Headstall

Hi, all.

Well, folks. I've relapsed. Went to see my doctor again and he put me back on another course of antibiotics. Feel like crap again... trying not to feel sorry for myself.

Hi, all!

I love when readers are thinking, Doc. It does sound like the foundation for a house is still there, but in what condition we do not know. Maybe it is something that could be used for the future. August and Fletcher want their friends to be happy, whatever that may take.

Amen to that.

Thanks, Patrick. I'm pleased you liked our introduction to Barnswallow. These four men still have things to learn about each other, but maybe the most important part of this chapter is Runyan and Willy James committing to stay there. How could they not. They just found a private piece of heaven. I think you're right that Albert would be angry, especially at learning those extra two hundred acres were kept from him. But really, what should he care. He washed his hands of August for the sake of a new little filly to share his bed.

Thank you so much, Chris. I saw this as an important one to get right.

I suspect we don't have to look far for the answer. There are two old ladies in town whose patience and commitment to a legacy have been rewarded.

I love all the comments I get, but yeah, it was a good one.

Sorry for the delay, dear friend... I ran out of steam... and brain power. Exploring is always fun. Love how you draw the distinction between Brewster and Albert. It is like putting lipstick on a pig. Brewster didn't need to farm, he wanted to. He loved what he did and that is obvious who anyone who paid attention. Albert wanted money and power, and I guess that's okay if you go about it the right way. Albert is a conniver who cares little for right and wrong. Imagine the pain Brewster must have felt at his daughter's choice. The curse of fathers everywhere. Does Albert want success for his second son? That is a tough question, but it would seem he wouldn't waste any thought on him failing. I know this kind of man, but I don't understand this kind of man, one who could be so aloof about his own children. The curse of children everywhere. Those potatoes aren't wild. They were missed when being dug up at harvesting time, and after growing the next year, there would be a whole bunch of potatoes underground to grow again come the following spring. It's hard to stop nature. I just remembered my uncle calling them runaways, the crops that would reseed themselves outside the garden. In the potato famine, none were missed that were suitable for harvest. You're right that this was post civil war. I don't usually use real town names either, but Jackson, Mississippi was a hotbed of slavery with very strict rules and laws concerning their movement. It seemed right to explain why Jackson was given his name, especially in this time of rewriting and burying history. We must never forget. Did Runyan's ma gain her freedom earlier. Possibly. The important thing for me was not to duck away from the subject. It was an important moment when Willy James and Runyan committed to staying at Barnswallow. Together, there is little this group of good men can't accomplish. Glad you see the possibilities, and I love how you see all the nuanced but important moments. Thank you for being who you are. The house is next.

Glad to hear that. I've never been in a tornado, nor in the vicinity of one, and I am thankful for that. I used to be outside most every day, in all kinds of weather, training and showing horses, but I couldn't do that now. The heat is just too much. I need my central air and my woods when it is 30C outside. Yes, these four men are lucky to have settled on Barnswallow. I don't think they will take it for granted.

Hi, Neal! They've traveled just about five weeks, and no, I'm not saying where they are. I want you readers to think whatever is right for you. It's why all the towns are fictional names. They were on the road that morning by sunup, and were in Warrensville while it was still morning. A lot has definitely happened, but they were only at the grans' house for about an hour and a half, give or take. And, it is only about ten miles from there to Barnswallow. That's not a long trip, but yeah, they've used up a good part of the day already. Thanks for the really sweet and kind words, buddy. I try my best to make you feel like you are there, so it's nice when someone says it worked. The house is next, and I hope you like what's coming next week. Cheers and much thanks, my friend.

Me too. Still have a cough and some aches and chills, but no smelly mucous, and no sinus pressure at all.

My heads a little too fuzzy to think straight, but I don't think so, Doc, though there might have been speculation. I've had the same experience with cherry tomatoes reseeding from the year before. Didn't even realize it to partway into summer. My uncle's garden used to do the same thing, and he had huge gardens. Congrats on the onions! Writing about Barnswallow spoke to my heart too, Doc. That barn is my dream barn, though my own barn was perfect for show-horses... I designed it with an extra wide (13 foot) aisleway with a drain in the floor for bathing horses. Lots and lots of big windows along the side making the work area so bright. One of my stalls has become a toolroom, but I have two work benches in that aisle now. Yeah, I suspect there are likely more vegetables that are ready for harvesting. These four men have been blessed in so many ways. Thanks, buddy.

Greetings.

So true, Cane! They expected none of this, and were prepared to rebuild. All they truly needed was each other, both couples, but now they have a serious leg up on making the farm successful. I'm so pleased you see it as a reward for who they are as people, because I do too. They deserve this. And we can't forget the courage of Willy James who traveled for the first time, and all by himself through dangerous territory. To me that means he is much tougher than the rest of them thought. Yeah, so now they are all safe and happy, and where they need to be to build a great life. Thanks, buddy.

Wow. That must have been scary. Glad you didn't have to go through one, and hope there was little wind damage. Those things scare the crap out of me. The boys are most definitely off to a good start. Lots of blessings for sure. And yeah, you make a great point. Those barns and cellars will protect them and their stock if they ever have to face Mother Nature's rage. Thanks, Kris.

I agree, buddy. They were used to quality and insisted on it. These were hardworking people, and in some ways I wish I could have had Brewster in the story. I see him as that guy who always had answers, and if he didn't know one, he found it through his own intelligence and curiosity. I definitely understand him. Yes, someone has done at least some maintenance at the behest of Harriet. I mean, even the locks were recently oiled. She probably has someone she can trust who goes to the homestead with her to check on things. Oh, I like that... a full moon and not a sliver. Well said, my friend. The house is next. Thanks for this. I hope you found our introduction to Barnswallow a good one.

Hi Sherye! It's pretty clear to me that Harriet always wanted August to inherit Barnswallow, and kept it up over the years. She might have hired people she trusted to keep things in good order, and as far as the tools, they are probably as important to her as they will be to August because they were her late husband's. In my mind, that tool shed was almost like a shrine to Brewster, kept exactly as he always had it. I think there was a great love there. Thanks, my dear friend.

I know right? Hello, sweet lady! Thank God for August's magic rope. Yeah, it's getting clearer and clearer that Harriet made sure things were kept up. As I said to others, I think she is at home giggling at what the boys will find. Love that woman. Thanks for the kind words, my dear friend. I wanted our first sight of Barnswallow to be a memorable one. Cheers!

Thanks again. It was a very positive comment.

I am definitely feeling better today. I think I've finally turned the corner. My fingers are crossed. Barnswallow is everything and more than they could ever hope for. I don't know what you think, but Albert Cooley must have had grudging respect for it and Brewster Faulkner. He had to have seen the quality with his own eyes, so he would know its worth, right? Thanks, Bruce.

I think Gran played it a little coy with regards to Barnswallow. August had no idea what he was inheriting, and I suspect she is smiling at the thought of him seeing Barnswallow for the very first time. In awe is right and definitely a blessing. It is so rewarding to see Willy James and Runyan together and so thankful for it. We got to see August and Fletcher's dynamic all along, but we are only seeing the others' for the first time too. It's heartwarming. I see those surprise potatoes almost as a metaphor for this new life of theirs. Maybe they shouldn't be happening, but they are. And yes there is plenty of hope and joy as we are welcomed by the old homestead. Thanks, Albert.

Hey, Harshaw! Thank you! There are a bunch more chapters, but many? Depends on what you mean by many. The boys deserve this... they are now masters of their own destinies, and what an incredible place to call home. The house is next. Your comment is much appreciated, friend. Cheers!