GUEST POST from Don – GUEST POST from Don – Christmas on Blurry Mountain (part 2 of 4)

CHRISTMAS ON BLURRY MOUNTAIN  (2 of 4)

Sarah Hughes, being 15 and attractive, was the belle of the valley with a suddenness that made other teen girls anxious.  Susan had been her best friend last year, but when Susan’s boyfriend took an interest in Sarah, she acted rude and put-offish.  Sarah was not expecting that, but she appreciated the attention.  Truth be known, she had been dreaming about boys of late.  

Newly minted 17 year old Mike was learning to be a mechanic plus he had a part-time job at the hardware store.  He owned a car and a horse.  His car was as old as he, but it ran smoothly.  He also helped his father at the farm when he wasn’t working or in school.  To be honest, nobody but his closest friends called him “Mike.”  Around the valley he was known by “John Michael“ because his father was Michael and his uncle was named John.  They were an Irish family from way back and hard workers.  They also were not afraid to volunteer when another valley family was in need.  That was how things went in the valley community.  

Susan had become a bit too flighty for Mike.  She talked about all the gossip and all the other couples.  (Talk, talk, talk.)  It wore him out at times.  She wanted to be an elementary school teacher, move from the area, and live in a two story house with a polished banister on a paved street.  She knew exactly how many children were best, the type of cake best for a party, and the prettiest fabrics for teachers’ dresses.  Mike had no plans to move.  

When Sarah showed up he saw that he had options.  Sarah could talk, but she preferred to listen.  It didn’t take long before he realized she was not quiet because she didn’t know anything.  She had a brain full of knowledge.  She understood what a crankshaft was and how it worked.  He never had to explain an engine part, a piece of hardware, or anything about farming.  She also knew every local family, the history, the roads and the industries.  She had walked all the trails and found all the good places to pick wild blueberries and blackberries.  Thus, they could talk about anything.

He, being gregarious, was always careful to never be alone with her.  He invited other teens to go places with them, even when they went for a ride to the next town over for burgers and fries.

In the fall, knowing that her family would be snowed in for months asked her to “go steady.”  She answered, “You might miss me for a while, then decide you can’t wait.  I wouldn’t want you to be held back by a summer promise.”  And so, they parted.  Mike hadn’t even kissed her, but felt they were right for each other.

WINTER

Right on time, Flickers arrived.  It was time to prepare for the cold months.  Newer used feed bags were stapled to the walls of the barn to keep the wind from blowing snow in and warmth out.  The chickens were moved to their winter coop where they could get into the barn on cold nights.  The larger animals were moved to the fenced area next to the barn.  The grass was unlikely to grow much more this year anyway.

A few vegetables had been raised in the greenhouse because they would need several weeks beyond the first frost to mature.  Squash being one, there was also a later crop of onions some parsnips, and a few tomato plants to enjoy in the weeks after the first frost.

Summer was when everyone worked hard and socialized heavily.  Winter was when they worked hard and the children were schooled.  After morning chores, Sarah and William did their lessons.  Then lunch and a few more chores, then tests, essays, and “just for fun” learning until about mid-afternoon.  Then it was time for more chores before dark.  Supper prep, folding clothes, and bringing in the evening wood, … then after supper helping Pa in the barn or washing and drying dishes.  In the evening the family would sit and talk.  Sometimes a Scripture was read, sometimes a passage from a book, a song was played, or stories were told of how things were in the earlier years on the mountain.  William was learning guitar from Pa while Sarah had mastered the harp her grandmother used to play.  

Thanksgiving came and there was not as much snow as usual.  The trail to town was still open, but Pa would not hear of going.  He knew that weather could change without warning; they would be stuck in town and the animals would starve.  He said it was best to stay put.  “Don’t tempt the Good Lord,” he said, not for the first time.  John Michael was too brash to pay attention to the time of year and he showed up on his horse a few days later.  Mr Hughes wasn’t unhappy to have a guest, but he was worried about the possibility of storm.  “I hope your father knows where you went?,” he inquired.  Mike nodded, “Yes, sir.  I got his permission first.”

It was agreed that the young lad could stay until morning, it being too cold to send him away without a warm meal and a fresh mount.  Sarah was giddy with delight and couldn’t help smiling all through the supper meal.  Mike was encouraged to regale the family with news from the town.  He did his best to look at all of them as he did so, even though he wanted to look mostly at the young lady.  

All did not turn out as planned for the young man.  About midnight he could hear the wind making the back porch bell sound.  When he woke and looked out the window with the morning light he could see there had been snow as well.  Mr. Hughes was already up and out of the house.  He had put on his heavy coats and wraps, saddled one of the horses and gone down the trail.  He was gone until breakfast was almost over.  He stomped his boots on the porch and came in.  He went to the wood stove to remove his overcoat.  “It’s bad.  The trail is blown closed.  It is over Bobo’s head (the name of the draft horse).  There is likely no way to go down safely today.  You wouldn’t be able to see the edge at the overlook, nor find where to cross the stream on solid ground.  Sorry, John Michael.  You’re welcome to stay until there’s a way through.”

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ALSO, Don is always open to offer his thoughts on various topics. If you have a specific request, you can let him know in a comment; he reads – and replies to – them all. ~ Sherry]

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