Headstall

Hey, centex. Now I'm thinking I should have gone ahead and named this chapter "Calming". It really is a great word here. Jubal saying he needed calming could be taken so many ways, but I think we all understand that need. A fun fact. I added on to my barn when I first moved to this farm, and my kid sister helped me build the roof and cover it in steel. We did it in one very long day, but she hung in there, passing me stuff and being a real help. I think it brought us close again after not seeing each other for a couple of years. I wasn't expecting her, and told her I couldn't stop what I was doing. She pitched right in, and has always said it is one of her best memories. Jubal has learned to be cautious, but it seems he can't help revealing things he normally wouldn't when he is talking to Lucas. That says a lot. Maybe he doesn't trust his instincts, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have them. I think he know Lucas would accept him either way. So glad you liked this chapter. I worry the story is moving too slow, but I have to write it the way I feel it. Cheers and thanks, my friend.

That saying of working from sunup to sundown came from reality. Farmers worked hard, and I wanted to show that work ethic Jubal, and Lucas, learned a long time ago. Nowadays it could seem almost superhuman to accomplish so much, but time was so important back them, when tools were wanting, and there was no such thing as electricity to make life easier. Still, what Jubal did even impressed his new friend. I agree about the invitation. I think Lucas has had a taste of having someone help him succeed. He still has doubts in himself, and Jubal has shown him what is possible when they work as a team. That alone is seductive to a man who has felt beaten from time to time. Why would he ever want Jubal to leave? I agree too that Lucas must be wondering a little about Vincent. Friendships between men were a fact of life back then, but still.... Hmmm... will that flame produce smoke, or a blaze? Thanks, Doc.

And almost the title of this chapter. It came down to the last minute. Thanks, Mags. That storm that can be in us as we head towards adulthood is often one that needs calming. Seems like Jubal has been through a few storms in his lifetime... and maybe he's in another one. I really like how he remembers Vincent.

Is that smoke I smell? Thanks, Mr. Dan. I'm a man who likes a slow burn.

Nothing wrong with hoping, buddy. Right now I would say they are building trust... and maybe a larger barn is next? Thanks, Kris.

Don't hit it too hard, bro.

Latest chapter of Bearpaw is now posted.

Thanks, dugh. That is what I'm doing. I'm waiting to hear from my own eye doctor and his opinion. He's back from vacation tomorrow.

Castle He nailed the final rafter to the ridge beam, and then Lucas, standing cautiously on a ladder, did the same to the notched end he’d been holding in place—fixing it to the milled board running the length of the top log on the front wall. Everything appeared square and level from his perch, and Jubal hooted as his beaming friend let his hammer drop to the ground, the thud of it signaling a job well done. “Never would have thought such a thing possible in one day, an

I'm waiting for the eye doctor who referred me to get back from vacation on Tuesday. After that it might take weeks to get a response to my request for a different referral. I've been told by that office that people don't like the one I was referred to because of her bedside manner, but that she is quite competent and been in practice ten years. We'll see.

Had a nice walk and mowed the lawns.

I appreciate hearing all of this, Darryl. It's really nice to be missed. Yeah, I don't really do wham bam sort of stuff as a rule... a slow and steady reveal feels more real. That's not to say I don't believe in love at first sight, because I do, but like you, I enjoy the slow build between characters, and I like authenticity, and characters who act the way we expect as we get to know them. Thanks so much for the kind words and for sharing your thoughts with me and other readers. Gritty? I really love hearing that! Cheers, my friend. Gary.

Still sexy and moseying along. Us old cowboys go until we can't.

Hey, all. Sunny and 19c this morning.

Hey, spikeman.

Hey, Tink. They fight cancer and you should eat more of them.

Yum. Hey, Albert.

Hey, B. Canada won 8 0f 9 matches, won their group, and qualified for the quarterfinals in November in Spain.

Watching Davis Cup tennis, and going for a walk soon. Hope you are well, Man.

Hey, all!

Don't give it a thought, dugh. You just take care of yourself. Go out, have some fun if you can, but don't overdo it. There is nothing selfish about you either... we all need our friends.

👍 I have a lot of thoughtful and expressive readers. I will take the chance to point out here that I don't need eloquence, although it is nice. What I need most is a simple show of support for the work. Any thoughts shared are treasured.