Story After the End

fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 7​

Frank's Dad was there bright and early. They quickly laid out the area where the garage was going to be. They had decided to build a large storage/laundry area onto the house, and the garage would be connected to the storage area. Frank's Dad started the digging for the foundation while Frank started clearing everything that would be in the way. The old metal carport would become a place to keep firewood out of the weather. Tommy, loved to watch his Grandpa on the tractor, so Janet, put him in a chair next to a window and served his breakfast there. The lumber truck arrived with materials to build forms with and Frank directed the driver where to stack the material. Everything was placed to rear of the house so it wasn't easily seen from the road. Frank took frequent measurements to make certain they were at the depth they wanted to be. Digging the hole was pretty much an all day job. The next morning, they dug the footers and laid drain pipe under the forms. They would pour the floor and headers and after an appropriate wait, depending on the weather, they would pour the walls. They plumbed in all the necessary piping for a bathroom and a small galley type kitchen. The plumbing was tied into the house plumbing but was set up so it could be made independent of the house with the closing of a few valves. The restroom was piped directly to the new septic tank and the gray water would go directly to the leech field.

“I'll be back in the morning and we can start building forms, “said Frank's Dad, “Would you mind if I brought a little help?” “I have a neighbor that is completely trustworthy and he could use a little extra money right now. He is an excellent carpenter, but there is not much construction going on right now.”

“If he is OK by you, he is OK by me,” said Frank. “How much will it cost me?”

“We will work that out, but I guarantee, whatever we pay him, it will be money well spent. He will get us ahead of schedule and keep us there,” said John.

“OK, Dad, I'll see the two of you in the morning, by the way, Dad, aren't we supposed to have a building permit?”

“Taken care of, boy. I have a old lodge brother in the permits office. We won't be hassled and the construction will not show up on your tax information.”

Frank was dragging by the time he got in the house. How in the world had he let himself get so soft. His Dad had worked circles around him. Maybe this sitting in front of a computer all day was not as good as he thought. I have got to get in better shape. No more soft life for me.

“Ready for some supper,” asked Janet?

“Hot shower first and then I will be right in there. You and Tommy can start without me if you want,” said Frank,

He stood under the shower letting the massage nozzle beat down on his neck and shoulders thinking to himself. It's funny he thought, I am spending all this energy and money on something I hope I never get to use. I'm buying food that I pray we never eat, and I am storing water that I never want to drink, yet it feels like the right thing to do. I just wish we had started when we first got married. He realized he had washed all the soreness out of his back that the water would remove, so he turned off the nozzle and climbed out of the shower. He went to his bedroom and put on a pair of old jogging pants and a Tee shirt and made his way to the kitchen. He was wearing the soreness and the tiredness like a badge of honor. He had done something good for his family.

After supper, he went straight to bed, “Good night, Darling,” he told Janet. “I am going to turn in early. Please set the clock for five o'clock.”

“Good night, sweetheart,” Janet replied, “I'll just do the dishes and get Tommy to bed and I'll be right in.”

“ZZZzzzz,” said Frank.
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 8​

John and his friend Terry were there at six am. Frank was waiting for them with a hot cup of coffee for each. After introductions, Frank asked the men if they had eaten breakfast. They assured him they were ready to go, so they started moving lumber into the hole the had dug. Frank was quickly impressed with the knowledge Terry brought to the job. He started making some suggestions and changes and the forms started taking shape. They broke for lunch, and Terry suggested to Frank that he order concrete to be delivered tomorrow. We will have the forms ready this afternoon and if the trucks can get here early enough, we will have the floor finished tomorrow. “I am not a concrete finisher, but I know a couple of guys that can handle this. I will probably costs a couple of hundred bucks. They are some of the best, but there isn't much building going on. I am sure they would appreciate a day's work,” said Terry.

“Terry, we are trying to get this done with as little advertisement as possible. If you can vouch for these guys, call them and let's get this finished. There will be more concrete work coming up shortly. If you can guarantee their discretion, let's hire them,” said Frank.

“John explained what is going on,” said Terry, “we built something very similar at my place two years ago.” These men will be discrete.”

It was another long day, but the forms were ready and John's friend assured them it would be OK to do a monolithic pour. The floor and footers would be poured at one time. All they needed to do now was give everything time to set up and then they could pour the walls. Once the walls were sufficiently set, they could pour the basement ceiling.

“I'll see you guys in the morning and I will bring the concrete guys with me. Let's hope the truck is on time. By this time tomorrow, you should have a finished foundation,” said the carpenter.

“Dad, I don't know how to thank you for all the help,” Frank began. John, waved him off before he could start.

“Just knowing you are taking care of your family is thanks enough. Tell Janet, she needs to go see your mother, she has some things she wants to give her and some advice she wants to share,” said John.

Morning brought concrete and finishers. Frank was amazed at the efficiency of the workers. They quickly directed the truck into position and started vibrating the concrete into the forms. They explained how the vibrating rod eliminated any air pockets and assured a homogeneous pour. The floor was slick as glass and Frank was sure he had done the right thing by hiring professionals.

The concrete trucks were like a parade as they turned into the driveway, drawing some unwanted attention from the neighbors. Frank went out to talk to the gossip from down the street and told her that his wife wanted a new garage and what Janet wanted, Janet got. The neighbor started asking more questions than Frank wanted to answer, so he said he had to run, but he would invite him over when it was finished. Satisfied for the time being the nosy neighbor left and Frank went back to work.

“That one is going to be trouble,” Frank told his Dad. “She doesn't let anything happen on this street without sticking her nose in it.”

“I could talk to her,” offered John, “I can convince her that you are being taken on the concrete work and ordered way more than you needed and I had to come over and get it straightened out.”

“It's worth a try,” said Frank, “I told her I would give her a tour when its finished. The basement of course will be hidden.”

Frank's mother had box after box of canning jars and cases of lids and rings for Janet. “I cant take all of these,” said Janet, “You will need them for you and John.”

“We bought enough for all of us when we ordered,” said June, “The shipping wasn't that much more, and we got a price break by buying in quantity.” “Don't worry about getting them home, We will move them after your new storage room is ready. I just wanted to show them to you and let you know that we think you are doing the right thing. There is another box over there you can take today, if you have room for it.”

Janet opened the box and found a brand new All American Canner, confused at first by all the knobs on top, she asked June, “Will you show me how it works?”

“We will learn together,” said June, “I ordered one for John and me as well. My old Presto needed a new gasket, and I got to thinking there may be a time when we wouldn't be able to get gaskets, so I got us both one of these. There is also a Country Living grain mill for you and Frank. When you are ready, we will start your bread making lessons.”
 
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fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 9​

They gave the floor a week and the started the forms for the walls. They decided to make the walls a full eighteen inches thick to insure they would support the weight of the garage floor and the vehicles. John suggested building forms for concrete supports down the center of the floor, giving them the option to build a wall inside to divide the area and to help support the roof. A truck delivered a very large gun safe and they lowered it into the basement using the bucket on the tractor. Once everything was formed up and in place, Frank put in an order for more concrete. John's friend said the concrete guys would be there in the morning, and they would have the walls finished by mid afternoon.

Frank and his Dad went to the house and started talking about buying some guns and ammo. Frank had a hunting rifle and a shotgun, but that was it. His interest in hunting had waned when he became a work at home employee. While working in the office, there were always offers of a hunting trip from fellow employees, but now the only interaction with the other workers came via conference call. John suggested a couple of AR-15s. One for Frank and one for Janet. His reasoning was light recoil and good accuracy and the ammunition wasn't too expensive. He also suggested a couple of handguns. “Why don't you and Janet come over this weekend, and we can shoot some of my guns and see what fits you before you commit to buying,” offered John.

“That sounds like a plan,” said Frank, “I am not very familiar with handguns. Janet never wanted one in the house after Tommy came along, but now, I don't think she will object.”

“Guns are tools, son, nothing more and nothing less. They are an inanimate object, they are not capable of doing anything without human intervention. Practice safety as if you're life depended on it, because it does,” said John solemnly.

The concrete finishers got there ahead of the first concrete truck and directed the pumping truck where they needed him to be. It seemed to Frank that it was going awfully fast, but in effect, all they were doing was filling up the forms with concrete. Gravity was doing most of the work and there was no finishing to speak of. The rebar was left proud of the form to allow the slab to be tied to the walls. The columns were poured and that was it. Now they would wait for the walls to set and then the form would be taken down and the ceiling could be poured. The building materials for the garage were ordered and a delivery date set. It looked like Frank and Janet would have about four days with nothing to do.

Frank got busy planning a green house, while Janet and Frank's Mom, got busy decorating the nursery. They refinished Tommy's crib in a neutral color although June had assured Janet she was carrying a girl. She said she could tell by the baby's position. Janet thought, at least she has a fifty/fifty chance of being right.

John and Frank ordered four eighty percent AR receivers. By finishing them their selves, they could avoid any interaction with the BATF. John was a hobby machinist and would have no trouble milling out the necessary cuts and drilling the required holes. Frank ordered the upper receivers and barrels and all the assorted parts needed to build a complete rifle.

John put in an order for ammunition for the both of them. They ordered fro both the rifles and shotguns and John got pistol ammo in nine millimeter and forty five acp. He was certain that Janet would want the nine millimeter and John the forty five. If they didn't, he would use it for himself.

Before they knew it, it was time for the forms to be removed form the walls. Frank and the carpenter removed the forms while Frank followed behind, backfilling as they finished a wall. The ceiling joist were put into place and then long sheets of tin were placed across the joist. The tin would hold the concrete until it hardened. To make certain, they made supports for the inside to help hold the ceiling joist in place. The next morning, the concrete crew was there and the ceiling/garage floor was poured and finished. “Well the hard part's done, would you like me to hang around and help with the garage,” asked the carpenter?”

“Absolutely,” said John, “you're help has been invaluable.

Frank paid off the concrete crew and even gave them a bonus for their excellent work. “There may be some more work in the future, if you guys are interested,” said Frank.

“Just let Terry know. He knows how to get in touch with us, and thanks for letting us work for you.”

“Terry, the garage materials are around back, if you want to look and see if we are missing anything. I ordered everything I cold think of, but I am sure I missed something,” said Frank.

Terry looked it over and said, “We have enough to get started, I will let you know as far in advance as I can if I see something we need.”
 
Dosadi

Dosadi

Brown Coat
Thanks.

Turning nosey neighbors into a non threat is never easy.

Out in the country you feel like your off by yourself, but every body seems to know everybodys business.

Not sure how it would go in town

D.
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 10​


The garage was finished and the entrance to the basement area was hidden behind a swing out shelf in the laundry room. Janet was shocked at the size of the basement. “It sure looks bigger than the hole you dug for it,” she exclaimed.

“I was thinking the same thing,” said Frank, “Its like a tent, seemingly bigger on the inside than the outside.”

Frank and Janet sketched out where she wanted the shelving for storage and then they discussed how they could live in the basement if they had too. They made plans for some bunks for the kids and Janet explained how she wanted her galley laid out. Frank promised to get all he could done, before the baby came.

Frank and John worked on finishing out the basement, adding trim and even paneling the walls. When they finished, it looked as if you were in an efficiency apartment and not underground. John explained to Frank, that maintaining a semblance of normalcy was very important. It would make an extended stay a lot more comfortable and less claustrophobic, if it felt like they were in their home.

One week to the day after finishing the addition, Janet called Frank from his work and said, “Call your Mom and then get my suitcase, its time to go to the hospital.”

“Frank quickly called his team manager and let him know he was off the clock and then his Mom and Dad, “Mom,, we are leaving for the hospital, Janet says it is time.”

Frank was a lot calmer than he had been when Tommy was born, he had gotten two blocks from the house before he realized he had everything but Janet loaded in the car. This time, he sat Janet in the front seat first and then loaded the luggage.

“Thanks for remembering me this time,”Janet teased.

“I was scared to death the first time,” said Frank, “This time I know what to expect. Will the doctor be there when we arrive?”

“I called his office and let them know we were on the way,” said Janet. “Unless he is playing golf, I assume he will be there.”

The labor was brief and uneventful and Sarah, joined the family by mid afternoon. Coming in at seven pounds on the nose and twenty and one half inches, she had her Mom's features and her Dad's loud mouth. Frank and his parents were ecstatic, Sarah was sleepy and Janet was tired, but, they were all together.
 
Lake Lili

Lake Lili

Veteran Member
Thanks fastback!

My cousin is Sarah Janet - got her Junior Maine Guide as a teen, still climbs mountains, loves canoeing, wicked sense of humour and a handy gal to have around... wish the same for your Sarah.
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Sara, I get up about 4:00am everyday, I turn in around 8:30 or so. Wife's job gets her up early so even though I am retired, I get up when she does.

Lake Lili, My wife's name is Janet and my step daughter's name is Sara.
 
sssarawolf

sssarawolf

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I thought about it and now that I am more awake after going outside and doing my animal chores; I realize your story shows going up at my time which was 3:06 AM :)
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 11​


“Janet,” Frank began, “The underground shelter is finished, we have close to two years worth of food for the four of us, and the cistern is full. I wouldn't have believed we could get this much done. Soon it will be time to plant our garden. My life is full.”

“I knew once you set your mind to it, you would see it through, you have always been like that,” said Janet, with a touch of admiration in her voice.

“I would like to start training you to shoot some, when you're ready. Dad and I have completed the AR-15s and He has several pistols for you try and see what you like,” said Frank, broaching a subject he knew was going to be touchy.

“I think I would like to try as soon as we can arrange it, maybe we could get a little classroom before I actually shoot. You know, safety tips and cleaning and things like that,” said Janet

Frank was almost speechless, he had prepared a list of reasons she should do it and she was almost insisting they start now. “Whatever you say, Dear,” answered Frank. “I think you should know, Dad bought a Chipmunk 22 for Tommy. It is a small single shot .22 rifle and of course we will always be with him when he is shooting.”

Janet thought for a minute before she spoke, “I think that is a good idea, as long as safety is the main part of his training.”

“I wouldn't have it any other way,” agreed Frank, “Dad has assured me he will be on board with whatever we decide.”

The next morning, it was still quite cool out, but thoughts of planting were in Frank's head. He hooked the disc to the Ford tractor and started going over the garden spot breaking up the soil so it would accept the spring rains better. Once satisfied he had done all he could, he went to the house for a quick lunch.

Janet was feeding Sara and Tommy when he got to the house, and sat down to join them. “I'm not sure what it is, but I have a feeling we need to get the garden going as quickly as we can. Things are too quite in the world. There seems to be a calm before the proverbial storm,” said Frank.

“Is it going to rain Mommy,” asked Tommy?

“Not that kind of storm,” laughed Janet. Frank, I know exactly what you mean. It is nothing I can put my finger on, but things seem, I don't know, I guess saying it it sounds silly, but things seem too normal.”

“Exactly,” said Frank, “Too normal, there is always some sort of war or famine or upheaval somewhere in the world, but the talking heads on the news are doing nothing but fluff stories.”

“It is a little unsettling,” said Frank, “I'm not sure how to prepare for good times,”
 
G

golem3

Member
That's a strange thought - prepare for the good times. It is kind of sad that the world is like that now. You never know when a good time will quickly change to a bad time. Thanks for the story.
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 12​

Frank and Janet took the kids over to visit with John and June, and to give Frank a chance to ask his Dad some gardening questions. “Dad, Janet and I feel like something is going to happen, and we want to get something in the ground. Not just for the sake of planting, but something that will be ready for harvest as early as possible. We want to everything harvested and preserved as quick as we can. What do you think we should plant.”

“Son, I'm glad you brought this up. Your Mother and I feel the same way. We have a lot of plants already started in the green house. Putting plants in the ground instead of seeds will get them ready sooner, it is a bit more work though, we have enough plants started for both of us,” John offered.

“I have two more weeks on my Family Medical Leave, I sure would like to use it wisely as I can. Do you think we can do it in two weeks,” asked Frank?

“We will plant yours first and then you Mother and I will plant our garden. How about we start in the morning? I will be over about seven in the morning. Son, I hope we are all wrong, but something just isn't right.”

While John and Frank were discussing the gardens, June was fawning over Sarah, and she and Janet were talking about preserving food. “I think John and I are going to put in another order for a two years supply of food. There is a two thousand calorie a day deal, that I think would fit us just fine. It wouldn't be any trouble to double the order if you and Frank want to order more,” said June.

“I am not to worried about Frank and me, but I am a little concerned about Sarah and Tommy. Do you think LTS food would be OK for them,” Janet asked?

“Certainly, but be sure to order things that you can puree into baby food. Do you have a food mill or ricer,” asked Janet?

“No, we don't,” Janet replied, “In fact, the only can opener we have is the cheap one in the kitchen that we use everyday.”

“Let me order what I think you need, and if you don't think you need it, I will keep it for myself,” said Janet, “think about how much of your food is in cans, and how useful if would be to have a commercial type can opener, and a lid lifter for the buckets.”

“You ladies have a nice visit,” asked Frank? Janet we need to get to the house, there are a few things I want to get done before dark.”

They all said their goodbyes and John reminded Frank he would be over in the morning. As they were driving home, they exchanged information, Frank told Janet to add two of the two thousand calorie two year supplies of food and whatever else she thought they might need. This might be our last chance to get everything in place for a while. “Dad and I are going to plant our garden in the morning. He and Mom have some plants ready to put in the ground. They started the seeds in their green house. I want to add an underground propane tank and have it filled. We should be in pretty good shape, when I have to go back to work.”

Frank asked Janet to call the propane company and order a 500 gallon underground tank and have it installed. “Call me on the handie talkie when they get here and I will show them where I want it. Dad is coming up the driveway, so I am going to go meet him. Lunch around noon would be great,” said Frank kissing his wife as he headed out to meet his Dad.
 
Dosadi

Dosadi

Brown Coat
Thank you

baby food grinder
powdered whole milk
salt
honey
wheat berrys (untreated if you get them at the co-op)

Grain grinder, (the good ones that make flour aren't cheap)
oily grain and nut grinder (Peanut butter etc and extract oils for cooking use
butter churn

Dexter small breed milk cow, bred and a second for about six months later so you have milk all the time.

I love setting up small homesteads.

Oh, and feeder pigs (the farm disposall) and you convert extra milk and such to BACON!

Oh and a churn, much easier to make butter, and rennet unless you want to get it from a butchered cows stomach (cheese making)

extra light bulbs, lots of 12 volt ones. No one remembers that they burn out and all the off grid in the world is useless without things that can use it.

Well thanks for getting my old brain clicking.

D.
 
O

Old Gray Mare

TB Fanatic
Potatoes, sweet and regular keepers, pungent onions, garlic, winter squash and pumpkins! They do not need to be "preserved". Preserving can be a lot of work and time. Squash and potatoes will last for months in cool dark storage. Carrots too.
 
S

seraphima

Veteran Member
Herbs and teas can be dried in bunches, hanging up in a shed. Or, in a wet climate, put the leaves on a flat basket or screen and dry inside. Parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, mint tea, chamomile tea, raspberry leaf tea, comfrey for bones and salves, calendula flowers for cooking and salves, cut up chives, dried celery, etc. etc.
 
stjwelding

stjwelding

Veteran Member
fastback08 Thanks for sharing your story with us I just caught up. Great story, looking forward to more soon.
Wayne
 
S

seraphima

Veteran Member
I'd be interested to know the kinds of things that are 'pinging' on Frank and his dad's radar- why are they feeling the urgency to get the garden in and so forth?
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
It is not what is pinging on the radar, it is the fact that there is nothing pinging on the radar. Sort of a calm before the storm. Things are going so well, that they feel it is inevitable that there will be trouble. From Chapter 11.

Janet was feeding Sara and Tommy when he got to the house, and sat down to join them. “I'm not sure what it is, but I have a feeling we need to get the garden going as quickly as we can. Things are too quite in the world. There seems to be a calm before the proverbial storm,” said Frank.

“Is it going to rain Mommy,” asked Tommy?

“Not that kind of storm,” laughed Janet. Frank, I know exactly what you mean. It is nothing I can put my finger on, but things seem, I don't know, I guess saying it it sounds silly, but things seem too normal.”

“Exactly,” said Frank, “Too normal, there is always some sort of war or famine or upheaval somewhere in the world, but the talking heads on the news are doing nothing but fluff stories.”

“It is a little unsettling,” said Frank, “I'm not sure how to prepare for good times,”
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 13​

Frank and John got started in the garden while Janet got the children up, dressed and fed. The planting was taking longer than Frank thought it should have, but John assured him they were making good progress. “It always takes longer to put plants in the ground than it does seed, but you will see results a lot sooner,” explained Frank.

Some things, of course, they had no option but seed, but they were fast maturing varieties and Frank hoped they would produce in time. He couldn't shake the feeling that the clock was ticking for them.

“Son,” said John, “Could it be that now that most things are ready, you are just feeling anxious? Your Mother and I have been preparing for quite a few years now and some times you just feel as if something needs to happen to justify all the money you've spent. Trust me Son, I get these feelings from time to time, and I can't explain them either, but we will do all we can to set your mind at ease.”

“Dad, I have spent enough money to burn a wet mule, but I would do it again in a minute. The feeling of knowing you have done all you can to protect your family is priceless. Maybe I am feeling this way because I want to prove to myself I am doing the right thing, maybe it is some sort of premonition, I honestly don't know, but I do know, I will do all I can to make sure my family is safe,” Frank declared emphatically.

Finishing in the garden for now, the two men went to the house where Janet had prepared them a lunch. Ham sandwiches and a green salad made for a cool meal. Both men asked for milk. As Janet poured the last of the milk from the container, she wrote milk on the small white board on the refrigerator.

“That reminds me,” said Frank, “Would you two be interested in owning a milk cow? I have a friend that raises Dexter cattle and he has a bred cow that is excess to his needs. I can get if for a good price if you too are interested. She should produce plenty for the four of you.”

“Dad, we don't know anything about raising a cow. We don't even have a dog,” said Janet.

“That's another thing, I have a puppy for Tommy, if you two are OK with him having one,” said John, “every boy needs a dog and if things get bad, another set of eyes and ears around here could be a welcome thing.”

“Dad, its not that we don't want Tommy to have a dog, he just isn't old enough to care for one. Remember he is only four,” said Frank.

“Of course he can't care for one now, but how else is he ever going to learn. This is a chance for you to teach him how to be responsible,” said John.

“Big dog or little dog, inside or out,” asked Janet?

“He is an Airedale,” said John, “He will be a big dog, but the breed is very smart and very capable of guard duty. They are loyal and they are very child friendly. As far as sleeping arrangements, They are capable of either inside or outside living, but I am betting once he and Tommy bond, he will sleep inside at night,”

“If you and Mom will help us out with the cow until we get the hang of it, I think a cow will be a good idea, especially with two kids that drink it like water,” said Frank, “as far as the puppy, why don't you ask Tommy if he wants one.”

“Well I guess it really will be a pasture now,” said Janet, I hope the barn can be rearranged to suit a cow.”
 
Dosadi

Dosadi

Brown Coat
Thanks.

My grandparents kept a cow and chickens and hand spaded about an acre garden (lots of kids to do the grunt work but hand spading will kill you. It's done with a spading fork one fork full at a time for an acre. Man I'm glad I never did more than a smalish bed that way.)

Between milk, eggs, culling chickens that quit laying, and garden produce including field corn ground for corn bread they made out.

Dad always said that white bread or even wheat bread was considered a luxury because they couldn't grow it.

They also of course had a fair amount of fish and small game. The Deer were pretty much hunted out. It was the work of hunters in the 60's that brought back deer and turkey to the state. So much so that now we have deer or more a day hunting from October to February. And reasonable fall and spring turkey seasons.

Anyway Just sharing that it takes far less than a lot think to keep a large family going if they all work at it.

I'm really liking this story.

D.
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
In 1950's Mississippi, the deer hunting was awful. It was rare to see a deer much less kill one. Now they are a nuisance in many parts of the state. They attacked my Moon and Stars watermelons last year. They broke open every single melon. Peas are impossible to grow, because of them. So I substituted venison for peas and watermelon in my diet.
 
R

ReneeT

Veteran Member
Fastback ~ Thank you for this very enjoyable story! And I especially thank you for the laugh I got from your last line :D
 
Dosadi

Dosadi

Brown Coat
Know what ya mean, venison and feral pig are on the menu a lot around here. I got some good fence on the garden and still have troubles.

D.
 
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