Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:05:01 -0700 (PDT)
From: Rubber Rider <rubber_rider07@yahoo.ca>
Subject: Farming part 13

Farming Part 13 -- John heads for Clara Station

I take off about 4:15 am it is just getting light, the landscape is
beautiful and arrive over Clara Station at 10:15 hrs, I call the station
and no response but the Doc plane on the air field, I land and refuel and
then head over to the managers house on entry I see the Doc stretched out
and he rouses as I walk in. Hi Doc how are things, Pete is very distraught
following Keith's passing so I gave a good sedative to make him sleep and
hopefully come back to normal. Have you had any breakfast yet, nothing
since late yesterday afternoon, ok come with me and leave sleeping beauty
and I take the Doc to the Cookhouse and request the cook to make two good
breakfasts, he asks what is going on. A sad story Keith passed away last
night from a massive heart attack, and Pete is very distraught so the Doc
hear has knock him out for some hours, I have just flown in from High Creek
and later today Jim our Boss will be here so you will have two extra to
feed.

OK must get two good breakfasts anything you do not like Doc, I'll have
toast instead of hash-browns and same for me please. There is Tea over
there always fresh. We both get ourselves a large mug of Tea and take a
seat bye the way my name is Ted and I'm John. We have seen each other
several times, gosh this tea goes down well, and I wonder if Keith has any
living relatives Ted says he never said anything to me about his private
life. Bye now we have been served a really great breakfast and it goes down
well and after another mug of tea we head back to the house. The Doc goes
and checks on Pete and he is sleeping peacefully, he says let him sleep and
here are two sleeping pills one for to-night and hold the other in
reserve. I'm going to head back home now and leave things in your
hands. I'll drive you out to the strip don't bother I need the walk, oh do
you need to fuel up no I'm alright I have enough fuel for 2000 miles on
board and I started with full tanks but thanks all the same. I will give
you a call to-morrow.

I go over to the office and see if there is any reference to his family,
just hope he has told Pete something. I'm relaxing at the house and it is
now late afternoon and I hear a plane sound like Jim, then my radio trips
are you about John sure am I'm the way to collect you. See you shortly, dam
it cannot find the truck keys I check my own bingo mine fits so soon at the
airstrip so I collect Jim and get my own gear. We head for the house but
stop in the shade to talk, I fill him in on Pete's condition he may not
make much sense today. Do you know if the funeral man has been called? No
idea well we need to do that promptly, there is a little graveyard here and
that where we will place him. Try and set that up for tomorrow
afternoon. We carry on to the house and find Pete is up, as we enter he
says Hi John & Jim thanks for coming. Jim says do you feel up to answering
some questions and we both know you may not have an answer. He mentioned he
would retire just outside Darwin close to the nursing home where is sister
is being care for and I believe she may be a spinster -- that would make it
easier to locate her.

Do you know if Keith had received any personal mail lately that upset him,
well last Thursday was mail day and after that he was never the same and he
never mentioned anything about it, but unusually he stayed in his office
from then onwards.

I wonder if he used a bank or do you know if he had a safe here. Pete says
guard this with your life this sealed envelope is the combination to my
safe and is located in my office as part of my desk. We go to the office
and find the safe with all three present Pete calls out the number two at a
time, Jim opens the door, it is jammed full of cash in large bills. Let's
move everything off the top of the desk first put it all over there, Jim
start putting the bundles of money on top of the desk and suddenly we find
a will, Jim looks it over and says this was only dated a month ago. Pete
put this through the copy machine and makes three copies please. Jim takes
the rest of the money out to make sure there were no other papers. OK we
will put all the money back into the safe plus the will and lock it for
present. We hear someone calling is there anyone about, John goes out to
who it is, turn out to be the funeral man here to embalm the body. He ask
do you have a death certificate yes I would like a copy please, no
problem. Do you know if his pockets have been cleared -- nothing has been
touched I would like one of to be present while we do that John said I will
come with you. While we are there in the room what type of box would you
like, basically a good simply box the man was the manager here. I'll get on
with this but may I call you again if required certainly.

I return Pete and Jim are having a drink Pete says please help yourself
there is either Gin or Scotch -- it's going to be a stiff scotch for me
thank you.

John says I don't know if you have talked yet about this but to-morrow
morning we need a hole dug not less than 6 feet deep 30" wide and 7 feet
long. Now Pete you know your equipment operators and who would be best
should also have a helper. Now after supper tonight we will go to the grave
yard and find a suitable spot, Pete I know this might upset you it is your
choice if you come or not.

I would also like to see six pallbearers three black and three white so ask
for volunteers. We will transport the coffin to graveyard in a Ute so it
would be nice to have a really clean one. Jim we do not have a Reverent
here so perhaps you would conduct the affair at the graveyard. We will
advise everyone at dinner to night of the plans and ask at that time for
the volunteers. The only other thing I can think of is what time -- Pete
says 1 pm would be good and I suggest we give the crew the day off -- good
thought there Pete says Jim

The next 24 hrs went very quickly, Pete got things well organized, there
were plenty of volunteers, everything went very smoothly, and all the crew
and the wives attended. Once the burial was completed, the ladies invited
everyone to the cookhouse for tea and sandwiches. The pallbearers closed up
the grave when one of them said I will get the machine and seal it off.

Then we should join everyone in the cookhouse, well I sure need a big mug
of tea.

The following day John & Pete sit down and go over everything, the one
thing that John wants to see is a flow chart and is willing to help develop
this. One thing Keith did have was a good set of records on paper of each
piece of equipment. Jim joins the discussions and is please at what Pete
has done with Keith.

Jim said while you two are working here I'm going to search Keith office to
see if I can find the mail he received last Thursday, It was not long when
Jim called out Bingo found it and after reading a couple of times, Jim
realizes why he was so upset as the letter was from the care home where his
sister Kathleen was living telling him she had passed away.

Jim decided to phone the administrator for the home and endeavor to find
out who was dealing with her estate and to advise them that her brother
passed away three days after receiving your letter. Jim was provided with
all the required information, he said thanks I will get my Solicitor to get
in contact; thanks for your help.

The rest of the paper work in the office appears to be regular farming
correspondence. Jim said he was going over to the house and deal with Keith
room. His clothing was limited nothing much there how ever it was all clean
and well used. Jim asks Pete any large cardboard boxes around as I'm going
to pack Keith clothing and we will donate it, Pete said we have two
Aboriginal families that are rather hard up, I would be cautious there they
are very superstitious people as wearing a dead mans clothes could mean
they are next to go. Pete said I was not aware of that then best to get it
all off site. Keith's bed is in poor shape so we will burn it and get a
replacement, Pete comment was well frankly all the beds are rather beat up
and all should be replaced. Jim said I will check them out and by the way
the room at the far end what is in there? Have no idea door has always been
locked, well eventually Keith found a key and when the door was opened the
smell was terrible, it improved once some air was let in. The room was left
venting for several hours then on return they realized the room was set up
as a tomb as an embalmed body was sitting in the chair.

Jim said we will touch nothing I'm going to let the police know what we
have found. Pete do we have any vacant homes here, yes two one two bedroom
the other one bedroom.

John come join us please I have an idea and lets see if you have any ideas,
strip the managers house completely and convert it into the office building
all the room are more less equal size, the bathroom put a new shower in
there. While this is going Pete and you John there is a spare two bedroom
house vacant. Once the manager house is revamped we move the office over
there then convert the old office into the new manager home it will provide
three bedrooms, bathroom and small kitchen. John says were missing a living
room and suggests the largest room become a living room and fix up the one
bedroom house into a guest house and then sometime later but not now move
that house close the new manager home and connect it with covered walkway

Thanks John, what do you think Pete I sure like the idea as the old house
troubles me and I don't know why. Let's go and check up on these other two
houses any idea how long they have been empty Pete, several years is my
guess. We look at the homes and all in good shape basically just need a
good cleaning and airing.

Well everything went ahead the police dealt with the body and burial in
town and building change started to take place.

John said to Jim I must get my plane back to High Creek as they have
nothing there at present, tell you what Pete why don't you take your plane
and follow John back to High Creek spend two nights there and return I will
stay here while you are away. John lets Roger know what is happening and
that Pete will be with him I expect we will be in early afternoon
to-morrow; and lots to tell you and we will give Pete suite.

Both John & Pete depart Clara Station and make good time going to High
Creek, John calls Roger to meet us please at the landing strip. John lands
first and Pete does a circle to let John clear the runway and then also
lands. Bye this time Roger has arrived with the large Ute and after
refueling in completed on both planes they join Roger and head for the
house so they can get a wash up and then over to the office. Adam is doing
records when his radio trips problem with a broken arm on the harvester it
has fractured, ok where are you bottom end area five. Ok I will see you in
about 30 minutes.

Roger says what's happened as Adam gets his coveralls on etc, ok if you
have a problem give me a call, will be on my way once I have moved my tool
box out of the Ute in to the welding Truck fair enough oh before you go I
should introduce you to Pete from Clara your opposite number. Hi says Adam
nice to meet you, Roger says why don't you go out with Adam we can loan
some gear, oh that would be nice. Adam says I will get the tools moved over
and I will pick you up here in about 5 mins, and make sure you have a hard
hat on with that he is gone.

Roger passes over a pair of fireproof coveralls, safety glasses and hard
hat, Adam is back and picks up Pete and head off to breakdown site. Pete
this truck is like an old bronco bounce you everywhere, Adam laughed and
said that one reason you need a hard hat. On examination this job is
similar to one earlier and so he checks the other side looking for any
stress cracks and can fine nothing.

He then commence to grind so he has a double v notch the takes a strip of
steel from the truck clamps to hold secure and then makes his start on a
root weld after which he can remove his clamps and the steel and complete
the root weld and complete the welding on that side cleaning out any slag
between welds, he then does the other side, cleans up the edges and gives
it all a quick coat of fast drying paint. Lastly a photo of nameplate and
side view, check the time hum 2:45 minutes down time. He get the operator
to start up everything is ok and he said go ahead I will wait here till you
complete your round. The operator is back in roughly 45 minutes his thumbs
up -- and shouts thank Adam.

We return back to the office after parking the truck in the shop and
locking up. On entry to the office Roger asks how did it go Adam, Pete
pipes up you are lucky to have a guy like this he is good. Adam take Pete
over to the bunkhouse showers and you both get cleaned up etc will do boss,
come on Pete empty any thing you have out of your coveralls because they
get washed as well.

Adam does his thing and while under the shower says to Pete give my back a
good scrub please he does a fair job, OK want yours doing, Pete hesitates
oh what the hell yes please. By the time they are finished the washing
machine has complete it job, Adam says we just hang them on the line and in
about two hours they will be dry. They return to the office and Roger says
call it a day Adam and head home we will see you in the morning.

Pete first words were I wish I could weld like that, Roger words were
practice make perfect. Ok I think it is time to go to the house for a beer
dam good idea brother. Now I don't really have an idea how you do things a
Clara but supper time is a family time for all the single guys and everyone
joins in the conversation we will be interested to hear what you think
afterwards. Kim is the chef and he does some really good meals and he knows
what our folk like, well we headed for the cook house and sat together,
some called out where have you been hiding these last few days, I've been
at Clara Station and this guy sitting next to me is from Clare his name is
Pete. Some else called out hey Pete welcome to High Creek, Pete says thanks
very much nice to see you guys. While eating there meal there was comments
about the breakdown today the operator said you should see young Adam he's
doing dammed good, someone else said look who did most of his training --
good for you Roger we are all so proud of his achievements. Pete is
listening to all this and then turns to John next to him and asks is this
Adam the one that came back with both a TQ in millwright & welding yes the
same one and the instructor at TAFF said do you need a job as I have
several vacancies on the books -- Adam answer was no thanks I already have
a job and further more I really would not want to work in town too many
people all in a rush getting no wear.

We leave the cookhouse and take a walk around the little town-site, Pete
first words this is attractive place everywhere looks so neat and tidy,
well we have done a lot to it since we took over. The last house over there
is converted into a school house and we brought in the internet. So finally
we are home Pete asks which room and we say the suite right at the end. We
will see you out on the rear veranda; we both strip off and in our chairs
with a drink this time good stiff Rum & Ginger, about five minutes later
Pete shows up are you are dressed for comfort and with he peels off his
shirt, what would you like to drink we have rum, gin, and scotch. A scotch
please so we pour him a good one with ice and ask would you like any water
in it -- no thanks.

Therefore, Pete I am assuming you will become the manager now due to a
force of circumstance what are going to be your priorities. Good question
most of the housing looks drab and it needs repainting. I like the idea of
getting the whole crew together for meals in one cookhouse because at
present our cook has two cookhouses to look after and would much more
efficient if we only had one. There has been no cooking there for the last
12 months; when the old cook retired Keith decided not to replace him so
food is sent over for those guys from this kitchen.

I get on well with the crew, at times I go bush, and really enjoy myself it
has been a sort of un-winding period for me because you listen to the crew
and so often, you pick up good ideas.

I sure like your way of thinking, so how many of the crew wear H-Vis gear
about 60%, well we need 100% was the offer ever made to your knowledge the
first one was free any more were $10 each. No not to my knowledge, what
about the school kids 2 out of five do because there Dad forced it on
them. We will take some back with us and present the kids and then tell
them extra ones are $10 each and we will give each one a pair of safety
glasses to keep the grits from passing trucks out of there eyes. John says
I can easily see all the Kids when we get back, as a matter of interest I
hope you wear Hi-Vis gear, my coveralls are but not fireproof type, well
you need to correct that promptly, also Pete you must wear Hi-Vis gear at
all time because you must practice what you preach.

So how much traffic is there in the town-site, everything passes through,
well when we get back we will look at re-locating that road at the back and
eliminate that traffic.

Another Scotch Pete oh thanks you that would be nice. John says Pete it is
nice to hear some positive ideas, thank you says Pete I do not know how Jim
will accept it. I cannot answer that one but anything related to safety
just go ahead, however Jim is very receptive to good ideas and I would
suggest you convert the bunkhouse showers over there to the same as
here. Our crew hear really did like that because there is room for
haircutting.

Well Pete see its way past our bedtime so I think we all should hit the
sack and we will see you in the morning, breakfast is 6:00am. We all get up
and head for our room. Night Pete hope you sleep well; night guys.

We get to our room take a quick shower and head for the bunk but not before
making love, we fucked each other for a good twenty minutes doggy style and
finally got into bed. Talk for a few minutes John asks Roger what he
thought of Pete idea's they are good because he is thinking about the
crew. John has now fallen asleep, Roger is not far behind.

As usual they get woken at 5:30 am by the alarm clock, get a quick shower
and dress in regular work gear, the decide to let Pete sleep because John
is sure he is thrashed.

However they are just about to go for breakfast and Pete shows up so the
three have our usual bacon and eggs etc all washed down with tea after
which they head for the office only to find Adam already at work writing up
yesterdays repair. Roger is looking over his shoulder at the report and
Adam says I think there must be a problem with these harvesters because
this is the second one to have a similar breakage. I'm going out today to
look at the other two to see if I can find anything and also discuss with
the operators the problem that has occurred twice after which I think we
should contact the supplier of these machines and see if they have had this
on other similar machines. I expect to be out all morning, no problem if a
breakdown occurs anywhere I will deal with it and let you know where I'm
going; OK I'm off and I'm taking my Ute with tools -- see you later Adam.

Pete says I like this idea of a flow chart it makes a lot of sense, Roger
said another thing it does it tells us when certain items of equipment will
not be needed and therefore this will become the annual maintenance time
for that machine. Pete asks John could we get this started as soon as we
get back to Clara -- John says no problem at all, I know one thing we are
going to have a busy time with your plans. Now here is the photo album of
how this place looked when Roger and I took over, we also re-painted all
the inside of the homes and we had a spare house so the tenant could move
over if they wished.

Tell me who did all the painting, Harold someone that Jim knows, he is good
does not waste time and very clean about his work. I'll be back in a moment
I need to talk to Darlene. Hi Darlene how things really good, there is some
ordering for you to deal with because I have taken five kids sized shirts
and I'm going to take to adult medium shirts charge them to Clara Station I
will counter sign or Roger will if I'm away -- no problem John I will deal
with this today and get them to send me the bill right away. It sounds as
if you are going back to Clara, I said yes maybe as long as three months as
we have a lot of work to do there -- see you later Darlene.

I dump two Hi-Vis shirts on Pete lap, OK Pete off with old and on with new
please once was changed I laughed and said Mate now you are one of us and
gave him a big hug.

Many other things were discussed and I said we need to discuss a number of
things with Jim so I am going to call him and make sure he is not planning
to take off right away. I get him on the radio, morning John how are things
very progressive is my comment, please don't plan on leaving to-morrow as
we have a lot to discuss, Pete has got some very good ideas. No problem
John I don't intend leaving till the weekend anyway -- oh that is great. We
will leave early tomorrow morning and should be in for lunch see you then
-- bye.

Adam has returned and said Roger do you have time to talk, certainly so
what did you find out, well I rode with the operator of two machines and
the whole arm section is sort of swaying from side to side, so in my
opinion it needs bracing to take that swing out. However you cannot do a
normal bracing because the arm moves up and down and would foul on other
parts; but by welding in stiffen strip on each arm I think that would solve
the problem. OK Adam lets get the supplier on the phone, they said that
also had similar problems and found by shortening the upper arm by 12" and
then put cross bracing in and that is a hit and miss. We are more than
willing to do the job if your own crew cannot handle it, thanks for that
offer but we have two TQ Welders on our crew; your are lucky to have that
staff -- thanks for your ideas. Well Adam you heard what was said and
unless we get another breakdown, we will modify all the harvesters once
they are in for annual maintenance; good work thanks.

John says Pete would you come with me please, Roger we will see at lunch
sure thing. John goes outside lets take the Ute and they head off of site
in the shade of a bunch of trees, lets sit on the tail gate. Firstly Pete
what we discuss here is private and I would like you to be honest with me,
now you lived in the same house as Keith how did it work out in your off
time. At first everything went well but as time went on it became more
uncomfortable to the point where I was considering taking over the single
room house. Most of my relaxing was done on the veranda. With that
experience how do you feel about having your assistant living in the same
house, well I don't see a problem because I assume the Assistant will be my
age or younger.

I will tell you Keith had said he planned to retire in 12 months time and
told Jim you would be able to take over however we would have to find a
Assistant Manager / Maintenance. Well we are training Adam in that roll and
so far he is doing well and he knows nothing of the plans for him. So your
thoughts Pete, well having seen him at work he is very mature and I could
see he is well respected with the crew and I would be delighted to have a
man like him working with me.

If he is willing to take on such a job it will be the first time he has
lived away from home. My question is how do you feel about becoming the
manager of Clara Station well to be honest it is sort of scary because
there are things that I don't know how to handle. Well to start with you
can always phone me and I will try and help -- thanks that is a weight off
my mind.

We better go and have some lunch, so on the way back these discussion were
private between you and I, we get into the cookhouse and only Roger is
there, so where is Adam he had brought his own lunch and having it on the
office veranda.

Roger asks do you have a brother or sister, just a brother who lives in the
UK, so what does he do? To me a mundane job he is manager of the local
supper market works excessive hours for poor wages. He is married with four
kids how ever his wife walked out about three years ago and never been seen
or heard off since. Luckily for him his kids are all teens, the two boys
have gone into the army and love it, one girl is a trainee nurse the other
is a child care worker so they are on there own basically. My feeling Tom
my brother should pull the pin and move either to Canada or come here to
Australia but the problem is he does not have a trade. He has a tough
situation and there is little I can do to help because we have always loved
each other, sorry may be that is the wrong wording. John said no Roger and
I love each other you could call us gay and Jim knows that hence he does
not even suggest splitting us up.

Come on Roger you have a job to do for me please I need a full haircut; you
can join us if you wish Pete. Must admit it would do me good to get a cut
like you guys because you both look good. Keith used to use his electric
clippers but they were not able to get that real close cut, I did his as
well.

John is laughing, well Pete we often do our haircutting in the bunkhouse
shower room but don't worry we will do it out on the back veranda and we
have an outside shower to rinse off any loose hair so I suggest we do it
straight after supper sound real good -- thanks.

Well what can we show or explain, Pete says well you two have pumped so
much information into my head is spinning, don't worry if I questions I
will ask one of you guys. Sounds good Pete, now you might be interested in
looking some plans Jim had drawn up to revamp the office to provide more
space. The drawing are on the plan table, John says well we have a better
space for Darlene and a filing room, Roger I assume you have looked this so
you may have questions or suggestions please put it all down on paper
because I would like to take these drawing with me so I can discuss with
Jim

Pete says I like this idea of a flow chart it makes a lot of sense, Roger
said another thing it does it tells us when certain items of equipment will
not be needed and therefore this will become the annual maintenance time
for that machine. Pete asks John could we get this started as soon as we
get back to Clara -- John says no problem at all, I know one thing we are
going to have a busy time with your plans. Now here is the photo album of
how this place looked when Roger and I took over, we also re-painted all
the inside of the homes and we had a spare house so the tenant could move
over if they wished.

Many other things were discussed and I said we need to discuss a number of
things with Jim so I'm going to call him and make sure he is not planning
on taking off right away. I get him on the radio, morning John how are
things very progressive is my comment, please don't plan on leaving
to-morrow as we have a lot to discuss, Pete has got some very good
ideas. No problem John I don't intend leaving till the weekend anyway -- oh
that is great. We will leave early tomorrow morning and should be in for
lunch see you then -- bye.

Adam has returned and said Roger do you have time to talk, certainly so
what did you find out, well I rode with the operator of two machines and
the whole arm section is sort of swaying from side to side, so in my
opinion it needs bracing to take that swing out. However you cannot do a
normal bracing because the arm moves up and down and would foul on other
parts; but by welding in stiffen strip on each arm I think that would solve
the problem. OK Adam lets get the supplier on the phone, they said that
also had similar problems and found by shortening the upper arm by 12" and
then put cross bracing in and that is a hit and miss. We are more than
willing to do the job if your own crew cannot handle it, thanks for that
offer but we have two TQ Welders on our crew; your are lucky to have that
staff -- thanks for your ideas. Well Adam you heard what was said and
unless we get another breakdown we will modify all the harvesters once they
are completed; good work thanks.

John says Pete would you come with me please, Roger we will see at lunch
sure thing. John goes outside lets take the Ute and they head off of site
in the shade of a bunch of trees, lets sit on the tail gate. Firstly Pete
what we discuss here is private and I would like you to be honest with me,
now you lived in the same house as Keith how did it work out in your off
time. At first everything went well but as time went on it became more
uncomfortable to the point where I was considering taking over the single
room house. Most of my relaxing was done on the veranda. With that
experience how do you feel about having your assistant living in the same
house, well I don't see a problem because I assume the Assistant will be my
age or younger.

I will tell you Keith had said he planned to retire in 12 months time and
told Jim you would be able to take over however we would have to find a
Assistant Manager / Maintenance. Well we are training Adam in that roll and
so far he is doing well and he knows nothing of the plans for him. So your
thoughts Pete, well having seen him at work he is very mature and I could
see he is well respected with the crew and I would be delighted to have a
man like him working with me.

If he is willing to take on such a job it will be the first time he has
lived away from home. My question is how do you feel about becoming the
manager of Clara Station well to be honest it is sort of scary because
there are things that I don't know how to handle. Well to start with you
can always phone me and I will try and help -- thanks that is a wait off my
mind.

We better go and have some lunch, so on the way back these discussion were
private between you and I, we get into the cookhouse and only Roger is
there, so where is Adam he had brought his own lunch and having it on the
office veranda.

Roger asks do you have a brother or sister, just a brother who lives in the
UK, so what does he do? To me a mundane job he is manager of the local
supper market work excessive hours for poor wages. He is married with four
kids how ever his wife walked out about three years ago and never been seen
or heard off since. Luckily for him his kids are all teens, the two boys
have gone into the army and love it, one girl is a trainee nurse the other
is a child care worker so they are on there own basically. My feeling Tom
my brother should pull the pin and move either to Canada or come here to
Australia but the problem is he does not have a trade. He has a tough
situation and there is little I can do to help because we have always loved
each other, sorry may be that is the wrong wording. John said no Roger and
I love each other you could call us gay and Jim knows that hence he does
not even suggest splitting us up.

Come on Roger you have a job to do for me please I need a full haircut; you
can join us if you wish Pete. Must admit it would do me good to get a cut
like you guys because you both look good. Keith used to use his electric
clippers but they were not able to get that real close cut, I did his as
well.

OK lets get it done, Peter we will go over to our place and we all go total
nude, I'll get mine done then you Pete and finally my brother. Roger says
John I'm going to use the clippers first as your is rather long, well the
shaving went ahead and Pete is watching carefully. Roger says I assume you
want a full cut -- yes please. Your done next please, Pete takes up his
position and says I want the whole works as well please, no problem
mate. Finally John gets Roger cleaned up. They all shower together next
Pete is hugging the other two saying thank you so much. Well afterwards
they sit therein the sunshine and dry off. John I'm going to pack some gear
and get it loaded in plane, you should do the same Pete then that is one
item less in the morning.

Pete asks what time do you want to leave, early as the sun is coming up and
I'll get Kim to make up my lunch bag with a couple of sandwiches each and
two large bottles of water tonight and we can put it in our frig over
night.

Next day we departed as planned, a good flight until Pete said I'm going to
drop down to the emergency strip up a head I have to have a big dump, we
landed OK, Pete nip out very quickly poor bugger really did need to stop. I
got out also with some toilet paper and the shit shovel. Then it hit me and
I did the same, finally we are back in the plane and taxi back down the
strip and take off. We seemed to arrive after that at Clara in very quick
time, called Jim about five minutes before landing and he meet us at out
strip and we headed for the house to drop off our gear.

Jim's first words were how was your trip Pete, really great and I have
learnt a lot. Well I have got thing moving here come and have a look, they
are just putting the walls back in the old house as we gutted the place
completely, and there will be three offices and storage room. Electrical
work is under way and also the network cable for the computers in all
offices and they will to there own server all being well it will be ready
for occupation by the weekend. Then we can move everything over. John ask
is Harold here for the painting yes he is why, well Pete has some ideas
that I know he wants to pass by you -- go for it Pete. Well Pete and Jim
talk for a short while and Pete is smiling all the way. He says well you
going to be the manager anything like that go for it especially since you
are trying to make the crew more a family and that is so
important. Regarding the homes once the old office is remodeled and you are
able to move in, get the spare house repainted in side and the make it
available to each family in turn while there place is totally redecorated
-- that makes sense.

Pete lets go and look at the road, what's this all about I answer Dust and
Safety, so which way is the prevailing wind, so that means we need the road
on the north side of the town-site. John says this is easy as there are
only two high spots that need the bull dozer on and then we can grade it,
what is the bull dozer doing at the moment, easy it is in the compound I
assume it is operational yes it is I have recently done its oil change and
other jobs, OK lets get the bulldozer running, just hang on I will have to
get the keys. Pete arrive with a very large bunch of keys, Jim ask what are
all the keys, various storage buildings and such like. That is ridiculous
said Jim we will get all the locks change to the company standard and for
your information this means the buildings do have there own key but
everything is under a master key so that only you and who ever becomes you
assistant also has a key

Jim adds this master key fits all locks on all stations but I do not
publish that fact. Any way I'll get my locksmith in here promptly.

John uses the bulldozer to eliminate the humps and then switches to the
grader. Pete is making up some signs saying town-site only -- use detour.

That evening at supper time Pete stands up and explains the road diversion
and the reason for it -- any comment guys, one guy said it was about time
that was done another said they had asked Keith to do this but he said no
every time, we would all like to say thank you and may be you will have
some other good idea's.

Pete ask well something else is bugging you, why in this day and age are we
running to two separate dinning rooms it is just stupid, I turn to the cook
and ask how many in the other dinning room he said eight well there is lots
of space here just need an extra two tables. OK guys get the rest of your
mates and bring two tables and chairs. I said lets make this one big table
and push them all together.

Within 15 minutes every one is sat down with the complete crew, there were
many smiles and hugs going on and then lots of talk. Pete rattle on the
table and said welcome now we have our true crew and as from now the old
cookhouse is closed there was a round of applause. Well guys I'm going to
leave you now if you have any ideas or questions please feel free to ask --
have a goodnight.

John, Pete & Jim all went back to the old house, Jim produced a bottle of
scotch and poured three stiff ones and then said well that went well so
Pete that is two items off your list. Jim says now there is spare bunkhouse
what its condition is because I'm thinking of attaching to what was the
white one and that way we can develop a very large shower room and
haircutting space, we can then eliminate the other bunkhouse and selling it
off and removing it from the station.

Jim then said I sure like the fact you are trying to make things better for
the crew and the families by moving that road but last but not least my
congratulation to our new manager for Clara, John says Cheers and
congratulations Pete.

Well the next three months went very fast, during that time Roger visited a
couple of times and he told me that Adam was coming along better than he
expected and he has over two hundred flying hours under his belt, A lot of
that went into landing and taking off.

Two weeks time he is spending a week at the flight school and hopefully
come back with his wings, John says I'm sure he will and that means we
certainly have an assistant for Pete. His license to drive on government
roads can be done here.

Well after Adam completed his flight school he passed with good marks. John
said have a private talk with Adam and offer him the job at Clara as
Assistant Manager / Maintenance man I'll get his salary from Jim and phone
you back, a quick phone call to Jim and I got the answer. His comment was
sounds like you guys are happy with this promotion we sure are and bye the
way Adam has his wings. Oh that is great -- I will see him before he take
up his new position fair enough but go ahead please.

John contacts his brother anyone else with you, no Adam is over the shop
and Darlene is way down the hallway. Got a pencil handy write this down
that is the annual salary and it includes all medical the same as you and
I, make the offer and tell Adam to come back and to see you to-morrow to
let you know his decision.

Roger walks over to the shop and shut the door, hi Adam how are you doing
lets go into the shop office, and Roger shut the door. Well Roger I have
something interesting for you to consider now I want you to give it serious
consideration and I would like an answer to-morrow morning. So Adam how
would you like to become Assistant Manager / Maintenance man at Clare. Adam
is very quiet and then says you're kidding me, no I'm not I'm very
serious. Pete who you meet is the Manager now the annual salary is this
handing him a piece of paper, he swallows twice and then says Wow!

I tell him about the staff package for health and such like at no cost to
you. Adam says he cannot believe it I sure will try my best, well Adam go
home and let your folks know and get there reaction. Adam then hugs me and
gives me a kiss saying thank you so much.

Adam goes home but first he launders his overalls, and of course they go on
the line at home. The he ask his Mum to do his hair, so what is the
occasion. I will tell you both at dinner to-night. He is all cleaned up and
goes for his shower. His dad is home early as well. Dad asks what is going
on; Adam says I will tell all at supper time I promise. Mum calls
suppertime guys wine or beer folks. Go and get my chilled bottle of
champagne and fills the glasses. Adam stands up and says I have my wings
but I have also been invited to become the Assistant Manager / Maintenance
man at Clare Station.

Adam come here please and he get very tight hug from both his mum and dad
and if I accept the starting date will be the first of next month. I have
to let them no later than to-morrow morning.

Well Adam who else knows on this station, I said no one except Roger and
you two. Simon says I never expected a son of mine to archive this sort of
poitson but dammed good luck to you and he gets another very tight hug. So
Adam is there anything you are short off. Well yes I need some good quality
haircutting tools and a good razor because I like my very short hair
cut. It is so easy to maintain, good for you son, well in this warmer
weather it need doing about every four days. Is there anything else
relating to clothing. My plan is to leave to pair of shorts and socks here
and take the rest. I also have to get a new pair of boots 14 holes high and
some more socks.


Dad said another night to celebrate mum, Dad just remember Adam has to work
to-morrow we were just about going to bed when Roger shows up and asked if
Adam was about we said no he has gone to bed he is very excited about the
whole affair; OK I will see him in the morning.

Well Adam got moved to Clara Station with the help of Roger and the big
plane, on the way there Roger calls John and asks can you organize a
lifting crew to move Adams tool box on to the welding truck on our arrival
and I guess it will be about an hour.

At Supper that night, Jim announces Pete was now the Manager of Clara
Station; now Pete old job of Maintenance is being filled by Adam who
becomes Assistant Manager / Maintenance, Adam is from High Creek Station
and did all his training there under Roger, John's brother. He has two TQ
tickets one for millwright and the other for welding.

The crew is calling out welcome to crazy family I'm sure you will get right
in. Adam stands up and says thank you I look forward to getting to know you
all.

John decides to return with his brother on Sunday so that can get back to
normal. Some three months later John is looking through the personal files
and is looking at Adams and brings it up to date then he realizes that this
coming weekend I his Birthday on Saturday. Now Adam has been on Clara now
for a good three months and his folk keep asking how is he doing. Roger are
you there in my office. I have just found out that it is Adams birthday on
Saturday and I'm thinking it would be nice to fly his folks up there for
two nights. This will achieve two things his folks will see where he is
living and no doubt his Mum will bake a cake. Now I would like you to get
there in time for supper but leave enough time for his folks to get freshen
up so what time should you leave. I would say 11:00 am. John says OK I will
go hold of Pete so they can have the guest house and I requested not a word
to anyone, Pete is chuckling it will be interesting to see his face when
they meet. Well went well John arranged for Simon to have the day off with
pay. Roger collected his folks at 10:30 am and John was also there. Roger
does his routing checks and all is well Adam cake is packed securely and
placed in the luggage area, OK folks all aboard, where should we sit
anywhere other than the pilots' seat. Please put the helmets on they will
keep the noise out and also they have the intercom built ii so we can all
talk during the flight to each other. A successful flight and Pete meet us
and wiped Adams folks directly to the guesthouse. Adams Mum is saying this
is like a high class hotel room. There is a knock at our door to say Adam
is in his getting dressed after his cleanup you might like to walk in on
him -- That's a good idea for sure, come with me please Pete says go though
that door and give him hell, His Dads first words were better get you
shorts on son. Adam spin around balls to the breeze and now everyone is
laughing. When the hell did you arrive, about one hour ago, Roger brought
us here. Now Pete is in the room and says would anyone like a drink before
supper, OK folks lets go to the living room. Well there is lots of talk and
the Pete says we had better finish up and head for the cookhouse. We get
our meal, Mother says this is nice and tender and very tasty. Once the main
course was finished Adam raps his glass the room goes quiet and Adam the
two folk sitting between Pete and I are my Mum & Dad who dropped in to
surprise me, and yes they caught me bare arse -- the room broke out Into
lots of laughter with that comment. Then the crew went through its welcome
procedure, and then someone else said Adam does a dammed good job. Simon
stands up and says thank you for your warm welcome and your comments about
our son -- thanks everyone

Well after supper we headed back to the house, Simon went back briefly to
there room and came back with a large bottle of Champagne, and he ask Pete
can we put this in your fridge -- no problem at all so I assume neither you
or Adam have to work to-morrow, that's correct. Then Adams folk said excuse
us for a few minutes they return with the cake pates etc. It was decorated
with two TQ, a welding helmet and wings; there was one single candle lit on
the cake.

Now we know your birthday is to-morrow but what the heck we plan on
celebrating to-night, so what glasses do you have, Pete I'm sure we have
six the same I will get them, hey Adam can you come into the kitchen
please. These glasses are all very dusty so while I search would you start
washing these. Bingo here is the last one. So a tray is used to carry all
the glasses in and the Champagne, well that evening went off well, my folks
went to bed and I don't they were feeling any pain either both Adam & Pete
are cleaning up by the time they were finish Pete has hold of Adam and he
hugged him saying happy birthday Adam and I hope there is going to be many
more. Following the very tight hug Pete give Adam a really big kiss; then
says I should have done that -- oh why not; and with that Adam reverses the
situation but this time Adams tongue is rolling around the inside of Pete's
mouth. Pete says oh thank you Adam you have made my day. Would you like a
night cap before going to bed, that would be nice I have some brandy in the
cupboard, so Pete finds some suitable glasses and pour a shot in
each. Cheers mate

I was amused when I heard you had been offered several jobs in town and I
understand you turned them down because it was too noisy etc but you had a
job. I said where else could you be sitting outside like this with a
beautiful night sky and no lights visible, and that is another reason I
like to go Bush because by listening to the crew you pick up lots of good
information -- Happy Birthday Adam