sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Oh gads just what they didn't need, Thank you so much for the chapter.
Hi, My Name is Tessee
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Thanks for the new chapter, the clan has to stay vigilant as the hobos are probably without morals or scruples and can not be trusted. Ben needs to get back home to help with the protecting of the clan.
Wayne
Wayne
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#156
Mark could hear Tessee all the way down the hall. Harried nurses were flying in and out of the nursery, jumpy with the loud, relentless screaming that sweet Tessee was tuning up.
Mark barely had time to wash his hands before the nurse was right there with a bottle and the red faced, tantrum throwing child. "She's not getting enough to eat," Mark told the nurse. "Please fix about a half a bottle more,"
The nurse looked like he thought that was absurd and then Mark started to feed Tessee and she was greedily removing the contents of the small nurser. "Yeah, I suppose," he drawled. "She's acting like she's really starving."
"You'd better hurry," Mark warned, "she's almost through this one."
It took another full bottle to satisfy the little miss. Tessee burped, and snuggled into Mark's shoulder. "We're going back up to Clora's room," he told the nurse, "so check me out please."
Wade reached out to brush his finger across Tessee's forehead, marveling at the baby softness. "Look at all that hair," he whispered, "she looks just like Clora." When Wade looked like he was going to go back up to the room with Mark and Tessee, Bonita tapped him on the arm and said sweetly, "she needs to rest Wade, they will probably be limiting her company until she is stronger."
Reluctantly, he had to agree and watched Mark stride down the hall to the elevator. The doors closed behind his son and Wade turned around to smile at his wife. "Isn't she just the cutest thing you've ever seen?"
Bonita hummed her agreement, all the while considering what she might be able to do to salvage the afternoon and the money.
"I have the Widow's and Orphans meeting this afternoon," she informed Wade. "Are you going to the office, or shall we plan on an early dinner?"
"Don't count on me until late," Wade replied, "I have to go to the office and then the gym, and then I'm going back to check on Clora and the baby before I come home." he turned to head for his car, not hearing Bonita muttering under her breath.
Ben, Lainey and baby David were visiting, when Mark got up to Clora's room. The way the conversation abruptly halted when he walked in, it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out he was the topic of the conversation. Mark centered his attention on Clora, ignoring the other couple.
It was Ben that stood up and said, "Mark, can I talk to you outside?"
Mark ignored him and looked at Clora, who to his surprise nodded her agreement to her brother's request. Raising his eyebrow, Mark questioned Ben's motives and Clora reached up and patted his hand. It was 'so Clora', that Mark agreed. Lainey held out her hands for the snoozing baby and Mark walked out the door without waiting for Ben.
The two men went to the small garden where Ben had found his peace and sat talking low. Lainey wheeled herself over to Clora's bed and spoke quietly. Taking Tessee, Lainey fed her niece some of the precious colostrum the child needed to build immunity and antibodies.
Clora peeled the ventilator out of her mouth and the two bonded women shared their joy at the birth of their children. Sleepy Tessee wasn't all that hungry, but she managed to do herself proud anyway. Clora couldn't lift her baby, but Lainey snuggled her close to Clora and they huddled close together unwrapping the precious bundles and counting fingers and toes.
Without surprise Clora noted that Tessee had a faint birthmark in the same place that she had hers. Lainey caught Clora running her finger lightly over the small raised crescent mark.
"She is your daughter," Lainey jested. "Not even Mark was strong enough to counteract the strength of your heritage."
"Whatever that might be," Clora said tiredly. "I'm not sure it's much of a prize, but I guess you know...I don't have anything else."
"Get your ventilator back in, here comes a nurse," Lainey urged as she moved her wheel chair ahead to shield Clora's face.
The nurse wasn't fooled, but she had been a new mother at one time and gently scolded the bedfast woman. "Lets get that vent out and here's your oxygen cannula. Now," she said more sternly, "if that's not enough oxygen, I expect you to tell us right away, understand?"
Clora was overjoyed, and cooed to Tessee. That's how Ben and Mark found their ladies and babies, making all kinds of noises as they stroked cheeks and smoothed back unruly baby hair. Both Tessee and David smelled their mother's and listened to the men's voices that they were so familiar with. It was a blessed time.
Mark could hear Tessee all the way down the hall. Harried nurses were flying in and out of the nursery, jumpy with the loud, relentless screaming that sweet Tessee was tuning up.
Mark barely had time to wash his hands before the nurse was right there with a bottle and the red faced, tantrum throwing child. "She's not getting enough to eat," Mark told the nurse. "Please fix about a half a bottle more,"
The nurse looked like he thought that was absurd and then Mark started to feed Tessee and she was greedily removing the contents of the small nurser. "Yeah, I suppose," he drawled. "She's acting like she's really starving."
"You'd better hurry," Mark warned, "she's almost through this one."
It took another full bottle to satisfy the little miss. Tessee burped, and snuggled into Mark's shoulder. "We're going back up to Clora's room," he told the nurse, "so check me out please."
Wade reached out to brush his finger across Tessee's forehead, marveling at the baby softness. "Look at all that hair," he whispered, "she looks just like Clora." When Wade looked like he was going to go back up to the room with Mark and Tessee, Bonita tapped him on the arm and said sweetly, "she needs to rest Wade, they will probably be limiting her company until she is stronger."
Reluctantly, he had to agree and watched Mark stride down the hall to the elevator. The doors closed behind his son and Wade turned around to smile at his wife. "Isn't she just the cutest thing you've ever seen?"
Bonita hummed her agreement, all the while considering what she might be able to do to salvage the afternoon and the money.
"I have the Widow's and Orphans meeting this afternoon," she informed Wade. "Are you going to the office, or shall we plan on an early dinner?"
"Don't count on me until late," Wade replied, "I have to go to the office and then the gym, and then I'm going back to check on Clora and the baby before I come home." he turned to head for his car, not hearing Bonita muttering under her breath.
Ben, Lainey and baby David were visiting, when Mark got up to Clora's room. The way the conversation abruptly halted when he walked in, it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out he was the topic of the conversation. Mark centered his attention on Clora, ignoring the other couple.
It was Ben that stood up and said, "Mark, can I talk to you outside?"
Mark ignored him and looked at Clora, who to his surprise nodded her agreement to her brother's request. Raising his eyebrow, Mark questioned Ben's motives and Clora reached up and patted his hand. It was 'so Clora', that Mark agreed. Lainey held out her hands for the snoozing baby and Mark walked out the door without waiting for Ben.
The two men went to the small garden where Ben had found his peace and sat talking low. Lainey wheeled herself over to Clora's bed and spoke quietly. Taking Tessee, Lainey fed her niece some of the precious colostrum the child needed to build immunity and antibodies.
Clora peeled the ventilator out of her mouth and the two bonded women shared their joy at the birth of their children. Sleepy Tessee wasn't all that hungry, but she managed to do herself proud anyway. Clora couldn't lift her baby, but Lainey snuggled her close to Clora and they huddled close together unwrapping the precious bundles and counting fingers and toes.
Without surprise Clora noted that Tessee had a faint birthmark in the same place that she had hers. Lainey caught Clora running her finger lightly over the small raised crescent mark.
"She is your daughter," Lainey jested. "Not even Mark was strong enough to counteract the strength of your heritage."
"Whatever that might be," Clora said tiredly. "I'm not sure it's much of a prize, but I guess you know...I don't have anything else."
"Get your ventilator back in, here comes a nurse," Lainey urged as she moved her wheel chair ahead to shield Clora's face.
The nurse wasn't fooled, but she had been a new mother at one time and gently scolded the bedfast woman. "Lets get that vent out and here's your oxygen cannula. Now," she said more sternly, "if that's not enough oxygen, I expect you to tell us right away, understand?"
Clora was overjoyed, and cooed to Tessee. That's how Ben and Mark found their ladies and babies, making all kinds of noises as they stroked cheeks and smoothed back unruly baby hair. Both Tessee and David smelled their mother's and listened to the men's voices that they were so familiar with. It was a blessed time.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#156b
Wayne had to rethink his plan to leave the lodge. There was no way he could leave the safety of the people and the buildings to three teens and a crippled old man in a wheel chair. It made him itchy and antsy to not be able to carry through on the plan he had cemented in his mind, and that made Wayne mad at himself.
Lately for some reason, he was less and less tolerant of himself and others, and he was really nervous about Clora and her baby and her heart. Wayne was smart enough to know he had transferred his dependence from Evie to Clora, and such a dependence wasn't healthy; but it was how he coped with his life and he couldn't change it now.
Christy was chafing under her 'house arrest', but she understood the reason and didn't complain...too much. Toby and Willie manned up and became young adults under the demand for protection of the ladies and the lodge.
Wayne, now that he was expected to lead and direct the security; changed from a wishy-washy personality to one of strength and determination.
It was a whole new world that Ben and Lainey drove into; the balance of power had shifted,....for good or bad. Anne was ecstatic that her folks were home, excitement over her new brother, not so much. "He's little," she protested, "what good will he be to play with?"
"Where's Mom?" Milo asked with a trembling lower lip, feeling abandoned and lost. The newly reincarnated Ben took both Milo and Teddy on his knee and carefully explained that Clora would be in the hospital a while longer. The boy's had a hundred questions that he patiently answered, and then had them play while he listened to Wayne and Ev explain the current predicament.
Ben nodded his agreement with all that had taken place, clapping both men on the back in approval. That left Wayne and Ev staring at each other in astonishment, unsure if Ben had been spirited away by aliens, or he had been given a 'nice juice' attitude adjustment.
Toby and Willie eased around Ev to stand behind him for protection, as Ben had previously been surly and impossible to please. Even Cheryl had her eyebrows arched up into her hairline at the not so subtle change.
Lainey was exhausted and went to bed gladly. David's birth had been easy and uncomplicated, but still, it was a major body adjustment, and she was tired. Davie was a easy to please baby, compared to Anne, as she had been fussy from the get go. Christy was charmed by the small bundle with Ben's dark hair, and Lainey's eyes and mouth. She volunteered to be a Mother's helper, to give Lainey and her Mother as much relief as possible.
Anne had to climb in bed with her mother and curl up close for some needed attention, and Davie slept away in the unfinished but clean cradle. The small pine wood rocker was a hard thing for Ben to look at. Mark had thought of him and Lainey and in his anger, Ben had repaid him poorly. Taking a deep breath, Ben vowed to work hard to keep himself straightened out and rely on the Lord to ease his burdens.
The hobos moved on after it became apparent that the lodge had superior firepower. They weren't looking to start a confrontation, just looking to move in on a place to stay out of the elements. The majority of the men voted to follow Wayne's suggestion that they mosey on over to the park that had been shut down due to budget constraints. One of the men claimed to know where to find the key, so they wouldn't have to break in.
Wayne scouted the camp as they prepared to move, and shadowed them out of the area. Once again a possible disaster had been defused, without a fire fight.
A week passed, the sameness a welcome relief as nothing happened to threaten the lodge and it's occupants. The cessation of stress and that worry that comes with constantly having to look over your shoulder, eased and the men got an impressive amount of work done clearing the firebreak.
Working together, they figured out how to work Bill and Bob dragging the trees to the landing they had selected. The good old boys forgave the humans they were training, allowing their minor mistakes to slide. As long as the oats flowed at supper time, and the rub downs and brushing sessions happened, the geldings were happy. They favored working, over standing in the pasture doing nothing, and it was a favorable match.
It was during the middle of the second week that Helmer and Helga showed up unannounced. Helga didn't even say "Hello", she walked Immediately to the cow shed to inspect Sally and Sally Mae. What she found must have agreed with her, as she came back in an agreeable mood.
The hen house was inspected as she stood looking around, and when Helga went to go in, Milo challenged her. "Watcha doin, goin in our chicken house, the hens don't like strangers messin with them."
Helga laughed and said something in a foreign language, leaning over to pat Milo on the head. Milo was incensed, he was a man, not a little boy like Teddy to be patted. He was the older brother and in charge of the family while Mom and Dad were gone, Uncle Ben said so.
Cheryl looked out the window at the strangers that looked like they were inviting themselves to move in and added the last of the potatoes and carrots and onions to the rabbit stew. She measured out cornmeal to make several pans of cornbread, and flour for thickening the stew gravy.
Lainey walked into the kitchen for a drink of water and asked about the visitors. "I'm supposing that they are the couple the men worked for," Cheryl replied. "They sure look lost, don't they?" Christy came over to lean on the window sill to check out the visitors, "oh look, she's patting Milo on the head, he really hates that." she laughed.
"Go invite her in," Cheryl asked Christy; and that was how Helmer and Helga took up residence at the lodge. Their farm had been sold for taxes, and the two old people were literally thrown out on their ear as hungry developers swarmed in for a bargain.
Wayne had to rethink his plan to leave the lodge. There was no way he could leave the safety of the people and the buildings to three teens and a crippled old man in a wheel chair. It made him itchy and antsy to not be able to carry through on the plan he had cemented in his mind, and that made Wayne mad at himself.
Lately for some reason, he was less and less tolerant of himself and others, and he was really nervous about Clora and her baby and her heart. Wayne was smart enough to know he had transferred his dependence from Evie to Clora, and such a dependence wasn't healthy; but it was how he coped with his life and he couldn't change it now.
Christy was chafing under her 'house arrest', but she understood the reason and didn't complain...too much. Toby and Willie manned up and became young adults under the demand for protection of the ladies and the lodge.
Wayne, now that he was expected to lead and direct the security; changed from a wishy-washy personality to one of strength and determination.
It was a whole new world that Ben and Lainey drove into; the balance of power had shifted,....for good or bad. Anne was ecstatic that her folks were home, excitement over her new brother, not so much. "He's little," she protested, "what good will he be to play with?"
"Where's Mom?" Milo asked with a trembling lower lip, feeling abandoned and lost. The newly reincarnated Ben took both Milo and Teddy on his knee and carefully explained that Clora would be in the hospital a while longer. The boy's had a hundred questions that he patiently answered, and then had them play while he listened to Wayne and Ev explain the current predicament.
Ben nodded his agreement with all that had taken place, clapping both men on the back in approval. That left Wayne and Ev staring at each other in astonishment, unsure if Ben had been spirited away by aliens, or he had been given a 'nice juice' attitude adjustment.
Toby and Willie eased around Ev to stand behind him for protection, as Ben had previously been surly and impossible to please. Even Cheryl had her eyebrows arched up into her hairline at the not so subtle change.
Lainey was exhausted and went to bed gladly. David's birth had been easy and uncomplicated, but still, it was a major body adjustment, and she was tired. Davie was a easy to please baby, compared to Anne, as she had been fussy from the get go. Christy was charmed by the small bundle with Ben's dark hair, and Lainey's eyes and mouth. She volunteered to be a Mother's helper, to give Lainey and her Mother as much relief as possible.
Anne had to climb in bed with her mother and curl up close for some needed attention, and Davie slept away in the unfinished but clean cradle. The small pine wood rocker was a hard thing for Ben to look at. Mark had thought of him and Lainey and in his anger, Ben had repaid him poorly. Taking a deep breath, Ben vowed to work hard to keep himself straightened out and rely on the Lord to ease his burdens.
The hobos moved on after it became apparent that the lodge had superior firepower. They weren't looking to start a confrontation, just looking to move in on a place to stay out of the elements. The majority of the men voted to follow Wayne's suggestion that they mosey on over to the park that had been shut down due to budget constraints. One of the men claimed to know where to find the key, so they wouldn't have to break in.
Wayne scouted the camp as they prepared to move, and shadowed them out of the area. Once again a possible disaster had been defused, without a fire fight.
A week passed, the sameness a welcome relief as nothing happened to threaten the lodge and it's occupants. The cessation of stress and that worry that comes with constantly having to look over your shoulder, eased and the men got an impressive amount of work done clearing the firebreak.
Working together, they figured out how to work Bill and Bob dragging the trees to the landing they had selected. The good old boys forgave the humans they were training, allowing their minor mistakes to slide. As long as the oats flowed at supper time, and the rub downs and brushing sessions happened, the geldings were happy. They favored working, over standing in the pasture doing nothing, and it was a favorable match.
It was during the middle of the second week that Helmer and Helga showed up unannounced. Helga didn't even say "Hello", she walked Immediately to the cow shed to inspect Sally and Sally Mae. What she found must have agreed with her, as she came back in an agreeable mood.
The hen house was inspected as she stood looking around, and when Helga went to go in, Milo challenged her. "Watcha doin, goin in our chicken house, the hens don't like strangers messin with them."
Helga laughed and said something in a foreign language, leaning over to pat Milo on the head. Milo was incensed, he was a man, not a little boy like Teddy to be patted. He was the older brother and in charge of the family while Mom and Dad were gone, Uncle Ben said so.
Cheryl looked out the window at the strangers that looked like they were inviting themselves to move in and added the last of the potatoes and carrots and onions to the rabbit stew. She measured out cornmeal to make several pans of cornbread, and flour for thickening the stew gravy.
Lainey walked into the kitchen for a drink of water and asked about the visitors. "I'm supposing that they are the couple the men worked for," Cheryl replied. "They sure look lost, don't they?" Christy came over to lean on the window sill to check out the visitors, "oh look, she's patting Milo on the head, he really hates that." she laughed.
"Go invite her in," Cheryl asked Christy; and that was how Helmer and Helga took up residence at the lodge. Their farm had been sold for taxes, and the two old people were literally thrown out on their ear as hungry developers swarmed in for a bargain.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Great chapter loved it, poor Helmer and Helga, reminds me my grandparents farm went for taxes, it had been paid off for decades. Thanks pac.
More new members of the "family". Wonder what they will add to the mix. Still loving this story, Pac!
Siskiyoumom
Veteran Member
Bet they are relations!
Look forward to the next chapter.
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Look forward to the next chapter.
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sammy55
Veteran Member
Thanks for more story!
Didn't they buy the cow and all from Hans?
Great story, Pac! The surprises and twists and turns just keep coming. I am amazed at how you can spin this story and keep it going with excitement and action!
I, too, wonder if these new "additions" will turn out to be related somehow.......
Kaydee, they bought the cow and all from Helmer. Hans shows up in a later chapter. And now we are back to Helmer.
So Hans could be a nickname for Helmer.
Or Hans could be a son or another person/relative, different from Helmer.
Or Hans could be a mistake or typo.
I guess we won't know until Pac tells us!
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#157
Clora, with the vent tube removed, could finally talk to Mark. "Thank you for being the bigger man." and their was no mistaking her meaning. Clora was thanking her husband for not killing her brother.
"He came closer than he will ever know," Mark replied darkly. "The auto pilot in me had taken over and he was a threat to be neutralized. I don't like myself when I get to that point, and I like Ben even less for provoking me to such rage." Mark sat on the edge of the bed and picked up Clora's hand. The rest of her arm was around Tessee, so they all three had contact.
"I am mighty suspicious of Ben's latest brush with the Lord and his avowed renewal of spirit. I will,.." he raised his hand to stave off Clora's immediate protest, "let him show his true colors; but, one of these days." he trailed off his threat, "he will go too far."
"For a man who doesn't think he is a Christian, you have turned the 'other cheek' with generous spirit," Clora smiled as she gripped his fingers as tightly as she could.
The feeble squeeze reminded Mark of how delicate and fragile Clora actually was. She had a near brush with death, and now that her surgery's were more than a week old, she was recovering nicely.
"I was so afraid for all of us," Clora suddenly choked with emotion. "Scared for me, for you, for Tessee," suddenly she was crying and all Mark knew to do was scoot closer and place his arms around sobbing Clora. "I prayed so hard," she whispered against his shoulder, "the nurses told me I went to sleep praying and woke up in recovery praying. Thank you Mark for being here for Tess and me; Praise the Lord for blessing me with you and our baby."
"God has plans for you Clora, I just know it." Mark whispered back with emotion tight in his throat. "You need to get well quick and come home." Tessee stirred, she was being squeezed by her Daddy and Mommy and suddenly that changed from being jostled to being screaming hungry.
"My word, listen to those lungs," Clora beamed. "She's acting very healthy."
That's how Wade found them, preparing to take Tessee back to the nursery for a snack. "May I carry her?" he asked eagerly, already holding out his arms.
Clora looked at Mark, giving him the choice as head of their family to include Wade or not. Mark nodded, placing the wet, uncomfortably starving bundle of joy in his Father's hands. Wade was instantly unsure if his had been a wise choice, but he bravely tried to ignore the top of her lungs protest Tess was sounding out.
Clora, with the vent tube removed, could finally talk to Mark. "Thank you for being the bigger man." and their was no mistaking her meaning. Clora was thanking her husband for not killing her brother.
"He came closer than he will ever know," Mark replied darkly. "The auto pilot in me had taken over and he was a threat to be neutralized. I don't like myself when I get to that point, and I like Ben even less for provoking me to such rage." Mark sat on the edge of the bed and picked up Clora's hand. The rest of her arm was around Tessee, so they all three had contact.
"I am mighty suspicious of Ben's latest brush with the Lord and his avowed renewal of spirit. I will,.." he raised his hand to stave off Clora's immediate protest, "let him show his true colors; but, one of these days." he trailed off his threat, "he will go too far."
"For a man who doesn't think he is a Christian, you have turned the 'other cheek' with generous spirit," Clora smiled as she gripped his fingers as tightly as she could.
The feeble squeeze reminded Mark of how delicate and fragile Clora actually was. She had a near brush with death, and now that her surgery's were more than a week old, she was recovering nicely.
"I was so afraid for all of us," Clora suddenly choked with emotion. "Scared for me, for you, for Tessee," suddenly she was crying and all Mark knew to do was scoot closer and place his arms around sobbing Clora. "I prayed so hard," she whispered against his shoulder, "the nurses told me I went to sleep praying and woke up in recovery praying. Thank you Mark for being here for Tess and me; Praise the Lord for blessing me with you and our baby."
"God has plans for you Clora, I just know it." Mark whispered back with emotion tight in his throat. "You need to get well quick and come home." Tessee stirred, she was being squeezed by her Daddy and Mommy and suddenly that changed from being jostled to being screaming hungry.
"My word, listen to those lungs," Clora beamed. "She's acting very healthy."
That's how Wade found them, preparing to take Tessee back to the nursery for a snack. "May I carry her?" he asked eagerly, already holding out his arms.
Clora looked at Mark, giving him the choice as head of their family to include Wade or not. Mark nodded, placing the wet, uncomfortably starving bundle of joy in his Father's hands. Wade was instantly unsure if his had been a wise choice, but he bravely tried to ignore the top of her lungs protest Tess was sounding out.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you pac. 
i was hoping for a chapter this morning lol.
i was hoping for a chapter this morning lol.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#157b
"Tessee's on the move," the receptionist called the nursery. The nursery put the bottles in the warmer and while Mark unwrapped and changed his daughter, her every two hour snack was ready. The silence was deafening when Wade popped the nipple in Tessee's mouth.
"My God," he sputtered, "I can't believe how loud she is."
"Yeah, and I don't think we've heard how loud she can go," Mark joked as he tapped his ears with his finger. "There should be some way we can bunk with Clora up there and return here for her daily checkup. It sure would make it easier all the way around."
Well, why don't you go check?" Wade urged. "I don't think there's any reason you couldn't." The older man decided if he was going to act the fool over a baby, he didn't want an audience. Talking and cooing to Tessee, her Grandfather told her all about a pony she could have when she was older, and a puppy, and a dolly in a stroller, and a pretty pink frilly dress, and a pretty pair of pink shoes. This went on until the nurses shook their heads, thinking that the amount of money required would be enormous.
Mark listened and then had to break into his Father's fanciful plans. "Wade, we don't favor one child over the others. As long as you understand that Willie, Toby, Milo and Teddy are just as much ours as Tessee is, then we will get along fine."
Wade nodded, expecting nothing less from a adopted boy that had understood his situation at a very early age. "I haven't forgotten," he assured Mark. "I'm prepared to treat them all the same. I did want to talk to you about further education for the older boy's, are they preparing themselves for college?"
"We haven't kept track during the past year I'm ashamed to say, staying alive has been at the top of the list. " Mark thought back to the schooling Cheryl, Lainey and Clora had been doing. "I've given them survival training, they know enough to keep themselves alive, barely." Mark amended.
"There's so much I need to be doing at the lodge, I feel frustrated that I'm kinda spinning my wheels here," Mark picked up Tessee and laid a burp rag on his shoulder. "The charge nurses are getting together with Dr. Wallace and figuring out a way that we could consolidate rooms."
"Tessee's on the move," the receptionist called the nursery. The nursery put the bottles in the warmer and while Mark unwrapped and changed his daughter, her every two hour snack was ready. The silence was deafening when Wade popped the nipple in Tessee's mouth.
"My God," he sputtered, "I can't believe how loud she is."
"Yeah, and I don't think we've heard how loud she can go," Mark joked as he tapped his ears with his finger. "There should be some way we can bunk with Clora up there and return here for her daily checkup. It sure would make it easier all the way around."
Well, why don't you go check?" Wade urged. "I don't think there's any reason you couldn't." The older man decided if he was going to act the fool over a baby, he didn't want an audience. Talking and cooing to Tessee, her Grandfather told her all about a pony she could have when she was older, and a puppy, and a dolly in a stroller, and a pretty pink frilly dress, and a pretty pair of pink shoes. This went on until the nurses shook their heads, thinking that the amount of money required would be enormous.
Mark listened and then had to break into his Father's fanciful plans. "Wade, we don't favor one child over the others. As long as you understand that Willie, Toby, Milo and Teddy are just as much ours as Tessee is, then we will get along fine."
Wade nodded, expecting nothing less from a adopted boy that had understood his situation at a very early age. "I haven't forgotten," he assured Mark. "I'm prepared to treat them all the same. I did want to talk to you about further education for the older boy's, are they preparing themselves for college?"
"We haven't kept track during the past year I'm ashamed to say, staying alive has been at the top of the list. " Mark thought back to the schooling Cheryl, Lainey and Clora had been doing. "I've given them survival training, they know enough to keep themselves alive, barely." Mark amended.
"There's so much I need to be doing at the lodge, I feel frustrated that I'm kinda spinning my wheels here," Mark picked up Tessee and laid a burp rag on his shoulder. "The charge nurses are getting together with Dr. Wallace and figuring out a way that we could consolidate rooms."
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you
I have had the worst success trying to join this group. I'm not too blog savvy. I kept at it because I was determined to thank you for this series of stories!!! I have never read a book with so many twists and turns, each one so very plausible. I havn't found circumstances that strains my imagination. I find myself really caring for your story characters. While I have been lurking for months, I have been praying for you and yours. djones54
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
Thank you for your kind words djones54. I'm so glad you joined as this is a great place to hang out. Every single happening in the story so far is true. The names and places have been altered, but from my great, great elders down through now, we have experienced it all.
I come from a long line of journal keepers, and those old day to day reports have provided me with plenty of ideas
I urge everyone reading to keep a journal, start today, write often and create a wonderful legacy for those that follow you.
Thanks to all who read, Pac and Mr. Pac.
I come from a long line of journal keepers, and those old day to day reports have provided me with plenty of ideas
I urge everyone reading to keep a journal, start today, write often and create a wonderful legacy for those that follow you.
Thanks to all who read, Pac and Mr. Pac.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#157c
Mother and daughter were allowed to bunk in a private room off the nursery. It caused the whole hospital to heave a sigh of relief, and resume their previously scheduled work. Life was better for Clora and for Tessee. Mark actually got some sleep, and so did all the other babies residing in the nursery.
Life at the lodge improved with Helga directing the spading of a huge garden, Cheryl was able to concentrate on fixing the meals and Lainey had a bye for another week. Helmer assisted the men, training them as much as keeping the horses tuned up.
A whole month passed, the people at the lodge worked all available hours of daylight. The fire break was done, wood from the dead trees cut and ricked into the huge woodshed. The green trees were trucked into the mill, the clan's part of the much anticipated income turned into a huge grocery buying trip. Huge amounts of foodstuffs were put by, and then one morning in mid August, there was a definite chill to the morning. Fall was coming.
Clora, Mark and Tessee had been home for two weeks, and that day they were to return for a mother daughter check up. Mark drove them out, with a last minute grocery list tucked in one pocket and a letter to Christy's school in the other. School was expected to start in two weeks and she was naturally excited. The letter was her deposit for room and board, the start of her adulthood career.
Toby and Willie were tough muscled, sun browned working machines, with the men right behind them. The ladies tended the gardens, put by what food they wild crafted, grew and bought in quantity. The youngsters stacked sticks on the porch, bringing them in the wagon Mark brought home.
Helga supervised the days, carefully recording the temperature, rainfall and general weather. The morning Mark and family left for their Doctor's appointments, she announced that there would be a early, hard winter. "The signs point to much snow, soon," she remarked. "What ever you need, get it now. The young Missy will need to go out soon." then she was done with her announcement. "We need honey, dried milk, sacks of beans, peas and oatmeal. Flour, cornmeal, salt. You and you," she pointed to Toby and Willie, "need to hunt, starting today."
No one disagreed, the memory of that horrible winter in Evergreen never forgotten.
Mother and daughter were allowed to bunk in a private room off the nursery. It caused the whole hospital to heave a sigh of relief, and resume their previously scheduled work. Life was better for Clora and for Tessee. Mark actually got some sleep, and so did all the other babies residing in the nursery.
Life at the lodge improved with Helga directing the spading of a huge garden, Cheryl was able to concentrate on fixing the meals and Lainey had a bye for another week. Helmer assisted the men, training them as much as keeping the horses tuned up.
A whole month passed, the people at the lodge worked all available hours of daylight. The fire break was done, wood from the dead trees cut and ricked into the huge woodshed. The green trees were trucked into the mill, the clan's part of the much anticipated income turned into a huge grocery buying trip. Huge amounts of foodstuffs were put by, and then one morning in mid August, there was a definite chill to the morning. Fall was coming.
Clora, Mark and Tessee had been home for two weeks, and that day they were to return for a mother daughter check up. Mark drove them out, with a last minute grocery list tucked in one pocket and a letter to Christy's school in the other. School was expected to start in two weeks and she was naturally excited. The letter was her deposit for room and board, the start of her adulthood career.
Toby and Willie were tough muscled, sun browned working machines, with the men right behind them. The ladies tended the gardens, put by what food they wild crafted, grew and bought in quantity. The youngsters stacked sticks on the porch, bringing them in the wagon Mark brought home.
Helga supervised the days, carefully recording the temperature, rainfall and general weather. The morning Mark and family left for their Doctor's appointments, she announced that there would be a early, hard winter. "The signs point to much snow, soon," she remarked. "What ever you need, get it now. The young Missy will need to go out soon." then she was done with her announcement. "We need honey, dried milk, sacks of beans, peas and oatmeal. Flour, cornmeal, salt. You and you," she pointed to Toby and Willie, "need to hunt, starting today."
No one disagreed, the memory of that horrible winter in Evergreen never forgotten.
Oh, I like Helga. She saw a need and filled it. A good worker is hard to come by. Sounds like Helmer is a good worker, too. They both should fit right in with all the family. Thanks Pac for these delightful chapters. It will be interesting to follow as the clan begins a winter in their new quarters.
Sammy55
Veteran Member
Thanks, Pac, for the great chapters! Awesome!! This last one made me realize that even though it's summer, the days are going by very fast and soon it will be winter. And it will also soon be the end of the life we are all familiar with and the beginning of hard, very hard, times for all of us. It makes me want to even more hurry with the preps, the canning, the firewood, the garden, the getting everything ready...........
I also want to say, Pac, that I think it's cool that you are putting these stories together from things that really happened in your family. Neat!!
I have started to journal more, too. I'm trying to write my story and keep the stories of my grandkids and kids - what they've done and said, etc.
I also want to say, Pac, that I think it's cool that you are putting these stories together from things that really happened in your family. Neat!!
I have started to journal more, too. I'm trying to write my story and keep the stories of my grandkids and kids - what they've done and said, etc.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Came home to another great chapter thank you.
I think it is wonderful you are sharing your history with us. My family doesn't know the old stories anymore because for a few generations in a row, they wanted to forget the past and our ancestors and "begin new". All my native american history is gone. I only know the nation we were once part of. But not the tribe or people.
On my other side, the only person I could get to talk about family was my gramma (father's mother) and that was only when she had been drinking. I've chronicled as much as I could and found a few "nuts" in the family tree and just a few great stories. However, it's simply not enough.
Now I've only one child to pass it all on too and he isn't really interested at all. My siblings have no desire nor any offspring to share with.
So my family's stories most likely will die with me unless my son or his kiddos decide to read/listen/remember the things I've written down and talked about the family. And then pass them on. Sadly I think that they will be too busy trying to just survive to enjoy reading about their ancestors.
That doesn't mean I won't be telling the Grands anyways....lol!
On my other side, the only person I could get to talk about family was my gramma (father's mother) and that was only when she had been drinking. I've chronicled as much as I could and found a few "nuts" in the family tree and just a few great stories. However, it's simply not enough.
Now I've only one child to pass it all on too and he isn't really interested at all. My siblings have no desire nor any offspring to share with.
So my family's stories most likely will die with me unless my son or his kiddos decide to read/listen/remember the things I've written down and talked about the family. And then pass them on. Sadly I think that they will be too busy trying to just survive to enjoy reading about their ancestors.
That doesn't mean I won't be telling the Grands anyways....lol!
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Pac thank you for the new chapters i'm glad to see that Wade seems to have turned the corner towards good, his wife not so much. I wonder what adventures being snowed in at the loge will bring in the coming winter? I pray that you and yours are well and living in the peace that passes all understanding.
Wayne
Wayne
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#158
Mark, Clora, Tessee and two small boys that promised to high heaven that they would be on their best behavior, went to town. Mom and daughter passed their exams with flying colors; they had lunch with Wade who paid another installment on the wages for the clan. Propane was ordered, three loads of gravel for the long drive way spoken for and Mark stopped at the bank long enough to replenish his wallet.
Because things were going so smoothly, the Linderman's decided to drive up to the valley and check on Ev's cattle. Mark and Clora had been brainstorming, projecting out what chores still needed to be done before winter.
The valley looked forlorn. The road into the former homestead was overgrown with weeds, and neglect lay like a cloak of misery in the atmosphere. Smoke signaled there was someone in residence in their old camp. Mark armed Clora with his rifle and slipped into the brush to scope out the action.
It was Emory, sitting glumly around a smokey fire to ward off the hordes of mosquito's,
Mark, Clora, Tessee and two small boys that promised to high heaven that they would be on their best behavior, went to town. Mom and daughter passed their exams with flying colors; they had lunch with Wade who paid another installment on the wages for the clan. Propane was ordered, three loads of gravel for the long drive way spoken for and Mark stopped at the bank long enough to replenish his wallet.
Because things were going so smoothly, the Linderman's decided to drive up to the valley and check on Ev's cattle. Mark and Clora had been brainstorming, projecting out what chores still needed to be done before winter.
The valley looked forlorn. The road into the former homestead was overgrown with weeds, and neglect lay like a cloak of misery in the atmosphere. Smoke signaled there was someone in residence in their old camp. Mark armed Clora with his rifle and slipped into the brush to scope out the action.
It was Emory, sitting glumly around a smokey fire to ward off the hordes of mosquito's,
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Just Emory, poor guy. Thanks Pac. Maybe they can hire him to watch after the cattle for now.
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Thanks Pac wonder why Emory is there by himself.
Wayne
Wayne
Thanks Pac. I am finally caught up. It was a real pleasure to read more than one chapter at a time. I like the addition of Helmer and Helga. Helga sounds as if she is cut from the same cloth as Evie and Clora and she should be able to help carry some of the load that Clora was carrying. Maybe? Some times that sort is big on work ethic and short on the emotional needs of those around them. Can't wait to see where you take us next. Love this story.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#158b
Mark watched Emory for a bit, then whistled to let the trigger happy man know there was another present. Emory's head snapped up and he challenged outloud, "who's there?"
"Mark," the man skirted the brush and checked around once more. "I'm by myself but armed."
"Com'on in," Emory invited, "it's justen me, and I've got my rifle."
Mark stepped into the clearing and stared at Emory. The man looked terrible, filthy, filthy clothes, greasy hair and face, despondent attitude and the smell was noticeable from where he stood.
"Hey," Emory greeted Mark, "I was hopen youens might slide by one of these days, those purty butter colored cows are gonna be supper darn quick iffen youens don't get them gone."
Mark agreed, "we'll be here for them tomorrow, do you think you could help us round them up?"
"Oh shore, they's awful nice beasties," Emory replied. "They's come when I calls."
"Where's Elmer?" Mark thought it was strange that the other brother wasn't within earshot, as before they were like pete and repete.
If possible, Emory looked more hangdog than before. "It ain't good," he finally admitted. "Me 'an Elmer and that tramp wife of hissen had problems. She put the make on me, and Elmer wouldn't believe it was her, not me causen the problem."
"You wouldn't do that," Mark defended Emory. "Your an honest man, not a home wrecker."
Emory brightened, "hey your the firsten to stand up for me. I got booted out of the camp cause they don't want no troubles."
"Do you have any food? How about I go get you some coffee?" Mark offered.
Emory looked so happy he started to tear up over Mark's kindness. "Oh, thaten would be so good, I ain't had coffee in a long time."
"Let me go get the pickup, Clora has a thermos of coffee and some sandwiches extra. I'll be right back." Mark trotted down to the pickup and slid in the seat. Milo and Teddy were jumping up and down in excitement, "Dad, Dad, who's there?"
"Emory, and he's by himself. Do we have any coffee left? I don't believe he's eaten in a while."
"Of course," Clora smiled as Mark drove up to the camp. Clora was surprised that Emory looked so bad. Once again Clora was pleased that she came prepared for any event, or problem. Even a short trip to town required a full BOB bag and food.
"Can we get out? Please Dad, we have been really good." Milo begged as he looked around the interesting camp.
"Stay away from the fire, and the bugs are bad, just so you know." Mark ordered the boy's. Clora opted to stay in the pickup and feed Tessee, so she passed the food to Mark.
Emory greedily drank the coffee and downed the sandwiches in three bites. "That's gooden, I be thanken ya. You gots your newest youngen yet?"
"Yes we do, she's in the pickup with Clora." Mark looked up to smile at Clora.
"Good, and how abouts that brother of hers, that Wayne, isen he Ok?"
"We are doing very well," Mark told the dejected man, "you wouldn't be looking for a job, would you?"
Emory's jaw about hit the ground, before he collected himself and cautiously answered "shore, I's done with this place, it ain't gots anything for me here."
"We'll come tomorrow for the cattle and you, so have your gear ready about noon. And Emory, maybe you should clean up a bit." Mark softly mentioned, causing the short, noticeably thinner Emory to blush a little.
"Shore thing, thanks to you, I'm thinking. I'll be ready." Emory drained the thermos without using the cup, wiping the mouth of the battered old stainless steel Aladdin with his sleeve.
Clora made a mental note that the thermos needed to be washed and bleached before it could be used again. She had a plastic sack of homemade snack bars that she had Mark pass over to Emory, and then they headed back toward home.
"This changes my plans," Mark acknowledged. "We will need to make another trip to town for supplies after we move the cows. If they didn't mean so much to Ev I'd say forget them, but, what the heck, we can do that without much trouble."
Clora nodded her agreement, "He sure does like those cows, I hope they do well at the lodge. The valley looks awful mournful, doesn't it?"
"That's a good description Honey, it's my dream, but it's almost in the past," resignation and defeat tinged his voice as Mark drove over the spaghetti tangle of roads to reach their narrow two lane to home.
Supper was fresh deer liver and fried potatoes and onions, and the smell enticed the Linderman's to hurry in the house and wash up.
Milo was busy telling about poor old Mr. Emory, and Ev's cows and the bugs, and he didn't run down until Clora pointed to his plate and said "eat."
Ev wanted to go with the men so bad he was beside himself, but didn't want to cause problems. Mark finally asked the wheel chair bound man if he wanted to go, and he replied a loud, strong "Yesss."
Arrangements were made and the checks distributed, they were most welcome to the cash poor family. Those that weren't going to town, endorsed their checks for cashing and handed them to Ben.
Cheryl mentioned they needed twenty to twenty five boxes of quart jars and extra lids. "We will be out of jars by tomorrow night, the boy's bagged two fine animals. Helmer is going hunting tomorrow, so if he has good luck, we will be in good shape."
Helmer beamed. Of course he was going to have good luck, he practically had two fine fat does tied up where he could get to them. Helga snorted her exasperation. She well knew the look on her husband's face. That old fool thought no one knew about the salt lick he had squirreled away in the forest, so she had no doubt there would be several deer in the larder by tomorrow night.
Mark watched Emory for a bit, then whistled to let the trigger happy man know there was another present. Emory's head snapped up and he challenged outloud, "who's there?"
"Mark," the man skirted the brush and checked around once more. "I'm by myself but armed."
"Com'on in," Emory invited, "it's justen me, and I've got my rifle."
Mark stepped into the clearing and stared at Emory. The man looked terrible, filthy, filthy clothes, greasy hair and face, despondent attitude and the smell was noticeable from where he stood.
"Hey," Emory greeted Mark, "I was hopen youens might slide by one of these days, those purty butter colored cows are gonna be supper darn quick iffen youens don't get them gone."
Mark agreed, "we'll be here for them tomorrow, do you think you could help us round them up?"
"Oh shore, they's awful nice beasties," Emory replied. "They's come when I calls."
"Where's Elmer?" Mark thought it was strange that the other brother wasn't within earshot, as before they were like pete and repete.
If possible, Emory looked more hangdog than before. "It ain't good," he finally admitted. "Me 'an Elmer and that tramp wife of hissen had problems. She put the make on me, and Elmer wouldn't believe it was her, not me causen the problem."
"You wouldn't do that," Mark defended Emory. "Your an honest man, not a home wrecker."
Emory brightened, "hey your the firsten to stand up for me. I got booted out of the camp cause they don't want no troubles."
"Do you have any food? How about I go get you some coffee?" Mark offered.
Emory looked so happy he started to tear up over Mark's kindness. "Oh, thaten would be so good, I ain't had coffee in a long time."
"Let me go get the pickup, Clora has a thermos of coffee and some sandwiches extra. I'll be right back." Mark trotted down to the pickup and slid in the seat. Milo and Teddy were jumping up and down in excitement, "Dad, Dad, who's there?"
"Emory, and he's by himself. Do we have any coffee left? I don't believe he's eaten in a while."
"Of course," Clora smiled as Mark drove up to the camp. Clora was surprised that Emory looked so bad. Once again Clora was pleased that she came prepared for any event, or problem. Even a short trip to town required a full BOB bag and food.
"Can we get out? Please Dad, we have been really good." Milo begged as he looked around the interesting camp.
"Stay away from the fire, and the bugs are bad, just so you know." Mark ordered the boy's. Clora opted to stay in the pickup and feed Tessee, so she passed the food to Mark.
Emory greedily drank the coffee and downed the sandwiches in three bites. "That's gooden, I be thanken ya. You gots your newest youngen yet?"
"Yes we do, she's in the pickup with Clora." Mark looked up to smile at Clora.
"Good, and how abouts that brother of hers, that Wayne, isen he Ok?"
"We are doing very well," Mark told the dejected man, "you wouldn't be looking for a job, would you?"
Emory's jaw about hit the ground, before he collected himself and cautiously answered "shore, I's done with this place, it ain't gots anything for me here."
"We'll come tomorrow for the cattle and you, so have your gear ready about noon. And Emory, maybe you should clean up a bit." Mark softly mentioned, causing the short, noticeably thinner Emory to blush a little.
"Shore thing, thanks to you, I'm thinking. I'll be ready." Emory drained the thermos without using the cup, wiping the mouth of the battered old stainless steel Aladdin with his sleeve.
Clora made a mental note that the thermos needed to be washed and bleached before it could be used again. She had a plastic sack of homemade snack bars that she had Mark pass over to Emory, and then they headed back toward home.
"This changes my plans," Mark acknowledged. "We will need to make another trip to town for supplies after we move the cows. If they didn't mean so much to Ev I'd say forget them, but, what the heck, we can do that without much trouble."
Clora nodded her agreement, "He sure does like those cows, I hope they do well at the lodge. The valley looks awful mournful, doesn't it?"
"That's a good description Honey, it's my dream, but it's almost in the past," resignation and defeat tinged his voice as Mark drove over the spaghetti tangle of roads to reach their narrow two lane to home.
Supper was fresh deer liver and fried potatoes and onions, and the smell enticed the Linderman's to hurry in the house and wash up.
Milo was busy telling about poor old Mr. Emory, and Ev's cows and the bugs, and he didn't run down until Clora pointed to his plate and said "eat."
Ev wanted to go with the men so bad he was beside himself, but didn't want to cause problems. Mark finally asked the wheel chair bound man if he wanted to go, and he replied a loud, strong "Yesss."
Arrangements were made and the checks distributed, they were most welcome to the cash poor family. Those that weren't going to town, endorsed their checks for cashing and handed them to Ben.
Cheryl mentioned they needed twenty to twenty five boxes of quart jars and extra lids. "We will be out of jars by tomorrow night, the boy's bagged two fine animals. Helmer is going hunting tomorrow, so if he has good luck, we will be in good shape."
Helmer beamed. Of course he was going to have good luck, he practically had two fine fat does tied up where he could get to them. Helga snorted her exasperation. She well knew the look on her husband's face. That old fool thought no one knew about the salt lick he had squirreled away in the forest, so she had no doubt there would be several deer in the larder by tomorrow night.
Looking forward to wherever you take us in this story! Great job, as always, Pac!
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Great chapter thank you.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#158c
Helga was up extra early. She made lunches for the would be cowboys, lunch for Helmer and the teens, and started a huge pot of oatmeal with dried fruit to start the day out with a good meal. Milk and or cream for the cereal, hot coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, it was a glorious morning with no clouds in the sky.
The dew was light and the day already turning hot. Strange weather for Helga's announcement of early snow and a long, bad winter.
Helmer was a stand hunter, "I'm too old to go out traipsing around in da voods," he announced. "I'm going to hunt here by this small stream, you boys go where you wish, yust no shooting toward me."
"Sure enough," Toby replied, "I'm headed down toward the stock pond and that small ravine where I've seen some deer beds."
"Good idea," Willie seconded the notion. "I'm off, see ya later Helmer."
The cowboy's pushed hard after they stopped at the bank and conducted their business. They talked about what they needed, and Wayne kept a list to make sure all the bases got covered. The trip into the valley was uneventful, and Emory was thrilled they brought him coffee and sandwiches.
He had the Highlanders close by, the calf standing so close she was slobbering on Emory as he ate the quick meal. The cow kept watch and the bull edged a little closer to protect the herd if need be. Emory pursed his lips and made a little smacking sound, the Highlanders walked closer as he backed up toward the back of the trailer.
Mark quietly opened the back gate and then got behind it to ease up and open the small man door in the front. It was easier than pie, the cow and calf stepped right in and went to munching the oats in the wooden box. The bull was a bit more standoffish, but when he smelled the oats it was all over for him.
Emory quietly stepped out the man door and locked it closed. Mark had the back gate closed at the same time. Ev wheeled over and used his hands to pull himself up to look in the trailer. Standing on his whithered legs for the first time, he strained to hang on to get a long look at his beloved cattle.
Wayne stood behind Ev's chair, intending to push it rapidly behind the man, should he go dizzy and start to fall backwards. Ev took a step without thinking about it, and Wayne waved his hand to attract the attention of the other men. Slowly Ev moved along the trailer, reaching in to scratch the floppy mop of hair on the top of the heifer.
"Good work," Ben commented, "that sure went smooth. Since we have this done so quickly, maybe we should go by the guy's place that you bought these from, have a look and see if he has any more."
Ev was all for that idea.
Helga was up extra early. She made lunches for the would be cowboys, lunch for Helmer and the teens, and started a huge pot of oatmeal with dried fruit to start the day out with a good meal. Milk and or cream for the cereal, hot coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, it was a glorious morning with no clouds in the sky.
The dew was light and the day already turning hot. Strange weather for Helga's announcement of early snow and a long, bad winter.
Helmer was a stand hunter, "I'm too old to go out traipsing around in da voods," he announced. "I'm going to hunt here by this small stream, you boys go where you wish, yust no shooting toward me."
"Sure enough," Toby replied, "I'm headed down toward the stock pond and that small ravine where I've seen some deer beds."
"Good idea," Willie seconded the notion. "I'm off, see ya later Helmer."
The cowboy's pushed hard after they stopped at the bank and conducted their business. They talked about what they needed, and Wayne kept a list to make sure all the bases got covered. The trip into the valley was uneventful, and Emory was thrilled they brought him coffee and sandwiches.
He had the Highlanders close by, the calf standing so close she was slobbering on Emory as he ate the quick meal. The cow kept watch and the bull edged a little closer to protect the herd if need be. Emory pursed his lips and made a little smacking sound, the Highlanders walked closer as he backed up toward the back of the trailer.
Mark quietly opened the back gate and then got behind it to ease up and open the small man door in the front. It was easier than pie, the cow and calf stepped right in and went to munching the oats in the wooden box. The bull was a bit more standoffish, but when he smelled the oats it was all over for him.
Emory quietly stepped out the man door and locked it closed. Mark had the back gate closed at the same time. Ev wheeled over and used his hands to pull himself up to look in the trailer. Standing on his whithered legs for the first time, he strained to hang on to get a long look at his beloved cattle.
Wayne stood behind Ev's chair, intending to push it rapidly behind the man, should he go dizzy and start to fall backwards. Ev took a step without thinking about it, and Wayne waved his hand to attract the attention of the other men. Slowly Ev moved along the trailer, reaching in to scratch the floppy mop of hair on the top of the heifer.
"Good work," Ben commented, "that sure went smooth. Since we have this done so quickly, maybe we should go by the guy's place that you bought these from, have a look and see if he has any more."
Ev was all for that idea.