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Kelly opened the cookbook her Grandma gave her. Kelly's Grandma always had a sense of humor, and the book title, "How To Catch A Man. A Settlers Cookbook." Shaking her head, Kelly started to read through the sections and recipes. She thought back to the events that brought her here.

 Two years ago, Kelly's Grandmother had passed and left her a small remote cabin along the Florida-Georgia border. It took Kelly two years to get internet and power to the home so she could move there. She thanked god that the place already had plumbing. Shortly after her Grandma passed away, her husband decided he was unhappy and left her. Kelly decided to take a chance and went to the cabin, making it her new home.

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Waking up, I looked out the window of my new home. In all my life, I never thought I would be living in the woods. Looking out the window as I lay back to think about what I should do today. As I looked over to the boxes along the wall, I decided unpacking may be something I had to do. As I stretched, my stomach started to growl. It was breakfast time. I got out of bed, dressed for the day, and walked into the kitchen when I heard a knock at the door.

I opened the door to a park ranger standing there smiling. He removed his hat and said, "Good Morning, Miss. My name is Joe, and we noticed you moved in yesterday. I am here to enquire if you have ever lived in the woods?"

"Hi Joe, I am Kelly. Please come in from the cooler air. I was just about to start a fire and make some coffee," I said, "Is everything okay?"

"Sure is just in these parts with the potential to cold and possible snowfall, we always advise our residents to ensure they have plenty of supplies on hand. I brought you out a welcome packet with our recommended supplies list." He said, "I know it's slim chances for snow, but we do get a bunch of rain, which can put you at a standstill."

"Well, Joe, I appreciate that," I said, taking the packet. "As I am so new to the area, I was wondering, are there a lot of families in the area?"

"There are a few families. You are about a mile to three miles apart. In the packet is a map of who owns what and lives where. I updated your information when your Grandma passed." He said, "Your Grandma was an amazing woman. We all miss her."

"Thank you. I agree, Grams was an amazing woman," I said. "I do appreciate the kindness. I will look over the list, and tomorrow, I will most likely head to the stores and get the cabin fully stocked up tomorrow. My Grams had a lot in the pantry, and that was the one room I have not gone through yet to clean out, so I may have a lot of the list already."

Chuckling, Joe said, "Ethel was a prepper for sure. I do suggest getting not only extra water but jugs of water. If we get flooded, we suggest using bottles until we run a bacteria test. The Rangers are normally out here within twenty-four hours to do that for you. I want to say the only water you have connected to the main line is your sink and shower. The toilet and the washer have to use the water tank."

Writing that down on the paper, I said, "Notated."

He looked me over and said, "Another thing you can get is life straws. They are fairly cheap on Amazon, and I see your Grandma had a rooftop water collector. I can look if you want and make sure it's hooked up. You can use that for the toilets and the washer she had. The washer is connected to the sewer as it is not a traditional washing machine."

"Oh, is that what that tank is," I said. "I also never used a washer like that. Any tips on how to use it?"

He laughed and said, "Well, it has come full circle. Your Grandma showed me how to use mine as I have the same model. Okay, so you see this hose coming down?"

I nodded as he continued, "If the tank is still connected when we flip this switch at the end of the hose, any water in the tank will come out."

He flipped the switch, and water went into the washer. He shut it off and said, "There is water in the tank. The take-up there holds 750 gallons of water. If it rains, it will fill up, and there is a shelf inside to stop filling so it doesn't overflow. Before I leave, I will give you the phone number of the guy who can come to check it out to make sure it does not have any leaks, as well as the water co that can refill it. You rarely need extra water added, but it is nice to have if you empty it. The toilet is next to the washer. You would lift the lid on the tank and fill it to flush. Your Grams had a bubble put in, so you use less water."

Nodding, I said, "Got it. Well, Joe, I owe you that coffee now. Also, if you have a thermos, I will fill it for you."

"Thank you, Kelly," He said as I grabbed a cup for each of us.

When he came in, we sat at the table. I asked, "Do you mind if I pick your brain?"

"Sure," He said. "What do you want to know?"

"First, I do not see a clothesline outside," I said. "How did Grandma dry the clothes?"

He stood up and said, "Do you see the wood stove in the kitchen and how it's in the corner by the bathroom wall?"

"Yes, I do," I said.

"Do you see the pipe that goes through the wall and the roof?" He asked.

"Yes, I do," I said. "Shouldn't that be through the kitchen roof?"

"Yes, it should be, but your Grandma put it through the wall and the roof here as heat rises," He said. "So when the fire is hot, it will push the smoke through the pipe, and it heats the bathroom and see this rack here? Pull it down from the wall. She placed it over the tub, and if it isn't a rainy day, you can open both windows for a cross breeze, or the stove will heat the room warm enough to dry. Now, when I shower, I run wash laundry simultaneously and then hang it up overnight to dry."

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We sat at the table again, and I said, "The second thing, do you know anyone who can cut limbs on the property? I walked through the property and saw some limbs I do not trust. Some I can get cut with the hand saw. But there are a lot of larger limbs I need to get someone to cut down. I am going to place all my wood in the attached greenhouse. I have no logs in there, and I know Grandma had none left as far as I saw."

"Well how about this," Joe said. "I am off this weekend and I was planning on cutting some wood for myself to get my stock up. But if you want I can come with my chainsaw and take down some of the limbs. You supply coffee and lunch. Then you let me keep some of the wood." "That sounds like a plan," I said. "Today I have to unload the rest of my car and get everything set up to work next week." "What do you do for work?" He asked.

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"I work in customer service and do tasks for various businesses," I said. "I am also a writer and a blogger. When I divorced my ex last year I had actually came up here and hid for a while so I know the internet is good. I should have come up sooner but life happens. I am glad I am here now."

"Well what are you planning on doing in the house then?" He asked.

"At noon my freezer is going to be delivered," I said. "Its going to go next to the door so I can use the pass through to set up my solar panels to keep it going. I have to put up the other set for the refrigerator as well."

"Will you get in trouble if you cannot work due to no electric or cable?" He asked.

"No I am a contractor," I said. "If I cannot make it in due to weather they are okay. I sign up for work but they knew I was moving. My work is flexible with that. Writing I can do as long as my car battery is okay and I can charge with my inverter."

"You don't like staying still do you?" He took the papers and wrote a phone number down saying, "That is the guy for the water tank. My phone number is on the top of the paper work."

I filled his thermos and handed it back to him saying, "Well I guess I will see you on Saturday Joe."

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When he left I went into the walk in pantry next to the kitchen. Putting on the light I saw that Grandma had finally started using her supplies. I looked at everything and decided it was time to reorganize it. I took all the paper products and goods and put them on the top shelves after pulling all canned goods off the top. I found boxes of candles and matches and grabbed a few baskets out of the SUV. Putting everything together I added them to the top shelf as well. Looking through the food I saw Grandma had some open packages and threw out everything open. I checked the dates on the cans and then opened the totes and found a large amount of sealed freeze dried foods. I noticed everything was thrown together and not unorganized so I grabbed a few of my empty totes left in the SUV and started to sort. It took me a few hours and I finished the pantry. I made a list of items I would need before I food shopped tomorrow and decided it would be best for flour sugar or anything I would not use right away that was a dried good that mason jars would work best on that shelving.

Then the man came to install the freezer and solar panels for the fridge and freezer. While he did his job I unpacked the rest of the SUV. Once the SUV was finished being unpacked I started unpacking all the boxes I had. When I was finished unpacking I realized I had laundry so when the installation guy left I took a shower while washing the first load of laundry. I was so happy I had laundry detergent with me. I did a load the way Joe showed me and did the rinse cycle. While that was finishing I went into the kitchen and opened the fridge and saw my limited supplies for dinner. Going into the freezer I decided to cook the bag of chicken tenders and make a small salad to go with them.

I set the tenders to cook and switch the laundry to the the spin side and went back to the kitchen. When the food was done I put it on the stove and hung up my laundry. Sitting in the kitchen I started to eat when I heard the first drops of rain fall. I looked out the window and just watched the storm roll in. I decided to start my morning early and went to lay in bed after I washed my dishes. Falling sleep with a YouTube show playing I knew I was home.

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When I woke up in the morning I smiled and saw the sun was shining. Checking to see if the solar powers were charging like I was shown I went into the bathroom and just like Joe said the laundry was dried. Folding everything I made quick work of putting it away while I made a to do list for the day. I decided to follow Joes advice and decided today would be a great shopping day while the sun was shining.

Looking at the laundry I said, "It will get caught up eventually."

I checked the temperature in my freezer and found the plastic water bottle I put in there was frozen. I made sure the fire was out since I would not be home. Going into the bedroom I went to my closet and grabbed my safe box to pull out some money. When I got divorced I came and cleaned out everything in the house. After running some things to the resale store I decided I did not need to bring much from my old house. I got everything in the house including the cars and sold everything including the extra cars, RV and the house. The sales of the cars and house went to pad my checking account. But as I sold everything in the house I kept the cash in my safe. I never realized how much stuff we had. Every month I came up with a carload and by the time I moved in there was almost nothing left to put in my SUV.

Walking out to the SUV I climbed in and headed down the hill to head to the stores. As I passed the ranger station I honked at Joe who was just arriving to work. He waved me over and when I opened my window he asked, "Going to town?"

"Yes I am," I said. "I have my list here and I am ready to go. Both the pantry is ready and the fridge and freezer as well. I plan on going to Rural King first and then going around the entire plaza near it to shop."

He laughed and said, "A woman with a plan I like that. So how early is to early for Saturday?"

"I normally get up around seven in the morning so I guess it is up to you when you want to show up?" I said.

He laughed and said, "Well I will be there after seven. My plan is to get you set up with a cord or two of wood, plus I am guessing I can fill the bed of my truck as well."

"Well I will have the coffee going do you use milk or creamer?" I asked.

"Whatever you have on hand is fine," He said. "I am not picky."

We spoke for a few minutes and I left to go to Rural King. By the time I finished shopping I had loaded the SUV up with a lot of supplies and three miniature greenhouses along with dirt and seeds. I knew the perfect place to put them and start a small garden. As I headed to the Dollar tree my phone rang. Looking at the phone number I groaned. My ex husband was calling me. I debated on not answering but I picked up the call.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Did you sell the house?" He asked.

"Hello Matt," I said. "Oh no I am doing fine, Thank you for asking."

"Kelly do not play with me," He said. "Did you sell the house?"

"I sold everything Matt," I said. "Remember the prenup and the divorce decree? I even moved and no longer live in Florida. What do you want?"

"The money for the house," He spat out.

"Now why would I do that," I said. "I owned the house prior to us getting married. The prenup said if you ever cheated you get the clothes on your back and nothing else. I was kind enough to let you take stuff from the house when you moved out. Now if you will excuse me I am going to call my lawyer and let him know you are kicking up a fuss."

"Kelly," He said, "Do you really want to bring lawyers into this?"

Sighing I said, "Yes Matt I do. It has been two years since we divorced. The house sat on the market for a full year and there were signs in the yard. You must have spent all the money from your inheritance which I did not go after when I could have legally."

"I need money Kelly," He said.

"Then get a job Matt," I said. "You lived off me for far to long."

Hanging up I walked into the Dollar tree grabbing a cart, Pulling out my phone I called my lawyer Charlie. The phone rang a few times and then he picked up, "Well as I love and breathe how are you doing doll face."

"You know Charlie," I said. "If you were not Grams best friend I would never let you get away with calling me that."

He let out a hearty laughed and said, "That is why I do it Kelly my girl. I am taking it this is not a social call? We just had lunch before you left to go to the cabin."

"I wish it was Charlie," I said. "Guess who just called me?"

"I wish I didn't have to but I am assuming that Matt called you," He said.

"How did you know Charlie?" I asked.

"Oh Kelly," He said. "I hear your in a store so do not scream. He got into some trouble I was at the courthouse during his arraignment. You remember that woman he left you for?"

"Yeah," I said. "The woman who pretended to be a soccer mom? What was her name?"

"Colleen," Charlie said. "Well Miss Soccer mom was running a pot growing business on her farm and Matt was involved. The feds were tipped off and he was arrested along with her."

"That explains why he called me and yelled at me for selling the house," I said. "He said he should have gotten some money from the sale of the house and the belongings inside."

"Now do not worry any," He said. "I am going to put a notice out at the courthouse now and anything will come to me. He didn't have a leg to stand on Kelly that prenup was ironclad and so was the evidence. Hell that is why we had him sign it in front of a judge a week before the wedding."

"Thank you Charlie," I said. "Send me the bill."

"Kelly you still have a paid account from your Grandma," He said. "Never you worry, If the balance ever goes under ten thousand I will let you know. This notice though is a freebie I want to see what shit show he may be trying to start."

We said our goodbyes and I continued shopping at the Dollar tree. This Dollar tree was great and I ended up filling three carts checking out multiple times. Looking in the SUV I decided to do a trip to Walmart and see what I could get to fit in the SUV. By the time I finished at the store I headed back to the cabin. I got home and put everything I had that was perishable away and loaded back in the SUV and headed to Sam's club. Loading the SUV full of supplies and then stopped at the local butcher. Filling up three carts I had to have the worker help me out and I headed home. When I got to the cabin I found Joe waiting in front. When I got out I joked and said, "Did you miss me Joe?"

He let out a hearty laugh and said, "Well I was going past and thought I would see how your shopping trip went?"

Pointing to the packed SUV I said, "This is round two. Depending on time I may go down one more time and head to the market."

Joe laughed and said, "Well open it up I will help you carry it in."

When we got the next batch in I said, "That is the non perishable that I need to organize My big thing will be getting the perishable away for now."

After a few minutes I had my SUV emptied. Joe sat down and I said, "Would you like a drink?"

"No I am good," He said. "Listen I stopped by to let you know that we are supposed to have a huge storm system come through next week. Did you get everything you needed?"

"Almost," I said. "After the next trip I will have everything I need. Is it supposed to be a bad storm?"

"Well we are all hands starting on Monday," He said. "We will all be staying at the bunk house instead of our homes. Fine with me since I live in town staying up here I know I can't be late for work. Or more important I know I can get up here if the roads become unpassable"

"May I ask why you don't live up here if you love it so much?" I asked.

He chuckled and said, "Homes up here are limited and as much as I want to own a home here they are all taken at the moment. There is actually a list that people have to sign up for to buy in the park. Your home was registered as a next of kin home when your Grandma bought it when she was young. I believe she purchased the home after she divorced your Grandpa and you were a child. The home was listed to you and your parents could not sell it. The state is very specific about homes in the national park and how they can change hands."

Smiling I said, "That would make sense. Before I turned eighteen she always told me she had a place in the middle of nowhere that she lives and if anything ever happened to her it all became mine with everything else she had. My parents were livid and when she died my Dad told me he was going to contest the will. It never happened as he would have to forfeit everything she did leave him but it makes so much sense now why he was so angry with her as I grew up."

"Ethel had a strong will," He said. "I can tell you do as well."

"She was my inspiration," I said. "So are we still on for Saturday?"

He laughed and said, "We sure are I want to make sure you have wood here especially with the storm coming."

Laughing I said, "Oh no alone in the woods with no one to bother me. Whatever will I do?"

He looked at the new solar powered generator I got and said, "Very nice I saw these at the store but I have not gotten one. You will have to let me know how it works. Also I know you have the larger greenhouse what is with the mini ones?"

"Those are going behind the cabin next to the back door," I said. "I used to grow and sell dried herbs and I wanted to start doing that again. When I was at rural king I picked up all the supplies I would need. Little work with great profit!"

"Wow people actually buy them?" He asked.

"Sure do and I do mixes as well," I said. "You would not believe how many people want to garden but can't. I also grow vegetables that I dehydrate and sell. No Chemicals or pesticides. On my Blog I have a lot of people asking when I was bringing it back. I figured why not. So I was going to ask you if you could cut the branches closest to the house first so I can start setting up the greenhouses while your cutting the wood."

He said, "I think I can do that. In the big greenhouse do you have a spot where you want the wood?"

"Along the back wall and under the tables," I said. "I can cover it so they do not get wet. Also did you know there is a wood box?"

"Where," He asked.

"See the panel next to the wood stove?" I said and when he nodded I removed the panel to show a open space. "Now if you come outside look there is this fence along the walkway and there is a box the same height of fence. Since the walk way if covered I can get wood without getting soaked."

"Well I will let you get everything done," He said. "I have to get to everyone else. Be safe if you go back to town. With it being in mid-September we will be getting a bit of rain."

After he left I broke down the perishable and meat I had purchased putting it in the main freezer and deep freezer. Looking at the stack on non perishables I decided to wait till I got everything else I needed. Getting back in my SUV I headed down the mountain and first stopped at the Asian grocery I found. After I finished there I went into another Dollar Tree loading up again with a few carts of supplies. Afterward I went to Publix and then ended my day at Walmart. Once again I filled up the SUV and got plenty of supplies for the house. When I got home I unloaded the SUV and got all of the frozen and fresh products put away. I had to take some items from their boxes as I had just enough room to fit everything.

Turning to the massive piles of Supplies on the floor I grabbed my laptop and started to stream the newest channel I started to watch. Grabbing the half empty baskets I placed them on the table along with the stacks of mason jars and started to organize and label everything I had purchased. I worked right through lunch and decided to put a frozen pizza in the oven for dinner to cook while I finished everything up.

Taking out the pizza I let it cool while I took a quick shower and I started laundry to dry over night. As I did laundry I ate and worked on my blog giving my readers an update and showing off my well stock and organized pantry. After cleaning up and finishing laundry I laid in bed blissfully tired.

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Waking up the next morning I gathered all the dry laundry and sat down at the table to fold it, drinking a cup of coffee. As I finished folding I hung up the last of the laundry when there was a knock at my door. Answering it I saw an older couple. I gave a friendly smile and said, "Hello how can I help you?"

The woman smiled and said, "Oh Kelly you have grown up to be a beautiful woman. You probably do not recognize us but we were friends with Ethel. My husband and I are the next home up the road. My name is Stella and this handsome man is my husband Pete."

Stepping back I said, "I remember your cabin Grandma took me there for snacks when I was a child but I am so sorry I do not recognize you."

Pete gave a warm chuckle and said, "Well Kelly it's been close to twenty years since you have been to our home. I am sure Joe gave you the welcome pack but who really reads the whole thing. Since we were going past we wanted to let you know the that the roaming market is at the Ranger Station today. They have a large amount of vendors and many interesting items. The whole mountain goes down so it may be a good way to meet your neighbors."

"Well," I said. "That sounds like a great idea I was finishing some of my morning chores and will head down there. How long are they normally there?"

Stella said, "It starts at nine and normally it runs till three or until they sell out. There are some amazing farmers that set up so you will get some great items."

"I will head down soon," I said. "It was so nice for you to stop by and we will have to have coffee soon and catch up. I am sorry that I do not remember you all that well."

Pete said, "Kiddo its been a long time we would have been surprised if you did remember us."

I waved to them as they headed out of the driveway. Going back into the cabin I finished cleaning the house and called the man to come out and check the tank later in the day. Going into the safe I grabbed extra money and then shut the oven so the fire would die out. Locking up the cabin I headed down to the sale at the Rangers Station.

Parking at the rangers station I grabbed a basket I had and headed to the stalls to see what they offered. After getting to the first stall I knew I would be going back to my truck a bit as there was a lot of amazing offerings. Coming up to the first stall there was a vendor selling honey and honey products. I will admit I bought more than I originally intended but I knew everything was quality. Going stall to stall I added more things to my basket and emptied it into a waiting laundry baskets in my SUV.

As I shut the hatch I heard, "Well you must miss me being at the Ranger Station and all."

Laughing I said, "Joe you didn't tell me there was a market today!"

"Well it may have slipped my mind," He said. "How did you find out?"

"Stella and Pete stopped by and told me," I said. "I remember them from when I would visit my Grandma as a child."

We talked as we walked back to the Market. Passing the vendors I already shopped at I started to shop again and purchased meat to can to store in the pantry for soups and stews. Joe asked, "Do you can items like soups and stews?"

"I do and I also can just meat," I said. "You will see a large amount of canned along that back wall of my pantry. Those are items I canned when I was living in my old house. But I bought a lot of Mason Jars and still have a lot left. I figured support the local farmers and I can make things this week I can can for the future. Which will be almost everything here."

Turning to the last meat vendor I saw he sold bones and fat. I negotiated a price to buy him out and he offered to load up what he had into my SUV. Joe looked at me and said, "Fat?"

"Its great to use in cooking and baking," I said. "I render it down and store it in the pantry. The crispy bits are better than chips and store well once they sit on a few paper towels."

The vendor said, "Once you make your stock from the bones you can grind them and use them in the garden as a fertilizer."

"Waste not," I said.

After we loaded everything in the SUV I said to Joe, "I will see you around I am sure."

He smiled and said, "You will. If you do not I will see you on Saturday. Also on Thursday nights from six to nine there is a get together at the community center by your house. All of us rangers go there as well. Its pot luck style and everyone brings a dish to share and their own drinks. It would be a good way to meet everyone."

"Well I may just have to go," I said.

Driving up to the cabin I unloaded everything and started to work on what I got form the market. I placed two pots on the stove to make beef and chicken broth. The vendor left bits of meat on the bone to add extra flavor. I added some carrots, celery, onions and spices to the broth. Letting that cook away I got my pressure canner out and started to jar up the meat I had purchased to can. By the time lunch came around I had newly canned jars of meat on the counter resting. Making a pot of chicken soup for dinner I listened to videos I was streaming as I made a quick sandwich for lunch.

Sitting down I decided to make meat pies for the pot luck the following day when there was a large crack of thunder. Within a few minutes the rain started to pour and the power started to flicker. I thanked god that the stove was gas as a grabbed a few lanterns out incase the power went out. Grabbing a bowl I made the pie dough for the meat pies so it would be cold when I went to use it tomorrow and as I washed the bowl the power went out.

Sighing I grabbed the first lantern and placed it on the kitchen table. Checking my stock pots on the wood stove I lit another lantern and hung it from a hook next to the wood stove. Pulling up my manual for the canner I have I looked to see if the canner could be used on the wood stove. When I didn't find any answers I went onto google. It said it was possible and we just needed to watch the heat and the pressure. So when the stock was done I strained all the vegetable and bones and started to fill the jars. Using a strainer I caught all the meet as I filled the jars to can for future meals. When I had the first batch ready to do I started the pressure canner on the stove. By dinner that night I had all the stock and meat bits canned and started working on the vegetables.

As I had pulled the canner off the stove to come down in pressure I heard a knock at the door. Opening the door I found Joe and he said, "Yes I am following you."

"Come in out of the storm," I said. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes and no," He said. "I wanted to check on you with the storm."

"Well the power went off so I have been using the wood I bought and gathered to keep the wood stove going," I said. "As you can see though I got a lot done."

"I am impressed," He said.

"So what is wrong," I said. "Sit down and talk to me."

"I broke up with my long term girlfriend a few months ago," He said. "When I got home earlier today she was waiting in the driveway. She wants to get back together."

"Is that what you want?" I asked

"No it's not," He said. "That relationship ended because she was a cheater and that is a hard no with me."

"Did you tell her that?" I asked.

"Yes," He said. "She got mad and asked why not? I told her I was interested in someone else."

"Oh and she through a fit I take it?" I asked.

"Yes she screamed at me about the situation," He said. "She then said well does this person know you are interested. So I said no but I think I am going to go and tell her."

It took a moment and I said, "Well then."

He looked at me and chuckled saying, "Yeah I figured I should tell you. No pressure or anything if your not interested I still would like to be friends and I understand what happened in your past and I will understand if your not ready to want to take a chance. Especially since we just met."

"I am flattered and interested," I said. "But Joe I will be honest with you we would need to take it slow."

"Slow is good," He said. "I feel like i know you from everything Ethel told me about you but you barely know me. So slow can be good for both of us."

"Good," I said. "Well Joe now that that is out of the way. Is she a crazy ex because my ex is stirring up drama and I want to be prepared."

Letting out a huge laugh he said, "She may follow me up here on Saturday. What about yours?"

"Oh well he was arrested for an illegal grow operation in Florida," I said. "He thinks he should now have access to my money. My lawyer is already on it but do not be surprised if the someone stops by the ranger station to get directions to my cabin to serve me court summons."

"Noted I will place a note at the station and do you have a picture of your ex," He asked. "I want to place a picture to not give directions to him so you are kept safe."

"You guys can do that?" I asked.

"Sure we have that for a few families," He said. "If you want I can arrange it that you would have to come to the ranger station to meet any guests wanting to see you. That way you have witnesses and help if need be.

Getting up I went to my photo albums and grabbed a picture of my ex husband from our last vacation. Handing it to Joe I said, "His hair may be longer or shaved but that is the most recent picture."

He stood up and said, "I need to get home now that we have talked. But first I will stop at the rangers station and put the hidden address up for your property. Are you going to the meet and greet tomorrow?"

"I am," I said. "I am going to bring meat pies."

"Well then," He said. "I will swing by as tomorrow is my long day on the mountain."

I stood up and walked him to the door. He leaned down and kissed my cheek as he said, "I will talk to you soon."

When I shut the door behind him and said to myself, "Is this really happening?"

Touching my cheek I said, "It really is."

I cleaned up my mess from my days activities and sat at the table working on my writing and blog. When I had written a few chapters I sat on the couch with a cup of tea and listened to the rain. Starting to get tired I went into my room and got ready for bed.

I woke up to a sunny day and made myself a cup of tea. Since I had some time before I started work I walked outside to the greenhouse and looked around. I had plenty of room to plant everything I would need. Setting up my computer at the table I logged into my work system and spent a few hours working on the various tasks I needed to complete. I was almost done for the day when my boss Kyle messaged me to join him on a video call.

When he came on screen he said, "Kelly how was the move?"

"I am finally unpacked an ready to get back to my normal routine," I said. "Logging in today was dipping my toes in the water."

He laughed and said, "Dipping your toes? Kelly you had the highest productivity of anyone on the team. The fact your willing to do outbound calls when others don't shows how much you do."

"Well its all part of the job," I said.

"When you were moving you missed a meeting," He said. "Do not worry I explained to the higher ups the situation and they were happy you were getting settled."

"What was the meeting about?" I asked.

"Well you are aware of the pay structure," He asked.

"Yes," I said. "Low hourly, but then we get paid based on the tasks we complete. Emails, projects, tasks, outbound calls, and new sales all get a rate."

"Yes," He said. "Well the company are adding in more clients this week and you will have some paid training for the new clients coming up and once you complete the training the work load will explode. To keep people on task they are implementing bonuses based on the work you complete each week to go with the pay. That is effective starting now. All training will be live starting tomorrow. There are fifteen new clients and there will be new resource material links emailed to you. During your training you will be allotted time so you can organize the links and learn about the clients. We would like all training to be completed in three weeks time and once training is completed for each client the new work will show up withing four to five hours."

"Fifteen new clients Kyle," I said. "That is a lot."

He chuckled and said, "But wait there is more."

"More?" I asked.

"Starting now there is no set schedules for some and you were chosen due to living in the mountains," He said. "They are piloting a new program. The new hours of operation are twenty four hours a day for you starting now. Outbound calls can only be done between 8am to 8pm est. Everything else can be worked on any time."

"So we have our thirty pre-existing clients and then fifteen being added," I said. "Now we are up to forty five clients. Are we hiring more agents?"

"We did our last training session as you were starting the last part of your move," He said. "Can you do me a favor and check your training folder I want to make sure you have all fifteen clients and some additional training for our current clients loaded. The pay rate for training is listed by each of the new clients and you will notice some are offering bonuses for quick completion."

Looking at the screen I said," It looks like all clients updated the training. Well I will start this tomorrow as I do have some things that have to be done."

"Your good Kelly," He said. "The owners were not expecting you to be back till next week so if you get a head start on training they will see that. So you can focus on training until your return date which was supposed to be Wednesday. If you have any training left after that we ask you split your day fifty fifty on training and work."

"I can do that," I said. "Now when it comes to the bonuses how will that work and can we see a running tally."

"Yes you can," He said. Bonuses will be calculated the day after you work. As they are based on how many people worked and what was completed. For example if there was twenty people on doing work that day and people focus only on emails but you did everything you will see a bigger bonus for all non email work. It will also calculate the time you spent on everything as well. I can say if you work a little of everything the bonuses will reflect that. There will be bonuses now to reflect training. On your personalized work page it will now show all your training needed to be completed and a new section opens tomorrow for any work you may have worked previously on that was sent back for additional work needed. So you finally got your way on that Kelly. You spoke and the owners listened."

"Well that is good to know," I said. "If things go well today I should be on most of the day tomorrow to do training and organize all of the new material. I do like we can be on anytime we want now. I may come back on tonight to get it started."

"You will be fine," He said. "I used screen shots of how you organized all the training and quick view material and the higher ups loved that. But I will let you go if you need anything feel free to log in and message me."

"Thank you Kyle," I said.

Logging out I took my computer and spare screen placing them in my room. Going into the kitchen I started to make the meat pie filling and then started to get the meat pies ready to fry. Getting the fat ready on the wood stove I placed a small TV tray next to it with the prepared pies and a tray to drain them on. I saw Joe pull into the driveway and made sure coffee was on. When he knocked I answered and said, "Hey doing your rounds?"

Giving me a brilliant smile he said, "Well did the rounds and decided to swing in and see you."

"Come in," I said. "Your in luck I was getting ready to fry the meat pies for tonight."

His stomach growled and I said, "I am guessing you would be willing to sample some."

He saw the piled of pies and said, "That is a lot."

"Well I am making extra to have some for lunch tomorrow," I said.

"You look tired Kelly are you alright?" He asked.

"Oh I am fine," I said as I placed the first of the pies in the oil. "While I was away at work there were some big changed. Good changes. But now that means I will be sitting at my computer tomorrow to catch up on all the changes."

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"Well the company I work for services thirty clients," I said. "But while I was gone they added another fifteen. I looked over the clients and they are bringing us a ton of work. Now I have so much training to do. But as I was not scheduled in until Wednesday of next week I can work on all of that and be ready."

"Did they hire extra people?" He asked.

"No right before I moved they did a training class and out of the forty only twenty completed it and as of right now there will be no more employees added," I said. "But they are starting bonuses based on work so that will be a good way to keep people working."

"So stress but not bad stress?" He asked.

"Exactly," I said.

Draining the first batch of meat pies I went to the stove and grabbed a small bowl of gravy I made to go with it and handed a plate to Joe. He looked at me and said, "I have not had a meat pie like this since your Grandma made me some."

"Well your in luck," I said. "She is the one who taught me how to make them. This is a beef and vegetable pie."

He dipped a pie into gravy and took a bite. Closing his eyes he said, "You should sell these. They are that good."

As I started to fry more I said, "Or your just that hungry."

"Oh I am hungry," He laughed. "But these are good."

"Well I hope everyone will like them," I said. "I love to cook and create meals. I will be honest with you my ex husband was a bit controlling and we could not even have friends over. Before you ask he tried to control everyone."

"Well everyone here on the mountain loves to have get-together's and pot lucks so I am sure you will have a lot of chances to cook," He said.

"That is good to know," I said. "Then I will also have to cook for you as well."

He smiled and said, "Well I would love to have a few meals with you. Speaking of if the rain has not set in by Sunday I would love to take you on a picnic."

"I would love that," I said.

He finished eating and said, "As much as I would love to stay and visit longer my break is ending and I have to get back to work. I will see you later tonight at the meet and greet."

He came over and kissed my cheek again. Walking over to the door he said, "I hope they do not eat those meat pockets before we can get there."

I finished frying the meat pockets and got ready to go to the get together. Driving to the community center I parked and gathered the tray and container of gravy. Heading to the doors I heard, "We are so glad you made it."

Turning I saw Stella and Pete walking towards me. Stella was carrying a platter and Pete was covering a bowl. I said, "Well now I know someone here."

Pete laughed and said, "By the end of the night I am sure Stella will have introduced you to anyone. So lets get you inside and introduce you to everyone."

When we walked in Stella directed me to the counter and I placed my platter next to her items. She uncovered her platter of sandwiches and big bowl of pasta salad. I uncovered my platter and she said, "Oh those look good. May I ask are they are your Grandma's meat pies? Please tell me you will share the recipe."

"Of course I will," I said. "I have paper in my bag and I will write it out before we leave. May I ask should I have brought a second dish?"

She shook her head and said, "No dear. The rangers stop in so all the residents bring a dish per person so we have enough to feed them as well."

More and more families arrived and Pete got up and said, "Hello everyone I am so happy everyone made it tonight. Make sure you introduce yourselves to Ethels Granddaughter Kelly who is now living in her cabin. We will be having our next meet and greet in two weeks. But does anyone have any concerns before we get to that wonderful buffet back there."

An older woman stood up and said, "We need to mention to the rangers about people speeding we they go up and down the mountain. We do not need a tragedy like we had last winter."

"Thank you Anne," Pete said. "I agree is there anyone else seeing people go excessively fast?"

A few people raised their hands and Pete had Stella notate the names. He asked, "Anyone else?"

A older gentleman stood up and said, "If anyone else could come by and help with gathering wood after this storm this week we would appreciate it. We will split any wood that is cut as we have a bit of branches down."

Pete nodded and said, "Alright Carl I will ask around and get back to you. We know you and Grace have trouble getting around."

"Does anyone else have any requests or issues?" Pete asked. When know one else stood up he said, "Well then let us line up and get some of the amazing food. Remember you can all go back for seconds."

We all chuckled and Stella took my hand saying, "Let us get some food the mountain residents make some great stuff."

We lined up and Stella handed me a plate and silverware. Going through I saw so many different types of food. Once we sat down I took out a piece of paper and wrote the recipe for the gravy, pie dough and filling. When I handed it to her she said, "Thank you Kelly. Your Grandma always promised to give this to me but forgot."

Chuckling I said, "Never you worry I memorized it over the years."

We sat talking with everyone at the table and when I got up to get a second plate Pete followed me up and said, "Thank you for the recipe. If you look everyone loved them."

Smiling I said, "Then my job was done."

Sitting down again I heard the doors open and many of the rangers on duty came in. Pete went over to great them and asked, "How many are at the front gates?"

Joe said, "Stan and Shelly are at the gates."

Pete went through and made a few plates and wrapped them up. He said, "Their food is wrapped and ready for them. You guys enjoy."

Joe got his plate and came and sat next to me. He said, "Hey you."

"Hey," I said. "I see you got more meat pies."

"Well after trying them earlier," He said. "I needed to get more."

Pete said, "Hey Joe I have a list of concerns I need to pass to you and the Rangers. Also a request for help with wood assistance."

Joe looked over the list and said, "Thank you Pete we have a meeting in the morning so I will see what can be done."

Another Ranger came over and said, "Did I hear wood assistance?"

"Hey Mack," Joe said. "Looks like Carl and Grace need some help."

He looked up and said, "I am off this weekend and could use some wood. Let me go talk with them now."

I said, "You guys are great you know."

He said, "We are a team. Plus we are attached with the people here. When people become rangers we tend to stick around."

"Well that is good to know," I said. Following up with a yawn I said, "Boy I thought I had enough coffee today."

"Well with everything you did today I am surprised your not ready for sleep. Especially with a fun filled day of work ahead of you tomorrow." Joe said. "Do you think your going to get a lot done?"

"I hope so," I said. "I saved some meat pies for lunch and I have snacks and coffee. If its not to difficult and if there is not to many rules I should be able to get through the forty five by next week. With the new scheduling if the storm hits early I can still get on at night and work."

"Should I steer clear tomorrow," He asked. "Or would you like me to swing by and give you a break."

"How about this swing by if your in the area and I will take a break," I said. "I will need it as I have a lot of organizing to do for the new programs. Plus I was told there was many updates to the older ones."

"Sure thing," He said. "It may not be till later in the afternoon as I want to watch in the areas that people are speeding. We do not need a tragedy like last year.

"May I ask what happened last year?" I said. "Only if you want to share."

Pete came over and said, "North of Stella and my place there is a curve and it has a triple barrier. We were on the porch as we have a wood stove out there and heard the crunch of metal. Stella got on the line and called the rangers station and I called 911 as I grabbed my rope and headed to the sound. A couple was speeding in their fancy new jeep, hit a patch of ice and went through the guard rails. The fella didn't make it. The young lady was thrown and landed on side of the road below. She was lucky the car coming when they went over held a Doctor and his family going to see his folks. They stabilized her and called the ranger station for a air lift. If the Doctor had not been there she would have passed. The barriers are meant to deflect impacts of up to 60 miles per hour by a box truck. The poor girl said he got angry when she asked him to slow down and he sped up. They were just at her Mom's house up the mountain. Sheila moved to town to take care of her daughter after that happened and Mr. Henry over there bought her cabin."

"It's a miracle she survived," I said.

"Yes it was," Stella said. "It was a bigger miracle that she didn't lose the baby. She brought her in after she had her and thanked us all. Sheila was sad she had to move but she visits and brings that angel with her as her daughter works. I guess things do happen for a reason."

Looking at Joe I said, "I guess so."

Stella asked, "So what do you do Kelly?"

Chuckling i said, "What don't I do. I work for a company that handles customer and tech support for numerous companies. Besides that I have a blog names on the mountain. I started that when I first inherited the cabin and I am slowly building that and my online store selling dried herbs and vegetables I grow in my greenhouses. I am also a writer and self publish. If you go to the blog my store front is there as well as links to all my books."

An older woman walked over and said, "That is how I know you. You are the one who writes the series, "On the broken coast."

Putting out my hand I said, "I am Kelly."

"My name is Sharon," She said. "May I bring my books next meeting so you can sign them?"

"Sharon I would be honored to," I said.

Taking my hand she said, "I live on the lower road if you ever want you stopge by and see me. I love your books and I was going to get your Cabin series next."

"Oh well Sharon if you like ghost stories I still have up my two oldest books," I said. "I will sign any copy you have."

"Wonderful," She said. "Well you all I made myself a plate for tomorrow and I am heading out to get home."

A younger ranger came over and said, "Mrs. Sharon I am taking the food down to the other rangers. Let me walk you out and follow you down the mountain."

She patted his arm and said, "Thank you Kyle I always appreciate it."

Pete stood up and said, "Alright everyone if you brought your containers and are heading out feel free to take what you want. Remember to straighten up if you have a moment."

Stella said, "Now Kelly I forgot to tell you you can take some leftovers home for tomorrow if you want. Sadly there is no more of your pies left people loved them. But I can make more I have everything in the house to make them. What did you cook them in dear?"

"Crisco," I said. "I will be honest the taste is a bit different if you use oil."

Joe said, "Well your tray is empty you can fill it and cover it."

"That is true," I said. "I want some of that salad Stella made it was so good and some of the cake if there is any left."

As I walked the line I added a few dishes to my platter and covered it with the foil I had originally used. Saying goodnight to everyone I went to my SUV. Joe said, "I am heading back to the station in a few do you want me to follow you back to the cabin?"

"No," I said. "I will be fine I do not play on the roads here I go slow and keep the lights on bright. I will text you when I get there though so you don't worry."

He leaned down and gave me a kiss on the cheek and said, "I will see you tomorrow."

Heading home I was slow and careful. When I pulled in to my driveway I stopped and watched a herd of deer grazing in my front yard. My phone rang. I said, "Hello?"

"Hey I got a bit worried you did not call," Joe said.

"Can you video call?" I asked.

"Sure can," He said. I set the call to the video call.

"I would have been in the house already but this is what I came home to," I said. Flipping the screen to show Joe the herd of deer. "I opened my food and ate a sandwich while I watched them."

I heard Joe call out, "Hey guys come see this."

I saw the rangers crown around Joe and one said, "They came back. That is Big George and his crew. They disappeared when some fly by night hunting group tried to illegally hunt. We were worried they were killed. Kelly do you see any babies?"

Turning the phone I said, "You mean these guys. There had to be at least seven or eight of them. When I can get to the house I will download the security footage and send it to you. I have cameras all around the house. Joe can you send me a email address to send it to."

He said, "I sure can and it looks like you were spotted Kelly, the big deer coming towards you is Big George."

Opening my window I said, "Hey big guy you all are safe here but could you let me get to the door so I can go in."

He pushed on my hand and walked back clearing the way. I said, "He understood me."

Rolling forward at a snails pace I made it to the house. Grabbing my platter I walked to the door and asked, "Hey all do they sell deer treats?"

Joe laughed and said, "After the storm comes through and I cut your trees we can get some dear food. They have a special food you can sprinkle on the ground or put in feeders."

"Well I will talk to you later I am going in and getting ready for bed," I said.

"Have a good night Kelly," He said and ended the call.

Opening the curtains I watched the deer as I sent Joe the email with the footage of them walking the property. When I was done I showered and laid in bed to get a good night sleep.

******************************************************************************

Waking up I felt a chill in the air. Going into the kitchen I saw a note slid under my front door. Opening it I smiled as I read,

Kelly,

The rain brought cooler temps and I was not sure how much wood you had. I did not want to wake you so I brought enough over to keep you warm until I cut wood tomorrow. See you on my break if I get one. Things have been crazy today. Tell you about it later.

Joe

Looking at the clock I noticed it was only six in the morning so he must have dropped the wood off very early. I hope him and the rangers had a good day. Looking into the box I saw a pile of fresh wood. Grabbing some wood I started a fire in the wood stove. I started my day by getting a large pot of coffee on and making myself some breakfast from the food I brought home from the meeting. Getting into something presentable incase we had a meeting I loaded my work system and started my training.

Setting a two hour timer for training I got to work. Organizing training and reference files I was moving through the training at a speed that had me on goal to finish everything before I was to be officially back. When my two hours was up I had completed six out of the forty five training sessions needed. Taking a break I grabbed the ingredients to make a pot of vegetable soup on the wood stove. When I got the soup started I mixed up a bread dough to proof till later. Sitting down I set another two hour time and got back to work.

Kyle sent me a meet up request and when I joined he said, "Kelly you know your the only one to start any of the training?"

"Really," I said. "That's funny because after I started dinner and logged back in three of the new programs that I did training for already loaded and there is work. Actually quite a bit of work. I want the training done first so I can jump in feet first."

"That sounds good," He said. "Do you think you will be working over the weekend?"

"Not tomorrow," I said. "We are cutting back the trees for fire wood and cleaning up the property. I woke up this morning to a chill in the air and honestly Kyle I am glad a have a wood heater in my room as well. On Sunday I have a date weather pending."

Kyle asked, "Really? Is he good looking?"

I chuckled as I said, "Very. He is also a park ranger. I woke up this morning and found a note under my front door saying he was afraid I didn't have enough wood for the fire to keep warm while I worked so be brought me some. We were supposed to have break together but he said when the storm hit things were crazy."

"Girl Matt would have let you freeze," He said. "You keep that one. If I see you online then I know the weather got bad and your bored."

"How much training did you do while we talked," He asked.

"I updated some responses for two of our older companies and I am down to thirty-seven programs left," I said. "I should get a lot done as I plan on working till later tonight with small breaks here or there."

"Well I will let you get to work," He said. "If you need anything reach out."

For the next hour and a half I worked through many of the trainings sending messages if I found things that did not make sense. I caught a bit and had to hold off on completing the training for those businesses till later that day. A little before two I had a message from Kyle that said, great catch everything has been fixed if you see more send it I will be checking on and off all day.

While I worked Joe messaged and said, "I wanted to stop by but things are crazy here. I will try to stop by later tonight."

I replied, "Be safe I am doing more of my training."

Around lunch time I was down to 28 pieces of training and still going strong. Taking a break to heat up lunch I walked to the greenhouse to relax for a bit. Looking around I saw many branches down and thought Joe will have a lot to cut before he even touched the trees themselves. Walking back inside I checked the soup and shaped the bread I was proofing.

Placing them on a small table next to the wood oven to have a second rise I started another two hour timer to work. Without the distractions of the outside world I got my training to fifteen more clients left. When my alarm went off and I knew I needed a break I stretched and fixed the fire for the bread to be baked. While the bread was in its oven I stirred the soup adding noodles and placing the pot on a warmer section of the stove.

Turning the bread in the oven I heard a knock at the door. Opening it I found Joe and Stan standing there. I said, "Come on in guys would you like some coffee?"

Joe gave me a hug and said, "Yes please."

Pouring them coffee I asked, "So what has happened?"

Stan sat down and said, "The rain caused a flood on the east side of the mountain and the roads are blocked. Most of the people there are people who work in town but they know we do not have control over the weather. Most were chill but Mr. O'Malley was insisting we get a boat and a taxi for him to get to his office job. He is going to report us to the Captain as we told him that was not happening. Other than that the people in the Valley were having a grand time fishing and having fun. But some of them were getting reckless and we had to break up a few parties already. We ended up shutting down the mountain to everyone but residents."

"Let me guess some of the fun loving residents were mad?" I asked.

Joe chuckled and said, "Yes and they tried sneaking in everyone back ways which were all guarded. We had to issue warnings and site the mountain contract that you all sign."

Taking the bread out of the oven I asked, "You guys hungry? I made vegetable noodle soup and fresh bread."

Stan looked at Joe and said, "I see why you like her."

Joe went red in the face and said, "We don't want to bother you if your working."

"Nope I got a lot done today and was on a break when you knocked," I said. "I had just added the noodles to the soup and had turned the bread. I am hoping later tonight to finish up the training and hop on for actual work. But from what my supervisor said not many people have even touched the training so I will be going back to a lot of work."

Dishing up some soup I placed the bowls in front of them. Slicing the bread I placed that on the t able with butter and honey. Stan looked up and said, "This is a good soup Kelly."

"Why thank you Stan," I said. "With the weather changing and it getting cooler I like to keep a soup on hand. This cooler weather surprised me today. Where I used to live in Florida it was still in the nineties and we woke up to the forties here."

Joe said, "That is why I dropped the wood to you. I didn't want you to be cold."

Smiling I said, "I appreciate it. The rain did bring one thing though."

"What's that?" He asked.

"Did you see all the broken limbs? Also did you see sap running from the trees. Winter is coming fast. Also can I collect sap from the trees to make sugar?" I asked.

Stan laughed as he said, "You sure can. But be aware you need to make sure you collect the buckets or use the ones that have the sap go right into it or your feeding the wildlife."

Joe laughed and said, "You have the stuff for it in your greenhouse. Ethel had everything in there. We can get it set up tomorrow before I start cutting."

Sitting down with my own bowl of soup I said, "What happens when the storm hits on Monday. Does Mr. Business man know he is going to be stuck one way or the other?"

Stan laughed and said, "Probably not that is why us rangers working tomorrow will be going place to place to give the warning and let people know we will not be ferrying people to their homes. We always have to rescue people though it never fails."

We sat talking a while longer then the guys had to leave. Joe hung back a second and said, "I will see you bright and early tomorrow. If you need me call."

"I will," I said.

Cleaning up from the late lunch I went back to work for a while longer. Around seven that night I had seven more programs left to do training for. Getting a mug of soup I put the rest in mason jars and into the pressure canner. While the pressure canner came up to temperature I canned the soup as I worked on more training. Around eleven that night I had finished canning the soup and finished all of my training. Taking a shower I laid in bed watching some videos and fell asleep.

****************************************************************************************************************

The next morning I woke up and started a pot of coffee. Putting on a pair of work out pants and a long sleeve shirt. I cooked up some bacon and eggs so when Joe arrived we could have breakfast. A few minutes later I heard a knock at the door. When I opened it Joe said, "I am here to cut wood!"

"Well come in first and have breakfast," I said. "I made us bacon and egg on a bagel."

He smiled and said, "Breakfast and lunch with you! How did I luck out."

"Just lucky I guess," I said. Pouring us coffee I said, "I am hoping to get the trees tapped for the sap."

Smiling he said, "It is easy I will show you how to do the first one and you will be on your way."

Smiling I said, "Perfect."

Joe asked, "Did you finish all your training?"

"I did," I said. "Now I can work whenever I want. Which is nice the worst thing was redoing my binder and my help links. But that is organized and I can't wait to see the bonuses I can get now that they are doing that."

"Bonuses are nice," He said. "When I worked in accounting I always looked forward to them myself."

"What made you go from an accountant to a park ranger," I asked.

He was silent for a minute and a sad look crossed on his face. He asked, "How is your headspace?"

"Alright," I said. "Unless it would upset you."

"No," He said. "I am alright. Accounting is stressful. When I was one I worked in Atlanta. The office I worked in worked for some major companies. One day we were at work and the boss was just terrible yelling at people left and right saying we were making him look bad. One guy Marv he was taking the brunt of the yelling. He told the boss we are doing our best and we have to do the job right or we could cost us and the companies millions."

"That is true," I said.

"We all agreed and went back to our offices," He said. "Later that day the boss called us into a meeting. He said he was doing audits on our work and some of us made mistakes but he said Marv made the biggest mistake and if he had not caught it in the audit that it could have cost both companies millions. Marv asked to see the audit and boss declined. Marv left. An hour later the police came in and pulled us into a room. Marv took his own life in the parking garage. The owners of the company came in and offered counseling services and asked us what had happened before hand."

"We told him how the boss went off on him," He said. "The owner demanded the audit from the boss. The boss could not produce it. By the end of the day the boss was fired and we all found out that he had faked the information to embarrass Marv. He took his own life over a lie. He left behind his wife and kids due to a lie. The police were looking into charges."

"Then how did you get here?" I asked.

"I took a week off to clear my head," He said. "Most of the people in the office did. We worked until the funeral and after the funeral and took off. I came to the mountain to camp and talked to the rangers. They joked about openings and I applied. I was hired under the condition that I give notice and come back by the end of the month. Since my lease was up I moved here rented a place and I have been here ever since."

"That is some story Joe," I said. "I hope that man gets all he deserves."

Joe said, "Well I did speak with a few old colleges as they come here to camp and they said he is blacklisted from the cities accounting firms. We all gave reports against him and the owners of the company I worked at provided a sizeable account to Marv's wife and children so she did not have to worry about the expenses. They are good people and it devastated them that this slipped past them."

Cleaning up the dishes I said, "Some people have such hatred in them they do not know how to be happy."

"You sound like your speaking from experience?" Joe said.

"My ex husband even before all the cheating was never an easy man to be around," I said. "He had a very warped view of the world and people."

Kelly- Main

Joe- Park ranger (Stan, Shelly, Mack, Kyle)

Stella and Pete, Anne, Carl and Grace, Sharon, Mr. O'Malley

Ethel- Grams

Matt- Ex husband colleen-mistress

Charlie- Lawyer

Kyle- Boss

45 programs