"Boldly Go"

Boldly standing one’s ground 

has never been a strength 

of mine. Maybe when I was much, much younger and 

didn’t know any better, but that was soon weeded out of 

me. I’m not much for fighting back, but just want to have 

fun. So when anyone fought me ~ I let them win. 

Until, one day when I was frightened 

with no place to turn, no one to have my back. 

Standing up for myself was fraught 

with trembling knees and a pounding heart. 

My only other choice was

to crumble and fall away from the fight. 

I’m still not one to boldly stand my ground 

but my knees no longer tremble and my heart remains calm.

“Dare to become the trailblazer of your own life”

~ Cindy Trimm, author

Commanding Your Morning

Debating the Cold

Argument is never reasonable, 

especially against the frigid ice air that stings my cheeks and nose. Anger never got me anywhere when the weather is what it is. 

My only defence, besides staying home, is layers. Layers of clothes, red woollen toque pulled low, a fuzzy multicoloured scarf wrapped 

‘round my already layered neck, and a heavy winter coat. Still not heavy enough to thwart the winter wind and temperatures. But giving in to 

argument and frustration, 

would give the weather gods 

the win in this prairie winter argument. 

Like the rest of the stalwarts, I do my shopping, 

spending time looking for just the right head of 

lettuce or another notebook while I perspire under 

my layers. Great pads of ice, whirling winds and 

cabin fever be damned. I have a life to live.

“The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.”

~ Dale Carnegie

Light it Up!

Enthusiasm about being able

to do things by myself 

and for myself wanes

when I just don’t know how. 

“Call for help”

“Don’t be so stubborn.”

“Did you read the package directions?”

“Why didn’t you check out the web?” 

all things I say to myself, 

in the voice of someone from my past

    like my dad, 

       or mom, 

          or a neighbour,   

       or just in casual conversation. 

But that child from my distant past,

that determined little girl 

who insists that ‘I can so do it!’, 

reminds me to give it one more try

I looked on the package for directions (nothing) 

and looked on a diy website for answers: it’s easy! 

(Calling for help is a tough one for me). 

Then:  Success!! 

my enthusiasm about being able 

to do things for myself surges

and a smile lights up my heart and my face!

(It was a very odd GU10 light bulb)

“I got my own back.”

~ Maya Angelou

 

Chapter One, Episode 37 - Vineyards, Orchards and Bees - Situationally Theirs

June 12, 2020

Review, Edit and Update:

Vineyards, Orchards, and Bees takes us out of the very narrow lives that Dez and Emmie have had to live due to Covid19 restrictions.

Punctuation repaired; sentence structure improvement, page break added for the last paragraph.

Vineyards, Orchards and Bees

The  garage smelled dusty, with just a faint odour of motor oil. Giles always loved coming into this garage. A garage used only for the three Estate vehicles. His garage had barely enough room for one vehicle. Boxes full of long forgotten treasures, old skates, shoes and skis, plastic cartons full of toys for babies and toddlers. There was even a beautiful carved-back wooden chair hung up on one wall like a Christmas ornament. Old bicycle tubes waiting to be patched. At least three boxes labeled 'Christmas'. Fingerprints on layers of dust that coated everything including the tiny window over the ancient workbench where a drill press was attached. He and Melanie had two vehicles. The only one that could park in the garage was his wife’s little car. It was always a squeeze to get out of it. The little mauve Toyota Echo faithfully took Melanie to her teaching job everyday. With all the schools closed, the ‘poor dear’ sat quietly waiting for the engine to be started up again. Giles smiled at the gentle way Melanie spoke of her car. ‘Well she’s my little friend, Giles. Don’t tease me.’ 

But the Estate cars ~ each with their own sign hanging from the garage roof by slender bronze chains: A sleek metallic bronze Jaguar. ~ A shining black Lexus ~ The deep red Silverado SUV. All were relatively new, purchased the year before Mister Michael passed away. Mrs. Beaufort had had no interest in the purchase or care of the cars then or in years past. She was extremely fortunate that Digby had hired Giles. Giles, who drove an eighteen year old Honda CRV, was not just a chauffeur, but a mechanic. He kept the cars in good running order, trouble shooting any problems. When it came to the computerized functions of these cars, he happily passed that skill over to the experts. 

A polished solid oak workbench stood in the far corner of the garage. In it, Giles kept motor oil, vehicle shampoo and polish, extra windshield wipers, as well as polishing cloths. Any tools were kept in very strict order. Before even checking the fluid levels and tire pressures, using two polishing cloths, he gently wiped the dust from the Lexus and the Jaguar. Many times Giles felt that he in a show room, rather that a garage. 

The SUV, however, was not in the garage, but parked at the back door. It had been recently washed and when he checked the levels they were all topped up. The tires had been appropriately inflated. Giles was impressed. Mrs. B. has been taking good care of this young lady. Giles, unable to see his employer within sight, poked his head in the back door and called out. “Anyone home? Mrs. Beaufort?……..Mrs. Beaufort?” When there was no answer, he looked around the yard again. She must be upstairs or out in the orchard. I wonder whether her sister has a car. They may not even be on the property right now. He patted the SUV on the hood as he passed, whistling his way to the garage and the two beauties within.

~~~~

Dez and Emmie, in Dez’s car, had gone exploring the country side. Being isolated gave them cabin fever. Expanding their horizons, but keeping within the Estate grounds or into Dez’s apartment felt quite exciting to begin with, but their restlessness grew. Outside of Hartley, Dez showed Emmie a part of the country she had never seen before. The closest she had come to being in any rural area besides her own orchard was when Giles drove her to the airport or to the ferry. “Dez, this is wonderful! I know what apple trees look like, but what are those? Are those grape vines?” 

“Of course Emmie, haven’t you ever seen where your wine comes from?” 

“Well of course I’ve seen beautiful glossy photos in magazines and on some of the bottle labels. So I do know what they look like, but when usually in full leaf. I haven’t seen them this early in the spring, like they have arms that stretch out linking each other all down the length of each row. I don’t suppose we could talk to the grape grower?”

“Let’s stop and ask. There’s someone working on the vines over there.” Dez kept her hands on the wheel and pointed towards the passenger side of the car.

“I see him. Let’s just go over to the fence and talk from a distance. I'm leaving my jacket in the car. That man is only in shorts and a sleeveless shirt. His big straw hat is wonderful.”

Pulling over into a field entrance, Dez parked the car. Traffic on the road was practically non existent, but they walked quickly across to the vineyard, shading their eyes from the glare of the sun. In the springtime silence, songbirds trilled and warbled from trees next to the vineyard. The occasional cry of a seagull punctured the air. Even Emmie’s voice lifted up and away to a cloudless sky.

“Excuse me sir. I am so interested in what you are doing. I’ve not seen vineyards at this time of year. “ 

“Well ma’am, before they leaf out, I check to see if there are any suckers at the base of the buds. That’s what I’m doing now. But there’s a whole more lot to taking care of all the vines. If I had time today, I’d invite you in and tell you a bit more, give you two ladies a tour.” The grape grower nodded and returned to his work.’’

“Emmie, looks like he’s done talking. I’ve another reason for bringing you out here. There are more orchards farther down the road with something I’d like you to see. The orchardist knows we’re coming.”

“What is it Dez? I love this adventure! Thank you. Thank you. It’s like I’ve been let out of a cage that I didn’t even know I was in. I know when we were kids we did this sort of thing, but I got so caught up in ‘the good life’ and then my grief, that I had forgotten how wonderful the countryside can be.”

“Here we are.” Dez turned the car into a long driveway lined with old elm trees. “This orchard has several different fruit trees, but it’s not the fruit trees we’re here to see. ……Hi, Matt. This is my sister, Emelina Beaufort. She has a small apple orchard. I’m taking on a beekeeping project for the orchard. I wanted to show her your beehives so she could see what kind of project she has approved for it.”

“Hi Dez ~ can’t give you a hello hug or even shake your hand."  Matt, tanned and fit, smiled warmly at Dez. "We’ll just keep our distance and be friendly anyway. Hello, Mrs Beaufort. I know of the Beaufort Estate. I assume you are that Mrs. Beaufort?” 

“So pleased to meet you, Matt. Yes, I am that Mrs. Beaufort, but please. Call me Emmie. So you have beehives?”

“Yep. Follow me…………

~~~~~

Emmie and Dez learned more that afternoon about bees and beekeeping than they ever knew existed. In the car again, driving back to the Estate, they discussed all the benefits that bees could bring to the apple orchard. A jarring reunion of these sisters on a night frightening and hopeless, their lives had become companionable and full of promise. Their mutual need and fragmented history seemed at the very root of their ability to thrive. 

“An apple tree is just like a person. In order to thrive, 

it needs companionship that’s similar to it 

in some ways, but quite different than others.”

~ Jeffrey Stepakoff

Chapter One, Episode 36 - Giles - Situationally Theirs

June 11, 2020

Review, Edit and Update : 

Editing Episode 36, there were issues of punctuation and spelling, with the addition of detail and one page break. 

Reviewing Giles, there was not only character development of Giles Thornton, but of family life within the restrictions of Covid19. Even the Thornton family dog, Chester, was given a nod. This episode also demonstrates a supportive relationship between Giles, the Estate chauffeur and Digby, the Estate butler.

Giles

The happy relief in Giles voice was obvious. The last person Digby had spoken with about the upcoming Staff meeting was the chauffeur for the Beaufort Estate. A slender man in late forties, he had been employed with the Beaufort family for almost as long as he and Martha and Cook. He had come on staff after the retirement of the previous chauffeur, Godfrey. Giles, good looking in a rakish sort of way, was a happily married man with four young sons. He doted on his wife and sons, family being central to his life. When Digby interviewed him, he made it clear to him that his family always came first. He went on to say that he was an extremely reliable employee, and recognized that his employment was the financial support for his family. His wife, Melanie, was a fifth grade teacher so their hours of work sometimes conflicted. However, a niece was ‘on call’ for such conflicts and for any other emergencies. Giles felt good about this arrangement, because he and Melanie knew they always had a back up plan. Secondly, they were contributing to his niece's university education. When he got home from the interview, Melanie asked whether he had explained their back up plan. She was beautiful and so good but she was always one to give too much information in Giles opinion. “Melanie, it’s just not relevant to whether I get the job or not. Never give the boss too much information about your personal life.” 

“But Giles, we need that job. This gentleman that interviewed you needs more than your word.” Melanie’s big blue eyes were damp, her forehead furrowed.

“Honey, it’s ok. He’s going to call me back by the end of tomorrow. He seemed more concerned about my driver’s license and experience, which is far better than information about baby-sitting arrangements.”

Although Digby was never one to instantly assess a character as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. In Giles case, he had already made up his mind. Conscientious almost to a fault, Digby completed each interview question. He was pleased to know that his instant judgment had been verified in black and white.  

~~~~~

Giles Thornton and Digby had become very good friends over the years. Giles was the only other man in daily employment on the Estate. Digby did enjoy the company of the women, including young Brigitte who drove a fine motorcycle. He had purposely left Giles til last when he contacted all the staff regarding the upcoming Staff meeting. He would never admit it, but he wanted extra time for a short visit with Giles, besides just telling him of the staff meeting. Hearing his happy voice was so very pleasant. 

Melanie, a consummate multitasker, was making sandwiches,  reviewing her online lesson plans, wiping a little one's tears and folding laundry when the phone rang. Giles was at the table with Peter, their second oldest son. "Giles - It's Mr. Digby. Here, I'll take over for you.......Peter, mommy will help you with that."

Breathless, Giles said “James! I am so, so glad to hear from you!” 

“My goodness Giles. I didn’t know that you would be so relieved to get my call. Are you all right? And all of your family? It sounds like you have a very busy household.”

“Of course, I’m all right, James. The whole fam-damly is in excellent health! So all right that in fact, I’m about to pull my hair out. It’s just that I’m not used to being at home for this long a stretch with Melanie and all four of the boys. You need me to come in don’t you? Please!” His laugh boomed through he telephone. “Melanie’s teaching from home on video chats. She’s on the phone between times with parents about to break down in tears with homework. All four boys hate doing their school work when they have a backyard that needs them. Chester, our dog, is the happiest when we’re all home like this. Sometimes the only quiet time I get is taking the dog for a walk. But usually I have one or all of the boys with me, so it’s more play time than quiet time. Am I running on and on while you’re wanting to tell me something?”

“It’s only about a Staff meeting I’m calling next week. We’re going to meet in the kitchen so we can maintain the distancing that Dr. Bonnie Henry, the Public Health officer, is asking us to maintain. The only other issue is the three estate vehicles. Will you be able to come by in the next couple of days to check them all for gas, oil, tires - that sort of thing. You know what needs to be done. Mrs. Beaufort and her sister have been driving the SUV quite a bit in the last couple of weeks.”

“Her sister! She has a sister? I didn’t think she had any family. That’s wonderful. She’s been so lost, and not all that pleasant, since Mr. Michael passed on. Are they close?”

“I’m not certain about how close they are. All I’m aware of is that, the night we abandoned Mrs. Beaufort to her own devices, she got a call in the middle of the night - I think from the city jail.”

“The jail?! Is her sister some kind of criminal?”

“No. No, apparently there was some kind of misunderstanding but for some odd reason Miss Desperanza couldn’t return to her own apartment. It had something to do with pandemic restrictions her apartment building had set, so she needed a place to stay. The two ladies were in isolation together out here where they stayed in the downstairs. Miss Desperanza slept in Martha’s room and Mrs. Beaufort stayed in mine.”

“Did they get along ok or do you know, James?

“They did have a difficulty or two. Since her sister has been with her, Mrs. Beaufort has been a different person. And a much nicer one. She and her sister have gotten groceries for both myself and Martha. I think Cook had a delivery as well.”

“Martha? How is she, James?”

Digby was silent for a moment, except for a slight clearing of his throat. “She is well. Enjoying her grandchildren even though it’s over Facetime. And your four fine sons?”

“You’re changing the subject on me, James. How are you and Martha?”

“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about, Giles. 

“Oh, James. You don’t know what I’m talking about? Really? I’ve watched the two of you going over lists of things a little bit longer than necessary. Then the times I’ve come in from outside ~ you two having a cup of tea in the middle of the afternoon, with your special stash of cookies. Bringing flowers ‘for the kitchen table’ - ‘for everyone to enjoy’. Cook only wants flowers on the table at meal time, and then a nice low flower arrangement. Long stems of bright carnations with one rose in the middle of the bouquet? I'm seldom in the kitchen for very long, but I always hear about the flowers from someone.”

“Well, if you must know Giles, I do quite like her as a person. She is very good at her Housekeeper’s duties. She is also very kind. Other than that, there is nothing else. Do you have any questions. And none about Martha please.” Digby’s face was quite red and his collar was feeling dreadfully tight,

“Oh, all right James. I’ll leave you alone about Martha." Giles knew when to let well enough alone. "I’ll be to the Estate tomorrow, probably closer to noon, to check the vehicles and hope to meet this ‘new’ Mrs. Beaufort and her sister if they're out there. It was really good talking to you. When are you going to be at the mansion?” 

“I am going to the Beaufort Estate early tomorrow afternoon. Maybe we’ll cross paths. I could bring us lunch and we could eat outside if the weather is agreeable.”

~~~~~

James and Giles did in fact have lunch together the next day at the edge of the orchard. Not only was the weather beautiful and sunny, the apple trees were just beginning to blossom. Emelina and Desperanza, deep in discussion about beehives and beekeeping, arrived just as the men were finishing their lunch. Greetings and introductions were shared in the spring time sun.

“Conversation should touch everything, 

but should concentrate itself on nothing.”

~ Oscar Wilde

Chapter One, Episode 35 - Sparkle and Shine - Situationally Theirs

June 10, 2020

Review, Edit and Update

Sparkle and Shine is an interesting episode that really provides some character development for Dez and Emmie. Their conversation does show an easy relationship, allowing Emmie to describe and model some characteristics of her staff for Dez.

There was a possible 'oops'. Dez was offered and accepted Emmie's old room as 'hers' for whenever she needed to be on the estate for a couple of days. In a future episode, another character (Dr. Jeremy Crawford) slept in Dez's room, and was also invited to spend time on the estate if he chose. That may not be a huge faux pas, but I had forgotten all about this little piece. (I just hope they don't need the room at the same time!)

Few edits were required, merely punctuation and some wording. 

Sparkle and Shine

“Wow! I thought we left the kitchen pretty clean when we were finished our isolation.” Dez hesitated before going any further. “It is positively sparkling in here. Emmie, come and see this.” 

“Oh my goodness. Brigitte must have been here. The kitchen is beautiful! Let’s go see what the upstairs looks like.”

The two sisters practically tiptoed across the kitchen floor, afraid they would get it marked up. They were even cautious when putting their hands on the oak bannister to the upstairs, its wood polished and shining. 

Dez laughed out loud. “Emmie, we’re acting like a couple of kids scared of mom! ‘I just washed that floor! If you dirty it up, you’ll have to wash the whole thing.’ If we mark things up, we’d just better clean up after ourselves. “

“I doubt Brigitte would chastise us. She might give us a mop or a dust cloth and watch us work. You know, I really don’t know what she’d  do. This is all so new to me.”

“What’s new, Emmie? You’ve had this staff for years.”

“Yes but I haven’t known them. I haven’t had a relationships with them other than to tell them what I want and expect them to get it for me. Or get something done for me. It’s really a little bit intimidating when I think about it.”

“Look, Emmie, I’ve met them all. All except Giles ~ that’s his name, isn't it? The chauffeur? They all seem like really nice people. I’m pretty sure you’ll get along with them just fine.  But you’re right, relationship issues can be pretty darn difficult. I guess it will be kind of like introducing yourself all over again. That’s got to be difficult for them too. I guess the older ones like Digby, Martha and Cook, knew you well before your husband died. What were you like then?”

“Thinking back, I was kind of a snob even then. These last years, since Michael died, I have been either helpless or a tyrant. To expect them all to just accept that the sudden change will be permanent, may be too much, too soon. For instance, the staff meeting. I wonder if I should attend it at all. Or maybe, just long enough to …I don’t know…say something about me. My past behaviour. What I thought I might do? What do you think Dez? It really is giving me a knot in my stomach.”

“If it was me and let’s say I was Brigitte - I could be her age again - I’d either be really annoyed or reserved and just listen. If I was either Martha or Cook? Let’s see. I think I may be on the defence. Especially Cook. This has been her territory for so long and she may be afraid you’re going to be in the kitchen all the time. Martha? I think, even if she is a bit anxious, I think she’d keep her peace unless she felt there was something really wrong. Digby is so quiet, but I’ll just bet that he’ll just keep doing his job. Is he pretty diplomatic?”

“Yes, that’s Digby all right. It hasn’t mattered what state of mind I’ve been in, he has always been even tempered and kind. When he’s in the privacy of his room, or in his own home, I don’t know if he says what he really thinks, but to my face he is just Digby. Emmie straightened her posture, her face inscrutable, hands behind her back. She dropped her voice and spoke slowly and clearly.  "If I were to ask him about this issue of my changed attitude and behaviour, he would say something like ‘Madam, you have always been welcome at our meetings, and you still are welcome at our meetings. Bring your concerns to us whenever and however you see fit.’ He would leave ‘my concern’ right back in my lap.”

“I’ve barely met Digby, so I can’t tell for certain, but that looked like you have him to a T, Emmie. So, there you have it. It is your decision to decide what to do. I think you’ve really surprised everyone and probably ruffled the waters a bit. Don’t let that send you running back to the weird person you just described to me.”

“I’m not, Dez, but if you see me slipping back let me know would you?”

Now it was Dez’s turn to stand straight with an inscrutable face, hands behind her back: “Madam, should I notice anything I will certainly indicate that something is amiss, however I am confident you will be well aware of any slippage.” The two women burst into laughter. 

“Maybe, just a brief stop in to say hello. I’ll sort it out and let Digby know as soon as I know. Now, which bedroom would you like?”

“Me? Why do I need a bedroom?”

“Well when you come out here for any reason. To just get out of the city. To come to visit me. To tend your bees. Or just to eat Cook’s food.”

“And I get to choose my own room. I thought the rooms would be reserved for others that may need them - I think you mentioned health care workers a few days ago. “

“You’re right. I did mention that. I think one room would be enough for that purpose. I’m in the den so which bedroom do you want? It would be your room. No one else’s. Are you staying tonight?”

Dez was gob-smacked - that’s what their grandfather would have said. She was absolutely surprised. It had felt like their worlds really had become separate and back to the old differences. At least economically speaking. Their friendship as sisters was stronger and more solid, but Dez hadn’t expected this offer.  Do I dare take Emmie’s old room? Just to even feel a bit of Emmie’s luxury. 

“Ok. Would you mind if I took your old room?”

“Not at all! As a matter of fact, I think I’d like that. Put some new energy in that room. Like opening the windows and let the ‘lady of the manor’ fly away. I still have some clothes in the closet that wouldn’t fit into the armoire in the den - and some shoes. So I’ll be in and out when you’re not here.”

“But what about a bed?  Didn’t we move your bed into the den?”

“Yes we did, but I’ve had your new bed delivered yesterday. This is your home whenever you want it. After all, we are in this together, Dez.”

“Backward glances are not encouraged.”

~ Margaret Atwood