Jon gave a look toward Chris that was a half laugh and shook his head.
“It is because Mrs. Johnson makes the best pies in the valley and chances are she is bringing a pumpkin and a blueberry pie.” said Chris.
“Is that right Jon?” asked Catherine.
“Well not exactly as I invite them because they are getting older and I want them to feel like they have a family.” said Jon.
“And yes she is bringing a pumpkin and a blueberry pie that just happen to be the best you have ever tasted.”
Catherine laughed, “Now we come to it, but I do like that the fact that we are having folks here. I think it is nice to have a group for just such an occasion.”
Thanksgiving morning brought snow early that morning followed by a clearing but very cold day. Jon and family were preparing the house for the meal as all seemed right with the world. Dinner was to be served at 5:00 in the afternoon which would mean that later that morning Jon and Chris would gather themselves and trek out to cut down a fine tree that would serve for the Christmas tree. Jon had always made a ritual of having a tree up for Thanksgiving as it marked the beginning of the Yuletide festival season. It was one of the few traditions that he had been able to sustain during the years of change. In the past the weekend always marked great college football and the traditional rivalry game of his favorite team. But with the loss of such sport all that was taken away. He often thought it might be fun to have a football game between the Bears and the Wolves during this time; however the depth of the snow usually ended that.
So it was that this year Jon was just thankful for many things. He had his family back together and had his wife back. It was during the past weeks that the two had truly recommitted themselves and re-found a love that had been lost for years. Jon had been able to separate away from his political dogma when thinking of Catherine and she had changed to the realization that much of what had happened was truly bad. She realized that for his part, Jon stood up for his beliefs and above all he loved his family and would protect it with the voracity of a Grizzly Bear. And of course there was a re-found attraction for each other as Catherine was truly an attractive woman and Jon was a strong and physical looking man. It was duly noted by Amanda and Chris that their parents seemed to look forward to turning in behind locked doors for the evening.
Chris and Amanda as well were very happy in their world. They had their parents back and they had each other. When the two were young they had always been close as Amanda looked up to her big brother and Chris had always been protective of his sister. Amanda had adapted quite well to the new lifestyle. She took time fixing up her room and making it to her liking as Jon had instructed her. She found purpose in doing chores such as sweeping, some of the cooking and clearing snow. But her two new found escapes were the library and taking walks in the woods. Her reading became a new found friend as she began to pour through many of the books that Jon had placed in his library. She relished in Tarzan of the Apes and several of the history books.
Amanda would at times take off on walks in the woods, looking at the trees and the streams. She would at times create quite a headache for Jon as he instructed her that she must carry a rifle when she did so as the woods contained many predators. To that end Jon next had to teach her how to shoot and over the past weeks had done so to the point that she could hit a target at 100 yards with a 30-30. Amanda was becoming quite the mountain woman. In fact Amanda had truly begun to transition into a much different young woman. Her chores around the house had begun to teach her responsibility and her outside adventures had toughened her up physically. Her hours spent with the family reading and discussing books had begun to move her in a direction of thought that she would have never achieved living in the urban world.
In total the family was becoming everything Jon had ever wanted. And to that effect he committed more than ever to keep his life as it was. Even with the situation Catherine was in with her health he swore that he would do all he could to make sure that the destiny that the doctors had prescribed for her would not transpire. Jon swore that he would use every amount of strength he had to even defy death of the ones he loved.
At about 11:00 Jon and Chris put on boots and heavy clothes and headed out in search of the family Christmas tree.
“Get a saw and axe son.” said Jon.
“Already headed for them Dad.”
The two headed up over the hills directly behind the house as they knew about a three quarters of a mile from the cabin lay a beautiful spread of spruce trees. Forty five minutes of hiking brought them to the exact spot and not too much longer they found the exact tree.
“Son, this is it. This is the tree for Christmas.”
“Looks great Dad and it doesn’t look like we will have to trim it too much.”
Ten minutes later the saw had done its work and the two were hauling it back toward the cabin. When they arrived back they brought the tree on the front porch and cleaned up the base as well as mad a few limb cuts.
“Chris, go around to the shed and get the stand so we can set the tree in.”
Chris came back with and old red stand that had the screws that would hold the tree solid. Jon set the stand on the end and adjusted the screws. He then stood the tree up and looked.
“Well, is it straight looking?”
“Yep Dad I believe it is.” said Chris.
“Then let’s take it in and show the girls.”
Amanda and Catherine were busy in the kitchen working on the dinner as Chris and Jon came in with the tree. Upon placing it in the great room they all looked and marveled at the beauty.
“It is going to be a beautiful tree.” said Catherine.
“Amanda, would you get a pot and fill it with water. Chris, go and get me five aspirin and a quarter cup of sugar.”
“What is all that for?” asked Amanda.
“It helps keep the tree alive longer so that the needles don’t start dropping off.” said Jon.
While the kids were getting those things Jon disappeared out side and came back with three large boxes. As he opened the boxes he removed Christmas tree lights and ornaments.
“Oh Jon, you really have kept up with the tradition haven’t you?” as Catherine came over and put her arm around Jon.
“You know what Christmas always meant to me.” As he gave Catherine a kiss.
“Just wait and see what else goes on. There are parties we go to and of course the Holly Ball for all us younger folk.” said Chris.
“Holly Ball, what is that?” asked Amanda.
“It is a dance that we have at the Miller’s house. It is at their place because their barn is the largest one in the valley. We all get dressed up and a band plays and well.”
“I don’t have anything to wear for that.” said Amanda.
“Nor do I for the Christmas parties Jon” said Catherine.
Jon shook his head and laughed.
“See Chris, when women come back into your life it is all about clothes and shopping. Don’t worry, next week at the Miller’s barn we have Saturday market and traditionally they have all kinds of winter clothes as well as holiday dresses.” said Jon.
“And where does all of that come from?” asked Catherine.
“Some of the ladies make them here in the valley but much comes from overseas and gets here via the free market. Again as I have told you, there are many folks in this world that can’t stand synthetic clothes and like to make money selling real clothing.” said Jon.
“No doubt they would call this frivolous in the urban world and a waste of resource that could be used for the common good.” said Chris.
“Son you have learned well.” said Jon.
Catherine just shook her head and laughed as while she agreed with the assertion, she saw what the effects of Jon Smith was on the people around him.
“Jon, you have wasted your life as you s
hould have been a politician. You can shape people’s thoughts.” said Catherine.
Jon paused for a moment and turned with an honest face.
“In many ways you are probably right as maybe I could have stopped what happened to our world. But don’t believe that what I say has shaped Chris or anybody else. Deep down inside I believe we all desire freedom and we all desire to live our life the way we want to as long as it doesn’t impact others. That is what this crazy New World Order never understood. Their desire for power and control warped people’s minds into thinking that they could not survive on their own without the government. That all things that happened were controlled and should be controlled and that is what I hate the most.”
Catherine and the kids looked back at Jon and understood the passion that drove him. They also understood that what he said came from his heart and that what ever his intentions going forward, they would be shaped by what he believed.
“You all and everybody in this valley always get me going and today is Thanksgiving, a time to celebrate. Chris, Amanda, come over here and help me string these lights on the tree. Then Catherine you can help me hang ornaments. In fact honey, go to the wine cellar and pull out a French red and let’s fill some glasses and enjoy.” said Jon.
The family moved at once and as lights were being hung on the tree the four were enjoying a glass of wine in the early afternoon. After the lights, Jon took a pause to go into the kitchen and prepare the turkey for cooking. The roasting pan was set and the bird was covered with spices, a bit of butter and a healthy splash of Port wine.
“Into the oven for about three hours and just wait till the smell of cooking turkey mixes with the evergreen smell of the tree ladies.”
“I admit it is a smell we have not experienced in years.” said Catherine.
The family then retuned to decorating the tree and about a half hour later the tree stood twinkling with lights and ornaments. The four stood back and marveled at the site. Jon looked on the tree and the family and begun to feel that at long last all had been worth it. He was surrounded by the people he loved the most during a time he loved. He let his mind drift back to when Chris and Amanda were little children. He remembered how excited they got decorating the tree and thinking about the arrival of Santa. It all brought a grand smile to his face.
Catherine looked over and could not help but notice Jon’s countenance.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Thinking of Christmas present and Christmas past.” said Jon.
“So are you thinking of being visited by ghosts tonight as I wouldn’t exactly call you Scrooge?” joked Catherine.
“The only spirit or sprite that will be with me tonight will be you in my bed.” whispered Jon in Catherine’s ear.
“There is no doubt what all this fresh air has done to you Jon Smith.” she whispered back.
“Ok folks; let’s get back to cooking as our guests will be here soon. It is getting on in the afternoon and there is much to do.” said Jon.
The family continued in preparation for the feast. The table was set with plates, glasses and cutlery. Rice was made ready to cook along with various vegetables. Imported cheese was brought out with crackers for h’orderves. As all seemed ready Jon poured himself a glass of wine and headed for the back porch. The sun was just setting and the glow off of the snow against the clear blue sky was soothing. He set some logs and tinder into the outdoor fireplace and got a fire going. He sat back in his chair to take in the end of the day and to listen as nature shut down for the evening. Jon was in his world.
“Mind if I join you with a beer?” said Doc coming through the back door.
“Well sure, I didn’t even hear you come up.”
“Oh I can be quiet when I need to. Actually I came up to the door and Catherine let me in and told me you were out back. Looking at you out here I understand why you are here. This is down right comfortable.” said Doc.
“Well I am glad you are here. The Johnson’s should be here soon.”
“Mrs. Johnson bringing pies?” asked Doc.
“Well of course.” said Jon
“Hot Damn that is the best part of this evening as she makes the best pies I have ever tasted. Fact is when I do any service for them she pays me in pie. Worth more than that horde of gold you have.” said Doc.
Jon laughed and took a good drink of wine as Doc downed his first beer and grabbed another. The two sat looking into the fire. Jon turned to Doc and had a curious look as wanting to ask a question.
“Doc, do you think the path I am taking with what is going to happen in the spring is right? I mean is it just me that wants this or do you think the valley is ready?”
Doc ran his fingers over his moustache and looked straight back at Jon.
“Jon all of us came to this valley for the same reason that you did. We all saw what was happening back in the world and we didn’t like it. No we didn’t stay back and fight it and that may have been wrong but since we left it and came here we basically settled our own country. Now these lily white socialist assholes want to take what is ours and make us live like they do. Well goddamn it I will tell you now that we aint going to do it. I have talked with many of the valley folk and they are with you. I talked to Jeremiah about training us and he can’t wait. In fact he said if those urban storm troopers show up he plans on wiping out a whole platoon by himself.”
Doc turned back and took along drink of beer and then had a look of defiance as he stared into the fire. Jon reached over and laid a hand on his shoulder.
“Well Doc, that tells me all I need to know. Now let’s go in and socialize with the family.”
Jon and Doc came back into the cabin to see Amanda and Catherine welcoming in Royce and Claire Johnson and helping them off with their coats. Claire was carrying a bag that no doubt had the treat that all the men were craving. Jon promptly walked over to help relieve her of the bag.
“Claire let me get that bag for you and take it into the kitchen.”
“Thank you Jon, they should be good as I made both pies this morning. You should find a pumpkin and a blueberry in their.” said Claire.
Catherine looked toward Jon.
“You just set those in that kitchen and keep any stray fingers or forks out of them until after dinner. Claire it seems your pies are the hit of the valley with the men around here.”
“I salute that.” said Doc as he took a drink of beer.
“Well the turkey looks to be done and now we just need to finish up the rice and squash and we will be ready to eat. Why don’t you men get a drink and head back outside. Claire, Amanda, will you help me in the kitchen as I am not the best cook.” said Catherine.
“Honey, I will show you a few things and in fact if you want to you and Amanda can come down to my place some time and I can show you some tips.” said Claire.
“You know I would like that as I bet that is something I need to know when I get married some day.” said Amanda.
Jon heard the comment and paused before he headed out the door, just waiting for the response that Catherine would give. When she did he was quite surprised.
“Honey, I think that would be great. You know I never really did learn to cook a lot as Jon always did most of the cooking but in a time and place that we are in now, I think it is important to be able to cook and help the men out.” said Catherine.
Amanda looked back at her mother in surprise.
“Well the throws of liberalism and women’s rights have certainly left you since you came to this valley.” said Amanda.
“Honey, we all went through some sort of period like that even me, but when you step back and look at things, being partners with your husband is more important than some ideological standing.” said Claire.
“She’s right Amanda, and it is taken me a very short time here to realize that.” said Catherine.
&nbs
p; “Now how about a little wine ladies?”
“Don’t mind if I do.” said Claire.
“Fill mine up mom.” said Amanda.
Jon just shook his head in amazement as he walked out the door. He could not believe what he had heard but in all respects it just continued to re-enforce his beliefs. As he came out he saw old man Johnson sitting with Doc and Chris in front of a roaring fire. They each had a beer in hand and seemed to be in quite a discussion.
“So you would prefer using you lever action 30-30 when hunting elk or deer than a 30-06?” asked Chris.
“Son, it isn’t all about knock down power as much as it is about placing the best shot. Fact is when I was a younger man I loved to bow hunt. Bow hunting was pure as it required you to get close and place the perfect shot.” said Royce.
“I used to bow hunt as well but I never got close enough to kill anything. I will share something with you guys that I am ashamed to admit. Until about a year before we came here, I had been hunting for big game and had never shot anything. I mean twenty years of deer, elk with bow and rifle and never got a thing.” said Jon.
“You got to be kidding cause you are looked at as one of the best hunters in the valley.” said Doc.
“Dad, are you kidding?”
“No son I am not.”
“Well what changed for you?” asked Royce.
“Well, it had never been about my shooting skill as I have always been a good shot. I think it was about my fortitude. Fact was I just needed to go deeper in and longer, so one year I did and got a huge elk. Since then I seemed to just have the magic.” said Jon.
Based on how full your freezer is you sure do.” said Royce.
“Yea, I guess it is a good thing or all these years here we would have starved.” said Chris.
The men sat back for a moment, enjoying their drinks and thinking about hunting.
“You know that is the bad thing about this time of the year as the snow gets deep, we can’t hunt, can’t play football, fact is we just sort of spend this time sitting around.” said Chris.
Jon took a sip of wine and gave an answer to that.
Jon Smith Page 18