Monday, December 30, 2013

CHANGE OF PLANS

Tomorrow night, another year bites the dust.  WOW.  For us, it was a year filled with firsts and lasts but we are alive and well and there's not much else that means anything if you don't have those two things.  We are blessed to be surrounded by family and friends and memories to fill in the gaps.  Hope it's the same for all of you.

This is the last story of the year.  Hard to believe I've come up with fifty-two stories. Do you have a favorite?  


Natalie and Ron planned on spending the day taking down Christmas decorations.  The kids were at their grandparents for the night. Ron had taken them right after breakfast.  It was so much easier getting things done without the little ones underfoot; they always wanted to help.  It wasn’t that he didn’t love them helping, it was just everything took twice as long and he wanted to get finished so he and Natalie could get on the road.

They were going to celebrate New Year’s Eve with some friends.  Ron hated going out on New Year’s Eve; everything was overpriced, overcrowded, and understaffed. Every year though, Natalie talked him into it and this year was no exception. Natalie loved to dress up and he knew she had been shopping for just the perfect outfit. The difference this year was they were driving into Austin and had a hotel room reserved.   He hated being on the road with a bunch of people who had a little too much to drink.
                                
Ron was working outside taking down the lights while Natalie was supposed to work on de-Christmasing the house on the inside.  He was almost finished outside when he came in to get a drink.  He was surprised to see so much of the Christmas stuff still around. 

“Natalie, what’s going on? Where are you?”

“Up in the attic,” she called down.

He climbed the stairs and found her sitting on the floor, amidst a bunch of open boxes and photograph albums.

“What are you doing?  I thought you were going to take down the tree and put the rest of the stuff away,” he asked.

“I am.”

“It doesn’t look as if you’ve done a thing.  I want to be on the road no later than 4:00, you better hustle.”

“Don’t start with me.  You know how I hate being rushed.”

“You know how I hate going out on NewYear’s Eve.  If you want to stay home that’s fine with me.”

“Oh, here we go again.  Why do you agree to go if you hate it so much?”

“Because you like to go out and you’re not happy if we don’t.  When you are not happy, you can be one raving witch and you know what happens then.  I don’t like the thought of starting off the new year with having to take you in hand.”

“Take me in hand, why can’t you just say, spank me.”


“Does it really matter what I call it, it ends up the same way, with your end up.  Besides, the kids don’t know what that phrase means so I don’t have to watch my words when they are around.”

She stuck her tongue out at him.  She liked hearing him say he would spank her, it turned her on, taken in hand did nothing for her.  Natalie went back to looking at photographs.

“Suit yourself.  I’m going out to finish my project. The tree has to be down and the stuff put away before we leave here today. If you are not ready to go by 4:00 we’re staying home.  End of discussion.”

He walked back downstairs and outside. 

                                                      _______________________


Natalie couldn’t just up and let Ron know that she was going to be ready at 4:00.  She procrastinated a little while longer and then whipped downstairs and started dismantling the tree and putting the stuff away.  She was almost finished when he came back in.  He took a look in the family and just shook his head.  She’s a pistol, thought Ron. 

“I’m going to hit the shower, hon,” he yelled.

He came out of the shower and toweled himself off. 

“Hey, hon.  Are you getting dressed here or when we get to the hotel?”

“The hotel, of course, I’m not sitting in the car for an hour and be all wrinkled,” she answered him haughtily.

“Skip the tone.  I was just asking a simple question.”

“Well, use your head, why would I get dressed here.”

He just shook his head and put some toiletries into his dop kit and left it on the bed.  He took a clean pair of skivvies and socks out of the drawer and laid them on the bed next to the dop kit.

Ron dressed in a clean pair of pressed jeans and a white western cut shirt.  He polished his boots, picked up his belt and was just about to walk out of the room as Natalie walked in. 

“I laid my stuff on the bed.  Figured you could shove it into whichever bag you’re taking,” he told her.

“What about your clothes for tonight?”

“What clothes, I’m dressed.”

“Please tell me you are joking?”

“No, I’m dressed.”

“We’re going to the nicest place in Austin for New Year’s Eve and you’re wearing that.”

“Yeah, what’s wrong with this?  The jeans and shirt are clean and pressed, I’ve shined my boots. What did you expect, me to wear a suit and tie?  Guess again, honey.  I only do that for weddings, funerals and occasionally work.”

“I bet Jason will be wearing a suit and tie,” she told him.

“Wanna bet?”

“Well, if you’re not going to change, at least put on a bolo tie and your leather blazer. Maybe then you won’t look like a complete country bumpkin.”

“I am country, so are you.  This is Texas and cowboy boots and Stetsons are standard.  You never complained before.  Are you going all hoity-toity on me?” he went over and gave her a good wallop on her butt.

He started to go downstairs and yelled over his shoulder.

“AIC at 4:00 pm.”

He can be a real pain in the butt sometimes, she thought.

She finished getting ready and called him to come take the bag down to the car.  It was 3:55 pm.

“Cutting it a little close, aren’t you darlin’?”

“It’s not even 4:00 pm yet and my ass is in the car, so get movin’.”

“You are being a little sassy today, little lady. You should know, I have no compunction about taking you in hand at the end of this year.”

She turned to the window and grinned.  Watching the scenery go by she thought about the night ahead.  She hoped he took her over his knee before going out tonight.  She loved going out with a stingy bottom, it increased her adrenalin.  I guess I’ll have to be a little sassier.

They arrived at the hotel ahead of Jason and Dawn.  They made reservations for adjoining rooms and when checking in found out they were on different floors.  Natalie's  inner bitch immediately surfaced.  Ron tried diffusing the situation with the clerk by asking to see the manager.  He did a lot of business with the hotel and knew the situation would be resolved without Natalie’s tirade.  Natalie was still going strong when the manager came out.

“Natalie, cool it,” Ron warned her.

She gave him a look that would freeze ice and he whispered to her she better behave or else.

“Or else what,” she asked loudly.

Ron ignored her remark and started a conversation with the manager. Natalie was not going to be silenced.

“Or else what, I asked you?”

Don’t push me Nat, I don’t want to embarrass you any more than you are embarrassing  yourself,” he told her.

“Or else what?” 

“Okay, that’s it.” He turned to the manager.  “Do you have someplace private I can take my wife to discuss just how rude I think she is behaving?”

The manager got all red faced and walked them to an empty conference room. 

“Will this suffice?” the manager asked.

“This is fine.  Thank you.  We won’t be long”

“Take your time.  When you’re finished, the situation will be resolved and you can continue the check in process.”

 He left the room and closed the door behind him. Ron went over to the door, turned the lock and grabbed Nat as he walked to the nearest chair.  He sat and pulled her over his knee in one fluid motion and began assaulting her bottom with hard smacks.

“Is your attitude adjusted now, or shall I continue?” he asked.

“Is that the worse you can do?” she replied.

He was losing his temper and control of the situation.  He stood her up between his knees and told her this was by no means over, and would continue when he calmed down. He marched out of the room and back to the reservation desk.  The Manager was nowhere in sight but the clerk handed him the key and told him their luggage was already in their room.  He walked to the elevator where Nat stood waiting for him.

“I’m sorry.  I don’t know what got into me.  I feel like being bratty today,” she told him.

He remained silent.  He departed the elevator and walked to the room behind Natalie.  He made sure everything was up to par, opened the door to the adjoining suite and checked that as well.  He put away his toiletries and hung up his jacket. 

“Aren’t you going to talk to me?” she asked.

“Yes, go remove your jeans and panties and go stand in the corner until I’m ready for you.”

“No”

“You have two choices, you can either do what I ask, or you will get spanked now, then do as you are told and then spanked again.  Take you pick.”

Natalie’s belligerent attitude dissolved.  She obeyed him and went to the corner.  He had to admire her spunk – she was like a dog with a bone.  He piled pillows on the bed and called her to him.  He sat down on the bed and seated her on his lap.

“This is not something I enjoy doing, especially now.  Natalie, you just don’t know when to quit and before this day gets any worse, we’re going to resolve the problem. Do you understand?”

She already looked contrite and tears were beginning to run down her cheeks.

“I’m sorry.  I didn’t want to ruin our day.  I just wanted a spanking.”

“You didn’t ruin our day, and you are not going to ruin our evening and girl, if you wanted a spanking, all you had to do was ask.  I’m sure the spanking you are going to receive is not what you had in mind.  Now get over the pillows and bury your hands under you.  You are in for a good tanning.”

She meekly stood and maneuvered herself onto the pillows.  She wanted to look and not look at the same time.  His belt buckle jingled, followed by the whoosh of the belt out of the loops. She ususally loved that sound, but not right now.  He rubbed her back, then moved the belt over her ass and thighs a few times.  The next thing she heard was the sound of displaced air as the belt searched its target and then felt the lash strike her ass seconds before the pain arrived.  She was doing her best to stay still as he welted her bottom. He was just about finished when he heard the door to the adjoining suite open.  He quickly dropped the belt but wasn’t quick enough to get over to the door to close it.  Jason took one look at the scene and discreetly backed away and closing the door.  They could hear him telling Dawn that it looked as if Natalie was laying down.

“Well too bad for her, we’re here to have fun, she can take a nap some other time,” Dawn told Jason and bolted into the room.

Dawn took one look at the scene and apologized.

“Well, it’s too late now.  I’m sorry Nat and Ron, I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“Relax Dawn, it’s not like you don’t know I get spanked.  If Ron has finished with me, I’ll get up and get dressed and see if I can sit comfortably on my punished tush,” she said and then laughed.

“I’m done, that is, unless you want more,” he answered, reached over gave her a kiss and a swat on the ass.

“No thanks, that’s enough for now,” 

As Natalie left the room, Dawn apologized to Ron again.  Jason stepped in and said that maybe she needed her bottom reddened too because she never obeyed him.

“Aw, Jason, I listen most of the time.”

He laughed.  “Yeah, when it suits you.”

She went up and kissed his cheek.  Jason grabbed her to him and swatted her backside.

The four of them laughed and got around to saying their hellos and catching up with each other.  They had been friends for twenty years and tried to get together at least once a month.  There weren’t many secrets between them so Natalie wasn’t embarrassed that Jason and Dawn had witnessed her welted backside.  Actually, there was one time when they were camping that Dawn was over Jason’s knee getting her bottom tanned while Natalie was doing a jig as Ron was switching her for purposely throwing his hunting rifle into the lake. 

Their reservations were for 8:30 and the girls excused themselves and went to get ready.  The guys continued to sit around drinking and telling lies in typical fashion. Dawn was ready first and as she entered the room, Jason whistled.

“Wow, babe, you look really beautiful.”

“Thank you,” she said and twirled around so he could see and then sauntered over and sat down on his lap.

“Nat, are you almost ready, it’s getting late,” Ron yelled out to her.

“You can’t rush perfection,” she told him as she stepped into the room.  Ron looked at her and almost fell off the chair.

“There is no way you are wearing that,” he told her.

“What’s wrong with this dress, it cost a fortune,” she said.

“That may be so, but I can see everything you own and that is reserved for me only.  Now go back in there and put on something else.  We are not leaving this room until you do.”

“I didn’t bring anything else to wear, it’s this or nothing.”

Ron looked at Jason and told him that he and Dawn might just as well leave because his wife was not leaving the hotel with the outfit she was wearing.

“Ron, don’t be such a stick in the mud.  There is nothing wrong with this dress.”

“Don’t even start.  You are not wearing that and if you don’t want to change, then we will be celebrating New Year Eve right here in this room.”

“You are such a poop,” she told him.

“Well hell,” said Jason, “why don’t we all just stay here, have room service send up dinner.  We can put on some music, dance and drink and have our own good time. What do you think Dawn?”

“Fine with me, that way Natalie can wear her dress and Ron can appreciate her in it.”

“ I don’t like it but I thank you for being willing to give up your night because my husband is a poop.”

“You call me that one more time and you’ll be getting another taste of my belt,” he teased her.

“You’ll have to catch me first,” she told him.   They all laughed



By the time midnight arrived, both Dawn and Natalie had changed into jeans, the guys had removed their boots and they had just enough to drink making them giddy enough to traverse the halls yelling HAPPY NEW YEAR.   It didn’t matter because they were the only people on the floor, everyone else was out celebrating elsewhere. 

See  you later for more Aimless Ramblings. 



Sunday, December 29, 2013

Another Tease

Quiet Sarah surprised me last week when she asked if she could post a review of my latest book.  She liked it - well you can read it for yourself.  I decided to post another little blurb here to tweak those of you who may have received a new ereader or other electronic device for Christmas and want to try it out.

Love Is Where You Find It.  It's the story of Randy Colburne, a retired rodeo cowboy and Misty Callahan.  Randy has taken Misty to his hometown and she is staying with his parents while she gets her life on track.  This scene takes place the day after her arrival at the Bar C Ranch and she is being introduced to Randy's sister. Randy has the first peek into her life before Cheyenne. 

She started the walk back to the Colburne Ranch.  After about a mile and realizing  how much further still to go she decided to thumb a ride with the next person coming down the road.  Several vehicles passed her by but she could see this next truck was slowing down.  It went a little passed her and stopped.  She ran up to the truck and saw it was Randy. 

“Thank you for stopping.”

“What the HELL are you doing hitchhiking?  Don’t you realize how dangerous that is?  Anybody could pick you up and no one would ever see you again.  How could you do something so stupid?”

“I was tired and had a long way to go.  I’ve done it before and I’m still here.”

“Well then girl you’ve been lucky. I have half a mind to pull over and put you over my knee and spank the living daylights out of you for being so reckless. You know what, I think I will.”

 He pulled off to the side where there was a cattle crossing.

“What are you doing?”

“I have threatened to spank you many times since we met and each time you taunt me about it, well this time I am following through.”

Does he or doesn't he?  I'll never tell, at least not here.  Anyway, come by tomorrow for another new story.  This one has a New Year's theme.  Until then, see you later on Aimless Ramblings.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Christmas Grinch Took Hold

I think the title of my story last week was very prophetic.  Our "kids" were coming to AZ for Christmas, we were so excited.  We were to all join together in Tucson.  Well, enter the Christmas grinch in the form of colds, flu and bronchitis. First it was me, and of course I couldn't not share, so then is was Ray, then SIL, then daughter and youngest grand. So far, the oldest grand is the only one not hacking and blowing. The Emergency Care Clinic got a workout from our family.  

Thankfully we are all on the mend now and spending today visiting Old Tuscon and tomorrow going ice skating at a place in Phoenix.  Sunday, they head back home. We've had better Christmases but at least we were all sick together.   HO HO HO

Monday, December 23, 2013

A Different Kind of Christmas


It's funny but I set up this story a couple of weeks ago.  When I brought it up to write a lead in, I started reading and thought I must have been depressed the day I wrote this, then I realized it was the story.  What can I say?



Most people love Christmas.  Truth be told by the time December 25th arrives, I am sick to death of it.  It starts earlier and earlier each year.  When we were little, stores didn’t start Christmas decorating until after Halloween.  Now it starts in September and by the time December rolls around, there isn’t a decoration left to be had. 

I never thought I would be a Christmas grinch, but I’ve turned into one. I think it’s easier to keep with the spirit of the season if there are children around.  Ours are grown and nary a grandchild in sight, so Christmas is just a chore.  Chris still enjoys getting out the decorations, putting up the lights, decorating the tree.  Thank God, we no longer have to go trucking through the snow to chop down our own tree.  I finally convinced him to get an artificial tree.  Wow, I am already tired of this stuff and I am only thinking about what needs to be done.

The other reason I don’t like Christmas is because it is also my birthday.  As a kid I always felt left out. Heck, even my name Meredith sounds like Christmas. Who comes to a birthday party at Christmas? Who buys you a present just for your birthday?  Who wishes you a Happy Birthday?  It’s all about Christmas.  I know, I know, sounds selfish because after all it is His birthday, but when you’re a kid, that just doesn’t cut it.  Now that I’m older, I understand it, but it doesn’t mean I like it.

Anyway, I digress.  This year I thought of a new way to celebrate Christmas.
I bought a birthday present for myself. 

“Hey honey, I bought myself a birthday present already, so you don’t have to bother.” I told my husband.

“Oh yeah!  Great.  Do I have to wrap it?”

His enthusiasm is overwhelming.  I’m not sure it can be contained.

“No, it doesn’t need to be wrapped.”

“Wow honey, that’s terrific.  Thanks.”

“Don’t you even want to know what it is?”

“As long as you are happy with it, that’s all that counts.”

“Oh, it is something I’ve always wanted so I am definitely happy with it”

The day after Thanksgiving is the day Chris loved to go shopping.  He would go to bed early on Thanksgiving night so he could get up and be in line when the mall opened at 3:00 AM and then chase around to all the other stores that were having sales.  He wouldn’t listen when Meredith explained that most of the stuff he stood in line for could be purchased on line for the same price. He always said it got him in the Christmas spirit.  He loved coming home with packages, most of which is stuff he bought for himself.  He left the real shopping for Meredith which thrilled her no end. It was up to her to buy gifts for his mother, sister, her parents, his co-workers and anyone else on their list.  She had another surprise for him this year, she was buying everyone gift certificates.

Meredith usually spent the day getting out the Christmas decorations and starting to bake the dozens of Christmas cookies for which she was famous. Usually, by the time, Chris got home from his rounds of shopping, the house was filled with the scent of Christmas.  Meredith always set aside some cookies for him to nibble on while he showed her the things he had purchased.

When he got home, he was quite surprised to find her sitting in the family room, curled up on the couch reading a book.  There were no decorations, no scent of Christmas cookies.

“Are you not feeling well Meredith?”

“No, hon.  I’m fine, why do you ask?”

“Well, you usually have started putting out Christmas decorations and have cookies baking.”

“I’m not doing any of that this year,” she answered.

“What do you mean you are not doing any of those things this year?”

“Just what I said.  We’re not going to be here for Christmas, so why go through all that trouble.”

“What the hell are you talking about?  Of course, we are going to be here for Christmas.”

“No, we’re not.”

“I repeat, what the hell are you talking about?”

“Remember when I told you I bought myself a birthday present? 

"Yes."

Well, I booked us on a cruise that leaves two days before Christmas and doesn’t return until New Year’s Day.”

“Why would you do something like that and not tell me?”

“I did tell you.  I told you I bought myself a birthday present.  I asked if you wanted to know what it was and your biggest concern was whether or not it had to be wrapped.”

“I don’t want to go on a Christmas cruise.”

“Don’t think of it as Christmas cruise, think of it as my birthday cruise.  I’ve always wanted to do this and you always put me off.  I don’t want to wait any more.  So either you come with me or I will go by myself or maybe I’ll find someone else to go with me.  Make no mistake though, I am going.”

“We are not going on any cruise over the Christmas holidays, and that’s final.”

“Maybe we’re not, but I am, and that’s final.”

Meredith went back to reading her book and Chris stomped out of the house.  She was holding firm this time - she always gave in. 

Neither of them mentioned the subject over the next four days.  Chris put up the outside Christmas lights and then started in on the inside.  He put up the tree and dug out all of the other stuff with no help from Meredith.  He was sure that as the time grew near, Meredith would give in.

Two weeks before Christmas, Chris was starting to get worried.  Meredith was staying firm on her decision to go on that cruise.  He called to enlist the help of their daughter who always spent Christmas with them.

“Dad, Mom knows we won’t be there this year.  David’s mom said after all this time, it was time for us to spend Christmas with them so we decided to fly to Idaho for the holidays, spend time with his folks and get in some skiing. Didn’t Mom tell you?”

“She might have, I don’t remember. Christmas is always such fun.  She hasn’t done the shopping, or cards, or anything.”

“Dad, I’m sure Mom has done everything. I know she’s taken care of us.  She bought us ski passes, and gift certificates for the kids.  With everyone on the internet and Skype, people don’t send Christmas cards anymore.  She wants this to be about and her birthday.”

“But it’s Christmas.”

“Dad, think a minute.  Every year it’s Christmas, Christmas, Christmas.  When have we ever celebrated Mom’s birthday?  Never, that I can remember.  I’m sure it’s been that way her whole life.  Don’t you think she deserves this?”

When he hung up from Kerri, he thought about what she said.  It was true.  He never remembered even having a cake for Meredith for her birthday and yet, every year, she went out of her way to make his birthday special.  The very next day, Meredith received a bouquet of red roses from her husband with a note saying he loved her very much and was looking forward to spending her birthday with just her. 

He had a few more suprises up his sleeve.  He called the cruise line and made arrangements to have a special day for her, arranging for a spa day and a special dinner Christmas night.  He had plans for afterward too.

                                              ________________________

When Chris and Meredith boarded the ship and were shown to their stateroom, they found the room  filled with roses, a bottle of champagne cooling in a bucket and a basket of fruit along with a note from their daughter and son-in-law wishing them a Bon Voyage.  They broke open the champagne, poured a glass and went out on to their balcony as they sailed away from port.

So far, the cruise was everything Meredith had always thought it would be and Chris was surprised that it was so much more than he expected.  He was not ready for how many people wanted to escape being home for the holidays.  They were having a wonderful time trying to do every activity the ship had to offer.  By the morning of Meredith’s birthday (Christmas Day) both of them were ready to sleep in and order room service for breakfast.  Chris handed her an envelope telling her about her special spa day.

“Honey, this is so great.  You really did this for me.  This is the best birthday present ever.  What are you going to do all day while I am lolling away in the spa.”

‘Don’t worry about me.  There are plenty of things to keep me busy.”

This was the first birthday it was all about her and she loved it. Meredith spent her birthday getting a facial, a body wrap and massage, a manicure and pedicure.  Chris greeted her on her return wearing a tux and a Santa hat.  He handed her a present wrapped in birthday paper.

“Open it,” he told her.

She unwrapped the box to find a sexy lace bra, thong, garter belt and silk stockings.

“I hope you will wear these tonight,” he told her.

She was astonished.  This was a first.  He always bought her a Christmas present, never a birthday present. 

“I’ll be happy to.”

“Now go get dressed, we have dinner reservations.”

Dinner was splendid.  It was in the ship’s gourmet restaurant with a special menu, strolling violinists and a visit by the captain.  Meredith didn’t think it could get any better when the waiters came out carrying a cake with sparklers and singing Happy Birthday to her.  All the other diners joined in.

“Oh honey, I don’t know what to say.  This is the best birthday ever,” she started to cry.

He got up, offered her his hand and led her onto the dance floor.  When the dance was finished, they went for a walk on the deck, stopped and had a brandy. She wasn’t ready for this evening to end so when he started back to the stateroom, she balked at him.

“I have another surprise, honey and it has to happen before midnight.”

“ooh, another surprise.  I don’t know how it could get any better.”

Back in the room, he asked her to model her new underthings for him.  She removed her dress very slowly, teasing him along the way.  When it was off, he asked her to turn around so he could see all of her.

She felt so sexy, sexier than she had in years.  He went up to her, took her in his arms and kissed her passionately.

“Are you ready for just one more surprise.”

“Yes,” she said tentatively.

He led her over to the bed.  He pulled her down across his knee and began to spank her.

“Whaaaat do you think you are doing?” she sputtered.

“Why giving you your birthday spanking, of course. And because it’s also Christmas, I am going to spank your bottom to a red rosy glow to celebrate both occasions. Happy Birthday, Baby.



                        Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Ray and I wish everyone a wonderful holiday.  Hope Santa brings everyone of you everything on your wish list.  See you later for more Aimless Ramblings.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Shameless

This is another example of shameless self promotion.  It is another blurb from my latest book Love Is Where You Find It.  It's the story of Randy Colburne, a retired rodeo cowboy and Misty Callahan.  Randy has taken Misty to his hometown and she is staying with his parents while she gets her life on track.  This scene takes place the day after her arrival at the Bar C Ranch and she is being introduced to Randy's sister. Randy has the first peek into her life before Cheyenne. 


“Get ready, Misty” Randy said.

“For what?”

My sister, Bree is here and that means the twins are here too.  They are Zack and Max, four years old and are a bundle of energy that is tough to contain” he said with a big grin on his face.

Sure enough, he opened the door and two little dynamos came barreling forward and head butted him.  It would have knocked over most men but Randy was used to taking hits like this from the circuit so he picked each of them up and set them back down again.  He gave them each a bottom swat and introduced them to Misty. They both said “pleased to meet you ma’am” and it melted Misty’s heart.

“What beautifully well-mannered boys.” Misty told Bree.  Bree grinned.  “I’m glad you think so, I know better.”

Randy stepped in and introduced Misty to Bree. 

Bree said she was happy to meet her and told her not to be swayed by the sweetness of her boys.  They might have nice manners but they were all boy and she wanted to give her fair warning to expect anything and everything.  She shared a story that last week she found a frog in the sugar bowl.  When she chastised them and put them in time out they said they were sorry but the frog next appeared in the cereal box. Fortunately for me, but unfortunately for them, my husband, Billy found that surprise and he handled it.

Misty laughed.  “Thanks for the heads up, I will be on the look out for frogs and spiders.  I do know all about little boys.  I had a little brother and he knew all about frogs, spiders and other creepy crawly things he loved and I hated.” Randy listened and learned something he hadn’t known before.

His momma asked how the morning went and Misty told them about breakfast and then what Randy had done for her at Wal*Mart.

“By the way, Randy, this is yours” and she handed him the $100 gift card she had purchased that morning.

“What’s this?”  And when he saw what it was, she could see the color creeping up his neck.  He smiled but it never reached his eyes.

He asked to be excused.  “Misty will you please join me out on the porch?”

Bree looked at her “I think there are going to be fireworks any minute now.”  Momma agreed.

Randy walked Misty away from the house and out toward the barn area. 

“It is a very nice thing you did and I thank you for the thought but the card is a gift from me to you and is for you to keep and do with as you wished.  It will tide you over until you have some money of your own.”

Okay, I understand it is a gift and mine to keep and do with as I wished.  What I wish is to return it to you.”

“I am not going to accept it so you might as well put it away.”

“I am not going to accept it either.” She told him through clenched teeth.

 “You are the most exasperating girl I’ve ever come across.  If I knew you better I would be bustin’ your butt.  Now take this card and I don’t want to hear any more about it.”

“The hell with you Mr. Randy Colburne.  If you don’t take this card back, I am going to cut it into pieces as soon as I get back to the house.”

“You do that Misty and I swear to you I will tan your hide right here and now and I don’t care who sees or hears; do you hear me?”

She looked at him, turned back to the house and started walking.

“I dare you.” she said to him.


He really wanted to do just what he threatened.  She was really beginning to cross the line and was just asking for a spanking.  He knew the next time he threatened he would have to follow through or she would continue to push until she knew just where his limit ended. How dare she sass him that way? He was so angry he couldn’t see straight.  He walked over to the barn and kicked a bucket that was laying there.  The bucket traveled at least fifty feet.  He then walked back to his truck, slammed the door and peeled out of the drive. She had him tied in knots and no woman had done that to him since Francy.  He couldn’t go back in there right now because he really would spank her and he wasn’t ready for the grief he would be getting from Momma and Bree, not to mention Misty.  It was best if he went back to his house and stay there for the next hundred years. He would saddle one of his horses and ride until he simmered down.

                                                     -----------------------------------

Come by tomorrow for a new Christmas theme story.  See you later for more Aimless Ramblings.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Holiday Meme

I could not think of thing to write about and then I remembered seeing this meme.
Thanks, Ronnie via Hermione
                                                                                

Wrapping Paper or Gift Bags?  Gift Bags

Hardest person to buy for? Ray

Easiest person to buy for?  Grands - they just want money. lol

Do you have a nativity scene?  Yes

Mail or email Christmas Cards?  Cards, what cards

Worst Christmas Gift ever received? Haven't received it yet.

Favorite Chirstmas movie?  The Gathering

When do you start shopping for Christmas?  Never stop shopping

Have you ever  recycled a present? You betcha - one man's junk is another man's treasure

Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?  Shortbread

White or colored lights on tree?  White

 Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night

Travel or stay home at Christmas?  Wherever there is family.

Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Yes, with Ray's help, he knew them all.  I only knew half.

Angel, Star or ? as tree topper?  This year - Angel

Open presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Eve

Favorite theme or ornament? 1890's couple on a bicycle built for two.

Favorite for Christmas dinner?  Prime Rib

What do you want for Christmas? More of the same


Who is most likely to respond to this meme?  Those who can't think of a post either.

See you later for more Aimless Ramblings.

Monday, December 16, 2013

The Fire Is Out



Vicky Stevens was in a great mood.  Her boss told her she would be getting a promotion and a large raise.  She had been working toward this for the three years she had been at Benson’s and it was finally going to pay off. She didn’t think anything could ruin her mood tonight. Tomorrow she would figure out how to tell Jeff the new promotion meant more travel and for longer periods of time.

She called Jeff to ask if he could meet her at Smithson’s.

“Smithson’s huh, you know that’s going to put a good dent in our budget.”

“Can you meet me or not?” Damn, lately he could really tick her off without even working on it, thought Vicky.

“Yes, I can meet you but I am not sure I want to.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you have been really bitchy lately and I don’t want to be on the receiving end of one of your moods.”

She calmed herself down.  “I’m sorry, Jeff.  I didn’t mean to snap.  Will you please meet me for dinner at Smithson’s at 6:00 pm?”

“In that case, I will be happy to meet you there” he told her and hung up.

Jeff sat back in his chair and wondered what this was all about.  Vicky would never suggest Smithson’s unless something was up.  It was a place they saved for birthdays, anniversaries, special dates and celebrations.  He was worried and  hoped she would be in a better mood.

As Vicky hung up the phone she thought.  Why is Jeff getting on my last nerve lately?  It seems as if everything he says and does annoys me. I hate that.  What’s changed?

Vicky and Jeff Stevens had been married for twelve years.  Vicky worked as an Assistant Account Manager for Benson’s and Jeff was a fireman/paramedic.  They met when Jeff answered a call to Vicky’s workplace.  He called her the next day and asked her out.

“I don’t usually go out with strange men.” She told him.

“I am not a strange man.  I’m a fireman.  My job is to rescue damsels in distress.”

She laughed and answered ‘but I am not a damsel in distress.”

“Not yet.”  She laughed again and agreed to have dinner with him.  He had laughing eyes and an easy charm; and was no slouch in the looks department either.  He had to be over six feet tall with broad shoulders that tapered down to a narrow waist.  His biceps were works of art and she could just imagine the way he would look without that bulky fireman’s outfit he was wearing.

That first date was a fiasco.  He called her to say he would be late and she had forgotten she agreed to meet him.  They finally decided to meet at a local eatery, close to the station.  Unfortunately, that evening there was a bachelor party for one of the guys and it was noisy and raucous. The guys kept teasing him and trying to get him involved in their antics and were being obnoxious to Vicky.  At the end of the evening he asked for a do over.

“I think a do over would be a good thing because if tonight was any indication of what our dating life is going to be like, I think we should both just chalk it up to a bad experience.” Vicky said.

“I know we can do better.  But hey, you were the one that forgot all about it.  I, at least, remembered.”

She agreed. “My bad, I forgot to mark it down on my work calendar. I deserved a good scolding.  I’ll do better the next time, I promise.”

“Okay, how about Saturday night, and if you forget again I will not only scold you I might even have to spank you.”  She thought about that statement but didn’t acknowledge either him saying it or her hearing it.  He couldn’t be serious.  After all this was the 21st century.

Their second date went much better and it wasn’t long before they were seeing each other exclusively.  They dated for a year and a half when Jeff asked Vicky to be his wife.  Vicky said yes and they were married six months later. 

Their work schedules didn’t always coincide.  In the beginning, Vicky was off on weekends and worked pretty normal hours.  Jeff’s work schedule was three days on and three days off.  But the three days on were often 12 to 14 hours shifts and sometimes they wouldn’t see each other for days

As they became financially stable, they purchased a house and Vicky went off the pill.  They both figured it would only be a matter of time before becoming parents.  It hadn’t worked out that way.  They talked about all of the options available to couples these days but neither one of them were willing to acknowledge their dream might not happen in the way they wanted.  As the years passed, Jeff had achieved the rank of Captain and Vicky also achieved professional success.  Each had more responsibilities with more time spent at work and less time with each other.  They drifted along in this way day after day and year after year. 




Jeff was at Smithson’s at the appointed time.  He gave the hostess his name and before she escorted him to their table she said that Mrs. Stevens had called and would be a little late. With Vicky, a little late could be 5 minutes or 50 minutes.  She knew how much he hated to be kept waiting and yet she did it with regularity.  Granted, she couldn’t always control work circumstances but she could have at least called him directly instead of leaving a message.  He did have a cell phone and IF she wanted something she had no compunction about using it. 

He sat facing the door so he would see her when she arrived.  It was about 6:35 when she walked in the door.  After all these years, she still took his breath away.  If anything, she was more beautiful now than when they met.  The years had softened her and though the youthful glow was gone it had been replaced by a patina of grace and confidence that showed in every step she took.  He was used to heads turning to look at her as she walked by. 

“You’re late.” He said with just a touch of anger to his voice.

“Didn’t you get my message?”

“Yes, when I was already here.  Why didn’t you call me directly and then I wouldn’t have had to sit here waiting for you?”

“I’m sorry.”

“You seem to be saying that a lot lately.  You are always sniping at me and treat me like I don’t matter.  I hate what’s happening to us.”

“Can we have a do over, like our first date?” She asked. “Can you pretend I’m not late, I will lose my attitude and we will have a lovely evening?  How’s that?

He remembered that first date and was amazed that she did too.  “I’d like that.”

They were on their third glass of wine when Jeff asked what the occasion was that prompted this dinner. 

“I got a promotion today.  I am the new Senior Account Manager for Benson’s with a $24,000 a year raise.”

“Honey, Congratulations, that’s wonderful.”

“Thank you. So see tonight’s dinner is not going to be a dent in our budget at all.  With this new raise we can get a bigger house, or get that little cabin on the river, a bigger car, and lots of things that have been on our bucket list.”

“Yes, we’ll definitely be able to scratch some items off our bucket list.  What is involved in this promotion?”
Vicky was hoping that Jeff wouldn’t ask that question, at least, not tonight.  She didn’t want to lie but she might as well get it out in the open.

She hesitated but then said:  “It will involve more travel because I will be overseeing all the other districts not just the regional offices.”

“So you’ll be gone more than you are now.” He said.

“Yes, but you can join me as your schedule allows.”


He was happy for her and she deserved the recognition.  She had busted her butt for that company but he hated they would see each other less than they did now.  He was very worried that if something didn’t change they would grow further and further apart.

Vicky was six months into the new job and they hardly saw one another.  She was due home this weekend and Jeff made arrangements to be off.  He scheduled a weekend away for just the two of them.  When Vicky got in on Friday afternoon he told her about the retreat he had planned for them.

“Honey, that’s so sweet.  But I travel all the time and I just want to sit home this weekend.”

“Geez, I can’t seem to do anything right anymore.” He said and stormed out of the house slamming the door behind him.

 Vicky felt bad but she was exhausted and just didn’t want to think about anything right this minute, not work, not Jeff and certainly not her marriage, which she knew was in trouble.  Vicky unpacked and ran a hot bath.  She had picked up a magazine in the airport and took it into the bath with her.  The magazine had one of those features “Is This Marriage Worth Saving”.  The article featured the husband and wife’s story and then the mediator would give suggestions.  One of the suggestions was the couple spice up their sex life.  Vicky thought, yeah, that would be great.  Jeff and I seem to be more like brother and sister than husband and wife.  The wife said she had been reading one of those seam ripper romance novels where the hero had taken the heroine in hand.  The wife suggested to her husband they may benefit from something like that.  They gave it a try and had the hottest sex they’d had in years.  The next two sessions found them getting along better and better and by the end of six months they had saved their marriage.

Maybe that will work for us, Vicky thought to herself.  Should I let him read this article and see what comes of it; or maybe make some suggestions?  She decided Jeff would be more receptive if she made suggestions rather than hand him the article to read.  When he comes back, I’ll surprise him.

Vicky got out of the tub and lay down on the bed waiting for Jeff to return.  She fell asleep and when she woke the next morning she was surprised to find that Jeff’s side of the bed had not been touched.  Maybe he didn’t want to disturb me so he slept in the guest room. He wasn’t there either.  She went downstairs expecting to find him on the couch.  When he wasn’t there either she checked the garage and his car was not there.  Jeff had never done this before.  She tried his cell phone and it just went to voice mail.  Now she was panicked.  She called around to see if any of their friends or family had heard from him.  In desperation, she finally called the police to file a Missing Person’s Report.  She was told the party had to be missing for 24 hours before anything could be done.  Several hours had passed and still no word from Jeff. 

She was at her wit’s end when she heard the garage door opener.  She ran to the door as Jeff pulled into the garage.  She wasn’t sure how to react. She was so happy to see him but on the other hand wanted to pummel him.  She did both.

“I was so worried about you” she told him as she grabbed him in a hug and began kissing his face.  She realized tears were streaming down her face as she continued to hold on to him for dear life.  When she calmed down, she began beating her fists against his chest.

“How could you do that to me?  I didn’t know where you were.  You didn’t answer your cell phone.”

“Frankly, Vicky, I didn’t even think you would know I was gone, much less miss me.  Things haven’t exactly been all champagne and roses for us for quite a while.  Every time you come home from a trip I’m afraid you’re going to ask me for a divorce.”

“I know things haven’t been good but divorce never entered my mind Jeff.  I love you dearly and I hate what has happened to us.  I was just reading an article about that yesterday and there was a great suggestion about how this couple spiced up their sex life and it rekindled their marriage.  I was going to suggest we do the same when you got home and then you didn’t come home.”

“Well I am home now and all ears.” Jeff said.

“Well, it’s all about you being the hero and me being the heroine in our own lives.  You lead and I follow.”

He looked at her quizzically.

“Remember back when we first met and I forgot our date and I told you I needed a good scolding.”

“Vaguely”

“Well, you replied to me that if I did it again that maybe a scolding wouldn’t be enough, maybe you would spank me.”

“I said that.  I must have been full of myself that day, it’s a wonder you ever went out with me a second time.”

“I do remember thinking you had to be kidding but that was back then and this is now.  I’m not sure it would have worked then but I am willing to give it a try.  We need to do something because I love us too much to just give up.  If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them.”

“I have already tried a couple of things and they haven’t worked.  Do you think counseling would help?”

“I don’t know, Jeff.  I only know I get aggravated with you over everything you do and do not do.  I am grumpy at work but not like at you.  It’s probably because at work I wouldn’t get away with it whereas with you, I do.  I wonder if it’s hormonal.”

“Call your doctor and talk with her.  She may have some suggestions.”

Vicky called her gynecologist that very day and made an appointment.  After discussing the problem with the doctor, the doctor concurred  it might be hormonal and they could run a test to determine the answer.  If it was there were things available to solve the problem.

The test results did not indicate any hormonal problems.  Vicky told Jeff about the results and if he was willing to give her suggestion a shot. 

“Right now, I am your damsel in distress.”  He grinned and couldn’t believe she remembered that.  It made him feel better about them than he had in a long time.

“Sure, I want to get back to where we used to be.  I don’t like being around you most of the time and I feel this new job has only made it worse.  So, when do you want to start?

“How about right now?  Instead of asking me, try telling me what you want.”

Jeff was a little hesitant. Suppose he did spank her and she decided it was abuse and had him arrested.  He was a Captain in the Fire Department; his reputation would be ruined and his job jeopardized.  Suppose she got really angry at him and left.  All these thoughts were running through his head.

“Well,” said Vicky.  “Are you going to man up?”

“Is that what you think that I am not man enough to stand up to you?  Well you’re wrong.”  With that he grabbed her arm, pulled her into the living room and yanked her down over his knee.  Before she even had a chance to think about what was happening, he had pulled up her skirt and bared her bottom.  All the frustration, verbal abuse and disrespect that had been building for years were being taken out on his wife’s ass.  He spanked hard from the get go.  Fast and furious came the spanks as he watched her tush turn red.  But he was not letting up even when she yelled out to him.

“Jeez, Jeff.  You’re hurting me.”

“Hush up Vicky, you’ve had this coming and you have even expressed a desire for me to ‘man up’.  Well, I am manning up so you just take what’s coming to you and if I want to hear from you I will let you know.”
                                                                                                   
“Jeff, it hurts so bad, please don’t spank sooooo hard.”

“WHAT DID I JUST TELL YOU VICKY?”  She didn’t answer but if he could have seen her face he would have seen the smile just beginning at the corners of her mouth.  Her fireman was definitely setting fire to her butt and she could feel the heat in other areas too.  Once this spanking was over, she couldn’t wait for him to start putting out the flames.