“I say no. A few times of having the power go off in the middle of something and those people will start to adjust, as long as we don’t give in,” Jim said.
“What about the hospital?” Art asked. All of us knew that accidents don’t keep a schedule, and neither do babies.
“The hospital has its own generator, Art. I’m sure the electrician can rig something where the hospital can operate from the grid gennie while it’s on, then be switched to a gas gennie when needed,” I said, “Likewise for the township offices. With the moving of the ham radio to here, the idea was to monitor more, not less. It would be practical to run the propane generator from nine in the morning until one o’clock when the big gennie kicks in. That one doesn’t need to be rewired since it’s an automatic startup and is already wired.”
“The master electrician that came out on the buses died in the flu sweep,” Father Constantine said. By the look that clouded his eyes I’m sure he also thought of his sister Doris being claimed by the same virus.
“I’ve no doubt that Jason or Earl Tyler can do just as well,” I stated. “Speaking of Earl, how many are now using his new wood burner? Does anyone know?”
“He’s done an amazing job, Allex,” Tom said glowingly. “He really has. Everyone who needed a wood burning stove now has one. There are even a couple of spares in his workshop in case a house gets opened that doesn’t have one.”
“And the wood situation?” I asked.
“Keith continues to cut and split. The men working in the woods are his helpers that take the split wood and fill the trucks for delivery. The pile in the baseball field goes down as people take some, then he fills it back up. For the out of the way places, like where your boys are, he delivers on site. It seems to be working well. Keith is happy to stay busy,” Tom answered. “Anyone think there should be a time adjustment for the weekends?”
“You mean for church?” Father Constantine smiled. “No, I think the church should be under the same restrictions as everyone else. We can set a good example. Besides, if we had power during services that would limit everyone’s time to get things done. I plan on continuing services from eleven to noon, so the congregation can get home to do what they need to.”
“So,” Tom looked at his notes, “are we agreed to start limiting the big generator use to five hours each day, from one to six in the evening?”
The ayes had it.
“Now, about the gasoline,” Tom continued.
“I think we should encourage everyone to use bicycles whenever possible,” I said, thinking of my bike sitting dry in the barn, “and save the gas for generators. There are a few that can’t ride a bike, like the elderly, however, if we give them the opportunity and encourage it, they might like it and get enough exercise to help with their physical problems.”
“And the propane?” Tom asked.
Everyone was quiet, so I spoke up again. “I think that should be saved for this generator, the Inn, and our two houses,” I stated.
Father Constantine crossed his arms and leaned back. “Isn’t that rather selfish on our part?”
“Yes, and no, Father,” I replied. “The Inn could house many if need be. The township offices need to stay running. Your house is home to four and I know you counsel people in your home. You are the much needed spiritual leader of this town.” I straightened my back for the rest, “And we three are needed too. Using the diesel, gas, and propane at our discretion, is the price the new residents are paying for our services: the hospital, the Inn for food, church services, and for our guidance.”
“Allex is right, you know. We descended on this town with no warning, and there is a price that needs to be paid,” Tom was quick to agree. “If that price is all of the fuel we brought with us, so be it. Of course, we’re using that fuel mostly for the good of the people, so I personally have no objection.”
Put that way, the ayes had that point too.
“How is the food holding up?” Jim asked.
“Pretty well, actually. Sadly, what has helped the most is having fewer people to feed.” Tom looked down, knowing two of the five at the table had lost someone dear to them when the population was thinned. “Marsha and her crew have done a fabulous job at rationing what’s going out and stretching what is left. With the fresh seed from Mr. Wolfe has come renewed enthusiasm in growing more food, which should start as soon as the weather warms up more.”
“What if it doesn’t warm up?” I asked cautiously. They all turned to look at me. “I’m hoping it does, but what if it doesn’t? We’re going to be faced with a major problem if we can’t grow food, guys, we need to address it now.”
“Let’s table that for one month,” Tom said, clearly uncomfortable. “In that month we should know if there is anything to be concerned about.” Everyone except me thought that was a good idea.
“The supply shop is a non-issue for us since it’s actually grown in inventory,” Tom stated. “I think that covers it all. Does anyone have anything else to say?”
“Harold Wolfe mentioned that he would be leaving as soon as the rain stopped,” Father Constantine added with a frown. “It would be nice to have one more dinner with him.” Father turned to me and grinned. “We five, as the town council, should show him our appreciation.”
“I think the five of us, plus Claire, and the Sisters would make a good number,” Tom said. “Allex, will you be willing to do a larger dinner party in a day or two?”
“I think with nine of us, an appetizer party would be more appropriate for mingling. I’ll start working on a menu.”
*
“What is going to happen to the town if our little garden plot does well and the community garden doesn’t? Jason is almost done building the heat retention shelter, so I should be getting seeds in soon. If we get green beans and no one else does, will we have to defend our food? Yes, I’m feeling selfish right now, and I think I have a right to,” I said to Jim and Tom while we sat by the fireplace having after dinner drinks. The roaring fire felt good and took the chill off the air. A log shifted and sent a plume of orange sparks dancing up the chimney.
My comments were met with silence. “And what about the greenhouse that Eric is tending? He’s growing quite a few starter plants for everyone: tomatoes, peppers, squash and eggplant. They will know there’s more. Will a cold summer put my sons at risk?” I stood and paced.
“Allex, please sit down,” Jim said, his voiced laced with concern. “We’re not ignoring this plight. You must admit, though, that we don’t even know if there will be a plight! What’s that old saying? ‘Don’t borrow trouble?’ We have enough issues to deal with, let’s not add more just yet.”
I sat down on the floor. “You’re right. I’ve always been one to plan ahead, that’s all.” I paused. “No, not ‘that’s all’… that’s everything! That’s my belief system and it’s what has saved my family from starvation, from attacks, and from all these disasters: planning ahead.” I was feeling very frustrated that my two housemates couldn’t see the potential problem looming ahead of us.
“I think Allex could be right, Tom,” Jim ventured. “Perhaps we should consider some kind of natural shield for her garden, so others can’t see it. Remember, it’s our food too.”
“Maybe we should concentrate on making sure everyone’s garden does well,” Tom commented.
CHAPTER 30
June 3
I walked around the plastic sheeted structure Jason had erected. It wasn’t very tall, barely covering the central pyramid that was home to all the herbs and a few perennial flowers Kathy had planted in the past. The seams were held together with several layers of duct tape.
“This looks good, Jason, really good,” I complimented him.
“There is one panel at the top you can open to let out hot air, and two sides can be rolled up, whereas the other two are anchored tight,” he explained.
“For now everything needs to stay closed up,” I said, shivering from the cool breeze off the lake. “What’s th
is for?” I asked, spotting a cut-off rusty barrel.
“I thought you might like somewhere to build a fire, just in case it gets colder earlier than you want.”
“A smudge pot!” I exclaimed. “Thanks, I hadn’t thought that far ahead. I’m guessing that’s also why you put an air vent in the top, to let the smoke out, right?”
Jason grinned.
June 5
“How are your plans coming along for the big party tonight?” Tom asked.
“I got a lot of the food done yesterday. There are only a few things that I couldn’t do ahead,” I answered.
“So what’s on the menu?” Jim chimed in, peering over my shoulder.
“There are deviled eggs, cheese and soda crackers, soft pretzels with fresh mustard, smoked oysters from our road trip, an olive, pickle, and spiced beets dish, plus some pickled sausage I found in my pantry. Today I will make up the salmon balls and the Nori rolls. The Nori rolls will be a meatless sushi, though I will have some of the very thinly sliced fresh gravlax available for topping it, along with the pickled ginger also from the road trip.”
“I’m getting hungry already,” Tom teased. “Is there anything we can do to help besides eat?”
“Sure, the table chairs can go in the living room so there’s room to walk around the food table. And you can set up the bar on the island. Oh, and Jim, would you get a couple of bottles of wine from downstairs? Two red and two white should be enough,” I replied. “With as cool as it’s been, what do you think about a fire in the fireplace?”
*
Our first guests showed up at five thirty, with everyone else arriving shortly afterward. The food was well received, even though there wasn’t a lot of any one thing. These were appetizers not a meal. As anticipated, the nuns stuck with wine, while Father Constantine went for the bourbon.
Promptly at six o’clock, the lights went out. The fire illuminated the room with a cozy glow, however, I knew that with the darkening sky we would soon need the lanterns I had set out earlier. I lit the candles on the food table first and that added a nice ambiance. Tom was quick to light the oil lamps and the party never missed a beat.
I was listening to a conversation between Clair and Sister Margaret about children’s clothing when I noticed Jim approach Harold Wolfe. I joined them in time to hear Jim ask Harold when he was leaving.
I slipped my arm through Jim’s possessively and joined the conversation. “Harold, didn’t you mention before that you usually stayed in a community at least long enough for the seeds to start growing? Why are you leaving here so soon?”
“Normally I would stay, yes.” He hesitated briefly, then looked at Jim and said, “But I know I’m not welcomed here.”
“Has someone been rude to you?” Jim asked cautiously.
“No one has been rude, no. Colonel Andrews, you make me very uncomfortable.” This blatant statement stunned Jim. “It’s so very obvious the two of you care deeply about each other, so I don’t understand why you consider me a threat, sir.”
Wow, talk about coming right to the point.
“My apologies, Mr. Wolfe,” Jim said humbly. “This kind of a personal relationship is new to me and I’m unsure on how to react to… jealousy.”
“Jim,” I said, “that’s very sweet. Please understand, I have no interest in Harold, other than for his gardening expertise. You are the only man in my life, sir.” I smiled up at him and kissed him on the cheek. “Now, Harold, how would you normally spend your time with a community?”
“I would stay where they assigned me, working the gardens with them, doing whatever I could and in time find a family to take me in for the winter. Then I would help with the canning and any other chores to pay for my keep, and then move on in the spring.”
“I know there are families who could use extra help,” Jim said, “and I understand many here haven’t a clue about canning. Please reconsider leaving.” I looked at Jim in admiration.
“Thank you, perhaps I will.” Harold stuck his hand out, they shook, and a new bond was formed.
*
As I readied for bed later, washing my face and slipping on my night shirt, I turned to Jim and looped my arms around his neck. “It takes a big man to do what you did,” I said and kissed him lightly. “There are some things we haven’t talked about yet, but I want to assure you I am strictly a one man woman. You have my total loyalty, Jim, please don’t question it again.”
He tightened his hold on me.
June 6
“Jason, I need you to look for something for me,” I said when he stopped over to retrieve the rest of his tools. “I want a gas stove.”
“Don’t you have a stove here?”
“Yes, but it’s electric, so I can’t use it after six when the generator shuts down. I’m trying to think ahead for winter too. If you can find me a basic gas stove, one that has pilot lights and can be lit with a match, it would solve a major problem I see coming. I want it installed in the basement, tapped directly to the big propane tank.”
“Why the basement, Mom? Don’t you have the grill on the lower deck for cooking down there?”
“Come winter, Jason, we won’t be able to heat the upstairs and Tom will have to move down with us. Having a gas stove will let me cook and bake and that will add extra heat to the area. The grill won’t do that.”
Jason nodded as he contemplated what I said. “I’ll get right on it.”
CHAPTER 31
June 8
“Are you sure about clearing Ken to return to work, Dr. James?” Jim looked doubtful. “It’s only been two weeks since he was stabbed.”
“I’m not clearing him for active duty, Colonel,” Dr. James said, looking alarmed. “I only told him it was okay to start moving around. It’s my understanding that Ken and Karen want to move into town and that would allow him to do desk duty. He needs another two or three weeks of low activity.”
“Oh I see,” Jim snickered. “Your patient is getting bored.”
“Do you have enough paperwork to keep him busy and sitting?” I asked.
“I think that between the three of us, we’ll have him wanting to go home early every day!” Tom laughed.
We used the now empty Haul Your Own and a few volunteers to take Ken and Karen’s few belongings from their house down the road over to the house on the lake they had selected.
JOURNAL ENTRY: June 9
It appears that knowing Harold would be staying to help with the community garden has revitalized everyone’s interest. That plus the warmer temperatures. The clouds are still a dirty gray and there’s little actual sunshine, though what there is has warmed the soil considerably.
I’ve been enjoying my time in the garden, especially now that a few of the early seeds have started sprouting. We’ll be having fresh radishes next week, and soon I hope to see the lettuces growing. How I miss my salads. I need to come up with some way of growing lettuce throughout the winter.
~~~
“Allex,” Keith Kay said when he stopped by again, “there is something strange going on with the lake, not that there’s anything anyone can do about it. I thought you should know: the water is rising.” He definitely had my attention. “Last time Carron and I were out fishing, we made a pile of rocks at the edge, by the new water line. The water is up now by about an inch. Maybe that new dam you told us about is starting to work.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. We set six flat rocks at the edge, out of the water, and then piled more on top in a pyramid. The flat rocks are now underwater.”
“This is good news, Keith, thanks! I will be sure to let the mayor and the colonel know.”
This really was very good news, especially for Lake Michigan.
*
“I think we should set our own gauge to measure the lake,” Tom said when I told them.
“I agree. That way we can keep track too, and I think we should mark it somehow to make sure no one is moving it as a prank,” Jim said.
We found
a four foot piece of a two by four in the big barn. Remembering how I used to measure snow out in the woods, I drew a line at the one foot mark where we would sink it into the rocky lake bed and then a heavy line every inch. Then I printed a 2 at the two inch line, and a 4 and a 6 at those lines.
“Just six inches? Why not all the way up?” Tom said.
“I can do that. After six inches though, there should be no doubt the water is rising. Besides, it will take a long time for it to get that high. The lake is fed by countless streams, creeks, and artesian wells, and refilling will be a slow process. It’s been estimated that the retention/replacement time would be almost two hundred years! Thankfully they won’t be trying to completely replace the entire lake. Still, it should rise only two and a half feet every year, or two and a half inches per month. At that rate it will take over thirty years for Lake Superior to regain the eighty feet lost.”
The three of us drove down to end of Eagle Beach where the water edge was closest for access. We moved rocks and dug a hole in the sandy bottom. Once the two by four was in place, Jim packed it down and we piled rocks around it up to the one foot marker I had made. On the back of the new marker I wrote today’s date, as a reminder of when we started watching.
*
After the cocktail party we hosted for Harold Wolfe, who had agreed to stay on, the three of us had the rest of the gravlax for ourselves. Tonight I made more Nori rolls for our dinner. I remembered the day I bought two dozen packages of the dried seaweed sheets for storage, and had thought I was being really paranoid going overboard in my buying. I’m glad I did now. Even though these will last a while, I still need to think about what I can replace them with. Nori rolls are one of the few ways I truly enjoy eating rice.
The Journal: Raging Tide: (The Journal Book 4) Page 24
