December 1997 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

December 1997

This series of posts on each Friday during 2015 continues 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. Here is a peek at ‘Life in Oak Springs,’ and the surrounding valley, in December of 1997.

Town Merchants again ran weekend specials both weekends before Christmas for the benefit of the entire community. Local citizens have become accustomed to and appreciate the efforts made by the local merchants to meet their holiday needs.

The Town Council awarded the Cable Contract for the community to Ozarks Communications, Inc. (OCI). President of OCI, Matt Winslow, said that his company is dedicated to getting service to all interested residential and commercial customers as soon as possible. The OCI Internet infrastructure is already in place and will also carry the cable signals. Specific information will be provided to customers as each segment of the community is made cable ready. Orders can be placed online, by telephone, or by stopping by the OCI office, he added.

The Oak Springs Historical and Genealogical Society at their monthly meeting announced that new officers would be elected at the January meeting. Several new committee chairs would also be sought, so members were urged to think about which positions they would be willing to fill for the coming year.

Locals:

The annual Bevins Trust Christmas Dinner for employee families was held on Friday afternoon, December 12. Eligible employees and their families were fed and entertained in assigned shifts again this year at the Heritage Room of the Homeplace Country Inn, so that all work assignments could also be covered. Santa Clause appeared at each shift with gifts for the children aged 12 and under. This is an annual event for the Bevins Trust affiliated companies that reached across the community in its impact. All participants welcomed this event as a fine company benefit.

The United Methodist Church Choir presented Handel’s Messiah on Sunday evening at the church with standing room only for this fine seasonal concert.

Social Notes:

Christmas eve candlelight services at the United Methodist Church were each well attended this year, as has been the custom. By holding services at 8, 10, and midnight, each individual and family can attend a service that meets their needs and fits with their family traditions.

Family Christmas dinners were hosted by, among many others: Matt and Susan Winslow, Harry and Sarah Flanders, Peter and Shiela Gates, Travis and Laura Inman, Bart and Linda Bevins, and Don and Linda Kirk.

Cop Shop:

A total of only five DUI charges were made following several Christmas parties at the Oak Springs Country Club this December, down from nine the year before.

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




Dr. Bill  ;-)

Still time to order for Christmas

Still time to order for Christmas

http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Homeplace-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B00G2QC64O/

[Available in both print and ebook formats]

Will they all be home for Christmas? For the first time since their father (Jason) died, Karen (Bevins) Winslow is expecting all her children in Oak Springs for Christmas 1996. This Christmas of homecomings offers some surprises as "The Homeplace Saga" continues. Will Staff Sergeant Travis Inman arrive home from Bosnia in time to see his baby daughter for the first time at Christmas? Will a life-long friend of the Winslow family move to Oak Springs permanently? Does Peter have a son? The boy's mother insists he does. How would this change the inter-generational dynamics in the family businesses in the Oak Creek valley of the southern Missouri Ozarks? Learn more by reading this latest addition to this continuing family saga.

Also, follow local veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Bevins and her young lawyer friend, Brian Kirk, as they temporarily lay aside their personal family history and genealogy research to work with City Librarian Judy Watson and others to form and create an Oak Springs Historical and Genealogical Society. Their hope is that by reaching out to the community they can locate additional local historical records on their families back to the first settlements in 1833 when Jennifer's McDonald ancestors were among those first arrivals in the valley. Learn what else occurs, before Christmas, as Jennifer and Brian devote their full attention to this new set of activities.

"My each of us have homeplace, if only in our hearts!"

Dr. Bill ;-)

Hometown Monday - Three "N"s but No "O"s

Hometown Monday - Three "N"s but No "O"s

We are continuing this series of posts of excerpts from the novels, novellas, and short stories of "The Homeplace Saga" family story-telling, with a new twist. We have adopted a format from the: "Blogging From A to Z Challenge." Each week we will share a published except related to a person whose name begins with that letter. 

This series of posts is to provide an insight into the story lines that may not be clear from other promotional pieces about "The Homeplace Saga." These will also be coordinated with the content of the developmental Wiki, "Beyond the Books" - to expand the information available there, as well. [Links in the text, below, provide more information on that person or entity]

Today we look at names beginning with the letter N.

For N, we have (with two excerpts, Nicole in both, below):

Neil Harms - intergenerational consultant

Nicole Evans - grand-daughter of Doc Evans in 1996 - worked at Big Thunder Lodge - married Christopher Ogden in Oct 1996

Norma (Hartman) Kirk - deceased - wife of Don, mother of Brian

[Click on image to go to Amazon.com]

Our excerpts today are from the novel, "Christmas at the Homeplace," recently released, now available at Amazon.com… for Christmas purchases:

This excerpt is from "Christmas at the Homeplace" is from Chapter 14, Sunday, November 24, 1996:

Nicole returned home from her 2-10 p.m. shift on Sunday night just as Christopher was finished watching the evening news on television. Christopher noticed immediately that she had a big smile on her face and was nearly bursting to share her good news.

“Just one more week of this strange shift I have been on. Starting Wednesday, December 4, I will be on a normal 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. How do you like that?”

Christopher gave her a big, long hug, and asked: “How did this happen? You hadn’t mentioned it at all.”

“No, I really didn’t know. I think you know they have been going through some reorganization, and even personnel changes, up at Big Thunder.” Nicole looked to Christopher for confirmation.

“Yes, Paul has mentioned that recently, from his talks with Julie Barnes.”

“Well, unknown to me, they had been looking at my background, having worked in all aspects of hospitality between here and my time in Springfield since college, but still young. They asked me if I would work on a new team with a techie person and an administrative person to develop a new Internet presence and strategy for the Lodge. I liked the idea, and I love the opportunity to be on a normal work week and normal work shift.” Nicole was still almost breathless, just talking about the change and the opportunity.

“Well, needless to say, I’m very happy about it, as well,” Christopher said. “Do you have any idea how long this project team will continue?”

“I really didn’t ask. It sounded like an initial task that might take several months. That was good enough for me. And, it is the kind of special assignment that would normally lead to a pretty good placement on the other end, if the task is completed successfully.”

“Yes,” Christopher agreed. “I can certainly see that possibility. I should be a really interesting project.”

They continued to talk about the new possibilities.  

This excerpt is from "Christmas at the Homeplace" is from Chapter 24, Sunday, December 22, 1996:

As Bart and Diane left the United Methodist Church service on Sunday, they came across Christopher and Nicole with Linda Ogden. After a few minutes of conversation, Diane said to Linda, “We didn’t know what you were doing for Christmas day or Christmas Eve, but we’d really like to have you join us at our place if you don’t have specific other plans.”

Linda smiled, and replied, “Thank you, Diane. You are very kind. We were just talking about that, actually. Melanie, Richard and Kim are staying home for Christmas this year but will be coming down for New Year’s Day.” Looking to Christopher and Nicole, she continued, “It might be nice to spend Christmas day with all of you.” 

“Yes, Mom, I think that would be a good thing to do. Jennifer, Brian and Don will be there, too. We had a good time at the Thanksgiving dinner, it would be nice to be together again out at Bart and Diane’s place for Christmas.”

“We’ll plan on it then, Diane. Thank you each for asking me.” Linda smiled at Bart and Diane, then at Christopher and Nicole. “Its pretty cold out here today. We should get in the car.”

“Good idea, Mom.” Christopher offered, and they moved in that direction. 

Bart and Diane watched them get into the Lincoln, with Christopher driving and his mother in the back seat, Nicole beside him. Bart said, “She is holding up pretty good, but she looks a good ten years older the last couple of months.”

Diane nodded, “I can see that as well. It is really important for her to keep getting out and getting on with her life; as hard as that must be at a time like this.”

“I’m really pleased that she accepted our invitation. I was afraid she would decline and just stay home,” Bart added.

“Yes,” Diane agreed, “This was a big step in the right direction for her. She is still young. After all, she is the same age as we are. She needs to be doing things to quietly remind her of that.” 

They left the conversation at that, with each of them carrying out their own set of memories that those words had invoked in them.

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill  ;-)

"Christmas at the Homeplace" - Book Blog Tour Upcoming

"Christmas at the Homeplace"
Book Blog Tour Upcoming

[Click image to go directly to Amazon.com]

See what people are saying about this new Christmas book, based on our family history research and life experiences. It is historical fiction in "The Homeplace Saga" series, but you very well may recognized some folks from your own family and the world around you as you get involved with these family activities.

Here is the tentative schedule for the upcoming tour, running from November 15-25:

Thursday, Nov 14 - Tour Schedule at The Homeplace Saga blog

Friday, Nov 15 - Tour Schedule at Dr. Bill's Book Bazaar blog

Monday, Nov 18 - Interview with Jessica at Literaryetc.com 

Tuesday, Nov 19  - Guest Post with Lisa DuVal at I Feel So Unnecessary

Wednesday, Nov 20 - Review with Lisa DuVal at I Feel So Unnecessary

Thursday, Nov 21 - Guest Post with Kayla Emerson at Green Mountain Couple

Friday, Nov 22 - Review with Julie Goucher at Anglers Rest

Saturday, Nov 23 - Review with Mindy Wall at Books, Books, and More Books

Sunday, Nov 24 - Guest Post with Brandee Price at Bookworm Brandee

Monday, Nov 25 - Tour Wrap-Up at Dr. Bill's Book Bazaar blog

Hope you join us on the tour, each day!

Hometown Monday - A is for Amy

Hometown Monday - A is for Amy

We are continuing this of series of posts of excerpts from the novels, novellas, and short stories of "The Homeplace Series" Family Saga story-telling, with a new twist. We have adopted a format from the: "Blogging From A to Z Challenge." Each week we will share a published except related to a person whose name begins with that letter. Today, we begin with A is for Amy Hollingsworth.

This series of posts is to provide an insight into the story lines that may not be clear from other promotional pieces about "The Homeplace Series." These will also be coordinated with the content of the developmental Wiki, "Beyond the Books" - to expand the information available there, as well. [Links in the text, below, provide more information on that person or entity]

Amy Hollingsworth will continue her role into the forthcoming "Christmas at the Homeplace," as well.

An excerpt from "The Homeplace Revisited" from Friday, August 16, 1996:

As Christopher entered the foyer, a young lady he did not recognize greeted him. She had a great smile and exuded enthusiasm, “Welcome to the Homeplace Country Inn. I’m Amy. How can I help you?” She extended her hand in greeting, and Christopher was taken aback, momentarily. 

Through his years in college and since being back in Oak Springs, Christopher had been totally dedicated to his studies and getting his law career underway. Nearly every contact with a female near his own age had been approached in only a professional, not a romantic, way. In those rare instances where a romantic feeling might have been felt, it was quickly snuffed out because the young lady did not live up to his expectations, based on his plutonic high school romance with Jennifer, who had turned out to be his half-sister – but still remained his best friend. But now, surprisingly, this unexpected encounter raised feelings in his body he had not experienced in a very long time.

Returning the handshake, Christopher responded, “I’m Christopher Ogden. I believe Karen is expecting me.” Christopher realized he was still holding her hand, and he was nearly transfixed by her bright green eyes. “Nice to meet you, Amy.”   

“I didn’t realize you two had not met.” Karen had joined them as they spoke. “Amy is my new assistant manager. I’m so pleased to have her as a part of our team. She’s Virginia’s granddaughter, of course, Amy Hollingsworth.” 

Virginia Hollingsworth was the closest neighbor to the Homeplace and had been a life-long friend of Karen’s mother, Mildred. Virginia also served as a Trustee of the Bevins Trust.

“Oh, I did know Virginia’s granddaughter was visiting. I guess I was thinking of a youngster. Not too clever of me, I see.” Christopher tried not to stammer, but wasn’t accomplishing that very well. He looked back at Amy, about five feet, six inches tall, with her short blonde hair, “I know you will enjoy working here. The place has a lot of potential… we are all so pleased to have it here in Oak Springs.”

“Thank you. I’ll leave the two of you to your meeting, Karen.” Looking directly at Christopher, Amy smiled and said, “We’ll talk more, later, Christopher.” She turned and left the room. 

“Very professional… and attractive,” Christopher said to Karen, after Amy had left. He could tell he was still blushing, but he plunged ahead. “Really seems to fit in well here. Nice.” Instinctively, his head turned in the direction Amy had taken, perhaps hoping that he could still see her, but she was gone. He hoped Karen hadn’t noticed.

“For sure,” Karen replied, smiling. “I feel very lucky that she arrived when she did. I was about ready to hire someone, and when I met her over at Virginia’s, I was thrilled that she had such a great background and was looking for work. I think it was meant to be!”

“I’m sure you are right. I look forward to getting to know her better, especially if she is going to be around for awhile.”

“A long while, I hope, if she works out like I think she will.”

******

[This excerpt between these two was shared last week as Christopher met with Karen]

******

*       *       *

Shortly after Christopher departed, Karen and Amy talked about his visit. Karen said, with a broad smile, “Amy, I think you made quite an impression on Christopher.” 

“Well, he made quite an impression on me, as well. I rarely get that ‘flirty’ feeling when first meeting someone, but I’ll have to admit, I did with him. I just couldn’t help myself.” Amy blushed just a bit. “I look forward to spending some time with him, at an appropriate time, of course.”

Karen smiled, “Oh, to be young again. I’m sure the opportunity will present itself. He’ll be around, regularly, and so will you. 

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill  ;-)

Wiki Wednesday - Homeplace Country Inn and Karen (Bevins) Winslow

Wiki Wednesday

Homeplace Country Inn and Karen (Bevins) Winslow

Monday we began our discussion of the Homeplace Country Inn with an excerpt from the 1996 novel, "The Homeplace Revisited."

We learned that by 1996 Karen was managing the Homeplace Country Inn and a little more about how it came about. Use the links to visit the selected pages at the developmental Wiki - where there is more information about all of the characters and businesses who populate The Homeplace Series Family Saga stories.

Karen (Bevins) Winslow is a central figure in the forthcoming (available in October) novel, "Christmas at the Homeplace," as well.

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill  ;-)

Dear Readers - one more time

Dear Readers,

Thank you for your response to my note last week.

As noted, I expect to have a new novel out, "Christmas at the Homeplace," sometime in October. 

I need three more readers to receive an Advanced Reader (PDF) Copy and writing some useful comments for me. I need "outsiders" - you need not have read my other novels. Just send a note to: billsmith2003 at gmail.com. THANKS!

You are much appreciated! ;-)