Vcs

Oy vey, @Wiyot! So, I'm responsible for tears and gagging? Wow, that's quite an accomplishment for so early here in the U.S.! You deserve a couple of 🤗🤗 On a side note, @Summerabbacat, you didn't tell me I needed a gag warning. 🤣

@Wiyot, am I imagining things, or is it already 13 deep?

Jo has a chapter dedicated to him coming down the line, giving a glimpse of his history. As for the belief system on the ranch, it's varied, and being Native American along with following the old ways, neither the Longfeathers nor Jake is of the Christian faith. Religion is such a sensitive subject, with my own belief system being different from most; experiences have certainly colored my views on the subject. I try to be fair, though sometimes I might not succeed. Thank you, @Summerabbacat.

I am most fortunate,,@Summerabbacat to have someone in the background contributing so much. I'd not thought to add a tissue warning until a very wise Summerabbacat suggested it was needed. After that, I put on some background sounds of rain, poured a glass of wine, and reread the chapter quietly. Yes, it was one I'd have left a comment about needing tissues, so thank you! Being sensitive to smells, the part of the 'smell so acrid' was a bit of a challenge. I know all too well what triggers me and am thankful the words written painted the picture. Thank you; @Summerabbacat, your continued encouragement is so very much appreciated.

Two words: Hot damn! Whew, just had to get that out. And I also have to say: I want that Stampede shirt NOW, please. Hmmm, did the Fabulous Mr. Porter contribute his ideas on that one? Alas, I'm guessing not, but just think of the hat he could create to go with. Yes, please, the shirt and hat too, please, please, please!

And the prize goes to..... @dboggs9700, the first to leave the correct guess: dboggs9700 I am guessing it is Jake's horse.

A little about cast members Jo and his girl Sally... Jo Age : 23 Appearance : diminutive, wiry, few freckles Height : 4’11½” Eyes : green, color of clover Irish Hair : untamed, red, curly Overall helper at Two Spirits, makes up for diminutive height with unbridled enthusiasm and an infectious smile, sent to Two Spirits Horse Ranch by the Longfeather tribe to Jaciah and Kahlid Longfeather, who created the Ranch Assistant job for him; dedicated and loyal. His best friend as he was growing up was his hound dog, Ol’ Rex. Jo plays the mouth organ (harmonica) and enjoys Western comics. He was sent to Two Spirits Horse Ranch by the Longfeather tribe to Jaciah and Kahlid Longfeather, who created the Ranch Assistant job for him; he is dedicated and loyal. His best friend as he was growing up was his hound dog, Ol’ Rex. Lacking much education and developmentally challenged, Jo is smart in his own way and much loved by all on Two Spirits Horse Ranch. Sally Age : 24 Appearance : petite, elfin, freckles Height : 4’11” Eyes : deep green Irish Hair : curly auburn, shoulder length Jo’s girlfriend resides in Rudyard and works at Sugar Shack 50’s diner; she has the ‘voice of an angel' and is developmentally challenged, currently background character; however, she might be making an appearance in the future P.S. Thank you everybody for reading!

Continued... Suddenly, he heard Jake calling him from outside, “Hey, Little Man, come out, will you?” Looking somewhat confused and to no small degree curious, he excused himself and stepped out on the porch. ---------- “Good morning, Mannly. There’s someone here who’s been anxious to meet you. This is Midnight. Midnight, this is Little Man, remember him?” The horse snorted in response, his head bobbing. Mannly, stunned, asked, “He understands you?” “What can I say?

@Wiyot, like our dear Shir, this one don't play. Thx 👍

You too? Wow, and I thought I was the only one it happened to.

Oh please, @Summerabbacat, I'd much rather have the Big Bad Wolf! 🤣 'Nuff said 😉

My reaction too @drsawzall No, no, not our Cher! Okay, so say she has, though minute the possibility, she has one heck of a doctor. Seeing results from plastic surgery other celebrities have had, there'd have to be a line a mile long at that one's door. "Some mysterious stranger" immediately brought to mind the song "Some Enchanted Evening." Of course, one has nothing to do with the other except the names sounding similar. Yeah, not enough sleep leaves the mind a muddle.

No apologies, please. You did a masterful job with this piece. As can be seen by the feedback, true art elicits emotions, and this is certainly an example of true art in the form of writing. Bravo

Oy, someone is ready for our newly minted couple to get busy. You have me rolling @sandeman. I can see it now, Shir chasing them out of the house, but the big question.... Is she holding a broom or a cast-iron skillet? Knowing Shir, my bet is on the cast iron because Momma Bear don't play! I'd spent the last half hour looking for something and was becoming increasingly frustrated. I have to tell you that laugh came at exactly the right time. Of course, I'll never look at Glorious Morning muffins the same again. 🤣 🤣 🤣

Loving your color palette! Ok, let's see: a leather-scented candle, fresh-morning-dew fabric softener on the sheets, coconut lube, and yes, Donna Summer's album Love to Love You Baby on repeat. I'm cracking up thinking of the convos that are had on GA. 😅

@Summerabbacat your comment has me imagining what the fabulous Billy Porter would do with a Stetson. Now that would be one heck of a hat! Honestly, I hope for that kind of first Jake would plan for a little more time. It is nice she knocked, though, instead of coming right in as she has in the past so who knows? 😉

Midnight appears to be a clever steed; one must wonder if he'd recognize Little Man. At long last @dboggs9700, a night out with much to look forward to. Hopefully, those of ill character will be distracted enough to leave our new couple to a fun evening. If one or more were there, though, would Jake recognize them?

.

You know @Doha, Mannly is nervous for their first date while Jake is simply excited. BTW, there really is a Montana club in Shelby, MT. I keep imagining a western-style setting; however, the neon sign in front changes that picture a wee bit: https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/17/f6/f5/38/the-montana-club.jpg

And the crown for one-liners goes to @Summerabbacat! Love me some Billy Porter 🤗 Poor Mannly, someplace to go with almost literally nothing to wear. Mr. Porter, though, would, no doubt, have our Mannly looking fabulous with a killer hat to match whatever his outfit. How that woman has maintained her youthful appearance is astounding. Her apparent inability to age reminds me of Michael Landon, who was also blessed with a forever young face. Ah thank you, @Summerabbacat . What a bizarre little show Twin Peaks was, and the music was always remarkably on point. I remember, so many years ago, driving out to visit the waterfalls and stopping for coffee and pie at the Double D Diner. Good cup'a jo. Hmmm, time to put on a pot of morning brew... A midnight ride @Summerabbacat? Both Mannly and Jake would, no doubt, be up for that if Shir would stop knocking at the door saying it's time to eat.

@Wiyot patience is a virtue, true, but oh so frustrating, yes?

Today a small glimpse at Dr. MacLarroy and his lovely wife, Mary: Dr. MacLarroy, Dr. Mac, Mac Age : 62 Appearance : medium build Height : 5’11” Eyes : green Irish Hair : grey, professional style and length Town physician, owns clinic with surgical suite, devoted friend to Two Spirits Horse Ranch residents and employees, father to Matthew, Matt, husband to Mary, liberally minded Shayna's employer (he has our sympathy) Mary MacLarroy Age : 58 Appearance : attractive, medium build Height : 5’'10” Eyes : green Irish Hair : grey, medium-short length Wife of Dr. MacLarroy, Dr. Mac,, mother to Matthew, Matt, dedicates her time to volunteering, prefers to stay out of the limelight, a background character so far (perhaps she's a little shy?), liberally minded

Continued... “Shir just had an unexpected visitor; that’s all. I was just about to go back for another cup. Are you ready for some liquid energy? “I’ll get it.” “No, no, you come and relax. I’ll get us both some, and then you can cuddle with me on the chaise if you’d like,” Jake suggested, smiling shyly. “Hhmmm, coffee on command and cuddling? That sounds like my kind of morning,” Mannly responded enthusiastically with a blush and a smile. ---------- Shir, following

@Doha I can't help but love that bunch! And dear, sweet Jo. Finding a place for him in the protection detail, I could practically picture how proud he was to stand with the other men.

Hmmm @dboggs9700, such an intriguing question! A few more chapters to go before interesting clues start to be revealed. Apparently, a number of our characters have gotten together and put a moratorium in place preventing me from sharing too much. However, now listen closely because I have to whisper.... I think you and other readers might find Chapter 17 of particular interest. Shhhhh. Doggone it! I hear them getting ready to peek out at what I'm typing, so better scoot...