ade detailed his log book . Having been a cavalry captain he was well acquainted reports , paperwork . He dreaded the day he would have to send a condolence letter to some family that lost a member in the Rangers . He had written so many during and a year after the war .
He considered her in his life and it was all positive ! He saw no downside to her being his wife for him . But he knew she fearing for him would not want him to go in the field . It would be impossible for him not to if lives hung in the balance and he could not lie to her . They needed to talk of this and other things . She was so wise not committing to marry her when he proposed , they did need to be honest and talk about problems that would come up . It was going to take work and trust ...He knew she HAD to have trust .
They would talk .
Tumbleweeds
Moderators: carlson1, Charles L. Cotton
Re: Tumbleweeds
Wade and Ed were making shingles when the men came in from logging bringing back two logs . Zeke had John and Carlos snaking logs . Wade smiled at their first trip fetching logs back . Zeke had seen quick Steve and John worked better when separated and had to deal with peer acceptance . Wade had total faith in Zeke managing anything .
It was lunch time and the ladies had buffalo and dumplings , cornbread with cinnamon bread for desert . Zeke , Don and her told of finding the buffalo so close on the prairie and drying the meat . It was the topic of conversation for the meal . Wade quizzed Ed about buffalo hunting and possibilities but Ed shook his head and said ...They are unpredictable , you might have to travel fifty miles to find a herd and in hot weather the meat would spoil before you get it home . Deer and small game are more dependable on a daily basis .
Everyone moved around joining different conversations , they were feeling at home and talking about the work , families , guns , fishing , sewing or anything . After eating and resting the men started working splitting logs , shingles and boards again . The finished building material was growing .
Lucy , her and Rosa washed everything up and decided to try buffalo and rice for supper . They cut up dried meat simmering it to make a stock for the rice and spices .
It was lunch time and the ladies had buffalo and dumplings , cornbread with cinnamon bread for desert . Zeke , Don and her told of finding the buffalo so close on the prairie and drying the meat . It was the topic of conversation for the meal . Wade quizzed Ed about buffalo hunting and possibilities but Ed shook his head and said ...They are unpredictable , you might have to travel fifty miles to find a herd and in hot weather the meat would spoil before you get it home . Deer and small game are more dependable on a daily basis .
Everyone moved around joining different conversations , they were feeling at home and talking about the work , families , guns , fishing , sewing or anything . After eating and resting the men started working splitting logs , shingles and boards again . The finished building material was growing .
Lucy , her and Rosa washed everything up and decided to try buffalo and rice for supper . They cut up dried meat simmering it to make a stock for the rice and spices .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Lucy was first up lighting the lamp and kindling a fire from the banked coals . She sat up and put her feet on the floor , Lucy watched her out of the corner of her eyes to make sure she was alright . Lucy came over and sat down with a smile picking up her hair brush smoothing and making her a ponytail talking . Her head wasn't hurting as it had been and she wasn't as sore . Lucy said ...Your face is looking a lot better sweetie ! The bruises and swelling are fading away ! Your so pretty !
They sat and had coffee talking about breakfast . The men wanted ham , eggs and biscuits . Lucy said ...Lets chop the ham up and scramble it in the eggs with onion and potatoes . It will stretch the ham farther and be a new thing . She agreed and said ...Having butter is so nice ! We can do more different meals now . The pup wanted out and Rosa stirred on her pallet rubbing her eyes . Nate woke up and the day was started . Lucy said ...I miss my old fat black dog . A neighbor is taking care of him , my cow and chickens . She said ...You must bring him back if you decide to stay , he would fit in .
Rosa sat up and Lucy motioned her to come . Lucy and her both hugged Rosa and she brushed Rosa's hair and made her pigtails . Lucy gave Rosa a half cup of coffee with sugar and cream . They sat and talked , Lucy and her teaching Rosa English words . The men started putting out the stock and Rosa grabbed a clean bucket running to milk the cow and do her chores with the pup running right behind her .
Lucy sat a ham on the table and she trimmed the end saving the rough pieces for beans at lunch , Lucy chopped onions and diced potatoes with the peel on after washing them in a bucket . John and Steve started hauling water in and asking if they needed help . Rosa brought more eggs . You could hear the men harnessing the horses and talking .
They sat and had coffee talking about breakfast . The men wanted ham , eggs and biscuits . Lucy said ...Lets chop the ham up and scramble it in the eggs with onion and potatoes . It will stretch the ham farther and be a new thing . She agreed and said ...Having butter is so nice ! We can do more different meals now . The pup wanted out and Rosa stirred on her pallet rubbing her eyes . Nate woke up and the day was started . Lucy said ...I miss my old fat black dog . A neighbor is taking care of him , my cow and chickens . She said ...You must bring him back if you decide to stay , he would fit in .
Rosa sat up and Lucy motioned her to come . Lucy and her both hugged Rosa and she brushed Rosa's hair and made her pigtails . Lucy gave Rosa a half cup of coffee with sugar and cream . They sat and talked , Lucy and her teaching Rosa English words . The men started putting out the stock and Rosa grabbed a clean bucket running to milk the cow and do her chores with the pup running right behind her .
Lucy sat a ham on the table and she trimmed the end saving the rough pieces for beans at lunch , Lucy chopped onions and diced potatoes with the peel on after washing them in a bucket . John and Steve started hauling water in and asking if they needed help . Rosa brought more eggs . You could hear the men harnessing the horses and talking .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Everyone served themselves ,. They were rested and looking forward to the last day of logging for a while . Lucy was refilling everyone's coffee cups and said ...I don't know how I put up with you men ! It's my trial in this life to tolerate a pack of heathens like ya'll ! Simon choked on his coffee laughing . Lucy said ...You take that Ed Rawlins there ! Ill tempered , mean spirited and just plain head headed ! All the men were trying not to laugh . Ed watched her over his coffee cup smiling .
When the men were leaving Simon said to Ed ...Lucy is sweet on you senor Ed ! Ed smiled and said ...Didn't sound like it to me . Simon said ...We have worked for her and her husband many times and she only is mean to ones she likes . If she gets quiet to you she is to be feared . It is her way .
Zeke went with the group to log . Don and Ed worked on sharpening tools , sawing cedar logs for shakes and organizing things for putting up the bunkhouse walls tomorrow . Wade filled in his daily log book and started a new list of things to give Ed Staley on the next trip to Eliasville .
Lucy and Rosa started a big pot of beans and ham ends for lunch . She worked sewing Ed's new pants and Lucy with Rosa joined her at the table . At their present rate of progress Ed would have two new pair of pants tomorrow evening .
The men felling , trimming and snaking logs just went to work at getting to the logging place . They all knew what to do with little direction from Zeke . Zeke baited the limb lines on the river where they were . They had three nice catfish from them yesterday on stringers in the river . With luck they would have enough for supper tonight . They needed to stretch their supplies as much as they could and have variety in the meals .
When the men were leaving Simon said to Ed ...Lucy is sweet on you senor Ed ! Ed smiled and said ...Didn't sound like it to me . Simon said ...We have worked for her and her husband many times and she only is mean to ones she likes . If she gets quiet to you she is to be feared . It is her way .
Zeke went with the group to log . Don and Ed worked on sharpening tools , sawing cedar logs for shakes and organizing things for putting up the bunkhouse walls tomorrow . Wade filled in his daily log book and started a new list of things to give Ed Staley on the next trip to Eliasville .
Lucy and Rosa started a big pot of beans and ham ends for lunch . She worked sewing Ed's new pants and Lucy with Rosa joined her at the table . At their present rate of progress Ed would have two new pair of pants tomorrow evening .
The men felling , trimming and snaking logs just went to work at getting to the logging place . They all knew what to do with little direction from Zeke . Zeke baited the limb lines on the river where they were . They had three nice catfish from them yesterday on stringers in the river . With luck they would have enough for supper tonight . They needed to stretch their supplies as much as they could and have variety in the meals .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Wade finished his log book and put his list up . Lucy cut her eyes at Wade and her then told Rosa ...Lets go watch Ed and Don work for a while ! They went out the door with Rosa carrying Nate and the pup jumping up at her playing .
Wade said laughing ...Lucy is giving us some time together . She said ...Lucy is a blessing here Wade ! I don't understand why she says things she does to the men but she doesn't mean them . Wade laughed and said ...She has had to work driving a freight wagon for years around men and mule skinners and bull whackers are a tough bunch . She is fine , no one takes her seriously . But I think she likes Ed a lot ! Ed was smiling while she was talking about him .
Wade asked ...What would be better for the new cabins ...fireplaces or wood heating stoves ? She thought and said ...Wood stoves take less wood to heat in the winter and you can still cook on them . They wouldn't be cooking much , just making coffee maybe . And they are easier to clean and tend . He said ...I agree , we will have three new cabins so I'll order three stoves . Plus we will not have to build chimneys and fireplaces . Wade asked her opinion on several things such as beds , furniture , shelves , or any ideas for the bunkhouse . They talked and came up with ideas .
Wade said … We must talk about my being a Ranger Captain . I know you fear me going into the field but I honestly plan to not unless I absolutely have to . She said ...You would have me and Nate , you would have others here that need you to be here ! Wade said ...You are exactly right and I know that . He said ...Right now this minute if I had to send Don , Steve and John out to a dangerous situation where their and others lives were at risk would you have me stay here ? She answered quickly … You couldn't stay ...you would have to go , they are too inexperienced . He said ...Your right I would have no choice but I hope to organize to have others that can lead . If I have that choice I will just delegate command . I want to be with my family and still be a part of settling this country , I want to be honest and I know I can depend on you . We always have to talk of these things because we will be one in GOD's eyes . She shook her head yes and kissed his cheek .
Wade said laughing ...Lucy is giving us some time together . She said ...Lucy is a blessing here Wade ! I don't understand why she says things she does to the men but she doesn't mean them . Wade laughed and said ...She has had to work driving a freight wagon for years around men and mule skinners and bull whackers are a tough bunch . She is fine , no one takes her seriously . But I think she likes Ed a lot ! Ed was smiling while she was talking about him .
Wade asked ...What would be better for the new cabins ...fireplaces or wood heating stoves ? She thought and said ...Wood stoves take less wood to heat in the winter and you can still cook on them . They wouldn't be cooking much , just making coffee maybe . And they are easier to clean and tend . He said ...I agree , we will have three new cabins so I'll order three stoves . Plus we will not have to build chimneys and fireplaces . Wade asked her opinion on several things such as beds , furniture , shelves , or any ideas for the bunkhouse . They talked and came up with ideas .
Wade said … We must talk about my being a Ranger Captain . I know you fear me going into the field but I honestly plan to not unless I absolutely have to . She said ...You would have me and Nate , you would have others here that need you to be here ! Wade said ...You are exactly right and I know that . He said ...Right now this minute if I had to send Don , Steve and John out to a dangerous situation where their and others lives were at risk would you have me stay here ? She answered quickly … You couldn't stay ...you would have to go , they are too inexperienced . He said ...Your right I would have no choice but I hope to organize to have others that can lead . If I have that choice I will just delegate command . I want to be with my family and still be a part of settling this country , I want to be honest and I know I can depend on you . We always have to talk of these things because we will be one in GOD's eyes . She shook her head yes and kissed his cheek .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Wade went to give Ed and Don a hand behind the shed . Tomorrow They would raise walls . The east end of the shed would be the bunkhouse and the backside two smaller cabins . One of the small cabins would defiantly be Zeke's own cabin . Ed and Don were splitting logs when he got there and he fell in to help . The sills or beams had ben leveled and put down for the floor all around the east and north side of the shed and was L shape . The exterior log walls were laid three logs high right now so a lot of work had already been done . The walls needed to be raised and then the board floor , roof beams and roof itself . Then the gun ports which were also windows for ventilation in the summer and to use if attacked . Then frames and doors . Board interior walls would be put in with interconnecting doors to each cabin . They used round or saddle notching on the log corners .
Ed , Zeke , Don and Wade knew what they were doing . Wade honestly didn't know if the Garcia's had any experience building a log cabin . But if they didn't they were quick learners . Zeke was changing off hands on felling , trimming and snaking logs . They were still steady pulling logs in today . Wade wanted the cabins as air tight as they could build them for when the winter came . He had to ask her how they made the cattail mattress on her bed . It seemed to hold up well and they had plenty of cattails on the river .
If it rained or weather got bad they could build tables , benches and things in the shed for when they finished .
Ed , Zeke , Don and Wade knew what they were doing . Wade honestly didn't know if the Garcia's had any experience building a log cabin . But if they didn't they were quick learners . Zeke was changing off hands on felling , trimming and snaking logs . They were still steady pulling logs in today . Wade wanted the cabins as air tight as they could build them for when the winter came . He had to ask her how they made the cattail mattress on her bed . It seemed to hold up well and they had plenty of cattails on the river .
If it rained or weather got bad they could build tables , benches and things in the shed for when they finished .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Zeke brought them in for lunch . They had beans with ham , cornbread and cinnamon fry bread . They rested in the shade of the porch talking , Rosa was trying to teach the pup to fetch a stick . Lucy and her sewed on Ed's new pants at the table . Wade was doing some figures on paper .
Zeke and Ed walked to the river with Nate to go hunting with the new double barrel twelve gage . They both had a shotgun now . They got 3 ducks , three cottontails and a jackrabbit . Enough meat for tomorrow . They talked to Nate a lot . Zeke told Ed ...We need to teach Nate a new word Ed . Ed asked ...What word Zeke ? Zeke smiled looking at Ed and said ...Papa ! Ed shook his head yes and they started teaching him right then .
The men were working with the wood behind the shed and getting a lot done . Wade said ...Tomorrow we start at each end of all three cabins to be built and all will figure and help . The Garcia's said they had helped build with logs before so that was a big plus .
Zeke and Ed walked to the river with Nate to go hunting with the new double barrel twelve gage . They both had a shotgun now . They got 3 ducks , three cottontails and a jackrabbit . Enough meat for tomorrow . They talked to Nate a lot . Zeke told Ed ...We need to teach Nate a new word Ed . Ed asked ...What word Zeke ? Zeke smiled looking at Ed and said ...Papa ! Ed shook his head yes and they started teaching him right then .
The men were working with the wood behind the shed and getting a lot done . Wade said ...Tomorrow we start at each end of all three cabins to be built and all will figure and help . The Garcia's said they had helped build with logs before so that was a big plus .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Early evening they went back to logging . They had many logs already on the ground to take to the cabin . They really threw themselves into getting more , this was the last day for a while . Wade went with them and Zeke stayed working with Ed . They were making boards . Ed took a break and asked Zeke to sit with him on a stack of boards and he did .
Ed wanted to talk to Zeke and said ...You will get your own cabin Zeke and you won't hurt my feeling if you don't want to but could I room with you . Zeke was quick to say ...Why heck yea Ed ! I'd be real happy if you would ! I was going you ask you myself closer to getting them built . We get along fine and we will do well sharing a cabin , I thought maybe you would want your own cabin in time . Ed shook his head no and said ...I like you Zeke and your easy to get along with , we both could share a cabin without any kind of problems . They shook on it . Ed said ...Wade and her are going to have to add that bedroom on to her cabin like you keep telling her …..when they get married ! They both laughed and talked about if anything would change if they married . Both only saw good come of it .
Lucy , Rosa and her had beans left over and made tortillas , fried potatoes and fresh chopped onions for supper with sweet tea . She told Lucy ...Wade added a lot of supplies to our original order for just three pack horses . He did really good in what he bought , Wade is good at figuring things out . Lucy said ...You better say yes to him pretty quick sweetie ! A smart , tall good lookin man that works like he does is dang hard to find ! GOD has brought you two together . He will make a good husband and father to Nate .
She told Lucy ...My husband died a short time ago ...is it too early for me to marry Lucy ? Lucy said ..Heck no !
The men came from downriver bringing their tools in . Stock was taken care of , everything put up and they enjoyed a good supper . The men sat on the porch talking about building the cabins tomorrow . Rosa put buckets by the well to bathe and Lucy cleaned the cabin for tomorrow .
Ed wanted to talk to Zeke and said ...You will get your own cabin Zeke and you won't hurt my feeling if you don't want to but could I room with you . Zeke was quick to say ...Why heck yea Ed ! I'd be real happy if you would ! I was going you ask you myself closer to getting them built . We get along fine and we will do well sharing a cabin , I thought maybe you would want your own cabin in time . Ed shook his head no and said ...I like you Zeke and your easy to get along with , we both could share a cabin without any kind of problems . They shook on it . Ed said ...Wade and her are going to have to add that bedroom on to her cabin like you keep telling her …..when they get married ! They both laughed and talked about if anything would change if they married . Both only saw good come of it .
Lucy , Rosa and her had beans left over and made tortillas , fried potatoes and fresh chopped onions for supper with sweet tea . She told Lucy ...Wade added a lot of supplies to our original order for just three pack horses . He did really good in what he bought , Wade is good at figuring things out . Lucy said ...You better say yes to him pretty quick sweetie ! A smart , tall good lookin man that works like he does is dang hard to find ! GOD has brought you two together . He will make a good husband and father to Nate .
She told Lucy ...My husband died a short time ago ...is it too early for me to marry Lucy ? Lucy said ..Heck no !
The men came from downriver bringing their tools in . Stock was taken care of , everything put up and they enjoyed a good supper . The men sat on the porch talking about building the cabins tomorrow . Rosa put buckets by the well to bathe and Lucy cleaned the cabin for tomorrow .
Re: Tumbleweeds
She got up and pulled the coals from the ashes , kindled the fire and lit the oil lamp with a twig of tender . She dressed quietly and sat down at the table waiting for the fire to burn to coals and make coffee . There was a lot going to happen today , everyone was excited to start building the cabins . She thought about Wade ...she needed to give him an answer to his proposal . She wanted to marry him but was afraid of the unknown . She knew he would make a good husband and father , everything lead to them getting married . Everyone here wanted her to tell him yes . She prayed ;
Lord guide me through your Holy Spirit . My fear of the future holds me captive Lord . You have lead me and protected me , you have cared for and protected us . I know you are working in this place . Lead me now in what I should do , there are others beside myself Lord that depend on my decision . Make your will known to me in this . I need your help Lord please . Amen
Lord guide me through your Holy Spirit . My fear of the future holds me captive Lord . You have lead me and protected me , you have cared for and protected us . I know you are working in this place . Lead me now in what I should do , there are others beside myself Lord that depend on my decision . Make your will known to me in this . I need your help Lord please . Amen
Re: Tumbleweeds
She made the coffee quietly , she sat thinking and praying . Lucy stirred and sat up on her pallet on the floor and yawned saying quietly ...You beat me up this morning sweetie . Lucy got up in her gown and got some coffee sitting down she said ...It's early sweetie why are you up so early ? She said ...Wade deserves an answer to his proposal , it's going to be a torment to both of us till I give it . I have fears of what could come if I marry him Lucy . Lucy said ...Maybe you should think about if you DON'T marry him ! I see wade watching you , he is doing his best to care for you and Nate . Wade is a part of this place and GOD brought him to you .
Lucy reached and took her hand and said ...We got time , it's quiet and GOD has put you in the fire one more time to turn to him . Lets pray on this sweetie . I'm here with you and for you . Lucy came around and sat beside her putting her arm around her . They both prayed till they heard the stock being put on grass .
Lucy reached and took her hand and said ...We got time , it's quiet and GOD has put you in the fire one more time to turn to him . Lets pray on this sweetie . I'm here with you and for you . Lucy came around and sat beside her putting her arm around her . They both prayed till they heard the stock being put on grass .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They made bacon and pancakes with sugar syrup . They were running late with breakfast . When everyone came in and breakfast wasn't ready they were amazed . Zeke asked her ...What is wrong ...You have never been late getting breakfast ! She said ...I was praying with Lucy Zeke , it's alright . Zeke hesitated to let it go at that but slowly said ...You know I am here , I love you . Talk to me or use me ...you know I am here ! She said ...I know , your always with me . She kissed his cheek .
They ate a lot of pancakes , Lucy rationed the bacon to three slices each . They had to watch their supplies till going back to Eliasville . They went to work organizing at the cabins to be built and soon logs were being sawed , notched and fitted . Two men would be hauling in the logs on the ground from down river .
Lucy , her and Rosa put cut up rabbit to simmer for rabbit and dumplings at lunch . Lucy got Ed's pants and they worked on them while cooking and talking . Her mind seemed clearer after breakfast . Her thoughts were positive and she felt happy teaching Rosa words while they sewed .
They ate a lot of pancakes , Lucy rationed the bacon to three slices each . They had to watch their supplies till going back to Eliasville . They went to work organizing at the cabins to be built and soon logs were being sawed , notched and fitted . Two men would be hauling in the logs on the ground from down river .
Lucy , her and Rosa put cut up rabbit to simmer for rabbit and dumplings at lunch . Lucy got Ed's pants and they worked on them while cooking and talking . Her mind seemed clearer after breakfast . Her thoughts were positive and she felt happy teaching Rosa words while they sewed .
Re: Tumbleweeds
The men were making good progress but they wished they had more tools . They only had one set of tools . Wade started roughing the corner notches on the logs with an axe and Don finished them with the adz . There was plenty of work for the axes splitting logs and smoothing . Wade would get another adz and froe on his next trip to Eliasville .
The rabbit and dumplings were done and cornbread was making in the Dutch oven on the coals in the fireplace . There was frybread with dried plums and sugar ready on the counter . Lucy was soaking some dried buffalo to try and fry it in bacon drippings and see if they could stretch the ham and bacon farther . Rosa was washing clothes on the porch with the pup sitting on the bench next to her watching her every move .
Lunch was set out and there was plenty for seconds . Everyone rested an hour and went back to work . She asked Wade to stay after lunch and he did drinking a glass of tea . Wade told Don to organize the men working . Zeke put his hat on and told Wade ...You did right , Don needs to lead and he is doing really good .
Lucy knew she wanted to talk to Wade so her and Rosa went to hang clothes and wash dishes . Lucy prayed hard for her and Wade .
She sat down by Wade and took his hand . She kissed his cheek and said ...I will marry you . I love you Wade . Wade stood her up and held her telling her he loved her and would take care of her . Wade said ...I want to tell everyone ! Come with me ! They went behind the cabin where Rosa and Lucy were hanging clothes and told them to come with them . They went to where they were all working on the cabins and Wade said ...Everyone quit working and listen to me ! They stopped and were quiet . Wade took her hand and said ...She will marry me ! She told me ..YES ! They all shook his hand and offered congratulations . Lucy and Rosa were jumping up and down ! They all were happy .
The rabbit and dumplings were done and cornbread was making in the Dutch oven on the coals in the fireplace . There was frybread with dried plums and sugar ready on the counter . Lucy was soaking some dried buffalo to try and fry it in bacon drippings and see if they could stretch the ham and bacon farther . Rosa was washing clothes on the porch with the pup sitting on the bench next to her watching her every move .
Lunch was set out and there was plenty for seconds . Everyone rested an hour and went back to work . She asked Wade to stay after lunch and he did drinking a glass of tea . Wade told Don to organize the men working . Zeke put his hat on and told Wade ...You did right , Don needs to lead and he is doing really good .
Lucy knew she wanted to talk to Wade so her and Rosa went to hang clothes and wash dishes . Lucy prayed hard for her and Wade .
She sat down by Wade and took his hand . She kissed his cheek and said ...I will marry you . I love you Wade . Wade stood her up and held her telling her he loved her and would take care of her . Wade said ...I want to tell everyone ! Come with me ! They went behind the cabin where Rosa and Lucy were hanging clothes and told them to come with them . They went to where they were all working on the cabins and Wade said ...Everyone quit working and listen to me ! They stopped and were quiet . Wade took her hand and said ...She will marry me ! She told me ..YES ! They all shook his hand and offered congratulations . Lucy and Rosa were jumping up and down ! They all were happy .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Lucy , Rosa and her went back to the cabin . They were all excited , Lucy said ...Oh ! When will you marry ? It must be in Eliasville ...everyone will come ! She said ...I don't know , Wade and I will have to talk Lucy . Lucy said ...You will stay at my house . They talked about it till supper .
The ducks were baking in two pots slowly . They boned them and made duck and rice using the duck drippings in the rice . It came out good and Lucy made quick bread . Lucy's dried buffalo meat would go good over rice so they would make it tomorrow and see what everyone thought about it . Tomorrow at supper they would have catfish from the logging place . Food for tomorrow was figured out . They would let everyone decide on breakfast .
Juan and Simon were snaking logs in from the river . They went past the cabins they were working on and unchained them out back of her cabin . Wade called to them as they headed back downriver for more and asked why they put them behind her cabin . Simon hollered back that the bedroom for her cabin was coming up quick !
Everyone was laughing .
The ducks were baking in two pots slowly . They boned them and made duck and rice using the duck drippings in the rice . It came out good and Lucy made quick bread . Lucy's dried buffalo meat would go good over rice so they would make it tomorrow and see what everyone thought about it . Tomorrow at supper they would have catfish from the logging place . Food for tomorrow was figured out . They would let everyone decide on breakfast .
Juan and Simon were snaking logs in from the river . They went past the cabins they were working on and unchained them out back of her cabin . Wade called to them as they headed back downriver for more and asked why they put them behind her cabin . Simon hollered back that the bedroom for her cabin was coming up quick !
Everyone was laughing .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They got four logs high on the three cabins . They could have raised more logs but they were taking their time fitting the logs as they went . Wade wanted them as airtight as they could get them . There would be little to chink when they were finished , every log was tight fitted . it took more time but would pay off in the years to come and little chinking to be done in the future . Wade and Don did most of the notching .
Juan and Simon had started the flooring boards , truing and leveling on the floor beams . They were doing a meticulous and pretty job using strings and fitting the floor boards . It was going to take a lot of boards for flooring , walls , frames , doors and gun port shutters . Ed , Zeke and Wade all agreed making boards in their off or slow time was really speeding things up now . All the logs downriver had been snaked in and rowed . All the drops , corner slats and odd pieces were stacked and saved for shelves , furniture or projects in the future . They were working with mallets ,wedges and axes roughing out roof beams to be smoothed along as they raised and set them .
Zeke shut them down to clean up for supper . They had really thrown themselves into the work and doing a nice job . They were all proud of what they had done . Wade thought the Garcia's were worth their weight in gold , he had to figure out how to keep them on steady !
The ladies had supper ready and Lucy stepped out on the porch hollering ...You heathens better get in here if you want to eat ! I'll pitch in out if you ain't hungry ! They were washing their hands and faces and the Garcia's started laughing . Juan said ...I love Mrs Lucy ! When I went to work for her and her husband she scared the hell out of me ! I have seen her fight grown men twice and she whipped both of them . Everyone laughed harder . She can use a shotgun or a rifle but I never saw her shoot a pistol , she told me pistols don't kill a man dead enough !
Juan and Simon had started the flooring boards , truing and leveling on the floor beams . They were doing a meticulous and pretty job using strings and fitting the floor boards . It was going to take a lot of boards for flooring , walls , frames , doors and gun port shutters . Ed , Zeke and Wade all agreed making boards in their off or slow time was really speeding things up now . All the logs downriver had been snaked in and rowed . All the drops , corner slats and odd pieces were stacked and saved for shelves , furniture or projects in the future . They were working with mallets ,wedges and axes roughing out roof beams to be smoothed along as they raised and set them .
Zeke shut them down to clean up for supper . They had really thrown themselves into the work and doing a nice job . They were all proud of what they had done . Wade thought the Garcia's were worth their weight in gold , he had to figure out how to keep them on steady !
The ladies had supper ready and Lucy stepped out on the porch hollering ...You heathens better get in here if you want to eat ! I'll pitch in out if you ain't hungry ! They were washing their hands and faces and the Garcia's started laughing . Juan said ...I love Mrs Lucy ! When I went to work for her and her husband she scared the hell out of me ! I have seen her fight grown men twice and she whipped both of them . Everyone laughed harder . She can use a shotgun or a rifle but I never saw her shoot a pistol , she told me pistols don't kill a man dead enough !
Re: Tumbleweeds
Wade sat beside her . Everyone moved around joining different conversations . News of Wade and her being engaged had lifted all of them . They were still being congratulated and made much of . Wade and her were happy and talking a lot thanking people . Everyone wanted to know when , how and where they would get married . Both of them told the truth and said they didn't know ...it was to be figured out . Just to get to Eliasville was hard and dangerous . Everyone knew but didn't mention that all of them could not attend the ceremony . There had to be ones stay at the ranch for working and enough to protect each other .
Lucy went out on the porch while everyone was inside . Ed was on a bench drinking tea . Lucy laid his new pants down beside him and sat down . She said ...There's your new pants old man . Ed looked at them and said ...Thank you for your work Lucy . She looked at the river a while and asked ...Think you will ever marry again Ed ? Ed said ...I don't think so , I'm too old for marrying now . She said ...I miss being married . Ed put his arm around her and said ...Heck Lucy you can just be mean to me in your spare time ! She laughed and laid her head on Ed's shoulder saying ...I like you Ed !
Lucy went out on the porch while everyone was inside . Ed was on a bench drinking tea . Lucy laid his new pants down beside him and sat down . She said ...There's your new pants old man . Ed looked at them and said ...Thank you for your work Lucy . She looked at the river a while and asked ...Think you will ever marry again Ed ? Ed said ...I don't think so , I'm too old for marrying now . She said ...I miss being married . Ed put his arm around her and said ...Heck Lucy you can just be mean to me in your spare time ! She laughed and laid her head on Ed's shoulder saying ...I like you Ed !