If I thought for one miserable minute......
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#6
Evie tried to get out of the folding camp chair. With her rear so much lower than her hips, she struggled to hoist herself up with her arms and failed. She was effectively imprisoned by a green Coleman chair. Pushing with her legs only threatened to tip her over backwards.
"Cheryl, help me please," Evie gasped, as another shaking happened. This was more like an explosion, the boom echoing through the forest air. Once again the forest went silent. The wind ceased, and then increased as trees swayed with the rising volume.
Evie used all her strength to hang on to Cheryl, as the stronger, younger pulled her out of the chair. Giving the offending seat a baleful glare, Evie righted her skirt and dusted her hands off in satisfaction. "Thank you, I don't believe I will sit in that again. A good chunk of wood would be just fine."
Cheryl smiled at the grandmotherly woman. "Your welcome. That was a peculiar kind of a sound, don't you think?" she asked as she put another chunk of wood on the fire. "It sure doesn't seem like I've heard that noise before."
There was a steady rise to the wind, the whipping tree tops sounding like rushing water. "Ohh, I don't like this at all." Cheryl and Evie did a 360, turning toward the direction of the wind. "Oh my word," Evie whispered.
"Dear Lord," Cheryl said at the same time. Over the tree line to the South East was a billowing grayish brown plume. The bottom and sides of the cloud pulsating with life as it grew larger and larger. "That's got to be Ranier exploding." Cheryl said in awe. "Have you ever seen anything so magnificent?"
Evie muttered under her breath. She wasn't so worried about Mt. Ranier. It was Baker that had more potential to do them harm.
Half afraid, she turned and looked to the North. In the far distance, the dime sized bulk of the snow covered mountain was huffing white steam clouds. Well, Evie supposed as long as it could vent out the pressure, it might not blow. To the North of them, that volcano had the ability to send ash their way on the prevailing winds.
There was a final rush of foul smelling wind, the faintly sulfur odor gagging the gathering in the meadow. Cheryl ran to the tent, tore open a tote and handed Evie a bandanna. Dunking the other two in her hand in the pan of heating water, Cheryl wrung them tightly and fixed one over Christy's nose.
"That stinks Mommy, what is it?" Christy was so busy she hardly looked up, her dolly's were not sitting up well.
Cheryl was tying the blue hanky around her face, and reaching for the one she had handed Evie. "Let me wet this," she offered as her busy hands dunked and wrung the cloth before Evie could say anything.
"You look like a robber Mommy. you too Granny," Christy giggled at the sight, happy to be playing.
"Well yeah," Cheryl said softly. "This really changes things. I hope the guys hurry back."
Evie looked over the neat, well laid out campsite. The stack of night wood, the taut, sturdy tent, the small but hot fire heating water and coffee on the grill rack. Water in collapsible containers, a folding camp table and the promise of tree rounds for stools. This was a good place for the night.
Sandra came in stealthily, standing with the women before they knew she was there.
"Heavens," Cheryl fanned her face with the bandanna, "you startled me. I'm not used to anyone moving so silently. Did you see that?" she pointed towards the volcano cloud that was rising and spreading like the end of the world darkness. Sandra had her own bandanna, a multi cam green and brown swirled hanky that she dipped in the water.
"I don't think we should be far from the tent," Sandy said seriously. "This is no joke. What kind of weapons do you have Cheryl? If I know Grandma, she has that little 38 in her pocket," she looked to Evie for confirmation.
Evie nodded, surprising Cheryl that the sweet little old lady countenance would harbor such a thing. Cheryl looked with new found admiration at Evie's innocent, wrinkled face. Evie winked back.
"It's gonna be dark much sooner than we expected with the ash, are we OK with the bathroom thing?" Sandra crouched by the fire, pouring a cup of coffee.
"How old are you?" Cheryl demanded a bit peeved. "Do you really need coffee?" she felt a bit off color. She had forgotten a major item at the house that she needed right now. Her forgetfulness made her cranky that she would plan and then run off like a ninny.
Sandra wisely said nothing, but looked at Evie in the waining daylight. Evie smiled, and walked over to her granddaughter. Sandy took a long drink and passed the cup to Evie. Evie turned her back to Cheryl and finished the cupfull. She really hated to drink coffee this late at night, but this was a special occasion that needed defusing.
Cheryl walked towards the tent and then turned and apologized for her behavior. "I'm sorry, I forgot a major prep that I knew better than to leave home without, and it really made me mad at myself."
Sandra looked up, "I have what you need," she offered. "In the tent."
It was full on dark by the time they heard the motor and saw the lights of the approaching vehicle winding up the rutted road.
Evie tried to get out of the folding camp chair. With her rear so much lower than her hips, she struggled to hoist herself up with her arms and failed. She was effectively imprisoned by a green Coleman chair. Pushing with her legs only threatened to tip her over backwards.
"Cheryl, help me please," Evie gasped, as another shaking happened. This was more like an explosion, the boom echoing through the forest air. Once again the forest went silent. The wind ceased, and then increased as trees swayed with the rising volume.
Evie used all her strength to hang on to Cheryl, as the stronger, younger pulled her out of the chair. Giving the offending seat a baleful glare, Evie righted her skirt and dusted her hands off in satisfaction. "Thank you, I don't believe I will sit in that again. A good chunk of wood would be just fine."
Cheryl smiled at the grandmotherly woman. "Your welcome. That was a peculiar kind of a sound, don't you think?" she asked as she put another chunk of wood on the fire. "It sure doesn't seem like I've heard that noise before."
There was a steady rise to the wind, the whipping tree tops sounding like rushing water. "Ohh, I don't like this at all." Cheryl and Evie did a 360, turning toward the direction of the wind. "Oh my word," Evie whispered.
"Dear Lord," Cheryl said at the same time. Over the tree line to the South East was a billowing grayish brown plume. The bottom and sides of the cloud pulsating with life as it grew larger and larger. "That's got to be Ranier exploding." Cheryl said in awe. "Have you ever seen anything so magnificent?"
Evie muttered under her breath. She wasn't so worried about Mt. Ranier. It was Baker that had more potential to do them harm.
Half afraid, she turned and looked to the North. In the far distance, the dime sized bulk of the snow covered mountain was huffing white steam clouds. Well, Evie supposed as long as it could vent out the pressure, it might not blow. To the North of them, that volcano had the ability to send ash their way on the prevailing winds.
There was a final rush of foul smelling wind, the faintly sulfur odor gagging the gathering in the meadow. Cheryl ran to the tent, tore open a tote and handed Evie a bandanna. Dunking the other two in her hand in the pan of heating water, Cheryl wrung them tightly and fixed one over Christy's nose.
"That stinks Mommy, what is it?" Christy was so busy she hardly looked up, her dolly's were not sitting up well.
Cheryl was tying the blue hanky around her face, and reaching for the one she had handed Evie. "Let me wet this," she offered as her busy hands dunked and wrung the cloth before Evie could say anything.
"You look like a robber Mommy. you too Granny," Christy giggled at the sight, happy to be playing.
"Well yeah," Cheryl said softly. "This really changes things. I hope the guys hurry back."
Evie looked over the neat, well laid out campsite. The stack of night wood, the taut, sturdy tent, the small but hot fire heating water and coffee on the grill rack. Water in collapsible containers, a folding camp table and the promise of tree rounds for stools. This was a good place for the night.
Sandra came in stealthily, standing with the women before they knew she was there.
"Heavens," Cheryl fanned her face with the bandanna, "you startled me. I'm not used to anyone moving so silently. Did you see that?" she pointed towards the volcano cloud that was rising and spreading like the end of the world darkness. Sandra had her own bandanna, a multi cam green and brown swirled hanky that she dipped in the water.
"I don't think we should be far from the tent," Sandy said seriously. "This is no joke. What kind of weapons do you have Cheryl? If I know Grandma, she has that little 38 in her pocket," she looked to Evie for confirmation.
Evie nodded, surprising Cheryl that the sweet little old lady countenance would harbor such a thing. Cheryl looked with new found admiration at Evie's innocent, wrinkled face. Evie winked back.
"It's gonna be dark much sooner than we expected with the ash, are we OK with the bathroom thing?" Sandra crouched by the fire, pouring a cup of coffee.
"How old are you?" Cheryl demanded a bit peeved. "Do you really need coffee?" she felt a bit off color. She had forgotten a major item at the house that she needed right now. Her forgetfulness made her cranky that she would plan and then run off like a ninny.
Sandra wisely said nothing, but looked at Evie in the waining daylight. Evie smiled, and walked over to her granddaughter. Sandy took a long drink and passed the cup to Evie. Evie turned her back to Cheryl and finished the cupfull. She really hated to drink coffee this late at night, but this was a special occasion that needed defusing.
Cheryl walked towards the tent and then turned and apologized for her behavior. "I'm sorry, I forgot a major prep that I knew better than to leave home without, and it really made me mad at myself."
Sandra looked up, "I have what you need," she offered. "In the tent."
It was full on dark by the time they heard the motor and saw the lights of the approaching vehicle winding up the rutted road.
Thank you! Excellent chapter, as always! Sure hope the other volcano doesn't blow.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
very good chapter, thanks
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Yep Hickory I thougt the same. Great chapter thank you.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#7
It was Sandra who first remarked, "that doesn't sound like Mr. Ev's pickup." The sharp eyed girl had been the first to spot the headlights slowly advancing up the woodland tract. Some distance away, the sound was definitely different than Ev's old Ford.
"OK, I agree," Cheryl confirmed her take on the sound. "Evie and Christy, into heavy coats. I want you in the tree line under a cedar or in heavy brush. Walk as far out of the fire light as possible before you turn on the flashlights. Try not to use them at all." Cheryl instructed. "Here is a blanket to sit on and a poncho to cut the wind. It's important to be very quiet," she looked sternly at her daughter. "Mind miz Evie," she admonished.
As Evie and Christy prepared to leave, Cheryl threw on a coat, gathered a few things and shoved them in her pockets. Reconsidering her orders she escorted Evie and her daughter to the back of the tent, where all three of them went to the brush, careful to keep the tent between them and the lights.
Sandra had simply melted away. She was gone so cleanly and swiftly that Cheryl just shook her head. Cheryl got the oldest and the youngest situated, hunkered down under the same tree Sandra had occupied. "Christy, you might take a little nap," she suggested watching her daughter yawn hugely. "I brought Mr. Bunny to keep you company."
"Thank you." Christy said sleepily.
Evie with her back to the tree, wiggled down into the blanket and placed the flashlight and the pocket opening where she could reach it swiftly.
Cheryl gave two short whistles, and waited for Sandra to respond. The night wind rushing down the ridge carried the sound much further than Sandy was comfortable with. Moving quietly, she spoke to Cheryl as the older woman approached her position.
Cheryl had her hand on her gun and went into an instant crouch when Sandy acknowledged her presence.
"The whistle is carrying too far," she explained, her voice low.
"I want to move down hill a bit, that way if there is any shooting it will be aimed away from Evie and Christy," Cheryl said in a determined tone. We need to stay together," she hissed when Sandy went to move. "I have to know where you are in the dark."
At first Sandy wanted to object, then she reconsidered, and they moved forward to the edge of the tree line. The engine sound was louder, the vehicle relentlessly advancing.
Intently they watched as the lights stopped, then after a very long pause resumed again. Sandra with her face mostly hidden by the bandanna snorted with repressed laughter. "Somebody had to wizz," she chuckled.
Cheryl had to admit the tension of waiting was irritating. "Hurry up, already," she muttered low, urging the lights on.
Benny drove into camp, shutting off the SUV and standing next to the front fender. He gave four short whistles and stood still.
From off to his right, five short blasts were returned. He relaxed, this was Ev and Waynes's camp. Every idea and rule that had been prearranged, was working perfectly.
The plan, as he thought of it, was functioning smoothly. "Hi" he said to Cheryl as she cautiously came toward the fire.
"Hi, yourself" she returned. "Sandy's around her somewhere."
"She should be," Benny gestured with his hand, "just slightly off to my right." The dark night empty, and then full as Sandy approached.
"I am," her calm voice returned. "Good to see you. How did Evergreen stand the quake?"
"It's tore up pretty fair," Benny allowed. "Our new State Cop showed up with his family right as it hit. His wife wasn't any too impressed with the house he had picked out, and even less so when the chimney fell off."
"Have you seen Ev and Wayne?" Cheryl asked, wondering what in the world was keeping them.
I came to check on you guys, and they were out repairing a section of fence that a tree had fallen on." The Sheriff removed his Stetson and rubbed his sleeve across his forehead. "That's probably them now."
The headlights were far enough away they looked like one single light. "Sounds correct," Sandra gave a small smile.
For some reason, the thought struck Cheryl that Sandra was really much older than she suspected. The tone and timber to her voice was that of a woman, not a young teen. A mystery to follow up on in the morning. The crew went into the same objective plan as the second vehicle drew closer.
Ev stopped his truck beside the Sheriff's rig and got out. Again four short blasts, and the answering five.
"Where's Wayne?" Cheryl inquired.
"Here," he replied as he came from the darkness behind them. "And Sandy's behind me, exactly where she's supposed to be." he approved of everyone's actions.
"No," the calm smooth voice replied. "I'm to your left 30 feet. If you get shot at, I don't want to be in the line of fire."
Wayne nodded in self satisfaction. The plan and training was working well. "I thought I heard you behind me," he added.
"No, that's Grandma," Sandy said smugly. "She was keeping track of everybody."
"I've got to get back," Benny looked the camp over in approval. "You might move closer to the timber, that fire is small but noticeable in the open."
"Ev and I have repairs to do tomorrow, we will be up here for another couple of days until we're finished," Wayne walked his friend to the SUV. "How about Brett and his family, are they OK?"
"Yeah, they have a lot of damage in the old brick part of the diner, but the rest seems allright" Benny shook hands with Wayne and headed back down the ridge
"I'll take first watch," Wayne called out as Cheryl brought Evie back in to the fire. Ev was carrying Christy and she was fast asleep.
"Tomorrow," Wayne said as he passed Sandra, tugging on a lock of her long hair,"better keep your hair up away from the fire."
It was Sandra who first remarked, "that doesn't sound like Mr. Ev's pickup." The sharp eyed girl had been the first to spot the headlights slowly advancing up the woodland tract. Some distance away, the sound was definitely different than Ev's old Ford.
"OK, I agree," Cheryl confirmed her take on the sound. "Evie and Christy, into heavy coats. I want you in the tree line under a cedar or in heavy brush. Walk as far out of the fire light as possible before you turn on the flashlights. Try not to use them at all." Cheryl instructed. "Here is a blanket to sit on and a poncho to cut the wind. It's important to be very quiet," she looked sternly at her daughter. "Mind miz Evie," she admonished.
As Evie and Christy prepared to leave, Cheryl threw on a coat, gathered a few things and shoved them in her pockets. Reconsidering her orders she escorted Evie and her daughter to the back of the tent, where all three of them went to the brush, careful to keep the tent between them and the lights.
Sandra had simply melted away. She was gone so cleanly and swiftly that Cheryl just shook her head. Cheryl got the oldest and the youngest situated, hunkered down under the same tree Sandra had occupied. "Christy, you might take a little nap," she suggested watching her daughter yawn hugely. "I brought Mr. Bunny to keep you company."
"Thank you." Christy said sleepily.
Evie with her back to the tree, wiggled down into the blanket and placed the flashlight and the pocket opening where she could reach it swiftly.
Cheryl gave two short whistles, and waited for Sandra to respond. The night wind rushing down the ridge carried the sound much further than Sandy was comfortable with. Moving quietly, she spoke to Cheryl as the older woman approached her position.
Cheryl had her hand on her gun and went into an instant crouch when Sandy acknowledged her presence.
"The whistle is carrying too far," she explained, her voice low.
"I want to move down hill a bit, that way if there is any shooting it will be aimed away from Evie and Christy," Cheryl said in a determined tone. We need to stay together," she hissed when Sandy went to move. "I have to know where you are in the dark."
At first Sandy wanted to object, then she reconsidered, and they moved forward to the edge of the tree line. The engine sound was louder, the vehicle relentlessly advancing.
Intently they watched as the lights stopped, then after a very long pause resumed again. Sandra with her face mostly hidden by the bandanna snorted with repressed laughter. "Somebody had to wizz," she chuckled.
Cheryl had to admit the tension of waiting was irritating. "Hurry up, already," she muttered low, urging the lights on.
Benny drove into camp, shutting off the SUV and standing next to the front fender. He gave four short whistles and stood still.
From off to his right, five short blasts were returned. He relaxed, this was Ev and Waynes's camp. Every idea and rule that had been prearranged, was working perfectly.
The plan, as he thought of it, was functioning smoothly. "Hi" he said to Cheryl as she cautiously came toward the fire.
"Hi, yourself" she returned. "Sandy's around her somewhere."
"She should be," Benny gestured with his hand, "just slightly off to my right." The dark night empty, and then full as Sandy approached.
"I am," her calm voice returned. "Good to see you. How did Evergreen stand the quake?"
"It's tore up pretty fair," Benny allowed. "Our new State Cop showed up with his family right as it hit. His wife wasn't any too impressed with the house he had picked out, and even less so when the chimney fell off."
"Have you seen Ev and Wayne?" Cheryl asked, wondering what in the world was keeping them.
I came to check on you guys, and they were out repairing a section of fence that a tree had fallen on." The Sheriff removed his Stetson and rubbed his sleeve across his forehead. "That's probably them now."
The headlights were far enough away they looked like one single light. "Sounds correct," Sandra gave a small smile.
For some reason, the thought struck Cheryl that Sandra was really much older than she suspected. The tone and timber to her voice was that of a woman, not a young teen. A mystery to follow up on in the morning. The crew went into the same objective plan as the second vehicle drew closer.
Ev stopped his truck beside the Sheriff's rig and got out. Again four short blasts, and the answering five.
"Where's Wayne?" Cheryl inquired.
"Here," he replied as he came from the darkness behind them. "And Sandy's behind me, exactly where she's supposed to be." he approved of everyone's actions.
"No," the calm smooth voice replied. "I'm to your left 30 feet. If you get shot at, I don't want to be in the line of fire."
Wayne nodded in self satisfaction. The plan and training was working well. "I thought I heard you behind me," he added.
"No, that's Grandma," Sandy said smugly. "She was keeping track of everybody."
"I've got to get back," Benny looked the camp over in approval. "You might move closer to the timber, that fire is small but noticeable in the open."
"Ev and I have repairs to do tomorrow, we will be up here for another couple of days until we're finished," Wayne walked his friend to the SUV. "How about Brett and his family, are they OK?"
"Yeah, they have a lot of damage in the old brick part of the diner, but the rest seems allright" Benny shook hands with Wayne and headed back down the ridge
"I'll take first watch," Wayne called out as Cheryl brought Evie back in to the fire. Ev was carrying Christy and she was fast asleep.
"Tomorrow," Wayne said as he passed Sandra, tugging on a lock of her long hair,"better keep your hair up away from the fire."
Sammy55
Veteran Member
Nah, I bet Cheryl forgot her weapon.
In the story, Sandy asks Cheryl what she has. Cheryl doesn't answer, just gets mad, and then thinks and says that she ran off and left a "major prep."
IMO, feminine stuff is not a major prep. Weapons are.
JMO.
By the way, great story! Both of them!
ETA: I see in the newest chapter that Cheryl has a weapon of some type. Unless she forgot her handgun. Or something else?.................
Like everyone says, "Moar please!"
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Yeah most likely a weapon, i wasn't thinking. Thank you.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#8
The campout was interrupted several times during the night by further rumblings. Evie had to get up during the night; muttering to herself about coffee and ancient bladders and the darkness, black enough to miss the hand before your face. When she was finally out of the tent, Cheryl couldn't help but chuckle.
"There I go in 40 years," she giggled as her cold hand snuck up under Ev's chin into the warm fold of his neck. He exploded as cold fingers tickled him.
"That's gonna require a payback," he warned softly in her ear. "What is my wife gonna think, you throwing your self at me that way, you wanton hussy." Then he lightly pinched her in a tender spot. "Now behave," he ordered.
Cheryl hummed again, "Me Behave," she whispered in all innocence. "Why lawsey me." she whispered in a fake southern accent, "what ever do you mean."
Outside, Evie had a terrible problem. She really needed to find a bit of privacy right away, but she had no idea where Wayne might be. It was unnerving enough to be in a total blackout, without having to worry about wetting oneself. Reaching on her pocket, she withdrew the flashlight and ..... a strong hand clamped on her wrist. That just about took care of two problems. One, where Wayne was. And two, the bathroom problem about solved itself.
"Don't turn it on," Wayne whispered. "The light will ruin my night vision. Do you need to go to the wood's?"
"Just away from the tent, and turn around! I've almost waited too long!" Evie shook off Wayne's hand and gathered her skirt up to walk over the uneven ground.
"Com'on Grams, this way," Wayne guided her by the elbow. "Here's a bush. I'll step away." he promised.
Evie made almost as much noise getting back into the tent as she did leaving. Once again she gave Cheryl the giggles. The woman burying her head in the small camping pillow to muffle the sound.
"I'll give you the curse of being a old woman some day, if you don't cut that out," Evie said very clearly.
This time it was Ev that had to muffle his laughter.
"You too Ev," floated out of the darkness.
Benny drove back to town, it was a satisfaction that his people were safe and the town would survive. There were so many things that had happened to him, and his sisters and friends; it was God's mystery for sure.
Benny had to slam on his brakes as a herd of deer bounded across the road in front of the Chevy. It wasn't a moonlit night but the wild critters were spooked, and on the move. He pondered what the quakes and volcano would mean.
Ranier had put quite a show, blowing the top off like it did. The town had milled around talking excitedly for hours. The prevailing winds would take the ash away from them, they might get a dusting or so, but not the inches like Mt. St. Helen's had dumped when it blew.
The number of river valley's between the mountain and them, should prevent lahars and lava flows from interupting their lives. So Benny felt there was no danger. Yet.
The campout was interrupted several times during the night by further rumblings. Evie had to get up during the night; muttering to herself about coffee and ancient bladders and the darkness, black enough to miss the hand before your face. When she was finally out of the tent, Cheryl couldn't help but chuckle.
"There I go in 40 years," she giggled as her cold hand snuck up under Ev's chin into the warm fold of his neck. He exploded as cold fingers tickled him.
"That's gonna require a payback," he warned softly in her ear. "What is my wife gonna think, you throwing your self at me that way, you wanton hussy." Then he lightly pinched her in a tender spot. "Now behave," he ordered.
Cheryl hummed again, "Me Behave," she whispered in all innocence. "Why lawsey me." she whispered in a fake southern accent, "what ever do you mean."
Outside, Evie had a terrible problem. She really needed to find a bit of privacy right away, but she had no idea where Wayne might be. It was unnerving enough to be in a total blackout, without having to worry about wetting oneself. Reaching on her pocket, she withdrew the flashlight and ..... a strong hand clamped on her wrist. That just about took care of two problems. One, where Wayne was. And two, the bathroom problem about solved itself.
"Don't turn it on," Wayne whispered. "The light will ruin my night vision. Do you need to go to the wood's?"
"Just away from the tent, and turn around! I've almost waited too long!" Evie shook off Wayne's hand and gathered her skirt up to walk over the uneven ground.
"Com'on Grams, this way," Wayne guided her by the elbow. "Here's a bush. I'll step away." he promised.
Evie made almost as much noise getting back into the tent as she did leaving. Once again she gave Cheryl the giggles. The woman burying her head in the small camping pillow to muffle the sound.
"I'll give you the curse of being a old woman some day, if you don't cut that out," Evie said very clearly.
This time it was Ev that had to muffle his laughter.
"You too Ev," floated out of the darkness.
Benny drove back to town, it was a satisfaction that his people were safe and the town would survive. There were so many things that had happened to him, and his sisters and friends; it was God's mystery for sure.
Benny had to slam on his brakes as a herd of deer bounded across the road in front of the Chevy. It wasn't a moonlit night but the wild critters were spooked, and on the move. He pondered what the quakes and volcano would mean.
Ranier had put quite a show, blowing the top off like it did. The town had milled around talking excitedly for hours. The prevailing winds would take the ash away from them, they might get a dusting or so, but not the inches like Mt. St. Helen's had dumped when it blew.
The number of river valley's between the mountain and them, should prevent lahars and lava flows from interupting their lives. So Benny felt there was no danger. Yet.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
YET, great chapter again, thank you.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#9
Tammy plastered a smile on her face, took a deep breath and turned around to meet the good people of Evergreen. Coming at her family en mass, the people were curious, interested and not unfriendly. Max's tangle with the town dog didn't seem to have caused problems, although there could be some later.
J introduced the whole family, oldest to youngest. "This is my dad Davis, brother Alan, wife Tammy, children Carl, Sophie, Sam and Melissa. Let's see," J made a small joke, "did I forget anyone?"
The crowd laughed, the ice was broken and people chatted with the new family in town.
Brett was the dad that braved the dog fight, to rescue Trey. Abby came running from behind the crowd, yelling for her son. Trey looked up and started running away again, the fun game a thrill for the attention he received. Brett reached down and picked up the highly motivated child as the short stubby legs churned in a whirlwind motion reminiscent of the roadrunner cartoon.
"Not today sport," Brett tucked the small boy under his arm. He walked over to where J and Tammy were standing and introduced himself. Abby came flying up, tucked her hand in the crook of the arm holding Trey, and said "Hi" in a breathless way.
"We sling hash in the cafe, come in anytime," she invited with a smile.
The crowd was beginning to break up when they were treated to the spectacle of Mt. Ranier heading skyward. There wasn't anything to say, just watch. Here on a fine Spring afternoon, the world changed once again. The economy had started to recover in a small way, and now disaster all over again.
Will and Cassy and their boy Willie walked over from the hardware store; and Benny strolled over to greet his contemporary. "That's gonna be a deal breaker," Will jerked his thumb in the direction of the volcano.
"Communications are already down," Benny looked over the crowd. He had been trained well, Will was a good mentor.
Another tremblor shook the ground, this one throwing people around like pick up sticks. The old house that Jennings had thought would be their next home, creaked, groaned and the huge brick chimney fell off the side of the house.
Tammy plastered a smile on her face, took a deep breath and turned around to meet the good people of Evergreen. Coming at her family en mass, the people were curious, interested and not unfriendly. Max's tangle with the town dog didn't seem to have caused problems, although there could be some later.
J introduced the whole family, oldest to youngest. "This is my dad Davis, brother Alan, wife Tammy, children Carl, Sophie, Sam and Melissa. Let's see," J made a small joke, "did I forget anyone?"
The crowd laughed, the ice was broken and people chatted with the new family in town.
Brett was the dad that braved the dog fight, to rescue Trey. Abby came running from behind the crowd, yelling for her son. Trey looked up and started running away again, the fun game a thrill for the attention he received. Brett reached down and picked up the highly motivated child as the short stubby legs churned in a whirlwind motion reminiscent of the roadrunner cartoon.
"Not today sport," Brett tucked the small boy under his arm. He walked over to where J and Tammy were standing and introduced himself. Abby came flying up, tucked her hand in the crook of the arm holding Trey, and said "Hi" in a breathless way.
"We sling hash in the cafe, come in anytime," she invited with a smile.
The crowd was beginning to break up when they were treated to the spectacle of Mt. Ranier heading skyward. There wasn't anything to say, just watch. Here on a fine Spring afternoon, the world changed once again. The economy had started to recover in a small way, and now disaster all over again.
Will and Cassy and their boy Willie walked over from the hardware store; and Benny strolled over to greet his contemporary. "That's gonna be a deal breaker," Will jerked his thumb in the direction of the volcano.
"Communications are already down," Benny looked over the crowd. He had been trained well, Will was a good mentor.
Another tremblor shook the ground, this one throwing people around like pick up sticks. The old house that Jennings had thought would be their next home, creaked, groaned and the huge brick chimney fell off the side of the house.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Oh no...there's a Yet in town.
LOL debralee.
Great chapter thank you, heck old chimneys don't need eathquakes to do that, when we lived in MO a big blizzard took ours down. Dh had to hurry and get it back together as fast as he could as we heated with wood and needed that thing. Looks like their will be lot of those to repair in this story along with a lot of things on their homes.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#10
Evie lay in the snug, warm sleeping bag waiting for dawn. Unable to sleep because of aches and pains crowding out her ability to relax, she heaved a deep sigh. Unintentionally, she disturbed Sandra who was instantly awake.
"What is it Grandma, are you OK?" Sandy whispered to Evie.
"Yes dear, the ground is more than I can handle. Thank you for being concerned. I can't stop thinking about Clora. I hope she is alright." The whispering went back and forth until the entire tent was up and stirring.
"I've never tried to sleep in such a bunch of gabby women. Always yakking, never let a fella get any rest," Ev complained sourly.
"Well Mr Ev, you snored all night like a asthmatic rhino," Sandra replied good naturedly. "If we don't get to sleep at night, you get up early. A nice trade don't you think?"
"OH, your a cruel child," Ev shot back. He would have launched a tirade, but Christy stirred and said,"Momma, I gotta pee."
"Your dressed Ev. Would you do the honors, please?" Cheryl was laughing in the pillow so hard she couldn't get out of the sleeping bag.. Personally she thought Ev sounded more like a bagpipe with a pinched......well, whatever. At least a wounded water buffalo.
Outside, Wayne was bent over double with laughter. He hadn't believed Benny's description of Ev's legendary snoring sounds, but there was no security with the volume of sounds coming from the tent . Inky stayed the night in the pickup bed with Ruby. He wisely avoided being near Ev at night.
Inky hadn't totally made up his mind about Wayne. When he first met the boy, he could feel hurt and rage vibrating from the injured youth. Wayne had ignored him, but Inky had made it his business to be near but not suffocatingly close. His intuition was rewarded the day Wayne went to the barn and screamed for an hour. Inky lay down close, and slowly the battered hand reached out and tangled his fingers in Inky's fur.
Nowdays, Inky couldn't understand the vibes he was getting from Wayne. Something was wrong, but he was a patient dog, he could wait. Ruby noticed her humans coming out of the tent and jumped down, ready to see what they were going to do. Something exciting, she hoped.
Ev returned from the side trip with an incessantly chatting Christy. Every question, demanded an answer, and then a 'why' when the answer was given. By the time breakfast was over, Wayne understood why certain First Nation peoples taught their children a vow of silence. Lord, that child had verbal diarrhea.
Sandra noticed Wayne getting jumpy and agitated the more Christy jabbered. Looking a little wild eyed. he started easing away from the gathering.
Evie looked up, caught Sandra's eye and inclined her head toward Wayne. Sandy caught the non spoken inference and slowly walked over and moved with Wayne around the pickup. "Come with me," she invited quietly, "I need your opinion on a new camp sight."
Cheryl looked up and frowned at the couple walking off by themselves. Pursing her lips she felt the relationship, if that's what it was, a little out of bounds considering the age difference involved.
Evie kept close track of Cheryl's reaction, and when Wayne and Sandy had moved out of ear shot, she walked over by the fire and sat carefully, keeping her skirt away from the flames.
"It's not exactly as it seems," she offered slowly.
"None of my business," Cheryl muttered sharply.
"May I explain something;" Evie poured herself a cup the weakest coffee to ever fill her cup. "There is not the age difference you suspect. This goes back to the mess with the kid's mothers. Sandra is actually older than Clora, but they don't share the same mother. Will helped me sort this out, so I am relying on his word." Evie took a second to gather her thoughts. "There were 3 women, triplets. that used the name Sue Apperton."
"Benny and Clora are the children of Sue #1, Sandra is the child of Sue #2, and Zander and Jane were the children of Sue#3'
Now Sandra is older, like I said, than Clora. So instead of being 13, she is 21 or 22 . Her heart kept her from growing, and we purposely didn't push her to be her age."
"We believe Sandy is only 2 years younger than Wayne. She's been in love with him for several years, but has not interfered with his recovery or life. Lately, I've wondered if Wayne is having thoughts along those lines, but doesn't know how to handle it." Evie looked up, to keep the pair in sight.
"What a screwed up situation." Cheryl finally said. "I withdraw any mean thoughts, but you've got to admit, I'm not the only one who will be upset at the pairing." she poured coffee for Ev, and passed it to him.
Ev had been listening and said thoughtfully, "Pete is the common denominator here. Surely he wasn't so stupid as not to notice they were different women?"
"I don't know," Evie shrugged her shoulders helplessly. "I am still flabbergasted at his behavior. I can't tell you if he knew, didn't know, or just plain didn't care." Shaking her head Evie changed position on the stump; she had a whopping case of 'frozen bottom'
and was uncomfortable.
"Ev, Cheryl, I think the 'bug out' portion of this little exercise has been successful. We need to get back and make repairs to our homes. It's going to rain tomorrow; so we can either pack this up while it's still dry, or do it in the rain." Evie looked at them and nodded very factly.
"It's gonna break Wayne's heart, he's really into this readiness scene. He was totally pumped to activate his plan, and I guess we all passed. He hasn't chewed any of us out." Ev chuckled as he stirred cream and sugar into his coffee.
"Maybe I should," Wayne appeared from around the pickup. "Somebody I know said she forgot a major prep, and had it hand delivered. That ain't gonna happen in a worse problem."
"That," Cheryl rose to her full height, "is a subject I am not going to discuss with a young man several years my junior. If you don't like the reality of it all....tough." That was the final word on the subject, as smart men knew when to back down and stay quiet.
Evie lay in the snug, warm sleeping bag waiting for dawn. Unable to sleep because of aches and pains crowding out her ability to relax, she heaved a deep sigh. Unintentionally, she disturbed Sandra who was instantly awake.
"What is it Grandma, are you OK?" Sandy whispered to Evie.
"Yes dear, the ground is more than I can handle. Thank you for being concerned. I can't stop thinking about Clora. I hope she is alright." The whispering went back and forth until the entire tent was up and stirring.
"I've never tried to sleep in such a bunch of gabby women. Always yakking, never let a fella get any rest," Ev complained sourly.
"Well Mr Ev, you snored all night like a asthmatic rhino," Sandra replied good naturedly. "If we don't get to sleep at night, you get up early. A nice trade don't you think?"
"OH, your a cruel child," Ev shot back. He would have launched a tirade, but Christy stirred and said,"Momma, I gotta pee."
"Your dressed Ev. Would you do the honors, please?" Cheryl was laughing in the pillow so hard she couldn't get out of the sleeping bag.. Personally she thought Ev sounded more like a bagpipe with a pinched......well, whatever. At least a wounded water buffalo.
Outside, Wayne was bent over double with laughter. He hadn't believed Benny's description of Ev's legendary snoring sounds, but there was no security with the volume of sounds coming from the tent . Inky stayed the night in the pickup bed with Ruby. He wisely avoided being near Ev at night.
Inky hadn't totally made up his mind about Wayne. When he first met the boy, he could feel hurt and rage vibrating from the injured youth. Wayne had ignored him, but Inky had made it his business to be near but not suffocatingly close. His intuition was rewarded the day Wayne went to the barn and screamed for an hour. Inky lay down close, and slowly the battered hand reached out and tangled his fingers in Inky's fur.
Nowdays, Inky couldn't understand the vibes he was getting from Wayne. Something was wrong, but he was a patient dog, he could wait. Ruby noticed her humans coming out of the tent and jumped down, ready to see what they were going to do. Something exciting, she hoped.
Ev returned from the side trip with an incessantly chatting Christy. Every question, demanded an answer, and then a 'why' when the answer was given. By the time breakfast was over, Wayne understood why certain First Nation peoples taught their children a vow of silence. Lord, that child had verbal diarrhea.
Sandra noticed Wayne getting jumpy and agitated the more Christy jabbered. Looking a little wild eyed. he started easing away from the gathering.
Evie looked up, caught Sandra's eye and inclined her head toward Wayne. Sandy caught the non spoken inference and slowly walked over and moved with Wayne around the pickup. "Come with me," she invited quietly, "I need your opinion on a new camp sight."
Cheryl looked up and frowned at the couple walking off by themselves. Pursing her lips she felt the relationship, if that's what it was, a little out of bounds considering the age difference involved.
Evie kept close track of Cheryl's reaction, and when Wayne and Sandy had moved out of ear shot, she walked over by the fire and sat carefully, keeping her skirt away from the flames.
"It's not exactly as it seems," she offered slowly.
"None of my business," Cheryl muttered sharply.
"May I explain something;" Evie poured herself a cup the weakest coffee to ever fill her cup. "There is not the age difference you suspect. This goes back to the mess with the kid's mothers. Sandra is actually older than Clora, but they don't share the same mother. Will helped me sort this out, so I am relying on his word." Evie took a second to gather her thoughts. "There were 3 women, triplets. that used the name Sue Apperton."
"Benny and Clora are the children of Sue #1, Sandra is the child of Sue #2, and Zander and Jane were the children of Sue#3'
Now Sandra is older, like I said, than Clora. So instead of being 13, she is 21 or 22 . Her heart kept her from growing, and we purposely didn't push her to be her age."
"We believe Sandy is only 2 years younger than Wayne. She's been in love with him for several years, but has not interfered with his recovery or life. Lately, I've wondered if Wayne is having thoughts along those lines, but doesn't know how to handle it." Evie looked up, to keep the pair in sight.
"What a screwed up situation." Cheryl finally said. "I withdraw any mean thoughts, but you've got to admit, I'm not the only one who will be upset at the pairing." she poured coffee for Ev, and passed it to him.
Ev had been listening and said thoughtfully, "Pete is the common denominator here. Surely he wasn't so stupid as not to notice they were different women?"
"I don't know," Evie shrugged her shoulders helplessly. "I am still flabbergasted at his behavior. I can't tell you if he knew, didn't know, or just plain didn't care." Shaking her head Evie changed position on the stump; she had a whopping case of 'frozen bottom'
and was uncomfortable.
"Ev, Cheryl, I think the 'bug out' portion of this little exercise has been successful. We need to get back and make repairs to our homes. It's going to rain tomorrow; so we can either pack this up while it's still dry, or do it in the rain." Evie looked at them and nodded very factly.
"It's gonna break Wayne's heart, he's really into this readiness scene. He was totally pumped to activate his plan, and I guess we all passed. He hasn't chewed any of us out." Ev chuckled as he stirred cream and sugar into his coffee.
"Maybe I should," Wayne appeared from around the pickup. "Somebody I know said she forgot a major prep, and had it hand delivered. That ain't gonna happen in a worse problem."
"That," Cheryl rose to her full height, "is a subject I am not going to discuss with a young man several years my junior. If you don't like the reality of it all....tough." That was the final word on the subject, as smart men knew when to back down and stay quiet.
Extreme fright and extreme pain can bring on menses instantly. Menses can last until the hormones are back in balance. This can be very dangerous for women who are low on progesterone because menses won't stop.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you for another good chapter, they are always welcome. Moar would be great lol.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#11
Cheryl looked up from the breakfast she was cooking. Wayne was standing off side to the tent, across the fire from her. Arms crossed and feet far apart, he had a real muleish look on his face. For some reason, he was rubbing Cheryl the wrong way this morning. From the look's of it, he was feeling the same.
"Where's Sandra, I need a little help," Cheryl snapped. The frying pan tipped and a bit of the bacon grease spattered into the fire, causing a flare up. The flames licking at Cheryl's hand, the pan wobbled as she jerked back in surprise. Ev reached for the cast iron pan, lifting it up and away from the heat.
"I'll do this," he said smoothly, "do you want to get the plates, hun."
The way she was feeling, Cheryl had a notion to tell him where to put the hot pan all right. Instantly ashamed of her reaction, she picked up the metal pie plates and slapped a spoons worth of hash browns and a hunk of burned toast on each. Clank went the spoon and fork. Straightening up she handed the first plate to Christy, who was dancing around in hunger. Evie was next, then Sandra who showed up with freshly washed face and dripping wet hair.
Cheryl thought it would have been nice for Sandy to stick around and help from the beginning, it wasn't like Cheryl wouldn't have enjoyed a bit of personal time herself. Evie was good help, but the danged woman was 70 plus years old, and Sandy should have been there to help. And that's all there was to it.
Evie picked up on the tension, and watched her neighbor like a sharp eyed hawk. Something was bugging Cheryl, and it seemed it was of major proportions. Evie drew Christy off to the side and away from the fire and made small talk while they ate. Ruby walked up silently beside Christy, and Evie smiled as the chunk of dark toast 'accidentally' fell off the plate into Ruby's waiting mouth.
Darned if Inky didn't show up just as silently, the large dog observing the rewards of being close to a source of tidbits. "Lay down, you mutt," Evie muttered lowly. "No begging."
Inky understood well, and smiled at Ruby. The smaller dog suddenly catching a fright and gobbling the bread before the larger dog could stretch his tongue in her direction. Just to be fair in the scheme of things, Evie took a bite of her burnt toast and let the rest fall between Inky's paws. Without making a sound, Inky inhaled the toast. Grateful, he smiled at Evie. She gave him a surreptitious pat on the head.
Christy giggled a little, and let her scorched potatoes tip out of the plate. She had poked around in the browns and eaten all that weren't burned. Rather than explain to her mother why she didn't want to eat the unappetizing meal, Christy solved the problem her way, much to Ruby's delight.
Out of the corner of his eye Ev watched Christy and Evie send the majority of their breakfast to the dogs. Wayne accepted his plate with a nod of his head, averting his eyes from Gram's and her sidekick. They were a pair to draw to, for sure.
Sandra took one look at Cheryl and moved the older woman over to the pickup. "What's wrong?" she insisted roughly. "Your acting like a first class jerk."
Cheryl rubbed her forehead, and unconsciously moved her hand to her stomach. "I've got the darnedest pain, and it caused an early visit that I wasn't expecting." another jab of pain had her doubling over.
Cheryl looked up from the breakfast she was cooking. Wayne was standing off side to the tent, across the fire from her. Arms crossed and feet far apart, he had a real muleish look on his face. For some reason, he was rubbing Cheryl the wrong way this morning. From the look's of it, he was feeling the same.
"Where's Sandra, I need a little help," Cheryl snapped. The frying pan tipped and a bit of the bacon grease spattered into the fire, causing a flare up. The flames licking at Cheryl's hand, the pan wobbled as she jerked back in surprise. Ev reached for the cast iron pan, lifting it up and away from the heat.
"I'll do this," he said smoothly, "do you want to get the plates, hun."
The way she was feeling, Cheryl had a notion to tell him where to put the hot pan all right. Instantly ashamed of her reaction, she picked up the metal pie plates and slapped a spoons worth of hash browns and a hunk of burned toast on each. Clank went the spoon and fork. Straightening up she handed the first plate to Christy, who was dancing around in hunger. Evie was next, then Sandra who showed up with freshly washed face and dripping wet hair.
Cheryl thought it would have been nice for Sandy to stick around and help from the beginning, it wasn't like Cheryl wouldn't have enjoyed a bit of personal time herself. Evie was good help, but the danged woman was 70 plus years old, and Sandy should have been there to help. And that's all there was to it.
Evie picked up on the tension, and watched her neighbor like a sharp eyed hawk. Something was bugging Cheryl, and it seemed it was of major proportions. Evie drew Christy off to the side and away from the fire and made small talk while they ate. Ruby walked up silently beside Christy, and Evie smiled as the chunk of dark toast 'accidentally' fell off the plate into Ruby's waiting mouth.
Darned if Inky didn't show up just as silently, the large dog observing the rewards of being close to a source of tidbits. "Lay down, you mutt," Evie muttered lowly. "No begging."
Inky understood well, and smiled at Ruby. The smaller dog suddenly catching a fright and gobbling the bread before the larger dog could stretch his tongue in her direction. Just to be fair in the scheme of things, Evie took a bite of her burnt toast and let the rest fall between Inky's paws. Without making a sound, Inky inhaled the toast. Grateful, he smiled at Evie. She gave him a surreptitious pat on the head.
Christy giggled a little, and let her scorched potatoes tip out of the plate. She had poked around in the browns and eaten all that weren't burned. Rather than explain to her mother why she didn't want to eat the unappetizing meal, Christy solved the problem her way, much to Ruby's delight.
Out of the corner of his eye Ev watched Christy and Evie send the majority of their breakfast to the dogs. Wayne accepted his plate with a nod of his head, averting his eyes from Gram's and her sidekick. They were a pair to draw to, for sure.
Sandra took one look at Cheryl and moved the older woman over to the pickup. "What's wrong?" she insisted roughly. "Your acting like a first class jerk."
Cheryl rubbed her forehead, and unconsciously moved her hand to her stomach. "I've got the darnedest pain, and it caused an early visit that I wasn't expecting." another jab of pain had her doubling over.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Ah O trouble a brewing with a health issue for Cheryl 
. Thank you Pac.
. Thank you Pac.PacNorWest
Veteran Member
Folks, I was just working up a nice crisis, when we had one of our own. Hubby fell, trying to walk around without his cane for stability. We are on our way back to the University hospital. Be back as soon as I can. Thanks, Pac.
Tckaija
One generation behind...
PacNW: You need to make him behave! My wife gives me Holy H**l when I forget my cane or put off going to the Chiro as needed!
Tell him to get with the program - from me.
eta: if nothing else <Guilt> him into taking care of himself. Remind him that you guys got grand-kids there now. Heck I'm having to be the dad for my grandson. I'm learning.
Tell him to get with the program - from me.
eta: if nothing else <Guilt> him into taking care of himself. Remind him that you guys got grand-kids there now. Heck I'm having to be the dad for my grandson. I'm learning.
Praying for you all. Maybe you should invest in something like this http://www.wheelchairconversions.com/node/63 4 wheel drive and everything might keep him out of trouble.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Men! Please take care and be safe.
SheWoff
Southern by choice
Men I swear! Sounds about like we married men of the same cut of cloth LOL. Hope all goes well and will say a quick prayer....for both of you! Love this new part of the Evie Saga...hope to read more as soon as you are once again able to write a little...
She
juco
Veteran Member
Me, too.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
Good morning,
The current crisis seems to have passed. I sent hubby by air ambulance to the hospital, and I drove. He will be in the hospital possibly a week. I need to be here for the concrete, so will try to get a chapter up today. Praise the Lord that all seems positive.
The current crisis seems to have passed. I sent hubby by air ambulance to the hospital, and I drove. He will be in the hospital possibly a week. I need to be here for the concrete, so will try to get a chapter up today. Praise the Lord that all seems positive.
bad_karma00
Underachiever
I'm very glad the crisis part has passed. Hope all is well, and that hubby is home soon.
In HIM,
Bad
In HIM,
Bad