Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: REED / READ (02/23/23)
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TITLE: The New Settlers | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marilyn Meiners
02/27/23 -
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The Anderson family was no different. Trees from the nearby forest were cut down then used to provide the walls for their new home. Water reed from the nearby James River would be used to construct the roof. Every family member was expected to help with the work, then if there was time, some fun could be had.
“Jasper, we need more lumber. Do we need to cut down more trees?” Father inquired.
“No, papa, we have enough. Let me finish this one log and you should have all the lumber you need,” said sixteen year old Jasper.
“Sarah, I need you and Sophie to go to the river and gather arm loads of water reed so we can use it for our roof. Do you think you can do this for me?” asked father.
“Yes, papa,” the girls replied in unison, then off they ran to the nearby river.
With every week that passed, the family could see their home taking shape. The sides were up, the windows ready to put in. The door was planed and ready to hang in place and the girls did a great job finding enough water reed for their roof. Four weeks later, their house was ready to move into.
It was a small house. Nothing fancy. Two rooms. It was all the father could afford to build, for the moment. He envisioned a much larger home in the future. He could easily add to this one, when the time was right.
“Papa,” began Jasper. “Remember when I asked if I could go on a hunting trip with my two friends when we finished? You said you’d think about it.”
“I thought about it son, and if you have proper supervision then I don’t see why you can’t go and have some fun. Alex’s father is going with you boys, right?”
“Yes, papa.”
“Okay then, I don’t see why you can’t go. Just be careful.”
“I will papa. What should I pack?”
“A warm sleeping bag, some food, and your rifle,” said dad. “Now go to the barn and get Blue saddled up.”
Jasper finished packing then went to saddle up Blue, his Appaloosa, which he rode everywhere. Blue sensed an adventure coming and was just excited as Jasper to get on the trail. The two headed for the home of Justin where the boys were to meet. Mr. Simpson was waiting and ready to go.
“Are you ready to bring home a deer,” asked Mr. Simpson. “I hope you packed enough for the two days we will be gone. Got your sleeping bag, right? It could get cold at night.”
“Got everything,” the boys said excitedly. “Come on, let’s get going.”
“Tell me about your day boys,” began Mr. Simpson as they rode. “Jasper, you first. How is the house coming?”
“Great Mr. Simpson It’s finished. We all did our part in getting it built and it looks great. Even the girls helped by getting water reed so we now have a solid roof. Tonight my family will enjoy the cozy fire as it warms the house. I can envision my dad as he reads Romeo and Juliet aloud while mom quilts and the girls play paper dolls. I’ll miss the next chapter in the book.”
“You can read a book anytime but you can’t go hunting. I’m going to get the first deer,” smirked Alex.
No sooner had Alex spoken when they saw a deer standing near a tree.
“Shhhhh,” said Alex. “He’s mine.” Just as Alex was about to pull the trigger Jasper yelled “STOP!”
“What the….” Said Mr. Simpson. “Jasper, why did you do that?”
“Look Mr. Simpson, in the marsh, near those reeds. See the baby deer drinking water. We almost killed its mother. We can’t do that. Every baby needs his mother.”
The mother turned and looked at them as if to say “thank you”, then mother and baby trotted away.
“That is one lucky baby,” smiled Mr. Simpson. “Come boys, let’s go hunt for rabbit instead. A good rabbit stew sounds pretty good. Look! Over by the tree-line. There’s a rabbit, and, no babies,” laughed Mr. Simpson.
“Rabbit stew coming up,” Alex said excitedly.
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