Headstall

Thank you, Albert. I agree Harriet steals the scene, and Dorothea isn't far behind. August had no idea what was being protected for him, or that he had the love and support Fletcher has. It is a beautiful thing to write about. As is the reveal of August and Fletcher's relationship, and the depth of feeling there. Loneliness is something August can do about, and as he says, he'll see Fletcher never feels lonely again. Agree too about the hankerchief. This homecoming couldn't have come out better.

*waves*

Oh, one more before I retreat to my bed. Yeah, doc, I thought it cool that she picked up on this thing between them years ago. Grandmothers know. It's a damn shame Albert kept them apart, making it inhospitable for her to even visit. They have time to make up for, and a lot of time to do it. At one point August says he has everything he needs, and he really does. What a change from the young man harangued by a mean father and brother while remembering the warmth of his mother's love. He won't take this new reality for granted. Yes, Barnswallow awaits.... Thanks, my friend.

Yeah, you were right, buddy. This one is a bitch with a lot of coughing which takes my breath away. My sinuses are causing a lot of pain, but my eyes are fine now. I just need to be patient. Happy you enjoyed this chapter. I have a neighbor (sort of-he's about 10 miles away) who has 200 acres of land and he runs a cow calf operation with fifty head... he supplements with hay if August is a dry month, and ships the yearlings in the late fall. He does really well, so I can see the boys running 60 or 70 head if they want to. In those days 2000 dollars was a substantial amount of money. It gives us a good idea of just how wealthy Harriet is if it is just a drop in the bucket for her. Both my grandmothers were pretty sharp ladies. Harriet pays attention, and Dorothea saw the love between them too. The boys need to learn how to keep their feelings hidden from others. I don't know if you caught it, but I hinted that Dorothea was in an abusive relationship, and might be the reason for her health issues. So yeah, it is nice to see her happy. Will James? I can't see Runyan sticking around and waiting for him. Breaks my heart what he is going through. Thank you, kind sir. My energy has depleted for now.

Hi, Gordy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm pleased you liked it. I get that it seemed they were there a long time, but it really wasn't. Yes they stayed and had some conversation after the signing, but that was likely not much more than a half hour. All told I envision they were there an hour and a half. It is still very early afternoon at the latest when they leave. I think we all have compassion for Runyan. He is in his own personal hell. The farm is up next, so you won't have to wait long. Cheers, my friend.

Thank you, Patrick. I didn't get to spend as much time this week going over this chapter, so your praise of the writing means a lot. To me the most important part of this one is that August feels loved. We all need that from family, and like Fletcher with his, August has been blessed. I love writing Dorothea and Harriet. Unless Albert shows up out of the blue, there is no reason for him to find out about the second farm. Harriet makes a great point when she says Albert is much wealthier now, so maybe three hundred acres is small potatoes.

Another early posting just in case tomorrow is another rough day...

Trousers and Cigars “You thought Barnswallow was what, Augustus?” Harriet asked, her mouth twitching at the corners. “Ah… only ninety acres, give or take, Gran.” “And it is. That first document is the deed for it, as it clearly states.” “Yep, I can see that, but there’s this other one what says—” “That’s a separate deed, yes, for the old Wardell farm, but as you can see, I own it at the moment… and with one signature, you will.” Now she wore a full-on smile

My coughing sounds like a fog horn... some real deep honking. Greetings, freaks and fairies.

Good for you, Doc. I'll start when my eyes and head are a little better. It's not the first time I've been told I should connect them as a series. I should figure it out and get it done. Cheers!

I loved telling this story of Darnell and Regis. I hope you felt the desperation they were feeling. It all could have gone very wrong for our boys, but it ended up being something good with Runyan arriving. I see him as a very impressive man, maybe even a natural leader. Thanks, buddy.

Thanks, my friend. These chapters can be tricky... they require sensitivity and thoughtfulness on my part and I never know for sure if they will work. If they do, I believe it is partly because of how well I know my characters.

Yes... and yes... I think it's time I read Sidewinder again.

Hmmmm... maybe...

Fair greetings to the Off The Wall Gang... and dugh...

Ah... now I see. Yeah, that fellow was Jubal's only good experience after Vincent. It was a fleeting thing, and that one never crossed my mind to write either. Vincent is married to a woman now, so unless I change that, it isn't a good avenue to take either. It's nice to be asked, though, and so is your encouragement. Thanks, buddy.

Hi, all! Feel more human this morning.

Thanks, my friend. I'm being good, I promise. After having pneumonia in January, I'm paranoid of prolonging this. My eyes have almost stopped watering, and that is a real blessing. I can watch some TV now.

Hi, Les! Thank you. Fifth time. Wow, that's great to hear. You must be meaning Vincent. I never thought of writing that story, but to be honest I have a hundred stories in my head with new ones butting in all the time. I never know what direction I will take until it happens. Glad you are enjoying Roping the Moon. It's been fun so far. And yes, I am feeling better... compared to a couple of days ago.

*waves*

Thanks, Chris. I'm able to eat now, so that should help.

Thanks, Patrick. That means a lot to me. So far so good with Harriet. She's warm and loving, but also a no nonsense type of woman. I believe Augustus has indeed been blessed.

It would if she really was a friend of Dorothy. Sorry... I'm so close to getting these comments answered, but I'm am covered in a full body sweat. I need to lay down.

Hey, Leo. It took my son two weeks to get over it, so I might have a ways to go. It hasn't been fun, and i appreciate the good wishes from everyone. What is a story without a cliffie or two? Glad you found this one sweet and intriguing.