Dr Mike's Lessons

Disclaimer I do not own the characters in this story. I wish the people who did would use them and create new series.

Charlotte and the children had assisted Dr Mike with the rudimentary basic housekeeping chores required for frontier living. After she had accepted Sully's homestead as her new home she was loath to admit she had absolutely no idea how to run a home. Assisting Michaela make the quaint cottage liveable was one thing Charlotte knew surviving the frontier would be totally another.

Charlotte instructed her on simple floor sweeping after she blanketed everyone in a thick cloud of dust swishing the broom around the room.

"It's like the horse isn't it have you ever used a broom?' Charlotte enquired.

Michaela had to quietly admit. "We had servants."

The homestead had a thick layer of dirt everywhere due to having been abandoned years before. Sprinkling water on the floor to prevent a recurrence of clouds of dust Charlotte instructed Dr Mike on the finer points of her undeveloped sweeping skills.

Eliciting that Dr Mike knew absolutely nothing about house work what so ever, she'd been a woman of privilege and they'd had servants. Charlotte had a smile on her face recognising that her new friend was even greener than she first imagined. Dr Mike had no skills what so ever and she would need to acquire some quickly to survive out here in the homestead. Although Charlotte decided her friend could certainly be resourceful. After all she was *game to try anything* she'd proved that by just being here in Colorado Springs.

While Colleen dusted she looked the perfect picture of domestication Michaela thought enviously watching the twelve year old perform skills she had no idea about or even the ability to successfully perform. Painfully aware that she had not had any tuition with any house hold chores throughout her entire life.

"Charlotte had been a fine teacher" Michaela thought.

"My Mother wouldn't even know how to boil water let alone cook" her thoughts continued.

"What would my sisters and mother think if they saw this?" She continued in the train of thought looking around the comfortably small cabin. Acknowledging she'd have to learn rather quickly to stay alive.

Charlotte cracking the whip by saying ever so gently there was work to be done jolted her back to the present. They would leave the homestead at least liveable by the afternoon of that Charlotte was determined.

Mathew cleaned out the barn and stored the un used items from the house in there until Sully decided what he wanted to do with them. He mended the chicken coop for the hens. Reminding the lady Doctor that coyote's loved fresh hen, instantly grinning at her unease. His Ma scolding him for frightening the good Doctor with his tales. Even before she'd settled into her new life out here.

Colleen established the chooks in their new home and proceeded to instruct Dr Mike about their care. About feeding, watering the hens and how to collect eggs from them after they laid one. They would cackle as a signal there was an egg in the nest she explained. Amazed at how little the Doctor really knew. Michaela was like a small excited child with a new toy chasing them around the enclosure.

Colleen was thinking "She really has no idea, how come?" having never met a grown woman who didn't know something about house work before. As Dr Mike excitedly grabbed a couple of eggs and placed them in the pocket of her apron. Colleen closed her eyes imagining them breaking in the pocket before long.

Michaela began her journey at being a pioneer by burning the bread each time she baked a loaf. Her staple diet was the eggs that she collected as she had absolutely no idea about cooking anything else. Even the eggs burnt into the fry pan. Alternately smoking the entire cabin out, and making it smell as if she'd tried to burn the place down, after she became distracted reading a medical journal. The acrid smell remained for the entire evening and into the next day. Soaking the fry pan took days to clean. Reminding her that she was absolutely *NO COOK*.

Sully sped in one day sliding to a stop after smelling smoke and thinking the place was burning down. He couldn't believe his eyes seeing Dr Mike sitting in the middle of the yard her skirt circled around her crying with the burnt Dutch oven still smoking in front of her. He decided not to say anything for fear of having his head bitten off. He was only able to try to be reassuring.

Sadly Charlotte's untimely demise due to the rattle snake hastened things along.

It was decided the children would live with Dr Mike at the homestead. Keeping the promise she'd made to her friend on her death bed about giving the children a home.

Colleen began to patiently re educate her new Ma on the domestic duties the twelve year old was already accomplished with. Michaela's undeveloped skills were so painfully obvious that soon she felt embarrassed. Colleen only showed compassion and patience as she went through the basic steps again and again. Sweeping, dusting and washing up.

Lighting fires was another skill that the good doctor lacked Mathew totally unprepared for the smoke filled cabin each time she lit an elementary fire. He assisted in the training of setting the fire then lighting it without the inevitable smoke billowing through the cabin. Brian mentioned that Sully could teach her as he was good at the task even lighting them in the rain and keeping them going. Michaela decided that she would request his tuition sooner than later. As there was the stove and open fires to tender especially as the weather was changing. Mathew wasn't always around when a fire needed to be lit.

Since the children's arrival Sully had been a more frequent visitor at the homestead. He assisted helping with chores like bring meat at least three times a week and chopping wood necessary for the fires. Mathew still had trouble with chopping wood especially kindling small enough to start the fire. Sully patiently explained that setting the fire was essentially the most important part of fire lighting. That the kindling, not using green wood and not smothering the flames ensured that there was no smoke. He instructed her how to set a fire outdoors in the open. Making certain that she understood how quickly it could get out of control and into the surrounding forest. With due care and precautions everything would remain safe around the homestead he guaranteed that.

'Dr Mike set the smaller wood first like I show'd ya before adding bigger pieces''. He instructed good-naturedly for the third time.

"I am" she replied impatiently.

"Nah ya not!" he thought marvelling how she'd survived before the children arrived.

Remembering her first day when he took her out to the homestead and she'd fallen from the horse.

He'd said "if you're going to survive you'd better learn to make it on ya own" Well she was still here he thought acknowledging her determination with a smirk.

Once again squatting down Michaela tongue sticking out with concentration began placing the strips of wood in a square pattern as Sully had demonstrated. Building a small square stack of wood one on top of the other with spaces for the fire to breath. Sully also showed her a triangle set as well. Finally she accomplished the undertaking. Sully was so thrilled he slapped her on the back sending her sprawling into the dirt, skirt and petticoats flying. He nearly chocked realizing what he'd done. Quickly scrambling to pick her up. She was so thrilled with herself she threw her arms around his neck hugging him in her excitement. She was jubilant in her achievement in setting a perfect fire or at least one that worked this time. Now continued the lesson on the different types of lighters to be used. Matchers and flint being the most common and the ones Sully felt she could cope with at least. Although using a whole packet of matchers each fire would cost the earth. He challenged her to get down to using only three a fire. Grinning to himself while imagining if she'd ever master rubbing two sticks together or a stick and string as the Cheyenne used to create their fires.

"Nah" he conceded to himself shaking his head. "but it would be good to try as he could put his arms around her without her realizing his true intention" he smiled. "Maybe another day" he reluctantly thought.

"Well done Dr Mike" he voiced out loud. "Time to be getting back but first we hav' ta douse the fire to stop the wind from spreading it. We use water if there is any, but sand or dirt will do just as well. The circle of stones helps restrict it spreading and clearing leaves from nearby as well. Remember those rules and ya will keep safe" Sully concluded.

Feeling comfortable enough he slipped his arm around her waist as they meandered back towards the homestead. Surprised she didn't attempt to shrug him off. He continued with a smile.

Michaela pleased with her progress in fire lighting entered the homestead with Sully in tow. Looking at him she invited him to stay for supper still chuffed at her earlier success. "*She would cook*" she stated. The children stood stock still from their chores.

"No offense Dr Mike but we think Colleen should cook the supper tonight" they said in unison. Sully looked surprised and looking up at the children standing behind her shaking their heads and waving NO! He tried desperately not to let Dr Mike see the sparkle appearing in his clear blue eyes or his falling on the floor in a fit of laughter at their antics. Sully had heard the children speak about the doctor's lack of culinary skills. They'd even snuck into Grace's for a snack every so often wolfing anything down on offer. No wonder Brian visited Mr Bray trying out new candy weekly he thought.

Colleen had also been patiently assisting Michaela learn to cook. Tolerantly teaching her how to roast meat and vegetables in the Dutch oven surprised that Dr Mike could even kill that meal with no effort what so ever. The biscuits where so bad even Pup couldn't bite the burnt surface. They'd even bounced on the floor.

Luckily for the family Colleen did most of the cooking.

Tonight they were having rabbit stew with a rabbit Sully had brought in earlier. The children looked uncomfortable sure that after tonight's meal Sully would either run for the hills or die from a severe stomach ache. They were certain she'd never be able to win his heart through his stomach the way she tortured food.

Patiently Colleen instructed Dr Mike on the preparation of the rabbit stew in the camp oven. She instructed how many ingredients to add, the proper amounts, making the fire just hot enough to cook it slowly allowing the meat to be tender. How much water to add hovering over her every move determined that this meal would not fail and end up as chook food again, like so many others.

Even with Colleen's best efforts to the contrary the meal failed again. Colleen was flummoxed, how could it? She over saw each part. Sully couldn't with hold his mirth much longer seeing the family endure the meal. He grinned and bore the meal as best he could, being gracious and complimenting the cook. Colleen glared at him over the table as she knew he'd watched the proceedings of getting the meal prepared if he'd been close enough she'd have kicked him. He suspected Dr Mike couldn't cook by the reaction of the united children earlier now it was confirmed but he didn't mind he was a reasonable cook if it ever came to that he thought. He'd refrained from telling them he learnt to cook in the mining camp.

Michaela offered seconds "No" everyone said together. All looked guiltily at the poor doctor.

She began to smile then slowly chuckled assuring everyone that no offense was taken. They all doubled up and laughed even more when Wolf and Pup refused the left over's as well.

"I'm not that bad a cook surely?" Michaela questioned "am I" Already knowing the answer. They continued with their happy banter.

Brian being game answered. "Ya really don't want an answer do ya Ma?" Laughing as he said it, scooting out the back door avoiding a well aimed wash cloth.

Michaela had agreed that Colleen could bake an apple pie earlier so they did not starve. There was no pie left over though.

Departing that night Sully thanked Michaela for her hospitality and said the next time he'd cook with a huge smile on his face. Michaela looked down crested making him feel guilty, until she swatted his arm playfully laughing. Telling him he was on, and to prove he was a better cook than she. She laughed and sprinted to the door to escape any come back he may contrive. It was early days and she enjoyed the games as well as the teasing she shared with Sully as a bit of fun. Their friendship meant a lot to her and it was growing stronger by the day. He made her feel good and grateful for her decision to leave Boston, nobody else other than her father had the faith in her that Sully did.

Colleen was remembering the first meal that Dr Mike tried when one Sunday the children had gone off with Miss Olive not that long ago. Arriving home they had discovered her covered in flour like she'd been in a snow storm. The task was biscuit making. Colleen had been slowly taking over the household although Dr Mike was determined to master these simple tasks eventually.

"What's hard for some is easy for others". Michaela kept thinking more determined than ever to beat these challengers.

Colleen was determined that today Dr Mike would bake biscuits that where edible. How difficult can it be she thought to herself again.

Setting all the ingredients on the kitchen table they began.

Standing side by side they started.

2 cups of flour. (Self raising today)

Pinch of salt. One finger or two Michaela enquired from Colleen. Colleen just looked at her new Ma in disbelief.

2 large spoons of lard. (Butter) Picking up the appropriate spoon before the question was even asked Colleen handed it to her in silence.

Nearly 1 cup of milk.

Now put your hands in and make a dough continued the instructions. Be gentle with it she directed Dr Mike who was remembering the cut into pea size from her previous experience. Colleen wasn't even using a book as a reference she marvelled.

Once she had accomplished that Colleen adding small amounts of flour as it was a little sticky. She then instructed Dr Mike to flour the table. Immediately flour plumed into the air with Dr Mike's enthusiasm. Colleen groaned this was *HARD WORK* even for her she thought.

Finally the dough was on the table patted out flatter Dr Mike looking at Colleen for further instructions. Colleen suppressing the urge just to take over and finish the job herself as it would be quicker.

Collecting a cup and putting flour on the rim Colleen handed it to her Ma she instructed her to cut circles out of the dough and place them on the baking tray.

Finally all the small biscuits were on the tray in neat rows. Dr Mike was being meticulous in evenness from years of setting out surgical instruments before operations.

Colleen had over seen that the oven was at a steady temperature for bake the scones.

Dr Mike was going to go off as was her usual course forgetting the oven. Colleen hauled her back to clean up and put away the ingredients before she became distracted again.

When that was completed she informed Michaela they'd be ready to remove. Michaela just looked at Colleen in total disbelief as she normally baked them for at least half an hour but mostly until smoke bellowed out the oven door. Tentatively she removed the perfectly cooked biscuits from the oven. Pleasure shining all over her face she hugged her daughter and thanked her. Colleen not sure how much of the lessen she'd ever remember though.

Sully arrived a few minutes later with a small wild duck for dinner to be greeted by a jubilant Michaela offering him a biscuit.

Sully enquired. "Please tell me you didn't cook these?" Michaela swiped his on the arm playfully laughing assuring him she had. Sully rolled his eyes and nodded to Colleen his thanks.

Colleen's next assignment according to Mathew was the laundry. He was tired of having shirts with holes scrubbed into them. Garments had a shorter than normal life span in this house. His favourite shirt was shredded in a week and he missed it terribly.

Colleen in her usual stance watched Dr Mike use the scrubbing board passionately. Finally holding the garment up for inspection they saw a gaping hole in it. Colleen wondered how Dr Mike had any clothes left after this time. She then prepared to direct Dr Mike on how to look after and maintain clothes. Being with Dr Mike was an education in its self according to what Colleen was witnessing with her lack of housekeeping skills. Allowing though she was a good doctor and she supposed you can't be good at everything.

Dr Mike knew about water and suds what she lacked was knowledge about care of different fabrics, removing stains and how to use the heavy irons from the stove without scorching everything. Most of the clothes had a scorch of some nature on them. Her taffeta skirts shrivelled where the hot iron had touched the material. Woollens' had somehow mysteriously become smaller in size after washing.

Colleen quickly concluded she'd have to assist with this chore until their new Ma got a handle on the basic care of clothes.

Blood was one stain Colleen instructed her with.

Soak the stain in cold water.

Rub soap on it.

Later wash and hang in the sun to dry. Michaela spent a fortune on sheets to make clean bandages for her patients.

Mathew when they arrived decided they needed a cow. Dr Mike agreed provided he looked after the animals in the barn. Mathew agreed and decided everyone needed a lesson on milking the cow. Just in case he'd said. Lined up he explained to them all the art of milking the beast. Tethering the cow head first with food in the stall as he'd illustrated. He demonstrated sitting on the stool with a bucket under her to collect the milk and drawing the milk down the teat so milk flowed easily. Explaining that they would need to ensure the cow didn't kick the bucket over spilling the milk.

Michaela decided then and there that that was a chore the children would be responsible for.

The chores were being divvied up amongst themselves.

Brian:

Clean the barn and fetch fresh water from the well or creek.

Care for Pup.

Colleen

The chooks and collect the eggs

Milk the cow.

Cook dinner. She knew she'd pick up the slack when Dr Mike was too busy.

Mathew

Responsible for fire wood.

Larger animals care in the barn.

Mathew had to hitch the wagon or ready the horses in the mornings and settle them at night.

Dr Mike

Cooked breakfast to suffice the younger members of the family bundled out of the homestead quickly with excuses they were late for school or needed to be in town early. Burnt eggs weren't to their taste every morning at the moment.

They were noticing Dr Mikes lack of concentration if she had acquired a new medical journal recently. Being a doctor seemed to require your nose in a book all the time. They didn't mind now they recognised this fact.

Sully had pointed out were Abigail had had a garden earlier. Speaking to him after Maud had died she became aware of plants growing locally that she could make into vital medicines. He assisted her in locating some she could grow at the homestead collecting the seeds. Other times he would show her were the native plants grew. Not realizing he was constantly on the lookout these days for the plants she'd mentioned. Just for an excuse to visit her.

He would casually wander over saying he thought he'd located a particular plant and would she like to take a look. As he wasn't quite sure it was the actual one she needed. Knowing full well it was. Pleased with himself that he was able to get her alone for awhile and away from her hectic schedule at the clinic. Even if it was only occasionally and for a couple of hours. They used this uninterrupted time to talk and get to know each other better. It was becoming a pleasant opportunity for them both.

Everyone settled into a comfortable routine. Doctor Mike's lessons continued, with time and patients, her teachers finally succeeded in accomplishing the near impossible. Eventually she became a fine skilled pioneer woman, a wife, mother and lover.

The End.