There's A New Sheriff In Town!

The new sheriff was so bored. "If I have to give another littering ticket I just might move back to the city. Small towns are nice, but after the city life it's really hard to adjust. I feel like Sheriff Taylor in Mayberry. I'm only missing Barney as my deputy." He chuckled to himself as he looked through the paperwork that was on his desk. Little memos and notes from previous officers was about it. He did see a new wanted posted for a guy named K.R. No last name? Odd, but there is a lot of that going on nowadays, Cher, Ellen, Mars, Bluey and Bambi." He laughed out loud at those thoughts. "Cartoon characters, singers and talk show hosts. What a combo. He saw the mailman walking down the street. Hopefully the mail will have something a little more exciting for me than counting the minutes until the noon whistle blows," he thought as he tacked up the poster.

He decided to take the car and cruise the small town. "Never know there might be someone breaking the law. Maybe even a jaywalker." He shook his head and headed for the quiet neighborhood where Marleewood was located. He had been told about the community favorite of small children and their parents. By what he understood there were two grandmothers that used to go there a lot. There were stories told, games to be played and there were many rooms in the old place. "Probably haunted would be my luck. I'll just drive by and take another look. As he drove by the big old building he noticed a guy leaning against a tree. It seemed like he was hiding. "I think I'll park for a while and see what he's up to." About that time he saw the stranger run to the pickup that was hauling a long camper. "Hmm, I don't like the looks of that. I believe I'll pull up there and see what's going on."

He put on his biggest smile and "Hello there. What seems to be the trouble. Is everything alright?" As soon as he asked the question the elderly lady in the passenger seat started to cry and got out of the truck. He noticed that the stranger had started to walk away. "Hold on there fella. I just wanted to ask you a few questions. The man turned to look at him and immediately he recognized the man as the man on the wanted poster he had just put on his bulletin board. "Hey, stop! come back here. I want to talk to you! Oh you are a runner huh, well you are too old to run, buster. Stop!" Pleased that the guy stopped he caught up to him and said, "Okay, turn around, buddy. I've got some cuffs that have your name on them. We are going back to my office and have a visit."

Marlee called B and said, "Did Grandma Lu get arrested? What's going on? Mom said there was a cop car by their house."

Grandma B said, "Well, I can't imagine why that would be, Marlee. I'll call her and see what's going on. She has been acting strange lately. I'll call you back in a little bit."

Yvette had been calling and calling but didn't get anything but a busy signal when she called her old friend. She finally gave up and went outside to tend to her horses.

Nancy had gotten the strangest message from her friend's daughter. She said that she was worried about her mom. She had heard rumors that there was a stranger lurking by their house. Could she go over and check please?" Nancy assured her that she would. Grandma Lu lived about twenty minutes away. She had to hurry! She gathered up her purse and phone and soon was on her way. "I wonder what that old girl is up to now. She's always writing stories, maybe she got carried away. Maybe she stepped on someone's toes! Oh no. I think I know what's up. I've got to hurry!" About that time she looked in the mirror and saw lights flashing. "No! I don't have time for this. I have to help my friend."

The sheriff had changed his mind about his new home. Maybe it would be a fun place to live and work. He's arrested a man for loitering and breaking parole. Now a traffic ticket! His first since he had moved here. Things were looking up. "No, ma'am. No! Stop! Oh now you are really going to get a ticket. What's the matter with that lady? He turned on the siren and gave chase all the way to the building the townsfolk called Marleewood. It was close to Grandma Lu's house. When he arrived he couldn't believe his eyes. "I think the whole town is here. What gives? People were walking towards the front door carrying food and thermos's  with drinks. Dogs and cats were sitting with their humans. Children were crying and pulling on their mom's jeans wanting to know if Grandma Lu was going to jail. People were glaring at him like they thought whatever was the matter was all his fault. "Well, I guess I'd better see what in the world is going on here. "Whatever it is sure looks like I'm not their favorite person right now."

Aura had heard a commotion outside and jumped up to look out the window. "Wow! Penuche! Come look, she barked. That big old building down the street has all kinds of humans and dogs and cats over there. You suppose Mom would let us go over there and join the fun?"

Penuche was getting tired of Aura's puppy ways. Always wanting to play and go places. She was getting older and wanted time to reflect on her life; quiet time. "No! Leave me alone. It's my time of morning that is mine. Quit your barking. I'm tired! I just want to snuggle up to my favorite toy and rest for awhile. Now hush!"

But Aura and Penuche's mom had already noticed the cars, people, and pets starting to gather at Marleewood. "Oh it's so good to see life over there again. It's about time. I wonder what the occasion is. I hope Grandma Lu is okay. She's been acting a little off lately. I might go over there and see for myself." When she started for the door she had two sweet little dogs that were whining to go along. "Okay, since other folks are taking their pets this once you two can go along. But be nice, okay?"

Ms. Kate's Wish For An Adventure Was Coming True!

 Rowdy knew this was a mistake. He and Ms. Kate had absolutely nothing in common. She was an educated college degreed feline of the top shelf and he was nothing. Just a stray cat with no education, no family at least none that wanted him. His life was one of wondering and adventure. Hers was of a nice home, comfortable furniture. She even had a bed of her own; something he had never had. He wanted to go to Texas for warm weather. He had heard of dude ranches and horses. He made the mistake of telling Ms. Kate. When he had seen her college degree he had tried to run off without telling her, but she had stopped him. She wanted a little adventure in her life too. "This is not going to end well. I can just tell. When my whiskers start to curl I know there's trouble up ahead."

They soon reached the camper and jumped in through a small opening in the back door. Soon his thoughts were affirmed. The inside of the back of the camper sounded like the sounds of a jungle! The screaming and yowling of the two cats on the bed made his ears hurt. "Good grief. Look at this mess! Do you think I'm going to help you two? Not a chance. That's all I'd need is to get my claws caught in that net. Stop it I said. Stop it or I'm getting out of here. Now just lay still and I'll see if I can think of something to get you two out of this mess. Lay still!"

The two cats stopped their screeching and listened to Rowdy. It was so scary getting caught in the net and there was no room! Addison was caught in Grandma Lu's husband's fishing net. When Ms. Kate tried to help her she got caught too. She was terrified, but she knew that Rowdy was street smart and would try to get them out of the mess they were in. For some reason she trusted him.

At last all was quiet in the back of the camper. Rowdy jumped up on the end table by the bed. Something caught his eye. It was a book. The picture on the front of it had pictures of knots similar to the ones in the man's fishing net. "Ms. Kate, I found a book here on this table. Do you think it's about knots? There are pictures of knots similar to ones that you are caught in."

Ms. Kate, said, "I'm sorry, Rowdy, but I can't see it. You are going to have to read it to me so I can tell."

Rowdy's head fell and knew he had to tell his new friend the truth. "I can't read Ms. Kate. I have never had the privilege of going to school. You are going to have to teach me someday if we ever get out of here. But for now, I'm going to see if I can slide this thing over to you and you tell me if I'm right."

Just as Rowdy was going to slide the book over to Ms. Kate the camper started to move. "Well, I guess we are all going on an adventure for sure. I don't know if I can move that book or not, but I will try. Please try to lay as still as you can."

All of a sudden the camper stopped and things came crashing out of the cupboards above the bed. A book flew out and hit Ms. Kate on the head. There was yelling and loud voices coming from outside the bedroom. "Okay, you two. Once again lay as quietly as possible. Something bad is happening. I think the driver might be in trouble. Remember keep your claws in if possible. It will make it easier for me to get you loose. I'm going to see if I can find out what's going on. I'll be back as soon as I can." With that he was out of sight. Addison started to whimper. Ms. Kate knew she had to comfort her, but had no idea how. Then she saw it; a book of poetry and stories. "Hush, now little one. I'll read you a story if I can get myself loose from these knots. Rowdy should be back soon. Just relax and listen to me purr. It will help. She used her teeth and claws to loosen the knots. Back and forth, back and forth. It seemed like forever, but she had gotten her head out of the net. She looked Addison's situation over and knew it was going to be much more difficult to get her out of the net. She had an idea. So she started to read..."Once upon a time...

The soft mewing and purring sound relaxed Addison's fears. She moved her paws back and forth to the rhythm of Ms. Kate's purring. Her claws went back and she fell asleep. Ms. Kate blinked her yellow eyes and smiled to herself. "Well, I guess my education has helped some. Her claws have come loose from the net. All I have to do is drag it across her body and she is free. I don't have to be ashamed of being a smart cat. I am good for something, I guess."

Outside, K.R. was yelling and shouting. Rowdy watched from his perch by the window of the camper. "I wonder what that's all about. I usually don't like the looks of policemen. Sometimes they have picked me up and put me in the pound. But this guy is putting handcuffs on some guy. Way to go! Oh no that older lady is crying. What is that about?"

Grandma Lu's curious neighbors also watched out their windows as the policeman walked a tall stranger into his police car. Some of them picked up their phones to see if their friends knew what was going on. Poor Grandma Lu.

"Let's go home, Dear. I'm mortified beyond measure. K.R. has always stirred up trouble, but he's done it now. He's in his seventies, for Heaven's sake. Why can't he just leave me alone? That silver mine has been played out for years. What must the neighbors think of us? A police car stopping us right here? I just need to go to bed and hide."

But going to bed and hiding from her troubles was not going to happen for Grandma Lu at least not today. The phone was already ringing when she walked in the front door.

"Mercy, will it never end?"

The Marleewood Children Protect Grandma Lu

 The small town that Sage and Gus lived in seemed to be having more activity than usual. The neighbors were jogging and a young high school girl was watching the cats as she looked out of an old pickup truck window to have her picture taken.

Rowdy and Ms. Kate were walking at a pretty fast pace because they could see that the back door of Grandma Lu's camper was open just a crack. 

"If you are going to tag along with me you have to keep up. I won't have you slow me down so that I miss my ride in the camper. See that door? It's open a little. If we plan it just right we can get in there before they take off for their trip. I have no idea where they are going, but this time of year older humans like to go where it's warm. They might be going to Florida or Texas. Makes no difference really, but I was hoping for Texas. I'd love to live on a Dude Ranch. Come on! You have to keep up!"

Sage said, "Gus, did you see those two cats? Have you ever seen them before? Want to chase them? It might be kinda fun on a chilly spring day. Warm us up a little. Oh how I do love a good cat chase."

"Nah, I don't think so. I'd rather play with the ball. The humans are coming out pretty soon. We don't want to disappoint them. You know how they love to play ball. It makes them laugh and feel good about themselves if we bring it back to them. But we can watch until they come outside."

"There's the neighbor lady with her kids. They are doing what they call jogging. I think they noticed the cats too. Lots to look at this morning. Oh oh, that little one got away from his mom. Oops, I think he is chasing the cats. Maybe this is a good morning for people watching. They sure make life fun somedays, don't they?"

"Hey, Mom! Did you know that Grandma Lu and her husband were going camping? I didn't either. Wonder where they are going. Where did they get those cats? I thought she was allergic to cats. Are we about finished taking pictures? We did the sunflower field and this pickup. I kind of like this one to put in the year book. What do you think? Oh oh. I think those cats just got in the camper. Should we call Grandma Lu?"

                                                                             &&&

From behind the tree K.R. could not see the potential disaster inside the camper. He watched carefully as his step sister put things in the back seat of their truck. "Looks like things are about winding up. I'd better get back in the camper before I'm spotted by somebody. I hate hiding under that bed so riding along won't be bad until we stop for gas then I can spring my surprise on them, he chuckled. Yes, dear sister, you owe me a free ride to Texas and that's exactly just what you will do."

What K.R. was not counting on was children. Children that had been coming to Marleewood for years that loved and protected the elderly story teller. Two of them happened to be outside playing in the leaves. They saw two cats jump in the camper. They also saw Grandma Lu and her husband start to take off on their trip. They had to stop them! Grandma Lu would get sick! They did best what children do. They waved and they jumped and they yelled. 

However, those children didn't see the stranger that had been lurking behind one of the trees run and jump into the camper as well.

Ms. Kate Took A Leap Of Faith!

 Rowdy watched as Ms. Kate licked her fur. She pretended that she wasn't watching or even in the same room. She was something that was for sure. Rowdy couldn't imagine living a life such as Kate's. A nice warm house, always plenty of food to eat, a soft couch. Even with all that, she wasn't happy. Sure, I made my life sound exciting; traveling escapades, bright lights and fancy food. The truth is, I may have exaggerated a bit, well maybe a lot. I'm a little older than her and plenty street smart, but that was not of my own making. I wasn't wanted by my mother or the people that owned the shack where I was born. I was the smallest of the litter and not cute and chubby like my brother and sisters. Because of that I got little food and found nothing soft to sleep on. Well one time I remember well. That was almost a disaster. Oh how I remember that day. Maybe I shouldn't convince Kate to go with me. She's been kind of pampered. She is old enough to make up her own mind, but boy that was a bad day.

It seemed like I had walked forever. It was a hot day and I was so hungry and thirsty. I walked up this little hill and discovered a small house that had an open door to a porch with comfortable looking furniture. Oh how I needed some rest. So I quickly jumped up on the couch. On it was a pretty little soft pillow. Once I got comfortable and curled up to take a much needed rest this horrible squealing noise liked to have broke my ear drums. I jumped off that thing and the noise quit, but I heard a dog scratching at the door and barking his head off. I knew I had chosen a house that had a dog that did not like cats! 

I ran outside as quick as I could. Wouldn't you know it they had rose bushes with all kinds of stickers that got caught in my fur and slowed me down.  Oh and they had a fence; a really high fence. I couldn't figure out where I got in. I ran and ran as fast as I could. Finally I jumped up on top of a propane tank. There was that dog! He was watching every breath I took. I can remember that day clear as a bell. Every time I hear a high pitch sound I think of that scary dog and my heart starts beating fast.

Ms. Kate watched Rowdy and wondered what life with her would be like. "Traveling and free as a bird, but who would feed me? Would Rowdy make sure I was warm and fed? I'm a smartie; book smart that is. I proved that by going to the university and got my degree in Mewology. Talk about boring. Understanding feline behavior and all aspects of feline ancestry that contribute to that behavior. Every cat in the class was gray or like me. No one wanted to be my friend. It seemed to me a waste of my time. I wanted to make my mark on the world. After I got my degree I couldn't even get a job teaching! I know it was because of how I looked, so after doing some soul searching I decided to live on this farm. They're nice enough folks, but when they get company I just want to hide. I don't like all of the excitement of children and television! Whoever invented that thing was not thinking about cats that's for sure!

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Rowdy told Ms. Kate that he would stay for awhile. She knew that traveling with her would take some thought. Ms. Kate paid little attention to the stranger, but watched to see where she went.

Rowdy walked into a room with big furniture and lots of books and papers. He jumped up to inspect the chaos that interested her. She took one of her paws and moved things around. "Hmm, what is this? I had some reading lessons, but this is hard to read. It looks like some kind of letter addressed to Ms. Kate. Wow, if I'm not mistaken she has a college degree! Not only a degree, but she's a shrink! Well, that settles it. We have nothing in common, she would never like my kind of life and I sure wouldn't like hers. I think I will just skip out the back door before she misses me."

Ms. Kate stood quietly at the doorway watching Rowdy reading her diploma. "Why is that thing still laying around? It certainly no good to me nowadays." She let out a sigh with a soft mew. She knew that the possibility of seeing the world with Rowdy was soon to be something that was not to be considered.

Rowdy heard Ms. Kate mew and said, "I'm sorry, girl, but you are too high class for me. I'm rough and tough and a street smart cat that has lived on her own for years. You are educated and used to living the soft life of two meals a day and a nice soft bed of her own or the couch if you please. No. It just wouldn't work. Okay then, have a nice life. I'm off. I'm thinking to go south where the weather is warmer. Maybe someday I'll meet a cat that lives on a ranch down there. That would be the cat's meow," she chuckled. With that she jumped off the desk ran past Ms. Kate and was out the back door.

She looked around at her nice warm home and thought, "No, Rowdy! You have a traveling companion whether you like it or not. Life is too short not to take a leap of faith!" In no time she caught up with the stranger. Her heart was beating a little faster than normal and the sweat in her paws was leaving a faint trail as she started her adventure. 

The twosome were being watched by both neighborhood joggers and two very interested dogs as they made their way to Grandma Lu's camper where their adventure would soon begin.

Ms. Kate Does Not Take Kindly To Strangers

 Ms. Kate was angry. She really didn't know why she was, but she was. She felt like her life was slipping by and had nothing to show for the five years she had lived on this farm. She had had no adventures, no fun, no nothing. She even had all of her nine lives left! No one in her family had ever had such a dull life. She had listened to stories of her mother telling of her and her aunt's fun during their lives and felt so sorry for herself. She had no clue where her mother was now; probably out having fun somewhere. 

She laid down on the comfortable sofa in the humans' living room. "Well, this is a plus. At least I have somewhere warm and comfortable to live, but that's all. I've had several cat naps today and there was not a one of them that had a friend in it. I have never ever had a friend! When I get sad I have no one to tell. When I want to share my hopes and dreams to a friend there is no one. I'm so very lonely. What a sad life I've had. The lady that lives here has a friend. Her name is Grandma Lu. I heard her talking about seeing the camper uptown and that they must be going on vacation. Vacation. What would that be like? I would love to see something or somewhere new. Grandma Lu lives just down the road. I wonder if they would take me along. It would be such fun! I've never had any fun."

Just then she heard one of the young people say they were going to town and meet some friends for a burger and fries. She didn't know what that was, but she was going to tag along. She'd have to be careful not to be seen. "That's the easy part. No one ever notices me anyway. Gray fur, yuk! Why couldn't I have been born a beautiful calico cat? They are so beautiful, but of course, they let you know it too. I can remember one time...Hey! Who are you and what are you doing in here? Get out! This is my couch!"

"Calm down old lady. My name is Rowdy. I've traveled a long ways and I am tired, so move over. Have you got a soft blanket or something? I'm cold and my paws are about shot. What's your name anyway? Come on! Get over!"

"I'll have you know my name is Ms. Kate and this is my home. We do not take kindly to strangers especially ones that mew like they don't even live in these parts. Where did you come from, anyway? And don't you think for a minute that I will share my food with you. I have my own dish and nobody touches it but me. I think it's time for you to scat, cat!"

"Ms.? Oh so you are single? Do you have any kittens around here? Never been married or had kits? I'm so very happy to hear this; me either. I'll tell you what, if you get me some food (some mouse pie would be nice especially if it's warm), and a place where I can rest for awhile you can go with me. I'm on my way to Texas."

"The audacity of you inviting yourself into not only my home but presuming that I will treat you as a welcome guest. I have not had any mouse pie since I was a very young kitten. Plus go away with you? You yourself said your paws were shot. How on earth would we travel hundreds of miles to Texas?"

"Just up the road a few minutes ago I saw a cat jump into a camper that an old man had hooked up to his truck. You can't ever tell. He might be going our way. Let's give it a try. We can find some food on the way. I know that campers have furniture in them that is soft. I traveled in one part way here. Come on! Life's too short not to have an adventure. Well? What do you say? How many lives have you used up? None? You are young yet, live a little, girl!"

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Addison was trapped in a fishing net. She had worked herself out of the mountains of pillows on the bed in the camper, but now how was she going to get out of this predicament? The human yelled at her for making him sneeze and went out the door and left her to fend for herself. Addison remembered all of the things that had happened to her in her life and decided to take a deep breath and relax. The ribs that she had broken when she fell from that big tree hurt when she took big deep breaths. What she needed was a plan. She had her two front paws caught in the net, but her back paws were free and she was able to breathe small breaths. If she just had a little help she could make it. Then she noticed that the human had not completely shut the door. She laid there looking at the sunbeams bouncing off the wall. Where there was a will there was a way. She mewed softly, but loud enough for someone to hear.

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"K.R. watched from behind their house as his step sister and her husband put things in the back seat of the pickup. He had a plan. Lu and her husband thought they were just going fishing so they could enjoy themselves. Ha! No they were going to Texas and he would finally get his hands on the silver mine at the Double D. He deserved it. Yes, he was old, but that didn't matter. He could spend money in his seventies just as well as he could have in his forties. Yes. He was going to be rich and Lu was going to see that his dreams were going to come true..

A Cat Of Many Names Was Using Up Her Nine Lives

 He smiled as he thought about his wife. She loved to go camping, but she took everything but the kitchen sink with her. One time she even took an iron. As he pulled into the yard he saw her waving at him. "I can't believe it. She's actually ready. She must be ready for a little quiet time. I'm glad that it's only for three days though because I really can't miss my physical therapy. I can already tell the difference a little exercise makes in my hip. Okay I'm coming. I'm coming. Good grief it's not like I've been gone for two hours."

He got out of the camper and said, "Hey, what's your hurry? Alright, just let me put my fishing poles away. I got a new fish net too. I'll put that stuff under the bed. The tackle box is under the trailer like always."

"No, just throw them on the bed and let's get out of here. Have you thought about where to go? Did you get some cash? Good. Let's just go to the other side of the lake. We've never camped there before. We have some friends over there. Maybe give them a call. They can come over for a bbq. What do you think?"

He thought that sounded like a good idea. He wasn't in for a long trip since he hurt his back. "Sounds good to me. I'll just throw this stuff in the back and we will be on our way."

She was a cat of many names, but Addison, as her last human called her quickly jumped off the bed and hid lest she be found. She was ready for an adventure, not be kicked out like yesterday's trash as so often had happened to her in her life. The little girl, Regan, and her mother had saved her from an early death. She had always wanted a rush, a thrill, a death defying adventure and she had found several throughout the years. The last one though about finished her off. She thought that she could jump from the rooftop of a really high building to the branch of a tree and she missed! "I nearly broke every bone in my body and probably used up about seven of my nine lives that day. Good thing that lady found me or I would have been a goner. Actually a good thing the veterinarian she took me to told her how to take care of me and told her that I should live a long good life."

"It was a great place to live, good food, but the petting and the other cats! Meow! I just couldn't take the day after day of purring and making them think I was happy. No! I just had to leave. The little girl still has the other cats. It's good that I left before she started to love me. I just can't have that. Love means being committed to staying in once place. No, not for me." 

She jumped back up onto the bed. She stretched and yawned soon to be sound asleep. She had only closed her eyes for a few seconds. She listened and felt the camper moving. "Oh good. Back to my comfy home for awhile. Oh this bed is so comfortable I think the swaying and moving is making me sleepy again. While she waited to fall asleep she thought of all the things that she had been through over the years. Oh the fun I have had but don't forget the bad times. There were many. That one little girl that carried me around by my neck almost finished me off, and once I got caught in a blizzard and had to room with a squirrel in it's home in a tree to survive. Talk about cold. I almost froze to death. I still can smell those acorns. Yuk! Not for me. Give me a good old fish, maybe a sardine or some tuna fish. Makes me hungry just to think about it."

"Oh the memories, she purred. I had a friend once that was a dog. I still can't believe that that dog didn't eat me alive. He was huge! I can't remember his name for sure; maybe Rex. He was looking out his window and saw me outside in his yard. He went out the first chance he got and told me that his humans were making jerky and he was sure that I would like it. He had sneaked me out a piece of it. Not my favorite. Fish is my favorite, so I thanked him and made my way to the nearby lake. It was quite the journey. Just think if I had a permanent home I would never have made friends with a Great Dane. I felt bad about leaving that big guy, but he had two little girls. That was no place for me.

Yup I just have a feeling I'm on to another adventure. I just don't know what. Probably not too exciting. These people are old."

Addison heard a familiar sound; a sneeze as humans called it. "No! Not again! There just seems to be something about me that makes humans sneeze, but there was no human in this little house on wheels. Suddenly her bed started to raise up in the air. She felt herself being flipped to the top of the bed and all those comfy pillows were now falling all over her. She was being buried alive by the pillows. A net of some kind had her trapped! Surely this was not her eighth or nineth life! What was happening?"

K.R. Might Be Allergic To Cats!

 The girls were anxious to get to school to see everyone's costumes for the one hundred days of school celebration. The teachers had told everyone that they could dress up like old people do if they wanted to. They had told their parents and each were wearing gray wigs and glasses on chains. Regan was using a cane and Emma was carrying a handbag like she had seen older ladies use. They complimented each other on how old they looked and giggled as they walked.

As they continued on their way they saw a camper parked at the bank across the street. "Isn't that Grandma Lu's husband getting money out of the ATM? Looks like they are going on vacation. Mom usually takes care of their dog when they are gone, but she didn't say anything to me."

"I don't think that is Grandma Lu in the camper, Regan. I think that's a man in there. I just saw his head in the window. I wonder who that is and where did he go? I don't see him now."

Emma giggled and said, "Well, why don't we cross the street and find out? We still have plenty of time to get to school before the bell rings." Regan shrugged her shoulders and said, "Okay, but look both ways and we have to make it quick. We don't want to be late on a special day like today. I had better send my cat home. She doesn't belong in school without permission."

She told her cat to scat and both girls watched as the cat started back towards home. Then they looked both ways and made their way to the bank's ATM to talk to Grandma Lu's husband. Emma thought she heard something in the camper and jumped a little bit. Regan said, "Hi! Are you and Grandma Lu going on vacation? Where are you going? How long are you going to be gone? Who's in the camper now? Is Grandma Lu in there? Can we quick say hi to her? Oh, really?  We sure thought we saw and heard someone in there. Oh well, okay then. We'd better hurry. Glad you like our outfits. Do we look old? Have a good time and tell Grandma Lu we will send her some pictures of the one hundred days of school. Maybe she can use them in her stories. Bye!" And they were on their way...

                                                                      &&&&

"Nosy little girls. They act just like my nosy next door neighbors used to. Made me stub my toe. Ouch, it hurts and now I'm going to have to get back under the bed. He'd better hurry up and get back home to pick up Lu so we can get on the highway and I can quit hiding. I need to get to Texas to claim my share of that ranch and start digging out the silver I know is still in that mine."

                                                                  &&&&

"I wonder what those little girls saw or thought they saw in the camper. Maybe I should just check it out while I'm in town close to a gas station. Could be something fell out of the fridge. I'd better check and make sure I have everything tied down and secure before we take off. I do need to put my fishing poles under the bed before we take off. First thing I'm going to do is stop and get some bait and put in the fridge. That always get's the old girl's goat. I do it just on purpose. Love to hear her yell." He chuckled to himself as he opened up the door and walked through the camper. Everything was as it should be. He closed the door and walked to the truck and didn't realize that he had closed the door on Regan's cat, Addison, who was sleeping on the bed in the back of the camper.

K.R.'s nose was tingling. "Oh I can't sneeze now, he thought. I can still hear him out there going through stuff. What is he doing?" He put his finger under his nose and pushed really hard. "Boy, that was a close one. I almost sneezed and gave myself away. Come on old man. Let's get this show on the road. Achoo!"

Fran thought he heard something just as he closed and locked the back camper door. "I must be hearing things. Those girls put the idea in my head there was someone in there." He shook his head and started the truck. He stopped at the closest bait shop, picked up a new net that he'd been meaning to buy for some time and a package of worms. Soon he was pulling in the driveway to pick up his wife and whatever she had to put in the camper. He grinned. He could see it all now. A big old catfish, a campfire, and a sky bright with stars. His kind of heaven. 

K.R. Is Back!

 He had been inside the big house for over twenty years. Twenty one years and forty four days to be exact. For each and every one of those years he thought about this moment. The moment that he would at last get even with that woman he called his sister. She was no more sister to him than the old guy that was in the cell next to him for over ten of those years. He couldn't believe his luck when the old guy said he knew Lu; the woman he had lived with for most of his younger years; his stepsister. Oh she'd be up there in years by now, but that didn't make any difference. He was going to have his day alright and today was the day. "I'll teach her not to answer my letters. Yessiree, bob. I'll make sure of that."

He was getting chilly and it was hard to see because the sun was shining so brightly. He wasn't used to being outdoors for very long at a time and surely wasn't used to sunshine. He stood behind the corner of the service station and watched the old guy. "I'm sure that's her husband. Looks like they are going somewhere. Nice camper. Doesn't look like the one sis and I grew up in. Ha! What a piece of junk if you could even call it junk. It had more duct tape to hold that thing together than nails. Makes no difference because today, sister dear I will make sure you do as I say and go where I want to go. I have made a plan that will make me rich and you are going to help me do it!"

He watched as the older man filled his truck with gas. "Hmm, got a credit card, do ya? Hope there's a big old wad of cash just waiting to be used. He saw the old man walk into the building. He nonchalantly walked closer to where the camper was parked. He tried the back door. His luck was changing already! The old man had left the back door open. "I know how these things are built. I lived in one long enough." He quickly climbed into the camper lifted up the bed and sure enough there was a large storage area under the mattress. He quickly grabbed one of a dozen pillows and took it with him under the bed. "Lu hasn't changed a bit. Always did have to hog the pillows if we were lucky enough to have some." He quickly moved the lawn chairs over and some extension cords to one side of the storage area. Would wonders never cease? There was an old heavy quilt under there too. This is going to be the easiest job I've ever had. "Good grief there must twenty rolls of toilet paper in here. She always was afraid we would run out when we were kids."

" I'll give it to her. She's living the good life now, but I want a piece of it."  He felt the camper rock and heard the old man open and close doors then he heard the outside door open and close. Soon they were moving. "Hmm, wonder where he's off to now. He opened the bed with his hands and tried to see outside, but the windows were frosted over. "Rats! I need to be able to see. He crawled to the front of the camper and peeked out the window. "An ATM! He's playing right into my hands. This is going to be a blast, but I'd better get to the back before I'm discovered. I'm not into laying on a hard floor, but this is worth it. I'm going to Texas and those two old fogies don't have a clue!"

                                                                               &&&&

It was hard to keep from worrying about keeping things from her husband let alone from one of her very good friends, but no one needed to know about her past. She had a good life now with a good man. That rascal of a stepbrother was not going to ruin it. She pretended to fool B and her husband thought it was fun, but he had no idea that the envelope was real. She walked into her office and looked at the old spittoon. It was an antique alright. It belonged to her mother's grandfather. He had owned a saloon and a ranch in Texas. She had been told by her grandmother and her mother that the ranch at one time had had a mine on it. It had been played out years ago and the ranch had been sold. There was nothing left of that life that interested her. She knew nothing about horses or Texas. It was kind of fun writing her little stories about the Double D, but those little stories did keep those memories of K.R. alive.  She certainly didn't want a reminder of her life as a young girl and that dratted K.R. He was a con man with a capital C. He was in prison where he belonged. He was selling shares of the Double D Ranch to unknowing folks for lots of money then he ran like the coward that he was.

 The sheriff finally caught him with the help of an undercover agent and good riddance! He had extorted thousands of dollars from people and thought he could live the good life on the beach. Wrong, little brother. Why do I even call you that?! I do need a vacation. Fran can fish and I can write my little stories. Why do I let that man get me so riled up? I haven't seen him in over twenty years. Oh shoot, there's Fran and I don't have everything ready. "Coming, dear! Did you get some money and the truck all gassed up? Did you put some extra toilet paper in the back? I don't want to run out. Oh good. I'd better check back there just to make sure, though. You know you can be forgetful sometimes. Are you sure? Okay then just let me grab my handbag, my computer, my phone, a hat or two and some snacks. Oh you did? I hope you got me some chips too.  You know how I am with salty snacks. Nope, not going to cook on this trip. Unless you catch me some fish we are going to stop at little cafes along the way. They were putting things in the camper so they would be travel safe when Grandma Lu turned to her husband and said, "By the way, just where are we going? Do you have a plan?"

In the dark K.R. let out a deep breath and thought, "That was a close one. Always was afraid we'd run out of toilet paper. Can't blame the old girl. We did have it rough growing up. Then he grinned and thought, Well, old man it makes no difference if you have a plan; I certainly do. Now let's get this thing on the road it's getting hot in here."

Grandma Lu Pulled A Trick On Her Friend

 "Fess up to what, B? I'm not hiding anything. You are just being silly. K.R. is just a made up character in the Double D Ranch series from last year. Come on let's have a cup of coffee. I even have cookies in the cupboard!"

"Well, I think I would like to know who this K.R. person is. It looks to me like he is in a Texas prison, Lu. Is there something you'd like to tell me? Do you know this K.R.? This is addressed to you. You were supposed to sign for it, but the mailman heard you talking so he let me sign for you." He gave the letter to Grandma Lu and waited for her answer.

"Oh don't be silly. B and I are going to have a cup of coffee. Why don't you go back to your movie. We shall talk later. Come on B. Bring all of your questions and suspicions with you and I'll tell you how silly you are."

"Grandma Lu, can I come in? Is Grandma B having coffee with you? Do you have cookies? Yay!"

Just as they were all going to sit down for a visit, B's phone rang. "Okay. Sure. Marlee you and I have to go back to my house. Your mom and dad are there wanting you to go home. It's almost time for supper." She looked at her old friend and said, "I will be back. You aren't getting away with this, you know."

When Grandma Lu made sure that her friend and Marlee were gone she went in the living room and picked up the letter and laughed. "You did good, my dear. We really have her going now, don't we? I wonder how soon she will be back badgering me about that letter. I have an idea. Why don't we go on a short road trip for a couple of days. She can stew about it while we are gone. I'd like to go someplace peaceful and quiet. You can take the boat and fish. Why don't we take the camper? We need to get it out more. It just sits there gathering dust." Then she started laughing. "It's a good thing she didn't ask to see that letter. I did a terrible job of making that envelope and there wasn't a thing in it! Oh that was fun.

 Well, what do you say? Are you thinking about taking me up on a little trip? Cool. I'll go pack some things and I'll be ready to go. Grab my laptop please. That's the whole idea of getting away for awhile. I need some time to think and get back in my writing mode again. I really miss it; plus I could really go for some fresh fish to eat. Don't forget your fishing license." She grinned as she watched him go out the door. "I don't need one. I'm old remember? Go ahead and get things together. I need to go to the bank and get some money and get the truck gassed up. And I want my silver dollar back!"

On the way home from her Grandma B's house Marlee told her dad that Grandma Lu and Grandma B were acting kinda strange. "I think Grandma Lu is hiding something from Grandma B. " Her dad laughed and said, About the only thing she would hide from my mom is cookies. Come here and sit on my lap you can "drive home, okay?" Soon she forgot about the grandmas and started playing with Whitlee until supper was ready.

Grandma B Tells Her Friend to ""Fess Up!"

 Grandma Lu had been over to her friend's home to make sure that she had a hot meal to eat. She and her elderly friend had a lovely chat and then it was time for her friend's nap. She was a firm believer that sleep was a healer and that is what she wished for her friend. As she was driving back to her own home she thought about that picture and silver dollar that was in the old spittoon in her office/closet. "I should probably through those things away. I have no idea why I keep them. K.R. was always the black sheep of the family. He's been in jail since I was just a young girl. Uncle Rex raised him because Mom and Dad just couldn't handle him. He was always trying to get rich quick and sometimes it backfired on him and he would land in county jail even when he was just a teenager. Uncle Rex insisted that he go to law school. K.R. hated it, but did as he was told. The whole time he lived in Springfield he was conning people out of their money. The last I heard was what I included in last year's series. Poor Allie. K.R. told her that her Uncle Bill had left her a ranch. She believed him! Well, he did leave her a junk yard Jeep and a tear drop trailer that was on it's last legs. She found a letter in the glove compartment that said there was two thousand dollars for her  and a key to the main house located just outside of Master City, Texas. She was next to homeless so she headed for Texas on a wish and a prayer.

Grandma Lu walked into her office/closet and smiled. "Oh that B. She can really clean. I just hope that she hadn't seen that picture. It kind of looks like Fran in the old days, so maybe she didn't think a thing of it if she did see it. She could hear the phone ringing. When she looked she saw that the caller ID said Marlee's Grandma. "Sorry, B. I just can't deal with this today. I'm just going to sit here in front of the computer and decide whether to send Marlee and her family back home or leave them there. The decision I make will either end this series or it will continue for quite some time. I really like writing about enchanted forests and handsome prince charming's and beautiful princess's, but I like writing about more grownup stories too. Goodness sakes, just what am I going to do? she said to herself.

"Well, you can tell me who this picture is and why you have it and a silver dollar in the bottom of a spittoon! Are you keeping secrets, old friend? Marlee thought it was Fran, but I knew better. The writing on the back is poor, but I read K.R. and Master City on the back. Is K.R. real? Fess up, girl. Who is the real K.R.?"

B Finds An Unexplained Picture And A Silver Dollar

 Grandma B was worried about her old friend. When she had gone over to her home the other day she had actually fallen asleep at the table while she and Marlee had been discussing how the story Grandma Lu was writing should go. "She's just doing too much. I told her I would help her clean to give her a break. I'll call over there to see if this is a good time. Marlee is anxious to get started." Grandma Lu's husband answered the phone. He told her that he was getting better, but would be leaving for physical therapy soon. She was welcome to organize his wife's office/closet. "Now it's a real mess in there; just warning you!" She laughed and said, "Oh, I know. I was in there the other day. I'll come over in a few minutes if that's okay with you." He assured her that it was. Grandma B and Marlee gathered up their cleaning supplies and walked down the street to help their friend. When they walked into the small cluttered room they both just shook their heads and wondered just where to start.

"Grandma B I know there is a window in here, but I can barely see. Do you know where the light switch is?" Her grandma flipped the switch that was by the door. "There now we can see. Okay, this is going to take some time to organize. She has clothes, her hats, Christmas, Halloween, and spring all mixed together. Here is her computer. Oh look, she has your picture and some other pictures on her little desk. She sure does love children, doesn't she?" Marlee grinned, and said, "Yes, she does, but it doesn't look like she likes to clean." B said, "She has had a busy holiday season. Her husband hurt his hip plus she's been caring for an ill friend. Let's get this done and then we can go to my house and bake her some cookies. She has a sweet tooth and loves the cookies that we make her."

While Grandma B was putting all the Christmas things in totes and putting Grandma Lu's hats all in one tote she heard Marlee laughing. "What did you find, Marlee?" Marlee said, "I found a picture of Grandma Lu's husband. It's all yukky and standing by a horse. They don't have a horse do they? Looks like there is writing on the back. Here, can you see what it says?"

B turned the picture over and read the old scrawling on the back. "No, this couldn't be. Grandma Lu's husband could not be related to the character in the Double D Ranch series. He was a rascal and ended up in jail. Surely not."  She looked over at Marlee and said, "Where did you find this, Marlee?" Marlee said, "Well, when I was moving things to make room for this old pot that had a Christmas tree in it the tree fell out and so did that old picture. Who is that? It's hard to see. This was in the bottom of it too. Looks like a silver coin of some kind. It's not a quarter. What is it, B"

B looked over where Marlee was pointing. The pot was an antique spittoon that had been subbing for a Christmas tree stand. B grinned and said, "I think Grandma Lu has a secret. Let's put the picture back in the pot as you call it and then we will find a box for this little Christmas tree. Put that coin in the bottom of it too. It's probably a souvenir. If we hurry we can get this all done and still have time for baking. If Grandma Lu comes home early enough this afternoon maybe she won't be so tired and we can have cookies with her. How does that sound?" Marlee agreed and soon they had Grandma Lu's closet all organized and looking great.

Later that afternoon Grandma Lu came home and found her husband snoozing in his chair. "Wake up my dear, and tell me all about your day. How did Physical Therapy go? It's helping, but making you sore. Well, just keep doing your exercises and soon we can go on our walks again. They were? Marlee came with B? They what? You have got to be kidding. She quickly walked into her office and couldn't believe her eyes. Her office/closet was clean as a whistle. "Oh my! What a good friend that girl is." Then she saw the old copper spittoon sitting by the window. Bonnie had polished it and it just gleamed. It no longer had her little Christmas tree in it. "Oh no. Oh no no no. Oh dear. She quickly ran over and tipped the spittoon over. There in the bottom was the old picture and the silver dollar. "Thank goodness they didn't see this. I believe I'll put a stocking cap in this and cover you up. There is no need for the skeleton in my closet to show up. I probably should just throw this old picture away, but it gave me inspiration for last year's stories. Sorry, dear brother, but I will keep your secret, you jail bird you." She shook her head; blew a kiss towards the old picture and went to answer the phone. It was B...

B Whispered Happy New Year To Her Elderly Friend

 Marlee and her Grandma B were sitting in B's kitchen talking like they often did. The subject of Grandma Lu came up. "B, is there something wrong with Grandma Lu? She never comes over anymore and you haven't talked about her for a long time. Plus she hasn't written a story for almost a month! Is she sick?" "No, Grandma Lu isn't sick, but she has been really busy. Her husband hurt his back and a friend of hers has been needing help. She's been having company for Christmas and so has her friend. There has been doctor appointments that she has been giving rides to and the poor thing is about worn to a nubbin." "Marlee asked, "What is a nubbin?" Her Grandma B laughed and said, "Something that is almost worn out. An ear of corn that is really small is referred to as a nubbin. So is a pencil that has been used, sharpened, used and sharpened so many times it is really short. People call that a nubbin. Anyway I think it's probably time I stick my nose into her business and help her out. I'll give her a call and tell her I'm taking her some fresh baked cookies. That will cheer her up then I'll help her put away Christmas. I noticed the other day her tree was still up. She's usually the first one on the block to put her tree away. Why don't you go out to play then we will go over to see her." Marlee asked if she could go to Grandma Lu's house and visit for awhile while B was getting the cookies ready. Her grandma said, "Sure, go ahead, just be careful crossing the street and be sure to knock before you go in."

When Marlee got to Grandma Lu's house no one answered the door. She knew she was home because the car was there. She opened the door and walked into the living room. There was Grandma Lu's husband sound asleep in her chair. He was still in his pajamas! 

Then she walked into the kitchen and said, "Grandma Lu are you okay? Grandma Lu!"

Marlee still didn't hear anything. Then she grinned and thought, "I know where she is. She's in her office writing a story. She's okay. I just know she is."

She quickly walked into the room where Grandma Lu had written so many stories about her and her sister and many other children over the years. There she was on her hands and knees pulling out boxes and talking to herself. "Grandma Lu! What a mess this room is! What are you doing? Where is your computer? I can't even see the floor! Oh, Grandma Lu, you have dolls with broken legs in here with a turkey sitting on top of them! Why do you have your Christmas tree in that copper pot and there are rolls of Christmas paper sticking out of the closet door and all your hats are coming out of a suitcase. Why is there a Halloween skeleton on this old table? I'm going to go get my Grandma B. I think you need help 'cause it smells bad in here too."

About that time Grandma B said, "Girl, you are so right. Come on old friend. Off the floor and into the kitchen. Let's have some cookies and a cup of coffee and then we will tackle your store room or office. Why don't you ever ask anyone for help? Come on!"

Over a cup of coffee Grandma Lu caught her breath and explained that she had been so busy helping her friends and her husband she had not had time for writing, cooking or for that matter cleaning. The Christmas decorations and tree just had had to wait for last. She did say that her husband was at long last getting better, but was still in some pain and was not able to help her like he used to. 

Marlee said, "Do you think you will be able to write anymore stories?" 

Grandma Lu grinned at her and patted her hand. "Of course, I will, but writing stories is my hobby so I'm afraid my stories are on hold for a little bit. Oh, B, the lights are still on on our little tree. They are run off of batteriees. Do you think you could turn them off for me? See there I just asked for some help." They all laughed a little and drank their drinks and ate B's delicious cookiees.

Marlee said, "That's okay. I can wait, but remember you left us in Texas because Mom bought a ranch by accident at an auction. I think you should bring us home when you start writing again." Marlee's Grandma B grinned and said, "Oh, I thought I was going to Texas to help you solve the mystery of the old old book that your friend also Marlee had picked out at the library. I don't know about having you come back to Missouri yet, because your dad thinks that there is still silver in that old mine on the ranch. He wants to stay." Grandma B and Marlee continued to argue and discuss the story line of how Grandma Lu should finish the story. When Marlee looked over at Grandma Lu to plead her case of coming back home she was so surprised. Grandma Lu had fallen fast asleep right there at the table. Grandma B said, "That does it. Lu, come on. Let's get you down for a nap. Marlee and I will put your office back together for you. That's our New Years gift to you. Now you rest."

She walked her elderly friend to her bedroom. Covered her up with her favorite throw and whispered, "Happy New Year, old friend. Happy New Year."

Mylee Has Questions About Santa And His Elves

 Mylee had so many questions about Santa Claus. She knew that he lived at the North Pole, but where exactly was that North Pole? Then there were elves. She had always heard that Santa needed help making toys and gifts for good little boys and girls, but how many did he need? Did he need ten elves or a hundred? She had looked at a globe and the world was really big. Then she had heard about one of the elves that sat on a shelf. Was he lazy? Was he naughty? Why would Santa want a lazy naughty elf to help him make gifts for little boys and girls? She just had so many questions. One day she decided to ask her grandma about this. She had heard her mom and her grandma talking one day about the elf on the shelf, but it seemed like to her he was all over the place. One day he was in the refrigerator getting into their food. Then one morning she discovered that he had slept by her bed all night! She had found him on the Christmas tree and even in the bathtub floating in hot chocolate and marshmallows. He had left a terrible mess for her mama to clean up. She knew he was naughty, but in spite of herself she laughed when she saw him in the tub. This elf just did not sound or act like the kind of elf that Santa would want working with him.

One day Mylee went to her grandma's house while her mom was at work. "Nana, I have so many questions about Santa and his elves. Do you have time to explain it to me? I really don't understand why Santa would want a naughty elf at the North Pole? Where is that elf now? Did he run away from the North Pole? Oh no! Nana, is he homeless? We might have to keep him."

Mylee's grandma said, "You know what? I think I heard that there is a book about Santa's Elf Mates that might explain some of your questions. Some questions we never do find the answers to, but we can use our imaginations to make up our own answers. Our imaginations let us change things in our mind and make us smile. Right now I can imagine what you look like with your shoes on and a pair of freshly washed hands," she laughed. Mylee made a silly face but quickly went and washed her hands and put her shoes on. She was going to find the answer to all of her questions at the library. She just knew it.

When they walked in there were several grownups and children in the library. Some were reading books, and in one room there was a lady reading a story to some children. Mylee's grandma had explained that they needed to be very quiet in the library. She took her Nana's hand and walked up to the desk where the librarian was working. She listened while her grandma asked her some questions. She quietly spoke and pointed to some shelves not far from her desk. There was a Christmas tree all decorated with lights and decorations. The shelves of Santa and elf books were nearby. Mylee's grandma walked quietly up and down the shelves. She reached up and found a book. She quietly leafed through it and said. "Mylee, some of your questions are answered in this book. You might not be able to read all the words, but I will help you. There is a little chair by the tree. Go sit there and I will be right back with a chair so that we can look at the book together."

                                              &&&&&

 Marlee was so excited to have her mom read the new book to her, but something wasn't right. Her mom looked funny as she opened up the book. "What's wrong, Mommie? Don't you like the book that I picked out at the library?"

Her mom looked at her and said, "I don't think this is the same book that you picked out, Marlee. This book should never had been on a shelf at the library, Honey. It's a one of a kind book written by a queen in a faraway country hundreds of years ago. See the inscription on the inside of the book, Queen Harleigh 1782  Dedicated to all of those that have the courage to dream and do. This book should actually be in a museum. I wonder how in the world it ever got to Texas and in a little library like ours. See how brittle the pages are, Marlee? Books this old should never be touched because of the oil in our skin. We need to return this book immediately and see where on earth it came from. It seems like we have a mystery on our hands, Marlee. 

Marlee was a little interested, but would rather have kept the book. She loved unicorns and dreamed of being a princess with her own castle and her very own unicorn someday. "Yes, someday I will own a unicorn farm. I might even let my little brother touch one if he's good. Okay, Mom. I'm ready to go back to the library, but let's pick out a book I don't have to give back for awhile, okay?"

 But her little brother said, "Mom, I don't feel so good. I need to go to bed. Sorry, Marlee."   

And sick he was, so the old old book was put in a safe place until it could be returned to the library or it's original owner.