For the disclaimer see the Authors Note at the beginning of Chapter 1
The Journals Of Elizabeth Anne Green
Chapter 11
Tuesday January 23rd
I suppose today's going to be a two entry day, just in case anything happens and Daddy or Maggie find my bag, Carl and the horses I want them to have as much information as I can leave them.
It only took about two hours to get to Yellow Emperor Academy. Not so much because it was far away as because I didn't let Bull go faster than a brisk walk. This was for many reasons. The ground is uneven because of the rocks and roots present when walking through the brush that accompanies trees. A lame horse would be better of dead, and would likely become dead if any ill came upon it. Also, Carl isn't very experienced with riding and the rain made visibility difficult, so we went slowly.
My first clue in that there were ill in the lobby was Bull resisting going inside. At first I just figured that he was nervous about being in a lobby for the first time. It's a good thing the two ladies were trapped behind the desk, otherwise we could've had a bad end. Vicky and Lynn were not difficult to send to their final rest, it just took me a while to figure out how. According to Victoria Lang's ID she was born 7-23-77. Lin Tan was born 1-9-1984. May they rest well.
I discovered that archery isn't as easy as it looks in the movies. For one thing, it took all I had to pull the string all the way back. Adrenalin was probably how I did it. My first arrow went two feet. I probably would have done better to throw it like a javelin. I realized how far it didn't go about the same time I realized that my left forearm was stinging like mad. I ignored it mostly. The second one didn't do much better but my wrist was on fire. The third time my arm and shoulder were feeling the burn and the skin on my lower arm felt like rope burn. It went four feet. The fourth one and my skin was in agony. It bounced off the top edge of a computer monitor. My fifth and last one, the skin was weeping blood. It hit an office chair but didn't penetrate. I was out of arrows and in agony. I finally opted to use my knife. I tied Bull to one of the chairs and Linn seemed to really want to get to him. I distracted Vicky without catching Linn's attention, and stabbed her in the head.
It was harder than the guy I accidentally hit but not as hard as Linn's. Linn took more than one try. I'm not sure how many times I stabbed her. She actually managed to grab my arm. It was really weird. I was sure I was going to get bit. It was like time slowed down suddenly. Then Carl was yelling that I could stop, and everything was normal again. But not. I didn't even feel anything. I should feel something but I don't. Maybe somethings wrong with me. I hope I didn't traumatize him. I don't know. He's seen more death and killing than anyone should in a lifetime so I don't know.
Long story short, archery is going to be completely unless I take some time to learn how to do it better. I also need to wrap something around my arm so I don't end up ripping all my skin of with the bowstring. I found a book on archery in the bookstore here and I'm going to read as much of it as I can before we leave tomorrow. I would bring it with me but I can't cary every thing interesting around with me. If I need help beyond the basics I will get Old Man Jim to bully Daryl into helping me.
I was able to get a pamphlet with a map of the school. It's actually about half of the size of Newnan High school. It turns out that the school was closed when everything happened and there was just administrative staff there. There was someone in one of the offices and two people in the break room, so we just made sure they couldn't get out and wrote warnings on the doors.
I had to take care of a guy at the bookstore too. Carl knocked him down and then stabbed him. He was pretty shaken up, but he saved my life. I didn't see Ryan behind me. I was enthralled by the books. Carl doesn't seem to be as upset as I expected him to be. He's upset, just much more composed than I would've been at his age. I'm supposed to be keeping him safe, instead he had to kill someone and he's barely ten. I don't know how I'm going to face the Grimes'. We covered Ryan with the curtain that had been blocking the view of the hallway that lead to the bathroom and break room. Hopefully paying respect to Ryans remains will help Carl find closure.
There were a several books in the bookstore on gynecology, fertility and women's issues in general. I was actually really surprised. I thought I would be searching forever but it only took about about 5 minutes. I have now added sixteen, yes, sixteen books to my library. One book on girl things, one on sports medicine, two on acupuncture, an illustrated Materia Medica, one textbook on the use of herbs, and seven volume set called Treatment of Disease in TCM, the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine, Between Heaven and Earth and Foundations of Chinese Medicine. They seemed to be the most important books listed for the first two years of study. I'm glad I have Bull to cary them for me.
Carl picked out three books of his own, Three Character Classic, Confucius for Kids and The Legend of White Snake and Other Stories. They are all bilingual. I suppose it could be handy.
Carl is heating spaghetti MRE's and they smell like they are almost done. We're going to stay in the staff lounge in the Chenzen Building. Hopefully the drizzle lets up, but even if it doesn't, we intend to be up near the Dixons tomorrow night. We will stop at the Wawa near the Haywoods if we get delayed. I intend to visit the apothecary on campus before we leave if its not to dangerous. I know, everything is dangerous.
The horses are happily munching on hay cubes, I hope the four bags will last until we get to the Dixons. Carl was tired and took a nap while I took the tac off of the horses and stacked it in a corner. I brushed the horses and cleaned out their hooves. Carl woke up hungry so we had MRE's. Carl insisted that the horses needed their teeth brushed. He is worried enough that something could happen to them so I agreed to try. They were hesitant but allowed it.
To think of other things, I'm going to read the Legend of White Snake to Carl before we read scriptures and I put Carl to bed. We have to be up early and he needs his sleep. I hope Daddy and Maggie are okay.
Wednesday January 24th
Good afternoon.
Carl was the first to wake up. He was upset that Bull and Dot were rude enough to leave a few piles of poop on the floor. In their defense, house breaking was not something I had thought of doing with them. We just used a plastic trash bag like a giant glove to pick it up. I couldn't think of anything to do with the pee. Its probably going to stink like equine pee until the building falls in. Anyway, we survived the night. We'll let the horses graze while we are in the apothecary. Carl will watch them and be a general look out like yesterday when I went into the lobby and when we checked out the Chenzen building. Its raining instead of drizzling, but thats okay. The dead are less active and have a hard time noticing healthy people in the rain, and the horses' raincoats have worked pretty well. Our ponchos are very effective too.
We did not make it to the Dixons.
I suppose I was very optimistic. The rain was pretty hard and we're in a barn drying out. Carl noticed it at about noon. It's full of hay. The hay is actually in good condition and the horses are very happy, I'm just worried that suddenly getting nice hay will give them colic or bloat so I've tied them up to keep them from eating too much. There's plenty of grazing for them near the barn entrance.
I've hung everything up to dry. I brushed and shampooed the horses. The rain was heavy enough for washing, and after hangin Bull's tarp strategically, I showered in the rain, and then made Carl get cleaned up. We're clean, the horses are clean and we're changed. I washed clothes and they'll hopefully be dry by morning. If its still raining we'll stay put. We or the horses will get sick if we don't take care of ourselves. My only complaint is that the water was colder than I'd normally have liked.
Sleeping on hay beds will not be the worst sleep, definitely better than the arm chair I slept in last night. I think I'll take the time I have before dark to start reading Obstetrics and Gynecology in Chinese Medicine 3rd edition. Carl had already camped out on his hay bales to read the Three Character Book. I think he's trying to memorize the Chinese writing. Fortunately the pronunciation is under each symbol. I think that maybe it'll be fun to learn with him, but first chapter 1 of this behemoth book that he deemed to be gross when flipping through it.
The early stop did give me a chance to practice archery. Now that I know how my stance and posture should be, and I'm not holding the bow upside down, I'm doing better. I made a covering out of some shoelaces and a piece of leather from a boot I found in the barn to put over the bandage on my arm. It made archery almost painless except for the ache where my skin is healing when the string hits the leather. Still, on a scale of one to ten its barely a two. What is really hurting is my upper arms and shoulders. I feel like I did a million pushups, but I can now hit a hay bale from 10 feet and have the arrows stick most of the time.
I wonder what everyone else is doing and where they are. I hope that the Haywoods can forgive me enough to maybe let Carl stay with them so he can hang out with some kids his age. I try to keep a brave face on front of him. He is carrying so much for someone his age. I don't wan't to worry him. I told him that his parents are fine, and that they will meet up with us at the Dixons in a few weeks. I hope I'm not making myself into a lier.
Thursday January 25th
Good Morning.
We're going to continue towards the Dixons. We hope to make it to the Wawa today. It's foggy, but the mist should blow off in another hour or so. Everything dried nicely. I know six Chinese symbols. Men at their birth are natural good. Ren zhi chu xing ben shan. Carl and I read more of the Legend of White Snake and he is enjoying it. I think we'll finish tonight.
I packed as much hay into the empty hay cube bag as I could. We started with each horse carrying two bags to keep the weight even. We're now down to three bags of cubes. As long as we don't take too long they will stay well fed. I think I worry too much We're down to our last jug of water. The horses will have to drink from the ditches or streams. They've been doing it for months and seem fine, although I'm sure the ivermectin Daddy gave them also helped mitigate anything they may have come across.
We made it. We're I the Wawa. I'm glad the Haywood boys and Glenn cleared it of the ill and boarded it up. We spent the last fifteen minutes at a medium canter. Dot really surprised me. She noticed the herd on the road and galloped. Not a fast lope, a full out gallop that outpaced Bull, and he was trying to keep up. My first indication was a Carl worriedly letting me know that Dot wasn't happy, and then he was holding on for his life screaming my name. Fortunately Dot is not in the shape required for a sustained run. She probably never will be. She's not built for it. Bull and I did catch up when she had to slow down, and I was able to grab her halter and then get a hold on her reigns. Carl was panicked and their fear was feeding off of each other. I had to slow everyone down to a walk. It would have been nice to actually stop, but I didn't want to risk the horses getting any cramps after such a run. The thought of the ill was fresh enough in Dots mind that we were able to alternate between a slow canter and a slow jog until the Wawa came into view about 30 minutes later. At that point we slowed to a jog and then a walk.
I was sure to praise Carl for holding onto Dot so well and not completely loosing his grip and regaining his composure so quickly. Together we watered the horses with a rolling mop bucket we rinsed and filled with Perrier. These horses are posh. I showed Carl how to properly brush them and then he watched me do foot care while I explained the parts of the hoof and how important it is. I also explained why we didn't just stop when Bull and I caught up to him and Dot. Carl brushed their teeth. He thinks its important and they don't seem to mind so its his special job.
The Wawa has a car wash attached to it so I raised the garage style door enough to let the horses in after carefully checking for the ill. I then shut it again securely. I figure its better for them to stay in here than to come into the gas station. Theres a window so we can watch them and I left the door between the wash bay and area behind the register open so we can hear anything going on with them.
After the horses were cared for, I had Carl join me in Yoga and Qi Gong stretches to relieve the aches of being on the horses all morning. Then we had a deliciously late lunch of Dint-y-More and Cheeto's washed down with our choice of sugar filled beverage.
It's still early afternoon, but we are done for today. I'm going to study some more of the Three Character Classic with Carl, and maybe I'll finish the first chapter of the gynecology book I started yesterday. I hope to do that before Carl lets me know that he wants dinner. Then maybe some archery before bed. The possibilities are endless.
I wonder what Daddy and Maggie and everyone are doing. Carl and I have been pretty slow traveling. If they're following us I wonder how far behind us they are.
Friday January 26th
I woke up stiff from sleeping on the counter. There is nothing soft in this building. The break room has a microwave, an apartment sized fridge, a sink, a table and three hard plastic chairs like what most people would have on their porch. The office has a stool on casters and a desk. I slept on one end of the counter and Carl slept on the other end. We made room by setting the register terminals on the floor. They were basically bricks anyway. With this arrangement we met in the middle and used our packs as pillows. We did get some cool new Georgia T-shirts and hoodies from the souvenir isle to sleep in after diaper wipe baths before bed last night.
The crick in my back is not what woke me up. It was the eery quiet of the horses and the shuffling and moaning. The herd we outran followed us. They probably started ambling in the direction of Carl's terrified screams yesterday and were moving slow enough not to get here until earlier this morning, so yay!
We are surrounded by the ill. We are just going to keep a low profile until they clear off. We have food for the horses for two more days and water and food so we should be good as long as we don't do anything to attract their attention. We are just keeping our routines. Exercise, read, eat, nap, write, pray and repeat. The horses have been restless but haven't made very much noise.
Carl made a fort out of a box and practiced drawing the symbols he's been learning all over it. Then he spent the rest of the afternoon using his JI-Joes to stage battles.
We had strawberry Pop Tarts with peanut butter for breakfast. It was kind of like a PB & J. It just needed a creamy cold glass of milk. Instead we had juice. I'm glad for juice, and I'm thankful for what we have. I just cant help thinking about being a kid and Mama having a PB&J waiting for me with a glass of milk and maybe a cookie and thinking about her smiling face and getting picked up with a hug, and being sat on the stools at the counter to eat while I watched her start making dinner... And I need to stop now. I don't want Carl to see me crying or something.
I've realized that I understand none of the concepts in the gynecology book beyond the anatomy drawings. I am going to start reading The Yellow Emperors Classic of Medicine. From the flyleaf I think it will help me get the basic stuff so I can at least sort of figure out what is means to support the spleen and liver, and what it has to do with pregnancy. I understand the organ systems and that things get squished around making less room for the bladder, lungs and stomach. That's why Lorri has to pee so much, eats less more often and why she gets out of breath if she has to run and stuff but I don't think thats what Ms. Maciocia is talking about.
My brain hurts thinking about it. Maybe I should use the stool in the office as a target for archery I can set it on its side on one of the shelves and aim at the seat. Its grey so I could color it like a target with some of the sharpie pens in the office later.
I'm trying to make sure we're ready to leave at a moments notice. I've taught Carl how to saddle the horses, and we practiced four times last night. We practiced for an hour this morning. We can do it if about fifteen minutes. I packed up the cartons of Camel non-filters for Daryl. I know he likes those best. I also took some bottles Colt malt liquor for Old Man Jim, when we meet up.
I wonder if they are caught up because of the herd? I wonder if Maggie and Daddy are still with the military or if they are looking for us?
Saturday January 27th
We're still at the Wawa, listening to the drizzle. The ill wandered off earlier this morning in the direction that we had planned to go in. They followed a couple of military vehicles that drove by. That leaves me wondering if we should stay put. We don't want to ride back into the herd, Daddy and Maggie didn't want Carl and I to be involved with the military people at the Bed and Breakfast, and now I have to wonder if the Haywoods and the Dixons will even be there when we get there. Carl thinks that we should just stay put until Monday morning. He seems pretty sure so I'm just going to agree with him.
We let the horses graze by the tree line until it started to drizzle. It was mostly to exercise them and to help conserve the hay cubes. They have enough food for tomorrow but thats it. They love granola bars but those are much to rich to base their diet on. Monday we will have to do something, if only for the horses.
I have been reading The Yellow Emperors Classic. It is very interesting. Not just the information, but how its written. Its written in conversations and question answer sessions in an interview type format. I think I would've liked school better if all textbooks were written like that. Lecture and narration can get boring and tedious at times. The whole style of thinking is a lot different than what I'm used to so I find myself flipping back and forth and re reading things more than actually reading forward. I eventually ended up "borrowing" a notebook from the office and think that I have managed to figure out that they are only talking about 5 organs and made a pentagram shaped chart to sort out the relationships they keep talking about.
Carl is very good at keeping himself entertained. It's probably a skill he learned as an only child. While we were grazing the horses he found the perfect sling shot stick. When we came inside, I helped him scrounge around for rubber bands. We braided three of them them together to make a sling for it and then I set some rolls of toilet paper and paper towels on the edge of the counter for him to use as targets. He spent quite a while practicing using fun sized Snicker's to knock them off the counter. He was going to use some rocks he had in his pockets but I was worried that if he missed he could break a window. That's not a great way to keep a low profile.
I was so glad when Carl declared it dinner time. We took a risk. There were some small steno heaters in the camping equipment isle and we agreed that Spaghetti O's are much better hot. So is cocoa.
We seem to be just spinning our wheels. I wonder if Daddy and Maggie and The Grimes' and everyone were in the trucks that went by. Maybe they're at the Dixons already and they forgot to stop here. I left them a note. They should have got it by now and know we're going to stop here. We wrote our name on the door of the Yellow Emperor Academy door. We wrote our names on the barn and on the wood boarding up the front entrance here. I know they wouldn't forget us. I'm sure theres a good explanation. Maybe they were far away when they got away and have a long way to travel to get back to the bed and breakfast. I need to stop worrying.
Sunday January 28th
Next Sunday is fast Sunday but I decided to fast and pray for Daddy and Maggie, and Carrol and T-Dog and the Grimes' today. Carl and I sang hymns and I told him bible stories to keep him entertained. This is the first time I haven't had the sacrament since I was baptized. I was baptized when I was eight, so, the first time in eight years. I read the entirety of Alma. Usually it takes me a few weeks to get through. Its not my favorite. Today it was comforting and lifted my spirits.
The horses had the last of the hay cubes today. We groomed the horses extra well this evening so they will be ready in the morning Their feet are perfect. I discovered that Dot and Bull both will eat peppermint lifesavers. Carl seems to enjoy helping with them. He has been reading his books to them in Chinese. He seems cheerful and appears to be doing okay. He is anxious to leave tomorrow. He wants to see Ruby and Prissy. I don't think he knows why we left beyond that the Haywood's are mad at me. I think I should apologize to Mrs Haywood. Not because I think I did anything wrong to her, but I did lead Paul on, even though it was mutual. I need to make peace for everyone. People need community. Being alone is dangerous mentally and physically.
I should go to sleep so we can get an early start in the morning.
Monday January 29th
Today was good and bad. It started with Daryl knocking on the door as we were getting ready to leave. As soon as Carl saw Daryl he launched himself at him and Daryl caught him out of the air in a huge bear hug and then tossed him in the air. I never pictured him as affectionate. Carl spent the next twenty minutes telling him everything we had done since Daddy and everyone left us to go with the soldiers, which was fine by me. Lately I feel so awkward around him, mostly because I worry that my every move and word is going to be over analyzed until it can be construed to mean I'm planning to seduce him to the waters edge so I can drown him and eat his flesh like a siren. Maybe thats a bit of an exaggeration, but it would be a lot easier if he would at least look me in the eye or direct a comment towards me besides "Ma'am, Uncle Jim, said I was t'come get ya'll bac't'the cabbin by way of Cooters stream 'for dark."
Since the horses were already saddled I told him we just needed to lead the horses out of the store. He'd ridden his brothers motorcycle to the Wawa, which was fine except it wasn't going to go off road the rout he was describing.
That's how he ended up riding Bull and I ended up on Dot with Carl in front of me. After how he did with Nellie, I actually suggested that he walk ahead while we rode but he said we would be going slow enough as it was. The stream turned out to be swollen by the rain and the banks were swampy and boggy. We were well into the tree line all the way. I do have to say that Bull took pretty well to Daryl and didn't try to hook him on branches or scrape him off against the trees.
We ended up just staying in sight of Cooters Stream, avoiding the deeper patches of mud. We were able to avoid getting covered in mud and grime thank goodness. It might maybe have been bad enough for us to get stuck in if we had been close to the bank. People don't sometimes realize it, but you can drown in a bog. It will just suck you in and struggling makes it worse, so we doubled back to high solid ground at least a dozen times. We did see an ill woman in a bog up to her neck in time to see her sink under. It would be horrible to get bit by someone in a bog because they were sunk too deep to see.
We stopped to eat twice and made it to the cabin well after the moon was up. We ended up approaching the cabin from behind, and that's a good thing.
There were soldiers there and they had quite a few refugees. Daryl turned us around and now Carl and I are waiting for him in a tobacco barn. It is keeping the wind out, so thats something. The thermometer on the wall says its 35 degrees. He took both horses with him but left everything except the saddles here with us just in case we need to use something.
Carl is rolled up in his sleeping bag, with his poncho on top sound asleep, holding onto his book of stories. I read a poem out of the story book about a man watching the girl he liked walking along a river describing the flowers and duckweed on the bank. It was a chapter focusing on the Ode's. I read several of the poems to him as he went to sleep.
I'm just waiting for Daryl to get back, sitting on this stump writing. I'm wrapped in my poncho so I don't leak any light from Josh's radio. It's been three hours,and I'm starting to worry. I know he promised to be here by dawn, so that still gives him a few hours before he's late.
Tuesday January 30th
The soldiers have reopened Fort Benning. Old Man Jim did get a visit, but told the soldiers that he's old and in poor health. He told them that he and could wake up dead any day now, and that would cause them a huge inconvenience if he bit someone in their camp, and started a huge outbreak.
The reason that they are no longer giving people a choice about being put into FEMA camps is law and order and protecting the immune. I guess Randals Group wasn't the only one causing swathes of havoc for people already struggling. They may have put down that group on the farm. They told Jim that they have had to deal with 5 groups doing things like that, including a cult that was worshiping the ill, sacrificing animals to them and kidnapping women to breed super humans.
The Haywoods didn't end up going. They threatened to shoot the soldiers if they made an issue of it. Instead the Haywoods agreed to use the radios to report herd movements in the area.
Tomorrow Jim, Daryl and Carl are heading to Ft Benning to get Daddy and the Grimes. Carl's going with them to learn to shoot, and be useful. He's only 10, and I objected to him going on those grounds. Daryl spoke to Dave and Pete about me being here and they agreed to check on me periodically. They are also going to keep in touch with Daryl, Jim and Carl with the ham radio on CB 15 or 23. If anything happens Dave or Pete will let me know.
I'm supposed to "sit tight and look pretty" as Old Man Jim put it. He wants me to make sure the cabin is ready when everyone gets back and take the time to read and study what I can. When they get back they will just be passing through and I won't be able to dedicate myself to book learning that much until we get settled permanent. He is always saying stuff like as if I know what the heck he's talking about and I don't Its very disconcerting
I did get to finally drive today. I drove Jims decrepit Ford pickup from the Wawa back to the cabin, so Daryl could retrieve the motorcycle. I also gave him the lock box he had asked for. I still don't know whats in it.
Daryl assessed my meagre archery skills. I'm supposed to practice more and hold the string higher. I'm supposed to pull to the edge of my ear, the same spot every time. I'm supposed to aim from the bow, not the string. That's the highlights. He radiates heat like a furnace. It was nice of him to get over his fear of me enough to help me out, but I'm sure Jim was making him do it. That thought makes me a bit irritated, but there you have it.
Pretty much everything else centered around preparing for the trip. Carl was given an old copy of FM 21-76 to look through. Daryl and Jim went through both of our bags and "streamlined" them. While they did that, I cleaned and made bread, two pies and a quiche. We ate the crab apple pie for desert and the mixed berry will be for breakfast in the morning. I also made meat pies, canned stew, spice cookies and biscuits for them to take with them so they can have something besides MRE's.
I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous about being here alone. I haven't been truly alone in months. Not since the middle of August.
Wednesday January 31st
The boys left early this morning. I was up early to make them a big breakfast of scrapple, pancakes and fried eggs. I sent them off with a cooler of leftovers and the jars of stew I pressure canned yesterday. The biscuits and cookies I wrapped in plastic and placed in a basket.
Old Man Jim gave me a map of the rout they were taking and any alternates that he and Daryl had determined would be prudent to plan out just in case. Jim thinks that eventually they are going to leave me here and I will end up needing to hide here, and he wants me to be prepared.
Daryl and I took care of the milking, before he showed me three places I could hide for an extended period of time if necessary. Then we gathered the eggs and went back inside the cabin so he could finish getting the pickup packed.
They packed pretty light so that they can park the truck and use the bikes if they can't find fuel.
Carl was excited to go on an adventure with Jim and Daryl. He and Jim disagreed on him keeping his books. Jim insisted that he keep at least one in case they had to sit tight somewhere and Carl needed something to keep him occupied. The last thing before they left was Jim showed me how to get into the cellar under the back porch, and gave me a gun and three magazines.
If they are this worried I asked if maybe I should be going too. That query was met with a unanimous no. Someone has to take care of the animals and the rest of the place. Jim said "A man needs sometin nice't come home to 'ta make the toil o'life worth surviving." Carl gave me a hug good bye. I insisted on hugging Jim and Daryl both. I have come to hold the both of them in my heart like family, and Carl like a little brother. I think I was already missing them before they left.
By the time evening milking came around, I had the inside of the as neat as a pin. I got out a piece of rennet and started making the milk from this morning into cheese. I skimmed the cream off after lunch and am going to make butter tomorrow. I think I can do a small batch every day, and by the time they are back The first of it should be ready as a soft spread. It takes 10 weeks to make a good hard melty cheese, but farmers cheese is easy and quick.
I also found some crochet thread that I forgot a few months ago, so I intend to finish the socks I started for Daryl and then make pot holders while they are gone.
Thursday February 1st
Today I made butter and cheese and did a thorough cleaning in the goat shed. Then after lunch I swept of the front and back porches, and gave the outdoor furniture a good scrub.
Then I untangled the wind chimes. It was after about 30 minutes of listening to them tinkling that I realized that is was probably not a good idea to let them make noise like that. Between the chimes and the sound of the rain beating on the tin roof, Pete and Hank gave me quite a start when they popped in. I didn't notice them coming up the way until they were right behind me. I had been refilling the bird feeder hanging from the porch rafter, standing on a stool when Pete said "hi" and startled me so bad that I nearly fell. Fortunately he caught me before I could get hurt. We played a few hands of cards and chatted while they had some hot chocolate and cookies. They didn't stay too long. They Just wanted to see how I was doing by myself so that they can let Jim and Daryl know when they get on the radio tonight.
I finished the first chapter of the Yellow Emperors Classic. It was about the life cycle of humans. They had writings of ancient people living hundreds of years, just like the Bible talked about in Genesis. Theres also a lot about the differences in men and women.
I suppose thats all for today. Well, I'm going to try to finish Daryls socks tonight and get a bath before it gets I'll tackle the barn. There's some white and red paint in the shed and I'm going to use to touch up the rocking chairs and the porch swing, too, if the rain stops.
Friday February 2nd
Today was sunny but cool, I got the barn squared away. Bull and Dot had an extra good grooming session. I got them shampooed, conditioned and their hooves polished and shiny. I even brushed their teeth. They like it so much that they have started curling their lips when getting groomed so that it can be done easily.
I cleaned and shined all the tac, even what wasn't Bull and Dot's. I set aside a bunch that needs repaired or what is beyond repair but could be salvaged to repair the stuff that isn't too far gone. The rest I put in the compost heap.
I inspected all the ropes coiled them and hung them neatly. I collected and stacked the empty feed bags, they may be useful. I collected all the bailing twine from off the floor, tied the pieces together and coiled them up and hung the hank on a nail. I raked the floor and then swept up everything into a wheelbarrow. I also mucked out the stalls Dot and Bull have been using.
There's an old box wagon in one of the stalls. I cleaned it out and inspected it. It looks like all it needs is paint and the harnesses gone over. The problem is that it's really old. The wheels are really old. If one breaks thats it. You cant just go to Village Tires and get new ones. I was able to hitch Bull and Dot up most of the way. Some of the tac is going to have to be fixed and the yolk needs re padded. I was able to get them to move it forward a few feet, and back, but I'm going to have to do a lot of work with them before they will make a good team. It would be useful on the farm, or between the Dixons and the Haywoods, but most of the roads in and around the towns and cities are jammed up with abandoned vehicles.
Besides the box wagon, theres a disker, a rower, and a plow for the Sterling Tractor. I don't know how to work those, but Jim probably has them in fine condition. He keeps it polished nicely. Anyhow, the barn is as clean as the house now. I even changed the fly traps. It was so gross.
I wonder how everything is going. I hope everyone is safe. My hair is almost dry so I think I will read the next chapter of the Yellow Emperors Classic while it finishes.
Saturday February 5th
It was sunny enough to repaint the furniture on the front and back porch. I also did the porch swing and the bird feeder. The only problem with having painted the furniture is that it highlighted how badly the porch railings needed painted, so I painted them too. Then I beat and scrubbed the rug under the front door. It is still faded and grey, but it looks clean. I also repainted the front door barn red. I don't suppose they are going to recognize the place when they get back. I also did the window jams. The logs don't need painted. They are good how they are.
Cheese making is going well. Only two of the seven goats are producing, but its still more than I can use and I don't want to waste it.
The chickens are doing well to. Although its cold, some are still laying. I only use two or three a day so I've been water glassing half a dozen when I collect them in the morning.
I've been practicing archery in the mornings after I finish the milking and other chores. Today it paid off. There were four ill that wandered into the yard. I didn't get any of them on the first try but only one got too close for arrows. I was able to stab it in the head though. It was terrifying and reinforced that I need to keep practicing. I did way better than the first time, when I tried to shoot ones in the lobby a week ago. I washed the arrows that actually hit the ill. The worst part was trying to deal with the bodies. They are laying in a row by the fence, near the entrance of the driveway. They were Greg Jameson of Alpharetta, born 5-2-1997, Sarah Timms of Lawrenceville, born 7-22-1982, Geoffrey Sommers of Duluth, born 11-6-1978 and Paige Dimity of Lawrenceville 2-12-1962.
Dave and Pete stopped in just before supper and complemented how nice the paint looked. I'd just made a new pot of soup and had fresh biscuits right out of the oven, so they sat and ate with me. They told me about their conversation with the boys last night.
They were unable to make a lot of progress on the roads Wednesday so they parked the truck in a barn outside of Hogansville and made it to somewhere near LaGrange Wednesday evening, where they slept in an abandoned panel van. They had to hole up in the van Thursday due to rain. Last night they stayed in a camper at a dealership outside of Fort Benning. They were supposed to be going into Fort Benning at first light this morning. They may already have Daddy, Maggie and the others. Maybe tomorrow or Monday I will get word that they are on their way back, or send word for me to join them. I hope Fort Benning is doing better this time around.
I sent them home with some butter and cheese.
I am going to try to get to chapter 10 of the Yellow Emperors Classic tonight
Sunday February 4th
I was fine taking care of the chickens and the goats. Talking to Bull and Dot are the highlight of my day. There's just something about the way a horse looks at you and you know they understand. They're better than dogs.
I miss having Sunday meeting with Daddy, Maggie, Carl and T-Dog. I spent today fasting and praying for Daryl, Jim and Carl to be safe and find Daddy, Maggie and everyone. There's really nothing I can do so I am trying to have faith and hope. I'm handing it to G-d.
Monday February 5th
Today I just followed the routine. I woke up and did qi gong, read scriptures, did chores and practiced archery for my obligatory hour. Thats why my arms have been so achy the last few days. The string is getting easier to pull. The weather was cold and overcast so I spent the better part of today studying.
So there are five flavors sour, sweet, bitter, salty and pungent. There five organ systems heart and small intestines, spleen and stomach, liver and gallbladder, bladder and kidneys and large intestines and lungs. There are five elements water, fire, wood, earth and metal. There are five senses: sight, hearing, smell, sensation and taste. There are complementary forces, yin and yang, heat and cold, damp and dry. Everything has to be in balance for health. It says that you can use different kinds of flavors and scents to help cure disease, as well as herbs with properties that correspond to the organ system. I think I am starting to understand some of the things that baffled me when I was reading the book on obstetrics. I just have to memorize the properties and corespondents of each system and how they interrelate. It sounds easier on paper. After lunch I gave up for the day because my brain felt like it was going to implode.
Hank and Dave stopped by to see how I was doing. I guess Jim and Daryl were able to check into Ft Benning yesterday, but according to Carl, they hadn't made it back by checkin last night. He isn't expecting them back until tonight or tomorrow. He was told to keep a low profile and stay in the RV until they get back.
I hope they are okay.
Tuesday February 6th
More of the same, I did the chores and studied. I wrote down all my questions, and there are a lot of them. I hope I can meet an actual acupuncturist so I can get answers, or maybe I'll figure out the answers when I read some of the other books. I reread all the chapters I read yesterday and its starting to come together in my head better.
I cleaned and organized the cellar under the porch. You still wouldn't be able to notice it if the way in wasn't shown to you but now it isn't dusty and musty. I used some of the citrus oil cleaner to deodorize it.
I am expecting a check in tomorrow. The Haywood boys have been pretty regular, every other day at about five in the evening. Maybe Paul will come so I can apologize for not giving him a single word, but I doubt he will be allowed to come for obvious reasons. I think I'll just write a note for his brothers to give him.
As I sit writing this, what I can see of the sunset coming through the trees is beautiful. The oranges and reds look like fire fading to midnight blue. For all it's ugliness it's still a beautiful world.
Wednesday February 7th
There was an ill man trying to get into the pig pen this morning, but I got him after four tries. Hunter Lenkovich of Athens was born on 3-13-1972. I am going to start a list of those laid to rest so its recorded, but not in here.
Today I read mostly about how to tell how sick someone is by the hue of their skin, their tongue and pulses. There was also a lot about how to tell how long it takes to die from illness. I wish there were pictures, so I would have more than basic descriptions.
Pete and Dave checked in this evening. Daryl and Jim spoke to the people at Ft Benning, and the base commander said that Daddy, Maggie and everyone had been there briefly, and released Friday afternoon, since it was determined that they were not a threat. They were given thorough examinations. The Marines are taking blood samples from everyone because, I guess that 1% of the population has immunity. The Marines are trying to test for anyone they come across for the antibodies, so they are trying to get a pint of blood from everyone over 18 and a half pint from everyone between eight and seventeen. They got Jim and Daryls blood. They must have tested negative for antibodies because they were released. I guess they were only supposed to be brought to Ft Benning if they were immune, so I wonder whats up with that. I guess that the guys are going to have to backtrack and try to find them. Jim said that he thinks they would have probably gone east wards taking the circular rout around Columbus instead of straight north towards LaGrange to get here, here being Alvaton
I am expecting them to be back by Friday. I'm so glad they are okay.
Thursday February 8th
Today I cleaned everything extra. I can honestly say there was nothing that actually needed cleaning, it was just nervous energy and excitement at the thought of everyone being back.
I tried to study I really did. I even made it through chapter twenty-three. I think read through chapter twenty-three three or four times but I remember nothing.
It's early but I'm going to bed.
Friday February 9th
I was all wound up for nothing yesterday Pete and Dave came by to let me know that I can expect everyone to be back by tomorrow evening. They all met up at a Stake Center in Pine Mountain Valley. Daddy had unlocked it and they had holed up there because T-Dog sprained his leg pretty badly.
Daddy thinks Jim may have had a heart attack but he thinks Jim is going to be alright. He just needs to get home and get some rest. He's been the most sober this week than any since his wife died. That plus the exercise of traveling by bike was probably more stress than his heart could take. It's just hard to think anything could lay him low. I hope Daryl isn't to distraught.
I have planned a big welcome for them. I made a cake and decorated it. I also made crackers to go with the herbed farmers cheese. Tomorrow I'm going to make fried chicken, cornbread, greens, cookies and pie.
Saturday February 10th
Maggie and Glenn are "officially" boyfriend and girlfriend. I guess Glenn hit a soldier in the face for being to flirty and not taking a hint when Maggie said she wasn't interested.
Daddy's just fine. He was as worried about me as I was about him. I think that I got the best hug ever.
Carrol helped T-Dog into the house and I already had liniment ready to soak his leg. Carol's been keeping it hot and wrapped for him. I think he is going to be fine in a few days.
I got to check everyones pulses to see if I could tell the differences between them. It took a while but I was able to identify some of the characteristics in the book. Glenn mentioned that his aunt checked his mothers pulse and determined that she was pregnant with Noona. Lorri's pulses are definitely swooshy. I guess that's what the book means by flooding pulses.
Old Man Jim was surprised about all that I did around here. He hadn't painted in 5 years. Daryl even said how good it looked. Daryl's very worried about him. He seems outwardly okay, but he's off somehow. I'm really worried about him. He looks grey. His vein was thin and tight like a thread that was stretched tight, trying to just hang on a bit longer. His pulse was weak and rapid, as if it could make up for its weakness buy running harder. His skin was slightly warmer than what seemed right, but it wasn't fever, he was damp but not quite enough for it to be called clammy or sweaty. I think he's not well, but I don't know what to do about it. No one else has noticed, but he says he hasn't managed to catch his breath properly in three days.
I'm pretty sure he knows something. He pulled me aside and made me promise to support Daryl, and that things were going to be harder for him before things get easier. He says he wants to be buried next to his wife Emily in the cemetery at Alvaton Baptist Church. His name's already on the grave stone. It just needs his final date engraved.
I think the best part of this evening was sitting on the porch away from the hubbub with Jim and Daryl watching the sunset. Jim insisted on talking to the both of us about getting along and sticking together.
They also brought two girls with them, Teresa and Maria Hernandez. Teresa is 19. She is kind of short but super nice. Maria is about my height. They were both kind of standoffish, but it's understandable. They have been on their own for the last six months and were running from the ill when Daddy waved to them from the entrance of the Stake Center.
Everyone enjoyed the food and the only problem was figuring out where everyone was going to sleep. Maggie Carrol, Maria and Teresa I are sleeping in the attic. We will figure out better arrangements tomorrow.
Sunday February 11th
Jim passed away in the night. I'm just glad he refused to share his room last night. I was up early to start chores and make breakfast and heard shuffling in his room. I went to Daryl's room as quietly as I could and woke him up. I wanted him to be able to have some privacy before everyone else made an uproar. He just clung to me and I felt so helpless. I don't know how long I sat on the edge of his bed and stroked his head in my lap. I just sat there sniveling like an idiot.
Of course it was Sherrif Grimes who walked in on us demanding to know what was going on. He back pedaled fast when I informed him that Old Man Jim had passed in his sleep, the damage was done though. Maggie and Glenn were right behind him, and within moments the entire crowd was there. Fortunately Daddy kept his calm and simply cleared everyone out to give us some privacy. Daryl was apologetic and out of bed in nothing but sleep pants, completely embarrassed. I just stood and gave him another hug. He just seemed to need it. I think he was so lost in grief he didn't seem care that it was me he found himself clinging to.
After a few eternities Daddy knocked on the door again. He and Daryl discussed how Daryl wanted to handle the remains.
It was decided that we would inform the Haywoods after breakfast, so if they wished, they could help with the grave at Alvaton Church Cemetery. Thats where everyone is right now, except for Daryl. He's been sitting at the table. Everyone seemed to think it would be best if I stayed with him, so I'm doing what I do. The same thing Mama did in these situations. I'm cooking. I have a casserole in the oven, and rolls, and a cobbler. Jim will be sent to his final rest and buried tomorrow morning.
Monday February 12th
Well, Jim was put to rest this morning.
Daryl is doing pretty well, all told. Daryl moped around yesterday, but he seems to have slept ok, all things considered. This morning he had a bath and shaved. He asked me for a haircut. He cleans up pretty nice.
Every time Daryl and I are within five feet of each other people give us knowing looks. Here's the thing. I think I truly love Daryl. I really do. If anything happened to him I'd be absolutely devastated. I love him, but I'm not in love with him. I think of him the way I think of Shawn. He's easy to talk to. He's easy to listen to. He's too comfortable to be around. There's no butterflies, no racing pulse, no blushes. Nothing.
Daddy dedicated the grave and then talked about the atonement and resurrection, then everyone stood to say something, even Teresa and Maria. Daryl asked me if I could do the eulogy. I'd never done one before, but I think I did alright.
The funeral did lead to a few interesting events.
Paul is rebounding on Teresa. Maria and Hank have really hit it off too. I wish them luck. I truly do. Mrs Haywood seems to absolutely love them. They were holding hands by the time it got dark and the Haywood's had to leave, and Mrs Haywood just smiled.
The Haywoods decided that we could come back. Thats nice I guess. I'm just not sure if I want to leave. I regretted not speaking my mind and staying with the Dixons. Fortunately nothing will be decided until tomorrow.
Tuesday February 13th
Today the group split. It was amicable enough. The Grime's Carol, T-Dog and Teresa and Maria are going back to the barn. Carl will be able to study stuff in addition to Chinese, and it's less crowded this way.
It's also less awkward. Teresa found out about the kiss that wasn't and made it clear that she doesn't like me. She thinks its sick that I am hooking up with someone like Daryl so quickly after leading Paul on.
I just turned and walked away, and decided that I'm not going to live with her. I believe that's when I announced that everyone could do whatever the heck they want, but I was staying in the Dixon's even if it meant sleeping with the goats. Daryl made it plain that I'm welcome as long as I'll cook and keep up the house. Daddy realized that I wasn't going to budge, and since it would be inappropriate for Daryl and I to live together unchaperoned, he's staying here too. Maggie would rather live with family than other people and Glenn didn't say anything till everyone else had packed up. He was just here with his stuff. I guess Maggie is just his favorite person and he didn't need to announce the obvious. So here we are.
Maggie and I have the attic room, Daddy has Old Man Jims room and Glenn is getting the hide-a-bed in the living room.
Wednesday February 14th
This morning I made pancakes with strawberry syrup and whipped cream, coffee, hot chocolate and eggs. For lunch and dinner I reheated leftovers from yesterday, but Daryl seemed happy with the food so I'm upholding my end of the bargain.
Maggie and Glenn went on a date to Griffin. They brought back chocolate, and lots of it. Maggie also brought me new underwear, and a bottle of Galimard Evie. It's like wearing an english flower garden. I love it. I have no idea where they went and I'm afraid to ask.
It seems that the road between here and the Haywoods is going to be well traveled. Carrol came over with Teresa and Maria right before lunch. She thinks that it is good for me to be able to socialize with girls my age. Maria is nice enough if you don't mind if the only topic is Hank. Teresa is kind of catty, but did grudgingly apologize to me for yesterday. I guess Paul explained what really happened. She's happy that I've moved on and am no longer interested in Paul, now that Daryl and I are a thing. She still thinks I'm "skanky white trash" chasing after Daryl, but she's cool as long as I remember my place is here. My denials are useless.
I'm glad Daryl went hunting shortly after breakfast. She said that right as Daryl made his presence known by hanging a doe on the frame by the porch and began field dressing it without any preamble. That prompted them to wind up the visit quickly. We're gonna have to just grin and bear it I guess.
Eventually when nothing happens with our "relationship" and we start real relationships with other people, they will realize how obnoxious they've been. Either that, or we will never have relationships because people will think that neither of us are available. That's a depressing thought. Tomorrows bread should be ready to punch down about now.