The Ranch... Open..

[LadyChance]

Sam

"I am hoping not long maybe an hour or so not much longer then that. I figured to start showing them the do's and don'ts to begin with. It will probably bore them to death but its part of riding a horse. Knowing which end to scratch and which end to avoid."

Smiling up to George my heart so full of hope that I was sure it was shining through my eyes. He liked me and had told Damion so, now I just needed to figure out how to use this knowledge so that I wouldn't screw it up.

"I think Carolyn has our food stuffs ready, oh and don't forget the shot gun. There really isn't so much out there that we can't handle but I don't want to chance it. I think Kat has a set of those walkie talkie things, so we can be contacted if they have a question for you."

Thinking about the letter that Kasey handed me I dug it out of my pocket, opening while standing there with George. I had wanted Kat with us, but George worked just as well if not better. I knew it was the check but it also put Tom to rest finally and the comfort that I found with George would help me get past it.

Seeing the look on George's face one of curiousity as he watches me open the letter. I was sure he seen my hands shake but he didn't say anything just seemed to move closer without actually moving.

"Its going to help save the ranch I hope," giving George a weak smile as I quickly scan the letter and the check within. Understanding that there had been charges left over from Tom's funeral and his debts. What had started out as almost a 100k was now only 73, 000 left over. It wasn't much but it really wasn't anything to sneeze at either. At least now we could really begin to start moving us all in the right direction.

 

[bullshot]

George

OOC: Anna has gone to visit Michael O'Connor so only Kasey for lesson unless Penny joins you.

Kasey, Roger is clearing out the bunk house.

IC:
Dining room.

"I am hoping not long maybe an hour or so not much longer then that. I figured to start showing them the do's and don'ts to begin with. It will probably bore them to death but its part of riding a horse. Knowing which end to scratch and which end to avoid."

"In that case I'll load a couple of pack horses, with everything that we'll need. That way we'll be able to leave as soon as you've had time to relax after the lesson. I'll have a word with Katherin while you're busy, in case she has anything she wants us to check on while we're out there," George said to Sam as they led the horses out into the yard for Sam to start her lesson.

George went into the house and collected the items that Carolyn had organised for their trip.

"Thanks Carolyn," George said when he'd checked that everything they needed was there. "You've even added some things I wouldn't have thought about," he added with a smile as he saw extra things in the provisions.

Having taken the supplies out to the stable he returned and collected a couple of warm sleeping bags, it could get cold out there during the night. He collected a shotgun and loaded the supplies and bedding onto one pack horse. The other horse he loaded with some fencing equipment in case they had to do emergency repairs.

He needed to see Katherin to get the walkie talkie so they could get in touch with each other if needed while they were away. He found Katherin in the dining room.

"Hi Katherin, Sam said you've got a couple of walkie talkies and suggested that we take one with us this afternoon when we leave, in case you need to get in touch with us," George said to Katherin.

 

[JustyW]

Maggie Reed // Kitchen // Main House
Maggie leaves her room, shutting the door behind her. She is now wearing a rather open v-neck t-shirt, with a low cut, strappless bra, showing off her healthy busom, snug blue jeans and cowboy boots. Making her way down stairs, her firm breasts bouncing lightly as she descends, she heads for the kitchen to see if she can lend a hand. She steps into the kitchen smiling, asking whoever is there, "can I give you a hand with anything?"

(ooc: I'm not sure exactly who is in the kitchen at the moment. I don't know how you all feel about it, but would it be possible for people to put something at the top of their posts as to where they are at? Something like what I did at the top of this post?)

 

[bullshot]

OOC:
Good Idea, just you final location.

Put your character name in Title.

 

[LadyFairy]

"Hi Katherin, Sam said you've got a couple of walkie talkies and suggested that we take one with us this afternoon when we leave, in case you need to get in touch with us," George said to Katherin.

Hearing George Kat smiled and said Yes there are some in the office in the top desk drawer on the right hand side.. I'll join you in a second i would like to talk to you before you and Sam leave... If thats alright.

Looking back to Bre after seeing George turn to go into the office she smiled. Bre hun i told Josh i would help him with the branding after lunch, but i need to speak with this gentalman here as well as George. Do you think you could give him a hand? she asked. Thinking that today was defanetly one of her busyist days and she wasnt sure which direction she was truly going in. One thing at a time.. One thing at a time she kept telling herself as she waited for Bre's reply.

 

[bullshot]

George

Office

Yes there are some in the office in the top desk drawer on the right hand side.. I'll join you in a second i would like to talk to you before you and Sam leave... If thats alright.

"I'l find them," George replied. "I'll see you there in a few minutes," he added as he turned and walked to the office.

Once inside he found the walkie talkies and sat down to wait for Katherin.

 

[Luna-fey]

OOC: bullshot, that's fine; sorry for the posting delay. It's been one busy week here.


IC:

Anna stepped into Michael's room. It was neat and clean and it had an effortless kind of warmth--like him. She felt at ease.

"Thanks for letting me barge in here on you," Anna smiled. "I felt badly that you couldn't join us for lunch so I brought some lunch to you--even if it's about dinnertime now. I hope you're hungry." Anna placed the picnic basket on the bed. "I have to confess I didn't do any of the cooking; it's the magic of Carolyn and Penny at work. I hope you like fried chicken and potato salad. I wanted to find some way to thank you for helping me with those directions."

Anna noticed the picture on the wall of Michael and his "first patient." She grinned. "That's a great picture." Michael looked so happy and proud. She herself had never, except for her college years, felt a real passion for her career.

Anna noticed the ice pack on Michael's shoulder. "Are you okay?" she inquired sincerely. "I imagine being a vet includes some job hazards."

She leaned gently against the door frame.

 

[Cathleen]

Carolyn got a call from her sister back 'home', there was some family matters which required her presence. To those she wasn't able to see personally she left letters explaining her situation.

OCC: I won't be playing 'Carolyn' any longer. I wish you all the best at The Ranch - have lots of fun.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Penny had been bummed out when Carolyn had to leave suddenly, but wished her well.

There were too many people going in and out of the ranch house, and while she was glad that lunch, that she had helped with, had gone over, she needed to escape the crush and wandered out by a back door.

She wandered around the ranch for a while, thinking about how her father had offered to buy out a ranch for her. The idea repulsed her. She had no business running a ranch (though knowing father he would hire a business manager for her) and looking out at a horse, standing by its self, drove this home to her. She pulled out her cell phone.

"Daddy. Yes. No, I am not interested, even as an investment. No, father, no. A few more months. Okay. Thank you. No, I understand. I really do. Love you too."

She hung up the phone, feeling better about herself.

With a sigh, she walked over to her Range Rover, mounted up, and drove off down the road, looking for a little freedom of the road, that she had inexplicably missed during her short stay at the Reynolds' Ranch ....

 

[sparknfurter]

OOC: Just to be clear, the italicized text below are Michael's thoughts. "Idiot" refers to him.
--------
IC:

Michael looked at Anna leaning against the door - she looked beautiful and seemed genuinely friendly. Under other cirumstances, he'd think maybe she was taking a shine to him and he to her, but he tried not to think about it.

"I sure do like fried chicken and potato salad. You'll probably see them first, so please thank Carolyn and Penny for me. Thank you for bringing it over. I was just thinking about what to fix for dinner. Do you want to stay and share with me?" Idiot. She just had this stuff for lunch, a late lunch, and it would be an early dinner. And she's MARRIED, no matter what stuff might be happening there. Idiot.

"Er, that's probably a silly idea since you just had this for lunch not long ago. Oh, yeah, I like that picture a lot. I was getting my first clinical assignment at vet school. Everyone in the farm animal program got one of those - it was fun, more fun than if we had posed with a dog, I think. We had that patient for barbeque later in the month." Idiot. Nervous idiot. He looked for a second for her reaction. "Not really, just a bit of farm vet humor, helps keep perspective. Sorry if I offended you." Idiot.

"Don't worry about the shoulder, I'll be fine in just a bit. I was not paying enough attention to a patient's mood and she let me know by giving me a little tap."

"Sit down if you want. By the way, please call me Mike, every one goes by first names once they get to know each other here. What brings you to Montana? Do you know the Renolds? How long will you be staying? Will your husband be joining you?" Idiot.

Michael was clearly nervous and getting blushy. He looked all the world like a junior high schooler asking a girl to dance.

 

[Luna-fey]

Anna

"Er, that's probably a silly idea since you just had this for lunch not long ago."

"Not a silly idea at all--if you don't mind--I'd love to stay for a bit; thanks for the offer. I'm not very hungry but the company would be really nice," Anna smiled shyly.

Oh, yeah, I like that picture a lot. I was getting my first clinical assignment at vet school. Everyone in the farm animal program got one of those - it was fun, more fun than if we had posed with a dog, I think. We had that patient for barbeque later in the month...Not really, just a bit of farm vet humor, helps keep perspective. Sorry if I offended you."

Anna laughed. It was one of those genuine laughs that starts in the belly and makes its way up into the throat. It was the kind of laugh that could light up a room. It made her dimples show and her eyes sparkle.

"Sit down if you want. By the way, please call me Mike, every one goes by first names once they get to know each other here. What brings you to Montana? Do you know the Renolds? How long will you be staying? Will your husband be joining you?"

Anna tensed reflexively at the questions. It wasn't that he asked them; it was that she knew she herself didn't have all the answers. She knew she could make up some kind of small talk with him, and yet, she wanted him to know the truth.

"I'll tell you, Michael, although you'll probably think I'm crazy," she laughed again only this time it was nervous laughter. "I came to the Renolds by accident. And then I stayed. I don't know when I'm going back to New York.
My husband--no, he won't be joining me. I don't even know why I'm married."

Anna blushed. She realized the utter ridiculousness of that statement.

"I got married very young and for all of the wrong reasons. John Kent was looking for a 'society bride' and my father was looking for a means to escape a bunch of growing debts. His business was really suffering. Where I fit in in all of that," she paused, "I really don't know. But I do know that I've been very unhappy for a very long time and it's time to do something about it."

Anna toyed nervously with the ends of her hair, a habit she'd had since she was a little girl.

"Mike--I'm sorry. I just met you and here I am airing all of my problems. But you asked me some very straight questions and I wanted to give you some honest answers. I hope I haven't said too much."

She felt awkward and flustered. Here it was their first conversation and she dumped all of that in his lap. He probably thought she was some kind of a high-strung New York nutcase.

"God Anna," she thought to herself, "You managed to blunder that one completely..."

 

[Hanalia]

Breanne (who hates her computer)

"Sounds good to me. I'll get right on it." Breanne smiled as she went to join Josh. She done a lot of branding in her time. Should get done quickly.

OOC: I had tried to reply to your post yesterday, but my internet connection cut out while I was posting and wouldn't come back. Arg!)

 

[sparknfurter]

Location: The O'Connor farmhouse

Michael had been happy to hear she would be staying for a bit. Then he was relieved to see she wasn't offended by his nervous joke As he watched her laugh, he realized that she was much more beautiful even than she had appeared before. Her features had been obscured by whatever was bothering her. I'd love to hear that laugh and see that smile a lot more, he mused before guitily forcing himself to look at her ring. He became more serious listening to her talk about her marriage, especially the bit where she said she was going to do something about it.


"...I hope I haven't said too much, " Anna finished.

Michael looked straight into at Anna's vivid green eyes. "No, I am glad you told me. If you want to talk some more, I'm ready to listen and maybe help if I can. And to be fair, you can ask me anything you feel like, too. Let's talk while we get at this food. Come on."

He put the ice pack back in its bowl, slipped on some sneakers thenled Anna out and down stairs to the kitchen. He offered her some milk or juice and started some coffee. He pulled out plates, silverware, and glasses, grabbed some coleslaw from the fridge and asked held Anna's chair when she took a seat.

"You know, Anna, Montana's just about the best place for a body to do good thinking. I went into New York City a couple times when I was at Cornell. It's an amazing place, really, but all that bustle can make it hard to slow down and listen to your own heart sometimes. I'm game if you want to talk some more about what's going on. Just say whatever you want - talking about it might help you feel better or see things more clearly."

 

[LadyFairy]

After speaking with Logan she shook his hand and smiled welcoming him to the Ranch as it turned out her Uncle Jonah had sent him to help her out on the ranch thinking she was on her own, and she had been up until yesterday. Kat agreed with him that they would need security around the ranch, and told him he could start when ever he was ready.

Moving into the office she saw George was still waiting for her. Thanks for waiting i am sorry it took so long. It looks as tho we have another hand he can help with the securtiy my Uncle Jonah sent him over to help out thinking i was by my little lone some. Kat said with a smile as she closed the office door behind her.

Walking over she sat down in her desk and looked straight at George. Ok George i am going to get stright to the point. I like and trust you, but I need to know what your intentions are twords Sam..... I know you like her alot, and i think she likes you too, but i dont want her hurt... i wont tell you anything about my brother save for that he was an Ass....thats for Sam to do.... I am not asking as a boss or partner but as a protecitve sister and i am sure you can understand that. Kat said looking at George and waiting for his responce.

While she waited she wondered if she had maybe been to forward. She didnt want to scare him off Sam because she thought they would truly make a fantastic couple but at the same time she didnt want Samantha hurt ether.

 

[bullshot]

George

Office

Ok George i am going to get stright to the point. I like and trust you, but I need to know what your intentions are twords Sam..... I know you like her alot, and i think she likes you too, but i dont want her hurt... i wont tell you anything about my brother save for that he was an Ass....thats for Sam to do.... I am not asking as a boss or partner but as a protecitve sister and i am sure you can understand that. Kat said looking at George and waiting for his responce.

"You've got one thing right, yes I do like her a lot, but I don't know how she feels about me. You think she likes me, at times I get the same impression but I'm not sure. As to my intentions towards her, thats up to her, I know she's recently widowed so if she's interested in me I'm going to take my time.

I don't want her to jump into my arms and regret it later as she appears to have done with your brother. With a bit of luck we've got a couple of days and nights to get to know each other without any distractions.

I think that when we get back you'll know without being told whether things have gone well for me at least or not. I say for me because I'm still not sure of Sam. If you're right and she does like me then you can change the me to us.

I don't want to hurt Sam I think too much of her, so if when we're away she thinks I'm going too fast then I'll back off. But it will be her choice either way, and no before you ask I wont be sleeping with her while we're away.

I hope that puts your mind at rest, at the worst from my point of view we'll return the best of friends. At best we'll be a lot closer than that," Geroge replied looking to see what sort of reaction he'd get from Katherin.

 

[LadyFairy]

Kat had to smile she couldnt help her self, as she listened to George she found herself liking him all the more. Thank you George you have actually put my mind at ease, and i wish you the best of luck. Kat said leaing back in her chair and looking at him over the desk.

Well we have lots to do.. I'll expect the two of you back in two days then be careful i know there care cyote's and other wild animals out there. Kat said with a smile as she rose from her seat.

 

[JustyW]

Maggie Reed // Outside
Finding no one in the kitchen, Maggie heads outside to see who was about and if there was anything she could do to help out. Looking around, she uses her fingers to comb her hair back. Her deep and light blue eyes wander over the ranch as she takes a deep breath, enjoying the scent of the ranch, even including some of the ocassional whiff of not so pleasant odors.

Stepping down off the porch, she starts heading towards a barn, her steps giving her busom a slow, gentle bounce.

 

[bullshot]

George

Stable

Thank you George you have actually put my mind at ease, and i wish you the best of luck. Kat said leaing back in her chair and looking at him over the desk.

"Its all very well putting your mind at rest I wish I could put mine at rest, and know which direction Sam's going to go in," George said with a laugh

Well we have lots to do.. I'll expect the two of you back in two days then be careful i know there care cyote's and other wild animals out there. Kat said with a smile as she rose from her seat.

"As long as nothing goes wrong we'll be back then, but you can always call us on the walkie talkie if you need to talk to us. But please don't do it too often, we're taking some fence repair equipment just in case we need to do emergency repairs, we'll let you know if we're delayed. As for wild animals I've got a shotgun packed so we should be alright," George suggested as he got up from his seat.

They walked out of the office together, Katherin went to join Breanne and Josh. George turned and entered the stables to finish getting everything ready for the trip.

 

[Cathleen]

OCC: If anyone has 'The Travel Channel' they are airing a show about American's Best Ranches. They're showing one now in Montana. Just had to share that... Thanks for the support and such from y'all.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Penny got it out of her system, and returned to the ranch.

The Range Rover pulls up alongside the still out-of-place Ferarri, and some rather more appropriate trucks, and dies down.

Penny gets out, to see a young woman step off the porch, and start to move off toward a barn.

"Hello," she calls out.

"Umm ... I saw you at the lunch table, but I don't think I caught your name. I'm Penny."

She smiles, and holds her hand out ....

 

[LadyFairy]

Kat had intended to go help Josh, and Bre with the horses when she saw a note left on the table. Picking it up she read it over, and changed corse George was already outside. Sam and Meg were upstiars still... Bre and Josh were out branding.. Tim, and the others she beleived were clearing out the bunk house..

Moving into the kitchen Kat begain looking thru the cubbords to see what she could find to make for dinner. Tonight she figured she would do something simple. Fired Taters and hamberger sounded good to her. Pulling out a sack of potato's she set them on the counter, and going to the fridge opened the freezer and pulled out some hamberger setting it in the sink to let it thaw out while she cut the potatos, and got them ready.

 

[JustyW]

Maggie Reed//Outside

Penny got it out of her system, and returned to the ranch.

The Range Rover pulls up alongside the still out-of-place Ferarri, and some rather more appropriate trucks, and dies down.

Penny gets out, to see a young woman step off the porch, and start to move off toward a barn.

"Hello," she calls out.

"Umm ... I saw you at the lunch table, but I don't think I caught your name. I'm Penny."

She smiles, and holds her hand out ....

Mags smiles, "hi Penny, I'm Maggie, Sam's sister. You were one of the ones who prepared lunch, weren't you?"

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Mags smiles, "hi Penny, I'm Maggie, Sam's sister. You were one of the ones who prepared lunch, weren't you?"

"Yes Ma'am. I don't know what's going to happen for dinner though. Carolyn had something come up, and Kat probably thinks I quit too. Listen to me ... Sorry. It is nice to meet you, Maggie."

She smiles.

"So, where are you headed?"

 

[JustyW]

Maggie Reed // Outside

Mags shakes her hand, "pleasure meetin you as well, and lunch was really good. As for where I'm heading, pretty much where ever I'm needed. I've never been one to just sit around not doing anything..."

 

[redbaron05]

josh on the porch waiting f

Sounds good to me. I'll get right on it." Breanne smiled as she went to join Josh. She done a lot of branding in her time. Should get done quickly.

Josh seeing Breanne come out introduces himself *removes his hat* and says howdy ma'am I'm Josh *in his best texas drawl*