Heather Found New Feelings in Episode 14 - read today
See the latest Heather Gates stories in Episode 14, here, today:
Showing posts with label Heather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heather. Show all posts
Monday, June 18, 2018
Saturday, June 9, 2018
New Stories in 19th and 20th Centuries
New Stories in 19th and 20th Centuries
Heather Gates, Ep. 13, in 1996: http://hub.me/am2W2
New Bevins Tales series, BT1, in 1882: http://hub.me/am3eA
Enjoy the reads!! ;-)
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Heather Gates Episodes 9 and 10 are now available, free, online…
Heather Gates Episodes 9 and 10 are now available, free, online…
Read Episode 9, here:
Read Episode 10, here:
While you are there, you might want to check out some of the other fine writing at this site.
Enjoy!!
Dr. Bill ;-)
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Episode 2 of the Heather Gates story now online
Episode 2 of the Heather Gates story now online
Episode 2 of the Heather Gates saga is now online... http://hub.me/alSkn
This 2nd Episode also includes the 2nd of 5 Introduction segments that provide useful background information on the other major characters in the ongoing "The Homeplace Saga" stories. These will be useful for readers who may not have read "Back to the Homeplace" or "The Homeplace Revisited." We also, of course, hope this will encourage readers to go back and actually read these first novels in the Saga series of stories in the 20th Century. Further, these stories set up all of the 19th Century stories that have now been added to the Saga.
Enjoy your reads,
Dr. Bill ;-)
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Heather Gates comes alive in a new HubPages series
Heather Gates comes alive in a new HubPages series
A new weekly series of short stories in "The Homeplace Saga" series of family saga, historical fiction stories has begun on HubPages: http://hub.me/alR9r
Heather was a child when our stories began in 1987. Now, in the summer of 1996, she is 15 and about to become a sophomore at Oak Springs High School.
She is a minor character in the novel, "The Homeplace Revisited," the second novel in the series. Read her story for more depth of detail about the homeplace as well as watch her grow in her own right. Comments appreciated.
"We each have a 'homeplace' - if only in our minds!" - Tell me of yours, in the comments!! ;-)
Dr. Bill ;-)
Friday, October 9, 2015
Chapter 3, Episode 5: 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…
Chapter 3 - Jennifer; Episode 5
As she walked into the horse barn, Diane saw
that both Jennifer and Heather were standing by the birthing stall. When they
had expanded this horse barn, they had built in two birthing stalls for use
this time of year. Over the next few months, a number of mares would be giving
birth as part of the ongoing breeding programs at the Stables. Birthing stalls
were double-wide to allow the mare, while in later stages of pregnancy, to have
more maneuvering room, and after the birth of the foal, to have room for each
of them for a time. When not in use for birthing, a temporary wall could be
inserted to make it two stalls.
Heather’s first Palomino mare, Sunshine,
appeared to be within days of giving birth. This would be her third consecutive
pregnancy. Sunshine had been the first bred, last year, as part of Heather’s
FFA Project for her senior year of high school and now that part of the program
was coming to fruition.
Diane asked Heather if she knew that her
mother, Beverly, was in town. Heather replied that she did not know, but that
she was not surprised. She was confident her mother wouldn’t be able to stay
away very long with baby Faith so young and growing so fast. When Diane
mentioned that Beverly had said she planned to stay, permanently, Heather was
surprised.
“She certainly had not mentioned that. Where
did you hear this?”
“Well,” Diane continued, “Karen called Bart,
while we were on break in the house. Lori’s friend, Jaxine, out at the Motel,
had called her saying that Beverly was very specific in stating that, as she
was checking in, she was here to live in Oak Springs, permanently. Jaxine is
very good at ‘spreading the word,’ as you know.” While Jaxine had developed a
bit of a reputation as a ‘gossip,’ she was also well known to be nearly one
hundred percent accurate, because of where she worked and the people in the
community with whom she was close. In fact, some folks had been known to
intentionally tell her something interesting to see how fast the word spread.
Is it ‘gossip’ when it is true?
“It would certainly be wonderful for us kids if
she were to be close by. It has been nice
that she has come for some occasions, but being available, all the time,
would be even nicer.” Heather smiled as she thought about upcoming graduation
activities of her own.
Jennifer pitched in, “I’m very happy for you,
Heather. I know you’d like to talk to your Mom more often. I certainly hope it
works out.” Turning to Diane, she continued, “How do you and Dad feel about it,
Mom?
“Well, Beverly’s recent visits have been mostly
without drama, so we are hopeful. I agree with Heather. I think the arrival of
the grand baby has a lot to do with her apparent decision, as well as Winnie’s
passing. All her real family is here now. Bart is more skeptical, but he
certainly wants it to work out well, for all concerned.” Looking across the
barn, she added, “I need to get back to my own tasks. Talk to you later.”
“Me, too,” added Jennifer, “Keep a close eye on
Sunshine here, Heather. She’ll be a new mama herself, any day now. I’ve got
work waiting for me in the office.”
Jennifer turned and walked out the door, to return to her nearby
office.
[To be continued - next Friday]
"May
everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."
Dr.
Bill ;-)
Friday, June 19, 2015
May 1998 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace
Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace
May 1998
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 May of 1998.
[Palamino Horse - Wikimedia Commons - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Palomino_Horse.jpg]
Heather Gates, in the Junior Class at Oak Springs High School, at
annual awards day, once again earned the Most Outstanding Project in the FFA
(Future Farmers of America) competition. Her project involved her Palomino
breeding program, again, this year, but also added the rest of the breeding
program at the Bevins Stables to her project program. Once again, her instructor
predicted success for Heather at the State level and mentioned that it would
also likely qualify for the National FFA convention, based on his experience
with these things. Heather was quoted as saying; “I’m really just doing my job
with the horses at the Stables. I am very pleased that others feel that I am
doing a good job.”
On May 11 and 12, Monday and Tuesday, the McDonald Conservancy
hosted workshops and tours involving current and prospective directors, invited
expert guests in four natural conservation fields, and selected primary
donors/sponsors totaling 24 persons. The participants interacted with the
experts, took in-field tours of related Conservancy land, and discussed plans
and prospective plans presented by Executive Director Ronny Cox and Board Chair
Peter Bevins. This event was based at the Homeplace Country Inn Heritage Hall
and activities were scheduled to provide time for informal discussions among
the participants. Meals were catered in the Hall to provide maximum time for
interactions. Cox said following the event, “This gathering was one of the most
productive I have had the pleasure to participate in. New ideas were generated,
some prior plan assumptions received confirmation, and many possible future
activities for the Conservancy were considered. The Board and I look forward to
the opportunity to digest all that was discussed in these two short, very
active, days.” Bevins added, “This gathering demonstrates why we hired Ronny
Cox as our Executive Director. We’ve wanted to do something like this. He got
it done, and more successfully than we could ever dreamed of. Very good two
days of discussions. Much focused work ahead of us.”
Locals:
Sullivan End-‘O-the-Road Livestock Auction held a well-advertised
Cattle Auction on Wednesday, May 20. Among the lots were 9 cows and calves,
including two cows with twin calves, and 2 bulls, from the Bevins herd offered
by Bart Bevins and Scott Gates.
The Oak Springs Enterprise on Wednesday, May 13, featured a special
graduation section with a photo and feature article on each of the 2015 Oak
Springs High School graduates.
Social Notes:
Heather Gates was feted for her FFA Project success with a reception
at the Homeplace Country Inn Heritage Inn hosted by her mother, Beverly (Gates)
Threshold, and her husband, Winnie, of Jackson, Mississippi, her father, Paul
Gates, of the east valley, along with her aunt, Karen Winslow, proprietor of
the Country Inn. About 35 guests, family and friends attended the reception,
held on Saturday afternoon, May 23.
Graduation parties were held around the valley for this year’s High
School graduates of Oak Springs High School through the latter part of the
month of May.
Lori Winslow and Trace Watkins were seen dining at the Oak Springs
Country Club, Saturday night, May 30th. Also seen dining there that evening
were Don and Linda Kirk, Christopher and Nicole Ogden, and Brian and Jennifer
Kirk, at a table for six.
Cop Shop:
Six juveniles in two cars were arrested for DUI following the High
School Junior-Senior Prom late Saturday night, May 2. The cars were impounded
and the juveniles were remanded to the custody of their respective parents as
they were located during the overnight hours.
"May
everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."
Dr.
Bill ;-)
Friday, June 5, 2015
March 1998 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace
Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace
March 1998
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 March of 1998.
Following are excerpts from an interview published in the Oak
Springs Enterprise between reporter, Rachel (Nixon) Gates, and Diane Bevins,
General Manager of Bevins Stables and Trail Rides in the east valley. The
subject was their horse-breeding operations and the interview also included horse-breeding
partners, Heather Gates and Dr. Jennifer Bevins.
Diane said: “Yes, we take great pride in the strides we have made in
our horse-breeding program here at the Stables in the last couple of years.
Heather Gates, although still only a junior in High School, has taken the lead
for us and it has been an award winning process, to date. I see much more of
the same in the future. We each get strong technical guidance from our
veterinary partner, Dr. Bevins, of course. We breed both purebred Palominos and
high-quality non-purebreds as well. We have two birthing stalls, and now try to
have two births in January and two in March, if all goes as planned. And things
usually go as planned.
“I should also mention that we highly value our association with a
number of the other members of the Palomino Horse Breeders of America in the
region. We have had many interactions that have been mutually beneficial over a
number of years. We couldn’t have done what we do without those colleagues and
friends.”
Rachel asked: “What mix of purebred to non-purebred to you use in
your breeding?” To which Diane replied: “One or two purebreds a year is our current
goal. We don’t want to expand the lines too quickly. Quality over quantity is
our current strategy. We also desire to slowly grow our trail ride options,
which requires more non-purebred horses. And, we need to sell some horses each
year, in each category, to help finance the whole operation.”
What are your primary responsibilities, Heather? Rachel asked.
Heather replied: “I would say I have two primary responsibilities right now.
First, because I am still in school, getting that done right is a high priority.
The horses are my FFA project, so that meshes nicely. Second, I am responsible
for all the ‘grunt work’ with the breeding process, directing and helped out by
the other stable employees. The care and comfort of the brood mares and their
foal are my responsibility. All the record keeping for the breeding stock and
their offspring are my responsibility.”
Rachel turned to Jennifer,
“And Dr. Bevins, how do you fit in the equation?” To which she replied,
“My responsibilities are general health of the animals and technical advice and
assistance to the horse-breeding process. We use all artificial insemination,
so I’m responsible for having both materials and equipment available, and I
assist and supervise the operations, along with Heather, and others as may be
required. I regularly monitor the reports Heather prepares on the condition of
all the animals, and recommend and treat as needed. It is a real pleasure to be
involved in this first-class operation and process. Our outcomes have been
outstanding.”
Turning back to Diane, Rachel said: “Dr. Bevins may have answered my
final question. Do you consider the horse-breeding operation here at your
Stables to be a success?”
Diane replied: “Very much a success, for all involved. My first
purebred Palomino was Marilyn, way back, many years ago. Sunshine, Heather’s
principle Palomino mare, is an offspring of Marilyn. We have developed other
excellent mares and have been able to sell a number of male and female
offspring for premium prices. On the other side, we have continued to upgrade
our trail horse herd, while selling a regular number of horses both old and
young to help support the stables and the breeding. We also do some breeding
for other horses that we board. For example, Christopher Ogden owns Shadow over
there in the second birthing stall. This is her second foal in the last two
years. We are all very pleased with how our program is succeeding.”
Locals:
The Sullivan End-‘O-the-Road Livestock Auction announced that the
first “Cow-Calf” Auction of the season would be held on Friday, March 27, 1998.
A find selection of locally raised stock was expected at the sale event.
Refreshments would be available from vendors at the Auction House.
Social Notes:
Travis and Inman, and their children, Zach and Kayla, spent Spring
Break week in Branson. They enjoyed Silver Dollar City and many of the other
local attractions.
Peter, Sheila and Jeremy Bevins spent Spring Break at the Lake of
the Ozarks, boating and fishing, they said.
Cop Shop:
There were no incidents reported this month.
"May
everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."
Dr.
Bill ;-)
Friday, April 24, 2015
September 1997 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace
Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace
September 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.” Here is a peek at ‘Life in Oak Springs,’ and the surrounding
valley, in September of 1997.
Oak Creek Outfitters, Inc., announced that float service on the
upper Oak Creek at Big Thunder Lodge was now open for business. Completion of
all facilities took a little longer than expected, but service all the way down
Oak Creek from the Lodge in Dent County to the facilities at the south end of
Oak Creek Township are now open (further south, of course). Portage is
available around the falls at the Mill, by appointment. Jonathon Offutt,
General Manager, offered his thanks to all the parties involved in making this
possible.
The wedding of Scott Gates to Rachel Nixon was held at the First
United Methodist Church with Rev.
Clarice McCauley officiating. The church was filled with family and friends. The
reception was held at the Homeplace Country Inn Heritage Room in order to
accommodate everyone. Following the traditional cutting of the cake, lunch was
served to all guests. Music for dancing was provided by the local band, Black
Magic.
The Bevins Trust announced the donation of an additional
320-acre-tract of land in the east valley to the McDonald Conservancy. The
announcement noted that additional lands would continue to be donated when
certain metrics of the Trust and the Conservancy were met. This was just the
most recent donation resulting from those metrics being met.
City Manager Jacob Howell reported that city sales tax receipts for
the first six months of the year were up 4.5% over the same period in the
previous year.
Sullivan End-‘O-the Road Livestock Auction advertised a special auction
for Wednesday, September 17, featuring a premium selection of cow-calf stock
from several breeders in the area. This is the time to upgrade herds, the ad
noted.
Locals:
Heather Gates, a junior at the High School this fall, earned a Blue
Ribbon on her FFA Annual Project from the past school year at the FFA State
Convention held the end of last month in Kansas City.
The September meeting of the Oak Springs Historical and Genealogical
Society was very well attended. Six new members were welcomed. Each had learned
of the Society’s program from the exhibit at the Fair in August. The report of
the first exhibit was presented with overwhelmingly positive response. A few
recommendations for next year were entered into the minutes for the planning
committee for the Fair exhibit in 1998.
A notice in the Oak Springs Enterprise thanked those who had ordered
“The Founding” book and reminding others of the need to get pre-orders in by
the 30th of September.
The Oak Springs Savings Bank reminded everyone that it was not too
late to start a Christmas Club Savings Account.
Social Notes:
Scott and Rachel (Nixon) Gates returned from their honeymoon trip to
Branson after four days so that each could get back to their respective jobs.
They said they had a great trip but were happy to be back home to start their
new lives together.
Lori Winslow attended a Residential Real Estate Development workshop
in Springfield the first week of September. Karen Winslow accompanied her and
they enjoyed visiting some the Springfield sites and restaurants while they
were there.
Cop Shop:
Local police arrested two juveniles following the investigation of a
fire at the playground in Patton Park, in the southwest part of the city, two
weeks earlier. The fire destroyed the wooden swing set as well as the rubber
pelts on the ground. An empty container of flammable fluid discovered near the
fire was found to have fingerprints of both individuals charged with the crime.
Eyewitness reports placed the individuals in the vicinity near the time of the
act. The fingerprints confirmed their involvement. When the evidence was
presented to them, they both confessed to having set the fire. They claimed to
have a grudge against parents of some children who regularly played there.
Juvenile court will decide their punishment.
"May
everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."
Dr.
Bill ;-)
Friday, April 17, 2015
August 1997 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace
Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace
August 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.” Here is a peek at ‘Life in Oak Springs,’ and the surrounding
valley, in August of 1997.
Sheep waiting to be judged at the fair
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agricultural_show
The 118th Annual Oak Creek Valley Fair was held successfully on the
first weekend in August yet again. What started as a one-day event those many
years ago has grown to a four-day-event that attracts visitors from surrounding
counties and across the four-state region. License plates were seen in the
parking lot from 12 different states, as a matter of fact… and, of course,
there could have been more over the four days. Held on the fairgrounds south of
Patton Pond in the southwest corner of the city, the fair offers township
residents an opportunity to show off their animals, crops and projects. The
higher ranked entries can be assured of good placement at the upcoming county
fair as well as the possibility of being selected for the State Fair.
Pioneer crafts from the 19th Century were a favorite of Fair visitors
as they are every year. We all enjoy being reminded of the simpler (but not
easier) times of our pioneer ancestors. A new exhibit this year that drew a lot
of attention was that of the new Oak Springs Historical and Genealogical
Society where a few of the family artifacts identified earlier in the year were
on display along with family stories related to the artifacts.
Six different bands and musical groups took turns performing on the
two stages set up at each end of the fairgrounds this year. The carnival was
set up in the middle of the fairgrounds, as usual.
The Bevins Corporation announced in the Oak Springs Enterprise that
Scott Gates, recent graduate of the Farm Operations program at the Ozarks
Community College, had been named Assistant Farm Manager. In this role, he will
be involved in the planning and direction of all farm related activities under
General Manager, Bart Bevins. The Bevins Corporation is primarily involved in
row crops, hay and pasture land management, and a large cow-calf operation.
Locals:
Virginia Hollingsworth was moved to the Serenity Nursing Home [http://homeplace.wikispaces.com/serenity]
from the Oak Springs Regional Hospital [http://homeplace.wikispaces.com/hospital]
where she had been undergoing care following a serious fall she took while
gardening at her home in the east valley.
Late in month, Heather Gates, a junior at the local high school, was
to present her FFA annual project at the FFA (Future Farmers of America) State
Convention in Kansas City. She had received high praise for the project from
her teacher and FFA advisor [http://thehomeplaceseries.blogspot.com/2015/03/may-1997-life-in-oak-springs-homeplace.html],
and all her supporters wished her well at State.
Peter Bevins, Managing Director of the McDonald Conservancy,
announced that two more persons had accepted appointment to the Board of
Directors of the emerging Land Trust. One was a professor in the Biology Department
at the State University and the other was a Regional Director of the Missouri
Nature Conservancy organization.
Social Notes:
Dr. Raynor Crimmons welcomed his daughter, Randi, for a two-week
visit from her home in the Washington, D.C. area, where she works for the
Department of Defense. During the visit, they also spend a long weekend in
southeastern Iowa visiting relatives and friends. While in Oak Springs, Randi
said she especially enjoyed spending time with Karen, Lori and Matt Winslow
with whom she grew up as a youngster in Tucson, Arizona. She added that she
also enjoyed meeting and getting to know Matt’s wife, Susan, and their two
children, Tyler and Emily.
Peter, Sheila, and Jeremy Bevins enjoyed a week of camping along the
Buffalo River in northwestern Arkansas early in the month. It was their first
out-of-town vacation since had Jeremy became part of the family last year.
[Learn more about this in “Christmas at the Homeplace.”]
Cop Shop:
Local police were investigating a fire at the playground in Patton
Park, in the southwest part of the city. It appeared that vandals had set fire
to the wooden swing set as well as the rubber pelts on the ground about 9 p.m.
last Thursday night. An empty container of flammable fluid was discovered near
the fire. As of this reporting, no one had come forward with useful information
on who may have set the fire or why.
"May
everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."
Dr.
Bill ;-)
Friday, March 27, 2015
May 1997 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace
Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace
May 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.” Here is a peek at ‘Life in Oak Springs,’ and the surrounding
valley, in May of 1997.
At the High School year-end awards ceremony, among those recognized
for outstanding achievement was Heather Gates for her FFA (Future Farmers of America) Project. Her
instructor noted that she achieved the highest rating in school history on
complexity, as well as execution and recordkeeping. Her project would be in
competition at the next state convention, he said, and he added he would be
very surprised if it did not win there.
Heather’s project involved the breeding of her Palomino mare,
Sunshine, who recently gave birth to a healthy foal. A yearlong project,
Heather had recorded the mare’s vital signs daily, and chose an optimal
breeding time. She fully participated with Dr. Jennifer Bevins in the artificial
insemination process and fully documented it. She then continued to keep track
of the progress of the mare throughout the gestation period and the live birth.
The Commencement Speaker at the Oak Springs High School was
Professor Dr. Raynor Crimmons, with Central Arizona University. Dr. Crimmons is
on the Graduate Faculty of Management and teaches all his courses online. He is
currently a resident of Oak Springs. The topic of his speech was “Be All That
You Can Be!”
Lyle Cunningham announced that after being in the business for 42
years, he had sold his “End-‘O-the-Road” auction house business effective May
31, 1997. Lyle thanked all his customers over the years. He said that the new
owner would be making an announcement about the new operations in due time.
When asked when came next for him, Lyle said he was pleased to say that he
would continue, and probably increase, his volunteer time with the McDonald
Conservancy. As a board member, he added, he felt there was much more he could
now contribute to this fine community asset.
Locals:
Graduation exercises for Ozarks Community College were held on
Saturday, May 24, on the college campus, in the Community Theater building.
Travis Inman, of Inman Real Estate, invited members of the community
to a tour of open houses on Sunday, June 1, starting at the Inman Real Estate
Office in downtown Oak Springs. Five three-bedroom homes will be featured, each
of similar size but each with differing amenities. The tour will begin promptly
at 2 pm.
Social Notes:
Several graduation parties were held around the valley in connection
with the families of graduates of this year’s High School Seniors.
A graduation recognition party was held at the Homeplace Country Inn
Heritage Room on Saturday night, following Commencement at the High School,
honoring the graduating seniors of workers of The Bevins Trust and affiliated
companies. Commencement Speaker, Dr. Raynor Crimmons, was honored guest. He was
pleased to spend some time with each of the graduates and their families.
"May
everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."
Dr.
Bill ;-)
Monday, October 14, 2013
Hometown Monday - Harry, Heather and Ivy this week
Hometown Monday - Harry, Heather and Ivy this week
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 name beginning with H and I. For H and I, we have (with two excerpts, below):
Harry Flanders - banker - outside trustee of the Bevins Trust - see first excerpt, below
Heather Gates - daughter of Paul and Beverly (Bevins) Gates - sophomore in high school - see second excerpt, below
Ivy Grapes - friend of Peter Bevins - in Oregon - introduced in "Christmas at the Homeplace"
The Harry Flanders excerpt from "Back to the Homeplace" is from Saturday, April 25, 1987:
Waiting in Harry Flander’s office at the Oak Springs Savings Bank took Jason back to his old office in the Salt River Towers in Arizona. The interior decor was so similar, Jason noticed: Walnut paneling… full bookcases… spacious desk and brown leather chairs. This was in contrast to the view out the window. Outside the bank office window was the greenery of a small Missouri community.
The town square was very active this Saturday morning in late April. All the comings and goings of the old downtown square shops were quite visible from the banker's office window. There is a man in coveralls going into the Coast-to-Coast store to get some yard work supplies. The young mother with three children in tow headed for the Buster Brown shoe store. A teenager coming out of the Rexall Drug Store on the corner reading a comic book.
"Sorry, I got tied up a few minutes out there, Jason. I didn't mean to keep you waiting." Harry came into the room, almost breathless.
"No problem, Harry. I'm enjoying the view. My office in Arizona had a similar window but it was on the tenth floor and looked out over the valley. There's no urban sprawl out this window.”
"Not that you can see, you're right. We are beginning to experience the problem, though. Since the college was built out west of town, more and more of our good farmland on that side of town is being taken up with development. Can you believe we have such a problem, right here in Oak Springs?"
"I guess we can be thankful our place is north and east of town. Maybe we'll be safe for a few more years." Jason took a seat by the desk as Harry settled in behind it. "I came in to arrange for our crop expenses money. It certainly was a good thing the trust provided for financing. Farming is a costly venture."
"You are right, Jason. Farming these days is all business for those who have survived… big business in most cases.
Jason nodded his head in concurrence. "Our suppliers expect a check the first of the month. If having the financing available isn't handled properly, the costs are even higher." He handed Harry a folder of papers. "I think I have all the papers you need right here. Bart was a big help to me in compiling some of figures you need."
Harry Flanders reviewed the papers in the file carefully. Jason noticed that Harry was looking for specific items as he went through each sheet of paper. He did not take much time, but he was very thorough. "Very well done, Jason. You followed the guidelines very closely. We appreciate that. It helps us keep the money circulating. That's real good for the economy."
"I understand your daughter is making a real contribution to the economy, too, Harry! How is the wedding coming by now?"
"Did you need to remind me, Jason? It is six weeks away yet. I may be broke before that time!" Harry beamed with pride, regardless of his words. "I just hope Doug doesn't back out now that we've gone this far."
"You're joking, I assume."
"Yes, although he has really been jumpy the last few days. I could understand his nervousness in a new town those first few weeks. Then he seemed to settle in comfortably. Now he seems so preoccupied. I've tried to talk to him, but he says he is fine. Hope so!" He had finished checking Jason's papers and was filling out a form. "This will authorize the transfer of funds you need. Thanks for the good information."
"That's the least I can do, Harry. I'm just thankful Bart has been so helpful. We make a pretty good team, actually." Jason got up to leave.
"Glad to hear it. Makes all our work easier."
Jason extended his hand. "Thanks, again, for your assistance."
Harry came around the desk to shake hands. They walked to the door together. "That's what I'm here for. Keep me up to date on how things are going."
The Heather Gates excerpt from "The Homeplace Revisited" is from Saturday, August 24, 1996:
Jennifer and Heather were going over the horse breeding plan that Heather had begun to develop following their discussion with Diane. Jennifer shared with Heather that her check on Sunshine was entirely positive. Heather was now tracking Sunshine’s cycle and would keep Jennifer aware of her status. Together they had checked the semen sources and were ready to move ahead when the time was right.
Diane joined them, reviewed the plans, and gave her approval to move ahead. She had one additional bit of information for Heather. “If you are to use this for an FFA project, there is one other thing we need to do, I think. You need to have a more personal investment in the project. I have talked to both Bart, and your father, Paul, and we all agree that this foal of Sunshine should become your foal to raise as your own horse. Would you like that?”
“Really? Is that possible? It would be wonderful? But, how can it be possible? I don’t have any money to buy it?”
Diane replied: “We need to work out a formal agreement of course, but that is not difficult. You have already shown a real dedication to our horse operation with your everyday work ethic. We love having you working here, and both the horses and our customers love to have you here. We already have our ‘credits’ system in place for boarded horses, like Christopher’s Shadow and others, for example. Some of the work you do will build ‘credits;’ as it grows, we’ll board the horse here and let the horse earn credits, as well, as a trail horse. As it works out you can learn how that works as part of your FFA project as well. OK?”
“Thank you, so very much. I will work very hard to earn this opportunity. You really mean it, don’t you? Wow! Thanks!”
“We really mean it, yes. Right, Jennifer?” Diane looked at her daughter, then back to Heather.
Jennifer replied, “Yes, we do! Welcome to full membership in the team here.”
"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."
Bill ;-)
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Wiki Wednesday - Oak Creek Mill and Paul Gates family
Wiki Wednesday - Oak Creek Mill and Paul Gates family
Monday we began our discussion of the Oak Creek Mill and Mill Market with an excerpt from the 1996 novel, "The Homeplace Revisited."
We learned that Paul Gates had been primarily responsible, during the preceding nine years, for restoring the Mill and making it a leading tourism attraction in the area.
In "Back to the Homeplace" we had learned the initial problems that Paul, and his wife, Beverly Bevins, had when they came "Back to the Homeplace." In "The Homeplace Revisited" we see the results of their resolutions of their problems, for each of them, and their children, Scott and Heather, as well as his daughter, Sheila.
"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."
Bill ;-)
Monday, July 8, 2013
Hometown Monday - Heather starts her FFA Horse Project
Hometown Monday
Heather starts her FFA Horse Project
This is the first of an expected irregular series of posts of excerpts from the novels, novellas, and short stories of "The Homeplace Series" Family Saga story-telling, 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.
[Palamino Horse - Wikimedia Commons - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Palomino_Horse.jpg]
This is what I envisoned Marilyn to look like - and also Sunshine, below]
The following excerpt from "The Homeplace Revisited" is from Thursday, August 22, 1996:
"At the stable, Jennifer, Diane and Heather were discussing
the improved horse breeding plan and how it might, or might not, fit in with
their existing plans. They were sitting around the table in the break area at
mid-morning. Diane mentioned that in the remodeling they had made two of the
stalls larger with the thought that they might want to do more regular breeding
in the future. Mares typically need stalls with more space to have their foals.
“Perhaps a plan to have two foals each spring would be a good plan to start.
Then we could decide to sell one or two each year, and keep one or two each year.”
Diane was thinking out loud.
Jennifer
picked up the line of thought. “Yes, foaling will take more labor, all around,
as well. Starting with two a year seems to be a good plan, to start. Of course,
Christopher had us breed Shadow, last month, so she will be the first. We would
need to pick one other.”
Heather
had been listening and thinking. “I need a new FFA project this coming year.
Might it be possible for me to work with each of you to develop a plan, and
take responsibility to carry it out yet this fall, next spring and into next
year? Jennifer, you did a project like this in high school, didn’t you?”
“I
did a cow-calf project for 4-H, and, I did a horse project for FFA. It wasn’t
quite this complex, but, yes, it would make a good project. Diane, what do you
think?” Jennifer looked pleased with the idea.
“Frankly,
it would solve one concern I had that we hadn’t discussed yet – who was going
to do the follow through work on the plan and help keep us on schedule.
Jennifer and I can each do our parts, but we can’t be thinking about it all the
time. We do have other responsibilities that must take first priority – and
that wouldn’t work with the breeding plan very well.” Diane looked a Heather,
seriously. “Do you feel you are really up to this?”
Heather
responded in kind, “I’m ready to lead the team, if we can work as a team, and
you support me. I know you will.”
“We
will.” Diane and Jennifer responded, in unison.
“Then
let’s get to work. The mares each have at least two more cycles yet this fall,
for breeding. Jennifer, do you think Sunshine is ready?”
Sunshine
was a palomino four-year old mare that traced back to Diane’s favorite saddle
horse, Marilyn, from years past. Sunshine had become Heather’s favorite in the
last couple of years.
Jennifer
responded, “I can certainly check her out, to be sure. What do you think,
Diane? Is Sunshine a good candidate?”
“Yes,
I tend to agree. Can we get some palomino semen to keep the line clean?”
Jennifer
looked to Heather, “I’ll work with Heather to accomplish that… it is now part
of her plan and responsibility, I believe. Correct?”
“Correct.
I’ll get to work on the plan. Anything else?” Heather was about to jump out of
the chair she was sitting on.
“Move
ahead with planning,” Diane added, “but let’s talk some more before we take any
serious actions. Caution is still our watchword, and it applies here as well.
You get to work on the plan as we seek alternatives. I think it is a go, but a
‘go slowly’ not ‘a jump in with both feet without thinking,’ ok?
“Agreed.
OK!” Heather replied.
For 'the rest of the story' - you may get the book, here, now:
*****
"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."
Bill ;-)
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