Another beautiful morning, but Wheeza is still gone.  Talked to Jack and Cindy and they are of the opinion that Denny may have shot Wheeza if she came on his property.  They lost two dogs in the last two months and Denny has threatened to shoot any animal that comes on the place.  No way I can prove it, but I’m really afraid I won’t see Wheeza again and I don’t know how I will tell Jon.  I will have to watch Mint and Duchess and make sure they stay close.  Just my luck after 10 years of peace with the neighbors to arrive in time for a feud.  Maybe Wheeza will still turn up.

Dan and I finished the siding under the porch and got all the siding done on the lower front of the house.  It’s quite a transformation and you can finally see what the house will ultimately look like.  Johnny and Samantha came by to lend a hand and we heard more about their history.  Talk about all trifling and confused.  Richie laid around all morning and even Johnny's parents were after him to help.  About 2:30, I found him drilling small holes in the library studs and when I told him to put the drill away, he ignored me and I BLEW.  Told him just what I thought of, in spades, and said he could either learn to do as he was told or pack his bag and I’d take him to the bus station.  Richie gave me the sullen silent routine, so I hollered for Dan who was up on the roof and told him to get out the car.  We loaded Richie and his bag into the car and took a very quiet ride into town.  We stopped at the Free Store and got Richie some fresh clothes, so they would let him on the bus.  He probably hasn’t bathed in 5 or 6 days and was reeking filthy.  I bought him a ticket back to Champaign and left him at the bus station.  Even Dan agreed that we had done all we could for him.  Dan told me that Richie was actually on probation and the cops had been looking for him at his parent’s home in Casey.  Richie had called home from the bus station.  Quiet dinner at home and a night of reading. 

Dan is already talking about spending the winter so he can work and finish his book.  Fine with me.  I’d love to stay if we can get the house tight and ready in time.  Sure would be nice, especially if Tito could join us too. 

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This depot is long gone, unfortunately, the bus station is now at a gas station up near the Munger Moss motel.  Quite non-descript. 

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5,  2007

Another fine morning, but humid.  Up early and headed out for Mansfield to get the rest of our siding at Lucky Lumber.  Took both dogs to avoid any other possible problems with Denny.  Still no Wheeza and I’m resigned to the idea she is gone for good and probably dead and buried nearby.  Sure wish I knew what happened for sure.  Stopped for breakfast in Grovespring.  Uneventful drive to Mansfield.  The yard staff was impressed we had already installed the first batch of siding.  Definitely earned some Butch Points today.  Stopped at the FS in the Grove for some fence posts to make the dogs a kennel.  Picked up some nice pork chops for supper.

Spent the afternoon putting up siding and finishing the trim on the lower front and porch.  It looks absolutely great and Dan and I are really pleased with the look of the house, particularly through the trees and parking area.  Beautifully framed by the trees.  Will try to finish the gable end tomorrow and sheath and cover the chimneys.  Rain in the forecast for Sunday or Monday.  Quiet night reading and early to bed.    

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2007

An unseasonably warm morning, but beautiful.  Up early and out working in the yard when Jack came by.  Told me his shepherd pup was nearly poisoned yesterday, but saved by a dose of ipecac syrup, vomiting and some powdered charcoal from the Wal-Mart pet department.  The situation is getting out of hand and I am keeping the dogs close by. 

Finally managed to text Jon about Wheeza.  He was sad, but understood and hopes for the best.  Told us to stay safe.  Jack loaned me his cell phone and I called Tito and Millie and PACA.  Bob Swisher answered the PACA phone and it was good to hear he is out and about after the heart attack. 

Dan spent the morning hanging black paper upstairs and tidying up various bits and pieces.  He moved all the boxes of books into the library, while I did the washing and yard work.  We went to town about 4 p.m. to grocery shop. There was a big meat sale at Smitty’s so I stocked up.  Bought pizza for supper and brought a super size one to pay Johnny for his work.  Our new fridge is at their house and they will deliver it tomorrow or Monday.  It came FREE from a lady who is closing out a trailer park or so Johnny's folks told me.  WINK WINK!?! It looked to be in good shape and runs well.  It will be great to have a full size fridge and retire the two dorm fridges.  Quiet Saturday night of TV and reading.  Tummy a bit off and a sore throat.  Took an antibiotic and dosed myself with lemon and honey. I sure don’t need to be sick when everything is going so well.

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