A Shiloh Christmas: Chapter 12 [December 25th, 1899]
It was Christmas morning on Shiloh Ranch and the Virginian was the first one up. Good morning, boys. Merry Christmas. Let's get dressed because we have a whole lot to do before the boys arrive. Where'd these come from, boss? We'll be opening those after dinner later, Randy. Now, Trampas, you and some of the boys clear the bunks out before breakfast. Sure, bossman. Let's put these in the barn, Harper. Sure, Trampas. And it was'nt long before they were done. That sounds like the breakfast bell, Randy. It sure does, boss. Come and get it, everybody. This looks good, Cookie. Thanks, boss. Now, Cookie, Betsy'll be over after breakfast and she'll help you prepare the meal. And Randy will help you set the tables. Sounds alright to me, boss. I'll be glad for the help. And it was'nt long before they'd finished breakfast. That sure was good, Cookie. Thanks, Randy. Now you all better scat. I've got a Christmas dinner to fix. Alright, we'll get the tables set up and then we'll leave you to it, Cookie. And it was'nt long before they got the tables set up. Alright now, boys, go and find yourself something to do until the boys arrive. Sure, boss; they all said. Here comes Betsy, boss. So I see. Morning, Betsy. Merry Christmas. Morning, Virginian. Merry Christmas to you. Mornin, Betsy. Merry Christmas. Morning, Randy. Merry Christmas to you, too. Did you manage to get to sleep last night? Oh, I managed it alright. We'd better go in before Cookie wonders what happened to us, Randy. I brought some extra plates for the table, Cookie. And I brought some tablecloths, too. Good thing you did, Betsy. We'll sure need em. I've put the birds in the oven to roast. I'm gonna start the potatoes and beans now. Alright, Cookie, I'll be right there. Randy, help me spread out these tablecloths. Sure, Betsy. There, does'nt that look nice? It sure does, Betsy. Now you can set the table. Be sure you do a neat job, now. I will, Betsy. And it was'nt long before he was done. The table's all set, Betsy. Thank you, Randy. You did a very nice job on it. Thanks, Betsy. Is there anything else I can help ya with? Well, it looks like the boys have arrived, so you can go help the other boys keep them occupied until dinner later. I'd be glad to, Betsy. Good morning, Randy. Mornin, Judge. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas to you. I hope you had enough sleep last night. These boys are likely to be a handful. Oh, I got enough, Judge. Hi, Randy. You got here just in time. Let's go greet them. Hi, Randy, Merry Christmas! Howdy, Sam. We were partners in the three- legged race last year. We sure were, partner. You've grown a foot since then. I have? Yep, you sure have. Now, boys, Betsy and the bunkhouse cook are fixing dinner but it won't be ready for a while yet. So if you boys can think of something you'd like to do, we'll do it while we wait. Let's have a sing along like we did last time, one boy said. That sounds like a good idea. I'll go get my guitar. Alright, Randy. Let's go in the barn where its a little warmer, everybody. Since it's Christmas, can we do Christmas songs, Randy? We sure can, Sam. Who's got a good one? How about Go Tell It on the Mountain? Alright, we'll start off with that one. Anybody got another one?, Randy asked after a while. How bout Jingle Bells? Alright, that's a good one. And before they knew it an hour had gone by. Alright, has anybody got one more? How about We Wish You A Merry Christmas? Alright, we can sure do that one. So what would you like to do now, boys? Could we play horse-shoes? We sure can. Let's get the horse-shoes out, boys. Sure, boss. And before they knew it the morning and part of the afternoon had flown by. Dinner's ready, so you'd better go call em in, Betsy. Alright, Cookie. Dinner's ready, everyone. That sounds like dinner, boys. Let's go in. Merry Christmas, boys. We're glad to have you here. Thanks for having us, Miss Betsy. You're very welcome. You can put your coats and things here. Just pick a seat anywhere. You and Cookie sure did a good job, Betsy. It looks real nice. Thank you, Randy. Daddy, since it's Christmas will you do the honors? Of course. Dear Lord, Bless this food and those gathered around this table today. And thank you for giving us the reason why we celebrate Christmas. Amen. Dig in, everyone. And Merry Christmas.