Headstall

Uh... possibly...

Exactly. It took the care of them out of other's hands, so it was convenient for everyone.

Absolutely. Spinster ladies were expected to live together.

I don't think a hot toddy would be a good idea, spyke. I am trying to take care of myself, though. Love all the speculation. You're a clever bunch, but I hold the power, right? You are so kind to say you feel in the room. Your praise is expressed so well, and I truly appreciate the boost. For me, it's about hard work and attention to detail... to every aspect of a scene. I write the scene, and then turn it upside down and backwards to see if the feel and balance are there. Sometimes I get it right the first time, but usually not quite. Thanks for this, my friend.

Thanks, Albert. It was an important chapter in this book, this reunion of Harriet and August. And of course I had to leave readers guessing at the end of it. There is nothing I enjoy than revealing things through dialogue. We learn a lot in this one. Appreciate the kind words.

Harriet does appear to appreciate quality things, and that would indicate Barnswallow is far from a ruin. We know from an earlier chapter than Brewster had money and left her some. We don't know how much but it's obvious she isn't hurting for money. Thanks, Doc.

Love the speculation. Would I have named Dorothea for any such reason?

Maybe there's a story to tell. Thanks, Doc.

Gran is everything August's pa is not. And of course she loves Rob, though she may not like his behavior. It's a grandparents job to love without conditions. As far as her relationship with Dorothea, maybe they are just lifelong friends, or maybe it is more. Either way, the woman has her quirks. As far as Maureen, she is her mother's daughter, and would put August's happiness above anything else. I have no doubts about that. August is fortunate to have had the mother and grandmother he does. I loved writing August's relief at Harriet's reaction to Runyan. As he thought, it made him love her more. Sometimes, topics don't come up in families, especially ones that have distance between them. Runyan has a home here... it won't replace the one he left, but it can provide him great comfort if he sticks around. And yes, stronger bonds can be created that surpass a blood family one. In our community, that has proven true for so many. Love that you see Harriet as a spitfire. Love green tea too, but I stick to caffeine free teas now. As far as Willy James, it is up in the air, but what isn't is that Runyan will search for him come hell or high water. Thank you, my lovely friend. Not feeling good yet, but I'll get there.

Sorry, commenters... I've run out of steam. It's hard to think when mucous and tears are pouring out. My eyes can't handle the screen.

Hey, Kris. I love how you all keep trying to get ahead of me. We shall see, but I do agree Gran and Dorothea wouldn't much care about them being couples. I feel bad for how bad August feels about not being open with his grandmother. And yep, he's almost a landowner... or is he?

She certainly is sharp, Doc, and curious. Some might have seen her as pushy, but I don't. She loves her grandson, and this is there first meeting in years. She wants to know everything and I think you make a good point that she has suspicions. August and Fletcher are not the best at hiding their feelings. As far as Dorothea, that remains to be seen, but I adore her as a character. Thanks, my friend.

Not feeling my best yet--just a severe head and chest cold--but I need to start responding to these comments. Hey, Parker. Glad you liked it. I do see some similarities in them too... like when Harriet mentions his good heart and love for animals, and his moral code-right and wrong. They share those values. I think we are all hoping to see Willy James... it could be a rough and violent time back then. Sorry about the cliffhanger. My head is cloudy... I hope this made sense.

I must admit I'm a huge fan of DA... and both sets of Crawleys, especially Roland. Albert is a jealous man who tried to steal Lorraine away from Roland, and he FAILED. He's never let that go even though he was the real thief.

Lol. Albert's greed has no bounds. He's always looking to outsmart the next guy.

Thanks. I'm trying. Not good at being sick. I'm a big baby.

That'd wonderful! Oh, to feel forty again!

Happy you feel that way. Yes, they couldn't be more different than those two Cooley men. Okay... back to bed for me.

We can hope. Thanks, buddy.

I love writing Roland as a character, and I loved writing that 'showdown' in town. Some people are just born with great big hearts.

I hope your struggles have eased, @CincyKris.

Ain't that the truth. I'll keep this short because I'm feeling rough... spending my time in a darkened room till I get over this awful cold. Thanks, my friend.

Posting a day early because I'm feeling poorly...

The Eyes Have It Clifford Wardell Junior had spoken the truth. It weren’t possible to miss the bright yellow house with its deep red shutters and wide eaves. Nestled back from the road and standing tall, it was as fine a home as August had ever seen, and as he turned into the laneway he noticed a small, well-built barn in back of it. Behind that there be a corral what looked to be three or so acres. An open field what seemed part of the property bordered it, but he didn’t