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LIFE
Chapter 47
Waking to another beautiful morning I would say we are very blessed. We got this weekend to enjoy with no work, just fun, relaxation, and nothing to do. We are having a big cookout, with lots of food, and some of the men have come up with a calf roping contest that they will also do some branding. We finally got our two branding irons; one was shaped like a swan, and the other combined the S & M for the other one. I was leaning more towards using the initials for our ranch brand.
I was enjoying a wonderful breakfast of rooibos tea, scrambled eggs with cheese, and wheat toast. I had a lot I was wanting to get done in the greenhouse today. I had gotten a load of beginning plants; some tomatoes, green peppers, bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, radishes, cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, and more. I was itching to get out there, and get started.
Angela fixed me a thermos of tea, and a big jug of ice water. She was going to tote them out there for me. Once breakfast was over we headed out to the greenhouse. Jasper and Peter had come up with a nifty idea on shelving. They fixed them with hinges to lower, and raise. They also had built a walkway, and had also been in the chicken coop.
I had the coop explained to me in a funny way; coupe is a vehicle, coup refers to seizure of power, and coop refers to where chickens live and poop. Needless to say, I cracked up laughing until my sides hurt. It was so funny to read it put that way. I have to admit I have not forgotten it since then.
Anyway, Jasper and Peter made nesting boxes for the chickens, and walkways. Along with a planked walkway for someone to go inside to gather eggs. The roosters though, I must admit I am about to kill both of them. We were getting good egg production out of the chickens. Enough to keep both kitchens supplied. I still might get about another ten more chickens. No more roosters, though.
I was going to talk to Alice, and the new woman, Charlotte Curry, about how to shelter them for this coming winter. I didn't know if we would need to do anything special for them with heat, lights, or just sheltering the building from the elements. I definitely needed to talk to them, and get things inplemented if they did.
The cattle were doing fine, but I already saw a need for incorporating another pasture for them. I was also going to have to move the tree lines back on this additional area. We had a lot of work to do yet.
I was not discussing any type of work for the men until this weekend was over. I wanted them to enjoy their time off work. They had been busting their butts getting things done around the ranch. Jake, and his men were framing out the last of the cabins, and then joining in on the break.
I had talked to the town commission of Fairbanks, Alaska, and was having a fireworks show hosted over their Chena River. The last time they had a fireworks display there were numerous fires due to the severe drought. I was having people come in to handle setting up the display, and monitoring any possibilities of fires. They were having added people from their fire stations standing by with fire trucks to keep down any hazards. I was doing this as a thank you for their nice welcome they extended to me, the employees, and my ranch.
I knew I pumped a lot of revenue into the community, but they didn't have to welcome us. They could have felt we were intruding, but they didn't. So, I was extending a hand shake other than my money into their livelihood. They were by extension my family, as I would continue to come into town, and share my income from things I produced on the ranch.
We got out to the greenhouse, and Angela looked as if she was itching to join in on the fun. There was Alice, Chalotte, Esme, and now Angela and me going to go to work. Jasper and Peter had set up a very neat, and easy system. We could move the shelves up, and down. They had also set us up planters right outside the door to grow our herbs. They had also taken barrels setting them at the ends of the building to collect rainwater to use on the plants.
We had a couple pallets sitting outside of potting soil to start our planting. I put on some gloves, an apron full of seeds, and they even had me a stool ready when I got to tired. I pulled my phone out calling Jasper, and proceeded to explain about fixing an area for a small refrigerator. That it would need to set up off the ground, and away from any water.
He said he would work on it after we got through in here for the day. I told him I was ordering it from the Home Depot in Fairbanks, and it would be here quickly. He said the shelving would be done in a couple hours.
We were working right along, making good headway. We had tomato plants, bell peppers, cucumbers, and some egg plants done. Alice, and Charlotte were watering, and fixing them with fertilizer. Things were moving along smoothly, and we were fixing to start planting on a bottom area some potatoes. They were also wanting to try planting some in a five gallon bucket. They had read about being very successful with this method. I was open to any ideas.
We had another lady join us, Rose. We got her set up with gloves, an apron, and put her to work on the potatoes with Alice, and Charlotte. Esme was heading in to help in the kitchen if they needed it. If not, she would be back to continue working with us.
I was beginning to prespire, and they made me take a seat with some ice water. I had sat for about ten minutes, and was fixing to go back to work. They kept telling me to sit back down, and I was telling them I was fine. I no more than got that out of my mouth when the doors flew open, and Edward walked in.
He stood there looking at me, hands on his hips, and I just smiled at him. He squinted his eyes, taking deep breaths, "Ladies, looking good in here. Looks like you've got a lot done. I understand your having problems with the help not taking breaks like they need. I've come to hand out discipline if needed," looking at me.
I just continued to look at Edward, having covered my butt with my hands, knowing I was in deep trouble. "I see our misbehaver knows exactly what I'm talking about. Mrs. Masen, I do believe you were told to sit, and rest. Is there a problem with listening to something for your own good...for the good of our boy," walking up to me caressing my cheek with one hand, and the other caressing our son.
"I'm sorry, baby. I'll behave. We were just moving right along so good, I just wanted to continue on. I'll rest," looking at him, knowing I was screwing up.
"Alright then, you better listen to them, or I will be back. You only got a little bit more left of the day, then I'll be coming to get you for dinner. Please don't over do, for both of your sakes. Please, love," looking at me with pleading eyes. I nodded, knowing I was pushing things.
"I'll sit here for a little while longer. I won't try to over do it again. Seems I got a lot of people watching out for us other than just you, baby. I love you. I'm sorry you got pulled away from your work," leaning up giving him a kiss.
"I love you to, Mrs. Masen. I will see you for dinner, alright?" turning heading back to work.
I turned looking at the other women here, and they were all at work. No one was going to admit to calling him, but I guess it was for the good. I sat drinking my water, and got lost in my thoughts. I had so much to work on, and so little time. I needed to also get the nursery set up, and furniture bought. I also needed to talk to Jason Jenks, my attorney, and godfather about some revisions in my will.
So much to do...
We had also learned about taking plastic two liter bottles, and planting different things in them to either be hung, or laid on their side. There were just so many different things you could do with them. I wanted to get the herb garden planted out front. We could harvest them in big bundles, dry them out, and chop them to be bottled for future use.
Like I said, so much to do. They were working diligently on planting the potatoes. I told them to leave some space for Jasper to put us our mini-frig down there. He was going to rig something up near a power source. The fans they installed surely were working wonderfully. I was also thinking we might have to put in heat for this winter. We could use one of the generators outside as a power source for heaters.
I go back to work with Angela planting tomatoes. I wanted a lot of them, as we could freeze, make sauces, and can them. There was lots of things we could do with them. I looked down the length of the greenhouse, and there really was a lot of room to plant just about anything we wanted. I liked it. I may not need to have much of a garden outdoors. Maybe an acre at the most. I still meant what I said, that everyone when not doing their jobs would work the garden, and this greenhouse. I planned on setting an area, either in the longhouse kitchen, or in mine to do some canning, and freezing of what we grow. It will not be wasted, as we have a lot of people to feed.
I look up, and Edward is watching me. It must be time to get ready for dinner. I tell everyone to call it a day, and go get ready for dinner. We all look around, and see we got a lot done today. I was very pleased. I thanked everyone, and said I'd see them here tomorrow.
Edward hugs me close as we walk to the house. We go into the bathroom to wash up, and get presentable enough for dinner. We both look as if we really put in our days worth. My Edward looks so tired. They worked the cattle, and started scouting out the next pasture to get ready to fence in. Edward said they got about three acres he wanted to look into fencing in for their next area to put out to pasture. I also needed to look into planting some hay ourselves.
I've got over 2500 acres we could do anything we want with it. We could take about five acres, and plow it. Then plant some hay, and let's see how that does. I need to do some research on it first. Then, I need to buy the equipment, get land cleared, hire people to plant, harvest, and bale hay. Another thing to get done, but probably not until next year.
We go out to the longhouse for dinner, and they have cooked up a right down southern meal. They made meatloaf, cooked pintos, mashed potatoes, fried okra, fresh made corn bread, sweet iced tea, and Maggie made peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Edward is asking if they still got some chocolate cake from yesterdays dinner. I'd be willing to bet either Maggie, or Angela has some in the house.
He's coming back with our glasses of tea, and catches me laughing at him. He just grins cause he knows he's been caught. I take off to get our plates, and they have piled them high. Gianna comes out with some baskets of corn bread, and rolls setting them on the tables.
We sit enjoying our dinner, and talking to everyone. We tell them about what wer got done in the greenhouse, and what else we're planting. Jasper say's he's going out there after dinner to see about fixing that place for our frig.
I get everyone's attention about us looking into planting about five to ten acres of hay. I am going to buy the equipment, and hit the employment office in Fairbanks about hiring help to do the work. I also tell them I am going to do a lot of research about it, and it will probably be next spring before we take on this venture.
I also ask them to start thinking of any more people we could offer employment. If needed I will look into expanding the cabins on the ridge to at least five, maybe ten more.
I sit down to finish dinner, and Edward gives my hand a squeeze reassuring me. He knows we'll get things handled to take care of everyone, and everything.
Right now, I am very tired. I just want to go take a shower, get dressed for bed, and climb into it with Edward. I don't want anything else for the day.
Edward takes our plates into the kitchen, and he comes out with a slice of cake, and Maggie right behind him. He has a big smile, and I can't help but to laugh at him. He is so cute, and his addiction to chocolate cake. He comes sitting down, and hands me some peach cobbler with ice cream. Now this is heaven. We sit just enjoying the peace, and quiet listening to everyone talking.
Edward is talking about the cattle, and the things we got planned for the rest of the week. He is getting things ready to do some roping, and branding this weekend. They all know about the fireworks in Fairbanks I am having put on for the town. I wanted to go, and enjoy them along with everyone. It's not that long of a drive, and we can plan to pick up some things on our trip.
A bit of a time jump to the weekend of the 4th of July
We make it into town about three hours before the fireworks show. We all head out to do our different things. Alice rode in with us, and I also had the dogs. We went to Walmart to pick up some things. We had some grocery items we needed to get, along with making a stop off at a couple of clothing stores. Edward was in need of some jeans, and some t-shirts. It was awfully hot, and he needed something a bit cooler to wear. I also wanted to check out any winter clothes they might still have on sale for this winter.
I was also looking at any baby items. I was planning on looking online for baby firniture. I was ready to start buying things for the nursery. I know the ladies were planning on a baby shower, but not when. I was just more excited since we found out it was a boy. I can see all the little boy items...trucks, bears, frogs, dogs, fire trucks, etc, etc. I couldn't wait to get it decorated with all these things.
I've also been thinking of a boys name, and I've come up with a few I really like. I do want to incorporate Edward's name in with it. I was thinking of Micah Edward Masen, or Edward Micah Masen. Hummmm...more to think about.
We finished our shopping, even though we had to call some of the guys with a truck to load some things in their truck bed. I was accumulating grocery supplies. I really needed to get in touch with Phillip Marks about making a couple of trips down here with a massive load of groceries. I am thinking in the long term with winter coming upon us.
But right this minute I need to just enjoy the fireworks, food, and the company of all the people. The mayor came over thanking me, along with a bunch of people, and I told them I didn't do it for thanks. I did it to let everyone know I appreciated them opening their arms to welcome us into the community.
Edward fixed the truckbed with a bunch of blankets, coolers full of drinks of every kind, had me something to snack on, and my babies were all piled up there with us. I had a feeling they were going to pitch a fit with the fireworks, but I got them some little scarfs with herbs that is suppose to keep them calm. I brough Lise's blanket, and had them all on leashes. If we had to, we could put them in the cab of the truck.
It was going on eight thirty at night when they announced the beginning of the fireworks show. It started out kind of calm, and the dogs were remaining calm. We continued to keep a watch over them, and they continued to be alright through the whole night. It was nice, and we got to meet a lot of people.
I had quite a few men expressing an interest in plowing up the acreage needed to grow our own hay. I told them that as soon as I got the equipment in, I would love to have them come out. I told them they would know as the equipment would be coming in by air transport.
I was in contact with a major manufacturer of John Deere farming equipment, and they were sending someone down to familarize our people on the use of the equipment I was buying. They had plans to stay with us for about a week. They were going to mark off the land we were planting the hay on, and they were going to help remove the trees, stumps and all. Emmett's backhoe was going to get a working out in the process.
Rose was going to take lessons from the manufacturers on the maintenance of the equipment, and a supply of parts we might need. I was in the process of buying her a small building with an extensive array of tools to take care of everything mechanical. This was turning into one heck of an undertaking. I had no idea it was going to be such an extensive task to care for all my animals, but whatever I needed I would get.
We are finally home after one heck of a day. We still got things to put up, and get ready to take care of tomorrow. I was hoping to set up a space in my kitchen, and the longhouse kitchen to do some canning without it interfering with their cooking for the day.
I would worry about it in the morning. Right now I needed to get my babies in the house, and settled. I then need to get myself, and Edward settled in for the night. I was very tired, and I imagine Edward was too.
Let's not worry about anything until tomorrow. We both get ready for bed, our babies stretched out in their beds, and I crawl over close to Edward. He takes me in his arms pulling me close, and I lay my head on his chest. I tell him I love him, hear him telling me the same with a kiss. We drift off to sleep, resting for another adventurous day.
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Alright people, this might be looked as a filler chapter. They still have a few things taken care of, and another winter coming. They are also undertaking the planting, growing, & harvesting of hay. DANG, all the things I have learned from this story.
Well, I hope you enjoyed it. Please let me know.
Don't forget to check out the group page for pics.
Thanks muches...
