A Simple Life by Teresa A. Beeler

Author:Teresa A. Beeler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Breckenridge Crossing
Published: 2019-07-30T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 4

March 2014

June waited until Todd and Gregory had hung their coats and removed their boots. She set out the food as she spoke, “I have just finished paying the electric online and the rural water. We have enough money for one more month of utilities.”

She watched Todd’s brows furrow as he nodded. “Okay. Today we will fix up the wood stove. You cook on it from now on. We will also shut off water to everything but the toilet. Everything else we will pump by hand.”

“Why do we have to start that today?” she asked.

“We need to save what money we have for an emergency. There is no telling how long this will continue. It has already lasted longer than we thought. Six months is too long...At this rate, the government might not reopen.” He explained.

“After we get sleep, we could check for parts to hook up the stove.” Gregory stated.

“Yes, and we can check to see how we can use the used oil in the shed as fuel.” Todd replied.

****

Todd groaned as he rolled over and looked at the clock. “Six hours is not enough sleep.” He mumbled as he stared at the ceiling trying to convince himself to get up. “The work won’t get done if I stay in bed.” Todd mumbled as he pushed himself up and out of bed.

Stepping thru the stair door with the smell of roasted venison assaulted his twitching nose. He walked around to the far end of the table to the only remaining chair and collapsed. After he filled his plate, he explained the chores for the day. “It is the end of March. In a couple weeks we need to have the garden area ready for planting. We still need to hookup the wood stove today and figure out how to apply the used oil as fuel.”

“I have taken an inventory of the freezer and canned goods. We will need more potatoes, tomatoes and corn.” June offered.

“Are there still fish in Bear Creek?” Jacob asked.

“Yes, and we have poles and lures.” Austin answered.

“What about apples? We need more of those before others’ steal them.” Susan said.

“We should also get out early and look for hickory nuts again.” Sara threw out.

“Great ideas. Sara, why don’t you make up a list and assign groups to be ready for scouting?” Todd asked. He received a nod from the quiet sister.

Patrick reported, “We have about half the perimeter completed. We can finish this afternoon if the weather holds.”

“Last night, we had something messing around the north line.” Nabih said. “Someone might wish to check out the prints to decide what before nightfall.”

“Gregory and I can do it.” Austin volunteered. “We will let Alaina and Sheila know so they don’t accidently shoot us.”

“Let’s get to it.” Todd dismissed the group.

Todd heard chairs scrape the floor as the group stood. They mumbled as each one tried to reach the sink for dirty dish disposal. The same mumbles again floated on the air as they stomped into shoes and zipped coats.

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