As soon as Lois left for the kitchen, John excused himself and went to help Lois by stoking the old coal/wood burning stove/oven and doing anything else she might want help with. The sound of their bustle filled the air as Reed and Skyler remained in the dining room to visit with Ira. He told them tales of when he first started out trying to find a profession in his younger days. 'After graduating from college with a degree in engineering, back in the 30s, I couldn't find any work where we lived. I tried selling stuff, anything I could fine, door to door just to get some money to put food on the table for Lois and me. We had some tough times for awhile but gradually things started turning around. I got a job with a big company. Started out in their mail room. But soon enough, they found out about my degree and put me to the test in their manufacturing facility. Well, I lost count of all the changes I helped that company make. Really streamlined a lot of their business. But thank- fully, they were appreciative and I got nice bonuses along the way. One of them was moving out to this city. By the time I retired, I had a nice pension built up and lots of stock options. Thats what you gotta do guys, is get them stock options. They paid for this spread!' And so on and so forth, they told tales back and forth of their own expoits and ambitions and Ira was heard to chuckle loudly at some of them. He was a wise old man and didn't hesitate to interject a little sane advice into their conversation from time-to-time. While the meal cooked, John came back out to join them and mainly listen to what the others were saying. The time really flew by fast. Then the dinner bell rang. John went into the kitchen to help Lois bring out the supper plates loaded with food. After the food was placed, they all stood silently as Ira gave thanks for their blessings. As Skylar and Reed ate the wonderful food Lois had prepared, they couldn't help remark on how flavorful it was. 'Well, most of it we either raised in the garden or got from a local farmer we know who raises his own animals.' said Lois. After the meal was finished, Reed and Skylar dutifully volunteered to help clean up but Lois and John wouldn't hear of it. 'You are guests here tonight! Just sit and enjoy visiting.' they said, and proceeded to clear the table. The rest of the evening was spent with much more visiting. Many revelations for Skylar about his family. His own parents never talked much about their families since they had moved away from them to California, so Skylar knew practially nothing about them. As the evening wound to a close, Lois asked the guys where they were headed from here. They told her of their plans. She said, 'Well, long as you are this close, you should hop over and see Carlsbad Caverns! I'm sure John would love to take you over there tomorrow. You could give that wild animal you are driving a little rest and see some more of the country hear abouts!' The guys thought it over and after looking at each others facial expressions, they both agreed that they would like to do that. 'Well, off to bed then. It will be a full day for you tomorrow!' said Lois. ---------------------------- M4, M3 M2 and V2 characters. Rendered in Poser 9. Post work in Photoshop 7. Thank you for taking a peek! Your support is greatly appreciated!