Betty discovers the direct connection between the Astral world and the physical. Promises made to Ann's spiritual self are made real and physical by James introducing him self..

Betty

With more than a little bit of nervousness as I put together a couple of cups of tea and some of the scones from my sweet treat box. For some strange reason I found an ideal mug for James with a larger handle and volume more fitting his size in my kitchen cabinet.

At first glance James is all human, just a very large human-form. When I came out of the kitchenette I noticed James was out on the porch looking at the surrounding country side.

“James, here is your tea, I didn't know how you liked it so I brought the usual suspects.”

“A bit nervous are ye, Betty ? I am not a monster if that’s what ye be worrying about.”

“Yes, I am nervous. I have never meet a legendary person of your stature and calling before, I am still stunned from the scene when you meet Ann on the battlefield. And, no, I am fully aware you are no monster. “

“Thank ye for seeing that and may I be as up-front with ye in saying I did not expect to meet a former war horse adapt so well to the role of being a mother and a sorceress apprentice.”

“Ya about that , it's not a problem is it, James ?”

“Ye ask a man who becomes a wolf at his whim, if a wee bit of plumbing repair bothers him? Nay, Betty, I have no problem with it. I just wanted you to know I am aware of your unique circumstances. I speak of this so you can be relaxed with me. Knowing ,as you Yanks say It, I Got Your Back.

White Owl, I can not even imagine how this must be playing out in your head. I was never as young as you even from my creation. I will be a task master in your physical training, but I am also mindful that all of the world as you knew it was just upended ass over apex. So we need to take tomorrow slowly.

After tomorrow you have two more days then you'll need to be ready to repair these warding's. That will take a flair and an amount of your control, not to do too much this first time. You need to do this gradually so as not to damage the finer portions of the net. Things must be stabilized through out the barrier’s structure. Ann used a fair amount of finesse to create this shielding, that makes it tricky to tinker with.”

“James, what about my children, how do we integrate them into this new world ?”

“Your bairns are good with me; soon they will be playing with me like a big dog.”

“James, not to be indelicate, but what range of transformation can I expect?”

“Nothing indelicate about me being 7 foot 8 inches, anamorphic human wolf mix. For me my transformation ranges from being a over sized, full wolf. And everything in between, to how I appear now. You see I clean up nicely, and can take you out to a fine restaurant or the opera.”

“Wow, James, you are quite flexibly accomplished at your trade.”

“After two millennium and a half I would pray so.”

James

Betty was really trying to suss this all out. I could see the weariness in her face, and hear the stress in her voice. This first meeting needs to be a good one, or the whole endeavor could go pear shape, here and now.

”So how are ye faring through this, Betty?”

“James I need to be honest with you this is just a bit out of my job description. It will take me a bit, to get up to speed here. I have done extensive work on the Astral dimension, but my work on the physical dimension has been limited to manifestation of opportunities to take physical action, and for chance to favor me, not my competitors, negotiations, helping tummy aces, defeating bedbugs and lice . This new work will take a bit of doing, mate.”

“Betty, my dear, Maggie would not have recommended ye if not for your extensive abilities to put yourself in the place to make a difference. Today's instance with that brute proves to me ye got what it takes. Ye have the rare ability which ye are truly brilliant at being the one stone that obstructs the ill intent of others. Your actions today unhinged some well made plans and ye naturally just created the focus point of intent at the weakest point of their plan, and unraveled it.. That is some pretty high magic if ye be asking me.”

“Your magic manipulation is unconsciously flawless, ye naturally balance the order ye are trying to create with allowing the disordered a natural path to flow away from your intent. This and maintaining balance. It’s all a matter of Balance. Goddess, how many times while training me to work with Ann did Maggie try to drive that concept into my head.”

You’re not trying to force any thing, Ye are just using focal points like a acupuncturist, but on a much larger scale. That is not something any one can teach ye. It’s a natural sense and, Maggie
told me ye have it to spare, as do both of your girls.”

“What a rush, James; I have always wondered why things just seem to hunt me down like a guided missile. Then when things would happen I would just act and things came out. I could not plan what happened; I went where the flow directed me like a canoe in a creek. But how am I going to do this at these larger scales?, I worked one on one in the past, and sometimes just as a temporary fix to buy some time allowing people a chance to react to the threat that was being faced. James, this is a war on a scale I have never encountered. There are so many things to learn, and know. How am I going to do this in two weeks ?.”

“Nay, nay, Betty it’s not what ye think at all. What ye need to do tomorrow, and the day after is to sort out what is damage, and what is nature with Ann's warding's. Then over the three days of the full moon cycle keep things held together. In fact the lesser the splash the better. It would be to your benefit, that what craft ye are doing falls into background scatter so others do not see ye are pulling strings. The longer ye can hide that the longer the time ye have to suss out what ye need to learn and gather the energy to fix things.

Betty don't concern your self with the larger stuff just yet. Ye are the eyes and ears into this dimension that this location has lacked for over a decade. Being here ye can be an antenna running both ways; ye tell the spirits what is happening and they will decide where to apply the energy and source the energy. Goddess bless ye, child, ye are not a Jinn. Ye will not just be handed the keys to all the creative forces of the universe just like that.”

The noticeable sigh of relief flooded through Betty's body, and slowly a grin of humor washed over her fair face.

“Thanks for that information, James; I had the vision of a cosmic sized problem like when Ray Charles was gifted some special car which he wrecked in the driveway of his estate. He just wanted to feel a few moments what is like to drive. I would be that blind “.

“Betty, ye are too used to being on your own totally. This responsibility comes with a wee set of training wheels and a lot of spiritual guidance. We needed some one physically with the drive and pluck to stand and deliver themselves into the breach getting up one more time and then you’re smacked down . Until yesterday I had no idea any one was left on this planet who had the moxie to do this fool’s errand. “

“James I don't see either Ann or you as fools but very motivated beings trying to make a difference for this world, one Haven at a time. I am honored to have been offered this chance of several lifetimes to make a difference. What people do with this difference I can not tell or know but it should be interesting to see just what happens when you simply Give Good A Chance. “

James

The two of us talked a bit more before the day just wound Betty down. We were chatting and suddenly she stopped in mid word just after a yawn, I never seen a person who fell asleep between parts of a word before. Chuckling to myself I picked her up and gently put her in her bed before locking the door and porting into my room farther down the deck from Betty's.
As I stepped into my kitchen, Melissa, the youngest addition to our order was curled up on the sofa drawing in her sketch book. She looked up at me inquiring “well how did that go? I didn't hear any noise or screaming of distress”.

I liked Melissa from the moment I first met her earlier this evening. Unlike other Americans she was quite level headed and balanced, with a good sense of humor.

“Well, Mel, I think it went superbly. Especially for a person so green to the bigger world. Betty is a bit like you in personality but older in the human sense, she has two children I haven't met yet. I have found that children age humans maturity wise.”

“Careful where you tread, big guy. I was one of those humans a year ago, and yes being that vulnerable and caring for the more vulnerable does mature a person. I would wish to have some alone time, talking with Betty. I believe my experiences being so fresh I may have some things I can share.”

“Lass, I think ye are right; let me see when to introduce the two of ye.”

“James, I am going to ask my wife Lilly to join us here. I have an intuition the extra eyes and fire power of the two of us running background interference, having you being close in support. That way our lack of experience will not compromise Betty's or her children's safety. We will operate with a leash on until you tell us leash off. That would be in the case of a fur ball fight and you need us for being a tie breaker. Other than that, I know we want to avoid that, so we will be very stealthy.

“I agree your plan is sound. Melissa where did ye become such a strategist? “

“My father is from an ancient Japanese family who wrote the definition of the word strategist. As Lao Tse teaches us, the best war is the one your opponent does not know they are fighting. So I want to be the wind they do not see. And you are the hammer they do not know about.”

Betty

I awoke in the morning refreshed still trying to fit my head to
the new key hole of my life. At first I was trying to convince myself that it was all a dream until Crystal came into my room and then asked me what was that bad smell out in the living room.?

“What smell is that love?”

“ The baddest is like some one was burning a patch of old lawn grass dirt and all. the second is the smell of a wet dog.”

”A really big wet dog”. Added Anna

James will love that one!.

“ Oh I did have a visitor last night it was a very big doggy looking for a home, I told him I would have to ask the two of you. If there is any chance you would like to have a new friend seeing as we are going to stay here.”
The explosion of yelling screaming jumping around dancing etc., could be heard all the way to Seattle, maybe even to the top of Mount Olympus out on the Kitsap peninsula . Also from the sound I would

hazard a guess this was a positive response to staying put in our new home town.

Betty

Breakfast this morning was an event to be sure. Every one was in
a festive mood after the girls spectacular, showboat entrance. The two of them were singing an impromptu song with only a one phrase lyric.

“ We’re staying staying staying we’re Staying.”

When I came in, just following their performance, Marge asked me

“ So I hear a rumor that you might be staying? “

“ Well, Marge, what or who could have told you that?”

“ I think it was a couple of little birdies over there”
Thumbing over her shoulder at my two grinning Cheshire cat birds sitting in what has become our home booth.

“ Well, from the horse’s mouth, as they would say, Yes I had a bit of a moment of “extreme clarity” last night, and I desire to cast my anchor here in Haven, and stop running port to port. This is our home port now, and probably for the rest of my life, Marge. Remember, be careful for what you ask for you just may get it.” I chimed with a smile.

“ Betty, welcome home. I have been praying for the likes of you for ten years. Now I have a little sister to look after and work with.” Betty hugged me deeply and with affectionate firmness. Whispering in my ear “ I see James is back.”

Whispering back in her ear”; Yes he has been assigned to my family for protection. That's why I said I may be here for the rest of my life.”

Marge letting me go from the huge snake embrace, mouthed “We'll Talk.”

Before I could set down a herd of people assailed me shaking my hand welcoming me to Haven Shire. It's funny how simple things catch on. So with my right hand well wrung out, I made it to our table where the kids sat beaming their smile. It would appear having a home agrees with them

Bob

Never have I been so excited for a new person in my life. Usually I am very reserved with all but my most trusted friends. But in less than two full days Betty and her kids worked there way into my heart and I liked that. Now that there going to stay put and help us make a difference. My Coley told me they were going to stay but you understand a man just needs to see things for him self although my wife is right just about, all the time. I just don't count my bobbies before there hatched. I still am going to smoke up a sweet ham, cook a pot of greens and bake some corn bread, Betty's a breath of life to this town and good Lord she has her work cut out for her. I just want the perks for being here helping her stay once she has started..

Betty

I loved breakfast this morning more than I have in years. Bob smokes his own sausage and bacon, making it a great pleasure to eat. The eggs are local and fresh and my can you taste the difference. This morning he cooked me a couple goose eggs for a change, they have a rich rich flavor like several chicken eggs, distilled into one egg.. Crystal asked if they’re Dinosaur eggs.? Then of course the restaurant broke up laughing at that crack.
I was savoring my coffee when a 30 something women in a long prairie dress came up to the table introducing herself as Mrs. Sparks the head town ship home schooling teacher.

“I was wondering Ms White Owl would it be possible for your children to join the classes today. Were going over to the creek to study on the nature trail..”

With that my two flashed their biggest puppy dog eyes begging to go..

“Well, I think that might be a Capital Idea, Mrs Sparks, I think I should enroll them in your school for

the fall term, since we are moving here to stay. So if you could get whatever paper work together.? “

Surprising me, there appeared a manila envelope on the table in front of me with my name on it. I had already checked the on line information about the school while I was eating breakfast finding it had a wonderful rating according to state sources it was one of the best hidden treasures to be had.

“My TA Coley told me yesterday she knew you were going to need this so she had me prepared for such a contingency.”

“ Mrs Sparks, it looks like you have a couple more fish to add to your school. Speaking in my Sergeant mom voice. Crystal, Anna: I am counting on your good behavior for Mrs Sparks. Do you understand?.”, Both nodded vigorously.

I sweetly looked up at Mrs Sparks. “ Please just call me Betty in the future. And let me know if the two of them are anything less than on their best behavior.”

“ Betty from what I have seen of you in action I have no doubt about your children just being perfect angels.”

With that the kids hurried out of the booth and gave me their practiced public hugs before leaving with Mrs Sparks. I watched as the three of them cross to the other side of the road en route to their new school. I was feeling confused emotions both a satisfaction with melancholy all at once. This event does cement the fact, we are staying here.

Betty

I was working in my journal when the largest of James’ form filled the other side of the booth.
“Good morning to ye, my lady Betty how are ye this beautiful morning.”
“ And top of the morning to you James. I am just trying to let it all sink in that I am finally home. And it's in a place I never been before. Please pardon my John Denver ripoff.”

“ Betty I do understand; in the Scottish High lands I just found the Ruins to the Keep where our elder formed our protection order. . It now feels just like home to me.. I have wandered the world, and never had a single place called home. That stone ruin has become home, and on my off time I am rebuilding it one stone and timber at a time. “

“ A real fixer upper is it James Sound like Bob Velove from This old House would love to see it, He would need to call this project This really really old house”. You might want to skip the Dungeon recreation and media center; American audiences can be a bit squeamish. But there are some who might get turned on by the whips and chains.”

“Betty ye can be a really goofy person when ye work at it.” chortled James.

“ Look at it as a perk of the job, I am entertaining you while you work. On another topic I bet you look right smart in your Tartan all spiffed up. Do you play the war pipes James.”

Still chuckling “ Thank ye for knowing the real words to use. Yes my Kilt and regalia does do a fine job of fitting me out properly. And yes I do play the war pipes and the small ones when I am just relaxing. I have you know I also do a fine Jig and Sword Dance,.“

“ That gives you an inside edge with my girls, Anna was working up to be a Premiere level dancer before my spouse died. Crystal was just starting and also enjoying it. Though she still looks more like a bean hopping in a skillet, than a dancer. But she does it with enthusiasm .”

To that James commented “ Thanks for that wee bit of intelligence, I may be able to remedy that situation of lacking a teacher. I am knowledgeable of several teachers in Aberdeen Scotland who would be happy to teach two such fine bairns as your girls. “

“ I thought the Idea was that I was supposed to be here doing a job, not in Scotland chasing marmots in the highlands and enjoying watching my children dance.”

“Ye are forgetting, Betty, you have just became a part of the larger world and for your training I will be taking ye to many places in the world. It will be by what ye would consider unconventional means, but I will get you there and back intact and healthy and in no time.”

I was just about to ask James how unconventional when Marge appeared with a large soup bowl of oat meal and a giant mug of tea for James. She rubbed James upper arm, telling him

“' God I missed you big guy. “

To this James answered “ I am touched ye remembered, and ye still had my utensils.”

“James, my friend, I have prayed for the day ye would come to your senses and come home you old watch dog, Those highlands are nice to visit, but life is here. Remember there for solitude here for the living. You have been sorely missed James, know that.” Marge went on to fill more cups of coffee leaving us to ruminate.

Betty

The view from our home booth down the road was like an owl's perched above the down hill slope of the main street. I could see a long distance with great detail. Something caught my eye. A mini van pulled through the gas station’s entrance marking it as not from around here. Then I recognized the weathered magnetic sign on the door declaring it a county health inspector. Having been in the operations loop of many food banks in this tri-county area, I knew every one of the people hired by the counties and their vehicles. This was not one of the officials. Then the energy signals from the van came into focus. Different van same snarky bad energy. It was Unice and her side kick Four Finger Fred. Two scam artists for hire, who pray on the unknowing and vulnerable usually trying to ruin their business.
There are a lot of shady people who want to harass other business due to the color of the owner or their religion, politics., sometimes just to hurt or get rid of the competition. A few published reports, even false ones, can hobble or destroy a business.

“James, hold the fort here; I have some business to intercept some scum balls before they do any damage.”

“ Good I need to see ye in action, White Owl. This should be fun to watch.”

As I left Marge gave me a high five telling me “sic them babe.”

The trip across the street took far less time than it should have, allowing me to appear at Unice's side of the car just as she was opening the car door. Hitting my hip with the door Unice gave me the look from the pit of hell before she recognized me with a startle.

“Betty love what brings you here?. Why are you here?”

“ I am on vacation in this fine town of Haven and I noticed my old playmates plying the fraud game in

yet another location. So when I saw the two of you I just had to come over and save you the time of trying it here.”

“Betty you know that as a public watch dog, I have access to any
public location I think needs investigating, she tried to open the door again finding me unmoving. The fake smile on my face melted in to my I mean business face, before I continued .

Betty

“Unice in case your hearing aid is broken I will talk louder. I am not going to budge from this space. Leave now and I will give you and Four Finger over there, a half hour head start. I have this county's health office on speed dial, stay any longer I will call now and I will bust your ass into tomorrow. Judge Bean will just love to see you again, wouldn't she. “
The pallor on both of their faces told me I may have struck a nerve.
I noticed a familiar noise behind me rattling to a stop. The steady even step coming up behind me told me that Officer Bruce was approaching behind me.

“ Hello, Betty, is there some problem here?”

“ Yes officer I am familiar with these two frauds trying to pass them selves off as real county health inspectors. I had traffic with both of them in Seattle when they tried to close down a bunch of food banks I worked for. Unice would plant bugs mice and feces, then Four Finger Fred there would pose as an inspector come in and fake red tag the place closing it for a couple of days until things were worked out.”

“Betty it would seem that you are well traveled. Your fame precedes you, even into my rarefied world of officialdom. When I saw you standing here I thought to my self, what’s the problem ,and suddenly, I noticed that the tags on this van are out of date as of two days ago. I was going to stop to say hello, and yet again you assist in nabbing the criminals this time in the motions before they did any damage. You are becoming a real Crime stopper.
OK. The two of you out of the car keep your hands where I can see them, there is an outstanding summons for you Unice Vancamp, and a warrant for you Fred Bender. This car will just need to be impounded for being evidence.”

“Officer, be careful of Unice's coat because she has many secret pockets in it like Harpo Marx's trick movie coat, it’s how she plants stuff and I do suspect there might be a weapon or two hidden there. Be

careful because she has been known to carry mice and rats that may be rabid.”

“Well, citizen Betty, you did your duty thank you for your assist. Please don't leave town we need to talk. I will take it from here “

“Officer Bruce why the bear trap shouldn't that be park and wildlife.”

“It is unless the bear is causing accidents by chasing cars on a
state highway.”

“Oh so Yogi graduated from picnic baskets to grand theft auto.”

Bruce only shook his head and quietly laughed as he cuffed his latest trophies.

Betty

I took a slow stroll back over to the Diner and my now cold breakfast. I enjoyed every bite watching to two of them loaded into the back of the Cruiser , rather than the bear trap.
And their van was hauled away by the impound tow truck. There was a low chuckle from James’ side of the booth; looking up from my breakfast I asked

“What?”

“ Betty That was well played, nothing too flashy, no blood drawn, your stealthy profile preserved. I hope you don't mind if I told Betty to call Bruce for an assist.”

“Heck, big guy, that was icing on the cake, thanks for the back up. It made that intervention a really special pay back for all those years I fought them keeping food banks open, and especially for all
the folks they messed up. ”

Marge strolled up with her bottomless coffee pot filling my cup, asking why I was eating my breakfast cold. James and I just laughed.

Betty

The town of Haven was settled on a semi flat spot ringed between significant foot hills. The location appeared to be well ventilated but sheltered. I had the chance to walk the hills with James who pointed out the ruins of what was there before. There stood an ore mill, here was a horse stable, that foundation was the old blacksmith shop. Across the road from the stable we passed an old mine shack that was spayed open all four sides open like a flower. The shack’s roof perched but smashed on some rocks a distance away. James told me the story of an old very cheap miner named Jack Willow who did things in his own way.

James

“ Working with old time dynamite was very tricky business. It was very temperamental and dangerous to work with. It would dud when it was cold or frozen.. Miners in the past would do one of two things. The first, wisest but still dangerous, was to buy an Acme Dynamite warmer. That Ye would set on top of your wood stove, the other more dangerous was to wear a home made vest to bed with the next days explosives in individually sewn pockets being kept warm by the miners body heat. Just don't roll out of bed. Concussion could set it off as well.”

“Jack being very cheap, was one of the latter. His shack was small and on top of his shaft. One day he woke up on the wrong side of the bed and fell down into his uncovered open mine shaft. When he hit bottom the dynamite exploded blowing the house and Jack to kingdom come. Hell Betty all we found was one of his boots on the railroad tracks coming into town. That was about all there was left of poor Jack. To add insult to injury the mine shaft filled with water making it useless.”

“Why didn't he cover the shaft,?”

“He told me if he or any one was blind or stupid enough not to see that hole, God needed to end them.”

I am loath to laugh at death but that was too funny not to. As we walked we talked about James’ side of the story how he met Ann.

James

Ann and I go a ways back and my service to her was more out of love for what she stood for than just the honor of serving one of this ages’ greatest survivors of the Tut en de Danone wars. When I had to leave her here it stuck in my craw. I never liked to leave a fence all shoddy for the lack of a hand full of nails. [ a job half done]. I met Ann in Scotland after I was suddenly discharged from the Roman Legions service when my charge was killed in battle. That was during the time Rome was withdrawing from the Scottish frontier. Sometimes that pull out was painfully slow, But in the end it was lightning quick.

Some of us decided to stay in Scotland, because it was a far better fate than returning to Rome defeated and for me with my Charge dead by Scottish steel. AI it was a right good fight it was. My charge Marcos always over valued his ability with the sword. I often told him, “ It matters not. The hundred dead at your feet. What matters is the thousand more who are waiting to stomp you. “

Marcos was the group Commander, he was ordered to fight to the
last as the sacrifice to allow the rest of the failed retribution force a chance in Hades to withdraw, using the night as cover..

We had been stopped just ten marks over the wall by some of the most vicious fighting I ever seen until modern times. It was the dark of the moon and the thousand of us were to be sacrificed giving four thousand comrades a chance to withdraw to the relative safety of the Wall.

In my wolf human form I was far stronger and protected from the bitter cold And the added bonus my appearance gave me the edge of terror against any who would try to kill my charge.

It was gray and with the snowy dawn came a wall of angry people with enough angry steel in their souls to storm what they thought was a well defended location. The first second, and third attack were turned back before the last wave found a weakness in our steadily depleting ranks. We maintained our stand, fighting in an ever decreasing circle until there was only forty of us fighting in the end.

Marcos was a veteran of the German theater and I think he was not willing to retreat again. He was able to send thirty or forty to their paradise, before being stomped by the several hundred remaining. I saw Marcos fall, fighting to the end like a true son of Rome. He chose honor over life. My duty ended when he did. I was allowed to be taken captive, because I fought well and honorably by sending a hundred plus souls to their maker. This made me along with my few remaining squad a special honored enemy.

The young women War Chief we were brought to was Ann. Fresh from the fight still in war paint and armor, in front of her was Marco’s head, much abused and, spiked on his sword. I towered above her in my wolf form and I to was well drenched in the blood of her warriors. Her army helped to wiped out the 9th legion and over a thousand of my 11th.

She knew of my kind and our order. So she spared my life and my remaining men, if I would serve as her protector. As long as I served her, she was always bolt straight, honest, and rock solid honorable.

There were breaks between periods of service to her, during the successive two melanin. I still spent a lot of time in the Highlands of Scotland ranging from one end to another. I was created in that land and when I am laid to my rest I want it to be in Scottish Soil. But until that time what's tonic for my soul, is to be hefting stones and lifting timbers reforging my home keep.”

Betty

I placed my hand on James’ arm and looked into those deep brown eyes. “ James, thank you for sharing that with me. It helps me a lot
to understand just who I am standing with here. I may not live as long as Ann but for the time we have together I hope to be as honorable and honest. I trust you do keep me that way, I need you to be my good angel”.

“ That's a historic first Betty ye are asking a wolf to be your conscience. Still it puts that shoe on another foot for me. Ann used to be my conscience, now I get to be yours. As ye Yanks would say, I need some practice to wrap my head around that. ”

Betty

After breakfast James and I took a walk and talked about my new responsibility. We came across a forked road winding to both the left and to the right. I started to go up the right hand road when James stopped me.

“Betty please do not go up that road it goes to Ann's home and ye need to stay away because the warding's are quite potent. Its a also a place of great sorrow for me.”

“How about the left fork?”

“I don't know where that goes it wasn't there when I was here.”
The left fork ran for a bit before a drive went up to what looked to be a parking area. Walking up I found a beautiful double A frame house sitting on a foundation, surrounded by an high fancy iron fence. There were two fire places and more features that I could make out from where I stood. The
energy was sweet and free, but I did not want to intrude in on someone’s privacy. The house grabbed my attention because the occupancy energy was very faint so I wanted ask questions in town to find out if the people who owned it would want to rent it.

On the way back I filled in James about the comment Crystal and Anna made about the smell in the living room this morning being part big wet dog. He roared at that one, then smiled like he is hatching a scheme.

“Betty I need your permission to pull a Jake on the kids to introduce my self into your family is that OK with ye.?”

“You mean a joke?”
“Yes I guess that's the Yank way of saying it.”

“Sure why not I trust you not to scare them out of their wits, I will just play along after dinner. That should be early enough so the excitement will wear off before bed time.”

“That's going to take some getting used to Betty I have not been around children for some time. I need to remember if I use inclement language to do it in Gaelic.”

This gave us both another hearty laugh. It hit me suddenly I have not been able to laugh at things this readily for years. This is something I could get use to, I like it... a lot.

Betty.

I made it back to the room where I refreshed my self with a cup of tea and a bit of rest. I had a few moments to reflect on just how fast and far our lives changed. We went from homeless to a home town, from rudderless to a life time calling to serve.

I just needed to relax and allow opportunities to happen around me. My next step was to start looking for a place to live and form a better idea of the needs of this town’s people. That was going to take some real inspiration. It is about them and not about me so how do I find out what they need.

1] Question: Du ? what about asking them?.

2]Question: And how to do that? One at a time then there's a bag of headaches.

3] Question: What about using the tools I understand.?

1] Answer; Sounds like a job for a computer web site. And that sounds like a job for Pea Patch Gretchen from the Pea Patch gardening organization. She told me if I ever needed help with a thing like this to call.

Marge

I was wandering where Betty and James got off to, just then Betty came into the front door like a house on fire.

“Marge does the town hall have a computer system, and does the town have a web site.”

“Well, hello to you; secondly beats the you know what out of me. Maybe Louise would know about that. Let me give her a call, sit down let Ill get you some brain fuel.”

Betty is like a tornado whipping through a Kansas trailer park. Something has set that woman on fire and I just hope we can keep up with her. A tornado brings freshening winds, I just need to keep her from also blowing the roofs off this town. Betty was writing furiously in her notebook when Louise came over . Looking over to Betty's booth Louise asked

“ What's our non- costumed super hero up to now?”

“Louise, I only know she came in here asking about a computer in the town hall and does the township have a web site?.”

“Oh is that all, it's yes and no.”

“Louise tell her not me.”

“Oh, right.”

Betty stayed huddled in the corner with Louise chatting and working feverishly on something the rest of the afternoon until the kids came up for air and french fries after classes. As I filled up coffee cups, all I heard was some strange language being spoken. That was totally Geek to me.

Betty

I haven't had such a blast at brain storming for years, Louise is going to open a secure access point for me to the township computer We are going to set up a town network so that we can vote, and share information. We want to crowd source our township’s problems with each other within the community. This would draw in as many residential resources as we can. How can we solve problems if we don't ask each other to define what those problems are? Every one has a different view on just what the problem is or is not. But by bringing as many community people together as we can to solve some of these things and reducing the chance of error in the decision making processing. Hopefully finding the best solutions.

I had contacted Gretchen and she was stoked at the idea and started to refer to the project as the Eureka initiative. Go figure; ask a geek a question get a geeky answer. So here we have a start at the seen side of things now I need to work on the unseen side of the problem.

“Louise, I wonder if Bob is open to being an internet cafe.”

“No to that one, too much overhead, no return and it pushes people away from each other. This diner is based on direct conversation.”

“Good to know, that is an asset not to be lost. It’s some of the same values the Amish embrace, Thanks, that keeps me from going the wrong way on the freeway. So this is an E free zone.”

“Betty you are such a hoot, most people would have argued till well you know”.

“Louise this is about Haven, not my ego. We, if you don't mind me saying so, have something really special here and people like yourself and Marge know what it is. I am new and this is just the beginning of discovering how to save the good points of Haven and not making it like the outside world.
My hopes is to use the intra net in town to have people attend the meetings and vote. Become more involved in the running of the community rather than running from it. It won't please everyone but if we talk things out and keep things open and transparent I am praying to save this beautiful place from perishing.

“You have been here just for two days and you already get us. Betty where have you been hiding all this time?”

“Oh I was out there becoming the person who I am right now. Can't take shortcuts when making a quality product. Skip a step and you end up with a rubber wrench.”

Futurus Persevero

To Be Continued

I will be posting smaller six inch hoagie size installments of my stories. Rather than the full twenty four inch Philadelphia style hoagie. I will re-post the first three sections broken up the same way, hopefully making things more digestible, and enjoyable.

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Huggles