Headstall

I love that readers enjoy hearing about houses as much as I do. This one, despite the size, is cozy, and a testament to the love that has lived within its walls. Kudos to Willy James for not accepting the bedroom in the house out of gratitude. He knows what he wants, and in saying so, he let August and Fletcher see it was what they wanted too. Couples in love need space, and these two pairs are definitely in love. And yeah, there is the noise factor.... Thanks, buddy. Glad to hear you enjoyed this one.

Hey, Doc. We all know now how thoughtful and clever Brewster was. It could quite well have been an escape route for his family if ever there was a need. My mother had a wood stove we moved from place to place back in the fifties and early sixties. It was her pride and joy and she polished that thing every weekend... and it gleamed. Imagine, most apartments(in houses) had stove pipes you could hook a wood stove up to (I don't really remember apartment 'buildings' back then, not where we lived). It was our source for heating and cooking, though I remember moving into the main floor of an old house that had a coal furnace. We used to have to shovel the coal through a basement window, and then shovel it into the furnace. Those were the days. I can still picture that stove, and I can still taste that coal dust. Thanks, buddy.

So happy you felt that Kris! And yeah, the fact Maureen's room has never been changed shows the love that family lived. Harriet has lost a lot in her life, and we can see why she wanted August to take over the homestead. It deserves to thrive, and it deserves to have love within its boundaries. You're right, there will be plenty of that. Whether she did it herself, or paid someone to clean and launder, it is an act of love for sure... the shiny nickel on the stove, the polished dining room table, all the beds ready for sleeping, and the dishes and such stored in the pie safe. She thought of everything. Thanks, my friend. The boys have found their home, and it has a history within its many buildings.

Things are looking up today, my friend. I took my last antibiotic pill this morning, so fingers crossed what happened last time won't happen again. Though Brewster isn't in this story, I think we all kind of know him now. He loved what he did and who he did it for, and that shows as they boys look around Barnswallow. While they are beholding to August and Fletcher, I admired Willy James speaking up about how he sees his future. He knows what is like to be crowded into a 'fox den', and he doesn't want that at the homestead. The fact is, every new couple needs a refuge, a place they share without stepping on toes. Glad you liked this, buddy. The boys are home.

The new chapter is up...

Hey, Albert. I agree that the conversation between the boys about being hitched in the eyes of the Lord is important. They all feel safe at Barnswallow, and realize they deserve this opportunity to have happy lives and do it right. There is no shame here, no need for approval, and no unfair expectations. I loved Willy James asking for what he wanted. That is true strength in my opinion. It wasn't nervy, it was honest. And as you say, it was not a rejection of August and Fletcher. House have pretty much always been important characters in my writings. I see them as living things, vaults holding memories that live on in the care they are given. This one was a reflection of Harriet and Brewster, and of course Maureen. It is a legacy that Harriet has tended while she waited. I find that beautiful, and when August speaks of her unconditional love, the readers have already seen it. Thanks, my dear friend, for your kind words.

A farmer's work is never done. Definitely hay is one of the first things on the list. Firewood too. But, they are four strong young men used to hard work and long days. They'll need to do some hunting too, maybe later in the fall. They have a life to build, and much to be thankful for. And yeah, it sure makes it easier that the house is already set up. They have everything they need to make it a success in the first years.

Glad you think so, Doc. I felt a house built by Brewster Faulkner for his beloved Harriet would have to be a gem for the times. A man's touch... yeah, delicate furniture just won't do, but the wallpaper upstairs that I picture isn't so bad. Don't know what the boys will do with two front parlors, but I guess one of them would make a great office/man cave... maybe start a trend. Thank you, my friend. Hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Lol. I'm assuming you mean 'whore'. Not sure I believe you weren't waiting eagerly, Doc. He he. It's been my experience that they are everywhere, and even where you least expect them. .

It Sounds a Good One “Are you sure you don’t want us to wait out here till you’ve both seen it first? Didn’t mean to, but reckon I sounded pushy.” “We’re sure, Willy James, and you weren’t being pushy a’tall,” August answered. “This be your home too, and I’m glad you’re eager to see it.” The side door they stood at, on the two-story wing off the back of the main house, swung inward smoothly once it was unlocked and given a nudge. August, impatient as all get out, bum

Hello, Brother B.

Ask Drewbear *runs and hides*

Greetings, people of earth.

You twinkle above us We twinkle below G'day, Sir Spikey.

Hi, all. Still alive.

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.