Story Grace, Mercy and Blessings
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
Sammy55
Veteran Member
Ahhhhh.........I feel another book coming...maybe two.
One following Clora and Mark and Tess and family. The other (maybe) on the rest of the clan?
Or not?? I guess only God and Pac knows for sure!
Thanks, Pac! Great story! Sad to see the family splitting up, but am happy to see less stress for Clora and Mark.
One following Clora and Mark and Tess and family. The other (maybe) on the rest of the clan?
Or not?? I guess only God and Pac knows for sure!
Thanks, Pac! Great story! Sad to see the family splitting up, but am happy to see less stress for Clora and Mark.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
I think you might be right on the continuing core group; a lot of distractions have been winnowed out & the cast cut way back but, I'm just guessing.
Historically, when people splinter off, they're just gone but parallel story lines could happen; way above my pay grade here.
So far, my guesses are running at about 5-6% accurate so I'm going to sit quietly over here & wait patiently.
What with all the RL stuff, wayward cattle, fencing, family & just getting through a day in our current world, I wouldn't be shocked if our guide to the Linderman clan needed a little respite herself.
The last time I looked, this was around 2.6 million words and that was a few weeks ago ......
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Wonderful. thank you Pac. Sounds like it's getting back to mostly the original family.
Sammy55
Veteran Member
WOW!! Over 2 million words!! WOW!!
Pac, you are to be commended for all the writing as well as entertaining, but especially for bring God into our lives through your wonderful words, inspiring characters, and fascinating, edge-of-our-seats plots.
Thank you more than what I can say! Where ever you go, we know God leads the way, and we will gratefully follow.
Pac, you are to be commended for all the writing as well as entertaining, but especially for bring God into our lives through your wonderful words, inspiring characters, and fascinating, edge-of-our-seats plots.
Thank you more than what I can say! Where ever you go, we know God leads the way, and we will gratefully follow.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
AND, I think we're about to enter the 14th year
I've been reading this through two vehicles' life spans!
I've said it before: thank you isn't nearly enough.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#220
Mark pushed the wheelbarrow slowly, and even then, Clora wasn't spry and able to keep pace. He unloaded the items in their wagon and took Clora by the grocery store. "she needs to sit and do no work," he warned the ladies. That Clora made no protest, clued the ladies that Clora was unwell.
"We'll take care of her," Rennie promised her father-in-law, and Mark felt her promise to be good. Out the door he went to push the barrow up to Tess's.
"Clora, you are just the woman we wanted to see," Rennie seemed to be the spokeswoman for the group. "Tess has mentioned the Inn was vacant, and that Abby went on a walk-about for greener pastures. She said the owners had also been killed and it's evidently up for grabs.
Some of us are pretty curious about the place and if we might take over operations, or what the situtation might be?"
Clora smiled. "First I want to say that Mark and I, Tess and her boys will be moving on. Those that are willing are welcome to join us. And no, we aren't interested in operating the Inn," she added to the looks of relief on some of the ladies' faces.
"Belnap is a small town, and many of the shops and buildings are empty. Abby has told me that there is a vacant medical clinic, and many houses are available. There are probably 50 or so people in the surrounding town, so there is demand for services. The people have been coming down to buy from Georges store, so there is a need for a grocery. Now for the Inn, I believe Abby said it had twenty five rooms to rent, but that there is a company that ferries travelers down from the North, and they come about every two weeks for meals and lodging."
In the background, the three sisters were whispering among themselves, looking interested in the prospect of a hospitality business. Trish and Phoebe were talking low, Judy and Clara were conferring, Sally was talking to Millie and there was so much talking going on, that the hum of it all made Clora happy.
Rennie and Honey were talking, but not looking pleased with one another.
Clora said no more, preferring to let the women work with the news, settling some of their ideas.
Mark pushed the wheelbarrow slowly, and even then, Clora wasn't spry and able to keep pace. He unloaded the items in their wagon and took Clora by the grocery store. "she needs to sit and do no work," he warned the ladies. That Clora made no protest, clued the ladies that Clora was unwell.
"We'll take care of her," Rennie promised her father-in-law, and Mark felt her promise to be good. Out the door he went to push the barrow up to Tess's.
"Clora, you are just the woman we wanted to see," Rennie seemed to be the spokeswoman for the group. "Tess has mentioned the Inn was vacant, and that Abby went on a walk-about for greener pastures. She said the owners had also been killed and it's evidently up for grabs.
Some of us are pretty curious about the place and if we might take over operations, or what the situtation might be?"
Clora smiled. "First I want to say that Mark and I, Tess and her boys will be moving on. Those that are willing are welcome to join us. And no, we aren't interested in operating the Inn," she added to the looks of relief on some of the ladies' faces.
"Belnap is a small town, and many of the shops and buildings are empty. Abby has told me that there is a vacant medical clinic, and many houses are available. There are probably 50 or so people in the surrounding town, so there is demand for services. The people have been coming down to buy from Georges store, so there is a need for a grocery. Now for the Inn, I believe Abby said it had twenty five rooms to rent, but that there is a company that ferries travelers down from the North, and they come about every two weeks for meals and lodging."
In the background, the three sisters were whispering among themselves, looking interested in the prospect of a hospitality business. Trish and Phoebe were talking low, Judy and Clara were conferring, Sally was talking to Millie and there was so much talking going on, that the hum of it all made Clora happy.
Rennie and Honey were talking, but not looking pleased with one another.
Clora said no more, preferring to let the women work with the news, settling some of their ideas.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Sweet, thank you for the chapter.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
You mean if Dory decides Gary is worth saving & she decides to go on the trek
Gary doesn't know it yet but he's all but hogtied, waiting for the hot iron......
Mrs Pac will sort it out
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#221
By the time that Mark got Tess and her boys back to the circled wagons, Milo and Toby were hot-footing it over for a conference. The ladies had wasted no time in informing their husbands what was going on; the deep life changing choices that would need to be made.
Millie and Trish had already made arrangements for George and Trish and the three sisters to visit Belnap the first thing the next morning and inspect what the town might have to offer.
"I'm assuming" and George held up his hand to stop the knowing looks, "that the process for claiming places, buildings and lands in Belnap, will be the same as it was here. We may have to renounce the lands we have claimed here, but I'm guessing that Wyatt will know the procedure."
By the time supper was over, there was a wagon load of people interested in checking out the town, and benches from the bunk house were requested for seating.
Corbin and Clara talked long into the night concerning the idea of moving Corbin's freight service to Belnap. "I'd really like to find out what Andy and Judy have planned," Clara was frank and honest, "and what Andy wants to do, probably hinges on what Donny and his family decide to do."
The two of them were sitting off to the side of the grocery's pot bellied stove, enjoying the warmth. The warm day had cooled off considerably, and the new mamas had opted to spend the night in the warm store.
George and Millie were talking with Donny and Sally, explaining that they admired the young couple and the way they were taking care of the children in their care. "We'd like you to stay and help us run the store. Much like an apprentice, with the younger kids helping as they grow older and learn a trade. We offer a home and food, a small wage and our only request is that we be allowed to be Grandma and Grandpa to the young ones."
"I need to talk to Sally about this, you understand we are still new to each other and I want to make sure she has a say." Donny mumbled between hurting and feeling woozy.
"I think you outta talk to me also," Andy barged into the conversation. "You ain't in any condition to be out traipsing around. My Judy would like to be in town so she and her Ma can run a sewing business. Me, I wanna keep on raising our horses and sell good broke stock, so I'm gonna need land and a barn. I'm hoping to find a place close in."
"We'll know tomorrow, actually I'm kinda excited about settling down, we've been roamin 'round a powerful long time." and Donny gave up talking, he was exhausted beyond belief.
By the time that Mark got Tess and her boys back to the circled wagons, Milo and Toby were hot-footing it over for a conference. The ladies had wasted no time in informing their husbands what was going on; the deep life changing choices that would need to be made.
Millie and Trish had already made arrangements for George and Trish and the three sisters to visit Belnap the first thing the next morning and inspect what the town might have to offer.
"I'm assuming" and George held up his hand to stop the knowing looks, "that the process for claiming places, buildings and lands in Belnap, will be the same as it was here. We may have to renounce the lands we have claimed here, but I'm guessing that Wyatt will know the procedure."
By the time supper was over, there was a wagon load of people interested in checking out the town, and benches from the bunk house were requested for seating.
Corbin and Clara talked long into the night concerning the idea of moving Corbin's freight service to Belnap. "I'd really like to find out what Andy and Judy have planned," Clara was frank and honest, "and what Andy wants to do, probably hinges on what Donny and his family decide to do."
The two of them were sitting off to the side of the grocery's pot bellied stove, enjoying the warmth. The warm day had cooled off considerably, and the new mamas had opted to spend the night in the warm store.
George and Millie were talking with Donny and Sally, explaining that they admired the young couple and the way they were taking care of the children in their care. "We'd like you to stay and help us run the store. Much like an apprentice, with the younger kids helping as they grow older and learn a trade. We offer a home and food, a small wage and our only request is that we be allowed to be Grandma and Grandpa to the young ones."
"I need to talk to Sally about this, you understand we are still new to each other and I want to make sure she has a say." Donny mumbled between hurting and feeling woozy.
"I think you outta talk to me also," Andy barged into the conversation. "You ain't in any condition to be out traipsing around. My Judy would like to be in town so she and her Ma can run a sewing business. Me, I wanna keep on raising our horses and sell good broke stock, so I'm gonna need land and a barn. I'm hoping to find a place close in."
"We'll know tomorrow, actually I'm kinda excited about settling down, we've been roamin 'round a powerful long time." and Donny gave up talking, he was exhausted beyond belief.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you Pac.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#222
Early the next morning, the wagon load set out traveling North to inspect the conditions in Belnap.
Milo, Toby, Gary, Chuck and Corbin went as outriders. What they found, gladdened the weariest of hearts.
Every concern was covered with appropriate rewards. The medical clinic was everything Trish could have wished for; there was plenty of housing, sprinkled among the already occupied houses. The residents of Belnap seemed to be interested in welcoming the newcomers, turning out to meet and greet.
The three sisters went through the Inn with a fine tooth comb. The office yielded information that the next group of travelers was due in two days. There was enough furnished rooms to house the clan and the visitors, food was the only concern.
Pricilla, Reva and Dory went to talk to the 'mayor' of Belnap, asking if any of the city folk had tendered for the job of running the Inn. The 'mayor' took one look at three women that seemed to understand the workings of the Inn and wished them Godspeed to throw themselves into the job.
All the time the ladies were conferring with the 'mayor', Dory had some of her attention tuned to Gary and what he might be thinking about staying or moving on. The way her sisters were nattering on, caused Dory to lose sight of Gary; as Pricilla and Reva asked stupid and nonsensical questions. It carried on so long, Dory was beginning to get the idea that she was being played, to keep her interest away from Gary.
Walking away, Dory pretended she was inspecting the kitchen, carefully looking out the windows to see what the bulk of the clan members were doing. She was also coming to the conclusion she would not enjoy working with her sisters, they were smothering her, and Gary or not, she wasn't going to be a part of the Inn.
Slipping out the back kitchen door, Dory went to the barn as a way to escape. The barn was dark and cool, and Dory found the quietness welcoming as she relaxed against a stall wall and tilted her head back and closed her eyes.
She smelled him, before she heard the movement on the straw covered floor.
"What are you doing here?" the low snarl broke the silence.
Dory took a deep breath, holding on to her good nature. "I'm doing nothing," Dory whispered, "this seemed to be a good place to do it. My sisters are driving me crazy."
"Get out," Gary ordered.
"Go to hell," Dory said sweetly.
There was a guttural grunt from Gary and he turned and stomped out. Dory, for her part, didn't move. If that lop eared excuse of a man thought that he was going to bluff her out, he was sadly mistaken. Dory felt that she had been bluffed out by better men than Gary.
Gary was mad. That woman was the most obstinate, consarned woman he had ever had the misfortune to meet up with. No wonder that Chuck fella lit out like his tail feathers were afire.
She just seemed to have the knack for showing up wherever he was, and he was getting tired of all her interferences.
Dory stayed in the barn until she heard the group gathering together for the return trip, and she slowly strolled out to join the loudly chattering crowd. All the way back to the grocery, she listened with half an ear to the scolding's and aggravated superiority of her two older sisters who were bent on creating Dory into a more responsible sister.
If Dory had even remotely been considering staying to help work the Inn, by the time the group got back, she was done and gone by her sisters disapproval.
Early the next morning, the wagon load set out traveling North to inspect the conditions in Belnap.
Milo, Toby, Gary, Chuck and Corbin went as outriders. What they found, gladdened the weariest of hearts.
Every concern was covered with appropriate rewards. The medical clinic was everything Trish could have wished for; there was plenty of housing, sprinkled among the already occupied houses. The residents of Belnap seemed to be interested in welcoming the newcomers, turning out to meet and greet.
The three sisters went through the Inn with a fine tooth comb. The office yielded information that the next group of travelers was due in two days. There was enough furnished rooms to house the clan and the visitors, food was the only concern.
Pricilla, Reva and Dory went to talk to the 'mayor' of Belnap, asking if any of the city folk had tendered for the job of running the Inn. The 'mayor' took one look at three women that seemed to understand the workings of the Inn and wished them Godspeed to throw themselves into the job.
All the time the ladies were conferring with the 'mayor', Dory had some of her attention tuned to Gary and what he might be thinking about staying or moving on. The way her sisters were nattering on, caused Dory to lose sight of Gary; as Pricilla and Reva asked stupid and nonsensical questions. It carried on so long, Dory was beginning to get the idea that she was being played, to keep her interest away from Gary.
Walking away, Dory pretended she was inspecting the kitchen, carefully looking out the windows to see what the bulk of the clan members were doing. She was also coming to the conclusion she would not enjoy working with her sisters, they were smothering her, and Gary or not, she wasn't going to be a part of the Inn.
Slipping out the back kitchen door, Dory went to the barn as a way to escape. The barn was dark and cool, and Dory found the quietness welcoming as she relaxed against a stall wall and tilted her head back and closed her eyes.
She smelled him, before she heard the movement on the straw covered floor.
"What are you doing here?" the low snarl broke the silence.
Dory took a deep breath, holding on to her good nature. "I'm doing nothing," Dory whispered, "this seemed to be a good place to do it. My sisters are driving me crazy."
"Get out," Gary ordered.
"Go to hell," Dory said sweetly.
There was a guttural grunt from Gary and he turned and stomped out. Dory, for her part, didn't move. If that lop eared excuse of a man thought that he was going to bluff her out, he was sadly mistaken. Dory felt that she had been bluffed out by better men than Gary.
Gary was mad. That woman was the most obstinate, consarned woman he had ever had the misfortune to meet up with. No wonder that Chuck fella lit out like his tail feathers were afire.
She just seemed to have the knack for showing up wherever he was, and he was getting tired of all her interferences.
Dory stayed in the barn until she heard the group gathering together for the return trip, and she slowly strolled out to join the loudly chattering crowd. All the way back to the grocery, she listened with half an ear to the scolding's and aggravated superiority of her two older sisters who were bent on creating Dory into a more responsible sister.
If Dory had even remotely been considering staying to help work the Inn, by the time the group got back, she was done and gone by her sisters disapproval.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Very good, Gary doesn't know what's good for him. lol
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
Based on "Get out," Gary ordered & "Go to hell," Dory said sweetly, maybe not as a couple, just yet but I think he's doomed to be saved from himself
Thank God women take the time.
Mrs Pac will get us all there.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#223
While so many members were gone, that gave Donny and Sally time to talk. Bruce was under orders to keep Donny down and watch him closely, but with kindness, the good doctor backed off and kept his two boys under strict control. That maneuver helped the conditions inside the less crowded store, stay friendly and calm. The boys didn't like it one bit, but Bruce did.
Corbin's men were on guard throughout the remaining buildings, and they were slowly matching up pairs of their teams and hitching them to the freighter's wagons.
Mark and Clora were putting together a list of items they would need to stock their wagon and Tess's, speaking with Millie about buying the supplies, and would there be enough.
Rennie and Honey were talking outside in the sunshine, Rennie putting together her own list of supplies she and Toby wanted to stock in their wagon.
"We are going to go," Rennie explained to Honey, as Honey sat in the midmorning warmth and fed Mia. "Toby and I totally agree that for our family's sake, to shake off the lingering shadows of TJ, that we need to have a new beginning. You know," and Rennie leaned close to Honey as she spilled her secret; "It wasn't too many years ago that I would have thrown a shit-fit over Toby having to traipse around after Mark, and now I understand that they think so closely alike, that the three of them are such a force to be reckoned with, that our safety is heightened by their training."
Rennie was apparently figuring that Honey and Milo would be going, so she was taken aback when Honey started shaking her head no. "Rennie, I don't feel that I have the stamina to have a new baby on the trail, it seems so over whelming, all the work and the danger."
"It looks to me, that Robbie is certainly old enough to drive. You've got to stop coddling him so, given instruction and encouragement, there are many things he could do. And I certainly believe that Ricky needs more chores than he has been getting. Not so much time to think up mischief. " Rennie said tartly.
Honey looked startled by the information shoved her way, Rennie had always been so pleasant and accommodating, and now she was calling Honey's boy's behavior into account. It stung a little, Honey and Milo had just finished a strongly worded disagreement, that morning, over Honey's deep reluctance to travel with Mark and Toby.
Honey understood that Milo was mad, no make that angry, at her refusal to consider changing out their location. Then there was Milo's almost obsessive need to be close to Mark and Toby, and privately Honey understood Rennie's frustration on the need for the three of them to be together.
Honey closed her eyes, hoping that Rennie would think she was exhausted and had drifted off to sleep. She was tired, but she also had some thinking to do. Honey had decided that she could force Milo to stay, but that he would never be happy. So the push come to shove moment was, did she have to have the upper hand, or could she be happy where ever Milo was.
Deep in her heart, Honey knew if Milo was happy, she would be happy, no matter where they were. There was planning that needed to be done, supplies and items that Milo was sure to forget or overlook in the rush. Honey sighed hard. It would take every bit of their savings to outfit another wagon, but so be it.
While so many members were gone, that gave Donny and Sally time to talk. Bruce was under orders to keep Donny down and watch him closely, but with kindness, the good doctor backed off and kept his two boys under strict control. That maneuver helped the conditions inside the less crowded store, stay friendly and calm. The boys didn't like it one bit, but Bruce did.
Corbin's men were on guard throughout the remaining buildings, and they were slowly matching up pairs of their teams and hitching them to the freighter's wagons.
Mark and Clora were putting together a list of items they would need to stock their wagon and Tess's, speaking with Millie about buying the supplies, and would there be enough.
Rennie and Honey were talking outside in the sunshine, Rennie putting together her own list of supplies she and Toby wanted to stock in their wagon.
"We are going to go," Rennie explained to Honey, as Honey sat in the midmorning warmth and fed Mia. "Toby and I totally agree that for our family's sake, to shake off the lingering shadows of TJ, that we need to have a new beginning. You know," and Rennie leaned close to Honey as she spilled her secret; "It wasn't too many years ago that I would have thrown a shit-fit over Toby having to traipse around after Mark, and now I understand that they think so closely alike, that the three of them are such a force to be reckoned with, that our safety is heightened by their training."
Rennie was apparently figuring that Honey and Milo would be going, so she was taken aback when Honey started shaking her head no. "Rennie, I don't feel that I have the stamina to have a new baby on the trail, it seems so over whelming, all the work and the danger."
"It looks to me, that Robbie is certainly old enough to drive. You've got to stop coddling him so, given instruction and encouragement, there are many things he could do. And I certainly believe that Ricky needs more chores than he has been getting. Not so much time to think up mischief. " Rennie said tartly.
Honey looked startled by the information shoved her way, Rennie had always been so pleasant and accommodating, and now she was calling Honey's boy's behavior into account. It stung a little, Honey and Milo had just finished a strongly worded disagreement, that morning, over Honey's deep reluctance to travel with Mark and Toby.
Honey understood that Milo was mad, no make that angry, at her refusal to consider changing out their location. Then there was Milo's almost obsessive need to be close to Mark and Toby, and privately Honey understood Rennie's frustration on the need for the three of them to be together.
Honey closed her eyes, hoping that Rennie would think she was exhausted and had drifted off to sleep. She was tired, but she also had some thinking to do. Honey had decided that she could force Milo to stay, but that he would never be happy. So the push come to shove moment was, did she have to have the upper hand, or could she be happy where ever Milo was.
Deep in her heart, Honey knew if Milo was happy, she would be happy, no matter where they were. There was planning that needed to be done, supplies and items that Milo was sure to forget or overlook in the rush. Honey sighed hard. It would take every bit of their savings to outfit another wagon, but so be it.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Many Thanks.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#224
There was more activity in the grocery, than had happened all year. Mark gave every adult a thousand dollars. It was unexpected and astonishingly welcome. Every one had a list of necessary items that they needed.
Milo had drug his feet getting back to the clan and seeking out Honey, but her welcoming smile melted the icy lump in his throat and they went back outside to have another talk. Milo gave a look and a nod to Mark to let him know they would be going along.
George and Millie had a deep heart to heart talk, George was excited and sure about moving the grocery to Belnap. "and look at it this way, there is a perfect building there that had been a store, arranged very similar to this one, the shutters will have to be moved, but other than that, it's perfect."
"Does it have an apartment," Millie asked nervously, wondering where they might live.
"Oh, did I forget to mention that?" George teased. "Yes there is a one level apartment at the back of the store. About a third bigger than what we have now, but very handy. I also put dibs on the store building and a building next door for Donny and family. I take it, from what you said, she doesn't want to head out with the wagon train."
"No, she and the children are very frightened at the idea of heading out into the unknown, they are going to be such a wonderful family George." Millie patted his arm, "I need Grandkids to bake cookies for and read stories to, this life is a blessing beyond all blessings. Thank you for loving me and coming up with this idea; it's falling into place so nicely, it has to be God approved."
George nodded his head, he was very satisfied with the blessings, and he gave thanks every day.
There were harsh words between the sisters, when Pricilla and Reva discovered independent Miss Dory wasn't going along to work at the Inn. They hired Chuck to carry groceries out of the store and drive them to Belnap to begin the next chapter in their life.
Chuck and then Gary freighted supplies and people to Belnap. Trish, Bruce and family, Phoebe, Seamus and family were in the second wave of clan headed for new places. As each family left, they carried out supplies from the store, bringing deep smiles to George and Millie.
Andy and Corbin moved their families, and came back for Donny and his crew. It was a stressful journey for Donny and he arrived white lipped and sweating heavily. Trish came to their house and did what she could to ease his pain with aspirin, asking if he wanted to come to the clinic.
Donny declined, saying that Sally and Cotton were the best nurses and helpers in town and they would help him. Trish agreed and quickly scooted back to their new place to get supplies for the clinic settled and put away.
As people left, Mark noted that Dory wasn't taking advantage of offers to move her, so generously tendered by the leaving members. He started scowling and acting short tempered when the realization hit him that Dory probably intended to join the wagon train. Muttering under his breath, Mark was avoided by the rest of the remaining clan if at all possible.
Gary and Chuck came back, tired and sore muscled from moving people and their scant belongings.
It was Chuck that grabbed a cup of coffee from the store pot, "Mark, I deeply appreciate you so generously sharing money with me, but I'm not going to Belnap, neither am I going on with the wagon train. I believe I'm going South and maybe West. Just wandering, going no where in particular; no time table and no specific destination, except for having a look at the Grand Canyon."
Mark nodded, he wasn't surprised. But, he was surprised when Gary re-affirmed that he was going on with the wagon train. Somehow, he hadn't expected it of Gary, but Mark guessed it was alright.
Chuck went through the store and outfitted himself with a bare bones camping outfit, easy to cook foods and warm clothes. He went out to the wagon circle and found his horse, snagged another horse to use as a pack animal, loaded up and was out the door by mid late afternoon.
Mark then remembered that Dory was most likely going, and that turned his stomach sour. The look Mark had on his face, was reminiscent of a thunder cloud, and twice as unhappy.
Looking around the now half empty store, Mark had Toby and Rennie, Milo and Honey, Tess and himself and Clora, and belatedly remembered Dory and Gary; to come fill lists and move the supplies out to their wagons. "Get what you need, I'll pay for it, so stock up well."
Sounds of "thank you's" filled the air, as the store's stock dwindled to almost nothing as the families prepared for the unknown.
"Keep buying," George urged jovially, "there's not so much to move if you clean me out. And, believe me, these old bones appreciate that."
Millie was flitting around, bagging up sacks of candy for the mama's to hide in the mounds of supplies. There wasn't a child in the store that didn't have their candy radar whirling actively, keeping the whereabouts of the candy sacks in sight.
George was smiling broadly, as the kids in the store were some of his favorites. He kept nodding at Millie to add more, and she obliged willingly.
Tess walked by and shook her finger at the unrepentant storekeeper, earning a hearty laugh from him. "I'm gonna miss you guys so much," he boomed out.
His loud voice startled little baby Mia and she protested with all her might.
"Oops, sorry," he boomed out almost as loud, and Mia hollered again. "I can't win," he tried for a softer tone; "I'm gonna miss seeing her grow up. Especially if she has red hair like her daddy. Speaking of red hair, what are you gonna do with that red headed little punk over in the bunk house?"
"Send him back with Corbin's men when they go back for another load of supplies, that's the best I can think to do. From what I hear, they don't claim any relation to us, and would just as soon shoot as be civil." Mark didn't want the obligation of a prisoner on the upcoming trek.
George looked like he thought that was a cold attitude to have, but Millie caught his eye and shook her head no. George relaxed, Millie must have some information he didn't have, so he would find out later.
It was disorganized confusion until the supplies were hauled out to the respective wagons. Both Gary and Dory were unpleasantly surprised to find the other loading wagons very close together. Gary was snarling and Dory spit at his feet..
Gary was sufficiently shocked to stop muttering, but that didn't stop Dory from turning on her heels and flouncing off to the inside of her wagon.
The wagon train left the next morning about 10 am. Clora in the lead, Gary in the rear.
There was more activity in the grocery, than had happened all year. Mark gave every adult a thousand dollars. It was unexpected and astonishingly welcome. Every one had a list of necessary items that they needed.
Milo had drug his feet getting back to the clan and seeking out Honey, but her welcoming smile melted the icy lump in his throat and they went back outside to have another talk. Milo gave a look and a nod to Mark to let him know they would be going along.
George and Millie had a deep heart to heart talk, George was excited and sure about moving the grocery to Belnap. "and look at it this way, there is a perfect building there that had been a store, arranged very similar to this one, the shutters will have to be moved, but other than that, it's perfect."
"Does it have an apartment," Millie asked nervously, wondering where they might live.
"Oh, did I forget to mention that?" George teased. "Yes there is a one level apartment at the back of the store. About a third bigger than what we have now, but very handy. I also put dibs on the store building and a building next door for Donny and family. I take it, from what you said, she doesn't want to head out with the wagon train."
"No, she and the children are very frightened at the idea of heading out into the unknown, they are going to be such a wonderful family George." Millie patted his arm, "I need Grandkids to bake cookies for and read stories to, this life is a blessing beyond all blessings. Thank you for loving me and coming up with this idea; it's falling into place so nicely, it has to be God approved."
George nodded his head, he was very satisfied with the blessings, and he gave thanks every day.
There were harsh words between the sisters, when Pricilla and Reva discovered independent Miss Dory wasn't going along to work at the Inn. They hired Chuck to carry groceries out of the store and drive them to Belnap to begin the next chapter in their life.
Chuck and then Gary freighted supplies and people to Belnap. Trish, Bruce and family, Phoebe, Seamus and family were in the second wave of clan headed for new places. As each family left, they carried out supplies from the store, bringing deep smiles to George and Millie.
Andy and Corbin moved their families, and came back for Donny and his crew. It was a stressful journey for Donny and he arrived white lipped and sweating heavily. Trish came to their house and did what she could to ease his pain with aspirin, asking if he wanted to come to the clinic.
Donny declined, saying that Sally and Cotton were the best nurses and helpers in town and they would help him. Trish agreed and quickly scooted back to their new place to get supplies for the clinic settled and put away.
As people left, Mark noted that Dory wasn't taking advantage of offers to move her, so generously tendered by the leaving members. He started scowling and acting short tempered when the realization hit him that Dory probably intended to join the wagon train. Muttering under his breath, Mark was avoided by the rest of the remaining clan if at all possible.
Gary and Chuck came back, tired and sore muscled from moving people and their scant belongings.
It was Chuck that grabbed a cup of coffee from the store pot, "Mark, I deeply appreciate you so generously sharing money with me, but I'm not going to Belnap, neither am I going on with the wagon train. I believe I'm going South and maybe West. Just wandering, going no where in particular; no time table and no specific destination, except for having a look at the Grand Canyon."
Mark nodded, he wasn't surprised. But, he was surprised when Gary re-affirmed that he was going on with the wagon train. Somehow, he hadn't expected it of Gary, but Mark guessed it was alright.
Chuck went through the store and outfitted himself with a bare bones camping outfit, easy to cook foods and warm clothes. He went out to the wagon circle and found his horse, snagged another horse to use as a pack animal, loaded up and was out the door by mid late afternoon.
Mark then remembered that Dory was most likely going, and that turned his stomach sour. The look Mark had on his face, was reminiscent of a thunder cloud, and twice as unhappy.
Looking around the now half empty store, Mark had Toby and Rennie, Milo and Honey, Tess and himself and Clora, and belatedly remembered Dory and Gary; to come fill lists and move the supplies out to their wagons. "Get what you need, I'll pay for it, so stock up well."
Sounds of "thank you's" filled the air, as the store's stock dwindled to almost nothing as the families prepared for the unknown.
"Keep buying," George urged jovially, "there's not so much to move if you clean me out. And, believe me, these old bones appreciate that."
Millie was flitting around, bagging up sacks of candy for the mama's to hide in the mounds of supplies. There wasn't a child in the store that didn't have their candy radar whirling actively, keeping the whereabouts of the candy sacks in sight.
George was smiling broadly, as the kids in the store were some of his favorites. He kept nodding at Millie to add more, and she obliged willingly.
Tess walked by and shook her finger at the unrepentant storekeeper, earning a hearty laugh from him. "I'm gonna miss you guys so much," he boomed out.
His loud voice startled little baby Mia and she protested with all her might.
"Oops, sorry," he boomed out almost as loud, and Mia hollered again. "I can't win," he tried for a softer tone; "I'm gonna miss seeing her grow up. Especially if she has red hair like her daddy. Speaking of red hair, what are you gonna do with that red headed little punk over in the bunk house?"
"Send him back with Corbin's men when they go back for another load of supplies, that's the best I can think to do. From what I hear, they don't claim any relation to us, and would just as soon shoot as be civil." Mark didn't want the obligation of a prisoner on the upcoming trek.
George looked like he thought that was a cold attitude to have, but Millie caught his eye and shook her head no. George relaxed, Millie must have some information he didn't have, so he would find out later.
It was disorganized confusion until the supplies were hauled out to the respective wagons. Both Gary and Dory were unpleasantly surprised to find the other loading wagons very close together. Gary was snarling and Dory spit at his feet..
Gary was sufficiently shocked to stop muttering, but that didn't stop Dory from turning on her heels and flouncing off to the inside of her wagon.
The wagon train left the next morning about 10 am. Clora in the lead, Gary in the rear.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Lol on Mark and single women I bet. 
Thank you.
Thank you.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
Nothing yet. He was riding on Abby's wagon, heading generally toward 'the meeting' and the impending ambush which was supposed to occur after the attack on (and planned decimation of) the Lindeman's so there's a couple of loose ends.
Pac's a good housekeeper who doesn't care for dusty corners so I'm sure she'll clean that up as the crew plotting the mass assassination are still outstanding as a potential future challenge.
I'll put on a pot of coffee & park over here to await clarification; pull up a chair. Pacing like that will just wear out the rug
Last edited:
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#225
"Milo. Toby, you men need to decide among yourselves who is going to be wagon master and scout. I'm going to drive our wagon to keep Ma as rested as we can. Ask Tess where we are headed, and the three of you make it happen."
The three Linderman children conferred between them selves and Gary and Dory, Each wagon had a 6 up hitch and were trailing another three mares with colts. The wagons were lighter without the additional wagon they had previously pulled, and because of that they made better time.
The wagon train North passed through Belnap and everyone shouted and waved goodbye. Everyone that is, except for Reva and 'Cilla, the two ladies were looking out the window, but turned a cold shoulder when Dory devilishly smiled and waved.
Dory, when they had driven far enough that Belnap wasn't visible. heaved a deep sigh of relief and settled down to hum a sweet little tune as she drove.
Robbie was driving Milo's wagon, sweating with nervous energy and fierce determination to do a good job. Honey was also nervous, trusting the wagon, her life and new baby to a thirteen year old boy. Ricky had plenty of advise to give, until Robbie told his mother. "If he doesn't get out of this wagon, I'm gonna stop, beat the snot out of him and dump his carcass along side of the road. I've had all I'm gonna take listening to his whining and useless blather. I'm working hard, trying to do a good job here, and I don't need his criticism to keep me all nerved up. I've asked him to stop, you've asked him to stop, now I'm telling him to get out."
By this time Robbie was shouting, and Milo rode back to see what all the fuss was about. He listened and made Ricky get down. "See if you can ride with Gary or Miss Dory, if not you walk."
"You gotta be kidding," Ricky braved up with false bravado, suddenly feeling like he might be in trouble.
"Nope, you let your mouth get you in hot water, now swim or walk." Milo was unsmiling and stern and rode away. Ricky reluctantly jumped down, and stood with a hang dog look waiting for Gary to drive up.
Corbin and Seamus rode back to the grocery, Seamus to see what needed to be moved, and Corbin to activate his men into packing up the store and transporting it to Belnap. Corbin and his men made quick work of the decimated grocery stock, moving it to the empty store building that George had picked out.
Seamus helped George and Millie move their things down the stairs and into an empty wagon. In three days, the grocery was moved and set up in Belnap, Corbin, Clara and their wagons were headed back home to arrange the necessary solutions to re-locating themselves up to Iowa.
Within the space of a week, the former Linderman town was nothing but starkly burned buildings and abandoned skeletons of former prosperity , the clan that had lived and flourished there, happily settled in their new town. The addition of people to the former clan had them widening their ability to have a more satisfying life.
The sisters, Reva and Pricilla, were busy running the Inn; not missing Dory at all. Or, so they claimed..
Meanwhile, Wyatt rode with Abby until they needed to part ways; as Wyatt needed to turn and go Northeast toward Cedar Rapids. "Good bye," she said to him, one of the few words she ever spoke to him, and drove off.
Mindful of the information given him by both Tess and Clora, Wyatt practiced extreme caution as he rode toward Cedar Rapids and then Dubuque. The congress was to be held in the imposing old limestone block courthouse, and he hailed several men he knew from previous Sheriff's conventions. To a man, they were all uneasy about the scope and nature of the meeting.
Wyatt was pleased to note that all the men were taking paranoid precautions, he didn't stand out from the norm, but that didn't make him any less vigilant.
"Milo. Toby, you men need to decide among yourselves who is going to be wagon master and scout. I'm going to drive our wagon to keep Ma as rested as we can. Ask Tess where we are headed, and the three of you make it happen."
The three Linderman children conferred between them selves and Gary and Dory, Each wagon had a 6 up hitch and were trailing another three mares with colts. The wagons were lighter without the additional wagon they had previously pulled, and because of that they made better time.
The wagon train North passed through Belnap and everyone shouted and waved goodbye. Everyone that is, except for Reva and 'Cilla, the two ladies were looking out the window, but turned a cold shoulder when Dory devilishly smiled and waved.
Dory, when they had driven far enough that Belnap wasn't visible. heaved a deep sigh of relief and settled down to hum a sweet little tune as she drove.
Robbie was driving Milo's wagon, sweating with nervous energy and fierce determination to do a good job. Honey was also nervous, trusting the wagon, her life and new baby to a thirteen year old boy. Ricky had plenty of advise to give, until Robbie told his mother. "If he doesn't get out of this wagon, I'm gonna stop, beat the snot out of him and dump his carcass along side of the road. I've had all I'm gonna take listening to his whining and useless blather. I'm working hard, trying to do a good job here, and I don't need his criticism to keep me all nerved up. I've asked him to stop, you've asked him to stop, now I'm telling him to get out."
By this time Robbie was shouting, and Milo rode back to see what all the fuss was about. He listened and made Ricky get down. "See if you can ride with Gary or Miss Dory, if not you walk."
"You gotta be kidding," Ricky braved up with false bravado, suddenly feeling like he might be in trouble.
"Nope, you let your mouth get you in hot water, now swim or walk." Milo was unsmiling and stern and rode away. Ricky reluctantly jumped down, and stood with a hang dog look waiting for Gary to drive up.
Corbin and Seamus rode back to the grocery, Seamus to see what needed to be moved, and Corbin to activate his men into packing up the store and transporting it to Belnap. Corbin and his men made quick work of the decimated grocery stock, moving it to the empty store building that George had picked out.
Seamus helped George and Millie move their things down the stairs and into an empty wagon. In three days, the grocery was moved and set up in Belnap, Corbin, Clara and their wagons were headed back home to arrange the necessary solutions to re-locating themselves up to Iowa.
Within the space of a week, the former Linderman town was nothing but starkly burned buildings and abandoned skeletons of former prosperity , the clan that had lived and flourished there, happily settled in their new town. The addition of people to the former clan had them widening their ability to have a more satisfying life.
The sisters, Reva and Pricilla, were busy running the Inn; not missing Dory at all. Or, so they claimed..
Meanwhile, Wyatt rode with Abby until they needed to part ways; as Wyatt needed to turn and go Northeast toward Cedar Rapids. "Good bye," she said to him, one of the few words she ever spoke to him, and drove off.
Mindful of the information given him by both Tess and Clora, Wyatt practiced extreme caution as he rode toward Cedar Rapids and then Dubuque. The congress was to be held in the imposing old limestone block courthouse, and he hailed several men he knew from previous Sheriff's conventions. To a man, they were all uneasy about the scope and nature of the meeting.
Wyatt was pleased to note that all the men were taking paranoid precautions, he didn't stand out from the norm, but that didn't make him any less vigilant.