Getting Caught

Good Morning all.  Hope everyone this side of the pond had a good Thanksgiving.  Did any of you take advantage of the Black Friday sales at the malls?  

We had a nice quiet Thanksgiving dinner and then friends in for dessert and coffee.  It was just right - no stress. I save a lot of money on Friday - I didn't buy a thing.  Oh, I lied.  I did buy one thing on Amazon, Kindles were down to $29.00 and I bought one just to have on hand.  Ray is using my old one and I figure it's only a matter of time before it tires completely and this way I'll have one on hand at a rock bottom price.

I don't know about you but from now til Christmas there is something on the calendar every week.  Busy, busy, busy.  Yesterday, I took out what little Christmas decorations we're using this year. We're off to California for the holiday so there's no sense in taking it all out.  Ray was not pleased that I said it didn't exempt him from putting out the outside Christmas stuff.  He thought he'd get a pass - he was wrong so he told me Thursday.  

Here's a quick little story to start off your work week.

Gayle was on the phone when Martin walked in the door.  He walked right over to her and indicated by hand signs for her to get off the phone.   She put up a finger to indicate a minute and Martin yelled out NOW.  She turned away from him but he came up to her and took the phone from her hand.  “She’ll call you back later, and hung up the phone.  Taking her by the arm he marched her over to the couch, pushing her down over the back. 

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she asked.

“I should think by now you would know.”  He pulled down her jeans and panties and proceeded to apply several hard slaps to her bare behind.  He delivered them so quickly she barely had time to catch a breath between spanks. 

“Why am I getting punished?”

“We’ll discuss it afterward  - right now you’re getting your ass reddened but good.   She felt his hand on her back keeping her in position and heard him swishing his belt through the loops of his jeans.  She both loved and hated that sound.  Today, she hated it because she knew this was going to be no ‘tip toe through the daisies,’ so to speak.  She lifted her head and in the mirror could see him swing his arm high – she contracted her muscles and sensed the sting before the lash even landed.

“Relax,” he told her.  “It will be easier on you.”

“Easy for you to say, buster.”

“That’s going to cost you, that along with not obeying me when I told you to put the phone down.”

He brought down the belt five times in quick succession and each time she sucked in her breath at the ferocity of the spanks. 

 “Stop” she managed to get out.

“Not by a long shot and besides you know the safe word.”  The belt found its mark over and over her backside, the sting building with each lash, but it was when he whipped her thighs that she finally called out “lemon”.

Their safeword – she only remembered using it one other time but today it was a necessity.The first time she used it, she merely wanted him to stop.  It hurt but she knew she could take more.  To her, it was a test to see if he really would stop spanking and he did immediately.  It was afterward that she told him she was testing him.  He was livid and walked out of the house.  When he returned, he sat her down and told her if she ever used that word again she better damn well mean it, because if she didn’t, all hell would break loose.

He ceased and the spanking.  “Are you sure you want to use that word.”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

She tried to get up but he held her there.  “We are not done, merely taking a break so you can catch your breath.”

“But Martin, it hurts terribly.”

“Really, I thought you liked the belt,” he said snidely.

“Not the way it’s being used today, I don’t”

“You know, you’re not having any trouble talking so I’m thinking you’re ready for some more.”

Sure enough, she watched his arm raise and the belt came down again on her already on fire backside.  She knew she would have bruising from this whipping – it’s funny she always considered them a badge of honor afterward.  Martin could see the welts rising from the previous lashing and knew she would have difficulty sitting for quite a while.  He stopped long enough to rub out some of the sting before he began again. When he saw the earlier welts start to take on a purplish glow, he laid down the belt.

By now, Gayle was in tears and sobbing heavily.  It was the worst spanking he had ever given her but he needed to make her understand why he asked her to stay away from Sheila. 

He released her from his hold and took her in his arms.  Gayle rested her head against his chest and he could feel her tears wet his shirt. He rubbed her back and even gave her on fire bottom some easy rubs.  At this point, all it did was inflame the battered skin and she halted his arm.

When she was able to speak, she said one word, “Why?”

“You were with Sheila and you know what I told you about her.”

“But all we did was have lunch, I didn’t go near their house.”

“Gayle, it doesn’t matter.  You have to stay away from her. ”

“How did you find out?”

“You know the circumstances, they are under surveillance and I saw you on the tapes.  If you get caught up, even if you’re innocent of any wrongdoing, you could be charged as an accomplice. Besides that, it doesn’t look good for a detective’s wife to be friends with an assumed criminal.”

“You don’t know that Sheila is involved, only her husband.”

“Gayle, use your head, they’re married, is she so stupid she doesn’t know what her husband does? If so, I can’t imagine why you would want to be friends with her.  I asked you nicely a couple of times to stay away but did you listen?  No.  I figured the only way to get through to you was using my belt instead of my words.  I hope you got the message and I don’t have to do this again because I will.”

Gayle agreed even though she really enjoyed Sheila’s company.  She didn’t think she would be involved in an illegal activity but she saw her husband’s point.  They lived in a small town and any impropriety was sure to not be good for her husband’s career.

Three days later, Gayle poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down to read the morning paper.  She winced as her bottom hit the wooden chair, amazed at the soreness that still remained. She picked up the paper and the headlines glared at her “Wife implicated” and there was a photo of Sheila, in handcuffs, being led to a police car. 

“Whew.”  Suddenly the soreness seemed a small price to pay and she pinched herself to remember to give Martin a big hug and kiss when he got home.

See you later for more Aimless Ramblings

Thanksgiving Greetings.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE THIS SIDE OF THE POND.  HOPE YOU ENJOY THE COMPANY OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND EAT ALL THE TURKEY AND GOODIES YOU WANT BECAUSE TOMORROW YOU'LL BURN IT OFF WHILE YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MANY SALES.

DON'T FORGET TO TAKE A MOMENT TO BE THANKFUL FOR ALL YOU HAVE AND REMEMBER THOSE THAT AREN'T AS LUCKY OR BLESSED AS YOU.

Thanksgiving Story

Mitch and Barbara Sterling were married in June and had settled into the little bungalow on the beach. They met through mutual friends and although Barbara was relatively new to the beach community, she had no trouble making new friends and settling back into married life.

One morning, sitting on the back deck, drinking her morning coffee and watching the waves lap onto the shore she spotted a dog. She was surprised because dogs were not allowed on the beach without a leash and this dog was running free.  She put down her coffee mug and moved in the direction of the dog.  He spotted her and came bounding up to her, tail wagging furiously. 

“Where did you come from boy?  Are you lost?”

Listen to me, talking to a dog and expecting answers.  She petted the dog and searched for a collar.  Finding none, she looked up and down the beach, and on decks and balconies of homes facing the beach for any sign of someone looking for this sweet little sheltie.  Nothing. 

“Well boy, come follow me home.  I’ll see about putting up some posters and reporting finding you so we can get you back to your rightful owner.  I bet they are missing you?”

'There I go again, talking to a dog, and expecting answers.'

He needed no coaxing.  The minute she moved toward her house, he was right on her heels.  He bounded onto the deck just as Mitch walked out.

“What do we have here, Barb?”

“I was sitting here drinking my coffee when I saw him.  I looked up and down the beach and there’s no one in site, so I guess he wandered away.  I’ll make a few calls and put up a few posters.”

“He’s not staying here.”

“What do you mean he’s not staying here?  Of course, he is.  I intend to keep him until we find his rightful owner.”

“No, I don’t want to have any pets.  They tie you down.”

“Oh Mitch.  It’s just until we can find his rightful owner.  Look how sweet he is, how can you possibly not fall in love with him.”

“That’s what I’m saying, Barb, I don’t want you getting attached and falling in love with him.  I don’t want pets.”

“Oh, you are just a big meanie.” She told him and stuck out her tongue.

“Watch out girl, that tongue could get you in trouble.” Giving her a sharp slap on her bottom.  She giggled

“Stop, the neighbors could be watching.”

“Good, let them watch” and he turned and walked inside, the dog close on his heels.

                         

Barb called the animal shelter and the local sheriff’s department. He wasn’t chipped or registered anywhere.  She printed up posters and placed them at all the local businesses and around the community.  She asked all of her friends and friends of friends and no one came forth to claim “Happy”.  It was the perfect name for him because he was always happy and hungry. 

She couldn’t understand it; she was such a nice dog. He turned out to be a she and she wasn’t neutered.  When they had Happy for two weeks, Mitch told her to turn her over to the animal shelter.

“No, I will not do that.  She is much too sweet and I can’t do it.”

“If you don’t do it, I will. Nevertheless, before I do I will turn you over my knee and spank the daylights out of you. Are we clear?”

Barb hated this threat.  She knew it was a possibility.  He had always threatened to spank her, long before they were married but until now, it had always been in fun.  This time he sounded serious.  'Well, it doesn’t matter I am not taking that dog to a shelter, spanking or not.  Neither will I allow him to do so.'

True to his word when he came home the next day and found Happy still there, he took his wife into the bedroom, pulled down her jeans, put her over his knee and walloped the dickens out of her.

Thinking she would be chastened, he let her up and asked for the dog’s leash so he could take her to the shelter. 

“You don’t need the leash.  Happy and I are going to be staying at Carol’s house.”

“What do you mean you will be staying at Carol’s?”

“I called her and told her it was a possibility and she was fine with it.”

“Are you telling me you would leave me over a dog?”

“No, I’m not leaving you.  Happy and I are going to live at Carol’s until you come to your senses.”

“I have half a mind to take you right back over my knee.”

“Do what you feel you must just as I am doing what I feel I must.” She told him.

He was so angry with her, he left the room.  'Damn him.  Why is he being so stubborn about this?'

She and Happy were at her daughter Carol’s for three days before Mitch came to call. Barb flew into his arms, she was so glad he had come to his senses.  Happy was happy too, she kept twirling in and out of his legs.  He finally reached down and petted her, showing her the first signs of affection.

                                           _____________________

The three of them settled into a happy existence until one day there was a knock at the door.  Barb opened it to a man holding one of her posters in his hand.  He introduced himself and said his dog had run away when the repairman left open the screen door.  He said he had been searching for her for weeks and had given up hope.  There was no doubt he was the rightful owner because when Happy saw him she started barking and leaping up on him, giving him doggy kisses that he didn’t seem to mind at all. 

Barb hated letting her go but she could see how much Happy (whose real name was Susie) meant to him.  Before he left, he thanked her for taking such good care of Susie.  He told her he planned to breed her when she came in heat and offered to give her one of the puppies in return.  Barb knew she should say no, but also knew that wasn’t an option for her.  She enjoyed having a dog around and even though Mitch was a “bear” about it, she knew he would come to accept a little fluff ball and love it to pieces.  His biggest thing was that it would tie them down but Barb knew that Carol, or one of their other kids, would always willingly take the dog if they wanted to travel.

Mitch found her weepy when he came home that afternoon.

“What’s wrong honey?  Where’s Happy? She is usually dancing around my feet.”

“Her owner came today.  Oh, I wish you could have seen them.  They were so happy to see each other.  I hated letting her go, I am going to miss her so much.”

He wrapped her in his arms and told her that she had done the right thing and that it was better for them anyway.  A dog was a responsibility and now they were empty-nesters they were free to pick up and go as they pleased; a dog would only tie them down.  Barbara didn’t say a word.  She would lay the groundwork and line up possible dog sitters so that when a pup became available she would have an answer for every argument Mitch might raise.

Months went by.   One day, coming home after shopping, there was a note stuck to the door. 

   ‘Susie is a mom to four little girls.  They are all well, weaned and ready for new homes. If you are still interested, give me a call.’

                                     Jonathon Bixby (813-555-4509)

She was excited and definitely still interested.  She called Jonathon and arranged to pick up the puppy the following day.  When Mitch came home, she showed him the note.

“You are not calling him. I thought we discussed this.”

“We did and I did.  Your biggest thing is always that the dog will tie us down. She will not.  I’ve already talked to all of our children and they will be more than willing to dog sit anytime it’s necessary.”

He groused and grumbled for a bit. 

“So when are we going to pick up this bundle of fur?”

“Tomorrow, do you want to come with me?”

He nodded yes and when they picked up their new ‘Happy’ he snuggled her into his chest and she promptly peed on him.  She laughed.

“Laugh all you want, but every time Happy causes a problem, I am solving it by taking you over my knee, starting when we get home.”

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

Barbara and Mitch invited all of the family for Thanksgiving.  It would be their first one as a married couple and a chance for all of their blended families to be together. Barbara and Mitch asked each family to bring a favorite dish and they would take care of everything else.

It was a beautiful day and most everyone was out playing beach volleyball. Barb and Mitch stayed behind to get everything ready.  When the side dishes were all warmed and the turkey carved, they went outside to call everyone in for dinner. It took a while to round everyone up and when they returned to the house, the turkey had disappeared.  Shocked and surprised, Barb’s initial thought was Mitch had moved it back to the kitchen. Mitch, on the other hand, saw the trail of drippings leading straight into their bedroom.  There sat the culprit, in bed, the turkey resting in front and her just munching away.  Mitch went ballistic.

“BARBARA, GET IN HERE”

She came running and stopped dead in her tracks at the doorway.  She spied Happy sitting there looking well, ‘happy.’ 

“Ohhhhhh.  Happy what have you done?”

She ran over and tried wresting the turkey away, thinking she may be able to salvage some of it.  Happy was not giving up her prize and Barbara realized the turkey was a complete goner.  Mitch was so red in the face she thought he might explode.  He couldn’t even speak which was probably a good thing.  She turned on her heel and left the bedroom.

“Dinner is ready.  The only problem is there is no turkey.” She told everyone trying very hard to hold back the tears.

Sixteen people looked in her direction and said “What” all at the same time.

“Happy grabbed the turkey off the table and has had a Thanksgiving feast all by herself.”

Mitch saved the day.  He called around and found that Glen Eagles Club, a nearby community clubhouse, was having a Thanksgiving buffet.  He explained the situation and the manager offered to sell him a fully cooked turkey.  He was out the door and back in twenty minutes and the rest of the day went on without any other glitches. 

She had to hand it to Mitch.  Everyone kept teasing him about the dog and the turkey and he took it all in stride.  He would throw her a look every now and again and he never missed an opportunity to swat her bottom. It was a reminder of what she could expect when they were alone. She knew this tale would be told and retold forever.

                                               _____________________________

They stood at the door waving goodbye to the last of the family; Barb kissed Mitch and thanked him for saving the day.

“You’re welcome.  They were my guests too.”

“Thanks for being so understanding. Happy was just being a puppy.”

“I know that but we agreed that if Happy caused a problem, it would be taken care of over my knee.  Time to pay the piper, Babe.

“Can’t we just…

“No, I am a man of my word. Let’s go.”

He led her to the bedroom, sat down on the bed and pulled her down next to him.  He reached down to pick up his slipper.  It was chewed and mangled.  He showed it to her; she rolled her eyes, stood up, took off her jeans and put herself over his lap.  'I am really in for it now.'  Mitch began laying into her behind, first with his hand and then the slipper.  It may have been mangled, but it more than did its job.  He kept up the staccato type spanks until her bum was on fire.  'The turkey isn’t the only thing roasted this Thanksgiving 'she thought as Mitch pulled her up onto his lap to give her some loving.

See you later for more Aimless Ramblings.

  

Coming of Age

Hello - Things here are good.  Hope everything is where you are.  Thanksgiving is swiftly approaching and with it the countdown to Christmas.  It comes entirely too fast these days.  Ray and I are both feeling better and glad about it.

Next weekend is Love our Lurkers.  I won't be participating this year because Ray and I are going away for a few days.  I'll miss it - don't you. 

I don't know about this story.  It took me all day and couldn't get to the important part.  I finally did but it's way too long but I'm too tired of it to make the changes.  Sorry about that.

Coming of Age

James Thompkins lived on the Winchester Estate his whole life – not in the main house – but in the caretaker's cottage.  His father, Harry had been the caretaker for the Winchester’s since before his birth.  When he went to university was the only appreciable time he had been off the estate. It was as much home to him as to the Winchester’s so that when he returned from uni he didn’t know what to do with himself. Did he go back to his folk’s place or strike out on his own? Without a firm job offer, and with money tight, his dad suggested he could use him at the estate during the summer.  James accepted his dad’s offer and moved back to the cottage.  His sister and brother had moved on during his university years so it wasn’t nearly as cramped as before. 

One day on his return trip from town to the estate, he noticed a girl walking along the lane.  She seemed to be enjoying the sojourn so he tooted and waved as he drove by, careful not to kick up too much dust as he passed.  About an hour later there was a knock on the door.  When he opened the door, on the porch stood the girl that he passed on the lane.

“Hello, can I help you?”

“Not now,” she replied.  “You could have helped before.  I don’t know who you are but I noticed your car as I walked to the house.  Do you live here?”

“Yes, I’m the caretaker’s son and I’m working here for the summer.”

“Well it seems to me that for someone who is employed here at Winchester Estate you would have the good sense to make inquiries if you see someone walking along the lane.”

“I’m sorry.  Who are you?”

“I’m Janelle Westmoreland.”

“Well, Janelle Westmoreland, I’ve lived here almost my whole life and never once have I questioned someone walking along the lane and I can’t imagine starting now.  Why would I?”

“No need to get huffy.  It’s just that it seemed to me that a stranger on the road would be of interest .”

“Ms. Westmoreland, you don’t know me at all.  For all intents and purpose, I could be the stranger.”

She got all red-faced when she realized the truth of that statement.  The color became her, she was much too pale otherwise.  She had the lightest shade of blond hair and the palest of blue eyes and dressed as she was, almost totally in white, she could have been a spirit.  The embarrassment proved too much for her and she turned on her heel and walked away.

His next encounter with Ms. Westmoreland came at the post office a few days later. He readily acknowledged and greeted her but was rebuffed by her haughty “Do I know you?” statement.

If she expected him to humiliate himself by explaining their first encounter, she was dead wrong.  After saying, “I guess not, I must have been mistaken,” he turned and walked away.

That was not the reaction Janelle Westmoreland expected.   After their first encounter, she found herself thinking about James. He was a good-looking man and seemed well-spoken for a mere employee.  Raised as an only child, she was born late in life to a couple who were steeped in Victorian life and mores.  The twenty-first century was more than they could bear and so they shielded themselves and their child as much as possible.  When Janelle went off to school she was treated like outcast – a nineteenth-century girl in the twenty-first century.  Her dress, manners, and  thoughts were an enigma to most of her classmates and she found herself friendless and alone. To say she was a snob was an understatement.    After one semester she returned to her parents’ home.  They were disheartened at the dismay of their only child and suggested a long visit with her Winchester cousins might do her a world of good.   

   

 Janelle looked down on every one of her cousin’s friends for one reason or another and found herself once again, alone and lonely.  Could James Thompkins be the answer?  Obviously, she would have to do better than her last attempt at playing coy. 

She spied on him for a few days while he was at work.  While watching him one day she remembered a scene in a book she had read.  The heroine was trying to get the attention of one of her father’s groomsmen and feigned an accident hoping to get the man to come to her rescue.  She noticed that James visited the garden shed several times throughout the day and she began planning her mishap.

Unfortunately, her plan backfired.  The day of her ‘accident’ she entered the shed and tripped on a rake that was lying on the floor.  This would have fit right into her plan except that instead of James coming to her rescue, it was his father. 

“Ms. Westmoreland, are you hurt?  I left that rake there not thinking anyone else would be coming in here.”

“It’s okay,” she fumbled.  “I I I was looking for a small pot to plant a sprig of mint.”  After helping her to her feet, he found a small pot and asked if that would suit.  She nodded her assent and left the shed, colliding with James on the way in. 

“What was she doing here?” she heard him ask.

“Looking for a pot for something or other. “ 

“She’s one snooty bitch – way too full of herself,” she heard James tell his dad.

“How did you come to that conclusion?”

James told his dad about the house visit and then their encounter at the post office, and just now she bumped into me and never even said a word.

“Maybe she just needs someone to take her in hand and show her the error of her ways”

James laughed.  “You could be right about that.  I wouldn’t mind taking a shot at that.” With that, he picked up a garden stake and swished it through the air.

She heard them both laugh as she hustled away from the shed thinking how dare they presume to know what she did or did not need, she’d show them. 

When James entered the greenhouse the following morning, he couldn’t believe his eyes.  The place was flooded and as he rushed to turn off the water, he saw the other damage as well.  Many of the garden tools were floating in the water and several panes of glass had been shattered. All of the seedlings had been uprooted and overturned and several of the annuals that were ready to be planted were lying on the floor.  He was trying to rescue as much as possible when his father came in.

“What the hell happened here?”

“Not sure, but it was a deliberate act.”

“We’ve never had anything like this before.   We’ve got a day’s work ahead of us, that’s for sure, including getting a lock for that door.”

“Yeah,” James answered.

James’ dad left to go get the lock leaving James alone.  He was perspiring from the hard work and had hosed himself off.   Janelle appeared in the greenhouse and one look at James had her heart aflutter.  He noticed the color began creeping up her neck as she took in the full effect of wet clothes clinging to his body. 

“Can I help you, Ms. Westmoreland.”

“What a mess,” she said, “what happened here?”

There was something in her voice and manner that made his hackles rise.  “There seemed to be a bit of mischief here.  My dad has gone into town to report it to the police.  I’m sure they’ll be here soon to check out the scene and dust for prints.”

He watched her face and knew his assumption was correct. 

“Oh,” was all she said before she took her leave.  James smiled to himself –he knew exactly how he was going to make her pay for her bit of mischief.  After all, he could cross-examine witnesses with the best of them – at least that was what his law professors told him.

Sure enough, James’ opportunity arose.  Janelle was walking along the lane as James drove by.  He stopped and asked if she wanted a lift into town or just on a walk.

“On a walk but thank you for stopping.”

“Are you sure you don’t want a ride?” He coaxed.

 She accepted and he didn’t waste a moment. He opened the conversation telling her that the sheriff had been able to pinpoint the time of the incident and found some hard evidence that he was sure would catch the rowdies.

“Oh, so there was more than one.”

“Not according to the sheriff.  He determined it had to be a young man, based on the imprints in the mud.  Of course, it could have also been a girl.”

“Really.” He watched her squirm in her seat.  “You know while we’re in town I think I might stop by the sheriff’s office and see if he has any new information.”

“Oh, I’m sure he would let you know right away, wouldn’t he?”

“He had a suspect in mind and maybe he’s nailed it down by now.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know.  It’s just a feeling I have.”

“If you know anything, now would be a good time to let us know.”

“Why would I know anything?”

“You said you had a feeling.  Have you seen anyone skulking around?”

“No, I think it was just a prank that got out of hand.”  He pulled up in front of the Sheriff’s office and turned off the truck.

“I’ll wait here,” she said.

“Are you sure, I may be a while.”

“No, you go ahead.”   He came out a few minutes later followed by the sheriff.  James had filled him in on his suspicions and the sheriff played along. Between James and the sheriff, she was squirming like butter in a frying pan.

“Okay, okay.  I did it.”

“What?” They both said and acted surprised as hell.

“I’ll pay for any repairs.”

“You caused an awful lot of trouble young lady.  I’m not sure you can get off that easy,” the sheriff said.

James piped up then.  “I think we can take care of things without getting the law involved.  After all, it’s her uncle’ s property and he’ll be paying anyway.”

“You’re not going to tell my uncle, are you?” 

“I’m not but you are?”   He winked at the sheriff and James got back in the truck.

“Please don’t tell my uncle.  It was a childish thing to do.”

“Why did you do it?”

“I overheard you and your dad talking about me and I wanted to get even.”

“So you destroyed property that wasn’t yours and knew you would cause havoc.”

“I know, I’m sorry, but please don’t make me tell my uncle.  He will be so disappointed.”

“What you need is a good spanking?  You may look like a grown up but you don’t act like one and I’m tempted to give you what you need.”

“If it means not telling my uncle, then please spank me.

“Are you sure because I’m not fooling here. “

“I’m sure.  Okay, I’m going to pull over here unless you want to wait.”

“No, I want to get this over with.”

James knew just the spot.  It was in a grove of trees that provided privacy all around.  There was a bench cut out of down tree that was just perfect for what he had in mind.  As he pulled off the road, he noticed Janelle’s nervousness.

ss

“Not too late to back out.”

“No, I’m ready.”

James pulled the truck into the copse of trees and turned off the ignition.  He opened the door for Janelle and helped her down.  He led her to the downed tree.  “Wait here,” he said.  “I have something I have to do.”

“You’re not leaving me here.”

“No. I’m going to cut a switch.”

“A switch.”

“You didn’t say anything about a switch.”

“Are you backing out?”  She watched as he tested several branches before he chose one.  He chose several and inspected them thoroughly and tried each one by swishing it through the air.  Janelle gritted her teeth as she heard the sound.

“When you’re ready, bend over the bench.”  He saw her watery eyes and noticed her quivering body.  He steeled his resolve thinking of the mess she had made and how haughty she had been. He raised his arm in the air and brought down the switch purposely not finding her bottom.  He heard the intake of breath and then the release when the pain didn’t come.  She relaxed a bit and that’s when he raised the switch again and this time it landed on her bottom.  She cried out but didn’t move.  Three more times he brought down the switch before dropping it to the ground.  He helped her up – tears were streaming down her cheek but he was proud of her.  She had taken her punishment, something he hadn’t expected.

He gave her a hug, handed her some tissues and walked to the truck.  “Take your time and come over when you’re ready.”

She walked gingerly to the truck and James assisted her up.  He heard her wince as her bottom hit the seat. She hugged the door on the ride back to the estate. 

“What happens now?” she asked.

“It’s over, you took your punishment, but know that if you ever do anything like that again, it will not be that easy.”

“I won’t.  Will you do me a favor?”

“What kind of favor?”

“Would you ask me out on a date?”

“What?”

“Ask me out on a date.  I’ve never been on one with someone that wasn’t a relative. “

“I guess I could do that.  Janelle would you like to go to dinner with me tomorrow night.”

He smiled at her as he waited for an answer.

See you later for more Aimless Ramblings.

The Things You Learn

I can't believe it is already November.  The weather here has finally turned, so no 90s in sight - 80's in the day and down to the 60's at night.  It's the perfect time of year - you can  forget about the 100+ days of summer, enjoy the fresh air blowing through open doors and windows, hearing the birds chirp, not scouring a shady place to park your car, seeing people out and about - it's great.  

Learned some great news this week.  My oldest grandson was accepted at NAU.  Not sure if he'll attend but it was one of the ones to which he applied and I'm happy for him.   Not only that yesterday he started his very first job.  At Subway -I told him no extra meat and to be sure to check his fingers before leaving.  No wonder he thinks I'm the crazy grammy.  I can't wait to see how long this will last.

Ray has bronchitis and he didn't want to suffer alone so he thought he would pass it along. The Z pac is working and thank goodness I didn't get it as bad, so Mucinex is working just fine.  Gone are the days when I didn't get anything - along with everything else, maturity takes its toll on immunity too.  

Just like squirrels gathering nuts for winter, I'm starting to gather things for the big C.  It's all around and if you don't get the stuff now, you're liable to not find what you want later. I told Ray to plan on taking another suitcase along with us.  I figure if I start telling him now, I won't have to listen to him later.  Good thing SW allows two free bags per person.

Guess that's it for now - here's this weeks story.

Karen Treadway looked again at the paper in her hand.  Yes, the address definitely matched.    Her assignment was to interview the latest candidate for city council.  When she called to schedule the appointment this was the address she was given.

She turned off the ignition and sat staring at the stately house with its wide verandah.  Bamboo rocking chairs, hanging, and potted ferns decorated the porch.  It was like a picture out of a magazine.  She walked up the flagstone path to entry doors of solid oak with stained glass panels and rang the bell. She could see the outline of someone coming to the door but when it opened  - she lost her voice.  In front of her was the most handsome man she had ever seen.  He wasn’t overly tall, about six feet, with the blackest hair, the bluest eyes and the build of a man who didn’t spend all his time behind a desk.  He was dressed casually in khaki’s and a blue oxford cloth shirt, opened at the collar, with loafers and no socks.  He extended his hand and led her inside introducing himself as Jock O’Hara. His well-modulated voice could soothe a crying baby.

“Nice to meet you, Karen Treadway.”

“Same here, Mr. O’Hara.”

“Oh, please call me Jock.  Mr. O’Hara makes me sound old as dirt.”

“Okay, Jock.  You know why I’m here, where would you like to begin?”

“First, why don’t you tell me a little about you and this community.  I’m fairly new here.”

“Yet, you’re running for city council.”

“What better way to get to know your surroundings.  Truly, I’m really not that new.  I was born and raised here but left during my junior year of high school.  My parents divorced and my brother and I moved with my dad.  It was only within the last year that I moved back.”

“I see.   I’ve only lived here a short time myself.  My sister moved here with her husband.  When she had difficulty with her first child, I came to help out and found that I liked it here – much more so than the big city.”

“Seems we have similar tastes.”

“That it does, Jock.  So tell me why are you running for city council and why do you think you can make a difference.”

“Midville is a great place but I think it can be better.  Some of the council members are rooted in place and refuse to see that change can be a good thing.  If Midville doesn’t move forward, it will be left behind and swallowed up by the other communities around us that are more progressive.

“So you think the ordinance before the council right now should be changed to allow big box stores.”

“That’s not what I said.”

“It’s what it sounded like to me.”

“Let me explain.”  He went on to give me his version of what the town should do.  While I agreed with some of his ideas, I didn’t want to see Midville change from the charming close knit community it was to Bloomington, the next town over and I told him so.

“Karen, you’re here to interview me, to get my take on things.  If and when I win the seat, then you can give me your ideas.  Right now this article is about me.”

“You don’t have to get all high-handed on me.  You asked me about me and this town and I gave you my thoughts.”

“A little defensive, aren’t you?”

“Maybe so.  So what else what would you like in this article?”  I heard my tone and when he clucked his tongue I knew he heard it too.  A half hour later I had a page full of notes and a snootful of Jock O’Hara.  He may be the best looking guy I’d ever seen and his charm knew no bounds but for some reason, he brought out the worst in me. 

When he walked me to the door he said he couldn’t wait to read the article. 

“I’m sure.”

The editor made a few changes but basically published my story as presented.  Jock O’Hara called to thank me and invited me to lunch.  I asked if this was a thank you for the article or just because he wanted my company.

“Boy, you really are something, aren’t you?”

“I think so.”   He laughed.

“How about it’s just lunch?”

I agreed to meet him at the Brickyard Café the following Tuesday.  The Brickyard had been around as long as Midville in some form or another and was the centerpiece of Midville’s charm. I arrived before him and requested an outside table.  It was a beautiful day – too nice to be inside.  I watched as all eyes followed him as he entered and was led to my table.  Lots of envious eyes, I might add.  Jock O’Hara would win the election on his looks alone if the women of Midville came out and voted.

My guard was up, I didn’t know what to expect of Jock O’Hara.  If this was a thank you for the article, professional behavior was required.  If this was a date – he looked good enough to be dessert. 

It was a little awkward at first but Jock’s charm put me at ease.  I still wasn’t sure if it was business or not so I was on my best behavior.  We talked about our past, present and what we expected for the future.  Jock O’Hara had been married, but it ended badly and he still seemed wounded.  He was an interesting man once you got past the façade he presented to the world.  I hoped this was a date, after all.  I found I really enjoyed his company.

We parted company after lunch and I still wasn’t sure what it meant.  Weeks went by and one day he phoned and invited me to dinner. 

“Are you asking me as a date, or do you need another article prior to the election?”

“Girl, do you give all your dates this hard a time?’

“Oh, so it is a date.”

“Yes, it’s a date.  Everything is off the record.”

“So I can be myself.”

“By all means.”

This time he picked me up and he took me to a charming restaurant on the outskirts of town. He seemed a little nervous and I asked him if everything was okay.

“Yes, it’s just that you’re a reporter and I’m not sure if you can be trusted.”

“Is there some deep dark secret in your background you’re afraid you will reveal?”

“Something like that.” 

“Relax, I’m not that kind of a girl.  Sure, I’m a journalist but I’m not into subterfuge.  We’re just a guy and a girl out to dinner.”

“Good, because there are a few things about me that don’t necessarily fit in with the 21^st century and it could cost me votes if they got out."

“Oh, what’s that?”

“Are you sure you want to get into this now?”

“I’m sure.”

“Okay, but mind you, this is just how it relates to my private life, not my public life.  I think women are the best thing since sliced bread.”  Karen laughed.  “You’ve got to be kidding.”

“Let me finish.  Women are more than capable of handling any situation; they’re smart, strong, resourceful and take on challenges much better than their male counterparts.”

“Thank you, I was beginning to think you were one of those ‘good ole boy’s’ who believe women belong in the home and not out in the world.”

“Never.  But, in my home,  I want the women in my life to take my lead, not be the leader.”

“Huh.”

“My marriage was a disaster.  We were two strong people who wanted to be in charge.  It doesn’t work in business and it doesn’t work in marriage.  One person has to have the upper hand. “

“So you’re saying the woman has no say.”

“It’s not what I’m saying at all.  You have a bad habit of putting words in my mouth.  What I’m saying is that there is input from both sides, but one side has to have the final say.”

“and that has to be the man.”

“Not necessarily, but in my case, yes.”

“Wow, and you expect to find a woman who will agree to this archaic way of doing things.”

“It’s not archaic at all.  At the paper, don’t you take instruction and follow the lead of the editor, who follows the lead of the publisher?”

“I suppose.”

“Well, it’s the same in a relationship.  Both sides have input but only one person makes the final decision and the other person accepts it as law.”

“…and this is what caused your first marriage to fail.”

“It certainly  was a mitigating factor.”

“…and the other factors.”

“I spanked her.”

“You did what?”

“I spanked her.”

“In fun right, not like she was really naughty and it was a punishment.”

“The latter.”

“Oh.”

“What do you think about that?”

“I don’t know what to think.  I don’t mind a few spanks in fun, it’s kind of a turn on, but for real.  I’m not sure how I feel about that.  Is that a criterion for you buying me dinner?  If it is, I’ll pay for my dinner because right now I’m starving.

He threw his head back and laughed.

“See, right now I’d like to give you a few fun spanks.”

It was Karen’s turn to laugh.

See you later for more Aimless Ramblings.