#john macdonld

[whibleysims]

The last outdoor farmer's market was in full autumnal bloom. The MacDonald boys spent most of their Saturday mornings for the past two seasons manning the MacDonald Farm Goods booth. John was so proud of his sons working together for their farm.

After stocking some shelves, Paul neared his father and asked, "So, what will we do with the things we don't sell?"

"We'll store canned goods and boxes in the barn, and the produce we'll pickle or can and store those in the cellar, by the back door."

"We will eat all of this?"

"I mean, eventually. Winter months are long on a farm, son."

"Hmm."

"Dad?" Henry asked. "I bagged all the tomatoes like you asked."

"Good job, Hen."

"What can I do next?"

"Go help your brother, and be nice to the customers. This is the last market for a while, we need to make as much money as we can."

"Okay!"

"Dad told me to help you."

"But I'm just sittin'," replied Paul.

"Oh. Maybe he meant talk to the customers for you?

"Uh, okay."

[whibleysims]

"Dad? What are you doing?" Paul asked.

"Talking to the trees, of course," John Jr. answered.

"Why?"

"Old family secret," he winked. "Helps the trees grow."

"Oh!"

"We MacDonalds have many farming tricks. Dad--I mean, your grandfather, taught me most of them."

"Will you teach me too, Dad?"

And with that, John Jr. had picked his favourite son. He felt suddenly reinvigorated and finally ready to get back to work after losing his father.

[whibleysims]

Introducing the new Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald!

[whibleysims]

Merry Christmas, everyone! with love, chrisnewbie

[whibleysims]

Later, when the boys were spending the afternoon at Grandpa Carl's house, John Jr. enjoyed a beer in his den above the barn. Meeting Rhonda today awakened something he thought died with Isabella.

She was really something, wasn't she? he thought. Hearty, warm, strong, and nothing at all like--

When they parted, Rhonda gave John her number. She told him the next time he was in Feverfew, delivering a new shipment of produce perhaps, that he should call her. He told her that travelling was not something he normally did since he had his hands full between managing the farm and single parenting two boys, but somehow that response didn't deter Rhonda like John thought it would. She told him to try calling anyway. "Let life surprise you," she had said.

I can't believe I'm actually thinking about falling--err, I mean, calling her.

[whibleysims]

The new farmhouse was the best thing that could have happened to the family; it was their dream home, and they spent that first fall season in it happier than ever.