Parker Owens

Things just had to go wrong didn't they? There's definitely a hairball in the pipe, and it appears to be in the form of a Hungarian impresario. Rick must now decide what to do - and how to go about it. Will he even have a job or a way to make a living in a few days? But if he spends time trying to sort out the mess at home, what would become of Gus? Yes, there are lots of things to resolve. Thanks for reading, and for your many helpful comments.

Irene must have been burning up the phone lines the moment Rick departed. Rita's name is ruined in Eagle Lake, unless she wants to put in a ton of work restoring people's confidence and rebuilding the trust her investors placed in her. She's determined and gifted at sales, but that may not be enough to get her what she wants. There doesn't appear to be anyone home at Cedarcrest, not unless they're all very sound sleepers. Rick is alone at the lodge, yet again. Rick will have to figure out what to do on his own. Thanks very much for reading, and for your comments.

Dawn is often misunderstood. Some paint the softly growing light in the east as tranquil. Quiet. Peaceful, even. Rick thought differently. He knew that in history, these same moments saw armies form for battle, drums and horns blaring. At dawn, negotiators, weary with all-night arguments, shook hands to cement momentous decisions. At sunrise, men were marched or dragged out of jail cells and stood up against bleak walls before a squad of disinterested riflemen. Sure, he could admit

So much to savor in this set, like the strawberries you write about in Day 14. I was drawn to Day 11, and the story it succinctly told. Day 12 resonated with me, for new worlds are irresistible. Day 13 swept me up in its impetuous declarations. Thanks for all of these.

I’m very happy you saw April 10th as perhaps series of portals with which to remember, even to conjure. As to April 11th, I can hardly wait to get my main vegetable garden started. That you found things to enjoy in all of these makes me smile. Thanks very much for reading!

You’re very magnanimous in your words. April 11 seemed to fall together quite naturally, as easily as the garden growing. April 10 is a collection of observations, written while the rain fell. I’m glad these stirred good thoughts and evoked bright, clear images. Thanks again for reading these, and for your comments.

I very much enjoyed A la Carte. Course after course, you lifted me into spring so it could soak into my bones. Time is indeed warped these days, and you illustrate that most effectively. I’m glad you’re writing poetry!

Thank you very much for taking the time to read these. I enjoy writing sonnets; their patterns and rhythms seem natural to me. I’m also happy you felt and saw the woods and sky and its creatures here. It’s nice to share what’s outside my window.

Culling the bookshelves is such a hard task. I rarely fill up a full box, but come home from the book sales with more than one. Dawn comes earlier and earlier these days; the stars flee so quickly now. It’s getting so warm this spring, I hardly need Dad’s sweater. It will keep until next fall. Thanks a million for reading!

I’m very glad you liked April 7th. It feels good to breathe more confidently.

Older age will indeed come for us. Your Eric is much on my mind today, let alone my joints. I'm glad you enjoyed the songlike nature of April 7 and 11. It must be spring that draws me to this music. Now to use my red pen for something other than poetry. Thank you so much for reading these!

Not in this time zone, alas.

Talk about a Pandora's Box! Put those three in, and I would never want to open it again. All sorts of vices and no hope whatever inside: it would be pretty dark indeed. Of course, for Rick, Gus and the rest of us, the outlook would be pretty sunny. Hmmm. Does Rick know a good locksmith.... ? Thanks very much for this!

April 7th We wait in line too tense to whine or to repine the first shot. The second dose, we’re more verbose for it’s so close to freedom. Yet two weeks more with arms so sore seems such a chore, but worth it; Though we must mask, content I bask in every task that’s normal, And one day we might blessedly

I’m very glad you found the story engaging so far. The next chapter is due to post Thursday. Eagle Lake in this story is just a figment of my imagination, alas. However, it describes many small towns across the country. Rick is just one more unlucky man in one more small town, whose life has been turned upside down - maybe for the better - by an encounter with a man like Gus. Thanks again for reading and for your thoughts.

Poor Irene missed all the excitement at the School Board meeting. She’ll be out of the loop. Thanks for reading, and for commenting.

Thank very much for your encouraging comments and kind words, as well as for your constructive ideas. I can see your point about the preparation for Rick’s review of the athletic fields’ history. That may merit some revisiting; perhaps one day I’ll get the time to rewrite a chapter to at least talk about those fields. I liked your thought about Rick and Gus fighting for one another. Rick is adept at passive aggression; Gus loses himself in his music. Now Rick, at least, may feel freer to be more assertive. Thanks again for reading and for your thoughts.

I appreciated this very much. I can see right away some of the dead spots in my stories were the cause of straying from the central motivation of the characters. Thank you very much.

Days 4 and 7 made me smile most. Day 4 made me think of herons which have returned to marsh and pond; Day 7 made my mouth water in anticipation. Thank you for all of these.

That’s a powerful indictment and well spoken.

This is a beautiful chapter. Like Ritch, I sometimes speak to my parents who have passed on. Reconnecting with Lucy made me smile, but so did the circle back to I-day when Ritch wears the beret.

Jerry has always been Rick’s best friend; he was hurt because Rick couldn’t trust him with his secret. But Jerry saw things from Rick’s point of view too, and valued their friendship far above his momentary pique.

April 3 is a fun quip, and it resonates too. I began the pandemic by dressing for class in coat and tie... that didn’t last!

I enjoyed this vaccination haiku. I'm glad you were able to get one.

It was indeed a merciful disposition for Scott. His cooperation was essential, and his willingness to be forthcoming made a good impression. As for Dr. Abelló, I would expect that would make Graham's boss some kind of distant cousin. It was irresistible. That Scott would make any attempt to meet with his parents is a testament to Graham's persistence and innate goodness. That they should rebuff him entirely is an indelible stain they will never be able to erase. I do hope Hagos keeps a careful eye on Ellie. Spearfishing with her might be dangerous. Kenny died at the hands of a rival organization; that turf war was inevitable. Sooner or later, he would have mate that fate, I fear. Thank you for your very kind words. I am grateful for your comments and thoughts as the story progressed. It is wonderful to know this story engaged your interest and that you enjoyed it.