AND THE BEAT OR PAIN GOES ON

 

Didn’t get a thing written yesterday because I once again went to Kaiser about my problems. Since my PCP didn’t have any openings I ended up at the new Ballard Clinic…oh, so very nice…with an MD I’d never seen before. I was seriously hoping he would be my Knight in Shining Armor, and while he did a very thorough exam and ordered additional tests, including another COVID which was negative again, nothing was really resolved.

So, the root canal was 12/1 and I’ve been fairly miserable since 12/3. This morning I called the endodontist’s office and left a message telling them Kaiser had pretty much exhausted any solutions to my problem and the only one left is to have my jaw x-rayed to see if there’s an abscess or infection in the location of the root canal. I’m hoping they call back this morning and can see me this afternoon or Monday for sure.

Meanwhile, I continue to take the antibiotics and still record a fever of either close to or above 100 degrees each night at bedtime. I lay on the couch with the doggies to read or watch television and the next thing I know, I’m waking up. I haven’t cleaned the house since Thanksgiving and yesterday I noticed there are clumps of dog hair in places, not to mention the dust that’s piling up on everything. And, just where does all this dust come from anyway?

At least not having any Christmas decorations was a choice I made before all this. I can imagine how badly I’d feel if I had been looking forward to decorating and making everything sparkle and shine. I think my house and that of neighbor Ross who is in Costa Rica are the only homes in the neighborhood that do not have a single twinkling light exposed…you can just call me the neighborhood grinch.

There’s the update. With any luck at all, I’ll be able to sit down and compose the next chapter of Water Rights which will include the confrontation between Hannah and Luke.

NEVER ENDING????

 

Nothing new to report this morning. Still feeling crappy and wishing this would go away. So far, the antibiotics don’t seem to have done much to ease the pain; and then, to make matters even better, I’ve not only been ending the day with a fever, but the last couple nights a headache and last night a stiff neck on the right side.

I did my exercises this morning but won’t be walking. I have the chills even though my temperature comes back as normal. So, I guess it’s going to be another day of television…The Crown is quite good. I’ll also try to write a Water Rights chapter, but it’s hard to imagine Hannah and her cohorts when I don’t feel good.

Hope y’all have a great day.

ANOTHER PARTAY DAY

 

Yep, the fun is just never-ending for me, all spike heels, sequins, fancy hair and makeup. Yep, can hardly make it through these partay days. Yesterday, I did as the MD online suggested on Sunday and called Kaiser at 7:00 am. I was surprised they answered that early, but ended up with an MD appointment at Northgate Clinic at 8:20 am. Had to hussle, but I made it on time.

The MD there couldn’t come up with any new theories about the throat and chest pain, but ordered a bunch of blood work, but only the results of one has come back. The good news is the COVID test I had on Sunday came back negative.

Then, it was back home to call the dentist who said I really needed to call the endodontist which I did. Then, it was all laughing and dancing and carrying on for the remainder of the day until he finally called back at about 3:30. He, too, seems stumped over my symptoms, but ordered a new course of different antibiotics which I went and picked up at Bartell’s and hour or so after our phone conversation. Began taking last night, but so far haven’t noticed any improvement.

The endodontist is going to call me again tomorrow to check in and then wants to see me on Thursday or Friday. Yep, I tell, the fun just keeps on keeping on.

So, just in case anyone is keeping count, it’s now been 24 days since I turned 75, and of those 24 days, I’ve spent 17 miserable and in pain and thanks, in part, to pain medication, also very depressed.

Still, yesterday while eating, dancing and laughing, I decided I was really tired of feeling shitty, so I chose to change my attitude. So far so good, but who knows how long it will last if we don’t find a solution to whatever my problem may be. This morning I got up, had my coffee and did all my exercises even though having to take deep breaths didn’t feel great. I was going to walk with Kathy this morning, but since I still had a fever last night, decided being out and about and having a great time in the rain wasn’t wise and that I’d best wait for a drier time.

I just know each and every single one of you reading this post is horribly envious of my current lifestyle. What can I say…I’m just extremely lucky!!!

WATER RIGHTS, CHAPTER 14, LAST QUARTER

 

         In years past, once the cattle had been hauled away, it was time to see to a few chores before winter came howling in with snow and ice. This year was different because Hannah had so many projects underway. Some days, she just wanted to ride off into the great blue yonder and not have to deal with another invoice, decision, person or anything else. Yes, she’d helped her gramps, but she’d never been solely in charge before. Then there were the new plans she was trying to bring to fruition, not to mention her growing belly.

Hannah had realized shortly after the cattle sale she needed someone to assist her with a wide variety of things, from decorating the little abodes to keeping track of invoices, orders, marketing plans, building a web site to working with Dale to figure out just how much food he’d want to order when the time came.

She posted a notice in town and was surprised when Anita Valdez who’d been a few years ahead of her applied. Anita had gone off to college and received a degree in accounting and computer technology. Hannah didn’t really understand what kind of computer technology, but when Anita showed her examples of web sites, she’d either helped develop or developed herself, Hannah was ready to hire her on the spot. When Anita’s resume indicated she also had some experience in marketing, Hannah just knew she’d found her assistant. Now, if it looked as though they would be compatible, she could cross one more thing off her list.

Hannah met Anita at the local café for their interview. She was hungry all the time and barely went more than a couple of hours before stuffing her face, so she could do two things at once. Anita arrived in a business suit and heels and Hannah felt horribly underdressed in her ranch clothing. They had a very good talk and by the time Hannah had finished a hamburger and fries, followed by a chocolate milkshake, she was ready to offer Anita the job.

In addition to the salary Hannah offered, she also offered mileage since Anita would have to drive out to the ranch to get to work each day. She also offered the possibility of Anita working from her own home if she chose after they’d established a routine. Once the business was up and running, there was also the potential for benefits if they made any money. So, Hannah offered and Anita accepted.

Hannah realized she’d been exceptionally smart to look at hiring someone to be her assistant because each project seemed to grow exponentially and become a lot bigger and more demanding than she’d expected. Finally, by the end of November, the concrete pads for the various little houses were in place. Not only that, but Anita had worked with Hannah long enough at that point for Hannah to trust her and delegate. Since Hannah had chosen several different styles for the tiny houses, she left it to Anita to work with the vendor to get all of them to the ranch and in place. Fortunately, it wasn’t that difficult and her contractor took care of making sure each had power and plumbing.

An offshoot of these little homes was the fact she and Dale had discussed and implemented the building of a dining room and kitchen that was closer to what had been the open pasture. They’d decided that if all ten of the spaces were rented and they planned to provide meals, then Dale would definitely need more space, not to mention some place for the guests to eat.

Hannah also handed off the spring planting to Anita. She’d already chosen a landscape company and drawn up a plan, so all Anita had to do was liaison when the time came. They could both imagine how the grounds would look come spring when the landscaping would be done. Small gravel paths would wind throughout and flowerbeds would surround the dwellings. Sod would be brought in for the areas not planted with flowers. Hannah had also chosen several fast-growing trees that would provide shade for the buildings and grassy places. It would be beautiful once it was finished.

Dale pretty much took on the building of the dining room and kitchen because he knew just what he wanted. He still talked major decisions over with Hannah, but she trusted he knew what he was doing, so rarely, if ever, said no to one of his ideas. She even consulted Dale when it came to purchasing furniture for the dining room. There would be at least ten tables that could be combined in whatever combination was required. A honeymoon couple could be alone at a table for two while a family of six or more could push tables together so they could all dine simultaneously.

Furniture for the small residences also had to be ordered, received and placed. Hannah did almost all the ordering from companies online. That was the cheapest and easiest way to get it. Once it arrived, it was up to Anita to move and place it in each of the tiny houses. Hannah would follow up with some decorations and/or ideas for decorations that Anita would pursue.

Anita also soon had the paperwork in hand. It wasn’t that Hannah wasn’t organized because she was. She just didn’t have enough time to do much beyond shove papers into files. Once dinner was over, she barely had enough energy to wash her face and brush her teeth before falling into bed. Hannah was so grateful to Anita and felt they were become not just employer/employee, but friends who worked well together.

By the end of November, Hannah was also showing, her tummy pooching out. She had to begin wearing maternity jeans, and they were actually quite comfortable. The fact she’d always worn shirts, sweatshirts and coats that were bigger than she needed had helped disguise her condition for a bit, but not long. Now, when she had to go into town which wasn’t often because she tried to give those errands to Anita, Dale, Joe or anyone who happened to be heading there. Unfortunately, there were things like her OB appointments, financial meetings with her advisor, attorney and bankers to keep the cash flowing, or as she often thought, gushing.

Still, even though Miz. Lionel had paved the way and the majority of the town folk were kind and sincere with their congratulations, there were others, especially her old classmates, who looked at Hannah, lowered their eyes to her belly and then returned to her face with eyebrows raised. No one came right out and called her a slut, but she could practically see what they were thinking. Rather than shrink away from any of them as she had done all during her school years, she looked right back at them, her one eyebrow raised in return and practically dared them to say anything. She had already decided she wasn’t going to be ashamed or feel bad and she wasn’t going to let any of them make her so. She’d conceived her baby because she was in love, and she’d love this baby no matter what. Hannah now wished she’d been strong enough in high school to give those nasty kids the stink eye.

Something else that came up Hannah hadn’t thought about was the name for her new venture. It was already known as the Wakefield Ranch, but her advisors all thought she should come up with a new name that would encompass all she was planning to offer. To quote Anita, she needed a new “brand,” and didn’t mean the piece of iron you heated up to put on your cattle’s hide.

Hannah fiddled around with the idea of actually making a new brand. The old one was WF for Wakefield. What if she added an R, so the brand would be WFR, but all linked together. She talked to Anita about it and saw Anita become a bit excited. “You know, Hannah, that might work out just great. Besides a new brand, you need some kind of a tag line. Why not use WFR—Be wild, have fun, as you roam the hills and canyons of Wakefield Ranch.”

“Anita, what quick thinking. Do you really think that would work?”

“I don’t see why not. You want people to come here and have different experiences than what they’ve had in other places. You’re going to offer trail rides, rides alone for those who have experience, hikes, play at the waterfall, as well as teach your guests how to care for their mounts. I like it. Let me see what I can whip up as far as design. I’ll play around with it and email you some ideas.”

“That would be great,” Hannah said, giving Anita a quick hug. “One more thing I can cross of that damned list. Ooooh!” she added with a quick huff of breath. “I think he’s moving around in there.”

“Well, it’s about time that Little Mite did something. Let me feel.”

Hannah took Anita’s hand and placed it low on her belly. “I’ve felt him for a long time, but the movements never seemed strong enough for anyone else to feel. There, did you feel that kick?”

Anita laughed and said, “I sure did. And, you’re positive it’s a boy?”

“Yes, when Dr. Harvey did the ultrasound, there was definitely an extra appendage which he said was a penis. I couldn’t really tell so I had to take his word for it. It was hard for me to tell it was actually a baby. I was expecting something that looked like a baby and that picture on the fridge sure doesn’t look like one to me.”

“I’ve seen my sisters’ photos and agree that it’s hard to imagine those various blobs and segments to be a baby. The only thing I’ve ever really been able to find is the head and I think that’s only because it’s so big. Have you thought of a name since we were just talking about the company name?”

“Well, I know for sure his middle name will be Thomas after gramps, but I haven’t decided on a first name. His last name will, of course, be Wakefield. I figure I’ll have something thought up in time for his birth.”

Everything was moving along perfectly, or at least Hannah thought so, plus she was positive that Anita, Dale, Joe or Dave wouldn’t hold back when to came letting her know if things weren’t going well.

Until the new dining room and kitchen were ready for use, Dale continued to cook in Hannah’s kitchen and everyone who was there at dinner time came through the mudroom to the kitchen. Fortunately, the table was just large enough so everyone had a place. Anita didn’t usually stay for dinner, but Hannah asked her to stay the second Saturday in December.

There was lots of talk and laughter around the table as everyone chowed down on Dale’s delicious dinner. Once dessert was served, Hannah stood up and requested everyone’s attention. “I’ve been over WFR TREK;S finances and discussed this with my advisor and have decided to give each and every one of you ten days off with pay, beginning December 23^rd. You’ve all worked so hard to help me move ahead with my new plans while keeping track and taking care of everything else that needs doing. So, some time off with pay is my thank you. Of course, if you want to stay here for those ten days and simply loll about, that’s fine too. You’ll all get your check before you leave or stay on December 23^rd.

“Of course, come January 2^nd, I expect every single one of you to be here, and ready to work your asses off so we can open WFR TREKS Memorial Day weekend. There’s going to be a lot to do between the beginning of the year and opening day.

“I’m also going to have to rely on many of you about the middle of February when the Little Mite arrives. I have no idea if he’ll be early or late or just how difficult he’ll make my or our lives, but I promise I’ll do the absolute best I can. And, I know without asking, that you’ll all do the best you can for me. So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year a bit early. “

Hannah sat down to applause and Dale stood up. “I know I’m speaking on behalf of everyone sitting around this table. We know it hasn’t been easy for you, but we appreciate the fact you’ve worked just as hard as any one of us. We also appreciate the fact your first thoughts and renovations had to do with our comfort. You may be doing this for the first time all on your own, Hannah, but you’re doing a mighty fine job. You’ve made us all feel like your family.”

As everyone got up to go their separate ways, each person came by and either hugged Hannah or took her hand, murmuring words of appreciation or approbation. When only Dale was left, Hannah laid her head on the table and let the tears come. “Hey, hey, let’s not have any of that. No reason to be sad Hannah,” Dale said as he patted her back.

Hannah sat up and scrubbed at her eyes, rubbed her nose on her shirtsleeve and said, “They’re not sad tears, they’re happy ones. I felt so alone after gramps died and now, after just a few months, I have a brand-new family. Dale, I’m so very grateful. Thank you for your kind words.”

Dale gave her one more pat and headed for the sink. “Now you get on out of here and get your butt in bed. There’s no way I’m strong enough to carry you down the hall if you fall asleep right there, and I know how fast sleep can overtake you. Don’t think you’ve seen one TV program in the last month without my having to shake you awake.”

Hannah smiled and laughed a bit. “I’m sure it’s just the Little Mite who’s sopping up all my energy, but you’re right. I need to head for my bed. Good night Dale.”

SORRY, SORRY...

 

there’s no continuing chapter of WATER RIGHTS today, although I did begin and almost finish a chapter.

You know how it goes, however, when you play you have to pay, so that’s what’s happening with me. I had so much fun at all those partays the day before that I simple didn’t have the energy to sit at the computer long enough to finish the chapter. And you know how it is when you have a horrible hangover…you’re hot and sweaty and your head aches no matter how many Tylenol you take.

But, all those hugs and kisses, pats and squeezes were absolutely worth the price I had to pay yesterday, and I truly do wish I actually had a hangover, but, once again, I’m trying to be funny about something that’s actually not.

I have no idea what’s going on with me. My tooth/teeth continue to plague me with a certain amount of pain. But, is it really my tooth/teeth that is responsible for the pain I feel in my chest and far back in my throat when I take a deep breath? And, did the endodontist choose the wrong tooth, so there’s an infection gaining ground that’s responsible for the rise in my temperature at the end of the day…100.2 last night, but normal this morning?

I’ve prepared a note to the MD and am contemplating going online and sending it off to see what s/he says, but I really don't want to return to Urgent Care, a hotbed of COVID possibilities. Or, should I wait until tomorrow and call my dentist. I just don't know. What I do know is that my 75^th birthday was horrible with side-affects from the shingles shot and the majority of days since have brought me a lot of pain and discomfort which, of course, makes me horribly depressed. At this point in time, I almost feel like a stay in the hospital would be a positive in my life because there would be people there who would figure out what’s wrong with me, take care of me and make me all better.

I don’t remember who said, “…into each life a little rain must fall,” but damnit, I’m really really tired of the dark clouds and pouring rain that keep falling on my head. I am ready, more than ready to be done with all this shit. I’d really like to get back to doing my exercises and walking every day, but it’s hard to accomplish those things when you don’t feel well or are having pain.

C’mon 2020, hurry and get the fuck out of here. I’m ready, past ready to be DONE.

UPDATE:  Chatted with MD, going for my third COVID test in a bit, will call both dentist and MD tomorrow. So ready for an answer.

SORRY, AGAIN...

         

but there’s no continuing chapter of WATER RIGHTS today. Yesterday, I got myself all prettified and had the time of my life flitting from partay to partay to partay. Of course, the best part of doing that was all the big hugs and kisses and skin-to-skin contact I enjoyed for hours on end. And, let’s not forget the food…I was lazy and only took a bag of chips to each partay, but my goodness the spread of good dishes each host/hostess provided certainly pleased my palate. So. Much. Fun!!!!

By now, if you’ve read this far, you have come to one of the following conclusions:  a) I’m living in a totally different dimension (and believe you me, I wish I was); b) being alone for so long has sent me right round the bend (a definite possibility); c) I write fiction and the preceding paragraph was all fiction; d) make up your own conclusion.

Whatever you decide doesn’t really matter because regardless of your choice, I have a great opportunity available to anyone. And, no, it doesn’t include any Pacific beachfront in Arizona because I sold that earlier this week. Instead, I have huge boxes filled with absolutely nothing available. For the very cheap price of $9.99 plus shipping, I’d be happy to put your name on one or more of those boxes and ship it directly to your doorstep…absolutely no person-to-person contact involved. Just imagine the excitement of having a huge box delivered, ripping it open and finding absolutely nothing. I get all goosebumpy just thinking of your pleasure and enjoyment.

WATER RIGHTS, CHAPTER 13, MOVING AHEAD

           

         Over the next few weeks, Hannah was so busy she didn’t have time to think about or miss her gramps and Luke very much. It was harder when it came to gramps because she saw him every single place she looked if she allowed herself to think about him. It wasn’t as difficult with regard to Luke because when some memory popped into her head, it brought a sadness and anger that she didn’t want.

Joe and Dave did an excellent job of hiring enough hands to get the cattle down to the various smaller corrals for branding and neutering. The ones she intended to keep, and there were fewer than ever before because she had other plans that didn’t include raising very many cattle. After next year’s cull and sale, she hoped to have only enough cattle for her own use with maybe a few she could sell in town. She had a new plan for the Wakefield Ranch, but it would take a year or more to implement.

Hannah met again with Mr. Travers and discussed her plans with him. He was surprised by her ideas, but enthusiastic about the changes they would bring to not only the ranch, but the town and valley. He provided his whole-hearted approval and told her to let him know what services she’d need when she herself knew.

On the way out, Hannah stopped by Celia’s desk and asked if they could talk for a few minutes. Celia seemed a bit surprised, but said sure, so they went out to the bench in front of the office.

“I don’t really know how to say this but to just say it. I’m pregnant too. My baby will be due about a month after yours. I was hoping we could become better friends and talk about being a mother and having babies. I don’t really have anyone to talk to these days, surrounded as I am by men. What do you think?”

At Hannah’s announcement, Celia’s eyes opened wide and her hands went to her belly. “Well, I’m sure surprised as I know everbody in town will be. But you know what. Congratulations!!!! I’d be happy to be a better friend. I have my mom and Ted’s mom to talk to, but they’re so much oldern me, so it would be delightful to have a younger friend in the same pasture, so to speak.”

“Oh, I was hoping you’d be willing. When I leave here, I’m going to go see Miz. Lionel and tell her since she’s sorta the society leader here. I’m hoping I get her support too, but if I don’t, well, I’ll manage somehow. I think some folks in this town have gossiped about me from day one, so for them, it won’t be anything new.”

Celia shook her head. “I know just who you mean. They had a field-day when they found out Ted and I were rushing to get married. The fact I was pregnant only made them happier to gossip about us. But we know what we’re doing and will work hard to make out lives good, so I don’t care.”

“Thank you for not making assumptions about me or the baby’s father. Everyone will suspect it was Luke and I’ll tell you truth, it was. I loved him so much and to find out he was Jamison’s spy just about killed me, but I have to think of the  baby and my legacy.

“I had some cards made up, so here’s one for you with my cell phone number, although I suppose you could have gotten it from the files. One quick question because I know you’re a working lady. How soon will I begin to show do you think? My pants are getting a bit snug, but I can still button them.”

Hannah and Celia talked for a bit about what was in store for Hannah. Then, assuring Hannah she’d definitely call that night, Celia returned to work and Hannah went to see Miz. Lionel. She really dreaded having to confess to the old woman, but didn’t feel as though she had a choice. When she arrived at the appointed time, Miz. Lionel had made tea and had cookies fresh from the oven. They were Hannah’s favorite which were lemon cream. It was all she could do to keep from jamming a couple into her mouth at once. The initial social comments over, tea poured and a couple of cookies eaten, Hannah told Miz. Lionel the same thing she’d already told a few people. Following the words, “I’m pregnant.” Hannah leaned back and waited.

“Oh my goodness. Pregnant? Oh how wonderful. I just wish Gracie and Thomas were here to see this. Their own grandgirl going to give them a great-grandchild.” Miz. Lionel leaned forward and took Hannah’s hand. “Now, since Gracie isn’t here, you must promise to depend on me for anything you need. Promise?”

Hannah promised and then the older woman asked when the baby would arrive and was told some time in February. “Well, child, when the time comes, you have to let me know. I’ll be there at the hospital and I’ll come lend a hand when the two of you come home. Why, I remember when I brought Craig home. I had Ted there to help, but he just wasn’t the comfort Gracie was. And when Gracie’s time came, it was the same thing. Nothing helps a new mommy quite like another mommy who’s been there and done that.”

The two women talked for a while longer and then Hannah had to leave to get to her doctor’s appointment. That went well although Dr. Harvey, who’d been her doctor since she first arrived in town, seemed a bit surprised at her request for a pregnancy test. He didn’t seem to disapprove and didn’t offer any advice until after he asked Hannah her plans. She told him her plans about the baby to which he responded, “Well, that sounds just fine. I was afraid you’d be wanting an abortion since the father is no longer around. Thomas and Gracie would be proud of the choice you’ve made. For now, come see me once a month. Make monthly appointments at the desk as you leave. Also schedule an ultrasound for the beginning of November and ask Lorie for the pregnancy packet she’s put together.

“Finally, I know you know how some folks in this town are. I don’t want you to pay them any mind. If you’d won the worldwide sweepstakes for a bazillion dollars, they’d still find something negative to gossip about. You’re going to be just fine because you are a Wakefield and there are so many in this town that loved and respected your family. You’ll be just fine Hannah.”

Hannah thanked Dr. Harvey and did as he requested, recording the dates set in her phone. Lorie didn’t even raise an eyebrow when Hannah asked for the pregnancy packet, but handed it over with a smile and “Congratulations.”

At the grocery and feed stores, Hannah picked up as many boxes as they’d give her. By the time she got home, it was too late to begin work in gramps’s room. There was dinner to finish, some laundry to bring in off the line and damn, she’d forgotten to ask Miz. Lionel about a cook. She remedied that with a quick phone call and was happy to hear there were a couple of cooks Miz. Lionel would send out for an interview before the week was out.

Hannah filled boxes with gramps’ clothing, shoes and boots. She filled a couple of other boxes with things gramps had saved. Some of them she knew the story behind and others were just things he’d treasured for some reason. She asked if either Joe or Dave would put the boxes in the truck and the ones for the attic up there. Then, she went into town and went shopping.

After her stop at the thrift store where she just happened to find a small infant-sized crib which she purchased and put in the back of her truck, she headed to the only large store in the area. There, she bought paint in a beautiful sunny yellow, a limeish green for trim, an 10’ x 12’ rug that looked s though she’d dumped the paint she’d just bought all over it. By the time she reached the checkout counter, she had two heaping shopping carts that also included new pillows, sheets, pillowcases, mattress pads, some baby blankets, and a couple of lamps. These would do for a start.

Then, she went to the largest furniture store and tried out a variety of mattresses. When she found one she wanted, she was delighted to learn they’d haul away the old mattress and box springs when they delivered the new.

For the next few days, Hannah left the ranch to Joe and Dave. She’d come to trust their abilities and decisions. Instead, she cleaned what would be her new room from top to bottom, painted the walls and window trim, and had her new linen all washed and fresh-smelling from hanging outdoors when the new mattress arrived. Finished, Hannah could see the room would need a bit more in the way of decorations and thought she’d search out the boxes that came from New York with her. If memory served, there would be some delightful items with great memories she could use.

Hannah had barely smoothed the duvet flat when she realized the day for driving the cattle down was almost there. As she’d done the last couple of years, Hannah ordered the cattle trucks to come and haul them to market on that day. Then, early the morning of the drive, she saddled Onyx and rode out with her hands. It was hot and dusty work, but eventually by mid-afternoon, the cattle were in the big pasture on the left side of the road to the highway. The trucks were lined up on that road and took turns pulling up to the slot in the fence which allowed Hannah and the men to jockey the cattle into the truck. Finally, hot, dirty, tired, the last truck pulled out to the highway and it was time for the annual celebration. She probably could have skipped it this year, but she wasn’t going to do that to her hands or to herself.  

“Okay men, let’s get these horses taken care of and head to the back of the house. There’s beer and barbecue waiting on us and I don’t know about you, but I could just about eat an entire one of those hooved monsters we just sent away.”

There were yells of Yahoo, Yippee and some groans as they all headed to the barn. Inside each man took care of his mount and Hannah was the last one to leave for the barn for the party. She took a bit of time to stroke and talk to Sampson.

“Yes, I’ll bet you missed being out on the trail this year. I suppose I could have ridden you, but you were always gramps’ horse. It’s only fair you have a bit of down time. You earned it over the years. I’ll just bet gramps is missing you as much as you’re missing him.” She gave him an extra apple and final pat and headed for the sounds of laughter and talking.

The man she’d hired to cook, Dale Evers, had put together what had to be the best barbeque and sides Hannah had ever eaten. She’d also ordered a keg of beer for the men. Once she’d eaten and socialized a bit, she excused herself to leave the men alone to celebrate their hard work and get as drunk as they’d like. There wouldn’t be any hard work they’d need to get up for the next day, so they could have big hangovers if they chose.

On her way up to the house, she stopped by the table where Dale was sitting. She had to admit she’d been a little concerned about whether or not he was gay, but all the hands seemed to accept him just fine, and they loved, loved, loved his cooking. “Dale, that was the best barbecue I’ve ever had. I think I’m going to have to have you make that at least once a month. I kept thinking I couldn’t possibly eat another rib or spoonful of beans, but I just kept pouring it down my throat. So so good.”

“Thanks Hannah, I appreciate the compliments. I spent a little time in Texas years ago and that’s where I learned to make ribs and briskets. Hell, I can even make these in an indoor oven, so we can have them as often as you like.”

Hannah climbed up on the bench next to Dale to address the rest of the group. “Well, gentlemen, enjoy yourselves. You all worked so very hard and I do appreciate it very much. I know if gramps were here, he’d be sitting up swapping lies until the last of you either passed out or went to bed. But I need my beauty sleep, so I’m going to say thank you again and good night.”

There was a chorus of good nights and sleep wells and Hannah trudged up the steps to the house. God, she was so tired, but before she called it a day, she’d pull out her list and cross off a couple more items. Crossing off cattle to market was a huge one and she was very glad it was now behind her. Tomorrow, she’d pay off the hands that wouldn’t be staying on. She’d already talked to Joe and Dave about who might be willing to stay on and which of them might have some of the skills she’d need over the winter. Then, it would be full speed ahead with her idea for increasing ranch income to the point she wouldn’t have to raise cattle.

The next morning after Dale had given everyone breakfast with a lot of water, tomato and orange juice being sucked down by almost every single man, Hannah stood up and said, “Today’s your payday, but Joe and Dave and I would like to talk to each of you individually before giving your pay and seeing you on down the road. Briley, if you’d stay behind while the rest of you go back to the bunkhouse, I’d be grateful.”

Both Joe and Dave had some carpentering skills and they’d managed to find out that Briley had worked as a carpenter at a previous point in his life. Hannah began, “Briley, you’ve worked hard and long hours getting the cattle out of the hills and into the trucks. I don’t know what your plans are now, but I’d like to offer you a job that would take you over the winter and into spring, maybe even summer.”

“I appreciate that Hannah, but I really need to get back home to my wife and kids. I took this job hoping I’d make enough to get us out of the hole we’ve been in for a while. I’d be interested to know what kind of job it would be though.”

“Well, this is my plan. I’ve already shared it with Joe and Dave. I don’t want to continue raising cattle for the market. Yes, I get a good price for them because they are free-range, but it’s a lot of work and not necessarily good for the environment long range. I want to build a number of little houses in the pasture on the left side of the road where the cattle were corralled yesterday. I want to start a sort of dude ranch. I’d rent out the houses, provide horses and trail rides, and a variety of other activities that I think would appeal to people living in the city. From all the research I’ve done, I think it would rapidly become a money-making enterprise. I know you’ve done carpentry work in the past and would have you hammering and sawing on those little houses over the winter and into spring. I’d continue to pay you your hourly rate for now and if this becomes a go, I’d be looking at providing benefits as well.”

“Well, that sounds like a great idea, but I need to go home and talk to Louisa and see what she thinks. It’s not all that far, so maybe I could commute, work a regular schedule so I’d be around to help with the kids and other stuff.”

“Sounds like a plan to me. Give me a call once you know what you want to do. I think I’ve got a general contractor lined up who will be the lead for this project. He’s going to begin about the middle of the month and has agreed to provide work for Joe and Dave and any other hands who are interested and have any skills. So, here’s your paycheck as well as my thanks for all your hard work. Can you send Pete up now?”

Hannah, Joe and Dave went through the same discussion with Pete who definitely wasn’t interested and Shane who was, but also needed to check back home to see if it was doable when it came to his family. None of the other hands were interested.

Throughout, Dale had been working away in the kitchen and had listened to every word. “So, what about me. You going to pay me off and send me down the road now that I won’t have a passel of hungry men to feed.”

“Actually Dale, I was coming to you last. I want you to stay on. Judging by some of the meals you’ve made, you could probably provide haut cuisine if it were required. I haven’t quite got the business plan all worked out, but I was thinking I’d provide breakfast and dinner for those who came to stay. I’d definitely need a cook for that. What do you say?”

“I say yes. Yes, I’d love to be part of your new plans. It’s been enjoyable working for you and the men you hired. You have good common sense, can see a bit further down the road than some I’ve known. Besides, I’m looking forward to being the Little Mite’s best honorary uncle.” As he said the last part, he leaned over and ran his hand down Hannah’s belly.

“What, what did you say?”

“It’s just I’ve overheard you talking to the Little Mite. That’s what you call him right? Or, is it a her? I’ve never married or had a big family with nieces and nephews, so if I’m staying, I’m going to be Uncle Dale. That is if it’s okay with you.”

“Hell yes Dale. Hell yes. I just didn’t know anyone knew what I called him or her so that surprised me. 

When Hannah got ready for bed that night, she curled up and talked to her gramps again. “Gramps, I am so fortunate and I know that you’ve been on the lookout for me. I’ve got some great men who are going to help make my vision a reality and friends and neighbors who have my back. Thank you for looking out for me and Little Mite. Good night gramps. Sleep well.”