Tumbleweeds
Moderators: carlson1, Charles L. Cotton
Re: Tumbleweeds
She awoke and dressed in the dark then lit the oil lamp and started a fire to burn down for cooking . She thought of many small things that needed to be done . To check the hens , sharpen her belt knife , sort the sprouted potatoes and set them aside for seed , soak dried meat for lunch and supper , wash Nate's pallet , work on her letters , there was much to do . She would clean up after breakfast and help in the field till lunch then feed them . She heard the whinny of horses and loud talk of the men getting ready for the day , everyone would be planning on today .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They came in to breakfast and were all in good spirits after a good nights rest and wanting to start early . Sam brought her two eggs from the chicken coop ...she had hoped for more but it was two more than she had . She put them in a lard bucket of water with two left from yesterday to keep them cool .
She made them waffles and mush with fried bacon . She had brought her waffle iron with her when they came from Iowa . None of the men had ever eaten a waffle and were asking her questions . They enjoyed them with sugar syrup and joked that they were the only ones in Texas this morning getting waffles for breakfast !
Zeke talked about missing grits being as he came from Georgia , Captain Jack said that the East Texas folks had grits but it wasn't too common in the rest of Texas . Zeke said they could adjust the grain mill and make some Grits ! Everyone was for it .
She made them waffles and mush with fried bacon . She had brought her waffle iron with her when they came from Iowa . None of the men had ever eaten a waffle and were asking her questions . They enjoyed them with sugar syrup and joked that they were the only ones in Texas this morning getting waffles for breakfast !
Zeke talked about missing grits being as he came from Georgia , Captain Jack said that the East Texas folks had grits but it wasn't too common in the rest of Texas . Zeke said they could adjust the grain mill and make some Grits ! Everyone was for it .
Re: Tumbleweeds
After breakfast Zeke hung back as the others went to get the wagon and sledge to go to work . He helped her pick up and wash the dishes , she checked her hens and they were hungry . She gave them some cornmeal and short grass , she wished they could get out and graze but she wasn't willing to lose them to coyotes , foxes and such . They had a good place to be and she would get a few more hens and a rooster , she missed hearing a rooster crow when the sun came up .
As she walked back to the cabin she could hear and see Wade , Sam and Captain Jack at the cornfield . She needed to go and help .Zeke was stacking the clean dishes on her new counter . She said ...Why did you stay to help me ! I thought you would go to the field with them . Zeke said ...Because we haven't talked or been together for a while and I like being with you ! I always enjoy being with you .
She smiled and said ...Lets go to work ! Bet I can beat you husking corn ! Zeke laughed and they walked to the field .
When they got there Wade was hauling stalks , Captain Jack was husking/picking corn and Sam was driving the wagon . She asked Captain Jack if he would help Wade because her and Zeke were going to have a contest as to who was the best Corn husker ! Captain Jack laughed and said ...SURE ! I want to see this ! Sam and Wade laughed and told Zeke ..OH MAN ! Your up against an Iowa girl !
Zeke got a husking glove out of the wagon and Captain Jack gave her his . They started husking and picking ! It took her about ten minuets to warm up and she was pitching corn over her shoulder twice as fast as Zeke ! They were all laughing and working . Zeke said ...ok ! I give up ! Who is next to try and beat her ? They all took turns and all lost to her . It was a heck of a lot of fun .
She helped with two wagon loads and went to the cabin to get lunch ready . The cornfield was shrinking as she looked back walking to the cabin .
As she walked back to the cabin she could hear and see Wade , Sam and Captain Jack at the cornfield . She needed to go and help .Zeke was stacking the clean dishes on her new counter . She said ...Why did you stay to help me ! I thought you would go to the field with them . Zeke said ...Because we haven't talked or been together for a while and I like being with you ! I always enjoy being with you .
She smiled and said ...Lets go to work ! Bet I can beat you husking corn ! Zeke laughed and they walked to the field .
When they got there Wade was hauling stalks , Captain Jack was husking/picking corn and Sam was driving the wagon . She asked Captain Jack if he would help Wade because her and Zeke were going to have a contest as to who was the best Corn husker ! Captain Jack laughed and said ...SURE ! I want to see this ! Sam and Wade laughed and told Zeke ..OH MAN ! Your up against an Iowa girl !
Zeke got a husking glove out of the wagon and Captain Jack gave her his . They started husking and picking ! It took her about ten minuets to warm up and she was pitching corn over her shoulder twice as fast as Zeke ! They were all laughing and working . Zeke said ...ok ! I give up ! Who is next to try and beat her ? They all took turns and all lost to her . It was a heck of a lot of fun .
She helped with two wagon loads and went to the cabin to get lunch ready . The cornfield was shrinking as she looked back walking to the cabin .
Re: Tumbleweeds
After breakfast Zeke hung back as the others went to get the wagon and sledge to go to work . He helped her pick up and wash the dishes , she checked her hens and they were hungry . She gave them some cornmeal and short grass , she wished they could get out and graze but she wasn't willing to lose them to coyotes , foxes and such . They had a good place to be and she would get a few more hens and a rooster , she missed hearing a rooster crow when the sun came up .
As she walked back to the cabin she could hear and see Wade , Sam and Captain Jack at the cornfield . She needed to go and help .Zeke was stacking the clean dishes on her new counter . She said ...Why did you stay to help me ! I thought you would go to the field with them . Zeke said ...Because we haven't talked or been together for a while and I like being with you ! I always enjoy being with you .
She smiled and said ...Lets go to work ! Bet I can beat you husking corn ! Zeke laughed and they walked to the field .
When they got there Wade was hauling stalks , Captain Jack was husking/picking corn and Sam was driving the wagon . She asked Captain Jack if he would help Wade because her and Zeke were going to have a contest as to who was the best Corn husker ! Captain Jack laughed and said ...SURE ! I want to see this ! Sam and Wade laughed and told Zeke ..OH MAN ! Your up against an Iowa girl !
Zeke got a husking glove out of the wagon and Captain Jack gave her his . They started husking and picking ! It took her about ten minuets to warm up and she was pitching corn over her shoulder twice as fast as Zeke ! They were all laughing and working . Zeke said ...ok ! I give up ! Who is next to try and beat her ? They all took turns and all lost to her . It was a heck of a lot of fun .
She helped with two wagon loads and went to the cabin to get lunch ready . The cornfield was shrinking as she looked back walking to the cabin .
As she walked back to the cabin she could hear and see Wade , Sam and Captain Jack at the cornfield . She needed to go and help .Zeke was stacking the clean dishes on her new counter . She said ...Why did you stay to help me ! I thought you would go to the field with them . Zeke said ...Because we haven't talked or been together for a while and I like being with you ! I always enjoy being with you .
She smiled and said ...Lets go to work ! Bet I can beat you husking corn ! Zeke laughed and they walked to the field .
When they got there Wade was hauling stalks , Captain Jack was husking/picking corn and Sam was driving the wagon . She asked Captain Jack if he would help Wade because her and Zeke were going to have a contest as to who was the best Corn husker ! Captain Jack laughed and said ...SURE ! I want to see this ! Sam and Wade laughed and told Zeke ..OH MAN ! Your up against an Iowa girl !
Zeke got a husking glove out of the wagon and Captain Jack gave her his . They started husking and picking ! It took her about ten minuets to warm up and she was pitching corn over her shoulder twice as fast as Zeke ! They were all laughing and working . Zeke said ...ok ! I give up ! Who is next to try and beat her ? They all took turns and all lost to her . It was a heck of a lot of fun .
She helped with two wagon loads and went to the cabin to get lunch ready . The cornfield was shrinking as she looked back walking to the cabin .
Re: Tumbleweeds
She made round fry bread to slice for ham sandwiches and put on some dried meat to boil and soften for stew . She only had potatoes and onions to put in it but thought it would be alright for supper with cornbread . She also started making a lot of hard fudge , she had coco powder and vanilla now ...they would like that and it would keep in the heat .
Re: Tumbleweeds
She heard the wagon coming from the field and sliced the bread putting the food on the table , with sandwiches there would be no big mess to clean afterwards . They left the harness on the mule and horse taking them off the wagon to water then put them in the shade to rest . They brought the stock in off the grass and came to the cabin after they wiped off some with wet sacks .
They were all in a good mood laughing and joking about the corn picking contest earlier as they made a sandwich from the plate of bread and ham . She had made a small bowl of mustard with black pepper in it and they really liked having something new . She had made Nate a little mush with milk and was feeding him while they all talked . Zeke said ...Ma'am the corn crib is bout full ! We are going to take some slats and add on to the outside of the crib to hold more corn . We will put down some clean hay to lay it on and we will use it first then take down the slats later . We have plenty of corn for the stock we have ...we have too much !
They were all in a good mood laughing and joking about the corn picking contest earlier as they made a sandwich from the plate of bread and ham . She had made a small bowl of mustard with black pepper in it and they really liked having something new . She had made Nate a little mush with milk and was feeding him while they all talked . Zeke said ...Ma'am the corn crib is bout full ! We are going to take some slats and add on to the outside of the crib to hold more corn . We will put down some clean hay to lay it on and we will use it first then take down the slats later . We have plenty of corn for the stock we have ...we have too much !
Re: Tumbleweeds
As they ate Wade asked her ...Ma'am I'm sure not saying anything bad but how is it you can ride a horse so well ? Most women don't ride like you do , fact is most can barely ride at all . She laughed and said ...My father is to blame ! I was an only child , he had no sons so I was a tomboy pretty much . He expected me to be able to do work , ride or what needed to be done . My mother would have fits at times with what he let me do thinking I wouldn't be ladylike enough . I still did plenty of 'lady' things though ...she saw to that ! I had good parents and I miss them but am happy they are with our Lord .
Captain Jack was shaking his head in agreement and said ...They prepared you ma'am ! If I had daughters I would do the same , this country can be hard and you teach your children to survive and do the best they can . You had good parents . And to your mother's credit there is no doubt that you are a lady ! They all agreed on that .
They ate and left to go to the shed and once again she started hearing hammering and sawing behind the shed . She picked up and started working on her letters . Nate and the pup were sleeping and she felt happy , everything was good .
Captain Jack was shaking his head in agreement and said ...They prepared you ma'am ! If I had daughters I would do the same , this country can be hard and you teach your children to survive and do the best they can . You had good parents . And to your mother's credit there is no doubt that you are a lady ! They all agreed on that .
They ate and left to go to the shed and once again she started hearing hammering and sawing behind the shed . She picked up and started working on her letters . Nate and the pup were sleeping and she felt happy , everything was good .
Re: Tumbleweeds
She made the stew and cornbread before they finished the corn in the evening . She had also finished her letters , it was sad when she first started on them but by the end she was glad to write to those that tried to help her in a hard time . She bundled all of them in a flour sack rolled and tied with a string . She would trust them to Captain Jack and Sam to deliver .
She heard the wagon coming then the activity at the pens with the men taking care of the stock and cleaning up . They came in looking worn out , she felt guilty not helping them this evening . They were hungry and she sat the food on the table . Sam gave thanks and they started ladling stew in their bowls . She cut the cornbread and they passed it to each other . She apologized the stew only had potatoes and onions with the meat . She quickly said ...I will have a garden ! There were seed Hosea got for me in his saddlebags . I'm going to dig up a spot close to the north side of the well so I can water it and get it started early !
They talked about their favorite garden food and how to cook it . She said there were still some seed she wanted … turnips , kale , hot peppers , Brussel sprouts and so on .
She heard the wagon coming then the activity at the pens with the men taking care of the stock and cleaning up . They came in looking worn out , she felt guilty not helping them this evening . They were hungry and she sat the food on the table . Sam gave thanks and they started ladling stew in their bowls . She cut the cornbread and they passed it to each other . She apologized the stew only had potatoes and onions with the meat . She quickly said ...I will have a garden ! There were seed Hosea got for me in his saddlebags . I'm going to dig up a spot close to the north side of the well so I can water it and get it started early !
They talked about their favorite garden food and how to cook it . She said there were still some seed she wanted … turnips , kale , hot peppers , Brussel sprouts and so on .
Re: Tumbleweeds
The men left and said they would be back . She asked ...Where are you going ? They just said ...To get you another surprise ! In a bit as she was picking up she heard some thumping around on the porch and they had made two long benches for the porch out of oak . She was excited and sat down on the one west of the door . They were heavy and solid and she could sit and wash laundry or dishes plus everyone could sit together without bringing out the gun port seats ! She thanked them ...they looked nice on the porch .
She got the dishes and washed them in a bucket and they took turns rinsing and drying them ..carrying them to her new work counter as they talked . The sun was half gone below the horizon on the prairie and the reflection of it lit the western sky red . It looked like the world was on fire . They turned in for the night .
She got the dishes and washed them in a bucket and they took turns rinsing and drying them ..carrying them to her new work counter as they talked . The sun was half gone below the horizon on the prairie and the reflection of it lit the western sky red . It looked like the world was on fire . They turned in for the night .
Re: Tumbleweeds
She woke and laid just a little bit getting her mind together . They would finish the corn today and that would be through . Of coarse they would shell twenty or so burlap bags and grind it to chops for a head start on corn for the stock this winter . They would winnow all the corn used for cornmeal or what was used in cooking to get all the dirt and cob out . A certain amount of cobs would be kept for different things including the outhouse . The corn would be in the dry today but there was still much to be done with it later .
She dressed in the dark putting on the same dress she had worn for three days ...she turned her nose up putting it on ! All their clothes were dirty and she HAD to get the laundry done ! With the amount to do it was easier to go to the river and she was determined to do it today , she felt responsible for keeping everyone in clean clothes .
She started the fire and the pup was whining at the door , she let him out . She made bacon , gravy and biscuits . She used canned milk , coco and sugar , she made them all a cup of hot coco to have something different ..but of coarse there was still coffee ! She heard them when they started getting the stock on grass and hitching up the team .
She dressed in the dark putting on the same dress she had worn for three days ...she turned her nose up putting it on ! All their clothes were dirty and she HAD to get the laundry done ! With the amount to do it was easier to go to the river and she was determined to do it today , she felt responsible for keeping everyone in clean clothes .
She started the fire and the pup was whining at the door , she let him out . She made bacon , gravy and biscuits . She used canned milk , coco and sugar , she made them all a cup of hot coco to have something different ..but of coarse there was still coffee ! She heard them when they started getting the stock on grass and hitching up the team .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They walked to the field and just fell in gathering the corn . Things were moving faster than before with everyone working together spelling each other off . They drank a lot of water , pitched a lot of corn and hauled off all the stalks by early noon .
They were finished harvesting the corn .
They were finished harvesting the corn .
Re: Tumbleweeds
She still had half the big pot of stew and would make cornbread for lunch . Everyone was tired and wore out ...they needed to rest . She would get all the laundry and go to the river , the clothes had to be washed ! They could rest and be in the shade at the cabin and when it cooled they would all go to the river and bathe . The men could going fishing like before .
When they put up the team and washed up they came in to eat hanging their hats . She asked if they wanted to go to the river and they all said ...YES ! They ate , there was much talk of the corn . There was twice as much as them and the stock needed for winter . They talked about selling the extra to the mill at Eliasville . Captain Jack said ...We had a hard go breaking trail straight south to Eliasville after crossing the ford . You can get a horse through but not a wagon . BUT ! When we came back we went a bit east then headed north to here , when we hit the river we turned west till the ford in the river and crossed . There was less shinnery , down timber and it was mainly prairie . With clearing some rocks and obstacles it would be practical to use a wagon . You could haul your corn to the mill but I would talk to the brothers that own it and make a deal before hand .
When they put up the team and washed up they came in to eat hanging their hats . She asked if they wanted to go to the river and they all said ...YES ! They ate , there was much talk of the corn . There was twice as much as them and the stock needed for winter . They talked about selling the extra to the mill at Eliasville . Captain Jack said ...We had a hard go breaking trail straight south to Eliasville after crossing the ford . You can get a horse through but not a wagon . BUT ! When we came back we went a bit east then headed north to here , when we hit the river we turned west till the ford in the river and crossed . There was less shinnery , down timber and it was mainly prairie . With clearing some rocks and obstacles it would be practical to use a wagon . You could haul your corn to the mill but I would talk to the brothers that own it and make a deal before hand .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Captain Jack told in detail of the trip back and the better way . He also said ...The corn is worth twice as much in the winter when people are feeding it to stock or using it themselves . But it gives you plenty of time to arrange a sale . If it's profitable ..expand your corn crop .
They were just talking and said ...In Iowa pecans are very expensive , they don't grow in the north but everyone loves them . We have unlimited pecans here on the river for the picking but how could you get them north and make a profit ? Captain Jack and Sam said at the same time ...The railroad ! She said ...I wouldn't know how to arrange that and Captain Jack said ...I will check into the shipping but you need buyers up north ...Do you know any stores that would buy pecans ? She said ...I have to think and work on this but I know there is a market there . We need to make this a paying farm !
They were just talking and said ...In Iowa pecans are very expensive , they don't grow in the north but everyone loves them . We have unlimited pecans here on the river for the picking but how could you get them north and make a profit ? Captain Jack and Sam said at the same time ...The railroad ! She said ...I wouldn't know how to arrange that and Captain Jack said ...I will check into the shipping but you need buyers up north ...Do you know any stores that would buy pecans ? She said ...I have to think and work on this but I know there is a market there . We need to make this a paying farm !
Re: Tumbleweeds
She had them get all their dirty clothes and bedding to wash and put it on the sledge . She gathered her own and loaded it when Zeke brought the black mule and sledge to the cabin door . She let go and threw the lead rope over the black mules neck and told him ...Lets go ! He followed her to the river with the laundry and Nate laying on top of it with her rifle.
They got to the river and she took the bridle loop of the sledge off the saddle horn and put the black mule on grass in the shade a little east of the laundry rock . She took her clothes off and pulled Nates gown of then stepped in the river . She scrubbed Nate good ! Then laid him on a clean flour sack by the rock . She went back in the river and scrubbed herself washing her hair twice . She really enjoyed it and felt better . She dried off and put on a clean full slip then started washing laundry and drying it on the bushes .
They got to the river and she took the bridle loop of the sledge off the saddle horn and put the black mule on grass in the shade a little east of the laundry rock . She took her clothes off and pulled Nates gown of then stepped in the river . She scrubbed Nate good ! Then laid him on a clean flour sack by the rock . She went back in the river and scrubbed herself washing her hair twice . She really enjoyed it and felt better . She dried off and put on a clean full slip then started washing laundry and drying it on the bushes .
Re: Tumbleweeds
She got all the laundry done that she had brought , it was scattered drying in the sun on bushes . She had washed her dresses first and put them to dry because the men would be here in a few hours and she needed to get dressed . It was quiet , the tall pecan trees gave shade and the river flowed east with a few leaves floating here and there to see the water constantly , slowly moving . The only sounds there the birds and at times a squirrel running through the leaves . It was completely peaceful .
She didn't know what all the men had been working on at the shed but she knew they were enjoying it , They had become good friends in a short time . She had many thoughts , she needed to go to Eliasville . She needed to meet people there , she would be dealing with them and wanted to become acquainted with them . She hoped to make new friends and do business there .
Soon Sam and Captain Jack would leave to go south ..,they had been a blessing in all respects . She wondered about Wade . He had decided to minister to people but what would he do ? He was here far away from anyone except her and Zeke , would he leave to follow his calling ? She liked Wade , he was a good man and one to be depended on . She knew he was trying to sort out many things and this place was good for him . She thought of Zeke , she loved Zeke ! He was a rock . He had saved her and Nate , he had worked hard by himself to tend her and take care of everything . She had high hopes to find his mother and possible plans if they did , she wanted so bad to give him a great gift . She would see , GOD was in control and she would pray for his help .
She didn't know what all the men had been working on at the shed but she knew they were enjoying it , They had become good friends in a short time . She had many thoughts , she needed to go to Eliasville . She needed to meet people there , she would be dealing with them and wanted to become acquainted with them . She hoped to make new friends and do business there .
Soon Sam and Captain Jack would leave to go south ..,they had been a blessing in all respects . She wondered about Wade . He had decided to minister to people but what would he do ? He was here far away from anyone except her and Zeke , would he leave to follow his calling ? She liked Wade , he was a good man and one to be depended on . She knew he was trying to sort out many things and this place was good for him . She thought of Zeke , she loved Zeke ! He was a rock . He had saved her and Nate , he had worked hard by himself to tend her and take care of everything . She had high hopes to find his mother and possible plans if they did , she wanted so bad to give him a great gift . She would see , GOD was in control and she would pray for his help .