Smiga Writes About

Taking a long trip

2012-01-16T05:55:00.000-08:00

A notice for anyone who reads from this blog, I am heading for Israel this week with my wife for two months.

I will begin posting excerpts for the final chapters beginning mid-March.

I hope you as readers enjoyed what you read.

Chapter Sixty Circle J Trouble

2012-01-16T05:52:00.001-08:00

Frank and Jessie have been keeping an eye on everything that Matt does when they’re not out on the range. Tonight they figure they will make their move. When the other men are asleep in the bunkhouse; they dress quietly and carry their boots outside so as not to make any noise.

Frank heads to the barn to saddle both of their horses and Jessie slowly moves towards the house. Two weeks ago, they saw where the safe was located in the office. One day, Jessie watched Matt place a card underneath the desk cover after closing the safe. Yesterday, he got into the office and found what Matt placed under the desk cover; the combination to the safe.

Frank met up with Jessie at the front door carrying an unlit oil lantern from the barn. The two of them slide inside the front door and moved towards the office. Inside of the office Jessie strikes a match to light the lantern and removes the combination numbers from the desk. He begins to turn the combination dial.

For whatever reason he didn’t understand, Matt’s six sense tells him to check around the house that night, he decides to walk barefooted so he doesn’t make undue noise. He walks around the upper level finding nothing unusual then heads downstairs.

Chapter Fifty-Nine Next Morning

2012-01-09T06:45:00.001-08:00

Joan and Tyler awaken as the sun appears on the horizon. She is not used to sleeping on cots and finds her body is stiffer than if she had been riding for hours. Tyler located the tents near the stream which runs through the property it is easier for everyone to freshen in the morning or clean up at night.

She is amazed at how he seems to have all of the details laid out in his head.

He starts a fire before she rises and while she is getting herself together he offers to make breakfast. Oh this is really different, she thinks.

As they eat, Tyler explains his plans to start. “Today, we are going to build a corral, so the horses have room to move around and aren’t stuck in one place. After the corral, we start on the barn.”

“Why, why not the house, I can understand the corral but you want the barn next?”

“Yes, I don’t know how much building experience these young men have that I’ve hired. By building the corral and the barn it will give them some time to learn to use the tools and to think and plan. I figure by the time the barn is finished they will have a good idea on how to tackle the house plans. Besides, I have a wagon load of hay coming in four days and I don’t want it wet should the weather decide to change.”

“I would have never thought of it that way. What do you want me to do today?”

Chapter Fifty-Eight Three Days Later

2012-01-02T05:45:00.000-08:00

As he anticipated Randy and four wagons from the mill are making their way to the property. Tyler notices Randy has a full wagon load too. He is carrying the supplies ordered from the list Carla delivered.

Randy’s wagon arrives first. “They’re not far behind me. Where do you want me to unload these supplies?”

“I want everything you have unloaded under that shady area to the right of my horse. I’ll walk over there and help you.”

They unload the three tents, cots, cooking equipment, stores for a week and various necessities. When they finished, Tyler says, “I want you to send the second list I gave to Carla next week. I want to change the menu so we don’t get tired of eating the same thing all the time. I will give you a new list every time you deliver for the next week’s requirements.”

“Sounds like you’ve got this all figured out. How long do you think it will take you to build?”

“I’m hoping to have most of it done in two months time.”

Chapter Fifty-Seven Starting to Rebuild

2011-12-19T05:12:00.000-08:00

Carla remarks, “Enough work talk, now you need to eat and then I will give you a message from Randy.”

As Tyler is filling his plate, he asks, “What kind of message did Randy leave?”

“Your mill delivery will be in three days. He plans to meet the wagons and make sure that everything is there you ordered. I’m assuming he wants the rest of his payment then too.”

“I’m sure he does but not until I check everything out myself to make sure it’s all there.

“Scott, I was doing a lot of thinking on the way back tonight. What do you think of this?

“I figure the Peters’ property has about five hundred head of cattle after we remove what belongs to us. I would like to buy some of them if the price is right and I was thinking you might too. Even more important I think we could split the property between us.”

Chapter Fifty-Six Two Weeks Later

2011-12-12T05:21:00.000-08:00

“Hello in the house,” yells Scott. He hollers a second time.

Standing inside the screen door is Matt Peters. “What do you want here?”

“We’ve come for a couple of reasons, Matt. Our family wishes to give you our sympathy over the death of your mother. We hope that your grief doesn’t cause you to blame yourself for that accident. Secondly, we came to move the one hundred head the court ordered to the Reynolds property. Can you ride with us to give us some direction as to where you would want us to remove them from your herd?”

“No, I have things to do here! Ride east a ways and you’ll find two hands Gus and Dave. They know what happened in court and will comply with what you need to do. Take your hundred head and get off our land.”

“I’ll be back another time for those that are re-branded,” states Tyler.

“Good, get it over with. My sister has decided to stay east after all of this and I’m getting the property set for sale. I don’t want to deal with things around here anymore than I have to.”

“If you want to sell more of your herd off I would be glad to consider it,” remarks Tyler.

Chapter Fifty-Five Back Home

2011-12-05T10:04:00.001-08:00

Joan says, “I agree with that statement. None of us know how he is going to react and I think it’s very unwise for one of you to go alone.”

“We have ninety days to move the cattle off of their property. We need to get some help to do that, by the time we fine the help it should give him time to settle down,” remarks Scott.

“Not only that but I need to check the whole herd and make sure I get all of those that the Peters tried to re-brand,” speaks Tyler.

Chapter Fifty-Four Judge's Decision

2011-11-28T07:52:00.001-08:00

Attorney Andrew is sitting at the plaintiff’s table waiting for them. When they enter he rises and offers each of them a handshake.

Tyler tells him about the reporter.

Smiling Andrew replies “Doesn’t surprise me one bit. The paper will try to get a story any way they can. You did the right thing. Judge Thomas instructed both attorneys not to say anything before we left yesterday.”

As they talk attorney Snyder, Virginia and Matt Peters enter the room. They take their assigned seats. The tension in the room can be felt by all parties.

Exactly at two o’clock, the bailiff comes into the room and announces the judge’s entry to the court. Everyone stands for the protocol.

Seated at the table he uses as his bench, Judge Thomas scans the parties sitting before him. He coughs before he starts to speak.

“In the civil action of Tyler Martin vs. the Peters family and the Circle J ranch:

Chapter Fifty-Three Day in Court

2011-11-21T04:58:00.001-08:00

After breakfast they have a meeting scheduled at the lawyers’ office. Scott sits through the meeting without feeling any better than when they arrived. Joan and Tyler believe some of what the lawyers tell them. Only God knows how this will turn out.

Following their meeting they decide to walk around Salt Lake to ease the tension the three of them feel. For as much as you believe you are right; you never know what a judge will decide. After all judges are not God; who will give out everything the way you expect him. Even God doesn’t do that all the time.

Chapter Fifty-Two March 26th-29th

2011-11-14T06:24:00.000-08:00

As he makes his last statement they are standing in front of the mill office. The office isn’t very large and there are two men working inside making decisions on log cuts and whatever else they need to do.

“Let’s go inside and see what we can find out about the real cost of this project.”

As they enter the room one of the men says, “Can we help you folks?”

“Yes, I have a quote from a store owner, for the plans I intend to show you. You must have some kind of system to file quotes. I don’t want you to re-do the work you have already done. Just want to make sure he’s not ripping me off.”

Smiling the man says, “Well I’ll be damned, we got us a smart one here Todd. Not many people take the time to come into town and come to the mill to see if they’re getting fleeced.

“Let’s see your drawings there young fellow and see if we can save you some money.”

Jacob looks at Tyler’s drawings and says, “Yeah, I remember doing this quote. You are over Silver Lake’s way, right.”

“Yes, we are!” speaks Joan.

Jacob immediately backs off a bit having a woman confront him as she just did. Being a Mormon he is used to woman being more subdued.

Let me dig into my files and look up what we quoted the guy.

Chapter Fifty-One March 20th

2011-11-07T05:51:00.001-08:00

“Boys at the mill are impressed with your drawings. Said it made their work easier to figure what you will need.

“Here is a list of materials they say you will need, it includes lumber, nails, shingles for the roof, dimensions of standard window enclosures for window openings so you don’t have to cut different sizes, something new they have to put on the roof before you lay the shingles to keep out any rain or snow, equipment for a kitchen: stove and piping, drains, pump, a sink, and materials to build the fireplace for heating and cooking. Plus the tools you would need for four men.”

Scott and Tyler are looking over the list of materials. Scott nods to Tyler indicating he is satisfied with the materials list.

“What’s this going to cost, Randy?”

“They told me $3,300 hundred dollars including lumber to build the barn and oh, yes, I almost forgot the latrines.”

“Can they have it available by mid April?”

“That won’t be a problem so long as you pay them by the end of this month.”

“How much is in this figure for your fee?”

Randy gets a little red faced and says, “Just a little to cover my time to Salt Lake twice and be on your site to make sure it’s all there when it arrives.”

“I have to be in Salt Lake on the 27^th; I’ll stop at the mill and talk this over with them. If I feel satisfied, I’ll go to the bank and get them their money. If I think your fee is reasonable I’ll let you handle everything. If not then you and I need to talk some more.”

Chapter Fifty Word from the Court

2011-11-02T07:04:00.000-07:00

Inside the general store Heather hands Scott a letter from the attorney firm Anderson and Anderson. She says, “Tyler has a letter from the same firm, I wonder why?”

Scott doesn’t reply to Heather and Tyler walks into the door at the same moment.

“Tyler, I have a letter for you from Salt Lake. Do you want to read it here?”

“No, I’ll take it back to the ranch with me. Are our supplies ready so we can load and head back?”

“Randy is just finishing up with Scott. Scott received a letter from the same firm, I thought that very curious.”

“If he wants to tell me about it, he will.” Nosey sort isn’t she?

Scott looks like he wants to open the letter right now but is hesitant to do so.

“Scott, why don’t we load up and you can read your letter as we ride back. I’ll drive the team.”

Clearing his head, “Oh, good idea.”

Tyler can see that the up coming court case has unnerved Scott to some degree.

Chapter Forty-Nine Carla's Family's Answer

2011-10-24T05:45:00.001-07:00

Pedro pulls his horse to a stop and dismounts. Holding the ends of the reins in his hands he gives his sister a hard hug.

“Easy there big brother, don’t break my back, now.”

“You can handle it, my sister,” he says laughing. “Let me get my horse some water then we can talk.”

“Why don’t you unsaddle him and put him in the corral with the others. Can’t you stay for awhile; I will make you something to eat.”

“Where are the others? It is Saturday and I expected to see them here at the house.”

“On Saturdays, they work the herds in the morning. They will be back shortly after the noon hour. I usually plan a big meal mid-day on Saturday so you can join us if you want. But first you must tell me what you came to tell Tyler.”

Teasing his sister, Pedro says, “Let me take care of the horse first then I will tell you.” He watches Carla get all excited with anticipation.

Chapter Forty-Eight Back to the Ranch

2011-10-17T04:33:00.001-07:00

By the time Carla and Tyler arrive at the S&R, it was nearly sunset and Joan was clearing off the dinner table. She spots them as they ride near the house and head for the barn. Running outside she yells, “How did it go?”

Carla speaks as she dismounts from her horse and replies, “It went well. We will know by the end of the week if they have enough people for what Tyler needs.”

Tyler hollers over, “Let me take care of the horses then I will come inside to discuss what happened.”

“Carla come inside so I can put out some dinner for you.”

“Where is your father?”

“He finished dinner quickly; I think this lawsuit has him worried. Why I don’t know but it seems to. I believe he’s up in his office.”

“Joan, please help Tyler with the horses, I’ll go see your father and put out dinner for Tyler and me. I don’t want to eat until he is done.”

Carla goes into the house and up the stairs to Scott’s office. “We’re back, Scott. Things went well, we should know for sure by the end of the week. They liked him.

“Are you going to sit up here or come downstairs and join us?”

“I’ll be down. I just realized today, that I’m not used to you being away. I felt strange.”

“I understand, you’re too used to me being around and now you don’t want me to leave.”

“Why would I? I want to marry you,” he says with a big smile.

Carla comes over to his chair and puts her arms around him and gives him a long warm kiss. “Will that one hold you for awhile?”

“A short while,” he laughs.

Chapter Forty-Seven Carla's Relatives

2011-10-10T05:20:00.001-07:00

Just around noon time Carla and Tyler arrive near the outskirts of Silver Lake where Mexican families own land and farm. Carla sees her two brothers and their wives watching to see who is arriving.

She yells out to them, “Miguel, you have visitors.”

“What do I owe this honor to my dear sister?”

“I felt it is time I visit and now I bring with me someone who will provide you with some money you weren’t expecting.”

Carla and Tyler dismount, Miguel and Pedro his brother shake hands with Tyler. Then they hug their sister very affectionately. “Come we were just preparing to have the noon meal. You must be hungry from your traveling.”

Carla forewarned Tyler that when he is offered something to eat he should at least try a little bit of what it is. Otherwise the women will be insulted.

This is amazing!

2011-10-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

Only released two and a half months ago, Gateway to Terror, has two five star reviews on Amazon and one five star review on Barnes and Noble. Sales are doing well and I will need to order more books for the upcoming fairs Linda and I are scheulded to do this fall. The Barnes and Noble reader said she wants more from me as a writer.

Chapter Forty-Five Virginia Returns

2011-10-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Virginia Peters’ trip takes three and a half weeks from the time she left Boston to the time she arrives in Salt Lake. She’s worn the same clothes for the last three days and she is fit to be tied by her inconveniences. When she steps off the stage at the relay station she looks around and doesn’t see Matt waiting for her. She begins to get angry.

As Henry is helping the stagecoach driver with the luggage she asks him, “Where is Matt, he is supposed to be picking me up?”

“I haven’t seen Matt since the day you left to go east.”

“Damn him, how does he expect me to get to the ranch? What kind of son is he?”

Henry goes on, “He could be having some kind of difficulty, Virginia. I can arrange for someone to take you home. It won’t cost much to get you a driver.”

“Cost much, where is that western hospitality I keep hearing?”

“Its called wages that must be paid and you should understand better than anyone else having ranch hands that need to get paid.” Henry can’t stand her high and mighty attitude.

“Just get me home and I’ll pay for it. Virginia doesn’t want to talk about it.”

“As soon as I get this coach on the way I will find someone to get you out of here.” The sooner you leave the happier I will be. What a bitch!

Chapter Forty-Six Obtaining Help

2011-09-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

Virginia Peters stands alone near the graves behind the barn. “Damn you, John. You went and got yourself killed and involved our son. What were you thinking man? Now all of what you have already built may be lost because of your stupidity.” She walks back to the house with tears in her eyes shed only for her oldest son.

Virginia knows she has to hold this ranch together until she can get more help and finds an attorney who will save their property. She plans to have a bigger dinner than usual for the hands. Even though Matt knows how to cook I’m sure they haven’t had a decent meal cooked by a woman since I left. Tonight I have to do a little selling and the best way they say to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

Amazon Reviews on Sequel

2011-09-22T04:03:00.000-07:00

Released two months ago, Gateway to Terror has received two five star reviews on Amazon.com.

There is one review from a man and one from a woman.

The book is available hardcover, softcover and e-book.

Chapter Forty-Four Aftermath

2011-09-19T08:03:00.001-07:00

In the commandant’s office Captain Hardy listened to the reports of Lieutenant Kelly and Sergeant Dinsmore. For a few minutes he says nothing, then he begins. “Gentlemen, it appears to the three of us that this Peters family has been murdering settlers and trying to blame it on the Indians. Why I can’t say for sure yet, however if they were still alive today, I would send you go back with a troop and arrest them. Folks of their persuasion we don’t need here on the prairie. I tend to believe this is all over with and the Indians were only acting to protect the Reynolds family and their ranch hands. Therefore I am considering this a closed matter. You may return to your regular duties here at the fort.”

Both the Lieutenant and the Sergeant salute the captain and exit his office.

Chapter Forty-Three Legal Shock

2011-09-12T04:22:00.001-07:00

He puts the wheel barrel down and starts walking towards the house where the rider is headed. “Can I help you?”

“I’m looking for John Peters Sr., is he around?”

“That’s my pa; he passed away a couple of days ago. Why are you looking for him?”

“Is your mother around?”

“You haven’t answered my question, mister. No, my mother and my sister are back east right now.”

“Well, since you seem to be the next family member around, I’ll answer your question by giving you this.”

The man steps down from his horse and stretches before he hands Matt an envelope.

“Can you tell me what this is all about?”

“Do you read young man?”

“Yes, I can read, why?”

“It’s important then, that you read those papers, your property and your family have two civil law claims against them. Someone will have to appear in court in three months to explain your side of the circumstances or you will forfeit your rights and lose the cases.”

“What, I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

“It’s all legal young man. My job is to deliver the paperwork and that’s all I am responsible for. Good day!” The man remounts his horse turns it back towards the road and moves off.

Show schedules for the remainder of 2011 for Joe and Linda

2011-09-04T11:50:00.001-07:00

Show Schedule – Linda Feinberg & Joe Smiga – Fall 2011

For more information: 603-645-6762; lhfeinberg@myfairpoint.net

Saturday, October 22, 2011

9:00 – 2:00

The Huntington at Nashua

138 Spit Brook Road

Nashua, NH

Saturday, November 5, 2011

9:30 – 2:30

Brookside Church

2013 Elm Street

Manchester, NH

Saturday, November 19, 2011

9:00 – 3:00

Cooperative Middle School

100 Academic Way

Stratham, NH

Saturday, December 3, 2011

9:00 – 3:00

Hudson Memorial School

1 Memorial Drive

Hudson, NH 03051

Saturday, December 3, 2011

7:00 – 9:00 pm

Temple Beth Abraham

Nashua, NH

Also displaying art in December

at Yoga Studio

135 Hooksett Road

Manchester, NH

Cards, Prints & Art by Linda: www.lindafeinberg.com

Books by Joe Smiga: www.gatewaytoterror.com

Chapter Forty-Two Conversations

2011-09-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

Lieutenant Kelly and the sergeant leave the S&R shortly after having breakfast the next morning. The hospitality they received was greatly appreciated.

As they ride off the property the sergeant says, “What do you make of that entire conversation last night lieutenant?”

“I think I believe everything they’ve told us. Don’t seem to be any reason for them to lie about it. All of them confirmed the same details pretty much so I don’t think they were making false statements.”

“I tend to agree with what you said. Are we heading right back to the fort or are we still going to meet with the town council members?”

“Our orders are to meet with the town council members too. Maybe we won’t get to see all of them but we need to make an effort so the captain is satisfied. I particularly want to talk with the stage relay manager who headed the search party for the sheriff and the blacksmith who spoke of the v-groove on the hoof mark.”

“What about the shooting of the father, are we going to investigate that too?

Chapter Forty-One More Troubles for Matt

2011-08-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

“I’m going to stop the wagon and give you the reins. I don’t know how the father’s death is going to affect anyone we see. I just want to be prepared.”

Joshua hands over the reins to Andy and reaches in back and brings his rifle around front.

Andy moves the horse ahead slowly coming closer to the ranch house.

Matt sees them coming and wonders what is going on. He steps out of the house and not recognizing them hollers out, “You need directions or something. This is Circle J property.”

Joshua learned his name before he left town. “Matt, my name is Joshua from Silver Lake. I’m sorry to bring you bad news, your father died in town two days ago; I have his body here for burial.”

Exciting Review of Gateway to Terror

2011-08-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

If you click onto Bruces Mideast Soundbites listed over on Other Interesting Links you will connect with Bruce's Review of my sequel to Behind the Lies.

Gateway to Terror was recently released for publication and is book two of a trilogy.

I hope you will take the time to look at the review and possibly purchase the book. It is available hardcover, softcover and e-book. You can purchase it at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or your local bookstore.

You can also make a purchase from my publishers website listed in the upper left hand corner of this site.

Chapter Forty Riding Back

2011-08-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

Inside of the house, Joan and Carla want to know what happened at the council meeting. “Did they understand what happened and more important did they accept your explanations?”

“Yeah, they accepted our explanations, especially after Henry commented on the groove mark found at the ravine where the sheriff was killed and the blacksmith identifying the same type of groove on Johnny’s horse when he re-shoed his horse for him one time. Still I guess it’s hard for everyone to accept that the largest ranch owner in the area is out killing off his neighbors,” says Scott.

“Then…….”

“Then what?” asks Joan.

Tyler looks off beyond Joan’s shoulders knowing she is not going to like what she will hear next.

Scott goes on, “As we were leaving Maggie’s to get our horses, John Peters steps out from behind the livery stable and threatens us.”

“Like what kind of threat, dad?”

“That he is going to kill us for killing his son and for Tyler taking his land which was the Martin’s property.

Chapter Thirty-Nine Peter's Revenge

2011-08-15T05:40:00.000-07:00

Halfway across the street, the see a figure walk out from behind the livery.

“Hold it right there you murderers!”

Tyler is closest to John Sr. He sees John is probably drunk from the night before. Drunken men can still kill you.

“Who are you talking to, John?”

“You Martin, I heard you own their property now. How did you manage to do that? I should have been able to claim that land. It doesn’t belong to anyone else.”

“John, go sleep it off. You’ve been through enough. Go get your wits about you before you get hurt.”

“You’re the one who is going to get hurt for killing my son and taking land that should belong to me.”

“Scott move off, get away from me. If he fires I don’t want to have to worry about you.”

“I can move and distract him, maybe that will work?

“No, this man is not going to stop until one or both of us are dead.”

Scott starts moving off from behind Tyler. John’s eyes watch him looking for any move on his part to draw.

Inside of Maggie’s, the general store and elsewhere along the street people are watching to see what is going on.

Chapter Thirty-Eight Meeting the Council

2011-08-08T08:13:00.001-07:00

As they near the stage station, Henry comes out the door and says, “What brought you two out in this terrible weather?”

“We’re meeting with the council tonight,” says Scott.

“Oh, something must be real important if you came out in this.”

“I need this to go out on the mail run with the next stage, Henry. It is addressed to the commandant of the fort,” states Tyler.

“Henry, you’ll hear the whole story tonight if you’re at the meeting,” remarks Scott.

“I’ll be there. Something tells me this is pretty big. Especially after the rumors I hear coming from what John Peters is saying every night in the saloon after he has too many.”

“See you then Henry, thanks for your help,” replies Tyler.

Chapter Thirty-Seven Onto the Circle J

2011-07-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

Carla and Joan are happy to prepare food for the men. Although each of them is wondering how they can eat after the killings just happened. Even Little Dove has no problem eating. Feeding eight braves, Little Dove, Scott, Tyler and Mike is a lot of work. When everyone has their fill, they just look at what everyone devoured. Carla looks at Joan and each of them realize this is not the same culture their women folk are used to being raised in.

As the men are finished, White Cloud directs his braves to get their mounts and meet where the other horses are tied. He chooses not to use the word bodies.

Scott on the other hand directs Mike to stay around instead of riding the range and to clean up the bunk house. Scott doesn’t want the women to have to deal with any blood and excrement.

As the braves are heading for their horses, Scott and Tyler head to the barn to saddle their mounts.

New Release Press Release

2011-07-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

Novel Explores the Horrors That a New Level of Terrorism Can Bring

Author pens the gripping sequel to his thriller “Behind the Lies”

MANCHESTER, N.H. – (July 14, 2011) – Twelve years after 9/11, the United States will experience a level of terrorism it has never felt before. Working in plain sight, Iranian agents posing as businessmen develop, plot, and create a network of horrific events in conjunction with cells that have been planted here decades ago. Readers can witness the intriguing events unravel in Gateway to Terror, a novel authored by Joe Smiga.

This gripping book, the second of an exciting trilogy, is based on Smiga’s imagination, and depicts how today’s terrorists could use everyday routines to cause harm and destruction within the nation. It portrays the continuous efforts of radical Islamic terrorists whose main goal is to instill fear and destruction into people’s lives and the lives of their loved ones.

The sequel to Behind the Lies, Gateway to Terror illustrates how vulnerable people are to simplistic methods even with all of our technology. The statement, “If there is a will, there is a way,” is proven true in this thriller. Readers will be shocked at what could possibly come true someday.

The book is available through local bookstores, Amazon and Barnes & Noble online or directly from the publisher at: www.Xlibris.com/GatewaytoTerror.html. The book is available hardcover, softcover and e-book.

Chapter Thirty-Six Riders on the Way

2011-07-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

White Cloud moves out from under his buffalo blanket and feels the cool night air upon his body. He moves over to the boundary they had set up for their camp and he sees two riders coming in at a full run.

As Painted Pony pulls up to him he jumps off his mount. “Man who watches ranch and five more riders coming. They carry bows and quivers.”

“How far behind you are they?”

“They were at a slow run when we left. We galloped most of the way here.”

“I figure they will be here to set up before day break. It should give us an hour to figure our plan. Go take care of your horses and return.”

He tells the sentry to wake up those who haven’t been woken by the riders. When they are fully awake he tells them to make some soil paint to blacken their skin. The time has come for them to act.”

By the time the braves have covered their bare skin areas with dirt from the soil, Painted Pony and the other brave have taken care of their horses and staked them out. Now they make a circle and White Cloud tells them what he wishes to do.

Chapter Thirty-Five Conversations Continue

2011-07-05T04:40:00.000-07:00

“I think it’s time for me to say what I have known for a long time now. When I arrived at the Evan’s ranch, I found where the raiding party tied their mounts. All of them were shod horses and one in particular had a v-groove in a hind shoe. The next day in front of the saloon I found the same shoe mark on a red roan tied to the hitching rail. Going inside to strike up conversation to see who owned that horse I learned that Johnny Peters owned the roan. There were similar markings where the shooter who killed the sheriff tied his mount, according to Henry. Scott you told me about the same type of groove White Cloud showed you when I was shot. There is a pattern here that tells me we’re not dealing with Indians or renegades even though the Martins and Evans were killed with arrows.

“If we haven’t been aware of the braves then maybe there are numerous other things we are not aware of. For instance, how is it that only the neighbors of the Peters’ property have been attacked. Who is next on their agenda?”

Mike goes on, “Are you accusing the Peters of the raids on the Martins and the Evans?”

“Yes, one or more of their family is planning to move and expand their ranch. There is no law out here and the army can’t watch over everything. Their main responsibility is protecting federal law not local law.”

Chapter Thirty-Four Getting Close

2011-06-28T06:24:00.001-07:00

“Little Dove you are in for a treat. No one makes a better taco dinner than Carla.” He walks up to Carla and gives her a quick peck on her left check.

Little Dove just smiles as she is not used to seeing public displays of affection among her people. She thinks it is nice.

“Scott, Little Dove wants to tell you something.”

“Something good I hope.” “Not exactly.”

Little Dove begins to tell Scott exactly what she told Carla. While Carla continues to prepare the taco shells and the different fillings she will place inside of them.

When she finishes, Scott looks at Carla and says, “I have been suspecting something to happen for awhile now. Not sure where it’s coming from but I think Little Dove is right. If we are dealing with murdering marauders, I want everyone including Mike sleeping in the house. We’ll talk about it together over dinner.”

Chapter Thirty-Three Trip Back East

2011-06-21T12:07:00.001-07:00

Later that afternoon John Sr. sees Johnny heading into the barn. “Johnny, your mother and sister are planning a trip back east. They’ll be leaving tomorrow. Wait another day before you do the hit. I don’t want your mother wondering why you aren’t around so early in the morning when she is leaving.”

“Who’s going to cook for us?” Said in the same manner his father did.

“Your brother Matt will be cooking. She has it all worked out with him. He is taking them to the stage.”

“How long are they going to be gone? I mean, she’s never done this before.”

“Some day you’ll learn that women can come up with the strangest ideas, son.”

Johnny turns and heads out to find Lester and tell him to instruct the boys they would be going out a day later.

Exciting News

2011-06-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

Last week, I forwarded to my publisher the manuscript for my fourth book. It is the sequel to Behind the Lies and titled, "Gateway to Terror." Once they edit the mauscript and I check it out the book will go into production. I anticipate it will be available the end of September or early October.

Chapter Thirty-Two Coming Together

2011-06-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

While eating their breakfast in the encampment, White Cloud notices five riders coming towards them. A little puzzled he realizes they are from his tribe but he only asked for four extra braves.

Approaching closer, he sees the fifth rider is his sister Little Dove.

“What brings you out here, sister?”

“Your message to father told me things were going to be happening. I could not stand by without helping.”

“Helping, what do you expect to do?”

“Joan has given me an open invitation to come and spend some time with them. I am going to take her up on it.”

“If something happens, I have you to worry about as well.”

“Dear brother with you out here I don’t have any worries,” as she rides off towards the ranch.

The eight braves just look at each other nodding their heads at the squaw riding off who acts like a man.

Chapter Thirty One Legal Papers

2011-06-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

Joan hitches up the buckboard with two horses and moves them out to the front of the house. Scott comes out to speak with her. “Here’s the list of items you need to pick up at the general store. This way it’s not too obvious that you’re looking for mail.”

“It’s supposed to be addressed to me so I don’t think anyone is going to get too curious. They should assume I will be expecting it. Anyway it’s good to be cautious.”

“Do you want me to go along with you?”

“No dad, I’ve always made these trips alone before. What happened to Tyler seems to me very deliberate. I don’t think anyone is out looking for me.”

“God, I hope not. You take care; do you want to take a rife along with you?”

“I already have one tucked inside of the foot boards near my legs.”

“That’s my daughter, good thinking.”

Joan waves as she moves the buckboard out of the yard.

Chapter Thirty A Month Later

2011-05-23T07:48:00.001-07:00

Following dinner back at the Circle J, Johnny grabs his father’s elbow and says, “We need to talk outside.” John Sr. looks at him suspiciously and says, “I’ll follow you.”

“In town Sam mentioned that the Reynolds’ rider is regaining his health. Jake told us that the council is writing the governor requesting a federal marshal until they can find a replacement for a sheriff.”

“That won’t happen right away if I know the governor. But it’s something we have to be concerned about. It’s almost seven months now that we hit the Martin’s place. With the Reynolds’ rider regaining his strength we need to move on them soon before he can be an asset to them. I want you to start scouting their place so we can hit them in a couple of weeks.”

“Are we going to use the same tactics as before?” “Yes!”

Chapter Twenty-Nine After Salt Lake

2011-05-16T04:36:00.000-07:00

Anxiously both Joan and Carla take seats around Tyler.

He begins with arriving in Salt Lake and seeing how large a community it is compared to what he is familiar with. He realizes Joan may have seen it before but he is sure Carla has never been there. Then he goes into how they met with Attorney Anderson, who drafted the will for his aunt and uncle. He tells them his last name is Martin. He explains how he had to answer a list of questions for the attorney to be sure that he was their nephew. Stopping for a moment to really digest the reality of what is going on; Tyler tells them about the Martin’s property being willed to him, along with their herd and horses if he can ever locate them. He tells them there is some money willed to him from their savings located in the bank of Salt Lake but doesn’t say the amount as he wants to keep his personal business private other than Scott and Joan. He will tell Joan the amount at a later time if she doesn’t hear it from her father first.

Both women sit there a little stunned. Neither one of them knows what to say for a moment.

Carla is the first to speak. “Will you be leaving us?”

“Not right away. I need to wait for the papers to be filed on the title of the property. I did change over the names on the account to mine yesterday but I left the money in the bank. Joan, the lawyer will be sending the papers in your name at the general mail box at the storekeeper’s. Your dad felt it would be safer for anyone to see something coming to you from an attorney than something addressed to me.”

Joan finally is able to say something. “I think that’s a good idea.”

“I thought so too.”

“After I receive the papers which could take up to a month to get, I need to ride the property and make sure I know the boundaries. The property is fifteen hundred acres.”

“Oh, my God,” says Carla.

Gateway to Terror

2011-05-14T05:38:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post on my husband's blog, but I had to share my comments about Joe's new book that will be out in the fall. I have just finished proofreading the draft, tentatively titled "Gateway to Terror". This is the second book of a trilogy which started with "Behind the Lies". It continues where he left off with the three terrorist agents still alive. They become the main characters in this book, but now they are in America, planning more terrorist activities.

While proofreading is not an enjoyable activity, I did enjoy the plot and writing more on this book. Joe's writing has improved as he becomes a more experienced writer, and I found the characters and plot interesting. We have put together a draft cover (from my photos) and will continue to work on it. The book goes to publishing in June, then Joe and I get to proofread the galleys. It should be available in the fall.

Photo below is just a hint of how these terrorist agents get into the U.S.

Chapter Twenty-Eight Heading for Salt Lake

2011-05-09T03:55:00.000-07:00

After breakfast and the horses are tended to, Joan hitches up the buckboard while Scott and Mike help Tyler down the stairs and outside. Carla has an assortment of blankets and pillows for him to be comfortable.

Scott and Mike help Tyler onto the buckboard, then he and Joan climb onto the driver’s seat. Scott takes the reins and drives the horses at a slower than normal pace so as not to toss Tyler around. Mike rides ahead.

“Don’t you think we might be overdoing this a little dad?”

“I want everyone who sees us to think he has some real problems and isn’t healing too well. It’s amazing that he has been able to keep the truth from Mike for so long.

“He’s done a good job at that and I know one thing for sure. Whoever killed his relatives and took a shot at him is in for a surprise when he finds them, if he ever does.”

“I have no doubt that he will someday. Tyler is a very determined man.”

“Do you think he can hear us?”

“No, why, I think he’s asleep.”

“I think you like him, don’t you?”

Joan doesn’t respond for a couple of minutes, looking at her father she says, “Yes, I guess I do. Don’t know if he feels the same way though.”

“He’s been through a lot lately and has a lot on his mind. I’ve been watching his eyes though since I noticed you caring for him. I would bet the ranch that he does.”

“What are you trying to do, get me married off?”

“Heck no, it’s just that when you see a good man, you hope your daughter finds one like him. After all, those two ladies from town never came to visit you before he got shot. Think about it. They’re interested in him too, don’t you think they’re not.”

“Oh dad, it’s just your imagination.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven Third Week in October

2011-05-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

The patrol with a lieutenant, a sergeant and ten soldiers ride down the street and stop near the general store. “Sergeant, have one of your men go inside to ask who we can speak with from the town council if they have one.”

“Jennings go inside and find out who the lieutenant can speak with.”

Randy accompanies the private out the door and looks up at the lieutenant from the walkway. “I’m one of the council members officer, what can I do for you?”

“Sir, our fort commander directed us to stop by as we were patrolling to see if you are still dealing with attacks on your settlements. Captain Hardy is very concerned since your sheriff was murdered.”

“After that, we haven’t had any attacks, lieutenant. Please tell your captain that we appreciate his concern.”

“Alright then, I will put that into my report, thank you sir.”

Lieutenant Kirby turns his patrol around and heads back up the street. As they ride slowly by Jessica’s house, she is standing outside. “Are you here to check on the shootings?”

“We just did ma’am and the storekeeper advised me that there were none since the sheriff was killed. I will put that in my report.”

“Oh, he didn’t mention one of the local ranchers had one of his men shot out on the range.”

The lieutenant raises his hand to halt the column. “Say again please.”

“About four or five weeks ago, one of our local ranch hands was shot out of the saddle. Fortunately he survived.”

“He never said a word about that. Thank you.

“Sergeant, stay here with the men, I am going back to the general store.”

“Do you want a couple of men to come with you sir?”

“I don’t think that will be necessary. Wait for me here.”

Riding back to the general store, Lieutenant Kirby stops in front and dismounts tying his horse to the hitching post. He straightens his uniform and saber on his belt then walks into the store.

Randy watches him walk through the door and wonders what is going on.

Lieutenant Kirby says, “May I ask you sir, why you neglected to mention the shooting on one of your local ranches?”

Randy stiffens up and looks at Heather. “Probably, because the shooting is not council business, lieutenant. We never heard what the cause of that was; the only thing we know is that the ranch hand survived.”

“The army is responsible for the territory, sir. I need to give my commanding officer a complete report. If ever we come through again please remember to give us a full report and let us decide what is important or not.”

“Sure, I’ll remember.”

Lieutenant Kirby turns, heads outside to mount his horse and swings up the street to meet his troop.

“Did he say why he didn’t lieutenant?”

“He made a lame excuse that it isn’t town council business. I made sure he fully understands we want a full report and we would decide what is important.”

“Nice going, sir. I wish I could have seen his face.”

“Sergeant, his wife saw it, I think that was embarrassing enough for him, move the troops out.”

Chapter Twenty-Six Scott's Plan

2011-04-25T04:44:00.000-07:00

“When you sent me to town to find out what happened to the sheriff, I talked to the blacksmith the second day I was there. Before I left after questioning him, I asked him if he had ever seen a mark like that, saying that I had seen it a long time ago. He told me that some blacksmiths use a template to hold a shoe in place as they work it. This creates a v in the shoe. He also said he hadn’t seen it in years. That’s all I can tell you right now.”

Scott looks at Joan. “I haven’t told anyone this. White Cloud showed me the tracks of the rider who turned when he and Little Dove came upon Tyler. They couldn’t identify the rider but his horse has a definite v shape in a hind hoof.”

“Dad, are you saying Johnny, shot Tyler?”

“Based on what Tyler just said, I would say Johnny could be a prime suspect in all of this. Can we prove it, is another thing? If we start talking about the v on the shoe, he can easily replace it.”

“His father being the biggest rancher around here is going to pack a lot of weight if we try and build a case,” remarks Tyler. “I haven’t said anything because who is going to believe some ranch hand who has only been around a couple of months. I’m also thinking that maybe he’s not in this alone.”

Chapter Twenty-Five A Week Later

2011-04-18T04:20:00.000-07:00

He knows that he cannot go on without getting some assistance from the Scotts. No one knows that he is the heir to the property yet, someone; probably Johnny Peters has tried to kill him. If it becomes public knowledge he will be in greater jeopardy. He decides he must talk with the Scotts and level with them.

He hears a knock on the door and says, “Come in.”

Joan is standing there with a smile on her face. “It seems that you are starting to get around on your own. That’s wonderful. You need to take it slow so your wound heals and any internal bruising has time to heal.”

“Joan, everyone has been wonderful to me. I’m not used to this kind of treatment. I feel a little awkward, not just because I’m injured.”

“Look Tyler, you have friends here, we care what happens to you. I was surprised Jessica and Maggie rode out here to see you. I’m glad they did but that was the first time they ever took the trip. It shows that a number of people like what they see in you.

“I want you to heal completely before you attempt to do any riding. No one is forcing you to get back to work. We’ve made it before you came with just dad, me and Mike.”

Chapter Twenty-Four Telling Their Father

2011-04-11T05:21:00.000-07:00

Near sundown the third day of riding, White Cloud and Little Dove enter their tribe’s camp. Their father is stepping out from their teepee. He waves to them. Returning the wave, they move further along the camp to the rear of the teepee where they will bind the horses. Dismounting they look at each other and realize they have to relive this whole wild episode again.

Coming to the front where their father is waiting for them, White Cloud says, “The ride you sent us on was not a quiet ride.”

His father seeing that his son is serious and not joking says, “What do you mean, what happened?”

“We need to eat first, we are tired.” says White Cloud, “Then we will talk.”

Little Dove moves into the teepee, she knows her mother will be preparing dinner as they speak. She will help her mother while her brother and her father talk.

Running Bear looks at his son, “You don’t seem the worse for wear; the ride couldn’t have been too difficult?”

“No, my father, it was not too difficult, although you did not notice the blood on Little Dove’s buckskins.”

“Come let us sit, we can share some cold drink while we wait for the women to prepare the meal.”

Inside the teepee, Shining Star, Little Dove’s mother asks her, “Where did the blood come from on your buckskins?”

Chapter Twenty-Three After the Attack

2011-04-04T04:16:00.000-07:00

Meanwhile, Sam goes over to the saloon and starts spreading the word that Tyler the Reynolds’ ranch hand was shot and nearly killed.

Inside of the saloon are a couple of Circle J hands, people passing through waiting for the next stage and some locals finishing up their day with a drink before heading home to the misses.

“Isn’t he the one that found the Evans family killed?” says one of the locals.

The man drinking at the bar to his left says, “Yeah, he did, now ain’t that all the damn luck.”

The Circle J boys finish their drinks and head out to their mounts.

Hank is one of them, he goes on, “I wonder if it was Johnny, that done that?”

Chapter Twenty-Two Following Days

2011-03-29T05:13:00.000-07:00

Just across the boundary of the Reynolds’ property, Johnny sits waiting for Tyler to come closer to where he has positioned himself. He’s been trying to find where Tyler would be riding for three days and now he has an ideal spot to make the kill. There’s no one around except for a few head of cattle. He knows the vultures will make short work of his body even before the Reynolds find him.

Come on damn it, I want to get this over with and head back to the ranch.

After what seems to take forever, Tyler moves into range Johnny knows he can take a killing shot. He begins to raise his rifle and pulls back the hammer slowly to minimize its noise.

Tequila stops, both of her ears stand straight up pointed forward. “What’s the matter girl, what do you see or what did you hear?” As he says these words, Tyler stretches downward over his saddle horn to rub her neck and calm her.

Chapter Twenty-One Next Day

2011-03-21T04:37:00.001-07:00

Jessica hears Tyler moving around in his room getting ready to leave. When he walks out, she says, “Maggie has invited both of us to breakfast this morning. Is that alright with you?”

“Of course, I would enjoy your company along with Maggie’s.”

She smiles and gets her shawl to put around her shoulders to give her a little warmth with the coolness of this early September morning.

As they walk down the street, Tyler said, “Do you have any idea why all of this might be happening?”

“I wish I did. All of this is so frightening. Maggie and I talked into the early hours of the morning the last two nights trying to figure out why this is happening. We were really happy that you stayed, it made us feel safer.

“If the two of you stay with the buddy system, both of you should be safe. Maggie has a shotgun, do you have a weapon?”

“Yes, I have the same type of gun she has.”

“Oh, I pity the person trying to mess with the two of you with those weapons in your hands.”

Chapter Twenty Looking for Clues

2011-03-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

Peter says, “Henry, first of all, we want to thank you and your volunteers plus our doctor here for the efforts that were put into trying to locate the sheriff.

Your report makes it clear that the sheriff was killed by a white man. However, that doesn’t explain what else is happening in our area. The Martins and the Evans were killed with arrows.”

“You’re right Peter, I discussed that with Brave Eagle and he told me the fort is not having any problems with Indians in the territory anywhere other than a young buck that might pick up some whiskey once in awhile. He made me think when he said, “Not only Indians shoot arrows.”

“Henry, he’s an Indian, are you going to believe him?” says Jeff.

Loudly, “Yes, Jeff, I do. Something about the killings of the Martins and the Evans has stuck in my craw ever since they happened. I don’t know what it is yet, but I think there is more to it.”

Chapter Nineteen Reporting Back

2011-03-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

Anxious to get the news of the death of sheriff McLane back to Captain Hardy, the sergeant has his column in the saddle longer than most patrols do in a day. His patrol arrives at the fort just after sunset on the second day of their return trip.

As they enter the parade grounds the sergeant says, “Take care of your mounts, I will notify the captain we returned, I will also make sure that there is a dinner meal ready for all of us.”

The duty sergeant comes up to Dinsmore, “How did your patrol go?”

“I’ll tell you later, just get word to the captain that we have returned. Tell him we found something he needs to be aware of. Ask him if he wants to meet with me this evening or first thing in the morning.”

Chapter Eighteen The Search

2011-02-28T06:49:00.001-08:00

Heading towards the ravine from the direction of Silver Lake, Henry, the relay station manager, and four volunteers plus the doctor are in the third day of their search.

“What do you think, Henry?” asks the doctor. “Don’t rightly know, doc. There was a lot of blood on that saddle. It could have been a mountain cat or maybe an ambush. You never know what you can meet out here.”

“Let’s hope we find him before he bleeds to death,” replies the doctor.

“Hope so, doc. Only trouble is the odds are against that being true. I sure would like to fill that saddle on the spare mount we brought along with a warm body instead of a stiff one.”

Chapter Seventeen Days Later

2011-02-21T04:52:00.000-08:00

As Heather is looking out across the street towards Maggie’s, two horses one tied to the other’s saddle horn go running by the general store’s window. It appears they are heading for the livery stable.

She yells out “Randy, come quick, I think the sheriff’s horse just went by without a rider.”

Randy hurries to the window quickly from the back room tripping over boxes on the floor. He sees the rear ends of two horses going by. He runs out the front hoping to get a better look.

Sam, the livery stable manager, watches the horses heading for home. He stops both of them when they come near the front entrance. He ties the sheriff’s horse to the hitching post out front. Then he takes the one tied to the saddle and places her into a stall. He gives her a couple of hand fulls of hay and makes sure the water bucket is full.

He wants to treat the sheriff’s horse in the same manner; however he would like to see if he can find out why the horses came back riderless. Sam sees a large spot of blood on the back of the saddle and more on the left saddle fender. Something happened to the sheriff on the trail. What could it have been? He takes the saddle off the horse and places it on the hitching rail, then moves the horse into another stall and gives it the same treatment he gave the first one.

Randy Beecham moves towards the livery stable.

“Sam, what do you think happened?”

“I have no idea, Randy. All I know is these two horses have come back home without the sheriff. Come and look at the blood on the saddle.

As Randy looks over the saddle a small crowd begins to form around the livery stable.

Writers workshop for those interested in starting to write!

2011-02-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

Last spring, the program director of Elliot Hospital’s Senior Center in Manchester NH, asked me if I could create a workshop. She told me she receives a number of requests about writing with the question, how can someone start?

I told her I would put something together and see if it met with her approval. She thought the topics for an interactive program were exactly what she is looking for. We did the one and a half hour session late September. Eleven people registered, at the close of the program they wanted more. I gave them resources they could use to further their interests.

A week after the program was listed in the hospital’s quarterly magazine, I received a call from their primary care facility in Londonderry New Hampshire. They asked me if I would do the same program in their facility. We booked it for this coming spring.

I had an idea, if seniors are interested in writing, where do I find other people who are. This new found interest inspired me because it made me realize I began to write because of my wife’s nudging and writers’ organizations I joined. If that support helped me, maybe I can help others to begin. I began to call libraries and tell them about the program.

Today, I have a list of bookings at libraries and one with a live cable TV shoot scheduled for March 21st. Everyone has a story to tell. If it means enough to them they can find a way to express it.

Chapter Sixteen Heading Back

2011-02-14T05:14:00.001-08:00

Near the end of McLane’s second day, he sees the ravine he will pass through. He plans to go through the ravine and make camp on the opposite side.

As he approaches the mouth of the ravine, both horses come to a halt without any effort on his part. Looking at their heads he notices both of them have their heads high in an alert mode with their ears pointing in the direction of the ravine.

Funny, they didn’t react that way coming through the ravine before. Something out there has them alerted. Wondering, McLane ponders if it could be a mountain lion. He ties the extra mount’s lead rope to the saddle horn so his right hand is free. Then he pulls his carbine from the scabbard and holds it across his saddle.

Cautiously, he moves the two horses forward.

Johnny is waiting for McLane about a third of the way. Removing his hat Johnny watches the sheriff pass by the rock he is hidden behind.

Sighting on the sheriff’s back he takes a breath, lets it out slowly and pulls the trigger of his Winchester.

Expecting a mountain lion, McLane’s body is full of tension as the bullet passes through his back and out of his chest. McLane falls from the saddle and both horses bolt, frightened by the sound of the shot echoing off of the ravine walls.

Chapter Fifteen Fort Jackson

2011-02-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

The sergeant pulls out a chair across from Jim and sits down. “Got problems over your way that you need the army for?” asks the sergeant.

“No, we’ve had two raids by Indians over the last couple of months. We think its renegades so the town council asked me to ride here to find out what is going on elsewhere in the territory.”

“Gee, I’m surprised, sir! It's been pretty quiet around the territory Indian wise. Once in awhile we get a young brave who gets a little whiskey in him and needs to cool off but no real problems.”

“That’s what I told the council I would find but you know how politicians are.”

“Yeah, being in the army for twelve years, I know how politicians are.”

Literary Event at Zorvino Vineyards

2011-02-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

I will be one of numerous authors who will be available to discuss our books and autograph any purchases. The event is free to the public and will be held on February 11th at 6:00 to 9:00pm. To view what the event is all about visit the Zorvino website at: http://www.zorvino.com/. Click on the events section, then onto upcoming events and scroll down to the literary event.

Join us at Zorvino's Vineyards
226 Main Street
Sandown NH 03873

Chapter Fourteen Circle J Plans

2011-01-31T05:15:00.000-08:00

Two days after Hank told Lester he saw Tyler checking brands on the strays, he and Lester are in the barn saddling their horses to go out onto the range.

“I saw Senior and Johnny riding out about a half hour ago. Do you have any idea where they’re going?”

Lester replies, “No, one thing I know for sure though is when they ride out together, it’s because they don’t want their conversations overheard. I figure they’re planning something for us to do. We’ll know soon enough when Johnny tells us.”

John Sr. and his oldest son ride for over an hour, to a section of the ranch that has a stream running through it. The area is very flat and they can observe a full 360 degrees around them for a long distance. John Sr. dismounts along with Johnny. They bring their horses down to the stream and then picket them where there is some grazing. Afterwards they pick a shady spot under a rock formation.

“What do you have in mind, Dad? We only come out here when you want to make sure no one in the house can hear us.”

“It’s been three months since we hit the Martins, that leaves us nine more to file a claim for their land. About ten months to file on the Evans place. I don’t like McLane’s changing attitude lately. I think he is going to become a liability once he comes back from the fort.”

“If I hear you correctly, you don’t want him to get back from the fort.”

“That’s what I’m thinking. It needs to be on the fort’s record that he arrived. Suppose something happens to him on the return trip, it could take months to find out what did. They may never find out. We need some breathing room to wait this out.”

“That means someone or a couple of us have to ambush him on the return trip. I figure I know the trail he would take and if I remember right, I know just the place to do it. He would be around two days ride out of the fort and three days ride from Silver Lake. I doubt if there will be anyone searching for him very far from either direction.”

“I want you to do this alone, Johnny. I don’t want any of the boys involved any further than what we already did.”

Chapter Thirteen Moving Strays

2011-01-24T05:01:00.001-08:00

After riding trail for S&R for four weeks Tyler is getting pretty familiar with the boundaries of the ranch and the workings of the cattle herd. This morning the temperature is cooler than it has been and those clouds overhead look like there might be some rain coming soon. As he nears the boundary on the western side of the ranch he spots a few cattle that might belong to the S&R or might have strayed over from neighboring property. He moves Tequila over in that direction to move them away in either case.

As he approaches the cattle he dismounts not wanting to spook them. There are six of them and he wants to be sure what their brands read before he moves them off. Looking for the brands on each one he sees something he hasn’t seen in a number of years. These brands have been altered. They appear to be Circle J brands but look like they were something else before. I need to discuss this with Scott and Joan tonight.

Mounting Tequila he moves the six cattle so they start heading for Circle J property and makes sure they are far enough inside of their property before he turns back.

Tyler is unaware that he is being observed by a Circle J hand who is watching from the top of bluff. Hank notices that Tyler took the time to look at each of the brands. If he has any experience at all, he must realize the brands have been altered. John Sr. had the Martin’s and Evan’s herds brands changed and then split them up into small groups so that they were spread out over all of the Circle J property. I need to discuss this with Lester, thinks Hank. Hank turns his mount and heads back to the bunkhouse.

Chapter Twelve Maggie and Heather

2011-01-17T04:45:00.001-08:00

After the dishes and the pots are put away, Maggie grabs two pieces of apple pie out of the cupboard and two cups for coffee. Smiling she says, “Follow me.” She and Heather turn into the dining area and Maggie places everything onto a table in the corner away from the window. Then Maggie walks over to the door and locks it. “We don’t need to be disturbed by anyone. This will be our time. I’m really glad you came back to see me. Do you feel any better than you did last time?”

“Well, probably a little better. I thought you might want to know that the council sent the sheriff over to the fort to find out if there are any other towns being raided.”

“Thank you for telling me, I do know because the sheriff came in here the morning he left and ate enough for two and a half breakfasts.”

Heather starts to giggle. “That sounds funny; I can just picture him walking out of here with a round belly and two stuffed cheeks.”

“Now that you say it Heather, I think that is just how he walked out of here.”

Chapter Eleven Heading for the Fort

2011-01-10T05:08:00.000-08:00

“Jim, the council met last night and we have decided to take up a recommendation from John Peters.”

Very quickly “Oh! What might that recommendation be?”

“John thinks we should send someone over to Fort Jackson to see if any other community in the territory is having difficulty with Indian raiding parties.”

“And,” long pause.

“And the Council has decided that you are the best man for the job.”

“Well who will act as sheriff while I’m gone? After all, that will be at least a two to three week trip.”

“The Council decided that based on our crime rate we could afford to send you to the fort for that amount of time.”

Jim is wondering if Peters set him up for this or this is strictly the vote of the Council. He knows that in order to keep his job he will have to go. But before he heads to the fort he wants to talk with Peters. This is not going well with him. Peters was probably just bluffing to clear some air around town.

“When am I expected to leave?”

Chapter Ten Two Weeks Later

2011-01-03T07:02:00.001-08:00

The fourth Monday of every month the same room serves as the meeting place for the town’s council.

Tonight all seven of the members are present. Randy Beecham, the owner of the general Store, Jake Stark, the saloon owner, Henry Duncan, the stage station manager, Peter Simms, the hotel owner, Jeff Proctor, the town’s blacksmith, Doctor William Keller, the physician and dentist, and Joshua Rodgers, the barber and funeral director.

Peter gets the conversations rolling, “In the past two months we’ve had two local families murdered and burned out. Not even mentioning their herds being run off. The sheriff has posted both of those properties with no trespassing signs trying to keep off nosey folks. He is riding out to each of the sites twice a week to keep an eye on things.”

Henry says “Has the sheriff found any sign at the Evan’s place? We couldn’t figure out any at the Martin’s but I think that’s because we found them long after it happened.”

Jeff replies, “He told me that he couldn’t make out any sign of who did it when he went out there. It was two weeks after the incident happened, so that’s possibly why he couldn’t read any signs. He was fortunate the rider buried the bodies.”

Doctor Keller states, “Why didn’t he go out there as soon as that cowhand reported it to him, is what I want to know?”

Chapter Nine Rumors in Town

2010-12-20T05:14:00.000-08:00

As they are talking both of them notice John Peters Sr. riding by the window with two of his ranch hands. Neither one of them says a word for a moment until he rides up the street.

Heather says, “I haven’t seen him in town for over six months. I wonder what is going on.”

“Don’t know, Heather, the only thing I know is that John Peters is always looking out for John Peters. Whatever he has in mind must be something he wants or wants done. He and that oldest son of his are two peas in a pod.”

“Maggie, thanks, and yes, I would like to be your friend. You’ve already made me feel a lot better. I think I should go over and see if Randy needs some help right now.”

“Go ahead, just remember we owe each other some time together and if you want down the road I could introduce you to Joan and Jessica.”

“That would be nice.”

Heather gets up from the table and runs across the street to their store.

Inside, Randy says, “Is Maggie all right?”

“Yes, she just saw me standing out front and invited me for coffee.”

“That’s neighborly of her. Did you see John Peters riding by?”

Chapter Eight Viewing the Ranch

2010-12-13T06:40:00.001-08:00

Mike goes off with his own assignment for the day. He will be working the southeast section of the ranch. Working a section means you check the herds grazing in the area, check water conditions, and check the fencing where there is fencing in case there is any need for repairs.

Joan is saddling up a roan mare who is around fifteen hands high. Tyler watches her and sees that she is very knowledgeable about handling horses.

Tyler gives Tequila a quick brushing and checks her hooves before putting her saddle blanket and saddle on her. Then he places her bit in her mouth and secures her head pieces. He and Joan mount up. Joan sits in a saddle like a man not sidesaddle. They ride out of the corral area and head north by northwest.

Riding side by side, Joan tells Tyler her plan is to show him the boundaries of their property and give him some insight to the size and condition of the cattle herd. Of course not all of the property is fenced in so there are occasional strays that wander on from neighboring lands and some of the Reynolds’ herd does likewise. His job in the future will be to gather those who are wandering and chase off those who don’t belong to them. His biggest responsibility will be to keep Scott appraised of what conditions are in every sector he rides.

“What conditions are you explicitly looking for, Joan?”

“Dad wants to know if you see an unusual amount of predator signs. We’ve lost a number of head to mountain lions in the past. If you spot those signs frequently, he will make a point in doing a hunt. A single lion can do a big number on a herd if left unchecked.

Chapter Seven Dinner at the S&R Ranch

2010-12-06T04:39:00.000-08:00

As they eat, Scott, tells Mike about what happened in town and how Tyler happened to be hired.

With real concern on his face, Mike looks at Tyler and says, “The guy you just stood up to is the oldest son of the largest spread around here. He doesn’t like being put in his place. I would watch my back if I were you when he is around.”

“Thanks for the advice. I won’t go looking for any trouble with him; however, I won’t walk away from him either.”

Scott responds, “Tyler, what Mike just said is known by everyone around here. Unless you have a big need to go into town, I would rather you stay on the ranch property for a couple of weeks. Maybe, Johnny will cool his heels and go onto something else by then.”

“Dad’s right, Tyler. What you did was admirable. We only want to make sure that you don’t suffer having looked out for me.”

“I’m sure you have enough work to keep me busy for a couple of weeks and there really is no reason for me to go to town yet.”

Scott continues the conversation by asking Tyler to repeat what he saw at the Evan’s place.

After Tyler finishes, Joan says, “I don’t understand it. We haven’t had any trouble from the Indians for years. Why all of sudden do we have it now?”

Tyler interjects, “This may be a renegade raiding party and not a local tribe.”

“Why do you say that?” questions Mike looking surprised.

Chapter Six Circle J Ranch

2010-11-29T08:38:00.001-08:00

One hour after Joan and Tyler arrive at the S&R ranch, Johnny and his boys ride onto Circle J property. Circle J is the largest spread in the county. It is very close to five thousand acres in size. There are approximately seven hundred head of cattle grazing within its boundaries. Eight ranch hands maintain the herd, including two sons. There is one daughter along with their parents.

All six of the riders head for the corral. When they dismount, Johnny says to Les their foreman, “Take care of my mount then take the boys out to see what needs to be done for the rest of the day. I’m going inside to speak with my dad.” With that said he turns to head into the big house.

Hurriedly Johnny begins walking up the steps to the house, John Sr. opens the door and says, “You’re late, and where the hell have you been?”

“I had some business to take care of in town. Then we headed straight here. Why, what’s the problem?”

“How did things go, or aren’t you ready to discuss that yet?”

“Dad, let’s go inside, we need to talk where everyone can’t hear us.”

Angrily, John Sr. steps back inside the door and both he and Johnny head across the large living room to an office in the back of the house. Stepping inside, John Sr. moves to sit behind his desk and Johnny removes his holster before he sits into one of the chairs positioned around the room.

Johnny doesn’t show that he is pleased his father is uncomfortable when he is not in total control. He deliberately pulls the chair he selected away from the wall very slowly, to be closer to his father’s desk. Someday, this desk along with everything else with it will be mine. Then he looks up at his father.

“Everything went well, with just a couple of minor hitches.”

“Like what kind of minor hitches?” Senior responds.

“You told me you only wanted the parents taken out. Well the daughter recognized me and yelled out my name. Her brother and she were running for the barn when it happened, I knew he heard her. So I decided they couldn’t live.”

“Damn, Johnny, this is going to cause some problems. People tend to accept adults getting killed. When kids are killed, that becomes a different matter.”

“What are the other hitches you’re talking about?”

“Word is already out in town about the raid.”

Chapter Five Heading Back To The S&R

2010-11-22T06:28:00.000-08:00

“Dad. This is Tyler, Tyler this is Scott Reynolds owner of the S&R. Well almost no mishaps. That’s how Tyler happens to be here.”
“What do you mean almost no mishaps?”

“When I pulled up in front of the General Store to purchase our supplies this morning, Johnny from the Circle J grabbed my arm as I tried to get off the buckboard. I told him to let go. He refused, so I told him I’ll clobber him with my switch. He said he likes women with a temper. Then I told him he would be sorry if he didn’t. His response was who was there for him to be afraid of.”

“So, what happened next?” questions Scott impatiently.

“Tyler answered him, saying, me. Johnny was stunned; he told Tyler that if he wanted that job he was hiring on for to stay out of his business. Tyler told him that he was making it is business and he could keep his job. You could see Johnny was shocked, his face got beet red having someone actually stand up to him. So since we need another hand I took it upon myself to hire him. I was sure you wouldn’t mind.”

Scott turns to Tyler. “How long have you been a ranch hand, son?”

Chapter Four Checking Around

2010-11-15T05:04:00.000-08:00

Leaving the rooming house Tyler heads over to the saloon. Walking through the swinging entrance doors, he notices that a number of pairs of eyes are on him.
Walking up to the bar he asks for a beer.

“Do you want anything else to go with that beer cowboy?”

“No, the beer will be enough for right now. Who owns the red roan out front?”

“Why? She’s not for sale,” a voice speaks from the back table.

“Not in the market to buy, just admiring a good looking horse, that’s all.

“Anyone here work for the Circle J? I’m looking to hire on if there’s work.”

From the same man who replied about the roan, at the back table the new reply comes, “My dad and I are looking for two hands. How long have you been punching cows?”

Sipping his beer slowly, Tyler turns and looks at the man called Johnny. “Since, I was a young teen which is about half my lifetime right now. What are you paying?”

“The usual, you get thirty bucks a month, room and board. We also supply relief horses so you don’t work yours to death. We don’t mind if you do it, just not the horses.” Johnny starts laughing at his own remark and a couple of others follow suit.

Tyler looks around the room watching who sides with Johnny. I wonder if they were on the raid with him yesterday.

Johnny says, “I’m heading back to the ranch tomorrow around mid morning. Meet me out front around ten. You can ride out with me and talk to my dad. I’m sure he’ll hire you.”

Chapter Three Sheriff McLane

2010-11-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

“Well, I buried the couple and their two children near one of the corrals yesterday. I wanted to report it to you. I couldn’t find anything to mark the grave, whoever goes out will be able to pick out the spot.”

“What are you doing in these parts stranger?” stated in a negative tone.

“Just looking for some work, is anyone you know hiring a hand?”

“Circle J always seems to be looking for a hand; you can probably find one of their boys over at the saloon. They could tell you.”

“Can you get a hot meal in this town?”

“At the far end of the street on the left hand side is a small place its good with hearty portions.”

“Is there a livery stable I can put up my horse for the night?”

“Right across from where you want to eat is a small stable, just tell Sam, I sent you.”

“Thanks, I’ll go put up my horse and then have something to eat. I’ll try and find one of those Circle J riders you mentioned to see if they are hiring.” Tyler leaves the sheriff’s office with an uneasy feeling.

He is unable to put a finger on it; something seems missing in the way the sheriff isn’t really interested in what happened. Tyler unties Tequila and walks her down to the stable across from the dining establishment.

As he passes some horses tied up in front of the saloon, he notices that one horse’s rear shoe is making marks in the ground with the same indentation he saw where the raiding party tied up their horses. Coincidence could be, but I doubt it. However, that information doesn’t prove a damn thing. Right now it’s something to keep in the back of my head. I’m glad I didn’t mention the shod horses to the sheriff just yet.

Chapter Two Heading to Town

2010-10-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

Tyler heads Tequila northeast after they go over the rise as they leave from the ranch.

Northeast will take him to the town of Silver Lake. With heat waves simmering off of the trail, it feels like they are riding on top of a stove. He will not travel too far before he makes camp. After what he just experienced, he is not in the best of moods.

Riding for a spell, estimating they are close to five miles from the ranch this should be enough for a safe distance.

Spotting a cluster of trees, he moves Tequila slowly over to where they stand. Stretching from the saddle, Tyler notices there have been more than a few campsites made here in the past. Seeing fresh water running in a nearby stream this is a perfect place to stop for the night. There is enough of a grazing area for Tequila and a good field of vision all the way around if any one should come by. “This is the place for the night girl. I know it’s very early for us to make camp but I’m bushed and you can probably use the rest too.” Tequila whinnies.

Wearily he steps down, loosens the saddle cinch, and removes Tequila’s saddle and blanket. He takes off her bridle and puts on a regular halter. Next he clips a twenty foot lead rope to her halter and walks her to the stream to drink. When she finishes he moves her to the center of a good grazing spot and stakes her to the ground. Carefully Tyler lifts her hooves looking for stones and cleans them with a hoof pick. Taking a brush from his saddle bag, he begins giving her a good grooming which she loves. Tequila turns her head and gives him a big long sigh. “Spoiled horse.”

After the brushing, he moves over to a tall wide tree trunk, sitting next to it gives him some good shade. Even though feeling hungry he needs to pause and think about what he just saw and how it might relate to another incident he is aware of. Sensing he is feeling more than sorrow right now. He is down right angry about what he had to do back there. Something is definitely wrong around these parts and the local sheriff should be informed.

Chapter One Smoke Ahead

2010-10-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Tyler and his paint mare, a Missouri Fox Trotter, have been on the trail for two weeks. Nearly out of supplies, he hopes to reach the next town by the end of the following day. Taking off his hat and wiping his forehead and neck with his blue bandanna, he stretches up in his stirrups to see if there is some shade and water for himself and his horse to take a break. Reaching over his saddle horn he gently rubs Tequila’s sweaty neck. “I know its hot girl; I’m trying to find us some shade. One good thing about this heat, there’s no flies out.”

The noon time sun overhead is roasting everything on the surface. It must be over a hundred Tyler thinks to himself. The sky looks a royal blue without a cloud in it, what we need right now is a lot of rain. Everything is so dry that grazing is starting to turn brown, not good for horses or cattle.

Looking east he notices traces of smoke coming up just over the next rise. He is close enough to scent the smell of smoke. Smoke can mean a number of things. Ranchers burning brush which is not too smart in these dry conditions or something drastically wrong ahead of him. Reaching for his Colt, checking to make sure that all six of the cylinders are loaded and then reaching to check and make sure his Winchester has a round in the chamber he moves on.

Heading Tequila in that direction hoping it is only a rancher burning some brush and they can offer him and Tequila some water. Maybe his wife could part with some leftovers. Hardtack is getting tiresome.

Nearing the top of the rise he looks down upon the ranch and sees the house and barn smoldering. Pulling up on Tequila’s reins, he pauses to survey the situation in front of him. There are no horses in the corrals, or cattle he can see. From where he sits he can’t make out if anyone is around.

Slowly, walking Tequila downhill, he draws his Winchester from its scabbard and lays it across his saddle in front of him. Tyler feels tension building in Tequila’s muscles. She is bothered by the smell of smoke and death.

Approaching the smoldering buildings he sees where the bodies are lying on the ground. He dismounts and ties his horse to a rail post. Holding his rifle in his right hand he moves around looking for anyone who might be lingering.

Something different for you to read

2010-10-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

Gregory (my palomino Missouri Foxtrotter) lives on my daughter's property in Mojave CA. I purchased him, in October 2003. He is a wonderful trail horse and is great for teaching my grandchildren to learn to ride. He senses riders ability and does a trail ride according to his own instincts. If he senses you can ride, you can ride like the wind which he loves to do. We have ridden many miles together in the desert. He will be twelve years old in March 2011.

Owning Gregory gave me the idea of writing about my visions of the old west. My second novel "A Cowboy's Vengeance" was released last month. It is available in hardcover, softcover and e-book by going to http://www.joesmiga3.com/ or to Barnes and Noble, Amazon or your independent book store.

Next week I will begin posting excerpts from the book.

Chapter Eighteen Epilogue

2010-10-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

This book is being published with a two fold purpose. One I want everyone to know the quality relationship I had with my dog. Second, I want to reach dog owners to educate them about what she went through and what she died from. Dog owners I cannot reach through my local cable TV program.

Last but not least, I needed a way to educate vets. I know Tova’s vet is talking up what he learned from this experience when he goes to conferences. I personally called every small animal college in the country telling them about it and asking them to make sure their students are aware of this. I offered to send them the report. Everyone I spoke to requested it. Interesting enough only three of them told me they were aware of Cryptococcosis. Some said it’s probably in their database but no one seems to be identifying with it. I realize that no one can learn everything but I want this book to be a wake-up call for vets and for dog owners.

Chapter Seventeen After the Burial

2010-09-27T05:06:00.000-07:00

I am numb. It is five in the evening, Linda is preparing dinner and I’m not even hungry.

My mind is still trying to comprehend she is gone. Most of the evening, I have tears coming down my checks. Linda tries to console me. When we put Copper down twelve years ago, I cried carrying her from the vet’s office and throughout the time we buried her. She was a great dog, but she was really Jake’s dog and I didn’t have the same emotional attachment to her as I had with Tova.

Tova was my dog.

Two days later, her vet called me. “Joe, I want you to Google something. He spells it for me. After you do, call me back so we can talk.”

I log onto Google search and type in, “Cryptococcosis.”

My first reaction is, “Oh My God.”

In short form, Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease that affects the respiratory tract, eyes, skin and the central nervous systems of dogs. The fungus exists in the environment and in tissues in a yeast form. The fungus is found in soil and fowl droppings. Transmission is by inhalation of the spores or the contamination of open wounds. The infection first shows up as lesions on the lungs, facial regions, legs and cerebral cavities. It rapidly spreads to their central nervous system and eyes. Organs may be involved and if the brain is involved the dog will show signs of circling, behavior changes, accompanied by sneezing and coughing, and in some cases blindness. Tova showed some of these signs.

After sitting almost motionless in front of my monitor for a few minutes, I printed out what the Google report stated about fungal diseases. As painful as this was to digest, it made logical sense to me. Being a hunting dog, Tova frequently had her nose to the ground.

I called the vet. His office said he would call as soon as he was through with a patient.

Ten minutes later, he calls. “What did you find?”

“It’s hard to believe what I just read.”

“Joe, I’m sorry, I’ve never seen or heard of this before and neither has my associate or the internal medicine vet Tova saw. We are all shocked. I’ve been talking to all of my fellow vets and they’re never heard of anything like this. I’ve searched the internet since we put her down and just by accident I found this. I really believe this is what she picked up. She lasted fifteen months after contracting it because she was so healthy.”

He ends the conversation as sympathetically as he can. I still can’t believe a beautiful healthy dog died from some damn fungus from bird droppings.

My next concern is to call my vet in California who takes care of my horses on my daughter’s property. I’ve seen bird droppings dried on the corral rails before and I want to know if we could lose a horse.

When he gets the message he returns my call and says, he’s never heard of a case in California.

Tova A Very Special Dog entry submitted for an award

2010-09-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I filled out the registrartion and sent four copies of the soft cover book along with it to the 23rd annual Benjamin Franklin Awards program of the Independent Book Publishing Association. The book is being entered under the animals and pets category. There are over fifty categories. Each category will have a gold and two silver awards. Wish me luck, Joe.

Chapter Sixteen Problems

2010-09-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

I ask, “What is happening to her? She can run, play and act normal most of the time but she is becoming disoriented when she lies still. It is like she is fearful.”
The reply is, “They believe something is destroying her immune system but they don’t know what.”

Friday night and Saturday night are terrible. She is up every four hours and I’m afraid to give her anymore pain medicine than I am already. I have been sleeping on the couch near her for a week now. My presence doesn’t seem to matter.

During the weekend I deliberately watch her walk up and down the stairs and noticed she is hitting the wall. At dinner time I tried to give her a scrap off of my plate to give her some enjoyment. She took it and acted like she didn’t have it and was looking for it.

I lifted her upper lip and found the piece of meat stuck between her lip on her left side and her upper gum. I could see she had no feeling on the upper left side of her mouth. She could not feel it was there in her mouth. Oh God, she is falling apart and we don’t know what to do for her. I feel so helpless.

After watching her throughout the weekend I decided to put her down. She is developing more and more problems and only getting worse. I love her too much to see her suffer like this.

On Monday morning, we walk around Dorr’s pond on our regular routine. The way she walks around the pond you would never know she is not feeling well. When the vet’s office opens at eight I make an appointment to put her down at 3:00.

We will have our regular walk around the pond once more before the appointment. The rest of the day is very trying for me. It is an internal conflict between my wanting her to survive and knowing she really isn’t going to get better.

An Appreciation Article Regarding The Gift of Sight

2010-09-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

Sight is a precious gift. When you realize you are having sight problems, it can be traumatic. In the mid 1990’s, my local eye doctor told me I had genetic cornea problems in both eyes. He said he would monitor them and began seeing me every six months. Over the next few years my vision became cloudy in both eyes, and this was a detriment to my driving safely.

I was sent to the Concord Eye Care Center in Concord, NH. Dr. Gordon Hand examined me and told me the left eye should have an immediate cornea transplant and the right eye would also need one within a short period of time. On, January 9th, 1996, he did the left eye and on December 8th, 1998, he did the right eye. His expertise and care for his patients was above and beyond what I’ve previously experienced with any other doctor.

Those transplants gave me back my sight, and left me with a special appreciation about those who donate their organs for someone else to have a quality of life. Since that time I have an organ donor notation on my driver’s license.

This year, 2010, I again experienced vision problems. My eye doctor diagnosed cataracts. I made an appointment with Concord Eye Care.

I learned that Dr. Hand was retiring in two weeks and I would be seeing their new cornea specialist, Dr. James Goldman. Meeting Dr. Goldman for the first time was a surprise. I read his credentials before meeting him and when he first walked through the door I was surprised how young he looked, of course everyone looks younger when you’re my age.

Dr. Goldman agreed with my local doctor that my cataracts needed replacement. Unlike my genetic cornea problems, this was due to the aging process. He explained the process of surgery to me since it is a little more difficult having had previous cornea transplants.

Then he broke the news to me, the cornea transplant in the left eye was starting to decompose. He told me I have been fortunate to have mine for this length of time. He would do the cataracts and see if my left eye vision would improve with only the one surgery.

On February 25th, 2010, the right eye was done. The surgery was so successful that the vision I now have in that eye is 20/25 without glasses. On May 17th, 2010, the left eye was done. While the cataract surgery in the left eye was successful, the decomposition of the cells causes them to thicken the cornea surface, which doesn’t allow vision correction with glasses to be consistent.

I decided to go along with his recommendation of a partial cornea transplant for reasons that are too long to put into this article. September 2nd, 2010, he did the surgery. It was successful.

I always thought, Dr. Hand was one of a kind at Concord Eye Care. Dr. Goldman performed three surgeries on my eyes this year and for each one he made sure I understood everything and was very informed on what and how he would be doing the procedures. Dr. Hand hired the right man to replace himself.

I am writing this article in hopes it reaches out to those individuals living with impaired vision which could possibly lead to total loss of vision. With today’s technology that isn’t necessary. Remember, the key is always to find the right surgeon who has the expertise and trust them. This pertains to any surgery you might need. You must do your own homework.

I am fortunate my local eye doctor sent me to Concord Eye Care.

Chapter Fifteen 2006

2010-09-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

For Linda, Tova and myself the year was our typical year. That is until early September a month before bird season.
I came home from my primary care physician’s office. As I walked in the front door Linda hollers out from her office, “Take a look at Tova’s head.”

I did exactly that and nearly had a canary. It looked like someone hit her on the left side of her head with a bat. It was shrunk in. Immediately, I called her vet and said I was bringing her in.

As soon as we walked through the door the doctor came out from another patient’s time and took one look at her skull. “Who hit her?” he asks.

“No one. She’s never out of our sight.”

He orders one of this technicians to give her an x-ray and goes back in to finish with his previous patient.

I wait while she is being x-rayed and the other staff members inquire what happened to her. None of us has ever seen anything like this on any dog before.

The doctor looks at the x-ray before he sees me. The technician brought Tova up from the lower level and she is just as spry as she always is. She doesn’t realize that she looks a little lop sided.

The vet comes out and tells me there is nothing wrong with her skull. He recommends that I take her to an internal medicine vet and makes an appointment for me that morning. His technician tells me there is no sign of any tumor on the x-ray. At least that is positive.

Tova and I head for home before going to the internal medicine vet’s office. Linda is anxiously waiting for some kind of word. All I can tell her is we really don’t know and she has another appointment in half an hour on the other side of town.

Tova and I head over to the internal medicine vet’s office. She is young and very perky. You can see how much she loves animals they way she handled Tova. She is going to do blood work, a CAT scan and some other tests that I really cannot remember four years later. What I do remember is she told me they would cost $1,200. So I suggest if you need to go to one you bring your credit card. I paid for the tests and told her to call with the results.

Two hours later she calls and said the blood work shows her liver readings were higher than a dog normally has. She is concerned if she put Tova under for a CAT scan she could have problems with the anesthesia and die. What she recommends we do is an ultra sound instead. I approve the change.

Other than the unusual blood work Tova cleared everything with flying colors. What the heck did she contract?

The next day, I spoke to our regular vet again and he said she is not showing any signs of problems because of her liver. Some dogs are known to have higher readings. I told him what I spent with the internal medicine doctor and still don’t have anything to make any intelligent decisions. I told him I would just wait and see how she is until we find something concrete to make good decisions. I just wanted her to have a good quality of life and at that point, we didn’t know what was going on because she was feeling pretty good.

Book Review of "Sarah's Key"

2010-09-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

Sarah’s Key

By Tatiana de Rosnay

My wife finished the book Sarah’s Key and said, “You should read this.” She explained a bit about the book, I didn’t know if I was ready to read another book about the holocaust and the death camps. However, I did place my name on the reservation list at the city library. It took a couple of weeks before I was able to obtain it.

From the beginning of the book, I became captivated by Sarah’s tragic story and those of thousands of French Jews. I hadn’t felt this personally involved in a holocaust story since I read the diary of Anne Frank. While Anne’s is a true story, this fictional novel recreates the tragedy of what the French Vichy government tragically did on July 16th and 17th, 1942. With some of history’s most inhumane treatment over 13,000 Jewish men, women and children were rounded-up and stored in the Velodrome d’Hiver, an indoor cycle track. For days they had no toilet facilities, no food, no water, medical care or blankets before they arrived at their final destination, Auschwitz for adults and the children in camps elsewhere.

The story begins with the French police invading the homes of French Jews in the early morning hours of July 16th. The young girl, Sarah, is ten years old, frightened, she hides her four year old brother in their favorite hiding place. She expects that she will be able to come back and release him. As the families are taken from their apartments some neighbors try to plead for them while many make anti-Semitic comments or merely sneer at the victims as they are dragged from the safety of their homes.

This fictional novel is told from two sides, one being Sarah’s and the other being an American woman journalist, Julia Jarmond, married to a Frenchman. Her journalistic task is to obtain the facts of what happened so her Paris based American magazine can do a feature story for the 60th anniversary of the event.

The book is a heart-wrenching illustration of how a child in these circumstances must deal with survival and also the tremendous guilt she possessed for locking her brother in the storage space. She has no idea if he was rescued and fears the worst, to her, it is all her fault.

Meanwhile Julia is uncovering some of the deep sense of French guilt and why they choose not to admit how they were responsible for gathering over 13,000 people.

The plaques, in the area of the cycle track, spell out the round-up was by the Germans, negating any French responsibility.

This book is very compelling and a must read.

Chapter Fourteen Thanksgiving Day Hunt

2010-09-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Tova and I left home around 8:30. It would take us close to an hour to get to the farm in Contoocook where I wanted to go.

Arriving in Hopkinton the town before Contoocook, she realizes where we are heading and starts whining and pacing back and forth because she is excited.

“Only about ten more minutes, girl.”

We pull off onto the farm’s property and park in the area on the left hand side just off from the road. I get my gear on and place my unloaded shotgun on the roof of the Suburban. Tova is already decked out in her orange vest and her electronic collar which is not operating yet. All I have to do is put on her bell collar and start her collar functioning. She is squirming around to get out of the truck and get going.

Hurry up, Dad. I can’t wait to get out there.

“Hold it girl, just give me a minute.”

When she is on the ground I energize her collar and pull my shotgun off of the roof to load it.

There is a patch of low grass we must cross before we get to the first large field. We see all of the corn is cut; hopefully, we can pull a bird or two out of the gullies between the two fields ahead of us.

Tova is about ten yards off to my right and we are about halfway across the grass patch when a hen pheasant comes up right in front of her. The bird flies directly over her head and starts heading towards the car and the other side of the road. Tova is not far behind her.

At this point, I am swinging my gun around in the direction of the farmhouse about one hundred fifty yards away but will not fire. My next concern is my dog chasing that damn bird across the road and possibly getting hit by a car.

I call her a couple of times and she is oblivious to my commands because she is so focused on the bird.

I also whistle trained her over the years and always relied on the whistle before I used the electronic collar.

I gave on good loud long blast on the whistle and she stopped in her tracks. The bird keeps going but I didn’t care. What was more important is my dog’s safety.

I called her back. She took another look at the bird flying away and resigned herself that I wanted her with me and headed back.

When she got back I told her she was a good girl and wanted her to feel she was okay with what she did.

But, she got away. Maybe I could have got her if she came down.

We turned back to the fields and walked about another ten yards and the strangest thing happened in all of my years of pheasant hunting.

A large rooster came up in front of us and headed towards the field. He was an easy shot. Tova was pleased we got him after all of the running she put in to chase the hen.

You could see the joy in her eyes as she handed the bird to me.

Okay, dad let’s go get more.

I couldn’t believe that bird stayed still there all the time I was shouting for Tova and blowing my whistle for her to return. It must have realized how close we were but never tried to take off or run off while I was busy trying to retrieve Tova.

Those two were the only birds we saw that morning. At least we were coming home with one and a good story to tell.

Chapter Thirteen 2003 After Surgery

2010-08-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

By October, I was ready for bird hunting and so was Tova. We were in the field early on opening day.
The sun was just starting to come up and the pheasants released by Fish and Game were trying to warm themselves in the sunlight around the edges of the high grass.

Tova put up her first one after only twenty minutes out there.

She was ecstatic and so was I.

As we neared the end of the first field, she is off to my right cutting her way through some high brush. Suddenly, she goes into a solid point. She is actually looking in my direction. At first I didn’t see what she was looking at.

There, nestled down, is a nice sized hen not realizing that Tova was behind her pointing her out to me. I had stopped so I could be ready when she took off. She wasn’t nervous or aware of our presence so she stayed put.

I had to move about four feet in her direction to get her to take flight. She went down with one shot. Tova was thrilled and ran to pick her up and bring her to me to place in my vest.

Now, we have our two birds and that is the legal daily limit I’ve mentioned earlier. So, I unload my shotgun and call her to head back to the car.

Are you serious? We just got here and there’s plenty of birds around from what I’m smelling.

Dogs do not understand legal limits.

Begrudgingly, she heads back to the car with me.

“Tova, we can come out tomorrow.” I say.

I don’t care about tomorrow. These birds may be gone by then.

And so it goes, with my eager dog and myself as we drive home. She’s really not mad just very determined.

Chapter Twelve Four Years Old

2010-08-23T04:28:00.000-07:00

On May 14th, of 2002, Tova turned four years old. Each of her birthdays, Linda either purchased or made a cupcake and placed a candle on it to celebrate.

Remember, this is the dog she thought she couldn’t deal with, bless her.

We did our usual thing of hiking numerous peaks, walking around the pond more times than I want to count and spending time making the kids around the neighborhood happy. It seems that since we bought her, Tova became the neighborhood celebrity, especially with the children. I mean kids of all ages from three to grown ups. Of course, I count them as kids too, especially if they are in touch with their happy child self which is important.

There is one family about seven houses up our block that has three daughters ranging from three to ten. No matter what they are doing outside, they drop everything and come to the curb to pat Tova as we go by. Boy, does she ever eat up the attention. These young ladies ask my permission to get her a dog treat. I think they had their mother buy them just for Tova. They didn’t own a dog. It got so it became competition for the middle and the oldest one, to see who would ask me first. Then that one would go running off into the house and come out with a dog cookie. Boy was she ever spoiled. She would look for the girls when we got near their house, even when they weren’t outside.

Chapter Eleven Down with the Flu

2010-08-16T05:08:00.000-07:00

In mid-January the following year, I came down with a bad case of the flu. I couldn’t get out of bed for three days except to go to the bathroom. Linda would bring me soup and juices so I had plenty of fluids in me.

For those three days, Tova laid snuggled up next to me on the bed except to eat and to go out to do her thing. It was as if I was her child and she was protecting me. I couldn’t believe how she stayed with me the whole time. Yet, I was really glad she was there.

During the third day she would paw me at times, why I don’t know. Was she trying to get me up? Or was she sensing I was getting better and wanted some of my attention? When I sensed her pawing me; I would pet her and usually fall back to sleep. When I got out of bed the fourth day she was dancing around me as if I had gotten home from being away on a long trip.

I have never gotten over how she stayed with me knowing that I was unable to be myself and I was ill. She had an amazing sense of what was happening in our lives. You will see more of this in this chapter.

Chapter Ten Winter Time

2010-08-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

In January, we were getting dumped on with snow just about every weekend. Cabin fever started affecting all three of us. Linda didn’t like to walk around much in the winter because she was afraid of falling on the ice. Owning her own business, she is cautious that she isn’t laid up and out of work where she couldn’t service her bookkeeping customers. I was cutting back on my long distance traveling as the roads were quite miserable. I found I could get more accomplished over the phone. I went to see customers only when there was a real need to do so.

Tova, started to get real antsy because she wasn’t getting the physical exercise she needed.

One night, after Linda had a tough work day, she said, “I thought you told me when she turned two she would slow down. She has as much energy as a young puppy.”

“She has slowed down some but with all of this snow it’s affecting her as much as it’s affecting us. Look at us, we feel like caged animals.”

“Yeah, you’re right, but you know if it wasn’t for her personality; I don’t think I would want to continue to deal with her. She’s lucky I love her.”

“She loves you too.”

“I know she does.”

“Tova, come on we’re going to go for a walk around the neighborhood.”

Oh, you mean I can get outside for awhile. This long winter stuff stinks.

“It’s dark outside and slippery. You might fall.”

“We’ll take a flashlight and I'll put my ice cleats over my boots.”

Guess what turning the corner a block from the house, I fell. Tova just looked at me as I hit the street.

What happened, you okay? I’ll walk slower for you.

When I got off of my butt, I brushed myself off and we proceeded to head down the street. I must remember the grade of that street; snow melts during the day, runs downward and freezes over after dark. Oh well, it isn’t the first nor the last time I’ll fall. I didn’t tell Linda I fell because I knew she would feel bad.

“Tova, when I see you getting this hyper I guess you and I are going to have to walk around the neighborhood more often so mom doesn’t get stressed by your high energy. She’s not used to dealing with a large dog, especially a high energy dog.”

Just keep walking dad, I’m picking up new smells around this snow pile.

And so the winter gave us a near record amount of snow. I learned to take out my snow shoes and walk her around Dorr’s pond. This gave her more than enough exercise if I did it twice a day compared to our summer walks around the pond three times a day. It was great exercise for me too. Whenever she saw me take out the snowshoes she would run up and down the stairs and do circles before we left the house. We would walk to the pond and then I would unleash her and put on my snowshoes. She loved it.

Chapter Nine Cornstalks

2010-08-04T07:41:00.000-07:00

Tova is sniffing around the edges of the field, and I sense she is still uneasy about entering the cornfields.

For the first half hour she steps in and out of the cornfield going in about three or four rows each time. She is testing herself and I just keep saying, "Good girl."

Suddenly, she freezes inside of the third row. I know she has a bird there. Then she's off chasing it through the corn.

Stop running you stupid bird. You're supposed to fly not run. I'm supposed to be pointing you not chasing you.

She and the pheasant are doing circles inside of the corn and then he cackles and flies.

I was so intent on watching what she was doing I missed him when he broke the top of the corn and he stayed low right over the tops heading away from me just as if he knew I was standing there.

She comes out of the corn after hearing me shoot and is looking for the bird. I tell her I missed and she doesn't believe me. After all she heard the gun go off. I'm not supposed to miss according to her. She gives me those eyes of her's.

You got it and you're hiding it on me.

She gives up looking and jumping on me and starts jumping at my side to peek into my game pouch on my hunting vest.

Finally she settles down and resigns herself to the fact that I missed. This was so funny. The dog actually thinks besides reacting.

After all my work, you blew it, dad!

She heads back towards the cornfield and now she is going further into the rows of corn. I am not only proud of her, I am happy with myself for not having tried to force her last year. She figured it out all by herself.

We came home with two birds that morning, the legal pheasant limit for the day.

I had a happy dog who was satisfied and I was going to cook pheasant that evening.

Chapter Eight Two Years Old

2010-07-26T05:34:00.000-07:00

We didn’t start training again until the third week of June. The damn black flies in the northeast are so numerous in early summer they are a pain in the you know what. Their bite is worst than mosquito bites.

When we did start where we left off last season I learned she seemed to remember all that she learned. Now it is just repetition and more repetition.

During the summer we took her to places where she could swim in order to cool off in the middle of a hike. We learned Tova could naturally swim like most dogs but she wasn’t into it like a lab or a golden. She’d go in and cool off and then come back out.

By August, we started going back to the farm to hunt pheasants. I wanted her keep her skills sharp for the on coming season which will be her second season hunting in New Hampshire’s woods.

One of the things I enjoy about living here is you can be in the woods in a half and hour or less no matter where you live in the state. It’s the kind of state if you aren’t an outdoors person you are missing a great deal of what it has to offer and won’t get to appreciate its natural beauty.

Having a hunting dog and one who is a super companion with other activities makes all of it even more enjoyable.

Chapter Seven Tova's New Experience

2010-07-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

My wife and I have been cross country skiing a number of years. We felt that since Tova was a year and a half and used to hiking with us, she would do well if we took her out in the woods while we cross country skied.

Two days before we are to go skiing my wife comes home with this fleece jacket which has a beautiful checkered assortment of colors. “This is Tova’s winter jacket. I don’t want her getting cold out there, she doesn’t have much hair,” says my wife.

Tova looks at me and of course we have to try the jacket on.

What another one. What is it with you people? I’m a dog I don’t need a coat.

Actually, it looks beautiful on her. My wife is so pleased and after a few minutes even Tova is starting to act as if she feels important in it.

Oh this is neat, I feel warm and fuzzy. Are we going out now?

Saturday arrives and the three of us load up and head out to Depot Road in Auburn NH.

There are plenty of trails there to cross country ski or snow mobile if you have one. In the spring they make good hiking and bike trails.

My wife purchased new bindings for our skis this year and they were a marked improvement over the original bindings that came with the packages.

We load Tova in the Suburban and place the skis and poles in the back.

What are they for? Are they for me? I don’t know about this now…

We are fortunate to find a parking spot and we take out the skiing equipment and remove Tova and place a leash on her to safely cross the road.

Tova watches us putting on the skis and you can see the questions in her eyes, What are you doing? What are they for?

Of course she didn’t have any skis to adjust to. Her good personality of staying close and having a lot of fun running in the snow and trying to chew on scrub pine branches when she could, made us laugh, the three of us had a ball. She’s still in that puppy stage so we had to learn not to holler at her and confuse her. If she was insistent on not paying attention I used a whistle or the electronic collar to get her attention.

She looks at Linda and me gliding on the snow along with the help of our poles. It almost looks as if she is trying to figure out what we are doing.

I have a weird family. They are trying to walk around this stuff on sticks.

A Cowboy's Vengeance

2010-07-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

I'm excited about my third book a western thriller, It can be viewed on www.joesmiga3.com or go the the interesting links on this site and click on there. It will keep you interested to the very end.

Chapter Six Learning About Cornfields

2010-07-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

Tova has never experienced running in cornfields before so I am curious how this is going to work out.

When we arrive, Ben tells me he wants to do the open field first and then we can try the corn fields.

It’s fine with me. I’m just happy to have my dog running with one who is experienced. This is something she hasn’t had before. When you run an inexperienced dog with one with experience, the inexperience dog normally picks up things from the experienced dog. Not overnight of course; it is a process that you want to continue.

The open field was pretty muddy that morning as we had numerous days of rain before the season opened. Both dogs did their best slouching through the puddles trying to pick up a scent.

After a half an hour of scouring the fields Sam kicks up a rooster who flies in Ben’s direction. Ben leads it for around forty or more yards then fires. Good shot the bird went down with one round. He calls to Sam to fetch the bird. For some reason Sam doesn’t respond to his command. Tova looks at me and Sam looks at me, I don’t want to send Tova as it is Ben’s bird and his dog should do the retrieving.

After three or four more commands, Sam is still adamant about going where the bird is for some reason. Ben trudges over to where the bird dropped, picks it up, and with a disgusted voice says, “Let’s go over to the cornfields.”

At the cornfields Sam rushes right in amongst the stalks and Tova looks up at the tall eight to ten foot heights and looks at me.

What are these things? They’re too big. I’m afraid!

I can sense her fear and intimidation of the height of the stalks and talk gently to her.

“It’s okay, girl. Go ahead in.”

She continues to look at me and I can see she’s not ready to try it.

Meanwhile Sam is running inside of the corn patch, chasing some birds.

I call Tova over to me and give her a few pats of encouragement. I don’t want this remembered as a bad experience for you.

“Stay with me, Tova. It’s okay. You’ll learn.”

Ben turns around and says, “Force her, she needs to learn.”

“No, she’ll learn on her own; that there’s nothing to be afraid of. I’m not going to force her.”

Tova and I separated from Ben and walked around the perimeter of the cornfield. Ben tried to follow Sam’s paths around the field as well.

Chapter Five Two Weeks Later

2010-07-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

My wife has been going shopping an unusual number of times for her personality. Both of us really hate to shop. So I know something is up.

About ten days after our first hunt Linda comes up the stairs into the living room and says, “This is for Tova.”

What she hands me is an expensive blaze orange colored hunting vest designed for dogs which also had a sturdy belly protector to guard them against cuts and bruises on their delicate sections.

My wife, who rarely spends money on herself, spent more money on this vest than she would for a dress.

“Let’s try it on her,” she says.

What is this thing? Tova is squirming around while we get her legs through the vest, around her shoulders and over her back and belly.

I don’t need a coat. Do I have to wear this?

“What do you think? How does she look?” Linda asks.

“First of all it will do what you want it to. Second she’s going to be the best dressed dog in the woods.”

Linda gives me that look. You know the look, just leave it alone.

Chapter Four The Real Thing

2010-06-28T05:29:00.000-07:00

I kneel down and remove the clip off of Tova’s collar. Immediately she starts to track.

The grass in the field is not very high and I don’t know where these chukars are sitting. I am trying to guess where they may be so I can walk towards them and give her a little heads up.

She is running and circling as she detects bird scent. Some could be old tracks and others could be being carried with the breeze. About fifty-feet into the field she stops and points.

I don’t see any bird there and the grass is not very tall so I am skeptical that she has a bird.

I tell her there’s no bird there but she wouldn’t break point.

I heard you say to move, there’s no bird there. You can’t see it. Don’t make me move. You need to get it out, I’m doing my part.

Slowly and cautiously I approach the area right in front of her. I have to look straight down into the patch of grass. By God, there is a chukar looking straight up at me. It is nestled down so far I couldn’t get a glimpse of it until I looked straight down at it. She located her first bird.

She must have read my mind.

See, I showed you there is one there.

I stepped backwards a foot and kicked the pile of grass. Upwards flew the chukar and Tova got to see her first bird in flight. I let it get out a ways before I fired then she headed right for it.

The next thing surprised me, something I had not thought of. When the bird dropped she went over to it sniffed it and went off to look for another one. I called her back holding the bird in my hand. She returned and sniffed the bird and looked at me.

Yeah, I saw it, what do you want, I found it for you and you shot it, let’s go get another one. Should be more out here.

I placed the chukar in my hunting vest.

The second chukar wasn’t far from where I downed the first bird and it took off just as we were moving around the field. I fired at it but missed. By this time we are half way down the field heading towards the opening in the stone wall to go into the woods. Since the chukar went into the woods I was more interested in going after the roosters that Pam placed.

“Come on Tova, this way, girl. We’ve got some bigger surprises for you than chukars.”

Hey, there’s more space out here we need to check to see if we can find some more before we leave.

She keeps tracking until she sees me heading for the break in the stone wall then she comes running to be alongside of me.

One of Tova’s great attributes is she likes to stay close. She is never more than forty yards off from me. I have a bell on her collar just in case she decides to take off. You never know what a new dog will do when it can become totally distracted with the hunt. She also has a Tri-Tronics electronic collar on her in case she doesn’t respond. I don’t want her getting lost or possibly running across a road and getting hit by a car. The collar and transmitter has a range of a mile.

As we walk through the opening in the stone wall, I am wondering where Pam has placed the roosters.

We walk slowly for awhile without any indication from Tova that she has picked up a scent. As we come out of the tree line to a small meadow she makes a dash for a brush pile and freezes directly in front of it in a solid point.

After what I learned from the chukar she found I was never going to question her nose again.

Slowly, I move closer to her and suddenly the rooster comes up through the brush pile as if he was shot out of cannon. I nailed him about fifty yards away and he tumbled to the ground. She ran after him when he fell and sniffed around him as if she were checking to see if he was still alive. I tried to get her more interested in the dead bird but no dice.

I just praise her to make sure she realizes I am happy. “Good girl! Nice work! Let’s go find the others.”

This is a big bird. He’s a lot bigger than the other one.

I put him in my hunting vest along with the chukar.

Chapter Three Beginning Hunting Skills

2010-06-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

As spring approached, we worked out in the yard four to five times a week re-enforcing her training and starting to teach her to fetch plastic training dummies, as well as a dead pheasant trainer. Training dogs to fetch and release takes a great deal of time and patience.

Hey you threw it to me; now it’s mine. In their mind if they have it; possession is nine tenths of the law, you have to work long and patient at getting them to realize they aren’t supposed to run away with it.

No matter what we did during the day; we always had family time with our dog. The rule for her being off the couch and bed didn’t last very long. When she wanted cuddling she would get up alongside of Linda and place her head on Linda’s lap. That was the message.

Keep it up mom that feels great. I can lie here a long time while you rub my back. See I can even turn so you do my belly.

When she wanted to rough house, she knew Linda wasn’t into it so she could coax me into playing on the floor with her. She was really funny, especially if I had a long day on the road and she wasn’t about to take excuses, she would put her teeth around two fingers of my hand and try to pull me off of the coach.

I haven’t seen you all day and now you’re going to lie on the couch. Not if I have anything to say. See it wasn’t that hard for you to get up.

Needless to say, I gave in to her. As one of our other dog friends said, “She had me well trained.”

Every weekend in May through July, Tova and I would go out into the fields two towns over. I would tie her to a tree and drag a dummy soaked with pheasant scent around and across the field. She didn’t like being left in that manner. When I released her she would follow the scent trails where I dragged the dummy through the grass. On the opposite end of the fields she would have her reward a dummy soaked smelling like a pheasant. She would walk around with it in her mouth so proud of her accomplishments I could see the hint of happiness in her eyes.

You thought you were going to get away with hiding this on me didn’t you. You can almost see in her eyes.

In July, I started using a .22 caliber blank gun to see how she reacted to gun shots. It never phased her one bit. I guess it goes back to the breeder telling me they would fire shotguns so the puppies could get used to the noise and not feel threatened by it. I’m not sure if that was the reason but she definitely wasn’t gun shy, thank God. It can really be a bitch for a hunter to have a dog who is gun shy.

Next, we try real pheasants at the preserve.

Chapter Two Meeting Doctor B

2010-06-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

Inside of the veterinarian’s office all of the technicians and clerical staff are ogling over Tova. I am as proud as a peacock. Customers with other pets are straining to see her, trying hard not to upset their own animals.

We were placed in one of the examining rooms to wait for the doctor. Doctor Bloomfield is a great vet. He is also a hunter who owns two Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. So he’s cool with hunting dogs.

As I stroke her back and her head, “Easy girl, this is okay, nothing to be afraid of.”

You take me to so many different places. Why don’t we stay put sometime?

As the six-foot doctor with a large build enters the room he looks at Tova appearing amazed at what he sees. Then he places her on the table.

Why did this man put me on this cold table? It’s slippery and hard to stand up. Ouch, watch where you grab, dummy. I don’t really like this!

While checking her for any possible imperfections or aliments he says, “You’re going to show her, right. She is show quality.”

“No, I never planned to show her. I just want a good bird dog and a good companion.”

“Well, you should, she’d win a number of awards.”

“Doc, I’m not into that. It’s not my style.”

“You’ve got yourself a good dog here. Where the hell did you steal her?”

So I proceed to tell him how I found the breeder and he just snickers and says, “You paid a lot less than she’s worth. Damn, she’ll be good, I can tell looking at her. She’ll be at least seventy pounds you know. That’s bordering on the size of a small male.”

“Hey, one of the reasons, I decided to get a female was because the stats say they range from 48-60 pounds. She’s going to live in the house. My wife’s never experienced a large dog before and she already knows this is a high energy breed. I told her if she could live through the first two years we won’t get divorced.”

“What can I tell you. I don’t care what the books say. I’m just talking from my experience. She’ll be at least seventy pounds. One more thing, I recommend you get a chip for her.” (A chip being a micro chip implanted under her skin.) I had the chip implanted before we left.

Thanks for taking me off that table, dad. I guess I can call you dad, mine seems to have disappeared. Let’s get out of here now.

We moved to the reception area so I could book her for scheduled shots.

I left not really believing him. C’mon all of the books I read on the breed say otherwise. They should be right. Wrong, full grown Tova became a lean seventy-five pounds and solid muscle. So much for the books.

Chapter One

2010-06-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hey, you can put me down, I can walk. Why are you opening up those big doors? You’re not going to put me into that are you? What the heck is this thing? I’m leaving, why?

“Easy there girl, don’t be afraid. Nothing is going to hurt you.”

Easy for you to say big guy, I’m just a little puppy.

Tova yipped for awhile then fell asleep listening to music from the radio; and the rhythm of the ride, she slept most of the way home. She had comfortable blankets to curl up on and she was probably tired from playing with her brothers and sister. Waking up in this strange cage was not something she enjoyed. She began yipping again as puppies usually do and whining when yipping didn’t get her results. Fortunately, we were close to the house when she decided to take a dump. It was open the windows time; this little girl began to stink up the Suburban.

Where am I? What is the humming noise I’m hearing? Where is everyone else? This is scary! Let me out of here.

As I pull into the driveway, my wife, Linda walks out of the house. She couldn’t wait to see this puppy. I’m sure she realized I was not coming home empty handed. Gently I lifted Tova out of the cage and placed her down on the lawn. She walked around sniffing new odors and looked at us.

Why did you take me away? I was happy where I lived. Bring me back there.

Linda reached down and picks her up. You could see the pleasure in her eyes as she held another dog again. “I’ll bring her around back while you clean out the truck. Tova needs to scent the back yard.” The two of them head behind the house while I removed the cage and cleaned up the back end of my vehicle and hosed down the cage before I returned it to the owner.

Starting my vehicle, I could imagine her saying, Wait for me, don’t leave without me. Take me back home...

(Photo by Linda H. Feinberg)

Prologue---From Both Sides

2010-06-04T04:41:00.001-07:00

I’ve been dealing with losing our dog by dreaming of getting the hunting dog some day. I subscribed to Gun Dog magazine shortly after Copper died to study how to choose a pup and a breeder. Gun Dog magazine is full of wonderful articles on all types of tips and stories of hunting dogs and their owners.

Since I already had a file on breeders I would contact, it was only a matter of finding if one of them had a female that I could check out. I wanted a female because she would be boarded in the house and I didn’t want my walls marked up as territory.

One breeder in Brunswick, Maine, had an eight week old litter ready to sell. There were nine pups in the litter, five were pre-sold before they were born, and now there are two males and two female available. My wife borrowed a cage from a friend just in case I wound up bringing one home.

Brunswick, Maine is two and a half hour drive from our home. As I pulled into the breeder’s yard I was greeted by three adult shorthairs barking to let the owner know someone was there.

The lady of the house came out; she told me she is the breeder.

We spoke for awhile about things we had already discussed on the phone. I guess I was just being sure I was making a good choice. What I learned from Gun Dog magazine is you can purchase a pup from a breeder but you need to be sure the dog is from good hunting stock. There are many breeders who breed their dogs more for show. The genetics in their lines tends to effect how they respond in the field. In other words if they don’t have the nose, it doesn’t matter how much you paid for the dog. It just won’t work.

To show me the quality of the litter, she took me out to the backyard where the puppies were. She showed me the parents and the grandparents. Taking a fishing pole with a pheasant feather attached to its line; she dragged the feather along the grass. It was amazing to watch four little puppies, tails wagging running to the feather and all four point. I had never seen such a sight before. But there was no question; they had the genes for hunting pheasants.

Next, I had to decide which female I would take. Putting each one through some of the exercises I learned about selecting a puppy, I found both dogs were about the same. However, one seemed to be more attentive to me then the other. I chose her.

After giving the breeder a check, she asked me if I had a name for her.

“I told her that she would be named Tova. Tova is an abbreviated form of the female noun spelled Tovah. It means good in Hebrew.” Since I am Jewish, I wanted her to have a Hebrew name.

She laughed telling me her son always picks names for each puppy after they are born, he had named her Zion. She thought Tova would be very appropriate for her.

Before I left the breeder gave me all of the registration papers I needed to register her with the American Kennel Club and records of her puppy shots.

Tova and I needed to head for home.

“Come on girl, we’re going home.”

But,I am home, what are you talking about?

The Book About Tova

2010-05-30T06:50:00.000-07:00

A Very Special Dog

Tova is the story of an extraordinary bird dog and her owner Joe Smiga. It is about their journey together, and it is written as a tribute to Tova’s life.
In Hebrew, Tova is a girl’s name that means “beautiful” or “good.” The name perfectly fits the German shorthaired pointer that Joe Smiga and his wife, Linda, came to know and love.

Through the years of her life, Tova brought love, devotion, fun, and joy into Joe and Linda’s life, and then her life was cut short by a hidden disease. It was a disease that puzzled veterinarians and internal medicine veterinarians; a disease that destroyed her immune system, and yet no one seemed to even know it existed. The disease was called Cryptococcosis, and it robbed Tova of her life at the age of nine.

Author, Joe Smiga is on a mission to educate veterinarians and dog owners about Cryptococcosis. If caught early, it can be treated, but it comes on gradually, and the symptoms are not yet widely recognized by most veterinarians. This is something that Joe Smiga wants to change.

Author Smiga hopes that his book will serve as a wake-up call to all pet owners and veterinarians.

Uniquely original and told from not only Joe’s perspective, but from Tova’s as well, Tova is the life story of a remarkable bird dog, written as a labor of love. It is a must read for all pet owners.

Book Reading and Signings

2010-05-22T05:50:00.000-07:00

There are two up-coming book signings for the Tova book.

On Saturday, June 12th, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Joe will be doing a reading and a signing of his book Tova. It will be held at Barnes & Noble on South Willow Street, Manchester NH.

He will also sign any of his Behind The Lies novels you may purchase from their shelves.

On Saturday, June 19th, Joe will be doing a book signing on his book “Tova.” The signing will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at The Toadstool Bookshop in the Lorden Plaza at Milford NH.

My second book-TOVA A Very Special Dog

2010-05-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

Tova is the story of an extraordinary bird dog and her owner Joe Smiga. It is about their journey together, and it is written as a tribute to Tova’s life.
In Hebrew, Tova is a girl’s name that means “beautiful” or “good.” The name perfectly fits the German shorthaired pointer that Joe Smiga and his wife, Linda, came to know and love.

Through the years of her life, Tova brought love, devotion, fun, and joy into Joe and Linda’s life, and then her life was cut short by a hidden disease. It was a disease that puzzled veterinarians and internal medicine veterinarians; a disease that destroyed her immune system, and yet no one seemed to even know it existed. The disease was called Cryptococcosis, and it robbed Tova of her life at the age of nine.

Author, Joe Smiga is on a mission to educate veterinarians and dog owners about Cryptococcosis. If caught early, it can be treated, but it comes on gradually, and the symptoms are not yet widely recognized by most veterinarians. This is something that Joe Smiga wants to change.

Author Smiga hopes that his book will serve as a wake-up call to all pet owners and veterinarians.

Uniquely original and told from not only Joe’s perspective, but from Tova’s as well, Tova is the life story of a remarkable bird dog, written as a labor of love. It is a must read for all pet owners.

TOVA can be purchased through www.tovabook.com, www.bn.com, www.amazon.com, or your local bookstore.

Joe is available to speak on this subject. Contact him at: jpsmiga@myfairpoint.net.

Spring Vacation

2010-05-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

Last week we had the beautiful experience of spending time with family in California and seeing the preserve in Lancaster, California, which is full of their state flower, the orange poppy. On our way back home we visited Red Rock Canyon in Nevada. It is a gorgeous national park with a wonderful scenic view.

Two Special Notices

2010-04-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

Today, I am pleased to say, that Behind The Lies, is posted on a blog with a wonderful review. You can read it by clicking Bruce's Mideast Soundbites in the Other Interesting Links column.

Second, the website for Tova,went online yesterday. You can view it by clicking on Tova in the Other Interesting Links column.

I hope you enjoy both of these new opportunities for my literary work to become known.

TOVA: A VERY SPECIAL DOG

2010-04-25T10:57:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Author Joe Smiga Releases a Unique Memoir About A Beloved Pet’s Life: Tova
A book that is touching and enlightening at the same time

Manchester, NH – April 19, 2010 – Author Joe Smiga, a pet lover and family man, unveils his newest publication Tova, a novel inspired by the life of his beloved dog of the same name. The book, as with his first novel Behind the Lies, is published and available through Xlibris.

Tova is a book written as a tribute to the life of Joe Smiga’s dog, Tova. The author, together with his wife, experienced, as with many other pet owners, the many joys that come with having a pet dog. Tova, through many years in the Smigas’ life, brought love, fun, and devotion. This, however, came to a sudden stop at the onset of a hidden disease.

Cryptococcosis is a disease that, at the time of Tova’s life, was virtually unknown in the world of veterinary medicine. The relative lack of information on this disease contributed to the frustration and sadness brought by the dog’s sudden demise.

The author wishes to educate people about the illness. This book is made available for pet owners and veterinarians who still do not know about the dreaded Cryptococcosis disease. For more information on this book, log on to www.Xlibris.com.