Land (A Time to Love 16)

by DJ Dubois

Everyone seeks to move forward. Manolito helps Ricardo and Maria find a new rancho. Blue adjusts to impending fatherhood. Everyone comes to grips with the new threats south of the border.

1. Mercedes Worries

Land (A Time to Love 16)

DJ Dubois

January-February 2021

Notes: The High Chaparral belongs to NBC and its copyright holders. Please send comments to dante0220 .

Introduction [Rancho Rivertree, Arizona Territory late 1870s]

Doña Mercedes Vega de Montoya writes….

I cannot believe how January ended. The holidays bring family together. We are to celebrate. ¿Si? Then why did the bad events happen?

We had so many things to celebrate. Miguel delivered sermons in the new church. We have our new portraits. We will plant the new apple tree and the pine cones around the rancho. Martha is a pleasure not only as a housekeeper but a friend as well. Manolo and the Indians talk more. Papa and Maria care more for each other every day. Blue and Penny cannot wait for their child to be born.

Why do people have to be so thoughtless? I cannot believe how Don Sebastian acted toward us. I have heard how the Granadas rode north of the border like banditos. It is a mean thought. I wish that I could have seen them work like servants. How can they cut down Papa's apple trees? How could that monster Eduardo, cut down our Tree?

We have to look forward. We are busy with preparations. Meantime Papa and Maria still have their eye on a rancho of their own. I just want us to enjoy what we have.

Dios, danos fuerzas y paciencia por favor….