|
|
|
On Anyway. So, I was a little disappointed about that. During the first 20 minutes, I was bored half to death and I wished I could leave, then a different speaker went up and we listened to him talk about gun safety and we watched a video explaining the importance of gun safety (it was about different actual accidents that occurred while hunting). The video was a little gruesome, but it drove the point home that’s for sure. Another thing that made the class not so boring is that they took a break and I saw that my friend, Katie, and her sister were part of the class. By the third day, I was no longer bored and was enjoying myself. My sisters and my mom came for one of the days and we watched a video called, “Shoot or Don’t Shoot”. My sisters were enjoying themselves. The video had examples of times where it made you think whether to shoot or not. There was a few times where some of the students hadn’t completely taken in the surroundings of each hunter. For example, a hunter saw a pair of elk and it was a perfect shot, so he raised his rifle to shoot and the elk began to run. What we didn’t notice was that, as the elk was running, a hunter in orange stepped out from behind a tree. It came as a shock to everyone and it made us want to be a little more observant. My sisters really liked this example: a group of hunters were rabbit hunting with their dogs. Suddenly, they saw a rabbit bound out of the brush. It got away the first time, but it appeared again a little further on. The dogs ran out to catch the rabbit and a hunter raised his gun and looked through the scope. Through the scope, he could see the rabbit, but the dogs were right at it’s heels. Grace shook her head and Melody nearly shouted, “Don’t shoot!” Sure enough the narrator said the same. If the hunter had fired, he’d have shot his dog. I think the most interesting and fun day was Field Day. That’s when the students (adult and otherwise) went out to practice what they learned in class. We rode in a bus (much to the excitement of my siblings) to a place that was specially set aside for Hunter’s Education. Josiah’s group, group C, went to the Simulated Hunt first. All the kids had to pretend that they were really on a hunt and they had to carry their rifle a certain way, keep their eyes open, think ethically, think of safety, and remember the law and regulations of hunting. For instance, as we walked along, we suddenly saw an antelope on the top of a hill. Do we shoot or not shoot? Well, think of this, can you see what’s on the other side of the hill? Another instance was that a wild boar appeared right next to us. Do we shoot or not shoot? Think, is it ethical? What will happen if you shoot it with your rifle when the boar is so close that you could reach out and touch it? These are questions that the hunters have to think of while hunting. Josiah did a great job on that, which showed that he’d been paying attention in class. Katie and her sister did a good job too. We went to different stations to see different things and do different things. At one place, we did a blood trail, another place the kids practiced archery, another they practiced shooting .22 rifles at targets in all three positions; kneeling, sitting, and laying down. My brother hit the target within the circle with all 15 shots. :) I’m not boasting or anything…maybe. Others were not so good. There was one girl who only shot the target 4 out of 15 shots. So, my brother was the best. Of course. We got to see a Red Cross vehicle. It had a huge mast on top with a camera on it that could see anything up to two miles away. The other purpose for the mast was radio communication. There was a Lowlander (from the Scottish Lowlands) with the crew! I know he was a Lowlander by the strength of his accent. (Highlanders have a more rolling accent while the Lowlanders sound more British.) Anyway, we also got to go inside a police car and talk with the volunteers and we visited a man who taught us how to start a fire using a cotton ball covered in petroleum and that you can use a compact disk for signalling. Then we visited the sheriff’s posse and listened to them speak about preventing survival situations. We were going to visit one other place, but a kid who had diabetes was in need of an ambulance, so that didn’t happen. Finally, we went back to the classroom in the Town Hall and the students took their test. Josiah got 78% on his test! My friend and her sister got 80% and their friend got 90%. So, needless to say, they passed. Then, oh then, we had cake and punch to celebrate. Mmm!!! I love that cake! (I’m getting hungry now. :() LOL! So, that was my experience at Hunter’s Ed. |
|
Almost a week after I came back from Ohio/Michigan, we went to the Homeschool Convention in Phoenix. I have always loved the convention. Well, this year was special because it was the time we were to celebrate my Junior High graduation. (I actually finished last year, but we didn’t know much about the ceremonies until it was too late.) It was At After waiting for what seemed like FOREVER in line, we finally walked slowly in, making sure to keep our steps in time to the music. I saw my family and I smiled happily to them. Then, we reached our designated seats and…well, sat of course. A speech was made to welcome everyone and then a young lady played, “Across the Stars” from Star Wars: Episode II. A prayer was made and then another song was played. Mr. Somerville gave the commencement address and then another young lady sang “Only Hope”. Then…it was time. I was the 22nd person in line. As they called my name, all my friends and relatives (who were there) screamed and shouted; cheering for me. When I reached Mr. Monk and Mr. Somerville, Mr. Monk said, “You have a very enthusiastic audience.” :) (Thank you everyone!) I smiled in the direction of the camera, but, really, I was smiling for my friends and family. I got my Junior High diploma and I was happy. Two more songs were played on the piano and and then Mr. Monk told the graduates to stand. Another prayer was said then the three Color Guards took the flags out. We were told to turn to the audience and more cheering and clapping was heard. Finally, we walked out. After the ceremony, we went to our hotel room. My mom had decorated completely with baloons and little containers of bubbles were sitting on two of our tables. I was treated as a princess and wasn’t allowed to do anything to help. All my friends and relatives (that were there) ate and talked while I listened to them with a sense of joy that kept me quite. (A relief to everyone I am sure.Lol!) Then, everyone left and, after we finished cleaning up, I laid my head on my pillow perfectly content. Thank you to all who were there to help make that evening special! |
|
On I arrived in Dayton, Ohio at After service, I was encircled by my many friends from Ohio/Michigan. I was jouyous to find that they were all there. Soon we were in our dorm making new acquaintances and listening to our counsellor, Sister Sally Duke, introduce everyone. There was another counsellor there as well; Sister Heather Miller. I love them both and I hope they go again next year! The Wallace’s came that night with my beloved violin so that I could play for the services. The next morning, I arose at Brother Newton Bennet of Tucson, Arizona preached the next morning (the 30th) and Brother Adam Knight preached “A Point of No Return” that evening. Brother Carmen Mills of Canada preached “Happiness” the 1st of July and Brother Ron Spencer preached that evening. Brother Shawn Martin from Arizona preached “Contrast” the next morning (the 2nd) and Brother Ron Spencer preached again that evening. On the 3rd, Brother Carmen Mills preached “Using What You Have” in the morning, and Brother Ron Spencer preached again that evening. On the last morning, Brother Samuel preached once more. On On the evening of the 3rd, I went home with the Mast’s. It was a relatively quiet trip. The reason being that Emma, Katie Ann, and I were sleeping (much to Levi’s relief). Lol! Nothing much was done until the next evening in which I went to the dairy farm where Levi works. It was rather interesting to watch the cows being milked and I enjoyed the whole thing (and I didn’t mind the smell, though others do). The cows were brought in from a place in the back and were put in sideways with their backsides toward the middle of the building. Levi and another young man wiped the cows’ udders with water and then dried them. Then they suctioned the milking machine to each of their four udders at once. The milk then went into a big jar and, when the cow no longer had milk to give, Levi or the other man pulled a lever and all that milk went up into a tube that took the milk into a giant tank. From there, it goes into a jar that the Masts take home. Sunday, we went to church at Brother Ray Erickson’s and all of us girls sang Be Thou My Vision. After service, we went to Brother Ben and Sister Alma Erickson’s house for lunch. I enjoyed it very much! (Thank you Brother Ben and Sister Alma!) Then, we went to the Mast’s. This time, though, we had Lauren with us and we were using the Erickson’s van. Wednesday, we went shopping at the Burlington Coat Factory. I bought a shawl and a skirt (which I later gave to Mariah because it was too short for me). While we were there we put hats and scarves on for a silly hat photo. It was so funny! I love that store! Thursday, we were going to have a nice little tea party by the pond, but, unfortunately, it started pouring just before that time. So, we couldn’t do it by the pond. But, we weren’t going to keep from having a tea party. Katie Ann came up with the brilliant idea that we should go to the house Sarah was taking care of to have our tea party. All of us were thrilled! Sarah asked permission from the owner and the lady was happy that we were going to stay there. We all gathered in the kitchen and, as soon as Sister Suzie came in from getting the milk, fell to our knees to ask her permission. She laughed and said we had to ask Brother Albert. We asked him, but, like all parents, did not answer immediately and, instead, waited until after dinner to answer. It was in our favor! So, we went to the house with all our pretty dresses and, after setting up, took pictures and then sat down to tea. We all (well, nearly all) changed our names. I changed mine to Alexandra Feodorovna Romanov (the last empress of Russia), Lauren was Lady Laurena, Heather was the Countess of Monte Christo, Emma was Lady Emalina, Mindy was Princess Belinda, Loretta was Lady (or Princess, I can’t remember) Nellie, Katie Ann…I can’t remember, and Kristin was…well, Lady Kristin. Our delicious tea snack included: crackers, cheese, tea, and…Oreos and M&M’s! MMMM! It was so good! After tea, Lauren, Katie Ann, and I danced the Virginia Reel to the tune of my Celtic music. We were soon out of breath and Heather, Kristin, and Sarah took their turn. It was so fun! Then, we all got drinks and popcorn and descended the stairs to the entertainment room. We watched Pride and Prejudice. The movie was pretty good except that Jane Austen used my name for one of her characters. It wouldn’t have been so bad, except, that Lydia was VERY flirty and always giggling (not laughing, giggling). I wanted to slap that Lydia. I hope I don’t look like that. She even had the same color eyes and hair as me! Anyway, when the movie was finished, Emma and I hurried into the bedroom we were staying in and jumped…or, rather, sank…into the bed. It was The following morning, we went with Martha Zimmerman to the Kingwood Center. We had gone there last year, but the house was closed and a lot of the fountains weren’t playing. This year, all was open and the fountains were working beautifully. Such a fitting scene to our eyes after seeing the movie the night before. Then, we went to the Zimmerman’s for lunch and some of us went for a swim in their pond. I couldn’t resist getting wet! It felt so good! When we were finished, we went out to their garage and some of the girls played Knockout. We went for a tour of the farm and then we had dinner by the Zimmerman’s little cabin. Emma took Lauren and me for a ride on the fourwheeler. It was so thrilling! It made my stomach do flip flops. Dinner was delicious and I enjoyed it. After that, we all played volleyball. It was so funny to watch the young men trying to get the ball! They almost always ended up on the ground. Our last activity was a game of Knockout. I won only one game, and that one came as a shock. I beat Kristin! WOOHOO! Oh, sorry. He he. :D Friday, we did some more picture taking. This time it was by the new pond. I love the new pond! It’s so lovely! But, then, it was time to say goodbye. :( I wasn’t ready for that. I didn’t want to leave. Emma and I have become very close. I shed a few tears on the way to Lauren’s. Nathan Erickson met us in the yard when we got there and took Lauren’s things in for her. Then, we went inside. Oh, my. The sight we saw when we walked in was quite shocking. There in the corner of the dining room was a group of boys who actually looked like gangsters. Justin E., his cousins, and Seth C. were standing there with mohawks, guns (fake), dark sunglasses, and trenchcoats. A rather scandalous sight if you ask me. Anyway. I felt right at home after a few minutes. Lauren had a nice, big bookshelf in her bedroom that I went to immediately. I was thrilled to find a few books that I haven’t already read! (I’ve read most of Heather’s interesting books.) The rest of that day was short and lazy. The next evening, however, we went mini golfing. It was delightful and I enjoyed myself to the utmost; even though I lost miserably. Afterwards, we were just going directly to the house, but the girls wanted to go to Starbucks. So, after a generous offer from Heather (thank you, Heather!) we did. I got my favorite, Strawberries and Crème! I loved it! Then we headed for the house. Well, on the way, we kept hitting red lights. Finally, we hit a green light! And Nathan went nuts. He shouted out the window. I can’t remember all he said, but he ended it with something like, “…and I’m so hyper!” Now that was an understatement for what Mariah and I were like in the backseat. If we didn’t have our seatbelts on, we would have been doing a jig. So, you can imagine how we were when we got to the house. That night, Kristin, Seth, Justin, Mariah, Lauren, and I stayed up until Well, the next day we bid our gracious hosts and hostesses goodbye…and a tearful one, I might add. And we flew home.
|
Posted in Black Knight
|
Two years after Black Knight’s victory, Lily and Samuel were summoned to the foaling barn to see the new foal that was born that morning. Jedidiah was grinning when the two walked in and he said cheerfully, “Well, dis heah filly shore did give me a hawd time, but we’s got hu now. She’s a purty one too.” Lily looked at the little filly who was happily standing on her own nursing. She recognized the mare as on of her favorites, Irish Lassie, “Who’s her sire?” Jedidiah’s grin widened, “It’s no uthu hoss but dat black stallion. Black Knight is hu siuh.” Lily squealed with joy. Black Knight’s first filly. He’d sired plenty of foals, but they’d all turned out to be colts. But, this time, it was a filly.
Samuel smiled down at Lily and asked, “Well, what’re you goin’ to name ‘er?” Lily thought a moment and then announced, “Her name is Dannsair. Her mama’s Irish Lassie, so I think she should have an Irish name and that’s the best one for her.” Samuel frowned, “What does Dannsair mean?” Lily laughed at his puzzled look, “It doesn’t mean anything bad. It’s Gaelic for “dancer”.” Samuel nodded in understanding and then looked at the little filly. Just at that moment, she kicked up her heels and pranced right out to the paddock. Lily laughed and Samuel grinned, “I guess that’s what her name should be. She likes it. Dannsair; the little Irish filly.” As the days went by, Dannsair proved to live up to her name. She never walked far without prancing and she always was kicking up her heels and whinnying. All the little foals around her would join her and soon they’d break out into a run. The mares stood watching for some time and soon got bored. Most mares did. They soon were grazing peacefully. The stallions, on the other hand, and especially Black Knight, would gallop along near the fence close to them. Black Knight was always encouraging the little foals to challenge each other to race. Dannsair was nearly always the first to do so and always won. One day, Lily decided to see just how fast the little filly could run beside her father. So, she put Dannsair into Black Knight’s pasture with the tall stallion. He tossed his mane and snorted when he saw the little intruder, but he wasn’t hostile. The filly stood completely still for a moment watching the magnificent stallion coming near her, but then she galloped toward him. Soon, Black Knight challenged the little one to a race. They started at the north end of the pasture. Black Knight was ahead for some time, but the little filly gained speed until she was right beside him as they turned at the south side of the pasture. They charged back up to the north and Black Knight stretched out. Dannsiar stayed right behind him all the way back to their starting place. Lily was amazed at the speed of the little filly and wondered what she would be like when she got older. Maybe Dannsair would be another Black Knight. The End |
Posted in Black Knight
|
A year later, Black Knight and Old Jake stood munching grass in the pasture of their new home. Lily and Samuel had married, bought a new home (complete with stables and a tack room), and had begun a business of breeding good race horses. Black Knight was the sire of many good racers. Prairie Fire had also raced and finished second in the Kentucky Derby so he too was a sire. Lily and Samuel were making enough money to keep Emerald Stables going and buy new horses. Altogether, Lily and Samuel had forty horses. Three stallions and thirty-six mares. The thirty-seventh horse was Old Jake.
Lily was very happy to have so many horses. She’d always wanted horses ever since she could remember and now that dream was fulfilled. Her mother lived with them in her own house on the other side of their land. She’d wanted it that way because she wanted her children to have their privacy. But, she was very glad to have them over whenever they wanted to come. Jedidiah lived in his own house on the West side with his dog, Harry. The two were quite happy together and Jedidiah was especially glad because he no longer had to go very far from his house to work. All he had to do was keep the horses well cared for; with Lily and Samuel’s help, of course. Every week, Lily and Samuel would go to town and get the supplies they needed. Luckily, they didn’t need to buy feed because Mrs. Starr had land on the other side of the road from the stables where they grew all the feed they needed. Oats and hay was harvested and fed to their horses all year round. Lily and Samuel never had to worry for feed. In addition to all the horses and crops, Lily also had a little garden of her own. She grew vegetables and flowers in it and had good harvests from it. If Lily needed something for a salad, she knew just where to get it; the garden. It was rather convenient to have a garden. All the times that Lily made salad, instead of going to buy their vegetables at the market, they just picked it from the garden. Now, Lily and Samuel weren’t health nuts. They did have a microwave and a lot of other “unhealthy” things, but they were happy and healthy anyway. They went to the doctor only when they were terribly sick and they kept medicine from the store in their cabinets just in case, but they didn’t rely completely on them. For years, Lily had dreamed of owning her own house with a garden and many horses, but she’d never thought she’d actually get that wish granted. But, after Black Knight had won the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes and she’d married Samuel, her dream became a reality. It was a wonderful dream come true and Lily thanked God every day for it. Mrs. Starr also had dreamed of the things that she now had for many years. She had always wanted a little two-story cottage with a little flower garden in the back for her to tend to. She’d dreamed that she’d always live near her daughter and could visit often (though not all the time). Her house was everything she’d wanted and more. She even owned her own pond with fish in it. It was so clear and clean that she could easily watch the fish swimming about in it. She was so happy and thankful that there was nothing that kept her from singing and smiling. One night, Lily said to Samuel, as they sat on their front porch, “God has surely blessed us. I have everything I have always wanted. Even the home of my dreams.” |
Posted in Black Knight
|
A few days later, Alan, dressed in all his racing silks, led Black Knight out of the stable followed by all the other horses and their jockeys. One hundred horses went into the paddock that they had to go through before reaching the starting gate. Inspectors checked them all over, before they were allowed to enter their positions, to make sure that they were fit for the race.
Lily and Samuel walked to the grandstand to their seats near the front so they could watch the action. Lily could hardly wait for the race to begin! She looked around at the crowds of people sitting in the grandstand. So many and all were there to watch the race that she’d been longing and dreaming of all her life. Samuel was tapping his foot nervously on the metal step and gripping his water bottle so hard that his knuckles turned white and the bottle threatened to burst. Lily smiled and then looked out at the race track. A mile and a half to be run. It really wasn’t very far, but she felt like it was a thousand miles. Lily knew that most horses took a minute to cross the distance, but she felt, at that moment, that it would take forever. She’d waited so long for this! Finally, Alan guided Black Knight into the starting gate. All the other horses were acting up, but Black Knight was patient for he knew what to expect. He’d been trained in the gate so well that he was used to the closeness of it. Alan felt nervous and he was glad that Black Knight was so calm. Conquistador reared several times and wouldn’t stay in the gate. Victoria’s Ebony was bucking and nearly unseating the jockey. Then the grooms and starters brought the horses under control and led them into the gate. “Three, two, one…” The gate burst open and the bell rang. Lily stood up to see the horses. Everyone around her was screaming and whistling. Black Knight was third from the back. He knew that this was only the beginning. Alan sat down and let Black Knight do what he knew was right for the race. The horses passed the finish wire for the first time. Jet Black was in the lead by a good five lengths. Victoria’s Ebony was next with Conquistador pressing close to her side. Samuel sat back with a satisfied sigh and said, “Watch Ebony and Conquistador. They’re sprinters. They won’t last very long.” Lily wasn’t so sure. They certainly looked fast and she thought, how can they be so fast and just be sprinters? The racers passed the half mile post and Black Knight picked up speed. He stretched his legs out far as he ran with his tail and mane flashing in the wind. Lily held her breath as, one by one, he passed each horse. Samuel stood up and watched. He started squeezing the water bottle again. Black Knight passed the race favorite, Mr. Speed, and charged up behind Conquistador and Victoria’s Ebony. The crowds of people grew so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. The only sound you could hear was the pounding of the horses’ hooves and the creaking of the saddles. At the mile post, Conquistador stumbled and fell. His rider was thrown and the other race horses galloped by. Victoria’s Ebony was slowing down and Black Knight was speeding up. He raced up the track and closed in behind Jet Black. Then, he was beside him. Lily pinched her lips shut and watched breathlessly. Suddenly, she heard a loud, “POP!” She turned and saw that the lady in front of Samuel was soaked. Luckily, it was a hot day and the lady just smiled, “Thanks” she said. Samuel smiled and quickly looked back at the track. Black Knight and Jet Black were neck and neck. Once again, Black Knight was in Arabia on the desert racing against the very same opponent. The only difference now was that the jockey wasn’t trying to kill Black Knight’s jockey. His former jockey was the prince of princes and the opposing jockey wanted that place. But, now, Black Knight had a mere former miner on his back. Everyone knew that now. Black Knight felt the hot sun beat down on his back and felt the hot sand beneath his hooves. He heard the creaking of the leather saddles and the sound of the horses’ breath coming out in quick spurts. Jet Black glanced sideways and saw Black Knight, his former enemy. He stretched forward and threw himself forward. He was determined to beat Black Knight. But, it was not to be. Black Knight had saved his strength for a long time, but Jet Black hadn’t. So, Black Knight soon passed his opponent and beat him by sixteen lengths; winning in 52 seconds. Black Knight was the conqueror of the race once again! |
|
Here is a list of books I’ve read: ©©Hoofbeats (the Lara series and the Katie series) by Kathleen Duey ©The Horse from the Sea The Hope Chest: A Legacy of Love (not a romance) Sergeant York and the Great War ©©The Orphan Train Trilogy by Al and Joanna Lacy ©©The Orphan Train Adventures by Joan Lowery Nixon ©©Spirit: the Stallion of Cimarron series by Kathleen Duey Lad: A Dog Dear America series Royal Diaries series (Mary, Queen of Scots, Eleanor, Elizabeth, Anastasia, and Victoria) Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder (she’s the one the story’s about) ©The Martha Years (Laura’s great- grandmother from Scotland) The Charlotte Years (Laura’s grandmother) The Caroline Years (Laura’s mother) Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm ©(Listed in order) Little Women, Little Men, and Jo’s Boys by Louisa May Alcott Big Red series Elsie Dinsmore series Mandie series A Gown of Spanish Lace by Jannette Oke ©Emily series by L.M. Montgomery (authoress of the Anne of Green Gables series) ©The Devil’s Arithmetic (The title sounds bad, but it is actually a very good book about the Holocaust) ©©Daughters of Destiny by Noelle Wheeler George Mueller ©©Lyddie (the movie is better) The Adventures of Robin Hood The Longest Shot: Lil E. Tee and the Kentucky Derby by John Eisenberg ©The Last Empress by Greg King (The life of the last empress, Alexandra Feodorovna, of Russia; Anastastia’s mother) Seattle Slew by Barton Silverman A Tale of a Tub and Other Satires by Jonathan Swift ©I am a Star by Inge Auerbacher My Life Story by Helen Keller ©Black Beauty © ©The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy Do I Dust or Vacuum First? By Don Aslett ©©My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer Ann Rinaldi ©Nine Days a Queen (The story of Lady Jane Grey) ©Letters from Rifka An Unlikely Friendship (a neat historical fiction book about Mary Todd Lincoln) The Secret of Sarah Revere The Last Silk Dress Or Give Me Death (The story of Susan Patrick) The Coffin Quilt (The story of the feud of the Hatfield’s and the McCoy’s) In My Father’s House The G.A. Henty series Cat of Bubastes Winning His Spurs Under Drake’s Flag ©In Freedom’s Cause The Dragon and the Raven ©With Lee in Virginia ©A Knight of the White Cross ©In the Irish Brigade St. Bartholomew’s Eve In the Heart of the Rockies
©Walter Farley © ©The Black Stallion ©The Black Stallion Returns ©The Black Stallion’s Filly The Black Stallion and Flame
Daughters of the Faith ©Almost Home: the Story Based on the Life of Mayflower’s Mary Chilton ©Courage to Run: the Story Based on the Life of Harriet Tubman ©Shadow of His Hand: the Story Based on the Life of Holocaust Survivor Anita Dittman ©The Tinker’s Daughter: A Story Based on the Life of Mary Bunyan |
|
I have often read books that had a horse on the front cover but actually had nothing to do with horses or that had horses in them but the people in the book were boy crazy (or girl crazy) instead of horse crazy. I don’t like those types of books. If I’m going to read a horse book, I want it to have horses in it and I want it to be all about horses. Don’t you agree? So, for those of you who would like to know what you can read that is like that, here is my list: Hoofbeats (the Lara series and the Katie series) by Kathleen Duey The Longest Shot: Lil E. Tee and the Kentucky Derby by John Eisenberg Seattle Slew by Barton Silverman The Black Stallion series (Walter Farley, the author, writes many good horse stories, but I don’t recommend The Island Stallion.) Black Beauty |
|
Recently, my ma got me a book from the library for school. Home Economics; to be exact. The title was eye catching to me because my ma and I have often had long discussions concerning this very question. I thought that we were supposed to vacuum first and then dust, while my ma thought the opossite. So…which one is right. Well, who usually is? Ma (of course)! I read in the book that you should dust first not vacuum first. Boo! Hiss! Snort! Argue! “If I dust first, then vacuum, it blows dust on everything I’ve dusted,” says Vera Vacleak, Dust Bowl, Arizona. If your vacuum is in that bad a shape you’re wasting your time dusting or vacuuming. A good vacuum with a decent filter bag and clamps won’t leak and spew dust over cleaned surfaces. When you see “resident dust” (it causes that dusty/burny smell when you turn your vacuum on) as well as smell it, you know your filter’s not good. A vacuum has to be maintained. Dump that bag at least once a year. (I’m kidding, of course.) Seriously, if you dump the thing frequently you’ll spend a little time emptying instead of a lot of time wondering why the vacuum isn’t picking up like it used to. Dusting is more than picking up minute particles of lint or airborne residue on a picture frame. Dusting is scraping dirt and dead flies off window sills; wiiping u[ eraser rubbings and food crumbs that missed the napkin; getting all the ashes, orange and apple seeds, gum wrappers, and fingernail clippings off the living room furniture, as well as the toothpick ends cleverly hidden aroung the lamp by the easy chair; knocking mouse droppings off the drapes. If you vacuum first, all this ugly litter ends up on your freshly vacuumed floor. (Ugh!) I’ve heard a lot of Vacuum-Firsters argue that even a good clean well-filtered vacuum blows dust and dirt off undusted or forgotten areas onto dusted ones. Well, get rid of undusted or forgotten areas- use your imagination. Close in that dusty area, or find a way to rig your duster to get it.” There are many questions that are asked in Do I Dust or Vacuum First that many people ask. I love this book and recommend it very highly. It is also a very funny book! |
Posted in Black Knight
|
Conquistador wasn’t the only racehorse that Lily and Black Knight met. One day, Lily was walking Black Knight around the track when she saw a horse being led by a group of fancy people. There was a young lady among the group who looked like she was the center of attention. She wasn’t much older than Lily herself and she wasn’t much taller either, but she was definitely more haughty and boastful.
Lily hopped onto her horse and watched as they led the horse onto the track and helped the groom on the horse’s back. The young lady saw Lily watching and frowned. Lily trotted away from the group because Black Knight was growing restless. He’d been like that ever since they arrived at the barn. He seemed to be anxious to run the race already and he was excited. Samuel often laughed the eagerness that horse had and Alan took it as a sign that Black Knight would be ready to run on Derby Day. The groom galloped past Black Knight to show off; probably at the owner’s orders. Lily only shrugged and continued to trot Black Knight though he was chomping on the bit. He tried to yank it out of Lily’s hands and started prancing, but Lily kept a firm hold on him. Finally, when the other horse was farther down the track, Lily galloped Black Knight. He stretched out into a run long before Lily could stop him from it and soon they passed the other horse and left them in their dust. It made Lily so excited that she whooped as they went by. She closed her eyes and imagined herself back on the island where she’d first taken a ride on Black Knight’s back. She could feel the spray of the ocean water on her face and she could hear the seagulls calling overhead. Lily urged Black Knight onward at full speed until they reached the group of people who had come with the other horse. Then they stopped abruptly. Lily looked directly at the owner of the other horse. The young lady was furious that Lily had dared to challenge her darling horse on the track when it wasn’t race day. Lily smiled a greeting and nodded, but the young lady only sniffed. Then Lily said, “Hello, I’m Lily Starr and this is Black Knight.” The lady frowned, “My name is Victoria Tudor. That beautiful champion over there is Ebony. His racing name is Victoria’s Ebony. Under who’s authority did you challenge my mare?” Lily started, “Your mare?” Victoria sniffed again, “Yes, my mare. You didn’t answer my question.” Lily frowned, “I didn’t challenge your horse. Black Knight is racy and doesn’t like to be held back so I let him go.” “And does that horse’s owner know that you were going to do that?” “Yes. Of course, she always knows what’s best for her horse and she lets me do whatever I want.” “Ha! I doubt that.” “Why?” “No real owner does that.” “Well, this one does.” “And who, pray tell, is that horse’s owner?” “Myself.” “I should have known you would say that.” Lily laughed and then galloped off again. Lily went back to the barn half an hour later with Black Knight and found Princess Sara waiting for them. She greeted her warmly and put Black Knight in his stall and told Sara about the rude lady. Sara laughed when Lily told her of the conversation she’d had and how the lady discovered that Lily was the owner. Sara then told her, “Well, that doesn’t surprise me. Victoria hates opposition and she is desperate to win that race. I guess she was probably hoping that this race is going to be easy. And proof of that hope is the fact that she brought a mare to race in the Kentucky Derby; a race that only one mare has won in all horseracing history. Victoria thinks that her last name entitles her to bossing everyone else around. She will probably not be a good person to be around when the race is over. Victoria is a very sore loser and a very dramatic young lady and I don’t pity her one bit. She’s had her way since she was born and it was only chance that gave her the win that made her come here. It’ll be hard for her when the race is lost by her horse.” Lily agreed. Victoria acted like she was royalty and she knew that the young lady was a spoiled one. The young lady had been raised with the belief that she was related to the royal house of Tudor and that belief had grounded a demanding attitude in her. All her twenty years in life Victoria had demanded all of life’s pleasures and had received whatever she wanted. Now, the young lady would get opposition and it wouldn’t be pretty. For the next few days, Lily avoided Victoria. Not because she was afraid or because she thought of her in any bad way, but Lily had no desire to be on the wrong end of her anger. Nobody did and nobody visited her stable for that same reason. Only family members of Victoria went to see Victoria’s Ebony. Lily stayed far from her, but she didn’t mind being on the track when Ebony was out there. It caused Black Knight to be more competitive. Soon, there were ten horses at a time racing on the exercise track every morning and Lily loved it. So did Black Knight. Lily and Black Knight galloped around the track at full speed many times passing the horses. The only horse who kept ahead of Black Knight was Jet Black. |
Posted in Black Knight
|
A few weeks later, Lily and Leslie sat on the front seat in Leslie’s horse van. Leslie was going on about how wonderful the last race was that she watched at the Kentucky Derby and how the winner only won because the other horse had been disqualified and so on. Lily wasn’t really listening to her prattle; she was far too nervous. This race wasn’t just another Kentucky Derby. This was a race that Black Knight would be in and it would determine just how good a racer he really was. Samuel sat with Alan in the back with the horse. They, too, were nervous and they were silent as well. Samuel knew that this would be the race that would tell if Alan was a good enough jockey for Black Knight and it would tell if all the hard work and all the training had paid off.
All four of them were traveling through Louisville at that moment. The city well known for being the home of Churchill Downs. Every horse lover from all over the United States had dreamed of going there since the day that the first race was run there; and that included Lily. It should have been a time that she was terribly excited, but, instead, she was terribly nervous. Black Knight didn’t seem to care about any of the nervousness in the air. He was used to that air from the time he started his first race. Black Knight was calm and actually slept until they reached the gates of Churchill Downs. People were swarming the place! Lily hadn’t thought that there could be so many people coming to watch a race. But, then again, this was the race of a lifetime. It was the goal of every jockey and horse owner in the U.S. to get a place in the list of racers. Not very many were lucky enough to achieve that goal. In barn number six and stall number eleven stood, within an hour’s time, Black Knight. Lily and Leslie stood brushing him out and talking lovingly and praising to the stallion as they did so. Samuel and Alan stood watching and talking to Sara. The young lady was full of laughter and joy as she talked to them and never said a wrong word. Lily loved to hear her talk. The next morning, before the sun came up, Lily led Black Knight out to walk in the open air. As they walked, Lily looked around at the open barn doors all around her. She was walking along quite calmly down the track when, suddenly, a shrill call was heard that sent chills down Lily’s back. Black Knight reared and answered the call with his own and pawed the ground. Lily saw the other stallion; a tall, muscular chestnut, and knew that she’d better keep a good hold on her horse. Then she saw the stallion lunge forward and knock over the groom that was leading him! He galloped forward with all his speed. Black Knight lowered his head and flattened his ears against his head. Lily released his lead rope; she knew then that Black Knight would break her wrist if she tried to hold him back. The two stallions crashed together with a grand force! Lily saw the other stallion’s groom running toward them shouting something. Lily waited until he came up to her and then he said, “That horse is something else! I didn’t know he’d be so challenging to care for or I’d never have offered to take care of ‘im. My name’s Donald Craig and that’s Conquistador.” Lily nodded, “My name’s Lily Starr and that’s Black Knight.” “You the horse’s groom?” “And I’m it’s owner.” “I see. Who’s the jockey?” “Alan Kent.” Lily walked Black Knight around the track and then hopped on his back for a ride. He galloped around the track for a while and then she led him back to the barn to rest from the fight and run. Samuel was angry when she got there and Alan was worried that Black Knight was hurt. But, Lily had got over her anger toward the Spanish, Mr. Cortez, so she only laughed and helped clean Black Knight up and bandage his legs. The stallion wasn’t hurt bad, he just needed to have special treatment so he wouldn’t end up disqualified on race day. |
Posted in Black Knight
|
The announcer said, “All riders are now in their starting post. The race is about to begin. Light Fleet is in the first post on the inside… Victory’s Heart is in the fourth post, Black Knight is in the fifth post…” the announcer went on announcing the places of the horses until the tenth place. Lily waited impatiently for the sound of the bell to ring, meaning that the race had really begun. She thought the announcer would never stop talking. Then he said, “Now the race will begin, folks!”
Alan sat on Black Knight’s back, holding tight to the stallion’s mane. He’d never been in this kind of race before. He’d always raced the mine boys by the seashore. Never had he been to a real racetrack. Suddenly he heard the starter say, “Boys, hold on!” and he dug his hands deep into the stallion’s mane and held on tight. The gates burst open and the crowd screamed. The horses charged from the gate in one great speeding line. Black Knight started remembering how he’d raced so long ago and began to slow a little behind a horse on the inside. Alan, not knowing exactly how to race in the big race, urged Black Knight to go past the horses, but he wouldn’t move out from behind Light Fleet. Directly to the right of them was Victory’s Heart and directly behind them was the Thoroughbred favorite, Swift and Deadly. Alan continued to urge Black Knight until they passed the eighth of a mile post and the crowd continued screaming. Alan stopped urging Black Knight and sat down to ride. Black Knight continued racing behind Light Fleet while Swift and Deadly began pulling up beside him and then past Light Fleet and far out in front of all the horses by three lengths. They kept these positions past the half mile post and then Light Fleet began to pick up speed. Black Knight began to push past him on the inside since Light Fleet had strayed from the inside enough for Black Knight to squeeze through. Victory’s Heart charged forward with extreme speed and began to catch up with Swift and Deadly. Black Knight began pushing forward slowly, yet surely. Victory’s Heart began to falter and Swift and Deadly completely stopped dead. He was only a sprinter, a horse whose speed never lasted long. A horse that was last in line began flying forward in such blinding speed that he passed all the horses until he reached Black Knight. There he was neck and neck with the sweaty horse. That horse’s jockey was beating on him with his whip and urging the horse on with such force and cruelty that it made Alan want to knock him off his horse to free it from that. But, soon, the horse, Sunset Danger, lunged forward once more for the last time. He galloped a little way and, as soon as he reached Victory’s Heart, he stumbled and fell. As Black Knight raced past, Sunset Danger breathed his last and his jockey became a cripple for life. Victory’s Heart kept going in front of Black Knight, but it was evident that she wouldn’t be much of a threat to him once Black Knight went faster. Another horse, Jet Black, arose from the back of the line and caught up with Black Knight. He galloped with grace and speed that matched Black Knight’s. Black Knight knew the horse and it’s rider from when he lived in Arabia. That horse had been his worst enemy in Arabia and had nearly killed him on the way to the finish line. It was that stallion’s habit to try and eliminate the one who was in his way by killing him. He’d done it in the past when he was almost a year. He’d raced in Arabia against the finest and had beaten them using his habit. Black Knight knew he was in danger, but he stayed calm. Then, the horses passed the mile post and neared the finish line. Black Knight bolted then and Alan whooped. Black Knight galloped with all his might and felt as though he were back in Arabia running against the finest horses. Suddenly he lunged forward again as, in his mind, he saw the finish line in Black Knight had just won the Saratoga Springs race! |
Posted in Black Knight
|
Black Knight reared with his ears flat against his head. Prairie Fire tossed his head and neighed in his pen. Sheilah snorted and galloped to the far end of the pasture for fear. But, Alan kept walking slowly, haltingly towards Black Knight. Again the mighty stallion reared and then again. Black Knight was trying to scare the man out of the pasture, but he was beginning to get angry that it wasn’t working. Alan stopped and then began talking in a low voice, “It’s ok, lad. I won’t hurt ye, Knight.” Slowly he walked forward again. Black Knight reared and then snorted. Alan stopped and spoke again, then continued on. Black Knight bucked and bared his teeth. Finally, the horse’s curious side came out and he began inching his way toward Alan as cautiously as Alan had before.
Alan put out his hand to the stallion. Black Knight smelled it with quivering nostrils. Again, Alan spoke in a low voice and Black Knight came closer and closer until he was right beside him. Then, Alan pet him for a while to give the horse confidence and then, slowly, he slipped onto the stallion’s back. At first, Black Knight stood with his head held high and his ears turned forward. But, suddenly his ears swept back flat against his head and he bolted. Black Knight bucked and reared, and jumped and kicked, and thrashed and bared his teeth, but, when he finally realized that this man was not to be unseated, he stopped. Alan patted Black Knight’s neck and began trotting him and then galloping around the pasture. Soon, Alan began to urge Black Knight forward. In Black Knight’s mind, he was reminded of another great race far away in Arabia. He remembered the hot sand being thrown into the air by his flashing hooves and the gentle coaxing of his master on his back. The horses next to him flashing past, not forward, but behind him. He saw the tall hill that almost cost him his life as he galloped up that steep, slippery climb to the top. He could feel the hot sun’s rays as it beat mercilessly down upon his sweaty back. Then, he saw the finish line ahead! He lunged for it and won. Black Knight was a smart horse. He knew that he was being trained for racing for this is how his gentle master had once trained him. A few rounds in the pasture at breakneck speed and then a few special hand signals on Black Knight’s back to tell him when to turn and when to go faster. Alan was just like his gentle master in many ways and that relaxed the otherwise wild horse. After a while, Alan brought Black Knight to a stop and then dismounted. He shooed Black Knight with his hands as a signal that he was done and the stallion galloped off. Lily and Samuel were delighted with the sight of Alan being able to handle the magnificent stallion. “Well,” exclaimed Alan, “I won’t have too much trouble with him. He’s been trained before. I have a very great feeling that he’s been raced too.” For months afterwards, Lily watched in awe as her beautiful stallion was raced around the pasture at extreme speed. Slowly that horse was getting faster and faster each day and Lily knew it. She could see that it would soon be necessary for her to find a race track for him to practice on. And her chance came that summer. Leslie had signed Black Knight up for the Saratoga Springs race so; they soon were transferred to the racetrack stables. Sheilah went with them. Lily, Samuel, and Alan were excited about the race yet a little nervous about the outcome of it. Black Knight could sense there nervousness, but kept calm. He’d already been to one big race with a lot of other horses and riders with whips of all sizes. He was accustomed to the noise because he’d once lived in the palace of the Rajah where there was nearly always something big happening that included a lot of noise. Though he was still a very young horse, he already had enough experience to keep him calm and steady. Finally, the announcer called, “All riders for the race please mount immediately. The race will begin in ten minutes.” Alan, dressed in the new green and white silks, hopped onto Black Knight’s back and calmly walked him to the starting post. Once they were in the gate, Black Knight stood waiting eagerly for the gate to open. He remembered the time that he had stood behind white gates like these. His master’s son accidentally opened it too fast and Black Knight bolted. The boy chased him all over the place and Black Knight soon made it into a game. He soon had released all the horses by pulling each gate open as he ran by… |
Posted in Black Knight
|
Lily thought a long time and Leslie often talked with her about it. Where would they find a jockey that would be willing to stay with them and race Black Knight? More than that, where would they find a jockey that Black Knight would allow to be on his back? That was a big problem because Black Knight was so strong and big that he could kill and he never had allowed anyone that he didn’t know to be around him.
Then, one day, Lily was sitting at her desk doing her school. She happened to look out the window and saw Samuel galloping Black Knight around the pasture. Immediately the thought struck her. What if Samuel rode Black Knight? She instantly left for Leslie’s to tell her. When she heard of the brilliant plan, Leslie agreed very excitedly and immediately began planning the jockey colors. They would be emerald green and white silks since the jockey was from Ireland. But, there was one little detail forgotten. And that was asking Samuel if he would be the jockey. Lily forgot all about that in her rush to tell Leslie her plan and she had already gone and placed the order for the silks. Samuel happened to be at the post office while she was placing the order and wondered who it was that was the jockey. When Lily had finished and walked out, Samuel followed her and, when he’d caught up to her, asked, “Lily, who’s going to be the jockey?” That’s when Lily remembered that she hadn’t asked him to be the jockey. A little nervousness was in her voice when she said, “Well, Leslie and I thought that it would be nice if you would be the jockey. I know, I didn’t ask you first, but I think you’re a good rider and perfect for the job. Please say you will!” Samuel frowned and only said, “I’ll have to think on it” and walked away. For three whole weeks, Samuel kept Lily and Leslie in suspense. Finally, he came into Lily’s room where she sat doing school at her desk. “Lily,” he said seriously, “I need to talk to you.” She turned, “What is it?” “I’ve been thinking about being a jockey.” “Oh? And?” “Well, I decided that I couldn’t do it.” “Why? You’d be a perfect jockey!” “Because I’m not the perfect jockey, that’s why.” “Well, this would be a perfect chance for you to practice.” “But, I’ve already made up my mind.” “Oh, Samuel! I was so set on you being the jockey!” “Don’t get too upset. You still have time to find a jockey.” “But, you’re the only one who could get up on Black Knight’s back without him bucking you off. Nobody else, besides me, can do that.” “Yes, there is.” “Who?” “Alan Kent” “Who’s that?” “The best rider in “Alright, but I don’t see how he’s going to be able to ride Black Knight.” “You’ll see, Lily.” A month later, as Lily was helping her mother in the kitchen, a truck drove into the driveway. Lily looked out and saw a man hop out. Samuel raced up to him and they embraced, then the two walked into the house. “Lily,” said Samuel, “I’d like you to meet my friend, Alan Kent.” Lily smiled, “I’m pleased to meet you. My name’s Lily Starr.” Alan nodded to her and then Lily bade them sit down in the parlor while her mother poured some lemonade for them all. Not long after that, Lily and Samuel took Alan out to see the horses. They were both hoping that the man would ask to ride Black Knight so they could see how he would do. It wasn’t long until their wish was granted. The conversation between Alan and Lily went like this: “The tall red one is Prairie Fire…” “A real beauty to be sure, but what’s the name o’ that tall black?” “Oh, his name is Black Knight.” “Black Knight. And what type of horse might ‘e be?” “Pure Arabian.” “Do ye have ‘is papers?” “Yes, I do.” “And ‘ave ye considered puttin’ ‘im in a race, Lily?” “Yes, I actually was planning on it.” “But?” “But, we’re lacking a jockey. Samuel refused already and we don’t have the finances to pay for a good one, so we’re kind of in the ditch.” “Well, why didn’t ye say so in the first place?! I’ll ride for ye!” “Oh, good!” “But, what’s the name o’ that wee pony? He looks familiar, but I can’t quite place ‘im. Sure ‘n’ he’s a strong lookin’ fellow.” Here, Samuel took over the conversation with Alan. “Ye don’t know what the name o’ the little pony is?” “No, I don’t. Ye ‘ave to understand, I’m seein’ many ponies every day goin’ down into the mine, so I can’t remember the names of all of ‘em.” “I’ll give ye a clue. The little girl went down into the mine durin’ a cave in, and ye thought she’d never come out.” “Oh, I’m startin’ to get it. Another clue please.” “She’s got an Irish name and ‘er mother was a little Dartmoor.” “Oh, aye, I know who ‘t is now! Sheilah!” “Aye, that she is!” “Ach, an’ to think that I didn’t recognize ‘er meself!” “Well, she does look different now. I cleaned ‘er up right well and she’s fattened out quite a bit.” “She sure has. Now, back to that tall black. I’d like to ride ‘im if ye don’t mind.” “Ye may, but best ye be careful. He’s nearly killed many a man.” “Ah, that kind. Don’t worry, but thank ye for the warnin’.” Alan walked out into the pasture and strode across to Black Knight. |
Posted in Black Knight
|
The Letter Lily’s mother homeschooled her since they had so much to do. Lily enjoyed being able to do her school without interruptions in her room and never complained about doing it either. But, that day was destined to be different. Lily was sitting at her desk in her room doing her school when she was suddenly interrupted. The door flew open and in came Samuel, “You’ve received a letter from the Churchill Downs Racetrack!” Lily swept the letter from his hand, tore it open and read: Dear Lily, We received your letter and read it some time ago. By the information that you enclosed, we didn’t see much chance in finding anything about this horse, but we were wrong. We are happy to announce that we did indeed find what you wanted. Black Knight’s information is as follows: Abdullah Sahar Sire: Abdul Shakar owned by Sheik Ashkali Dam: Sahar Ashtah owned by Sheik Raandah · Black Knight was born in the spring in Sheik Lahore’s stable/tent as Abdullah Sahar. · Dam died when Abdullah Sahar was only three months. · Abdullah Sahar sold to Raja Shahal when colt was four months old. · Raja Shahal sold the colt two weeks later to traveling merchant. · Merchant drowns on the sea and papers are sent to America. · Lily Starr is now in full ownership of Abdullah Sahar (now one and a half years old) by order of Raja Shahal the Younger. So, we are glad to say that you may enter the Kentucky Derby in six months. Luckily, this is the end of the month, so you have all of early next year to train Black Knight (Abdullah Sahar). Good luck! The Staff at Churchill Downs Lily squealed, handed the letter to Samuel, and ran to Leslie’s to tell her of their luck. Now, Black Knight could earn enough money to fill those empty stalls! After hearing about their good fortune, Leslie joined Lily in her jubilance and soon they were making plans. First, with Leslie’s help, Black Knight would be entered in a preparatory race, that would be the Saratoga Race Course in New York, then, the Kentucky Derby and, if Black Knight wins that, then on to more races. Lily and Leslie were so excited they could hardly wait, but Lily knew that they were taking big chances to make it to the Derby. As soon as she returned to her house, Lily wrote to Churchill Downs for the entrance papers. Then, she wrote to every other race track she could think of for their entrance papers as well. Lily and Leslie were determined that Black Knight could make it if he really wanted to. Now, the only thing left was, where would they find a jockey? |
Posted in Black Knight
|
Fire! One hot night late in the summer, Lily was laying on her bed reading. She was supposed to be sleeping, but she was so intrigued by the story she was reading that she just couldn’t put it down. Suddenly she heard the sound of Black Knight screaming. At first, she thought it was just her imagination making sound effects for the book she was reading, but then she kept hearing it. Lily stopped reading and walked to the window. The stable roof was in flames! She ran down the stairs shouting, “Fire, fire!” Her mom and Samuel soon joined her and together they began filling buckets with water to put the fire out. Lily heard Black Knight scream again and, without stopping at Samuel’s shouts, raced inside. Samuel and Mrs. Starr kept throwing water on the fire and kept an eye on the door, watching for Lily. They heard a motor behind them and, when they turned, they saw Leslie and five men jump out of Leslie’s truck. Immediately they began helping to put out the fire. Suddenly, Lily, Black Knight, Sheilah and Old Jake appeared in the doorway and they were running out of there as fast as they could. No sooner had they made it out when the whole roof came crashing down and the whole barn collapsed in flames. There was nothing left to do, but watch it burn to ashes. For the rest of the month, they were all busy cleaning up the mess and building a new barn. Jedidiah didn’t enjoy the fact that he could have lost his mule that night and vowed to find the man and “give him a licking he’d never forget, no suh, never.” Lily thought constantly about it and tried to think of the reason behind the mysterious stranger’s visit to the barn to burn it down.
Now, they were standing in front of the huge, double doors of the new barn with a feeling that they did something worthwhile and great. Leslie smiled and turned to Lily, “Well, that wasn’t so bad. And it was worth all the money and labor. Now all you need is some more horses to fill those extra stalls.” Lily agreed and Samuel said, “I agree, but it took all the money we had to build the barn, so it’ll be a while. Sure n’ I’d love to have more horses, but that’s not possible yet.” Leslie smiled mischievously and Lily knew there was something up. As if in answer to Lily’s thought, Leslie suggested, “Why don’t you race for the money?” Lily gasped and Samuel frowned, “That’s impossible. We don’t have Black Knight’s papers and I don’t think he has any. You know as well as I do that a horse can’t race without them.” Leslie frowned, “I forgot about that. But, you can race him in the small races that don’t have that rule.” Samuel shook his head and Lily shrugged. But Lily thought, The track staff haven’t wrote back yet. Maybe we still have hope. |
Posted in Black Knight
|
The Pit The following evening, Lily and Samuel sat on the front porch drinking milk and eating chocolate chip cookies. They sat in silence until Samuel, turning to Lily, broke it, “I want to thank you for all you’re doing for me. I know that you probably had to get help from Leslie because I haven’t told you anything, but it’s enough that you did this for me. I am glad that you did. You don’t know how important Sheilah is to me.” Lily smiled, “You’re very welcome. It was a joy to do everything for you.” Samuel nodded, “But,” Lily said seriously, “why don’t you tell me?” He looked up at the sky and sat in silence for some time. “Well,” he said waveringly, “I guess I must tell you now. I know that by my behavior you are probably curious to know my story.” Lily nodded eagerly, “Yes, I am curious. I’ve been wondering ever since you first came here.” Samuel smiled and then drank another long drink of milk. Then, he began, “When I was but a lad; about eight to be exact, my ma got sick with |