LUCY part 22
Lucy part 22
May 13, 2017
Lionel and Lancelot found two days they could work together and had lumber and fittings they needed to build sent down to camp. They had designed a nice balcony up in the room where
Lionel and Lucy were staying. It had an awning made to crank back over the balcony when the weather was bad. It was a nice reading area for Lucy and she was overjoyed at the surprise. They designed a wraparound porch around the whole building to Aunty Beas delight. The males in the camp made some simple stools to set on the porch. The room that Lancelot had picked out now had a nice Queen sized sleeping area and some shelves for his clothes and books. The window was repaired and he could open and close it as the weather permitted.
Gramps and big Monk wishes were more tables with benches and a few chaise lounges on the wraparound porch. Lionel and Lancelot installed a few strategically solar post lights so the humans could go out at night without using their flashlights at night.
Lancelot and Lionel got together with Lucy and Aunty Bea asking them where they would like them to build an outhouse.
"We need to build one that has two doors. One for Ladies and one for men. I know the animals collect our "Potties every day and empty them for us and I think it best we just come outside into the outhouse because they are not our slaves and we can deal with this ourselves". said Lionel.
For the meantime we can bathe in our rooms or go jump in the creek and have an invigorating bath he went on to say laughingly.
Lancelot's friend Mary was due to get her final degree for Veterinary practice and he asked Lionel and Lucy to attend the graduation. Two weeks later they all went to the graduation and they asked Mary to come to the Stone Mary enjoyed meeting the ladies and started coming out of her shy shell.
Baby Monk,Jack and Jill Squirrels and Henrietta Hedgehog came bounding into the room carrying nuts in a little bowl and Rosemary sprigs wrapped in yellow yarn. They went right over to Mary and placed the gifts on her lap. Everyone was quite surprised but then they saw Baby Monk sign for you new friend directly at Mary. Mary quickly signed back Thank You dear ones. Lancelot had never told Mary about the animals so now was the time. Mary was quite fascinated with the whole story starting with Lucy's Grandfather.
"Someday we will have you meet the ones that live in camp but you must never tell anyone of their existence as they would be harmed by the outside world. They live in their camp healthy and happy and especially free". said Lucy.
" I am the Elder up here at Stone House and you all know I am a very good judge of character so why not show Mary the camp today so she can meet all our dear friends"? said Aunty Bea.
Lionel said he and Baby Monk would go down first to let the Elders know they were bringing a new one down to meet them.
About a half hour later Lancelot and Mary appeared in camp to meet Gramps, Ma Ma and Big Monk. Lucy and Aunty Bea followed right behind with two large baskets of Raspberries.
Mary was well accepted in camp and she just glowed all over with happiness. The time was getting close to evening meal and the children were asked to put their games and books away in their special storage room and go wash their hands and faces for dinner.
The ladies and Ma Ma brought out bowls of food and set it on the table. Gramp's had everyone say their thank you prayer and they all started eating very proper and quiet. Ma Ma had used the berries along with goat milk and a bit of honey to make a cool refreshing drink for dessert. Mary was overwhelmed at the kindness and generosity and her eyes welled up with tears.
It was getting quite dark and Aunty Be suggested that Mary stay in camp and sleep in her room tonight. Mary thought that a grand Idea and Lucy brought down one of her warm nightgowns and robe for Mary. Before they retired Mary and Lancelot talked and talked for what seemed hours. Then he walked her over to Aunty Beas room giving her a light hug. she felt his warm breath on her ear and Mary never felt so thrilled in her life.
©Julia A Knaake