Before I start the Arf and Annie story, I want to ask you something. It will probably only apply to the baby boomer readers.

I made a bundt cake today which reminded me of the angel food cakes mom always made when someone had a birthday. I didn’t really like angel food cake. I thought they were too spongie, and Mom’s weren’t always the most beautiful.

 I didn’t count the candles, but Dad must have been around 37 on this birthday.

When I got older, I asked for cheesecake for my birthday. The question I have is…did your mom take the angel food cake out of the oven and turn it over on a pop bottle to let it cool. It was just the right size to hold the angel food cake pan up off of the counter. Mom seemed to know just how long to leave it like that before she could easily get the cake out of the pan and onto the plate. It doesn’t work for a bundt cake because the hole in the middle of the pan is too big. My cake stuck to the pan a little bit so I had to put extra glaze on those spots.

Arf and Annie define their duties…

Arf: I know you love everyone just like I do, but we’ve got so many humans living here now that we’re running into each other trying to figure out who is keeping an eye on who. What do you think, Annie?

Annie: Well, I’ll try to keep an eye on Clark since he’s the newbie, but you might have to take him fishing once in a while. He has a secret, but I can’t tell you about it yet. I don’t think he’s ready to go public with it. Since I know his secret, I think I should stick with Clark.

Arf: Whatever…I still have some work to do with Katie, although she hasn’t seemed too interested in working with me lately. I think she’s getting complacent.

Annie: What does complacent mean?

Arf: It means happy with the way things are. Kind of lazy about striving to do the best you can. Anyway, I’m going to have to come up with some ideas. We’re going to go to the nursing homes and dance for the folks next week. Maybe I can show her that I still remember the steps and the signals and she’ll want to practice. She won’t be using her wheelchair, so that’s going to make a huge difference. I’m starting to feel a little overwhelmed and we haven’t even gotten to sad sack Brad, yet.

Annie: What is the deal with Katie’s parents? They seem to live separate lives, and only do things together when Katie is involved.

Arf: It’s a long story. They have been married a long time, but Dina left the family when she got really sick right after Katie was born. She thought she was going to die, but as you can see, she didn’t. Grandma Helen is Dina’s mom.

Annie: Now I’m getting overwhelmed, too. You go check on Katie, and I’ll go check on Clark. He should be back from Jamie’s by now.

Clark was in Brad’s study. He wanted to ask a favor, but he didn’t know if he should.

“Can I help you with something, son?” Brad got up and motioned for Clark to sit in one of the easy chairs while he took the other one. Brad didn’t like to have conversations across his desk.

“Well, Sir, I was wondering if it would be alright if I called my mamma. It’s in her nature to worry a lot and I want to let her know I’m okay.”

“I think that’s a good idea,” Brad said. “There’s the phone right over there. Talk with your mamma as long as you’d like. I’ll give you some privacy.

“Oh, no, Clark said. “I can’t call right now. Daddy will be home. It won’t do for me to call when he’s home. I’ll call her in the morning if that’ll be alright.”

Brad decided not to question Clark about his reluctance to call home when his father was there, but then he wondered what kind of parents would turn a sixteen year old boy out to fend for himself.

“Tomorrow is fine, Clark. You feel free to use the phone anytime…and Clark, I want you to know you can talk to me. I want to do what’s right by you. If you decide to stay on here, we’re going to have to start talking about school. Maybe we can find someone to help you catch up on your studies.”

“Yes sir. I know I should be in school, but can we wait just a while? I’m still stinging from my last experience.”

Arf found Katie playing alone in her room. She had her dolls all set up and they were all talking about stuff.

“Why does your daddy want to move?” The blonde doll asked.

“He says it’s too far for him to drive to his handyman jobs and he wants to find a place that’s closer to town,” said the little redheaded doll.

“I don’t want to move,” she said. “Boo Hoo.”

“Are your mommy and your Grandma Helen going to move, too?”

“I don’t know, but I’m afraid they won’t want to. What will I do? Will I go with my daddy or stay here? I don’t want my daddy to be all alone.”

That night, Brad joined everyone for supper a little late. He was excited about telling them his news.

“I’ve talked to Jamie several times today. Her mother is doing better and they have agreed to come here for a visit. They want Jamie to continue with her internship and studies without interruption.”

Brad turned to look at Dina.

“Anyway, since you have experience working with stroke victims, Dina, they want to hire you to care for Jamie’s mother.”

Dina was about to say something when Steve spoke.

“Will Jamie be living here, too?” Steve asked.

“Yes…that is if they decide to stay. Jamie said if her parents are happy here, she will try to lease out the farm. Grandma Helen and Miss Bessie would you mind getting those rooms with the little kitchen and sitting area ready? That will give them all plenty of room.”

“Now don’t that beat all!” Grandma Helen said. “I can’t believe the things that happen around here.”

“We’ll be happy to freshen things up, Brad,” Miss Bessie added. “I can’t wait to meet Jamie’s parents.”

 

 

 

I thought I would show you a couple of new cottage additions before the Arf story…Thank you Rebecca for the cute little shelf. As you can see, I put it to good use.

Kip put some floating shelves up for me. I’m still trying out different pictures of the kids and grand kids.

Wow! That angel shows up bright in the photograph!

Muddled thinking…

Jamie called Brad when she got to her parent’s house just to let him know she had arrived safely. She was planning to have a bite to eat with her dad and then they were going to the hospital to see her mother.

“Was that Jamie on the phone?” Miss Bessie asked. “How did she sound? Is her mother doing better?”

“She sounded tired and she hasn’t seen her mother yet. They’re going to the hospital after supper.” Brad was tired and worried. He felt like he’d said goodbye to his best friend.

“Miss Bessie, I am really at a loss here. I want to be there for Jamie, but I don’t know how I can help her. I don’t know that much about her relationship with her parents. All I know for sure is that Jamie is an only child and her parents travel a lot. That’s one of the reasons she decided to stay here for her internship. She was lonely at home because her parents were never there.”

“Well, if you ask me, I think Jamie is at a loss too. This came out of the blue and she must be pretty confused. She has no idea what she’s facing and she might not know for a while.”

“I want her to know that I’m not going anywhere.” Brad said. “I want to ask her to bring her parents here. I mean after her mother is stabilized. It’s an option I hope Jamie might consider. Do you think I should suggest it to her, Miss B.?”

“Well, Lord knows there are enough people around here to help take care of her mother which would take some of the load off Jamie and her father.” Miss Bessie thought for a minute before continuing. “I think if I were you, I would tell her the part about you being there for her no matter what. Then you should add that you would be happy to go there for a few days if she needs you to help out. That will kind of ease you into the possibility of moving them all here. The whole thing must be gradual. You can’t force the issue, Brad. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”

“Yes, Miss Bessie…it’s called manipulation, but I’m not a very patient guy. Once I’ve made my mind up about something, I want to forge on ahead. But what you’re saying is that Jamie might not be ready for that.”

Arf: Miss B is sure a talker and Brad is sure a thinker. What they don’t know is that Jamie loves Brad and if he backs off too much, he might miss his chance. This is his defining moment. (I heard that on Lassie.)

Annie: You’re exactly right, Arf. That Lassie is one smart dog. What do you think of Clark?

Arf: I think he’s trying really hard to fit in here, but he’s got a lot to learn about ranching.

Annie: I think he’s kind of lonely. I went with him and Brad to do the chores at Jamie’s farm. He whistled all the way over there. It made me crazy, but I figured out it was because he couldn’t think of much to say. Brad was really quiet too, but we know what that’s about.

Arf: Keep your ear to the ground, Annie. We’ll figure out something. We need to spend some time with Katie, too. She’s really doing great, but she still can’t run. Let’s go see if we can talk someone into a bone. Is it hot in here or is it just me?

Arf still usually slept in Katie’s room, and Annie spent the night in the kitchen by the stove. That night she thought she heard music. It wasn’t very loud, but she was sure it was the sound of someone singing. She decided to go in search of the source and found herself in front of the door to Clark’s room. She knew she wasn’t supposed to paw at the door, but she wanted Clark to let her in. It took a while, but he finally heard her.

“Annie, what are you doing here? Do you want to come in and listen to me play my guitar? I sure hope I’m not waking up everyone in the house. I really don’t want other people to hear me, but you can if you want. I’ll play a song just for you.

He played a song called Ol Red. It’s about a dog falling in love under unusual circumstances. Clark sounded just like George Jones.

Annie: After listening to Clark play and sing, I knew exactly what would be a real special thing for him to do. He should go with us to the nursing home next week. Those folks loved to watch Katie and Arf dance, and they would surely love Cark’s singing and playing. Now, we just had to get him over being shy about doing it in front of people.

I slept beside Clark’s bed that night. Every once in a while he reached down to pet me. I’ll sleep here every night if he wants me to.

It was a quiet ride to the airport. There were so many things Brad wanted to say to Jamie, but now didn’t seem to be the appropriate time.

What if she didn’t come back? What if her father needed her to stay and help with her mother? There was a solution. One that Brad would keep tucked away in the back of his mind as he and Jamie both waited to see how things unfolded.

“Here we are,” Jamie said. “I can’t thank you enough for bringing me, Brad. It made it so much simpler.”

“Come on,” Brad said. “I’ll grab your bags and help you get all checked in.”

When it was down to only a few minutes before Jamie’s flight boarded, Brad took her hand in his and squeezed it tightly. Jamie had tears in her eyes. Poor emotional little Jamie. His heart went out to her.

“I’m here if you need anything. You know that don’t you?” Brad was trying his best to do and say the right things. “I don’t think you have any idea how much you mean to me. I love you, Jamie, and I want to do whatever I can to make things easier for you.”

“I’ll be in touch.” Jamie smiled as she turned to leave. Brad waited for her to turn around so he could see her beautiful face one more time, but she didn’t. Instead, she rushed to board the airplane.

Clark had been enjoying all of the attention Miss Bessie and Grandma Helen had been giving him, but by the afternoon of the third day, he found himself avoiding them. He had eaten more pie and cookies than any human ought to in a month much less a couple of days. He was grateful that Brad was going to take him to Jamie’s farm tomorrow and teach him how to do her chores.

He was outside sitting under a tree when Arf came over and started barking at him.

“Why are you barking, boy? You want me to come with you? Okay, I’ll come along with you, Where we going?”

Arf led Clark to the pole barn and when they were inside, he went right to a bunch of fishing poles hanging on a wall in the back. In a storage cabinet beside them, he found a tackle box.

“Do you think it would be okay if I borrowed a pole and some lures?” Clark was excited. He loved to fish.

Arf barked and turned to lead the way to the river. He knew where all of the good fishing spots were.

“Okay,” Clark said. “I’m going to trust you. Now let’s go catch some fish!”

If anyone had been upset by the borrowed fishing poles, all would have been forgiven when they saw Arf and Clark had caught enough catfish to feed a small army. Clark cleaned them and the ladies fried them up for supper.

“Clark,” little Katie asked? “How did you learn how to catch such good fish?”

“Well, I guess that I’m a natural.”

“What’s a natural?”

How could he have forgotten how difficult it was to communicate with an eight year old. He had three little sisters and two younger brothers.

“A natural is someone who doesn’t really have to learn something. They naturally know how to do it.”

“Oh,” Katie said. He was about to offer another explanation when he realized she had already forgotten the question and was busily eating her fish.

Clark couldn’t help but notice how Arf and Annie watched over everyone at the table. He had never seen anything like it, but then he had never been allowed to have a pet. I like it here, he thought. I really like it here, so why do I feel so lonely?

Clark excused himself early that night and went to his room. It was the nicest room anyone could ever want. He went to the place he had found to keep his treasure. He pulled it out and for the first time in months, he opened up the case. After a few minutes he reached in and took out his beautiful guitar. He began to play and the music was sweet, and his voice was even sweeter.

 

 

 

I wrote a poem the other day that needs a few adjustments.

The message was, in retrospect, lacking in real substance.

It isn’t true that true believers never feel the angst of stress.

Or can live their lives without the joy of social happiness.

Cancel culture has the power. It decides what’s right or wrong.

I watch and hope that someone else deals with the angry throng.

I’ve felt confused and helpless. I’ve watched the world turn upside down.

Have I become desensitized to the horrors all around?

It’s not enough that we believe if no one else believes.

So many have no values, and they don’t wear fig leaves.

Can we put the toothpaste back in the tube of love and trust?

We can’t go on pretending our lives won’t soon combust.

All of us must treat ourselves and others with respect.

This is our only world. It’s not too late to reconnect.

I have come to realize we have no other choice.

We can’t be stifled anymore. We have to find our voice.

We have our families to think of. Today is a new start.

But I alone don’t have the power to change another’s heart.

With the One who’s there to help me, I can begin by reaching out.

I can lead by example and show what faith is all about.

Action has to follow words. I’m not yet sure how that will look.

I’ve been told that all the answers are written in the Book.

Lord help me to remember that I have learned one thing.

Nothing good can happen if good people don’t do something.

(Link to previous poem)

Murdo Girl…Me and you

I don’t know where to begin.

Years ago when Brad bought the ranch it included a few hundred acres and a modest home. Over the years he had added acreage when he could and he was now the owner of a sizable horse ranch. He had also remodeled and added on to the house. He wanted it to be fitting of the beautiful land that surrounded it. He had worked hard over the years, and he was proud of what he had accomplished and accumulated.

Except for a housekeeper and cook, Brad had lived alone all those years. It was only recently he had decided he wanted to share his massive home and good fortune with others. Miss Bessie, Grandma Helen, Steve, Dina and Katie had all come to make there home at Humboldt Ranch.

They all shared two beautiful dogs named Arf and Annie. They had become the glue that held the family together.

Now there was a young man who had come to make his home with them. No one ever asked him what his name was, but they all called him Clark.

The next morning when Brad walked into the kitchen to get his morning coffee, Clark was already there. Miss Bessie and Grandma Helen were both fussing over him and he didn’t seem to mind a bit.

“I’ll just pour myself a cup of coffee,” Brad said. “What’s that your cooking for breakfast, ladies? It sure smells good.”

It was obvious that neither of them heard him. They were too busy carrying plates of bacon, eggs, hotcakes, and fried potatoes to the table. They placed them all in front of Clark. Grandma Helen took hot cinnamon rolls from the oven and Miss Bessie poured a big glass of orange juice for the honored guest.

“Clark, did you sleep well last night?” Miss Bessie asked. Those rooms can get so drafty and I wasn’t sure if I had given you enough blankets.

“No Mam, I mean yes mam, I slept like a man with no worries.”

Brad got up and put some bread in the toaster. “Clark, have you ever ridden a horse?”

“Well Sir, I’ve never had the need to ride a horse, but if I had the need, I’m sure I could figure it out. I’m real good at figuring things out, and animals of all kinds like me.”

Arf who was lying in his usual spot in front of the door, had a different opinion. Animals he doesn’t kidnap after stealing the truck they’re riding in might like him. Annie said she was going to give Clark a chance. I guess I will too. I wonder if he likes to throw frisbees to dogs.

“Well son, when you’re finished eating us out of house and home, I’ll take you on a tour of the ranch. Then I’ll show you how to clean out a horse stall.”

That evening when Clark and Brad walked into the house, both Miss Bessie and Grandma Helen gasped. One ran to Clark and the other ran to get the first aid kit.

“Oh dear, what happened?” Grandma Helen was beside herself.

“Clark decided to go straight from horseback riding novice to rodeo king. He had an unfortunate fall before he even had a chance to clean out his first stall.”

“You’ve been gone for hours,” Grandma Helen said. “Why didn’t you bring this poor thing straight back home so we could dress his wounds properly?”

“I said he had his accident before he had a chance to clean out his first stall. I didn’t tell you he insisted he do the work, so I let him clean out a few before we headed back. You did a real good job, too Clark.”

Clark grinned from ear to ear and his ears are pretty far apart.

“Where is everybody?” Brad asked. “It’s close to supper time. I figured everyone would be home.”

“Dina had a doctor’s appointment in town and she took Katie with her. Steve’s still at work, I guess. Mark is still out of town and Jamie, of course, doesn’t live here, but she did take me to the General Store today while she worked at the vet clinic. I thought she was unusually quiet all the way home. I hope she feels okay. She’s probably just tired.”

Brad quit listening to Miss B. after the first or second sentence, but when she said Jamie was unusually quiet all the way home, he became concerned.

“Go ahead and eat without me. I’m going to my study and give Jamie a call.”

Annie: Hey Arf…lets go sit by the window in Brad’s study and watch the squirrels.

Arf: Yeah…I think we need to listen in on that conversation. I thought Jamie acted funny yesterday, too. She’s just not herself.

Brad tried twice to reach Jamie, but there was no answer.

“Come on Arf and Annie. Let’s drive over to Jamie’s and make sure everything is okay.”

When they arrived at the farm that Jamie had purchased from Miss Bessie, Jamie was packing a suitcase.

“You haven’t said anything about going anywhere,” Brad said. “Is everything okay? Are you okay?”

“No and No. I got a call yesterday from my father. Mother has had a stroke and has lost the use of her left side. She also has trouble communicating. Dad is not handling it well. I was able to get a flight out tomorrow morning. Beyond that, I have no idea what the future holds.”

“What about your internship? You’re so close to completing it.” Brad knew as soon as he said it that Jamie wasn’t so selfish as to think about herself.

“It doesn’t matter, Brad. I talked to Dr. Floyd today and he said he’ll do whatever he has to in order to make things easier for me.”

“I’m really glad you came here tonight, Brad.” Jamie motioned for him to sit down. “I need to ask you if you could find someone to take care of the farm until I decide what to do with it. This was all so sudden I didn’t have time to think about everything.”

“Of course,” Brad assured her. “Between Mark and I, we can take care of everything that needs taken care of. Please don’t rush into making any life changing decisions until you’ve had a chance to see what is needed. What time does your flight leave? I want to take you to the airport. It’s important to me that I see you off.”

That night. Clark unpacked the box he had brought with him from home. It had a few clothes in it and some things that were important to him. At the very bottom of the box was his most prized possession. He smiled as he carefully unwrapped it. It had made the trip without incurring any damage. He would have to find a special place to keep it.

Arf and Annie sensed that things were going to be changing at Humboldt ranch. There were so many people to watch over, and now Brad’s future was up in the air.

I’m not hosting a virtual birthday party for someone who’s virtually a friend.

It’s not going to be in the virtual cottage. I hope it’s ready by then.

We all won’t wear our most fabulous hat, and we might not have a contest.

The winner won’t be the birthday girl, though her hats are always the best.

We won’t start out in my virtual home where everyone can’t gather.

The ladies can’t have a spot of tea or a mimosa if they’d rather.

Then two at a time, I won’t take them to see…my virtual very own place.

It’s the cutest thing you have never seen, a virtual cozy and comfy space.

The birthday girl won’t be the honored guest and we won’t sing the happy birthday song.

But as soon as this virus leaves us alone, the party will be back on. 

So don’t save the date until the day we can all go around  unmasked.

You WILL be invited to a birthday bash that heretofore has been unsurpassed.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE LIFE OF THE PARTY

WE LOVE YOU

Steve was already home by the time Miss Bessie, Arf and Annie got back to the ranch. A policeman had picked him up at the airport and taken him to get his truck. It was unbelievable to him that a young kid had picked up the keys he had dropped and decided to take the old truck for a spin.

“Miss Bessie,” Steve said. “Thanks for saving my truck. It sounds like that kid was determined to abscond with it. I guess it’s hard to give up the truck of your dreams once you’ve found it.”

(Steve and his 1971 chevy C10 Cheyenne)

“Now Steve, I believed Clark when he said he got carried away and just wanted to take it for a spin. He was about to turn around and take it back where he found it, when I caught him.” Miss Bessie put on her apron and proceeded to start supper. “I feel sorry for him. He’ll be spending the night in jail, you know. Do you intend to press charges, Steve?”

“I probably should, don’t you think? We’re not sure that was his intentions at all. By the way…how do you know his name is Clark?”

“I don’t. He just looks like a Clark to me. Why don’t we go pay him a visit after supper. We can take him some meatloaf and a piece of Helen’s apple pie. He’s in the county jail in town which isn’t that far. I just don’t like driving at night.”

Arf to Annie: Well, it looks like we’ll be taking another one to raise. That Miss B. is something else. Here we just finished tackling the guy so we could grab the keys from him and lock him inside the truck, and now they’re going to take him apple pie.

Annie: I’ll bet you scraps to bones that they bring him home with them.

Annie won the bet because when Steve and Miss Bessie got home, they had Clark with them. We’ll probably never know what his real name is, and he won’t hear it as long as he lives in this house.

Arf: I can’t wait to find out what his story is. He can’t be older than about sixteen or seventeen. I wonder where he’s been living.

Annie: I wonder if he has a mom and dad and brothers and sisters that are wondering where he is.

Brad and Jamie had gotten to the ranch just before supper. (At the last minute, Brad had decided not to make the trip to Ireland with Barbie and Tom…for several reasons.) When they heard the story of Clark’s caper, neither was surprised that Steve had dropped the charges and brought him home.

“We just couldn’t leave him in that cold, nasty, place,” Miss Bessie said. “I’ll fix up a nice room for you after you’ve had a chance to relax a little. Would you like another piece of apple pie, Clark?”

“Thank you Miss Bessie,” Clark said. “I couldn’t eat another bite. I’m not used to having such good food to eat. I don’t believe I’ve ever had such tasty food, before.”

“Don’t you have a mom and dad?” Katie asked. “They usually cook for their kids.”

“I used to, but it got a little crowded around there, and me being the oldest, they thought it was time for me to move out.”

“When did you move out?” Katie was asking the questions while everyone curiously waited for Clark’s answers.

“Day before yesterday,” he said. “They gave me $200.00 and I took it to the airport and bought a one-way ticket. I told them I wanted to go as far away as a two hundred dollar ticket would take me. I landed at the airport where Mr. Steve’s truck was and I still have $25.00 in my pocket. I guess they couldn’t make it come out even.”

Arf: Look Annie… Brad has been sitting in his chair with his finger to his chin which usually means he’s thinking hard. Watch…he’ll get up in a minute and have a plan for young Mr. Clark.

Annie: Don’t you like Clark, Arf? I think he just did something stupid because he wasn’t thinking straight. He just had to move out of the only home he has ever known and fly to a new town far, far away.

Arf: You’re talking to a dog who lost his frisbee in a moving van and got stuck in there for fifteen hundred miles. I had no idea where I was when I got out. It was only through smart moves and perseverance that I found Miss Bessie.

What’s your story, Annie? I know you lived at the vet clinic where Jamie works, but you must have lived somewhere else first.

Annie: Oh, there’s a story all right. Someday I’ll tell you all about it. I don’t know about you, but I’m going to make friends with Clark.

Sure enough, Brad got up and walked over to where Clark was sitting. He pulled up a chair and sat down in front of him.

“Have you ever been in trouble before, Clark? It’s really important that you tell me the truth.”

“I ain’t never been to jail before if that’s what you mean,” Clark answered.

“Do you go to school?” Brad asked

“No Sir, I should be in tenth grade, but I barely got through the ninth. I had to go to work.”

“What kind of work did you do?”

“I was the assistant janitor at the school. Sometimes I helped clean the courthouse, too.”

When Brad asked if he had to clean the school he was supposed to be attending, Clark nodded his head.

“Boy that had to be uncomfortable.” Brad was suddenly a little more sympathetic.

“I have one more question for you, Clark. If I was to call that school and ask them what kind of worker you are, what do you think they would tell me?”

Clark looked Brad straight in the eye and said, “Well Sir…I think they would say, ‘That boy is a mighty fine worker, but that’s as close to a school as he should ever get.’ I don’t have an aptitude, I guess.”

Brad shook Clark’s hand. “You’re welcome to stay here if you want, but I’m putting you to work in the morning. Then we’ll figure out a way to get you some aptitude. How does that sound?”

“I’d like that very much, Sir.”

When Clark grinned, we could see he was missing a couple of teeth, but he had a sweet smile.

I have a bone to pick with you. I think we need to talk.

You don’t ‘go along to get along’. You’re not one of the flock.

It bothers me that you don’t care to follow every rule.

And sometimes under pressure, you seem a bit too cool.

I think you need to worry like a normal person does.

And feel the stresses others do because…well, just because.

You shouldn’t spend so much time enjoying your today.

Tomorrow could be different…a regular doomsday.

It isn’t necessary to always be courageous.

I think your lack of fear sometimes borders on outrageous.

You don’t give in to anger or yell when you’re upset.

You’re a bigger mystery than anyone I’ve ever met.

I really think you owe me some sort of explanation.

I’m getting tired of feeling all this constant agitation.

**********************

I think maybe you think too much about what bothers you.

Please don’t waste your time telling me what I should do.

I have all I’ll ever need to give me inspiration.

My lack of fear and anger doesn’t cause Him agitation.

He tells me to stay in today and not worry about tomorrow.

I have faith He’ll give me strength if life should bring me sorrow.

So don’t worry about me. I’m not perfect, but I’ll do.

I hope you understand me, now. Can we talk some about you?

 

 

 

 

Steve dropped Brad, Tom, and Barbie off at the airport. They were excited to be on their way to see their mother in Ireland.

When they were all leaving the ranch that morning, Arf and Annie had jumped into the back of the truck and Steve let them come along for the ride. Even though he had left them in the truck bed for no more than ten minutes while he helped with the luggage, he figured they had probably already settled in for a nap.

At first, when he discovered his truck wasn’t where he had parked it, he didn’t panic, but after searching the small parking lot and finding no sign of his truck or Arf and Annie, Steve had to come to the conclusion that someone had driven off with his truck and Arf and Annie had gone along for another ride.

As always he had put his keys in his pocket, but he also had a set attached behind the back bumper because he was always locking himself out of his truck. He couldn’t think of anyone who would be aware of the hidden set of keys, but he was sure to mention it when he called the police from the airport.

Next, he called the ranch to ask if someone would come and pick him up. He was not looking forward to telling everyone that Arf and Annie were missing. His daughter, Katie, would be especially upset.

Meanwhile we’ll follow the truck…

Arf: I don’t think that guy even knows we’re in here, Annie. We really fell down on the job. We let a stranger drive off in Steve’s truck.

Annie: What do you mean, we? Have you got a squirrel in your pocket? I don’t do guard dogging. I’m more of the investigative type.

Arf: All the better. Get on it Sherlock, but while you’re investigating, I’m going to let this carjacker know we’re here.

Arf went up to the window separating the cab from the truck bed and situated himself so the driver could see him in the side mirror. His reflection was right above the “objects may be larger than they appear,” sign.

To say the guy was surprised when he glanced in the mirror, wouldn’t begin to describe the hilarious look he had on his face. He started honking the horn…hoping to scare them so they would jump out.

Annie: Are you kidding, mister? We didn’t just fall off the turnip truck. We would be seriously hurt if we jumped out while you’re driving this fast.

Arf: Yeah…we were born at night, but it wasn’t last night. We need to figure out who you are and why you took off with Steve’s truck.

Annie: We’re wasting our time, you know. He has no idea what we’re saying, but he is a little afraid, don’t you think, Arf?

Arf: I wish he would stop the truck. I need to use the bathroom. Do you see any good trees on the side of the road? Holy milk-bone…I think he’s pulling over.

The now dangerous looking kidnapper/truck thief, walked over to the side and told Arf and Annie to get out! “I don’t know where you came from, but you can’t come with me,” he said.

They were still at a standoff when a familiar old convertible passed them, screeched to a halt and backed up until it was situated right beside Steve’s truck.

“Were you having trouble getting a ride home from the airport, son?” The little old lady in the driver’s seat asked. “Hand over those keys.”

When the young man didn’t move to follow her instructions, she said, “Look son, we can either do this the easy way or we can do it the hard way, but either way, you will give me the keys, now.”

The young man ignored the little old lady and started to get back into the truck cab.

“Well, Arf and Annie…looks like it’s going to have to be the hard way.”

Following her command, Arf and Annie jumped out of the truck bed, and before the young man knew what was happening, they had pushed him into the cab, and grabbed the keys. Miss Bessie, who was out of her car and close enough to the driver’s side, quickly reached in, locked the doors and trapped the persistently surprised young man inside.

“Steve called me from the airport,” Miss Bessie told Arf and Annie…”He wants me to pick him up, but he’ll just have to sit tight until we can flag a policeman down. Should we flatten one of Steve’s tires so they’ll be able to tell we need help?”

Both Arf and Annie whined a little.

“I guess you’re right. I just hope we don’t have to sit here too long. Red Skelton is on in an hour and he’s going to have John Wayne on his show.

Luckily for all concerned, a nice police officer pulled over and listened intently as Miss Bessie explained the situation. “I like Red Skelton, too,” he said when she was finished. “We’ll get another officer to to go to the airport and pick up the owner, so you and your dogs can go on home.”

“In a minute,” she said. “Young man, where did you get a set of keys to this truck and why did you steal it?”

“This is the truck of my dreams,” he said. “When I saw it parked there, I walked over to take a better look, and I saw the keys lying on the ground by the driver’s side. I thought the guy had probably flown somewhere on vacation or something, so I decided to take it for a spin. When I saw the dogs in the truck bed, I pulled over so I could turn around and go back. I didn’t know they were the owner’s dogs.”

Miss Bessie just shook her head and patted the young man on his. “I don’t know what to tell you,” she said. “I just hope you’ve learned a lesson. Come on Arf and Annie. Have you ever ridden in my convertible before?”

Steve learned that hiding a second set of keys doesn’t keep you from losing the first set in plain site.

**** MG here…I’ll probably be hit and miss for a few days since we’re trying to finish up the cottage between rain storms and other distractions. We currently have the doors off, which turned out to be poor timing. Oh well, right?

I’ll try to step it up a little.

Let’s recap a little bit…

Gloria left Barbie’s house with two FBI agents who said they were taking her in for further questioning regarding her involvement in a cold case they were investigating.

Twenty years before, Brad and Barbie’s parents, who were part of a team that arbitrated disputes between countries who had trade agreements, uncovered a plan to extort money from the U.S. Government.

Each country involved in the arbitrations had a team. Gloria was part of the team from Ireland and over the years, had become friends with Barbie and Brad’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Humbolt. Unbeknownst to them, Gloria was involved in the extortion plan. When the Humbolts got too close to discovering the truth, Gloria staged an explosion in their home. She needed to feel assured her guilt would never be discovered.

Mr. Humbolt was killed in the explosion and resulting fire, but Barbie and her mother miraculously survived. At the time of the explosion, Tom, the third child, was outside mowing the lawn and Brad was on his way home from fishing at a nearby pond.

Through a series of events, Gloria wrangled herself into caring for Barbie, who lost her sight as a result of the explosion and fire, and Mrs. Humbolt who never fully recovered from her injuries. Mrs. Humbolt was in Ireland, and Gloria managed her care from Barbie’s home in the States. She never disclosed to Brad, Barbie or Tom that their mother was still alive.

Recently, Gloria began to fear that Barbie was trying to become independent of her. She and her mother had become Gloria’s whole life and now Barbie was breaking away, and Mrs. Humbolt was on death’s door. Gloria panicked and made arrangements to take Barbie to Ireland with the promise that she would be reunited with the mother she thought had died. It was then that Gloria’s plan began to unravel.

Continuing on from last chapter…

The two investigators claimed they were getting close to finding out who planned the explosion and why. They knew Gloria had something to do with it. Brad became suspicious of the men when he observed they seemed overly eager to get their hands on the key and the bag that Arf had found under Gloria’s bed. Arf was usually a pretty good judge of character and he was having none of it. He would not let either man get close to him and the bag he protected.

“I only verified you are in fact a Federal Investigator,” Brad said to Mr. Crandall. “I didn’t verify your position, Mr. Sims. Judging from your accent, you must be from Ireland. Have you been in the states long?”

“I was sent here about a month ago to help out with the investigation. Now, I’m going to ask you again, Mr. Humbolt, get that bag and key from your dog.”

“Aren’t you being a little aggressive, Joe?” Lieutenant Crandall asked? “We were sent here to question Ms. Fitzpatrick. Now that she has gone with the other two investigators, I think it’s time for us to leave.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” Mr. Sims said as he reached for the gun in his chest holster. “Now, everyone, including you, Crandall, face down on the floor please.”

He then told Agent Crandall to slowly remove his gun and lay it on the floor.

Arf stood next to the bag. The key was lying on the floor beside him. Jamie began to worry that Mr. Sims would harm Arf. She knew Arf would never let that man get his hands on the bag.

She needn’t have worried. Mr. Sims must have forgotten Annie was also there. She got his attention with a low growl and when he turned to see where she was, Arf, dropped the bag and rushed him. With his body twisted and a dog lunging at him from both sides, Mr. Sims dropped the gun. Arf quickly retrieved it and took it to Brad who pointed it at the good Mr. Sims and said,”Now it’s your turn to hit the floor.” Then he turned to Jamie. “Will you show Mr. Crandall where the phone is, please? I believe he needs to make a call. He’s one of the good guys, right Arf and Annie?”

Gloria was placed under arrest for arranging the explosion that killed Mr. Humbolt and badly injured Barbie and her mother. She would also soon be charged with extortion.

Mr. Sims had come to the US under the pretense that he worked for Ireland’s intelligence agency. He claimed to have new information and wished to reopen the case concerning the explosion and what turned out to be a successful attempt to extort money from the United States. Since much of the top secret information had recently been released, it was revealed that the Humbolts had uncovered the extortion plan. Mr. Sims had reason to believe that Gloria was hiding a large amount of cash, hence the great interest in the key that was in the bag.

The end result was Mr. Sims and Gloria were both in jail awaiting a trial. Gloria had told the authorities where the safety deposit box was that indeed still held a great deal of money.

Two days later, Brad, Barbie and Tom were on an airplane that was taking them to Ireland to be with their mother. They could only pray that she wasn’t as sick as Gloria said she was. They all wanted to spend time with the mother they had been so cruelly separated from twenty years before.

Steve, had taken them all to the airport. At the last minute, Arf and Annie had jumped into the back of the truck. They were always ready to go for a ride.

After helping with the luggage and saying his goodbyes, Steve made his way back to where he had parked.The truck along with Arf and Annie had disappeared.