Headstall

Hi, Neal! They've traveled just about five weeks, and no, I'm not saying where they are. I want you readers to think whatever is right for you. It's why all the towns are fictional names. They were on the road that morning by sunup, and were in Warrensville while it was still morning. A lot has definitely happened, but they were only at the grans' house for about an hour and a half, give or take. And, it is only about ten miles from there to Barnswallow. That's not a long trip, but yeah, they've used up a good part of the day already. Thanks for the really sweet and kind words, buddy. I try my best to make you feel like you are there, so it's nice when someone says it worked. The house is next, and I hope you like what's coming next week. Cheers and much thanks, my friend.

Me too. Still have a cough and some aches and chills, but no smelly mucous, and no sinus pressure at all.

My heads a little too fuzzy to think straight, but I don't think so, Doc, though there might have been speculation. I've had the same experience with cherry tomatoes reseeding from the year before. Didn't even realize it to partway into summer. My uncle's garden used to do the same thing, and he had huge gardens. Congrats on the onions! Writing about Barnswallow spoke to my heart too, Doc. That barn is my dream barn, though my own barn was perfect for show-horses... I designed it with an extra wide (13 foot) aisleway with a drain in the floor for bathing horses. Lots and lots of big windows along the side making the work area so bright. One of my stalls has become a toolroom, but I have two work benches in that aisle now. Yeah, I suspect there are likely more vegetables that are ready for harvesting. These four men have been blessed in so many ways. Thanks, buddy.

Greetings.

So true, Cane! They expected none of this, and were prepared to rebuild. All they truly needed was each other, both couples, but now they have a serious leg up on making the farm successful. I'm so pleased you see it as a reward for who they are as people, because I do too. They deserve this. And we can't forget the courage of Willy James who traveled for the first time, and all by himself through dangerous territory. To me that means he is much tougher than the rest of them thought. Yeah, so now they are all safe and happy, and where they need to be to build a great life. Thanks, buddy.

Wow. That must have been scary. Glad you didn't have to go through one, and hope there was little wind damage. Those things scare the crap out of me. The boys are most definitely off to a good start. Lots of blessings for sure. And yeah, you make a great point. Those barns and cellars will protect them and their stock if they ever have to face Mother Nature's rage. Thanks, Kris.

I agree, buddy. They were used to quality and insisted on it. These were hardworking people, and in some ways I wish I could have had Brewster in the story. I see him as that guy who always had answers, and if he didn't know one, he found it through his own intelligence and curiosity. I definitely understand him. Yes, someone has done at least some maintenance at the behest of Harriet. I mean, even the locks were recently oiled. She probably has someone she can trust who goes to the homestead with her to check on things. Oh, I like that... a full moon and not a sliver. Well said, my friend. The house is next. Thanks for this. I hope you found our introduction to Barnswallow a good one.

Hi Sherye! It's pretty clear to me that Harriet always wanted August to inherit Barnswallow, and kept it up over the years. She might have hired people she trusted to keep things in good order, and as far as the tools, they are probably as important to her as they will be to August because they were her late husband's. In my mind, that tool shed was almost like a shrine to Brewster, kept exactly as he always had it. I think there was a great love there. Thanks, my dear friend.

I know right? Hello, sweet lady! Thank God for August's magic rope. Yeah, it's getting clearer and clearer that Harriet made sure things were kept up. As I said to others, I think she is at home giggling at what the boys will find. Love that woman. Thanks for the kind words, my dear friend. I wanted our first sight of Barnswallow to be a memorable one. Cheers!

Thanks again. It was a very positive comment.

I am definitely feeling better today. I think I've finally turned the corner. My fingers are crossed. Barnswallow is everything and more than they could ever hope for. I don't know what you think, but Albert Cooley must have had grudging respect for it and Brewster Faulkner. He had to have seen the quality with his own eyes, so he would know its worth, right? Thanks, Bruce.

I think Gran played it a little coy with regards to Barnswallow. August had no idea what he was inheriting, and I suspect she is smiling at the thought of him seeing Barnswallow for the very first time. In awe is right and definitely a blessing. It is so rewarding to see Willy James and Runyan together and so thankful for it. We got to see August and Fletcher's dynamic all along, but we are only seeing the others' for the first time too. It's heartwarming. I see those surprise potatoes almost as a metaphor for this new life of theirs. Maybe they shouldn't be happening, but they are. And yes there is plenty of hope and joy as we are welcomed by the old homestead. Thanks, Albert.

Hey, Harshaw! Thank you! There are a bunch more chapters, but many? Depends on what you mean by many. The boys deserve this... they are now masters of their own destinies, and what an incredible place to call home. The house is next. Your comment is much appreciated, friend. Cheers!

Hey, buddy! Yeah, it is too late in the year to plant, but they could turn over a few fields since they got a plow and a team. The good shape of the place means they have more than enough time to get ready for winter. They'll need to lay down some hay right away, but it's ready to go. When I was growing up, my uncle often had crops seeding themselves outside his garden the following spring. He used to say they tasted better because he didn't have to do the work. I miss that man. They're determined to check the fencing out to see what needs to be done. It will do them good to saddle up and go exploring. When you ride regularly, you miss it when you can't. Fletcher's family is just waiting on word from them to load the sheep and dairy cow onto the train. Shouldn't be too long. It must be so exciting for all of them. They don't have to worry about their safety and can just live. Thanks, friend. I hope you liked your first introduction to Barnswallow. Cheers!

That is one long and strong rope, Doc. Barnswallow is not at all what August expected, and I suspect Harriet and Dorothea are ate home snickering. This was what Harriet wanted... for August to want it for all the right reasons. To a farmer, this would sound a bit like Shangri-la. More surprises? Maybe. Thanks, my friend. I hoped you liked this one.

Great way to put it, dugh. They definitely did from what we've seen so far. They deserve it if you ask me. Thanks, bro.

Chapter 17 now posted...

Ain't No Place Like Home Back in the wagon, August clucked to the team and they stepped eagerly up the small rise as if they sensed August’s excitement through the reins. As the lane curved west, the house and buildings came into glorious view behind a stand of mature pine and spruce trees. They soon reached level ground, and he tried to take it all in. Bringing the team and their three riding horses to a halt, he took the time to just sit and stare. About a hundred-and-s

Hey, all.

Finally some improvement. Starting to feel positive whereas yesterday I was discouraged... only one day of antibiotic left, though. .

Look at you going deep.

As my kids would say, go to the doctor. Take care, Tink.

Yeah, you're right, Bruce. I was getting worried, so it's nice to have an answer. Fingers crossed it won't be much longer.

Thanks, buddy. I'm trying to be patient. Um... next book? Yikes! Lol. Glad you liked this one... life is good for the boys... can it get any better? Cheers!