Headstall

I did go get all the parts I needed to fix my Lawn tractor wheel.

Thanks for reading and commenting while you are down under, buddy. I appreciate it. Hope you're having a great time! Oh, and don't box a kangaroo.

Look in the corners for killer spiders.

Glad you appreciated it, Patrick. Getting them to this point has been quite satisfying for me. While we've met some bad, we have also met some really good people, and decency is something we all deserve to see and read about. Roland stands tall, and yes, he is the very antithesis of the brutality of Albert Cooley. They couldn't be more different. They have so much to lose now, so yes, they have to be sensible about Willy James and Runyan. Without question, they will help them, but there is a shadow called Albert they have not escaped yet. Brilliant chapter? Woot! Thank you!

I've got a million things to do and I don't want to do any of them.

Yeah... so... hello.

Quiet indeed. Did you like that visual? I swear, part of me lives in the Old West now. I mean, I actually talk to feathered furry little varmints as I work in my woods, picking up turkey feathers like they were treasures, and wishing we still used them to dip in ink and write with. Yes, I am that old. I agree. The goalposts keep shifting, and Albert is beyond clever... devious even... so they can't waste time. I wonder if things would be moving ahead if there was no new wife in the picture. She seems to have dulled Albert's senses a mite, thank the Lord. Lots can happen when the all move separately, but I don't see a choice in the matter. Roland was spot on... there is always a risk traveling alone, but they each have something to be safe for. It's like when you have children... your tendency to take risks plummets. I know I became cautious overnight... right from the very second I held my firstborn. As far as Lorraine, I see her as pure mom, so likely she won't ease up. Thanks, dear, sweet lady. it is always a pleasure to see a notification with your name on it.

I am so glad to hear you loved this. Of course they would not abandon Willy James and Runyan to their fates. That's not who they are. I loved how August checked in with Fletcher about whether it bothered him what had happened between him and Willy James. It was a fair question, and showed his care for Fletcher's feelings. Roland gave great advice regarding Willy James and Runyan. One wrong move could put them in further danger, so under no circumstances can they be seen together... or tracked. Thanks for the encouragement, my dear friend.

Thanks, Les! I appreciate that. it was quite the performance. We see the strength in the Crawley family and how they are always there for one another. A stark difference from what August is used to. As far as the people I write about, there are most often elements drawn from people who have inhabited my life through the years. I have had the worst of people and the best of the people to learn from. This saga has a long way to go yet, so hope you enjoy what's coming, my friend. Cheers! G.

Lol. Who knew Roland and Fletcher were such a thespians? They should quit the dairy business. Hope you like how far we've come and where we're going. Still a long way to go. Cheers, my friend.

Thanks, Albert. These words are kind indeed. Yes, the situation with Willy James and Runyan does deepen the stakes. I was looking forward to them entering the story in a real way. Willy James breaks my heart... I see him as a little bit vulnerable, and maybe too sweet... and now forced to grow up in a hurry. Since that kiss was seen happening in the barn, he has seen nothing but harshness, in his family and in Runyan's. He's one I just want to protect, and so do the boys. We haven't met Runyan yet, but he sounds like a good man. They deserve their chance for happiness... and peace. Thanks, buddy. Your support, as always, is much appreciated. Cheers!

Roland is what a father should be. It likely helps that his best friend, Fletcher's uncle, was gay. It gave him a special insight, seeing how miserable the man was. He doesn't want that for his son. Still, his innate decency goes well beyond that. In essence, he is the antithesis of Albert Cooley. Yup, everything appears to be going to plan, though it hasn't been easy. 'But for the grace of God', as in Rob not seeing them kiss, is what made this possible. Willy James and Runyan weren't so lucky. Yeah... urgency... Willy James and Runyan can't afford to hope things die down. Whatever they do, it needs to be done right away. As far as Rob, he does his father's bidding, and since Albert is no longer suspicious they should be safe from his spying. Besides, Rob has his own problems. But you're right... the boys shouldn't let their guard down for even a second. Thanks, buddy. I hope you're falling in love with these guys like I have. Cheers! Gary.

Hello, my friend. You're right. That 'tussle' was what was needed to happen. Albert, a suspicious man, needed to see that with his own eyes, and neither Crawley disappointed. The easy thing to do would be for August and Fletcher to think only of themselves... and not risk sheltering Willy James and Runyan. They have so much to fear, but it was never a doubt for either of them. And for Roland either. As he says, people should help people. That said, each of those men embarking alone is definitely dangerous, but so is staying in Enniskillen. Sometimes you just have to have faith. Actually, beef cattle are less intensive. The cow/calf operation surrounding my little farm takes very little of the owner's attention. His main concern is the fencing. Dairy cattle is a 24 hour a day job, at least nowadays. Back then there probably wasn't as much concern for optimum feeds, accepting what milk production was given. So, the switch should take some workload away. I did read an interesting article in my research about milk cans being left of train platforms once the train filled its quota. It wasn't until the arrival of milk tank cars that farmers were no longer at the mercy of travel. Fingers crossed, they have a quiet, uncomplicated journey ahead. Thanks, centex. Your support means a lot. Cheers!

So... my oldest son told me he has a new Lexus hybrid being delivered today or tomorrow. I'm not one for spending huge money on cars, but it is okay to say I'm proud of how successful he is? He says he will save half his monthly gas bill, and he got $48,000 on his truck trade in, which was fully paid for. I know I'm his dad, but he is incredibly smart.

Woot! I'm a little bit jealous, Chris. Have fun and be safe.

Just a guess... when you're not sleeping?

The kind of pinch that would leave a gaping wound.

Worst... or best?

I saw it and loved it. I believe I posted about it.

Chapter nine....

Showdown After his at-times-gut-wrenching talk with Willy James, August made his way back towards the smithy and his team. He’d seen some hope on his friend’s face before he left, and was determined to help keep it there. A talk with Fletcher was needed before he could sort it all out in his head, but he was pretty sure he knew what had to happen. Upon reaching the main street and turning the corner, still somewhat lost in his thoughts, he heard raised voices behind him.

That's great news, Kris. I am happy for you. Relief from pain is almost better than sex.

I second this!