LITTLE ADELINE KINDER

Chapter 6

Geraldine, Delphine, and Laura were on their way home carrying the last of the beans that they had gathered. The girls only managed to gather six large sized baskets since Laura kept trying to sneak off under a shade tree and constantly complained about how tired she was.

       Delphine tried to make up for her sister’s slacking off by challenging Geraldine to a bean pickin’ race. “Are you crazy Delphine, my legs are already getting ate up by chiggers and you want me to go kicking more of them up? Besides you need to slow down. You’re tearing up the plants and there’s still one good harvest left in them before fall.”

       Back at the barn they placed the last of the baskets inside and all dropped to the floor to rest. Geraldine lifted her soiled dress to wipe the sticky moisture off of her arms but only proceeded in streaking them with more dirt. “That’s it, everyone to the pond to wash up. Good thing momma did the wash this morning.”

       “Delphine, keep your filthy hands off my new dress. Momma made that for church,” yelled Laura with a renewed burst of energy.

       “I was just going to help you out since you were just so tired in the field back there.”

       Then they both cried, “Geraldine, are we going to have to wait on supper and snap beans before we eat?”

       “If you two don’t hurry up and wash your going to find yourselves cooking your own supper too. Anyone want to race now?” Not giving them a chance to answer, Geraldine darted through the trees figuring she could change on the way back. Her legs were long, strong and fast. The two sisters left behind didn’t have a hope of catching up.

       Weaving in and out of sassafras, walnut and pine she flew in the water head first. Shoes and all, Geraldine didn’t care. Delphine splashed in beside her next and then came Laura. While scrubbing down they also tried jumping on each other to see if they could be sunk like a log. Poor Laura didn’t have a chance.

       It was only after the bath that they decided to strip down to their bloomers before heading back. The sky above pulsated an orange hew as the wind swished and shook the tree tops.

       Looking up at the sky, Laura commented, “Looks like only an hour at best before sunset. We best hurry. Besides, I’m starving.”

       They hung their wet clothes on the line, grabbed some fresh linen and walked to the porch to set their shoes out to dry overnight. The light inside was on and mosquito sheets hung in the open windows. Delphine’s nose started to twitch. “What’s that smell?”

       Then Laura commented, “Smells like Adeline did well.”

       Geraldine spoke up next. “Time to find out if’n we’re going hungry tonight or not.” Pushing the door open they scrambled inside.

Boordom and a Wandering Imagination

     An overwhelming bordom mocks at me but the black metal rocker with its dingy brown cusions assist in keeping my thoughts in a sublime mood. On the wall my Jesus stairs uncomfortably away from me but I am certain that he sill cares. It also gives me the pecurlur feeling that nobody is watching me. Nobody except the dog.

     Bear, a huge black lab who's butt is bigger then mine decided to lay on the floor by my white hand-me-down shoes. He pretends to sleep but instinctively waits for something interesting to happen. Perhaps he's bored as well. If I was to decide to get a bite to eat or perhaps go outside, may God have mercy on us all if tho dog were to miss out on that. I'm being too crude about that blasted walking carpet who never ceases to stop shedding but it seems I've never been an animal lover. Well, (smirking silently to myself) I do like an animal but this is the wrong species and situation.
     In a flash, several acquaintances flash through the confines of my primitive mind. Each one is completely random and totally inappropriate so I quickly choose to divert my attention to more pressing matters at hand. The dishes could be finished and the laundry needs folding. There is also that friend of mine who I've neglected to call for quite some time.
     There is a legitimate reason for me not calling him too. I enjoy listening to the sound of his gruffly deep voice a little too much. I remember he had the deepest blue eyes and it was so easy to drowned in his gaze while we were in the mist of a deep conversation. Yes, I did say conversation because our relationship is not what your thinking. We will always and only be friends. Of course it aggravates me to see the brilliant light replaced by fatigue and pain now.
     Of course he does have a well shaped bottom. I think I should stop thinking about rears for a while. Still its hard for me not to appreciate someone's well formed rump. I am now a cougar ready to pounce. Not, Nat. Geo. is showing on the Telly right now as Angie sleeps in the bedroom. Angie is in my care and since she has been resting comfortably for the last hour, I sigh a little bit of relief since I don't have to dote over her today.

     It would be nice if the mail man would show. All silence in the house would then be broken as a chorus of barking dogs protested the intrusion. Na, that would get too noisy. I think I'll just enjoy the quiet while I can. It's not often that a moment such as now presents itself.
     I remember a humorous conversation from yesterday between me and Angie. She spoke of how very interesting it was to "get it on" with that "special someone" on horseback. Even though horsback riding is completely out of my league, I can't help but to think of it as an interesting afternoon activity. There would be streams of sunlight peaking through a forest canopy. It warms the back as though invisible fingers that are feathery soft glide across the skin. Brief moments of velvety warmth pass by as quickly as the eyes blink.
     Should the couple be naked or the female concealing the act by a casual flowing skirt? Its a lot to consider and almost like painting an inspired work of art on a blank canvas. Everything is taken in from his sweet rum tipped breath to the crushing pine needles under the mare's feet. Then again I wonder what breed should the horse be. Arabian's are quite popular but my favorite is the Clydesdale. All of this unfolds into a gentle and steady rocking. It is a secretive, seductive, and intimate afternoon between two adventurous lovers.
     None to soon, those fourth of July jingle bells begin to rattle and clank on the handle at our back door. There is company walking in so my wonderful mental painting quickly melts away. It is currently hidden somewhere in the fathomless depths of my mind. It waits patiently to be pulled out, dusted off and then refined for use in a writing project. The historical that I have been saving for Nano would word well with it. Mmmm!

Little Adeline Kinder

Chapter 5

       “Well I guess I could make pancakes or biscuits. I might be able to find some berries close by to stew for a fruity sauce. It’s not much but it at least we won’t go to be hungry.” It was hard to think with the cat starting to make a ruckus outside so Adeline left the kitchen to let him in.

       Now it wasn’t uncommon for the family cat to bring an offering or two and drop it off at the door step. Normally it would consist of a field mouse and there was once a baby possum left there. Not even enough meat on them to feed Lourie’ or even make a decent stew out of. The last thing Adeline expected to find was the cat with a huge rabbit in its jaws. The rabbit was almost as big as the cat.

       Momma didn’t raise no dummy so Adeline knew what to do now. Since she had already learned how to clean a fresh kill, she decided that they would have fried rabbit with biscuits and gravy. Just the thought of it was making her mouth water with anticipation and her stomach growl.

       The cat willingly dropped its kill to come inside and claw out a soft spot on the couch. Adeline picked up the rabbit and proceeded to remove the skin and bones. She then gathered up the meat and set it to soaking in in salt water and figured there was time to cut wood for the stove while her sister slept.

       Papa’s ax was heavy and a little hard to grip as she swung it over her shoulders and onto an upright log, but she managed it clumsily. It took her maybe twenty minutes to a half an hour to cut enough wood for the stove. Gathering the wood took about two trips in and out of the house. Once inside it was time to load up the stove and start the fire.

Adeline then went to the kitchen and measures out some flour, milk, butter, and baking soda. She mixed the concoction thoroughly till it was thick and sticky.  Reaching into the large dish cabinet, she brought out a flat baking pan and a large skillet. She also needed a couple bowls and a plate.

Over in the utensil draw she found the rolling pin. The floor was getting a little messy after she sprinkled flour on the counter top to roll out her biscuits but there would be time to clean it up in a little bit. Once the dough was rolled out she found the biscuit cutter and began making holes in the dough. The circles were then picked up and placed on a buttered sheet to rest while she wiped the counter off and swept up her mess.

I the bowls she added flour to one and milk to the other. Grease was then added to the skillet and set on the stove to heat. The meat was then drained down the sink, dunked in the milk and floured, then placed on a plate.

Frying up meat scraps wasn’t hard. Adeline’s mother always told her the trick is to get them golden brown while making sure the meat inside isn’t red. Adeline carefully added everything to the hot grease and let it sit for a few minutes before turning.

When the rabbit was cooked and the meat set aside on a towel to drain the hot grease, she used the leftover drippings to make thick gravy and put the biscuits in the oven.

Lourie was crawling out of the bedroom by now and jabbering away. Gradually she made it over to the davenport to practice walking along the edge. Adeline thanked God again for helping the evening to run smoothly.

The evening sun and the stove combined started making their little shack uncomfortable so Adeline unrolled a couple rags to hang over the window after she opened them. It had also gotten rather dark inside and was time to light the lamp. After removing the biscuits and setting the table Adeline changed Lourie again before playing with her. Momma’s hand fan that she used during church service made a wonderful toy while keeping them both cool.

Today's Testimony

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

     I never know what God had in store for me. From week to week and day to day it varies. I anticipate the challenges that are given as though it's a special and important gift as well as a new lesson for my faith and understanding to grow. It amazes me even now the magnificent experiences that are presented before my eyes. Most of the time I am a silent spectator who is given the opportunity to witness his grace and mercy through other peoples trials.Sometimes I am fortunate enough to help and even share my faith.
     The Lord has indeed blessed me immensely and despite the pain there is peace and joy. All is well with my soul so I neglect to as for help most of the time. Perhaps it would make more sense to say that everyone else's troubles and prayer request I put before my own. I try not to be a selfish individual and know that there will come a day where I not only will suffer no more but I also know I will be limber enough to dance a country or Irish jig.
     Still, the Lord knows the desires and needs of our heart and tonight he stopped by my place of employment to remind me that I'm just as important as the rest of his children. With a warm and friendly smile, He sent one of his many servants to pray for the pain that I constantly endure. I know my christian brother had doubts that it worked. I still can't help but laugh when he told me not to  lie to him to make him feel better about it. The pain hasn't left entirely either but that is not the important issue.

     His act of faith, the suggestion of prayer for me, and him placing his hand on my back alleviated the pain even before the first word was spoken. So I say thank you Lord for sending the energy that was needed to help me finish a long day of work. Thank you for sending your servant so that I could have someone to fellowship with this week. Also, thank you for providing me with another inspiring story of faith and let thy will (not my will) be done.