Hearts and Horses Chapter 290, a when calls the heart fanfic

Chapter 289 – Dealing with Problems from the Weekend

Monday turned into a bit of a whirlwind. John decided that he needed to take Jack and Elizabeth into town. Not only did the kids need new phones, they needed to get their marriage license. John had called ahead and arranged for them to enter the back of the courthouse from the service entrance and immediately be taken to a private room. They had Devin and Andrew with them. To create a bit of a distraction, John had Nathan and Doug take the pickup and head toward the campground. It was going to be a long day and they needed every minute to distract the press.

While John took care of things with Jack and Elizabeth, Gran and Trish took the other truck and started to pick up things. Not only did they have to pick up the tomatoes and stuff for salsa, they had groceries to pick up and dry cleaning to drop off. There was also the order from Primal that needed to be picked up. They knew that they might have to make a run back to the farm to drop off and head back to get the rest of the stuff. Frank and Father Mark stayed back at the farm and volunteered to start getting things ready for canning as well as start on the baking. Lee was helping them as well once he had finished other stuff he was doing. It was going to be a all hands on deck to get things done in the kitchen that week. Gran and Trish and more then doubled the amount of tomatoes that they were picking up as well as the stuff for salsa.

Trish had already said her goodbyes to her husband and he understood that she needed to go with Gran. Chief had watched the girls ride that morning before kissing them bye and taking off to drive back to the city. Lee had watched the girls jump and also met with the farrier since others were busy. The plan had been for the farrier to come right away in the morning and the guys would ride later in the day. James had decided that all the jumpers needed to be checked and there were two thoroughbreds that needed attention as well. Everyone knew that the guys had good bonds with the horses, that was not the worry and they ended up riding other jumpers so they got some exercise. Marco thought it was a good idea to have they guys learned to ride other horses, it would help them in the future. It ended up being a fun game going over the poles in the arena. They actually drew quite the crowd of spectators.

Gran and Trish ended up getting everything they needed, but it required two trips to town and back. Frank and Father Mark were able to get some cookies made before lunch and start on the salsa after lunch while Gran and Trish went to get the groceries. Lee had even jumped in to help them after lunch since he didn't have anything pressing to do. There was some wrap-up stuff that he needed to do for the show, but that could be done the next day when Abigail was there to help. Frank and Father Mark got a lot done and agreed that they would do what they could to help Gran in the kitchen that week because they both knew that canning was a big job, especially with Gran making two different kinds of salsa, tomato sauce that could be used with pasta or other baking as well as pizza sauce.

The other reason they wanted to help was because Gran and Trish were making twice what Gran normally made. Father Mark had also heard talk of getting more strawberries and making more jam. He also knew that Gran would be doing apples as well and they were starting to come into season as well. He explained to Frank and he agreed that if that was where he was needed he would be there. Father Mark knew that most apples didn't come into season until late August, but there were a few that came in mid to early August. The biggest thing was that Gran was planning on getting other things as well to can. So they knew that it was going to be quite the job even as the others went back to the city the end of August. He decided that he would be there to help his grandmother as much as he could that fall, even if he went back to work.

Overall it was a good day and people got a lot of things done. John, Jack and Elizabeth got the new phones with new numbers, a marriage license and did some other business in town as well. They were mostly able to avoid the press and for John it was successful. It was decided that Jack and Elizabeth would get completely new phones and numbers. They would keep the old phones and let them be active for the rest of the month, but they didn't have to answer them once they had let the people that they wanted know their new numbers. John knew that he could have just changed their numbers, but at the same time he wanted new phones in case Thomas or Charlotte tried to come back and say that they phones that Jack and Elizabeth had were theirs because they were on their account. The reality was that John paid for them all, so he could make an argument otherwise, but didn't feel that it was worth it. Jack understood as well and while he liked the phone he had because of the increased encryption, he knew it wouldn't be long and he could have it added to both his and Elizabeth's phone. It was only going to be just over a month and they would be back in the city. Chief had already said he would deal with the new phones when they come back.

Gran and Trish got all the shopping done and everything picked up that they could for canning. Trish would have to make a trip to pick up a few more cases of tomatoes the next day, but that was planned. Frank and Father Mark got three kinds of cookies made and by the time they called it a night, they had two batches of both salsas done and the rest of the ingredients prepped for the next day so they could all get an early start. The two men had fun visiting and working in the kitchen. They knew that they were be friend, even after Jack and them headed back to the city. They realized that they were both what the other needed in a friendship. It worked out great that they met because of Jack.

The one thing that John wasn't able to deal with was Emily. He was still waiting on some additional information from California before he decided what he was going to do. He was not happy and would have been fine letting the legal system deal with her, but for James and Margaret's sake, he was going to try and find a solution that didn't involved sending her to jail. At least if she was willing to cooperate. If she refused to meet them at least part way, there was little that John would be able to do. Not only was it stealing the card and using, but the release of information and the harassment of Nathan. The last of them being the most serious.

Monday night was busy, yet quiet at the house. Nathan, Frank and Father Mark ended up going and being with Nathan's friends from Pennsylvania for awhile and had supper with them. Nathan had even gotten to go for a ride with his friends and while Frank didn't feel comfortable riding just yet, he thanked them for the invitation and promised next time. While some of the members took Nathan for a ride, Father Mark and Frank stayed back at the campground and helped the others get things ready so they could take off in the morning. They had fun with the kids and those that had stayed back appreciated the two extra sets of hands.

When Nathan and the others returned, all said their goodbyes and promised to try and get together that fall at some point. They all understood that Nathan had a big job and was also going to be going to school but they felt that there was plenty of opportunities for them to get together. They did promise to book the RV spots again and would be looking forward to the show the next summer. Greg also reminded Nathan and Frank that there would probably be more next year now that they knew what to expect. Greg also extended an invitation to Frank to come down and ride with them anytime after he got his bike and was feeling comfortable riding with his eye. They made sure they all had each other's numbers and said one last goodbye before Nathan, Frank and Father Mark headed back to the ranch.

While Nathan, Frank and Father Mark were over with the group from Pennsylvania, the rest of the people at the house had a nice evening as well. Gran and Trish had gotten more baking done and the kids had put supper together. It mostly consisted of leftovers from the weekend, but Trish had also whipped up some fresh biscuits. They had a nice relaxing supper. They talked about the plans for the weekend and what they wanted to do and what was going to happen. It was decided that John was staying and he would send Andrew back to Albany the next day to grab some things and then he would stay until after the races on Sunday and then head home. John wasn't sure if he would be able to go to the show in Schenectady the following weekend, but he promised he was going to try. It was a Friday and Saturday show and all of their five would jump on Saturday.

Jack had been glad that Father Mark and Frank were getting along. He knew that both men needed someone like the other. He was also glad that Nathan had taken to Father Mark and was willing to let him help with whatever he was going through. Jack has hoped and prayed that the two other new members of the group would be as accepting of Father Mark as Doug and Lee had been. He was also glad that Father Mark felt comfortable enough to treat Nathan and Frank like he treated Jack, Doug and Nathan. Frank might have been a bit older, but he was still just as much a kid at times as the others. Jack was lost in his thoughts and didn't hear his grandmother speaking to him, so Elizabeth elbowed him a little harder then she had intended.

"Hey." Jack said.

"Sorry." Elizabeth said. "But Gran was talking to you and you were zoned out."

Jack ducked his head.

"Sorry." He said. "Was just thinking about something and got lost for a moment."

"It is okay." Gran said. "I just asked if you are going to play tonight or turn in early."

"If it is okay with everyone." Jack said. "I would like to turn in early. It has been a long few days and even though we don't have a show this weekend, we do have a busy week."

"That is fine." Gran said. "I understand. I am also grateful for all the help that you guys have given me today and in the last few weeks. So thank you. I know that this not how anyone thought the summer would go, but I am glad that you are all here."

"Yes, thank you all for the work you have done this summer." James said. "From everything that I heard, the show was a wonderful success. I also wanted to let you know that we got five requests for jumping slots. They are all modified and preliminary, but we can work with that. Two don't have their own horses, but I think we can work with that. I was going to talk to you, JP, and Doug about potentially seeing if Honey and Aphrodite would be able to be used."

"Don't forget that there is Rascal and Bella." Jack said. "I would prefer if you kept Rocky and Rainbow to modified or below, preferably below. They are good horses for younger kids to learn on. That said, I have no problem with someone using Honey if they click."

"I am okay with someone riding Aphrodite." Doug said.

"Thank you both." James said. "That will help. I know that you moved five jumpers and that included Rascal and Bella. But two of those I have said are for beginner and beginner only. The fifth is a bit temperamental and I don't want to put just anyone on Barkley."

"We can work with him if you want." Jack said. "I thought he was a good horse when we bought him."

"He is a good horse." James said. "But he is one that doesn't like everyone."

"Oh." Jack said.

"Some horses are just like that." John said.

Jack nodded. He knew that he was going to have to look at additional jumpers, but he had a bit of time.

"Okay." Jack said. "Just so you both know. I am still looked at a couple more potential jumpers. It would be early spring before they would be here, but I would like to get them."

"Which two are those?" John asked.

"The two from Spain." Jack said. "Remember I said I was interested in a couple of yearlings that were being trained over there. They come from sire and dam that had offspring jump for the Spanish national team."

"I remember." John said. "I thought he wasn't all that interested in selling."

"Maybe, maybe not." Jack said. "He was hoping to have them be part of the Spanish national team, but I offered a trade. I have a lead on a Hanoverian out of Germany and I know that this guy wants to get his hands on that young stud. The guy in Germany is willing to sell me the two year old Hanoverian stud prospect for one of our young fillies. I figured if I could make the deal and get the Hanoverian, then I could tempt the guy in Spain into making a deal."

Doug, Lee and Elizabeth all sat there and shook their heads.

"Okay." John said. "I will trust you. Make sure the contracts are clear and airtight."

"Always." Jack said with a smile.

"You already have Devin and Connor working on thing." John said, shaking his head.

Jack just shrugged his shoulders.

"Alright." Gran said. "You guys can talk business later. If there is nothing else we all need to talk about, everyone is free once the table is cleared."

"Yes, Gran." Jack said.

The young people got up and cleared the table, putting the bits of food away that were left. They then worked on the dishes while James, John, Gran and Trish were all at the table working on various things. There was paperwork that they all had and it was a good evening to get some of it done as it was relatively quiet. When they were done cleaning up from supper they all headed downstairs to relax. As much as Elizabeth wanted to do a lesson in the marriage prep book, she understood that Jack needed a night to just relax, so she sat with the boys as they found some game to watch and the twins played on their Ipads.

… … … …

When Nathan, Frank and Father Mark returned from being with the group over at the RV park, they found Gran and Trish in the kitchen and James and John working at the table. They spoke to the adults for a minute and let them know that they had a great time and thanked them for letting the trio go.

"Thank you again." Nathan said. "We had a lot of fun."

"You are more then welcome." John said. "But I don't want you to think that you need my permission to leave the ranch. You are free to hang out with your friends, as long as someone knows where you are and stay in contact."

"Still thank you." Nathan said.

"Yes, you are welcome." James said. "But I agree with John that you don't need our permission."

Nathan nodded.

"I am glad you had fun." John said. "I am not going to ask what happened the other night, as I promised that I wouldn't, but I am glad to see the smile back on your face. All I am going to say is that if there is something that I can do to help you, please let me know."

"I will." Nathan said. "But you have already done plenty. I don't want to talk about what happened, but I promise I am dealing with things and I have agreed to talk to a professional. Father Mark has been wonderful. If there comes a time that I need to step back, I will let you know."

"That is fair." John said. "But I continue to pray for everything then."

"Thank you." Nathan said.

"Everyone else downstairs?" Frank asked.

"Yes." James said. "I think they are watching a game or something."

"I think it might be the homerun derby." Father Mark said.

"Oh." James said. "I knew it was something sports."

"We are going to head down than." Frank said.

"Goodnight." John said.

"Goodnight." James said.

"Goodnight." Frank said.

"Goodnight." Father Mark and Nathan echoed.

Frank, Father Mark and Nathan headed downstairs to see what the others were doing. They found the group watching the end of the homerun derby.

"Hey." Doug said. "Join us. This is almost over."

"Okay." Frank said.

They group sat down and watched the end of the homerun derby before they turned the tv down and looked at one another.

"I think we should pray and then head to bed." Jack said. "I am tired and I think we all could use some sleep."

"I agree we can use some sleep." Frank said.

The group moved to sit in a circle so they could pray.

"Heavenly Father." Frank prayed. "We thank you for keeping everyone safe today. We ask that You continue to have Your protection around us as we go about this week. Thank you for the new friends that we have been introduced to this past weekend. While we may separated by distance, may we continue to grow our friendships. Please keep those traveling back safe. In Your name we pray these things."

After a few minutes, it was Elizabeth who was the one that spoke up to everyone's surprise.

"Lord God." Elizabeth prayed, tentatively. "Thank you for the friends that You have given me. Thank you for bringing Jack into my life. Keep us safe and help us to prepare for our wedding in just over a month. Help us to be honorable and to respect the boundaries we have set. Please be with our families and show them what You have brought together."

When Elizabeth stopped speaking, you could hear her tears, but no one was going to say anything. After a collective deep breath, no one spoke up so Father Mark closed out the prayers.

"Heavenly Father." Father Mark prayed. "Thank you for this wonderful day that You gave us. Thank you for the new friends that we made this weekend. Thank you for keeping everyone safe this past weekend as they jumped, even among those that fell there were no serious injures so we thank you. Please be with us this week as we deal with the increased media attention. Please give John, Devin and Grandpa the wisdom that they need to deal with the things that have happened. Surround us with Your angels and keep us safe if we have to leave the ranch.

I also pray that you heal our hearts. We have all been through a lot and there are things we all need to heal from. You know what each of us has been though and what we need, so please help us. I especially ask that you be with Nathan and I this week as Nathan deals with memories from his past. Please give him a peace and understanding. Help him to see that he a wonderful young man despite what may have happened to him in the past. Please be with the rest of the group as they try to help Nathan. Even if they don't know what exactly happened. Help them to be understanding and sensitive to what others need.

I also ask that you be with John and Grandpa this week as they try to figure out what to do with my sister. We know that you have a better plan for her. Help her to see that the path she is on is not the path you have meant for her. Soften her heart and help her to see the damage that she has done. Help those around her to be there for her and show her what she needs to do. Now we pray as you taught us Our Father … … Hail Mary …."

Once they were done praying, the group sat back. Elizabeth wiped the tears from her eyes and sat back, but refused to look at anyone. Jack squeezed her hand and she just squeezed back.

"I know that we don't have a show this weekend." Jack said. "But if this morning is any indication of what the press is going to be like, I don't know if I want to go to the races this weekend. As much as I love being there, I don't think it will be good. I honestly think being there will be a bigger distraction and that is not what anyone needs."

"We can see how things go." Frank said. "But I would like to check out the races one day."

"We can arrange that." Jack said. "I just don't know if it is going to be the best thing for me right now. Even with the extra measures that Grandpa John put in place, the press was every where in town. The only good thing is that Elizabeth and I have our marriage license and new phone with new numbers. If I had it my way, I wouldn't leave the ranch again until the wedding, but I know that is not realistic. I have committed to jumping in the shows and I will do that. What I am saying is that if you feel you don't want to deal with the press, I understand. I know that it is a lot for anyone. If you want to leave, I will understand."

"We have your back." Frank said.

"I agree." Nathan said. "As much as I don't like the media attention, I said I would have your back and I am a man of my word."

"Thank you for offering." Father Mark said. "But you are stuck with us."

Jack stuck his tongue out at Father Mark, who just shook his head at Jack.

"If our kids do that." Elizabeth said. "I will know where is came from."

Doug, Frank and Nathan laughed.

Author's Note: Here are the recipes for the canning if you want

Homemade salsa for canning

Ingredients

9 cups peeled and chopped tomatoes

2 1/2 cups chopped green bell peppers

2 1/2 cups chopped white onion

4 medium jalapeños, chopped

8 large cloves garlic, chopped

6 teaspoon canning salt

1 cup white vinegar

1 (12-ounce) can tomato paste

Instructions

Remove the skins from the tomatoes. To do this, make an "X" in the bottom of the tomatoes, then place in boiling water for 60 seconds. Then, remove the tomatoes from the water and place directly into a bowl if iced water to shock. The skins should slip right off. Make the salsa. Place all of the ingredients in a large pot (you will need a 10qt. saucepan for this batch, or split the ingredients among 2 saucepans) and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until thickened and cooked. Prepare cans to be sealed. Ladle the cooked salsa into clean, sterile jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe rims of jars with a damp, clean, paper towel, then place lids on top. To make filling easy, I highly recommend a wide funnel designed for canning jars. Process using a water bath. To do this, bring a large saucepan filled with water to a boil. Your saucepan needs to be tall enough to have the water cover the jars by 2 inches- though the jars will displace some of the water as they are added. Add the jars to the water bath and cover with a lid. Process for 30 minutes, then remove. I use these tongs to make things easy. Let the jars sit for 24 hours. The salsa will remain good in the jar for up to 18 months… if you can keep yourself from eating it all before then!

Mild Chunky Salsa

INGREDIENTS

20-25 Roma tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and loosely chopped

3-4 large sweet onions, chopped

3-4 large green peppers, chopped

2 poblano peppers, chopped

3 jalapeño peppers, chopped

4-5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2-3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 cup white vinegar

2 tablespoons salt

1.5 teaspoons citric acid

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients except citric acid in large stock pot. Heat to boiling, then reduce to simmer for 20-30 minutes. Sterilize 6 quart jars or 12 pint jars. Sterilize lids. Put 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid into each jar for quarts, or 1/8 teaspoon for pints. Fill jars with salsa, leaving 1 inch headspace. De-bubble jars and wipe rims with damp paper towel. Place jars into canner and fill with enough water to cover jars completely. Heat water to full boil and then set timer for 20 minutes for quarts, or 15 minutes for pints. This is the processing step. After processing is finished, turn off heat and carefully remove jars from canner. Set on counter and leave undisturbed for 12-24 hours. The lid on each jar should "pop", which means the seal is good and canning was successful. If any jars don't pop, the seal isn't good and jar will not be shelf stable. Put any unsealed jars in fridge and use within 2 weeks. Remove metal rings and store sealed jars in a cool place away from direct light. Use within 1 year. Refrigerate and use within 2 weeks after opening.

Homemade Salsa

Ingredients

9 cups peeled and chopped tomatoes (they must be peeled first)

2 1/2 cups chopped green bell peppers

2 1/2 cups chopped white onion

4 medium jalapeños, chopped

8 large cloves garlic, chopped

6 teaspoons canning salt

1 cup white vinegar

1 (12-ounce) can tomato paste

Instructions

Canned All-Purpose Tomato Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

45 pounds of tomatoes

6 cups chopped onions (I use a food processor for this)

12 cloves of garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons brown sugar (more to taste)

¼ cup coarse sea salt (more to taste)

Bottled lemon juice (2 tablespoons per quart jar)

A water bath canner

Instructions:

Wash the tomatoes and remove the ends and any damaged spots. Quarter them and deseed them by running your fingers down the middle and scraping out the bulk of the seeds and juice. Puree the tomatoes in a food processor or blender. Sauté the onions and garlic in the olive oil in a large pot. Add the tomatoes, pepper, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer and allow to reduce by about one-half. If you are using very juicy tomatoes, this can take 3-5 hours. The most important part of homemade tomato sauce is the tasting! Tomatoes greatly differ from variety to variety, so you must taste as you go. In order to keep the ratios of high acid to low acid foods at a safe level in this recipe, you cannot increase the amount of onions or garlic you use, but you CAN increase the herbs, sugar, or salt. Once the sauce has reduced by half and the flavor is where you want it to be, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to each pint jar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to each quart jar. Ladle the sauce into the jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Process pints for 35 minutes and quarts for 40 minutes in a hot water bath canner. (Keep in mind that you may have to adjust your processing time according to your altitude.) REMEMBER: Don't start timing until the water has returned to a boil with the filled jars inside. Store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place. I use this all-purpose sauce in all sorts of recipes- add basil and oregano to give it an Italian twist, or add chili powder and cumin for Mexican food.

Home Canned Pizza Sauce

Ingredients

22 pounds tomatoes fresh or whole frozen

3 cups chopped onions

6 cloves garlic minced

1/4 cups olive oil

2 tablespoons dried basil

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1/2-1 tablespoon black pepper, or to taste if you're not as much a pepper fan as we are

1 tablespoon sugar or honey or to taste

2 tablespoons salt

1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste – use less if you're unsure

Bottled lemon juice or citric acid: 1 tablespoon lemon juice OR 1/4 teaspoon citric acid for EACH pint and 12-oz jars; 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice OR 1/8 teaspoon citric acid for EACH half-pint jars I usually use citric acid, as it doesn't add more liquid to our sauce

Instructions

To prepare tomato puree from frozen tomatoes:

(Assuming they were cleaned and cored before freezing) leave to thaw 24 hours; drain accumulated juices and put through a strainer to remove seeds and peels.

To prepare tomato puree from fresh tomatoes:

Wash, core and halve tomatoes; heat to boiling (I use a 12-quart stockpot and a 6-quart soup pot for 22 pounds); put through a strainer to remove seeds and peels.

Make the pizza sauce:

In a 12-quart or larger stockpot cook onions and garlic in the olive oil over medium heat until the onion softens, 5-10 minutes. Add tomato puree and all the seasonings (basil through pepper flakes), bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook for about 30 minutes, uncovered. Process with an immersion blender to make a smoother sauce (or carefully blend in batches).

Bring back to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until sauce reaches desired consistency (reduced by 1/4 to 1/3), usually an hour or two, depending on if you started with fresh or frozen tomatoes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking (if you have a thin-bottomed stock-pot, stir more often to prevent scorching).

To can:

Add the lemon juice or citric acid to each clean, warm jar, fill jar with sauce leaving 1/2-inch headspace and attach lids and rings until fingertip-tight. Place in canner rack and repeat with remaining jars to fill canner (keep sauce and jars warm, as you will need to do a couple canner loads when using half-pints).

Process both pints and half-pints for 35 minutes in a boiling-water canner (find more details in our Canning 101 steps found in the recipe index).

Remove to a towel-lined surface and let sit undisturbed for 24 hours before checking seals, labeling and storing in a cool, dark place.

Notes

Storage: Jars will keep safely for up to one and a half years.