” Having taken over the roll as “head of the family” since their father had died nine years before, Preston tended to be more lenient with his youngest sister than Levi. Still, there was a limit even with him, and seeing Levi’s frown deepen, promised, “I’ll have a talk with her when she gets back. And Ray, Levi’s right, don’t help her. She needs to learn to be responsible.”
    “All right,” Raymond agreed easily. “I’ll let her do her own chores.”

    Several minutes later the three brothers entered the house and were greeted by Mrs. Perry. “Supper will be ready shortly,” she told them as they kissed her. “But you have plenty of time to wash up first. By the way, where is Danielle?”
    “Late again,” Levi grumbled before taking the stairs two at a time as he went to clean up for supper. Raymond followed.
    Mrs. Perry sighed and looked up at her eldest son. “You may have to do something, Preston. I talked to her last time and it doesn’t seem to have done any good.” Sometimes this youngest daughter of hers was more tiring and bewildering to Mrs. Perry then her three sons had been when they were young.
    “I plan to have a talk with her this evening,” Preston assured her. “Don’t worry, Mother, she’ll learn, even if it’s the hard way.” Smiling, he bent and kissed her again. “Now,” he added quickly in low tones, “I’d better hurry and clean up before Natalie comes in.” He had heard his sister’s voice speaking to someone in the dining room and now hurried after his brothers.
    Mrs. Perry smiled after him, thankful for such a strong, clear headed eldest son to lean on.
    “Mother,” Natalie asked, coming in moments after Preston’s form had disappeared up the stairs, “have the boys come in yet?”
    Mrs. Perry laughed, “Yes, dear, they are just washing up. But Danielle hasn’t returned from her ride yet.”
    “Honestly, Mother!” Natalie exclaimed in exasperation. “Why can’t she learn to be on time?” Natalie’s dislike of anything or anyone unpunctual was well known in the house and had been a source of grief and strife several times not only for Danielle, but also for the boys.
    “Preston has promised to talk to her,” Mrs. Perry remarked quietly.
    “I don’t know what good talking will do,” Natalie grumbled, “but if he promised, he’ll do it.”

    Danielle still hadn’t returned from her ride when the family sat down to eat. Several times Mrs. Perry glanced anxiously towards the window in hopes of seeing her young daughter riding in, but as the minutes ticked by and still there was no sign of her, she began to grow restless and toyed with the food on her plate. Danielle had never been quite this late before.
    Watching the worried frown begin to creep over his mother’s face, Preston placed his napkin beside his plate and stood up. “Stop fretting, Mother,” he smiled. “We’ll go out and find Dani. Come on, boys.”
    “She’s probably not too far away either,” Raymond added, pushing back his chair. “She could be fishing.”
    Taking one last swallow of coffee, Levi threw his napkin on the table and stood. “It shouldn’t take us long to find her, but” he added scowling, “she’s taking care of her chores before she eats her supper.”
    Putting on a brave smile, Mrs. Preston said, “I told her if she was late again she would have to eat bread and butter in the kitchen.”
    “You shouldn’t have told her that, Mother,” Raymond laughed. “You know she’d rather stay comfortable in her dirty riding clothes than get dressed up for table.” Then he dropped a kiss on his mother’s cheek and followed his brothers out of the dining room.

What was your week like?

Have you read this story before?

Do you have stories that don't want to end?

The Best Park

Good morning, FFFs!

This was my first week of work. After going in at 8:30 the first day (Tuesday), I have been going in at 10 the rest of the week because things are so slow. Usually there are more people coming in to vote, but not this year. We aren't sure if it's because they aren't going on vacation so won't be out of town on election day, don't think about it because we just had an election and there really hasn't been much advertising, they are scared of the virus and don't want to get out, or what. But I've had a lot of time to spend filing new voter registration cards, pulling out the cards of those who have moved out of the county or have died. I am supposed to get sworn in on Monday. Then I can officially get people voted.

I really haven't done much writing this week. Last evening was actually the first time I've written since Saturday. And I haven't done much reading either. But I have worked on formatting blog posts, and attempting to find images for the covers of two Christmas stories. And other things.

Today's story is lighthearted and fun. At least I hope you enjoy it. :) I first posted it way back in 2011.

The Best Park

    It was a beautiful day. The sun was a gleaming ball of fire in the azure sky while fluffy, billowing clouds were piled here and there like cotton candy islands in a sea of blue kool-aid. Blowing softly, the breeze held just enough chill in it to indicate the approaching autumn weather. However, the grass was still green and the leaves had yet to change color near the G. Tonnovic dog park in Circle City. The park was large with several tall trees, some bushes and plenty of place to run. It was the most popular dog park of the city, though no one was quite sure why.
    “I’ve taken my dog, Colonel, to every other park,” Mr. Reed remarked to a fellow dog owner, “but he only sniffs around and runs a little. He comes home with just as much energy as before. But for some reason, when I bring him here, he runs all over the place and is worn out when I take him home.”
    “That happens to your dog, too?” Mrs. Phennel looked surprised. “I thought it only happened to Coco because she was a beagle and followed every scent made by other dogs. She always sleeps for hours afterwards.”
    “Huh,” Mr. Reed grunted. “Colonel is a golden, but– Look at them!” The two owners watched as the dogs began a mad dash across the park, barking and fully excited. It was not only Colonel and Coco, there was another dog who soon joined in the race all the way to the fence where they suddenly stopped, tails wagging furiously.
    Mr. Reed shook his head. “All I have to do here is wait about thirty minutes and my dog will be tired out.” And the man sat down on a bench and unfolded his paper to read.
    Mrs. Phennel puzzled a little over Coco’s strange behavior, but since she seemed to be having a good time, she soon found herself a bench and pulled out her cell phone to check her e-mails.

    Meanwhile the dogs were sniffing about eagerly.
    “I know a rabbit was just here,” Colonel barked.
    “She went in this hole, and I can’t get her to come out,” whined Coco, trying to push her nose into a burrow.
    “Look!” The sudden yelp from Dixie was enough to bring Coco’s head out of the hole. There on the fence, just out of their reach was a squirrel. He was flirting his tail and chattering at them.
    “I’ll catch him,” Colonel thundered in a deep bark. “Watch,” and with a bound he leapt after the little grey creature. But the squirrel was too quick for him and dashed away across the grass.
    In a second the three dogs were hot on its tail until it scampered up a tree to sit on a branch just over their heads and scold them merrily.
    After several seconds of barking up the tree, Colonel discoverd another squirrel coming down from a tree supposedly to bury a nut on the other side of the park. With a bark to the smaller dogs to follow him, the golden dashed after the nut hider with Coco and Dixie at his heels. For a fleeting second it seemed as though the squirrel was going to remain where she was, but in a flash she was scampering, not up the tree, but across the grass to disappear into a log.
    “Can you fit in there, Dixie?” Colonel barked.
    Trying to squeeze in the small hole, the mix whined, “I can’t. I must have eaten too many treats. Coco,” she yipped, looking at the beagle, “can you fit?”
    Coco wagged her tail but backed away. She had tried before and had gotten her nose stuck for her pains. Before she could make any excuses, from the other end of the log there appeared, not the squirrel who went into the log, but a rabbit!
    Great was the astonishment of the three dogs but they soon gave chase and the rabbit led them on a wild run around trees, from this side of the park to the other until it darted into some bushes and disappeared.
    For some minutes, the dogs sniffed around the bushes, tongues hanging out and tails waving like banners. At last, having satisfied themselves that the rabbit wasn’t coming out, Dixie led the others away from the bushes. They thought the chase was over and Coco was getting ready to return to her owner when another rabbit, or was it the same one, popped out of a hole almost at her feet and darted off.
    “It’s a rabbit!” Coco yapped excitedly. “Catch it!”
    Colonel and Dixie were already following the cottontail, and had it not suddenly disappeared down a hole, they most certainly would have caught it.
    “Whew,” Colonel panted. “We almost had it.”
    “I didn’t really want it,” Dixie barked, pretending she didn’t care.
    Coco quivered with the excitement of the race. “If I could chase a few more of those things, I might get in shape to fit in these holes,” and she poked her paw down one, trying to feel a furry body.
    “Make a wish and it comes true,” barked Dixie as the first squirrel came down out of his tree to flaunt his tail at them quite saucily as though daring them to chase him.
    They did. They didn’t come close to catching him, but more energy was spent as the dogs dashed madly around trees and tried to climb them, while Mr. Bushytail kept just out of reach. It was really quite aggravating, and the dogs barked incessantly over their failure to catch the gray creature who laughed at them.
    Before they could finish venting their feelings, they were interrupted by the second squirrel coming down with another nut. There was another chase, followed immediately by another rabbit to dash after.
    At last, when both rabbits and squirrels remained hidden in ground or tree top, Colonel, Coco and Dixie made their way back to their owners, panting heavily and with sides heaving from their races.
    Mr. Reed folded up his paper and snapping on Colonel’s leash, led him to the truck. “I hope your dog is as tired as mine,” he called out to Mrs. Phennel who was opening the car door for Coco to jump in.
    With a laugh Mrs. Phennel waved and drove away.

    All was quiet at the G. Tonnonvic dog park. Evening was drawing to a close and all good dogs and their owners were at home. In the shelter of one of the large trees an unusual group was gathered. Two squirrels and three rabbits.
    “I think things went well today,” chattered Mr. Bushytail.
    “But they almost caught me,” the youngest rabbit ventured.
    “Just run faster next time,” Mr. Cottontail told him. “And remember to zig-zag. I looked out of the bushes after the dogs were following you and they were all going straight.” He reached up his back foot and scratched his ear.
    Mrs. Bushytail twitched her tail in her eagerness. “I got several nuts buried while you were all working on keeping those dogs busy elsewhere. But I must say, if that smallest dog stops eating treats, she may be able to fit in our log.”
    “That is true,” Mrs. Cottontail agreed.
    “Don’t worry,” chattered Mr. Bushytail, “all dogs are fed more treats then is good for them I’m sure. But they will never refuse one.”
    Yawning, Mr. Cottontail remarked, “I think the plan to tire out the city’s dogs is working just fine. But I must get some sleep before tomorrow comes.”
    The five animals departed for their respected homes to rest until the next day when more dogs would come to the park. And that is the secret of G. Tonnovich dog park in Circle City and why all dog owners love to bring their pets there to run.

How was your week?

Have you been writing much?

Do you have any dogs you would like to take to this park?

Independence Day Poem and Pony Bob

Happy "almost" 4th of July!

And if you are from Canada, Happy "late" Canada Day!

The week disappeared and I'm not sure what happened to it. Let me think, what did I do this week?

Saturday– I worked outside in the morning, and was even out in some rain. And I got in the chiggers. I could have done without the nine chigger bites on one ankle.

Sunday– I helped in Children's Church and got to see what lesson I'll be teaching this month. I also got some things figured out about the Christmas Play I was asked to write and direct this year.

Monday– It was one of those days where you have a long list of things to do and everything seems to take longer and at the end of the day you aren't sure if you got much done even if you list is mostly crossed off. That was also the day I decided to set aside Book 3 of my new series and let it sit for a bit. Something just wasn't working and while we have an idea of what it might be, I don't have time or brain power to go back and fix it right now. So you can be praying it will all come together later.

Tuesday– My aunt came down for the day. She hasn't been down since . . . I don't know when. So that was fun. I was able to get some things done.

Wednesday– It was our first day of Camp! It was exciting to open it with 70 people counting the Aunties. This was also the day I almost drank a brown recluse spider. He was in my glass of water and I was talking and didn't notice him. Until he tickled my lips. Then I spit out my water and dumped my glass. I'm still not sure if he was actually in my mouth or just almost.

Thursday– I worked on this and that, and the other thing.

One thing I did this week–though I don't remember when–was make a list of ALL the stories I've posted on my blog (that haven't been turned into novels) except the Christmas ones. Anyone want to guess how many I've written? Now I can look at the list in my planner and see the date(s) I've posted any stories. Hopefully this will mean I can repost some stories for you.

Anyway, here's a poem and a short story. Hope you enjoy them!

Independence Day

If I lived in Philadelphia, my heart would swell with pride,
In 1776 I’d stand, with patriots at my side.

If I served at Ft. McHenry and the British came to fight,
In 1812 I’d wait to see Old Glory in the light.

If I traveled west by wagon, I would gladly stop and say
A prayer of thanks to God above on Independence Day.

If I flew a plane with Rickenbacker above the foreign skies,
I’d be fighting for our freedom and its glow would fill my eyes.

If I were on board the Missouri in 1945,
I’d thank the Lord that peace had come and I was still alive.

If I joined Neil Armstrong in his trip up to the moon,
I’d wear a grin because I’d know my flag was going too.

So many years of history, of battles, folks, and things,
Our flag still flies in freedom’s skies while my heart loudly sings.

This land of 50 states and stars, the land I call my own,
Is for the brave, the true, the free, where Liberty calls home.

Where should I then in this great land its birth to celebrate?
Two hundred forty-four years have gone, God bless the United States.

If I were east in Washington D.C. I’d watch the fireworks display.
If I were up in Boston, I’d hear the Boston Pops play.

If I were in west in California I’d see a dazzling sight.
If I were down south in Austin, I might celebrate all night!

But I am here with family, in the middle of the land,
No fireworks or speeches, and no military band.

But I’ll still give thanks for the U.S.A.
And celebrate Independence Day!

~**~

February, 1872
Union Town
Nebraska Territory

    . . . This month has been rather interesting because we have had a visitor, Pony Bob Haslam. He was traveling west, but the storms stopped him. He rode for the Pony Express years ago and has been with us now for two weeks. He is a great favorite especially since he told David that Storm was one of the finest horses he has seen in years. He tells the most interesting stories in the evenings about his life and even a few about the Pony Express. The boys said I have to tell you the story that Mr. Haslam told us last night. And they say I have to write it in story form. I told them that I wasn’t sure I could or that you would be too interested in it, but Ben asked, “She has brothers doesn’t she?” So, I will do my best.

    It was a beautiful mid summer morning in Nevada when Pony Bob turned his steps in the direction of the Pony Express station. He had been a rider for some time and enjoyed it. Of course there were times of great danger and times when great wisdom was needed, but on the whole what could be more exciting then carrying the mail through snow & hail, cold & heat, outlaws & Indians? At the station Pony Bob waited for the rider to come in from the east. Soon he came, and Pony Bob was on his way west. His mustang made pretty good time, and Pony Bob saw no sign of Indians. He had ridden for quite awhile and just up ahead was the Reese River Station. There he would change to a new horse and continue on his way. His first horse was getting worn out. It had already carried him seventy-five miles that day. Just a little farther down the road was the station. Pony Bob blew his horn to let the station master know he was coming, so that he could get a new horse ready. But alas, when he rode up, there was the station master but no horse! “Sorry,” the station master said. “Don’t have any horses ‘round here a’tall. Not even a mule.” “What!” Pony Bob exclaimed.  “What’s happened to ‘em all?” “Gone to fight the Indians,” was the reply. There was nothing for Pony Bob to do but get back on his weary horse and head for the next station.
    Upon arriving at Bucklands, he found much to his great relief, a new rider and horse. But his relief was short lived. Richardson refused to go. Nothing like that had ever happened before. “I weren’t quite sure if he was sick or just plain scared. All’s I know is he dumped the blanket,” Pony Bob later reported. So after switching the mochila (the special pouch that holds the letters) to a fresh horse, Pony Bob mounted and rode off. Thirty miles later, he got a new horse. Then thirty -seven more miles and another change of mounts. Finally he rode the last thirty miles to the next station where Jay Kelly relieved him. Pony Bob had come one hundred ninety miles and was ready for a rest. He went into the station and collapsed on the floor for some much needed sleep.
    A little later, “Hey Bob, wake up!” roused him from a deep sleep. Pony Bob yawned and opened his tired eyes. “Eh,” he said, “What’s up?” “The western rider is, or rather he’s down. He fell off his horse and is too crippled to ride farther. Will you take the mochila, Bob?” Pony Bob yawned again and stretched. “How long have I been sleeping?” “’Bout an hour and a half,” the station master replied as he helped the injured rider to a cot. “Long enough,” Pony Bob said. “Saddle up.” In less than five minutes Pony Bob was in the saddle and was riding back over the same route that he had started on.
    As he neared Cold Springs, the station where just a few hours before he had changed horses, he began to have a strange feeling that all was not right. He saw the station just ahead, so he sounded his horn. Nothing happened. He rode up to the door. All was quiet. Too quiet. Not a horse or a man was to be seen or heard. Pony Bob slowly opened the door and looked in. Much to his horror, he found five men dead. The Indians must have raided the station soon after he was there, killed the men and run off the horses. What should Pony Bob do now? Should he risk everything by riding his weary horse through the country that was alive with the red men? He decided to try, for the mail must go through. As he rode off from Cold Springs, he kept his eyes open for any sign of Indians.
    At Bucklands, an hour or so later, division Superintendent Morley had just ridden in when Pony Bob arrived on his exhausted and foam covered horse. Morley listened with a grim face as Pony Bob recounted the story of Cold Springs. “Lay low until evening.” Morley ordered. “You’ve got no chance of escaping those Indian bands in daylight.” Pony Bob nodded and headed into the cabin to sleep until evening while Morley kept watch.
    Nine hours later, Pony Bob was on a young & high-mettled mustang riding off into the gathering dusk, A few miles later he suddenly spotted some Indians! He lay low in the saddle, quietly urging his horse on, but at the same time keeping his eyes on the Indians. They didn’t see him. But a little later, Pony Bob suddenly heard something to his right. Glancing quickly over, he noticed several Indians on horseback coming his way. Just at that moment they also noticed him and began to chase. Pony Bob thought quickly, could his horse outrun the Indians’ mounts? He was pretty sure he could, so leaning forward in the saddle, he urged his horse on faster & faster. After chasing for several miles, the Indians left Pony Bob and disappeared into the darkness.
    Finally, as dawn began to break, Pony Bob arrived safely back where he had started, and another rider took the mochila on. Pony Bob had ridden three hundred eighty miles with only ten and a half hours sleep, and safely delivered the mail.

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Did you enjoy today's "double feature"?

Does it seem strange to be thinking about a Christmas Play?