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Thetford Town saw a superb fightback end in disappointment as they let three points slip away in the last minute in a thrilling 3-3 draw away at Ely City.
The Brecklanders trailed 2-0 at the break to a header from James Seymour and own goal by Sean O'Donnell, but replacement Steve Harley pulled a goal back before setting up Luke Catchpole to equalise.
Catchpole fired Thetford in front with eight minutes remaining, but Ely snatched a point in the 89th minute when Austen Diaper fired home via the inside of Scott Cruickshank's post.
In the rugby, it proved a disappointing start to the new year for Stowmarket who slumped to a 31-5 defeat away at leaders Ipswich A in London Two North East.
It was always going to be a difficult fixture for the visitors away at the table toppers and so it proved with the result leaving Nigel Brown's side second from bottom.


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Fall in love with the style and feel of these twist action stylus printed pens available in five color varieties.
This brightly colored custom imprinted pen features 4 different ink colors housed inside the same barrel.
Make your business cards stand out from the crowd with these aluminum logo business cards.
This Architect triangular pocket logo scale is about the size of a ball point pen. It is a great promotional item for architects, landscapers, builders, electricians and more.
ePromos has an array great promotional products for the architecture & design industry. Architecture & design have helped shape what our world looks like today. Promotional pencils are great for jotting down measurements and quick sketches. Promotional measuring tapes and rulers, imprinted with your company name or logo, are handy for creating accurate designs. Measure up to the competition with these great architecture & design products!

subset: commoncrawl


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Letterpress wedding stationery has long been considered the Rolls Royce of wedding paper for its use of timeless printing techniques, thick, luxurious paper and sumptuous textures. I know that when I was searching for my wedding invitations, the letterpress pieces were always the most elegant; they felt premium in a way that no laser printer could ever match. Letterpress is also typically in a higher price point than flat digital printing because of the elevated level of detail and the extensive printing process required in order to produce that perfect letterpress wedding invitation.
Being the pen and paper junkie that I am, it was SO hard for me to give up my desire for premium letterpress invitations in order to stay within my budget. Lucky for you though, many wedding stationers are beginning to offer that same elegant letterpress wedding stationery at more affordable prices. The popular wedding stationery website, Minted.com, just recently announced its new line of letterpress wedding invitations, now available on their website. The invitations start at just $4.85 per invitation (for 100 invitations), with your choice of 25 fonts, 2 types of high quality paper and up to three-color printing.
Once you've selected and purchased the letterpress design that you like best, you'll receive a complimentary online design consultation with Minted's new Perfection Team. You'll be paired with a talented designer who will work with you in real-time to get your invitation the way that you want it using the new Perfection Live Studio. This means no more waiting for emails and going back and forth repeatedly to get your questions answered and that color blue just the way you want it! Fabulous!
If letterpress happens to excite you like it does me, definitely check out the new Minted letterpress wedding invitation collection. I've included some of my favorites just below!
See more letterpress wedding invitations by Minted.com
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Guidelines and Forms for Certifications of Physical Containment Facilities
Under the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act), the Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator) may issue technical and procedural guidelines in relation to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) (under section 27 of the Act), in relation to certification of facilities to specified containment levels (section 90) and in relation to accreditation of organisations (section 98). The Act, the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 or instruments issued by the Regulator can require compliance with these guidelines in conducting dealings with GMOs or in obtaining and maintaining certification or accreditation.
|Previous guidelines
Previous (Superseded) Versions of Guidelines for Certification of Physical Containment Facilities


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Why You SHOULD Be Playing Android: Netrunner
December 24, 2014 by brennon
Last week I looked at Marvel Dice Masters, a game that you should be playing and could well be a perfect introduction to the world of tabletop awesomeness. This week I'm going to take a look at something a lot more in-depth, a card game filled with mind games and intense strategy. You SHOULD be playing Android: Netrunner…
What Is Netrunner?
The best place to start of course is by explaining exactly what Netrunner is. Fantasy Flight Games picked up this world and ran with it back in 2012. The premise behind it was to build another living card game for their extensive library but little did they know what a phenomena it was going to become. It was released in the same year as X-Wing so it was quite a bumper year for FFG!
Netrunner sees you playing as either a Hacker, called a Runner, or a multibillion dollar earning Corporation. In sublime asymmetrical play you'll either be 'running' as the Hackers trying to break into the digital vaults of these Corporations to steal their plans and agendas for the future in hopes of bringing them down, or as the Corporation themselves trying to stop them at every turn with deadly walls of 'Ice' that acts as programs in their way. If this already sounds awesome (and it should) then wait until you hear more.
As a game Netrunner is based on the Fantasy Flight Games Living Card Game system so there is a base boxed set followed by six pack 'cycles' that gives you extra cards followed by deluxe expansions that cap off each one. These card packs are not blind buys like in a Collectable Card Game so when you buy a pack you know exactly what's inside. It lends itself well to competitive play where you can always keep up with the opposition. No scratching your head at another bunch of packs with nothing useful inside.
Why Should I Play Netrunner?
Would you be won over if I just said 'because it's awesome?'. Ok, fair enough. Here's why…
- The Mechanics Are Sublime – Mechanically this game gets it right on so many levels. Everything feels tight and there's very few loopholes or ways around things in this game. You will grasp the basic premise of the game very easily and then from there it's entirely yours to play around with. The definition of easy to learn and hard to master.
- Asymmetry Is Awesome – There are plenty of card games where both sides are the same or have a very similar feel. In this Netrunner this isn't the case. The Runner plays entirely different from the Corporation and so if you want to be good at the game you're going to have to learn to play as both sides of the coin. The Runner is popping out tricks left, right and centre, trying to circumnavigate the intense walls of code the Corporations throw up while the Corporation itself are building their bastion of data and smirking as you hit that deadly trap set up in their system. It's intense.
- You FEEL Engrossed In The World – Despite it being simply a card game Netrunner does an amazing job of making you feel like each of the identities you play as. If you're playing as the Anarchs (one of the Runner types) you'll feel like a tattooed hacker downing energy drinks with loud punk music in the background. If you're the deadly Weyland Corporation you'll feel like the determind and ambitious President of a Company unleashing your cyber attack dogs on the Runner, tagging his location and sending responses teams to 'deal' with him. Every 'faction' has a flavour and a feel to them that is entirely individual
- It's A Game Of The Mind – While you can know what cards an opponent might put into their deck you can never know what they're thinking. People play Netrunner in entirely different ways, even with established and well known decks. You will be constantly surprised by what people do and if you get to play in tournaments you'll see this in spades. Even within a small group the meta will be very interesting and you'll each develop styles around the friends you play. More often than not you'll spend just as much time staring at your opponents face and trying to guess their tell as you do looking at your cards.
- The LCG Format Rocks – Put simply this is the best for card games in my opinion. No blind buys, no scrounging for cards online. You want a pack with x cards in it, you can buy it and know they are there. It's perfect for keeping ahead of the curve and not feeling left out. It does mean you're dropping a lot more money on this game than maybe Magic: The Gathering in one go but once you have it, you have it.
- The Artwork Is Great – I think only The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game stands above this game in terms of the pedigree of artwork they've got on their cards. Netrunner is a gorgeous game to look at and always has you checking out the fine details. You should see some of the promotional cards too. I have one and it's a cherished piece of artwork as well as a card worth having!
- The Community Is Awesome! – I've never met a horrible Netrunner player. I don't mean in terms of their skill but their manner. Everyone I've ever met who plays Netrunner is a genuinely nice person and while there must be a few bad eggs around you'll more often than not have a good game with randoms.
As you can tell, I really like Netrunner. I never intended to like the game and it took a while for me to actually buy cards but now I'm pretty much through the first cycle and looking to expand into the first deluxe expansion. While I'm not amazing at the game I always like trying to make a deck that's thematic (and it's very easy to do) so I have a good time even if I do end up losing most of the time!
How Do I Play Netrunner?
I'm not going to go into too many specifics and I've included a rules video above to help you out but I'll give you the basic outline below…
The Runner
The Runner makes a deck with cards that are called Ice Breakers and Programs. They will also have Resources that usually give them credits and also Hardware which supplements and aids their Ice Breakers and Programs. On your turn you will have four 'Clicks' or actions to do what you like. You can add cards to your 'grip' which is the suite of programs you're using, make runs, or spend time making money (amongst other things).
More often than not a Runner will be 'running' whereby you say you're going to try and hack into a server belonging to the Corporation. You will encounter 'Ice' which are barriers put in your way and use a combination of your Ice Breakers and Programs to hack through them. If you make it to the end you can access cards put into these servers and hopefully score points by doing so. If you fail to break the Ice in your way then you suffer the consequences. This can be as tame as just ending the run or you may lose cards, take serious brain damage (this limits your hand size) or other things like losing programs entirely.
The Corporation
The Corporation plays entirely differently. On your turn you will have three 'Clicks' to build up your servers and add that protective Ice to it. Each Corporation plays differently but more often than not you'll build servers and stack Ice in front of it in the hopes that the Runner will hit it and not be able to get through. In these servers you'll put your Agendas, the scoring points in the game, and advance them with your money/credits to score them and enact the plan. The Runner will be trying to steal these from you.
It's generally considered to be harder to play as the Corporation because the Runner can access so many places to win these Agenda points. Your hand, deck, discard pile, and all of your other servers on the table are open to him or her. As the Corporation your plans take time to score, they can't just be snatched out of hand, so you'll have to plan ahead. It's a hard job being a big Corporate IT engineer in the Cyberpunk future.
Will You Be Playing?
If you like the worlds of Deus Ex (+ Human Revolution), Ghost In The Shell, Cyberpunk 2020, Blade Runner or any other cyberpunk style world then you should give this game a go.
I'd like to point you to a site that also got me really excited about Android: Netrunner and had me thinking about the game in an entirely new way…
- Leigh Alexander's 'Life Hacks' does a great job of exploring the social aspect of the game as well as highlighting the thrill of the 'run'.
- Shut Up & Sit Down's Review – these folks really love this game and speak about it with plenty of passion.
Give everything a good think when it comes to this game and if it even peaks your interest a little I suggest you give it a go. I've had a lot of fun with it over the past year or so and I think you will too.
Let me know what you think!


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It has been a great month. Just like the last 8 months (since my daughter has been born), this month have flew by. There's been a lot of advocating, a lot of new connections, a few arguments and bickering here and there (which is going to happen), and even a family member being diagnosed.
I learned a lot this month from my peers and from all of the Twitter chats and daily Facebook posts from others. I try to not only spend my time advocating, but also trying to learn new ways of advocating and learn more about this disease.
Now that the month is over, does that mean I'm done advocating? Absolutely not. This month just had a lot of media and press around it, so it was important to take advantage of that additional coverage.
I would call this year's Diabetes Awareness Month a success.
Don't stop now. Keep going. Keep advocating. Keep writing. Keep tweeting. Keep posting. Keep doing whatever you did.
What was one thing that you learned this month?


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"You look out some afternoon and there's Tom out mowing the grass, or he's rolling the infield, or just raking up some stuff. And I know he does the same thing for the softball program."
Related quotes
"Every good newspaper is muckraking to some degree. It's part of our job. Where there's muck, we ought to rake it."
"Where there is muck to be raked, it must be raked,and the public must know of it, that it may mete out justice...."
"Not only are they raking it up, they are raking it towards the tee, so every ball that goes in there is into the grain, ... You can't control your shot and you can't normally get to the greens. You either hit it down the middle or you bomb it in the gallery over there where it's stomped down."
"We're really good. All of our younger girls are putting in a lot of effort. They're raking in more points than the older girls. By the time I'm a senior, these girls are going to be spectacular."
"Lawn and garden is one of our biggest departments, it covers everything from fertilizers, pesticides, mulch, shovels, rakes, and mowers."


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LOCAL newspapers all over the country, just like this one, very kindly printed my letter announcing a 'Fun Weekend' for ex-National Servicemen, which included a massive parade at the National Arboretum at Alrewas at the end of June.
The letters were read!
The response has been terrific and many men, with their wives or partners, have booked in, but a common comment has been, 'they ought to bring back National Service. Best two years of my life, met some great pals who I am still in touch with.' And it didn't matter whether they served in the Army, Royal Navy or the Royal Air Force - most enjoyed it.
If you are ex-National Service and missed the first letter, this is a recall for you to 'get fell in again' at this huge parade at Alrewas on the last Sunday in June. Get your boots polished, pack your kit and make a weekend of it with a very nostalgic 1940s weekend.
Superb accommodation, with a fun outing on Saturday, before a parade on Sunday. There is also a chance to win a prize. Still got your uniform or 1940s gear? Bring it!
Transport will be in comfortable coaches, not the back of lorries with canvas over!
Write to Mike Crowe, ex-National Serviceman, 7 Heath Road, Lake, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 8PG. Include your service number, which service you served in and when, and we will send you all the details of this wonderful, nostalgic weekend and some photos of last year's parade.
Wives and partners will enjoy it too - trust me, I'm an ex-National Serviceman.
Don't forget to bring your camera.
Former Royal Navy National Serviceman, 1958-60


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2014 – The Year of the Drone
Written by: Loura Sanchez on Friday, May, 16th, 2014
You may think that drones are only used by the federal government but think again. Drones are defined as any unmanned aerial vehicle, and privately operated drones are becoming more common and are readily available on the market for a small price ($49-$499). A promoter of personal use drones has declared 2014 the year of the drone as prices decrease and demands increase.
Why should you care about personal drones if you are on the board or manage an association? The two most common complaints relate to the noise they emit and invasion of privacy concerns. Consider an owner who complains that a drone, operated by a resident, is flying over the pool and photographing children swimming. Or, an owner who complains because a drone, which he believes is being flown by his neighbor with whom he has a dispute, is flying over his backyard and taking photos of his home, improvements and yard, and then filing complaints against him with the association. Can or should your board do something about these complaints?
If you take the lead from government, both state and federal, your association may want to consider banning drones in the community. The National Park Service has banned drones in numerous national parks because of noise, safety and privacy concerns. In 9 states drone use by the general public is banned or curtailed. In addition, a bill was introduced in Washington State this year to ban the flying of drones in airspace above private property. That bill has been passed by the house and is pending third reading in the senate.
While Colorado has no law banning private drones, your community could amend its declaration to ban the flying of drones within the community. It could also do so by a rule. If you are considering such a rule you will want to have it reviewed for legal enforceability and clarity. It may be difficult to determine who is actually in control of the unmanned aircraft so imposing fines or taking enforcement action may be challenging. And, remember that the rule or a covenant will only apply to owners, residents and guests. If drones are being flown from outside the community there may be little your association could do.
2 responses to "2014 – The Year of the Drone"
Did someone show you my business plan for PRO-AIR ?
We expect to launch a fleet of drones in the next few years that will link drone surveillance with legal resources to notify the air teams of violations automatically. As an alternate the drones might print out "tickets" and air-delivery the fines within minutes of violations being noticed. Payment would be accepted by Bitcoins or other internet based currency.
Consider that the HOA could use drones to spot and document violations, then follow up to see if the resident has complied. All without having any personal contact with the angry resident. I'm not really advocating for this, just sayin'. . . Like all other technology, this could be used for good or for bad. Regardless, it is the future of the human race. What about programs like Google Earth? Or GPS devices. All can be used to track the private activity of people. I am not in favor of the government's doing this unless there is a court order, but I am not personally worried. The government would have to be VERY deperate and bored to track my activities.


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If you need to buy a new pair of headphones you will find many different styles, and brands with their specific features. Maybe you really think that the costly products always offer some very high-quality, but, it's is quite clear that this is not the 100% truth. So, here you can learn some useful hints about those best headphones under $200.
Top Headphone under 200 dollars reviews
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Nice sound quality for some very decent price. I really don't know how to describe this in a more simple way, because these got really nice sonic performance. If you really have to hear some song or a great album at the fullest potential, just put these nice headphones on.
Audio-Technica brand products are truly nice! So, you will certainly like them and the fact is that these headphones got some rich sound and pretty good sound isolation. Because they got an extremely good quality, but are inexpensive, they completely deserve to be in the first place in this text.
♥ Superb sonic performance
♥ Proprietary type of 45 mm high-quality drivers
♥ Great clarity of sound and frequency range
♥ Deep bass
♥ Fine noise isolation
♥ 90° swiveling kinds of earcups
- Not much durable headphones
Video Review
V-Moda XS
They really fold up like some impressively tiny size and are able to be put into some backpack pockets, or large kinds of coat pockets. They got solid build quality, and they truly feel pretty sturdy and stable. V-Moda XS unique kind of collapsible design is a great characteristic, which proves their strength completely.
Their quality of the sound is pretty good and also comparable with respected cans, but also I imagine that you truly could find some equal quality of the sound in far cheaper packages and with far cheaper materials. Also, they really look fine on many different heads, and that really matters a lot.
♥ Nice sound and great ergonomics
♥ Ultra-portable size
♥ Unique collapsible design
♥ Hard metal construction, also military-level durability
♥ Nice comfort and noise isolation
♥ Compact exoskeleton
- Not so comfortable ear pads in hot climate conditions
Video Review
Sennheiser HD 598
These products are truly not designed to accomplish good sound isolating. But, they are the lightweight and open type of headphones that possess very nice durability and quality of the sound. They also got the nice type of 3m cable, and they truly are very good for their cheap price.
I really would not expect this kind of high-quality from these headphones but the quality of the highs and mids here tells otherwise. Also, these are truly very compatible with many different audio devices. So, I recommend these nice headphones, mostly because of their fine design and adaptability.
♥ Audiophile-grade type of over-ear headphones
♥ Lightweight
♥ Compatible with all audio devices
♥ Detachable type of 3m cable
♥ Durable
- A bit tight for the ears
Video Review
Philips Fidelio L2
This can be the real pair of some quality products that you can purchase at some onset of your potential journey. Because, they are astonishingly clear with some tight, nice, punchy bass, and some very clear mids. They offer just fine amounts of a high-frequency type of energy for delivering many precise details without them sounding overly fatiguing or aggressive, and they really isolate very well.
♥ Nice sound quality
♥ Superb bass extension
♥ Crystal-clear midrange
♥ Comfortable
♥ Durable
- Not so good looking
Plantronics BackBeat PRO
These are also lighter and smaller. I certainly like the nice audio pass here through a quality feature of those fine Plantronics. Because these are extremely fine noise-canceling types of headphones. They are also lightweight and quite comfortable, so they offer truly nice audio experience.
♥ Noise-canceling headphones
♥ Top quality, superb audio
♥ Durable battery life
♥ Comfortable
♥ Lightweight
- Each cup as able to leak some sound despite the firm noise-canceling
Video Review:
Grado SR225e
Headphones presented here are often considered by most to present the finest value among the Grado's lineup. That is because they offer a sound that truly delivers some of the most high-quality highs. That is similar to some of those higher end types of models, and all of that without traveling much overboard on their price.
Their sound is pretty good at that 225's level, so, the only real way to truly improve it can be with much less practical designs and materials. That can lead to simply steeply diminishing the type of return. But, their looks and very fine durability are the main reason why they are here on this list.
♥ Durable
♥ Fine noise reduction
♥ Superb bass sound
♥ Good looking
♥ Nice clarity of headphones top end
- Not very comfortable
Bose SoundTrue II
You can compare these with some higher end kinds of headphones. They are very clean and pretty sleek in the terms of their sound quality, but they are not so eye-catching and breathtaking at the first glance. These also possess some very deep bass and that will not make you disappointed at all with the further passing of the time.
I also need to clarify that these headphones got that plastic that feels cheap, but at the same time they are yet very comfortable and quite durable. I agree wholeheartedly with the fact that these are very easy to travel with because they look like they were nicely constructed to appear lightweight.
And the last nice thing is the cord that is not long at all so, certainly, you will not completely be in very good place in the case that you buy and try something that will wrap this cord and also adjust it. This cord is truly the only part that feels really cheap, but all other traits of these headphones are completely comparable with the more expensive and complicated models.
♥ Slim profile and very fresh design
♥ Softly padded type of headband
♥ Comfortable
♥ Easy for traveling
♥ Very durable
- Doesn't possess real noise canceling type of technology.
Video Review:
Best 10 Headphone under 200 dollars in 2017
|Top 10
|Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
|V-Moda XS
|Sennheiser HD 598
|Philips Fidelio L2
|Plantronics BackBeat PRO
|Grado SR225e
|Bose SoundTrue II
|Beyerdynamic DT-990-Pro-250
Buying guide
The greatest products available are often not those that are cheap, but some expensive kinds can truly be far more problematic in various fields than some with nice moderate cost. So, greater durability and stability often means those headphones are far less lightweight or they are not so easy for wearing.
Do you wish for some stable noise reduction, massive bass, or better highs? The real purpose of possessing those headphones can be gaming, professional studio work or far traveling so the true reason is something that only you must know. So, the aesthetics are also a matter of your personal taste.
Headphones are rarely accidentally jammed, stomped on, or heavily damaged in a greater hurry, and that really means, their entire life is very unforgiving and quite hard. So, that's why it is an important matter for you to simply choose some solidly structured, durable and also well-built type of headphones.
Many of those presented headphones got truly bad and good characteristics. But, the real winner here is Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones mainly because they got stunningly nice noise isolation and great sonic performance level. All other are truly nice for the inexpensive amount of cash, so, I really know that you can possibly benefit from this review.
Check more:


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Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 6:00pm, a Stormwater Management Annual Meeting & Public Hearing will be held, regarding the Village's Stormwater Management Plan. In 1995 the original "Floodplain Management Plan" was adopted. Annually, it has been reviewed and revised, as needed. Subsequently, in 2004, it was retitled to the "Stormwater Management Plan".
The purpose of the Committee is to provide oversight and planning for the administrative review problems relating to the stormwater & flooding, including the Orland Hills portion of the Midlothian Creek, Tinley Creek and Marley Creek watersheds. The Committee is also charged with development and updating of the Management Plan, which includes citizen education and outreach efforts relating to storm sewers, yard drainage and overland flow path protection. The objects/goals of the committee's efforts are to protect persons and property and reduce flood problems when flooding occurs.
This meeting will be held in the Village Board Room, located at 16033 S. 94th Avenue, Orland Hills.


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How can we better detect disease and help doctors find the best treatment for their patients? Medical Laboratory Scientists are health care professionals who conduct special diagnostic tests in a lab to help discover the presence or absence of disease and provide important data that physicians use in diagnosing and treating their patients.
The Medical Laboratory Science degree provides a curriculum to train students to practice medical laboratory science in diagnostic laboratories or other health care related settings. Successful completion of the program qualifies the student to sit for certification examinations.
Students declare a Pre-MLS Major and are accepted into the program in their Junior year. Once in the program, students have two semesters of intensive coursework after which they intern in a clinical facility for six months. The program in medical laboratory science is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Program graduates are eligible for a national certification examination.
The following are industry-wide salary estimates from payscale.com. Click to learn more:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical laboratory technologists and technicians is expected to grow 22% from 2012-2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. An increase in the aging population will lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions through laboratory procedures.
The following are some positions that some of our past MLS graduates are working in:
Want to know more about MMBIO programs or opportunities? Contact our academic advisor, Nannette Marx, below:


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9 comments
Congratulations KB!
Through your reviews over the years I have got to know how big a fan of Hulk Hogan you were as a child and still are. Great to see this and especially on the 30th anniversary of Hogan vs. Andre. Must feel so special.
And may I just add you have left me pretty jealous! Lol, enjoy the rest of the week man. Cheers!
klunderbunker Reply:
March 29th, 2017 at 7:37 pm
Much appreciated. It really did. I've never been so star struck.
Wow. Congratulations. How was Hulk and Jimmy like n person?
klunderbunker Reply:
March 29th, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Jimmy could not hvae been nicer. He was very thankful and is as energetic as he is on TV.
Hulk was polite but didn't say a ton. I told him Happy Anniversary when he was signing the tape and that seemed to mean something to him. Very nice guy and seemed to like meeting his fans.
BJ Reply:
March 29th, 2017 at 7:51 pm
U probably da only fan who realized it was his anniversary of wm3. Congratulations again. I'd love 2 talk wrestling w/either of them
Props homie. Hulk does not really look that tall at all. Looks like you had a blast. Good for you man. Now if you could get that SmackDown review up, that would be fantastic man!
BJ Reply:
March 29th, 2017 at 10:04 pm
I'm w/him on that cuz I didn't c smackdown myself and wanna c yo review of it
klunderbunker Reply:
March 29th, 2017 at 10:40 pm
Geez you take one day off and……
#MrScissorsKick Reply:
March 29th, 2017 at 11:47 pm
Bro, we are needy.


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New Delhi: In more trouble for the former liquor baron Vijay Mallya, a Mumbai court has issued a non-bailable warrant against him in Rs 1000 crore service tax evasion matter. The chief metropolitan magistrate court in Mumbai issued a non-bailable warrant against Vijay Mallya and the chief executive of Kingfisher airlines Sanjay Agarwal on Saturday.
Vijay Mallya was asked to appear before the Court on Saturday but he failed, following which the court has issued a non-bailable warrant against Mallya.
The court had summoned Mallya thrice before issuing the warrant.
"Mallya was to have been present today but his lawyer Mr Desai said he doesn't have the travel documents and sought concessional mercy for Mallya. Also, Sanjay Agarwal who is in Miami claimed to have his tickets and boarding pass attached to his application but was unfit to fly. We checked his medical records to find he only had a cough and appraised the court on the matter."
A Mumbai Court issues a non-bailable warrant against Vijay Mallya in Rs 1000 crore (approx) service tax evasion matter.
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 3, 2016
The tax department had approached the court to recover the dues of around Rs 1000 crore including interests. A senior official said that the airline had not deposited the service tax with the department and diverted the money for other purposes.
Earlier in the day, the Enforcement Directorate attached the assets, properties, and shares of liquor baron Vijay Mallya, total worth amounting to Rs. 6,630 crores.
The Enforcement Directorate has attached properties of worth Rs. 4234.84 crore which include Mandwa Farm House, Alibaugh (Rs.25 crore), flats in Kingfisher Tower, Bengaluru, (Rs. 565 crores), fixed deposits of Mallya with HDFC (Rs. 10 crore), shares of USL,UBL and Macdowell Holding Co. held by Mallya/ UBHL and his controlled entities (Rs.3635 crore).
"Present Market value of the above attached properties is Rs.6630 crore approximately. So far, ED Mumbai has attached properties of Dr. Mallya and his companies having market value more than Rs. 8000 crores," said the Enforcement Directorate.
(With ANI inputs)


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Winner Todd Burleson, and finalists Anita Cellucci and Laura Gardner, all display outstanding achievement and innovative use of technology.
SLJ and Scholastic Announce 2016 School Librarian of the Year Award Winners
Morton Schindel, Founder of Weston Woods Studios, Dies at 98
The work of this prolific producer of audiovisual materials adapted from award-winning children's books had been translated into more than 20 languages.
Scholastic to Launch New Multi-platform Series Led by Scott Westerfeld
Bestselling author of the "Uglies" series to lead a new series that spans across multiple books and an interactive gaming environment.
Scholastic Authors Reveal What's Coming for Fall
Scholastic's unique video publisher preview is full of fun and surprises, as well as plenty of collection-worthy titles for the upcoming school year.
Review of the Day: The King of Kazoo by Norm Feuti
King of Kazoo By Norm Feuti Graphix (an imprint of Scholastic) $22.99 ISBN: 978-0545770880 Ages 9-12 On shelves July 26th When I used to run a children's book club for 9-12 year-olds, I'd regularly let them choose the next book we'd discuss. In time, after some trial and error, I learned that the best way […]
Will You Be Our Next Celebrity School Librarian?
Are you one of those people who laments "I never win anything?" If you're a superstar school librarian (and you are, of course) then your luck may be about to change.
We Will Continue to Raise Our Voices: Survival, Slavery, Censorship | Up for Debate
This 'shocking and unprecedented case of self-censorship' was, in fact, an editorial decision. The publishing industry makes thousands of them every day. They happen in response to many factors, including outside pressure, personal bias, and money. This decision happened after many voices were raised opposing the book, led by Black Lives Matter activist Leslie Mac.
So People Disagree. Is This a Problem? | Up for Debate
Withdrawing a book from circulation—which makes it disappear as effectively as burning—is a dangerous course. The book is gone. By the same logic, other books will also disappear, or never be written. But there's another compelling cause for concern: Censorship often works against those who are the most marginalized—historically, women, minorities, and dissidents.
Scholastic Yanks Controversial Picture Book
The new release "A Birthday Cake for George Washington" draws heated criticism for its depiction of slaves, in similar fashion to "A Fine Dessert."
Untwine by Edwidge Danticat Scholastic, September 2015 Reviewed from final copy Can I admit something embarrassing? This is the first time I'm reading Edwidge Danticat. I've been recommending her for years to eager readers, but I haven't actually sat down and read any myself, until now. But what a title to start with: Untwine has […]
Printzbery, Part 4: Last but Not Least
I've had a busy two days, catching up on a few of the swing books we've got on the slate for our in-person Printzbery discussion this weekend. Also a busy few days sniffling and crying since both books are heavy on the feels. The Marvels, Brian Selznick Scholastic, September 2015 Reviewed from ARC (3 stars) […]
New Report from Scholastic Shows School Libraries Work
Brand new research shines a light on the unique positive effects school librarians have on student learning outcomes.
Scholastic Rolling Out Special Diverse Books Flyer for Holidays
Scholastic Reading Club flyers showcase diverse books in time for the holidays.
Printzbery Part 1
Printzbery: could be one, could be the other, might even end up both.* By popular demand: today we're talking about all those maybe kidlit, maybe YA books from the first three quarters of the year. On the table for the potential Printzbery*: Roller Girl; Echo; Goodbye, Stranger; The Hired Girl, Cuckoo Song, and Orbiting Jupiter. […]
Review: Bone Tribute Edition
I've always been open and honest about being a late comer to the comics world. I'd only read a handful of comics until 10-12 years ago, when I decided to bring comics into my school's library. I then started to read sporadically, until I joined ALA's Great Graphic Novels for Teens selection committee. Only then […]
The Game of Love and Death
The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brockenbrough Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, April 2015 Reviewed from an ARC Last week, I spent my time talking about unusual formats. This week, I'm not dealing with an unsual format — just straight up prose here, folks — but this title does have a unique feel. It's like […]
Double Trouble
I am Princess X by Cherie Priest Scholastic, May 2015 Reviewed from a final copy Me Being Me is Exactly as Insane as You Being You by Todd Hasaak-Lowy Simon & Schuster, April 2015 Reviewed from an ARC And hey! It's a twofer Friday to balance out our start to the week. We've got two […]
Mr. Schu on His New Role as Ambassador for School Libraries
SLJ catches up with John Schumacher, aka Mr. Schu, to learn what he's up to in his new role at Scholastic and what's on his to-read list.
Review: 'The Baby-Sitters Club: Kristy's Great Idea'
Was it in honor of Scholastic's 10th anniversary or was it because Raina Telgemeier titles are in such high demand? Is that why Scholastic reissued the Babysitter's Club in color? Back in May, I spoke to a Scholastic rep at Book Expo and she said that both were considerations. Mostly, she explained, it had to […]


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My kids and I spent 2 nights at the Edgewater last week. The location cannot be beat...you are one block from the main strip. We could walk to every place we wanted to go. The room was large, basic, and clean. Liked the mini fridge where we could store bottled water. The pool and hot tub areas were exceptional...the kids spent hours swimming and loved that they could jump in the water inside, swim under the dividing wall, and come up outside...so cool! I had no troubles with check-in, check-out, or parking. The kids were not fond of the free breakfast, but they are picky anyways. If you are looking for luxury, stay elsewhere. If you are looking for a decent, clean hotel, stay here. I would not hesitate to come back and cannot wait to plan another trip!
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- Redefining your Smoky Mountain lodging experience! In room micro-fridges, private balconies, complimentary continental breakfast, hotel wide WIFI, year round swimming are just a few privileges extended to you, our valued guest. Located "right smack in the center of Gatlinburg" at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and next to Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies, our location is both perfect and convenient. ... more less
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A new prolife group called Pregnant on Campus floated across my facebook feed last week. (I've told you before, and I mean it–I really do get all my news from facebook.) When I went on a fact-finding mission, I found that the group itself is actually not new, but is hitting some news outlets lately because of a newly redesigned website.
In a summary from campusreform.org, we read that that group has been founded specifically to combat the message of Planned Parenthood on college campuses. They are looking to provide pregnant students with resources to help support their pregnancy, instead of aborting the baby.
Pregnant On Campus enables students at over 530 colleges to locate nearby pregnancy and parenting resources. Each school profile provides emotional, financial, and material resources including but not limited to: peer-to-peer support; off-campus housing; clothing and food assistance; child care; adoption agencies; counseling, available also for post-abortive women; and community or religious organizations.
Any organization looking to counteract the message of Planned Parenthood on college campuses has a worthy goal in mind, and will find they have their work cut out for them.
But if we look again at the interview on Campus Reform, we see that at the heart, the philosophy of this organization is flawed. The fact that they would like to lessen the number of college women having abortions in admirable, but both their starting assumption and their final solution are problematic. At the heart, their basic message to women is the same as Planned Parenthood:
Becoming pregnant in college does not have to change your life at all.
"It's a site where pregnant students [can] search for resources that are available for them at their own campuses so they don't have to choose between their baby and their education," SFLA Director of Communications Kristina Hernandez told Campus Reform.
The solution for Planned Parenthood is abortion. The solution for Pregnant on Campus is financial support and provided daycare.
This may be a pro-life solution, but it is not a pro-child solution. Kids who grow up in single-parent households are worse off than children who grow up in a two-parent home. And as we have talked about before on the blog, daycare is not good for children.
Sadly, this organization with a noble goal is answering the problem with feminist solutions. They are telling young women that they can have their baby and continue on their career path. That they can, in fact, have it all. These girls will be in for a big let-down when their baby arrives and they try the juggling act of classes, friendships, homework, day-care, and the fact that they love their little baby so much it hurts. They'll find the promises that you can have it all ring a little hollow when they feel torn in all different directions.
There is no easy solution here. We know that abortion is not the answer. But neither is lying to young women, telling them that their life and plans will continue with only a short interruption. The responsibilities that come with pregnancy do not disappear with government intervention. We need to encourage these young women to take on the responsibility that their pregnancy requires, whether that looks like going home to parental support or putting their baby up for adoption.


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When we started the journey of producing None More American a little over 3 years ago, I really thought I had an idea of what the Army Football brotherhood was all about.
I thought I got it.
I thought I understood it - being part of a team, attending an academy, tough academics and military training, long days with unending requirements, followed by the shared active duty experience in the Army.
I had no clue.
None More American has been an incredible education and journey. The bonds between these brothers - years after they have hung up the pads, after their military commitment is up, well into their later years - are unbreakable.
They all came to West Point for their own reasons. They come from diverse backgrounds, a melting pot that is representative of America herself. I thought there was a general theme that drove them to West Point. I learned there was a heartfelt theme that made them stay.
Over the past three years, we have had so many people open their homes and their lives to us as we built this film. We could not have predicted the way this would have played out or the level of cooperation we have gotten about the board.
And now the finish line is finally in sight. November 23, 2016. Submissions are due to the Tribeca Film Festival on that date, and we have built a plan that will allow us to submit. But we still need help.
Thanks to the generous number of donors and investors, we have raised $225k for the film. Our budget was over $300k, and we are on track to come in about $25k under budget, but we still need about $50k to complete the film. That money breaks out as follows:
- $19,500 - Lead Editor - Final Cut of Film
- $4,000 - Composer (music)
- $15,000 - Final Coloring and Sound Design
- $5,000 - Assistant Editor - Final Cut of Film
- $2,500 - Post Production Interns
- $2,550 - Final legal releases, archive footage licensing
The edit team has started work on the final cut in our Philadelphia studios. We are marching towards the finish line quickly, but we need all of the strong arms out there to clasp together to get us over the final hump.
We have set up a fundraising platform on our web site, and everyone who donates to the film will receive a cut of the film prior to this year's Army-Navy game.
For all who have supported this project, we would love to have you help a little more. For those that have not, we would appreciate all of the help we can get.


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Sarah Bender, Roshi
Sarah, our resident teacher, began Zen practice with the Honolulu Diamond Sangha in 1979 and has studied with Joan Sutherland, Roshi, and David Weinstein, Roshi, since 1997. From 2001 to 2006 she served as the meditation instructor for SMS, and in 2006 she received authorization to teach from Joan Sutherland, Roshi, becoming a sensei with Sutherland Roshi's Open Source and our first resident teacher. From 2007 to 2013 Sarah served as Cadet Chapel Buddhist Program Leader for the United States Air Force Academy. She also serves as a holding teacher for the Wet Mountain Sangha, in Pueblo. She received full transmission from Joan Sutherland, Roshi in June, 2017.
A learning specialist in private practice in Colorado Springs, Sarah has two children, Joe (an independent filmmaker in Brooklyn, NY) and Laura (a Service Development Advisor for NZ govt. in Wellington, New Zealand).
Sarah gives talks, leads classes and retreats, and works with individual Zen students. She loves collaborating with others on this path of awakening, to use and forge tools for living lives of kindness and joy.
Andrew Palmer, Sensei
Andrew Palmer, Sensei, began practicing with Springs Mountain Sangha in 1999, was named a meditation instructor in 2007, and was authorized to teach by Joan Sutherland in February 2011. In addition to working with Springs Mountain Sangha, Andrew is the resident teacher for Wet Mountain Sangha in Pueblo, and in October 2013 began serving as the Buddhist Program Leader for the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel. Andrew's love of koans and affinity for the ancestors combines with an everyday, ordinary-mind-is-the-way approach to practice, where awakening is always readily at hand. Andrew lives in Colorado Springs with his wife and son. Andrew's web site can be located at http://www.bowandroar.com/
David Weinstein, Roshi
David Weinstein, Roshi, is a lead teacher with Pacific Zen Institute. David lives in Oakland with his wife, where he is a psychotherapist specializing in addiction and spirituality. His teaching emphasizes ways of discovering true Zen practice in the midst of ordinary life. He is especially interested in helping people cultivate an appreciation of koan practice as a way of recognizing our lives as works of art.
David has come to Colorado Springs to lead a number of retreats for SMS, and continues to work with a number of our members. His ongoing support at a distance is much appreciated.


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Strong winds sent a sign flying across the M56, smashing into the windscreen of a lorry.
The driver of the HGV sustained minor injuries in the terrifying incident, which happened on the westbound carriageway between junctions 12 and 14 shortly after 11am today (January 11).
Officers from Cheshire police's taskforce were quickly dispatched to the scene.
A force spokeswoman said: "We were called to reports of a road traffic collision on the M56 after a road sign blew across the carriageway and hit a lorry while driving.
"The lorry has since pulled up on the hard shoulder and the driver has minor injuries."
The Met Office has warned that strong winds and local gales are forecast for the region throughout today.


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Of these battle areas of WWI -- Marne, Verdun, and Meuse-Argonne -- I think only one of these is on the Western front. Is this correct?
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pohnpei397 | Certified Educator
No, this is not correct. All of the areas that you mention in this question are in fact on the Western Front.
What you must remember is that the term "Western Front" refers to all of the fighting that went on in World War I in Western Europe. This means that it refers to all of the battles in Belgium and in France. All of the areas that you mention are in France. Therefore, all of them are part of the Western Front.
The Marne was the site of two major battles in WWI, one in 1914 and one in 1918. Verdun was the site of a huge battle in 1916. The Meuse-Argonne area was site of the final allied offensive in the war in 1918. Americans fought there and at the Second Battle of the Marne.


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Wasira,Cheyo na Mrema wakamatwe na kuhojiwa kwa uchochezi.
Discussion in 'Jukwaa la Siasa' started by Byendangwero, Mar 4, 2011.
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Bernard clinton Jackson
- 38 years old
- Date of birth: Apr 5, 1975
- Place of birth:
Fort Myers, Florida, United States
- Date of passing: Nov 15, 2013
- Place of passing:
Fort Myers, Florida, United States
|Let the memory of Bernard be with us forever
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Bernard Jackson, 38, born on April 5, 1975 and passed away on November 15, 2013. We will remember him forever.
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Chapter 1
Fully Trusting
Taking her carpet bag from the conductor and thanking him for taking such good care of her, the young girl looked about. It was a tiny station, not much more than a platform with a shack on one side and a bench next to it. Her lone trunk stood rather forlornly by itself. No one was in sight except a man who she thought must be the station master, for he was inside the shack sitting at a desk and was not paying any attention. The girl, about ten years old, moved slowly over to the bench, though she didn't sit down, and watched as the train picked up speed and, with a parting whistle, hurried off down into the valley.
"Oh, what a lovely view," the girl exclaimed, looking all around her. Across the tracks stretched rolling hills, piled one behind the other as far as she could see, some carpeted with nothing but grass and flowers while others wore a heavy blanket of trees. There seemed to be a path winding down through the meadows and disappearing into the trees, but she wouldn't have thought to call it a road. To her left, the girl found only trees which blocked her view, so she turned at once to the other side. Here, around the corner of the station she discovered a road and several houses or buildings beyond. "I wonder if that is the town."
For several minutes she watched the comings and goings and wished she thought it right to go down and look about. "But it might not be proper for a young girl like me to go down there alone when I don't know anyone. It would be different if I had been living here and knew folks." A tear slipped from her eye and rolled unbidden down her cheek.
Straightening, the girl tipped up her chin and winked back the mate to the first tear. "I won't cry. It would be a shame for Aunt and Uncle to see me for the first time with red eyes. I will sit on the bench and look at the beautiful view and wait."
Resolutely she turned away from the action of the town and perched precariously on the bench which sloped slightly to one side. As lovely as the view was, it felt hard for the active child to remain in one place without someone to talk to for very long. After wondering where her uncle could be, the child began to sing. Her voice, pure and clear, though a trifle shaky at first, grew steadily stronger as the song went on.
"All my doubts I give to Jesus!
I've His gracious promise heard
'I shall never be confounded'
I am trusting in that word.
I am trusting, fully trusting,
Sweetly trusting in His word.
I am trusting, fully trusting,
Sweetly trusting in His word.
All my fears I give to Jesus!
Rests my weary soul on Him;
Thou' my way be hid in darkness,
Never can His light grow dim."
As she finished the line of verse, her voice quivered suspiciously, but bravely she kept going into the chorus.
"I am trusting, fully trusting,
Sweetly trusting in His word."
When the song was ended, the child, still humming the tune, swung her feet and looked up into the clear blue sky.
"Where did ye come from, miss?" a gruff, but not unkind, voice asked.
Turning her head, the girl smiled up into the face of the station master. "I came on the train, sir, but you seemed busy so I didn't bother you."
"Humph. What's yer name? And what'er yer waitin' fer?"
"My name is Belle Standish, and I'm waiting for my uncle to come for me. His name is Benjamin Russum. If I knew the way to his house, I might be able to walk there and save him the trouble of coming for me. I'm a good walker, but I don't know what I'd do about my trunk."
"It'll be safe enough here till it's sent fer. Russum, did ya say yer uncle's name is?"
"Yes, sir. And Auntie's name is Lillian. Isn't that such a lovely name? Do you know where they live?"
"Reckon I do," was the answer, but the man looked queer. "It's a might too far fer ye ta be walkin' that ways alone. But I might could fetch one a yer cousins to go 'long with ye."
At that, Belle looked astonished. "Cousins? I have cousins? Why, I didn't know that! How many have I got, please?"
The station master gave a shrug of his shoulders. "Ain't fer shore, never was able ta keep count. Reckon ye can can ask yer cousin. He oughter know."
"Oh, yes, that would be good."
Giving a slight nod, though his face still wore an expression Belle didn't understand, the man turned away and limped down the road.
"Cousins. Maybe my visit won't be so hard after all." And Belle, clasping her carpetbag with both hands, let it swing with her feet as she sang, "I am trusting, fully trusting, Sweetly trusting in His word."
She had sung her song twice through before the heavy tramp of feet was heard, and Belle looked around eagerly.
The station master came around the corner of the station, a young man beside him. The youth had brown hair, much the same color as Belle's own, but his looked like it hadn't seen a hairbrush for a week. His clothes were too small for him, and his boots needed polished more than any pair Belle had ever seen. As Belle's eyes moved to the new face, she smiled; the young man's eyes seemed kind, and if she had felt any dismay at the first sight of him, it vanished. Standing up, she held out her hand with a pretty air and a sweet smile. "Oh, are you one of my cousins?"
"Dunno's I am," was the low reply, and a hand, dirty and hard, briefly touched the small one held out.
"This here's Ezra–" began the station master.
"I ain't neither," broke in the youth with a growl. "I'm Zeke."
The station master threw up his hands. "How'm I supposed ta know which a ye was comin'. Ye both look so much alike–" His grumbling dropped to a mere mutter.
"Ya could a asked." Zeke didn't say another word.
Belle was looking from one man to the other, evidently confused. "Are you going to take me home, Zeke?"
For the first time, the young man actually looked at the slip of a girl before him. "I reckon. Once Ez gets here."
"Is he a cousin too?"
The station master grunted and disappeared into the tiny shack.
"Will he be along soon or would you like to sit down on the bench with me and wait for him?"
Instead of answering, Zeke looked back in the direction of town, then sat down on the edge of the platform.
For a very brief moment, Belle hesitated, but then, setting her carpetbag on the platform, she sat down next to her cousin. "I didn't know I had any cousins," she began. "I'm glad to know I do. It will be so nice to have other children to play with. How many are there, please?"
Zeke scratched his chin and then started mumbling and counting on his fingers. When he started on his other hand, Belle's eyes widened, and it was all she could do to keep back her astonishment. Finally, Zeke shook he head. "I calculated there might be ten a us, but I reckon it's jest as easy I could'a forgot one er two. Ez!" His shout was to another fellow, striding up the road. "How many young'uns we got over't the house?"
The young man addressed look so much like Zeke that Belle wondered if they were twins. She studied their faces carefully as this newcomer stuffed his hands in his pockets and wrinkled his brow in thought over the question. There was a bit of a difference in their features, but the difference was so subtle that a person would have to be on the lookout to notice it at all.
In a slow drawl, Ez at last replied, "Reckon there's 'bout a dozen or so all told."
"I have twelve cousins?" Had Belle not been sitting down, the astonishment would have made her feel faint. "Are . . . are they all truly my cousins?" She appealed to Zeke. "All of them?"
Zeke nodded solemnly. "Yep. Least ways if'n yer our cousin. Ez, this here's another cousin."
Ez stepped closer and looked over the girl without offering his hand. "What's 'er name?"
"Oh," Belle cried, standing up quickly. "The station master didn't finish introducing us, did he? He told me your name, Zeke, but didn't tell you mine. I'm Isabelle Standish, but everyone calls me Belle." She smiled brightly, offering her hand to Ez, who shook it with a little more feeling than Zeke had earlier. "There, now we know each other. Is it very far to the house? And what shall we do about my trunk?" She looked back at it with a puzzled face.
"Reckon we'll tote it along." And Zeke rose.
"It's awfully heavy," protested Belle, hurrying to take her carpetbag. Her cousins made no answer but each took one end and, with a grunt from one and an echoing grunt from the other, she watched the trunk lifted to the shoulders of her new kin.
"Come on," Zeke said, and they started off across the tracks and down the little path Belle had seen before.
They hadn't gone many steps before Belle broke the silence. "How old are you, please?"
"Both of you?"
"Then you must be twins, and, of course, Mama didn't know anything about you or any of my cousins because she . . . she married Papa seventeen years ago." There was suspicious quiver to her voice as she talked. "I'm sure she wished she could have come to visit–with me." The break in her voice was more noticeable this time.
Still matching strides with Zeke, who was in the lead, Ez glanced down at the girl and watched her shoulders straighten and her chin tip up. At that moment a feeling of compassion came over him for this young unknown cousin. "Le'me take that there bag fer ya." He held out his hand.
"I can carry it," Belle said, smiling, though a few tears clung to her lashes and sparkled in the sunlight. "You are already carrying the trunk, and I don't want to make it harder for you."
Zeke grunted.
Without a word, Ez reached out and took the carpetbag. His steps never faltered and he didn't look at her.
"Thank you." Those words were some of the sweetest that young man had ever heard.
In silence the strange party continued on their way; the sunny slopes were behind them and the path now led through the woods and the ground became more rocky. Belle didn't talk anymore, she hadn't the breath to do so, for trying to keep up with her cousins' long strides was proving more difficult as the terrain became more rough. How thankful she was that she didn't have to carry her carpetbag!
At last Zeke came to a halt, the trunk was lowered and the carpetbag set on top. Sinking to the ground, Belle drew in several long breaths. When she felt like she could speak again, she looked up. Both cousins were watching her. "Are we about there?"
"Got 'bout half an hour left ta go," Zeke replied.
"I'm glad you were both in town and could take me back with you. I know I would have gotten lost long before now if I had tried it on my own. Were you in town because you knew I was coming?"
Belle frowned thoughtfully. "I wonder why Uncle Benjamin didn't come for me then? Mama wrote and said what train I would be arriving on. I hope the letter didn't get misplaced." There was genuine concern in the child's voice and she looked from one cousin to the other. "What will I do if there is no room for me? Mama didn't know about all the cousins."
"One more head won't matter none," Ez reassured. "Can't never keep track of 'em all anyhow."
"Let's git." Zeke took the carpetbag this time and, with grunts from both, the trunk was again lifted.
Feeling only partly refreshed, Belle rose and followed. The path led downhill until it reached a bubbling stream at the bottom. Here, Belle paused in dismay. There was no bridge and no stones to cross over on. It didn't look very deep, but still she hesitated.
"Wait there." Belle wasn't sure which brother had given the directions, but she waited, watching as the sturdy boots splashed through the water.
Once the brothers had crossed the stream, the trunk was set down, and Ez strode back across, lifted his cousin, and carried her safely across the water. Again he heard those sweet words, "Thank you," but he said nothing.
Belle hoped there would be no other streams to cross before the home of her aunt and uncle was reached. As she trudged on, she tried to distract her mind from thinking how her feet were beginning to ache and about how tired she was, by thinking of what the house would be like. Her mother had told her it was small. "But they must have added onto it with all those children," thought Belle. "Oh, I wonder how much farther I can go!"
The quiet of the woods was broken by her soft voice singing.
"All my fears I give to Jesus!
Rests my weary soul on Him;
Tho' my way be hid in darkness,
Never can His light grow dim.
The voice grew stronger, more confident, as Belle reached the chorus.
"I am trusting, fully trusting,
Sweetly trusting in His word,
I am trusting, fully trusting,
Sweetly trusting in His word.
All my joys I give to Jesus!
He is all I want of bliss:
He of all the worlds is Master
He has all I need in this."
Then once again the air rang with the chorus of trust.
As the final words died away, Belle fell silent, her spirit was refreshed, and her joy, which had begun to grow dim, was renewed.
"Home's jest a piece ahead," Zeke volunteered presently.
Belle made no reply, but tried to quicken her pace so as not to lag behind her cousins. The woods had been growing darker, and she had wondered if they would reach home before darkness completely overtook them. Then a new thought struck her. Soon she would be meeting not just her aunt and uncle, but more cousins than she had ever known anyone to have. Her heart beat faster, and unconsciously she slipped her hand into the work hardened one of Ez.
Suddenly up ahead was a clearing, a large one, and to one side stood a house. But it wasn't like anything Belle had imagined it would be. Made of logs, the building looked rough and dirty. A stone chimney on one end of the structure was sending smoke drifting heavenward. There were windows, but the panes of glass didn't gleam in the setting sun.
Shouts and cries sounded as the three cousins emerged from the shelter of the woods and began to climb the hill towards the house. They had not gone more than a few yards before the door was flung open and out rushed a horde of children of all ages. In sudden shyness Belle pressed close to Ez, thankful for the sheltering form of Zeke before her.
"What's that ye's got?"
"What'cha so late fer?"
"What's in the bag, Zeke?"
"Hey, who'd ya bring with ya?"
"Ez, do take Mattie. She's been cryin' and frettin' so's Ma's jest fed up."
Belle felt her cousin's hand on hers tighten a little and heard him say, "Can't. Tote'er 'long ta the house 'n I'll take her then." She stole a glance at the girl luging along a crying tot and wished she was acquainted enough to take the child herself, for she had always borrowed the babies of their neighbors as often as she could.
"Kade, Rome, quit yer pickin' fights with the young'uns. Git up ta the house. An' the rest a ya'll quit yer hollarin'." Zeke issued his orders with a tone of command that left no doubt that he meant what he said. "Jess, Pa home?"
Zeke said no more, but his few words were obeyed and Belle, wondering more and more what her stay with her aunt and uncle was going to be like, kept close to Ez.
The children all reached the house before the newcomers and were all babbling at once. As Belle stepped up onto the wide porch she heard a sharp voice. "All a you's git over there, si'down and stop talkin'. I don't care if'n yer brothers brung home the president a the United States, nor a tiger from the circus, I can't stand more a yer goin's on!"
There was almost instant silence as Zeke and Ez stepped through the doors and lowered the trunk to the floor. Zeke set the carpetbag on top while Ez nudged Belle forward, saying in his quiet tones, "We brung Aunt Lynn's girl with us, Ma."
For a moment Belle hesitated. This wasn't the introduction she had been expecting. The woman, standing by the fireplace, turned and looked from one of her tall sons to the other, and then her gaze rested on Belle. Instantly Belle forgot her shyness, for there was something in the woman's face, though it was tired and old, that reminded her of her mother. "Oh, Aunt Lillian, I'm so glad I'm finally here!" cried the girl, rushing across the room to give her aunt a hug and kiss. "I'm Belle, and Mama was quite relieved to know you would let me come visit while–" The child's voice broke suddenly and she drew a deep breath.
"What are you talking about, Child?" Aunt Lillian held the girl off at arm's length and looked at her. "You're Lynn's daughter all right, I can see that in yer face, but I ain't never told yer mother we'd take ya."
"Oh, but you didn't say I couldn't come. And that's what Mama wrote. She said to let her know if I couldn't come, and there was never any word, so, of course, I came." And Belle smiled brightly.
Without answering, her aunt gave a tired smile. "Reckon yer hungry. Jest sit down at the table. Git ta the table, boys. I kept yer supper hot. Jess, Ali, serve it up. Riss, get Mattie, so's Ez can eat."
Belle looked at her tall cousin. The little one, Mattie, they had called her, had nestled her head on her brother's shoulder, her thumb in her mouth. The other arm was around his neck and she looked sleepy. It seemed a shame to wake her.
"I'll keep 'er, Riss," Ez said quietly, sitting down on the chair at the head of the table while Zeke sat on the bench opposite Belle. "I kin eat one handed, Ma."
When no word of protest came, Belle assumed her aunt had agreed. One of the girls, she wasn't sure which one, set a steaming bowl before her. "Thank you," she whispered with a smile. It smelled appetizing, and she was hungry after her long journey and the unexpected walk to the house. She noticed that Zeke and Ez had both begun eating right away. "Perhaps they forgot to give thanks," she thought, bowing her own head for a brief moment.
A low murmur was coming from the line of younger cousins, and Belle looked at them all. They all looked much alike, differing only in size, and length and color of hair. Most heads were covered with sandy colored locks, but a few bore darker tresses like Zeke and Ez. Some of them stared at the newcomer, and Belle smiled. It was going to be enjoyable getting to know them all.
Aunt Lillian sank down into a rocking chair, and a little fellow ran to her, begging to sit in her lap. That seemed to be the move needed to release the other children, and they began to scatter about the large room. Belle, focused on her meal, wondered if she would be introduced to each one of her cousins later. Perhaps they were waiting for Uncle Benjamin to arrive.
Her thoughts were startled by Zeke's voice. "Kade, Rome, keep yer hands off what ain't yers. Move along and leave yer cousin's things be."
The two younger boys backed away from Belle's luggage, glancing at their older brother.
Zeke kept his eyes on them until they were on the other side of the room, before returning to his supper.
"Zeke, Ez, when yer both finished, ye can set Belle's things in the girls' room. I reckon it'll be a might smaller'n she's used ta, but we ain't got anywheres else."
"Oh, Aunt Lillian," Belle exclaimed, dropping her fork in her excitement. "Do you really mean I can share a room with the girls? I have always wished I could share a room with someone." The light of her eyes was unmistakable and, giving a little bounce of delight, she quickly finished the last of her supper.
The evening passed in a succession of new things for Belle. She watched her older cousins take her trunk and bag through a door she hadn't noticed before. The sun was nearly gone when Aunt Lillian said it was time for bed. There were no family prayers, and again Belle wondered if that was because her uncle wasn't home. She hoped he was all right. Kissing her aunt good night, Belle whispered, "I just know I'm going to love being here, Auntie!"
In her room with the other girls, Belle smiled. "You all know who I am, but I don't know who anyone is. Except Mattie."
After tucking the covers over Mattie who was sound asleep, one of the girls offered a shy smile. "I'm Jess. That's Riss and Tabby." She pointed to the girl who had been carrying Mattie earlier, who was now engaged in helping get a very sleepy young one ready for bed. "Tabby's jest four. This one here is Sade. She and Si is twins."
Sade stuck a finger in her mouth and clung to her sister's skirt.
Crouching down, Belle asked softly, with her most winning smile, "How old are you, Sade?"
For answer, the little one looked up at Jess.
"Reckon she's 'bout five."
"Five years old? You must be such a help with the little ones." Sade gave no answer, but Belle didn't expect one and stood back up. There was only one other girl in the room
"That's Ali," Jess nodded. "She's ten, an' the two a ya kin share a bed."
None of the girls said another word as they prepared for bed. But when Jess would have blown out the lamp, Belle said, "Can't we leave it on just a little longer, please? I haven't gotten to read my verse yet."
At that, Ali sat up in bed. "Kin ya really read?"
"Yes. Can't you?"
Ali shook her head. "Ain't none a us kin read, 'cept Ma a little an' Pa. But he don't like the idea of us trampin' all the way ter town jest ta learn some letters an' numbers. Said it's too far fer the young'uns an' Ma's got too much ta do 'thout us ta help out."
"Well, maybe if we have time, I can help you," offered Belle, feeling that this visit was not going to be anything like she had envisioned. She opened her small Bible and read a verse aloud in a soft voice. Then, without taking time to think about what her cousins would say, she knelt down beside the bed and prayed as she had at her mother's knee.
After the light was put out and the house was still, Belle heard a soft whisper near her ear.
"Belle, are ye awake?"
"I'm glad ya came."
"So am I, Ali." Belle hesitated a moment and then added honestly, "I wasn't sure I wanted to come at first, but Mama and Papa thought it was best, so I had to trust that Jesus knew what was best for me."
Chapter 2
To the Work!
When Belle opened her eyes in the morning, she couldn't remember where she was at first. There were strange sounds in the next room, and then she felt a small hand pat her face. Quickly glancing over, the memory of yesterday's experiences returned at the sight of a baby face staring into her own.
"Oh, Mattie," Belle whispered, sitting up and reaching out her hands. The little one went right to her, and Belle, with a sigh of delight, pulled her into her lap. "I'm going to love having you around."
The soft light of early morning drifted in through the curtains of the two windows, allowing Belle to notice that Jess and Riss were no longer in the room and that Ali and the others still slept. "I wonder if you are used to waking Ali up," Belle murmured in Mattie's ear. Then she frowned. "I don't think you got a bath yesterday, Baby. You're rather dirty. Perhaps there wasn't time. Do you want to listen while I read my morning verse?"
Mattie stuck her thumb in her mouth and leaned back against Belle's shoulder for answer.
Opening the little book which sat on her trunk, Belle read the next verse, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."
"That is a good verse for today, I think, Baby. I don't know anything about life here, but I'm sure I can find things to do, and I am supposed to do them with my might because that will please Jesus." Still talking to the little tot, Belle continued her musings. "We must ask Him to help us though, because His might is stronger than ours." Bowing her head, she prayed for strength to do what she found to do that day.
It took but a few minutes for Belle to complete her own toilet while Mattie, still silent and with her thumb in her mouth, sat on the bed and watched. When she was finished and her hair braided in its usual braid, Belle turned her attention to the baby again. "I know I could get you dressed," she whispered, "but perhaps you are supposed to get a bath first. What shall we do, Baby?"
Right then the door to the room opened and Jess stepped in. "C'mon girls, get–" She paused at the sight of Belle and Mattie. "Did she wake ya?"
Belle shook her head. "No, and I would have gotten her dressed, but I didn't know if she was supposed to get a bath first, since she didn't have one last night."
"If we have time today she kin have a bath, like as not, if someone wants ta mess with it," Jess answered shortly, tossing the baby's clothes to Belle. "If'n ya want ta get her dressed, go 'head." Without waiting for a reply, Jess crossed the room and pushed open the curtains, letting the morning sun stream in. "C'mon," she urged the little ones, pulling back the blankets and slipping nightgowns over tousled heads as the younger two sat up sleepily. "Ma an' Riss 'bout have breakfast ready, and Pa an' the boys have ta git t'the fields 'fore it gits hot."
Belle listened to this talk with only one ear as she quickly dressed the little one, whispering her verse over and over. Mattie, contrary to Jess's expectation, gave no trouble but allowed the new hands to fasten her into clean clothes. "There," Belle said, kissing the little face involuntarily, "now I think you're ready."
The call to breakfast was heard from the other room, and, leaving the beds unmade and clothes lying about, much to Belle's dismay, the girls hurried to the table.
The boys were already there, and at the head, where Ez had eaten the night before, sat a tall, lean man. His shoulders were broad and his face unsmiling. There were some grey hairs about his temples, but the rest was brown, and he was clean shaven. Belle went up to him at once and greeted him with a kiss.
"Good morning, Uncle Benjamin. I'm Belle, and I'm so glad you made it home safely last night. I was a bit worried when you didn't come before bed time, but I prayed for you." She smiled brightly up into his face.
A bit of a smile crossed the man's face as he looked at the bright faced girl beside him. "You slept well?"
"Oh, yes, sir! I didn't wake up once until this morning."
"Good. Sit there," Uncle Benjamin motioned to an empty place on the bench beside Ali, "an' we'll eat."
Almost as soon as the last bowl of porridge was set on the table, the clatter of spoons began.
But Belle looked around puzzled.
"Don't ya like porridge?" Uncle Benjamin asked her.
"Yes, sir, but we forgot to thank the Lord for our food."
"Supposin' we ain't never learned how?"
Belle lifted a shocked face, "But . . . but . . . then I could thank Him."
Silence had fallen about the table at Belle's first words. Into the hush came the sound of a giggle.
"Kade, ya want ta go outside?" asked the head of the family sternly.
Giving a quick shake of his head, Kade looked down at the table.
Uncle Benjamin turned back to his niece. "If'n yer wantin' ta say grace, go 'head."
To Belle, who was not timid, the thought of talking to her Savior before others was no trial. Hadn't she done it often enough in prayer meeting? Her prayer was simple, thanking the Lord for the food and asking that He give them strength for the work of the day. When it was over, the interrupted meal commenced again, in silence.
Only when it was over did Uncle Benjamin speak. "Zeke, Ez, let's go. We got work ta do in the fields."
"Kin Rome an' me go too, Pa?" asked Kade.
"Ye kin come up with our lunch an' I'll see then."
With that the younger boys had to be content. Aunt Lillian sent them out to feed the chickens and gather the eggs while the girls set about clearing away the dishes and washing things up. Belle, eager to help, coaxed Sade and Tabby into their room and helped them make the beds and hang up their clothes. As she often did at home, Belle soon broke into song.
"To the work! to the work! we are servants of God,
Let us follow the path that our Master has trod;
With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew,
Let us do with our might what our hands find to do."
The morning passed quickly for Belle; each thing was novel to her, and she found it all interesting. Two-year-old Benny was the hardest of the young ones to make friends with, for he clung to Jess or his mother's skirts until Belle was almost in despair.
"Offer ta take him outside," Ali whispered.
To Belle's great delight, the little boy went right to her at that offer, and she received permission from Aunt Lillian to take the children out.
"Go 'long with her, Ali," Aunt Lillian instructed. "Belle ain't used ta things 'round here yet, an' I don't reckon she'll find it as easy as she thinks ta keep an eye on 'em all."
Belle soon found that her aunt had been right, for once outside, the children scattered like dandelion seeds when they are blown. It took all of her ingenuity to gather them about her on the sunny slope and teach them a simple game. The younger twins, Si and Sade, refused to join in.
"Si ain't what folks call real friendly," confided Ali when all Belle's coaxing and smiles to the little fellow had been in vain. "He's shy when he don't know someone an' likes ta stay away. An' 'course Sade, she goes with 'im. Ye ain't likely ta see one 'thout the other 'cept at night."
There was some difficulty with Kade and Rome, for both boys seemed more inclined to stir up trouble than to play the game. Finally Ali grabbed Kade's arm and said, "Kade Russum, if'n ya don't quit yer trouble makin', I'm goin' ta head up ta the fields and fetch home Pa er Zeke." She turned to the younger boy. "Same goes fer you too, Rome."
Neither boy gave answer in words, but they settled down and played the game with the little ones, though they were both sulky and refused to talk to their sister.
After lunch, when Kade and Rome had departed to the upper fields with food for their father and brothers, and the youngest ones had been put down for naps, Aunt Lillian sank wearily into her rocking chair and picked up her mending.
"Auntie," Belle said, going over and sitting in a nearby chair, "you look so tired. Won't you go lie down and take a rest? We'll keep the house quiet. Do Auntie. Mama does often when–" She swallowed hard and then went on with only a slight catch in her voice. "When she's tired."
"Do, Ma," Jess encouraged. "Ya know Kade and Rome'll be gone fer hours, an' the little ones are sleepin'. Ya ain't had a rest fer so long."
Aunt Lillian looked about, and then down at the mending. "I reckon I kin this once. I am a might more tired'n usual today."
For several minutes the older girls sat in silence, the sisters glancing at each other and wondering how to entertain their cousin from the city. Suddenly Belle whispered, "Isn't there something that Auntie would like to have done but hasn't had time to do? Maybe something she used to do about the house?"
Jess, Riss and Ali exchanged blank looks. At last Riss replied slowly, "She used to wash the windows every week, but she ain't done that since Sade an' Si were born. Now they only get washed once a year, if we get to it then."
Clapping her hands softly, Belle exclaimed in whispered tones, "Let's wash the windows then! At least the ones in here. There are four of us, so two can work inside and two outside. Unless," her face fell slightly, "there are other things we need to do instead."
Jess shook her head. "No, we ain't got ta do other things, 'less it's the mendin', but I reckon Ma'd like the windows clean more'n she would the mendin' done. An'," she added, looking critically down at the basket, "there ain't much mendin' neither."
Soon Ali and Belle were outside with rags and a pail of water while Jess and Riss took up their places inside. Under their willing hands the windowpanes soon began to glisten in the afternoon sun.
Unable to keep back the song she had been humming all day, Belle broke into singing.
"To the work! to the work! there is labor for all,
For the kingdom of darkness and error shall fall;
And the name of Jehovah exalted shall be
In the loud swelling chorus, 'Salvation is free!'"
Scrubbing the windows in time to her song, she launched into the chorus.
"Toiling on, toiling on,
Toiling on, toiling on,
Let us hope, and trust,
Let us watch, and pray,
And labor till the Master comes."
The windows shone as all four girls stepped down off the porch to look at them. "They'll catch the setting sun now," Belle remarked. "And they'll shine like gold. Don't you just love the way the sun sparkles on the glass? It always reminded Mama–" Belle's voice broke, and it was some time before she could go on. "It reminded Mama about the streets of gold in Heaven, when the sun was making windows shine like gold. Maybe that's why Auntie liked having them so clean. Perhaps they reminded her of that too."
When none of her cousins replied, Belle suggested they go inside and not say a word about what they had done. "How long do you think it will be before she notices?"
"Ain't sure," Ali replied with a giggle, starting up the porch steps.
Aunt Lillian, looking more rested, came from her room shortly after the girls had sat down with the mending. "Ya ain't got very far on them clothes if'n that's the only thing ya'll's done. Kade an' Rome come back yet?"
"No, Ma."
Stepping over to the windows, Aunt Lillian looked out, then took a step back and eyed the windows. Belle hid a smile behind her hand.
"Well, I reckon I'd rather have them windows cleaned than that mendin' done," was all the comment she made, but Jess's nod told Belle her aunt was pleased. She knew it for herself later in the evening when, on pretense of "watchin' for the boys," her aunt went out into the yard. She did more looking at the windows than watching the slopes, Belle noticed with a satisfied feeling.
The supper table that evening was the liveliest Belle had ever been a part of. Ali, Kade, Rome and Tabby all vied over who could talk the most and the loudest. To her astonishment, no one even seemed to try and curb the chatter, but they all went on with their meal, answering a few questions or making their own comments. To Belle, the commotion was bewildering, and she longed for a few moments of peace and quiet. "It will come after supper," she thought. "Then Uncle will have family prayers."
All at once a new thought disturbed this happy idea. "But Uncle Benjamin doesn't even thank the Lord for the food. Maybe he doesn't have family prayers either." Her face grew sober and she lowered her eyes to her almost finished meal. She didn't feel hungry any more. An ache which had been pushed down and buried in the excitement of a new place and new family, almost choked her. How she longed to hear her beloved father pray or her mother's gentle voice sing.
A low voice beside her whispered, "Ain't ya hungry?"
Belle glanced over at Kade, who was looking from her unfinished meal to her and then back at the food. "No, you may have it," she replied in equally low tones, giving her plate a little push toward her younger cousin.
Kade wasted no time in switching plates, and Belle wondered if anyone noticed, for in moments the food which had choked her, had vanished.
"Ma," Ez broke into the lull of talk as plates were scraped clean, "I saw ya got them windows washed."
Leaning back in her chair, Aunt Lillian shook her head. "I didn't do any such thing, Ez. They were washed while I was takin' a rest."
Ez glanced at Jess but said nothing, and the silence lengthened.
At last Aunt Lillian stood up saying, "Well, girls, let's get these dishes washed; they ain't goin' ta do it themselves."
Feeling relieved to do something, Belle rose with the others and began to clear the table. It had never been a favorite chore at home, but she was grateful to wash a stack of dirty dishes now because it helped push down the homesick feeling.
"Sing that song ya sang this mornin', Belle," Ali begged. "I ain't never heard it 'fore today."
Still fighting the lump in her throat, Belle shook hear head. "I don't think I can sing right now," she replied in whispered tones.
"Try it, please?"
"Ali," Jess scolded, "Belle ain't required ta sing. Leave her be."
Belle caught the slight quiver of her cousin's chin at the rebuke. "I can try, Ali," she whispered. "I like to sing while I work. It's just that I was–" Somehow she couldn't bring herself to admit that she was homesick. Breathing a quick prayer for help, she began.
"To the work! to the work! we are servants of God,
Let us follow the path that our Master has trod;
With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew,
Let us do with our might what our hands find to do."
As she sang, her courage flowed back and she smiled. She could work and hope because this was where her Master had sent her.
"To the work! to the work! let the hungry be fed;"
Well, there had certainly been plenty of hungry mouths that evening!
"To the fountain of Life let the weary be led;
In the cross and its banner our glory shall be,
While we herald the tidings, 'Salvation is free!'
Toiling on, Toiling on,
Toiling on, Toiling on,
Let us hope, and trust,
Let us watch, and pray,
And labor till the Master comes."
With each verse her voice grew firmer and stronger until the entire room was hushed as everyone listened to the sweet voice of the singer washing the dishes. Three times she sang the hymn through before the last dish was dried and put away in the cupboard. Only then did she notice the quietness of the room and turn to look.
Aunt Lillian, with Benny in her lap, was rocking in her chair while Sade and Si sat on their father's knees, leaning back against his shoulders. Standing by the open doorway where the breeze was fresh, Zeke leaned against the doorpost with folded arms staring out into the gathering dusk. Seated in a nearby chair, Ez held Mattie in his arms as she happily played with her rag doll. The other children, silent and subdued, sat as though mesmerized by the tune and the singer.
The first wave of self-consciousness Belle could ever remember feeling swept over her, and she colored. "I . . . I'm sorry if I was too loud," she murmured, looking from her aunt to her uncle. "I forget myself when I'm singing."
"Ya weren't too loud at all, Child," Uncle Benjamin said, giving her a nod. "It ain't often we get ta hear singin', an' it were right nice."
Thus assured, Belle regained her usual self-possession and, going up to her uncle, asked, "What time do we need to leave for church in the morning?"
Blinking in surprise, Uncle Benjamin stared at his niece. "Church? Tomorrow?" He repeated blankly.
"Yes, sir. Tomorrow is Sunday, though I know it must be hard to remember when you live so far from town and can't go over to prayer meeting during the week. Sometimes the weeks were so busy back home that even Papa had a hard time realizing what day it really was. But what time, please?"
Instead of answering, her uncle looked across the room at her aunt. Neither one said a word, though Aunt Lillian gave a slight nod. Only Baby Mattie's jabber broke the breathless hush of the room as everyone waited to hear the answer. At last Uncle Benjamin cleared his throat. "Well, seein' as we live so far outside a town," he began, "we ain't never went ta church regular like. Sometimes the roads are too muddy, or it's rainin' or some such thing."
"But it was really sunny today, Uncle, and I heard Zeke say it looked like it would be sunny tomorrow." Belle had never missed church on Sunday except when she was sick and couldn't go. The thought of not going when she was perfectly well and the sun was shining made the homesick feeling rise again. She bit her lower lip and blinked back the tears which burned in her eyes.
"Well, I reckon if'n ya can talk Ez or Zeke ta hitch up the wagon an' take ya, ye might could go."
"Oh, thank you, Uncle!" And Belle, unmindful of those watching, threw her arms around her uncle's neck and kissed him.
Looking slightly pleased, Uncle Benjamin raised an eyebrow. "Don't ya go ta thankin' me yet," he said. "Like as not Zeke an' Ez'll be wantin' a day a rest at home."
Turning at once to her older cousins, Belle asked if they would take her to church in the morning.
There was but a moment of hesitation as the two young men exchanged glances before Zeke gave a nod and said, "Yep, we'll take ya."
"Thank you!" Belle's radiant smile seemed to light up the darkening room.
"Pa, can I go too," Ali asked.
"Ask yer brothers. If'n they don't mind, I shore 'nough don't care who goes ta church tomorrow."
Instantly the room was filled with pleas to Zeke and Ez to take them too, for a trip to town for whatever reason, was an adventure not to be overlooked. Finally Aunt Lillian ordered everyone to be quiet. "Give yer brothers a chance ta talk. They kin say who all kin go n' who can't." She looked at Zeke.
"Any that want'a go an' are ready when we leave, can come 'long. Sade, Si, ya want to go ta church with us in the mornin'?" Zeke had left his post by the door and moved beside his father's chair. Two little blond heads were shaken. "Then I 'spect we'll be takin' Rome, Kade an' the girls."
"Kin ya manage all the young'uns without us, Ma?" asked Jess.
Aunt Lillian gave a smile. "Since yer pa'll be here, I kin manage."
Belle, who had been thinking since Zeke told her she could go, now turned once more to her uncle. "Uncle, don't you and Auntie want to come to church too?"
But Uncle Benjamin shook his head. "No, Child, you go 'long with yer cousins tomorrow an' another time maybe we'll go too."
With this Belle had to be content, for she had never learned how to argue and wouldn't have considered doing it now.
Putting Benny down from her lap, Aunt Lillian stood up. "Any who are thinkin' a goin' ta church in the mornin' ain't goin' dirty. Ez, fetch the tub, an' Zeke, take yer brothers out ta the barn. Use the old trough an' make sure the young'uns git clean. I ain't sendin' my young'uns ta church with more'n a week's dirt on 'em. Pa, will ya start pumpin' water? Jess fetch clean nightshirts fer the boys, an' make sure ya get 'em fer Si and Benny too. I know they ain't goin', but that don't mean they can't get cleaned up too."
By the time Belle was in the room she shared with her cousins, she was more tired than she ever remembered feeling. Mattie and Tabby were both asleep, worn out with crying through their baths. In silence the older girls prepared for bed.
"Are ya still goin' ta read yer Bible?" whispered Ali, when Belle reached for the book.
Belle nodded.
"But aren't ya tired?"
"Yes," admitted Belle, "but I know I will rest better if I have a sweet promise of Jesus to rest upon." A smile broke over her face as she saw the next verses. Softly she read them aloud. "For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul. Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me."
Jess's voice sounded from across the room. "What does that word 'satiated' mean? I ain't never heard it before."
"I asked Papa that once and he said it meant to satisfy so much that the satisfying spilled over in abundance. That's how Jesus satisfies; He does until it overflows. But sometimes I don't let Him satisfy." She heaved a little sigh. "I want something more, something else, when all I need is Him." There was a long pause before Belle added, "But when we let Him satisfy, our sleep will be sweet." Gently shutting the Bible, Belle knelt in prayer. She had a promise to rest on. Though she was weary and tired, He would satisfy her and make her sleep sweet. All she had to do was accept.
Rising from her knees, she blew out the candle and slipped into bed beside Ali with a sigh of contentment.
"Belle, when will ya teach me ta read?"
"Soon, Ali, soon."