Episode 12 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

January 1999

This series of posts on each Friday, henceforth, moving forward during 2015 will continue the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace,” which ended as 1997 began. Earlier, we have seen the community move from January 1997 through December 1998. We now move into January of 1999, in novel format…

Episode 12 - Beverly, from Chapter 6

Beverly knew that when she checked in at the front desk, especially with Jaxine Hagen working there, and specifically mentioned that she was staying ‘permanently’ the word would get around to her family and friends quicker than any other way. She was already well aware of Jaxine’s reputation. As long as Jaxine was honest, and consistent about it, and she seemed to be, Beverly didn’t really mind. She had a couple of ‘friends’ in Jackson who she had used, regularly, over the years, in the same way. It would continue to come in handy, she was sure.

For now, Beverly busied herself getting her personal things in place as she wanted them. She would order a pizza or something brought in later, for her evening meal. The top priority, at the moment, was resting and getting comfortable, before she started the rest of her life, tomorrow.

One really important thing Beverly realized that she had learned during her years with Winnie was the importance of planning ahead and writing things down that could be ‘checked off’ as completed. She had always ‘lived in the moment’ earlier in her life. She had come to realize this was what often got her in trouble, in the eyes of her family and friends. She had previously always been totally spontaneous. Living with Winnie, that had simply not been possible. His life was lived on a schedule. To fit in, and she so sincerely wanted to do that, she had to learn from him to curb those impulses. He had exercised great patience with her, she later realized, and she was forever grateful. They had become a fine couple, in his life. Now, he was gone. She had vowed to herself not to lose what she had learned from him during those important years in her life.

With her pizza finished, Beverly set about writing down her plans for the coming days. She had some notes she had made, but she strongly felt this evening was the time to formally plan her upcoming days, in this new environment. This would be her first draft, to be refined, later, as she went along. Looking at notes, she began...

1.  Call Heather this evening, to let her know I’m here, and will see her soon. See what her schedule is and plan accordingly.

2.  Arrange to see Faith, Scott and Rachel. Spend some quality time with Faith when it works best for Rachel and Scott.

3.  Spend some time with Brady, to assure him I’m not going to be a micro-managing owner, whether I live here or elsewhere.

4.  Sent up an appointment at the law office to consider the name change.

5.  Find a time to visit with Karen, Bart and Peter. Make it casual, no hurry, when they are ready - or better, if possible, some or all getting together naturally.

6.  Call Paul, and arrange to talk to him, in private.

7.  Stop by the City Library, to see how I can help out. Should be a great place to begin to volunteer, to find my place in this “new town” - even if it is my ‘hometown.’

8.  Dress smartly to the standards of the community leaders. Do now flaunt wealth or status. Fit in. Take opportunities to meet the people now in charge, and learn how to fit in. Perhaps starting at the Law Office, along with the Library, and here at the Motel.

9.  Visit Big Thunder Lodge, to keep current on ‘my investment’ there.

10.  Visit the local newspaper office. Pick up some recent back issues, there, and, look at older issues at the Library.

About eight o’clock, Beverly realized she should call both Heather and Scott and arrange to see them the following day, if possible. Heather said it would be best to come out to the Stable, after 4, as she had done before on visits. Scott and Rachel invited her to come over for supper, and to invite Heather to join them.

[To be continued - next Friday]

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."

Dr. Bill  ;-)