Kate & Jim Chapter 4
Date: 11/18/2015,
Categories:
Fiction
Author: beagle9690
... consideration the farmers keep trespassers off and mow around the field stone foundation and what was once a yard. I have electricity though. There is a utility box with plugs and circuit breakers on this pole,” Jim explained, parking next to it, “It will save us running the diesel generator tonight to power the air conditioner if we need it. See that wire,” that wire goes to the green barn and there is power there as well.” They got out and walked over to the foundation, “The farmhouse was built in 1902 and burned down in 1955. There is a story/mystery about the place.” “What story,” Kate asked, peering down into the foundation. “Be careful,” Jim warned putting his arms around Kate’s waist protectively, “don’t get to close to the edge.” “Thank you” and Kate squeezed his hands, “what’s the mystery?” “It is a true story, however the story and subsequent mystery will have to wait; step back carefully please.” “But why must I wait, sweetheart,” Kate asked taking his hand as they walked away. “You must wait so I can make it a campfire story after our swim.” “What swim?” Kate asked, squeezing his hand and thinking, ‘Another surprise?’ “There’s a large pond just beyond those trees,” Jim told her, pointing to the west...he grabbed Kate suddenly to crush her to him gently to kiss her warm lips long and deep. Kate returned his kisses and rubbed his bristly head playfully, “You’re such a brute sometimes and now I’m all flustered.” “Yes I am and you love it.” “I do; is the pond deep?” ...
... “It’s about thirty feet in the middle and spring fed. It drains into a rocky brook that empties into Dawson’s creek,” they continued walking, “there is a small dock in the deepest part away from the water lilies. It’s full of bull frogs, leopard frogs, turtles, crayfish and minnows; the usual farm pond residents....oh yes, the occasional ducks.” “Are there snakes in it, Jim?” “Nothing poisonous; are you afraid of snakes?” “Yes and no. If they mind their own business, I’ll do the same.” “A very good philosophy indeed my love,” Jim agreed as they continued walking hand in hand through the wild flower covered meadow until they arrived at the pond. Kate thought the pond was beautiful and peaceful with the water lily pads and cattails along the waters’ edge and willow trees providing shade; Kate never saw so many orange day lilies in her entire life as were in the adjoining fenced off meadows. “I own 75 acres total and the pond is approximately eight of it. The pond and the five acres around it are off limits.” “I spent six months here grieving. I was like a monk, working and praying and grieving. I didn’t shave the entire time or leave the property. Uncle Bob had my groceries delivered. That is when I put the pole in, wired in the utility box and gradually restored the barn while I lived in it for the next six months. I store a few things in it now. During that time I cleared out the burnt timbers, leaves and trash from the foundation; repaired it, including digging out around it ...