Book 3 Journal Entry 4

September 19, 2024 Marsha Loftis Comments 0 Comment

Journal Entry 4

I learned a great deal during my shooting lesson. It was a tremendous amount of fun and a remarkable experience. Target practice did not go well. Guns are heavy, much heavier than I imagined. I have no strength in my arms or my hands. I couldn’t hold the barrel of the gun straight ahead. The nose of the gun kept pointing toward the ground no matter how hard I tried to point it straight ahead. Please place all future targets or enemies directly in front of my feet. This is where the bullet is most likely to land.

Firing the gun without Joshua’s help was useless and a bit dangerous. Joshua has the patience of a saint. I now understand how people accidentally shoot themselves in the foot. I never came close to the target I was trying to hit unless Joshua was helping. The kick of the gun nearly knocked me over. The only thing that kept me from falling was Joshua standing directly behind me.

I’m thinking becoming a hired gun would be a waste of my time. Especially since, I am unable to hit the closest of targets.

Madie Life in Bear Country

September 18, 2024 Marsha Loftis Comments 0 Comment

Book 3 Journal Entry 3

September 17, 2024 Marsha Loftis Comments 0 Comment

journal Entry 3

I had a long talk with Kate today. I think she needs a friend, someone to listen to her vent her troubles. I’m willing to lend an ear. I have been where she is and it’s not a happy place to be.

We planted the garden. The endeavor took six people and a couple of long days to complete. My back is killing me from stooping over. I hope that in a few months our table will overflow with fresh fruits and vegetables. Keep your fingers crossed there is plenty of sun and rain. I think we planted tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, bell peppers, green beans, peas, corn, potatoes, yam, onions, a half a dozen spices I can’t pronounce, and some other things I can’t remember at this moment.

I’m waiting for Joshua to return from his cattle drive. The boys moved the cattle to the recently built fenced enclosure. It’s safer than their current location. There aren’t many cattle left we don’t need any more dying or stolen. It will take years to build up their numbers. The days of feasting on steaks are over.

Joshua is supposed to give me shooting lesson after dinner tonight. He insists everyone learn how to shoot. I’m excited and a little nervous. I have never held a gun in my hands.

Book 3 Journal Entry 2

September 15, 2024 Marsha Loftis Comments 0 Comment

Journal Entry 2

Hemy, Cecelia and I ran into Tony and a few of his new friends today as we walked to town. They saved our lives. The three of us (Hemy, Cecelia and me) were walking to the plaza to pick up more supplies for the never-ending building projects at the Spurs Fort. To make our journey a little more exciting we started playing a game to see how many specific gangs we could name. We were talking, laughing and pointing out the truly odd that lived among us. We turned the corner at the Comp USA building and ran into the Hyenas.

The moment I saw their black Mohawks and bright red shirts my heart skipped a beat. We were in deep doo-doo. Cecelia and I both said “shit” at the same time. Hemy, said a much longer string of dirty words. The three of us turned and ran in the opposite direction. The Hyenas cut us off after three steps. Our only option was to fight and pray we were strong enough to escape. We were outnumbered, our chance of survival was doubtful. That is until Tony and a group of his friends appeared on the scene to help us out. The Hyenas turned and ran away the moment they were outnumbered.

The Hyenas were one of the first gangs I have ever feared. The Hyenas have always been mean, cruel, and brutal. Traveling alone and unarmed in their territory is not wise. The Hyenas have always hunted in packs and kill their prey slowly for the fun of it.

Tony and his friends left as quickly as they arrived. I tried to say thank you but Tony ignored me. Hemy and Cecelia received a nod of “you’re welcome”. I got nothing but a horrible cold shoulder.

Madie

Book 3, Journal Entry 1

September 14, 2024 Marsha Loftis Comments 0 Comment

Journal Entry 1

It took a couple of months but finally the first of the bunkhouses are finished. It took a little juggling but I think we have nearly everyone settled into comfortable accommodations. The days of sleeping in the main house on the floor are over. Everyone chose his or her own roommate or mates. This made bunkhouse assignments easier because friends moved in with friends. I hope everyone gets along and feuds are minimal until we get the rest of the bunkhouses built. I gave up my private room in the main house and moved into Joshua’s I spend most of my nights there anyway.

I asked Hemy and Kate if they wanted to go to the plaza. Joshua gave me a mission to find a couple boxes of long penny nails. Hemy jumped at the chance to go shopping. Going shopping didn’t interest Kate. Poor Kate, she is not herself. I asked Joshua to speak to her. He said he would but he thought Kate just needed to work things out for herself. Joshua thinks I worry too much about the little things. I hope he is right.