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and
those scorched animals need the shelter.
    Knowing winter is right around the corner is
why my wife, sister-in-law and me are leaving for home shortly
after the barn is built. I sure don't want to drive all the long
miles home in a winter storm.”
    “We do not blame you for we know how hard it
is to travel in the winter,” the bishop said. “Know we will miss
your company, and hope you can come back soon. We will pray for
your safe journey home.”
    “Thank you, Bishop. Tootie, Nora and I sure
like visiting with John, Hal and our grandkids. We've made so many
friends around here and will miss all of you,” Jim said
sincerely.
    At another table, Hal passed out saucers of
apple pie. She set a serving in front of Rudy Briskey while he
smiled up at her. “How is your sheep doing?”
    It was hard to tell if he was teasing. He
knew she'd have trouble when he gave her ewes with mastitis in
their bags for services rendered. She didn't know Rudy the time he
insisted she go with him. She thought she was going to be a midwife
for his wife. He kept talking about Martha in labor, and he sure
didn't bother to correct her. Was it a coincidence that Rudy named
one of his ewes after his wife? Hal suspected the ewe only carried
the name Martha until after she delivered the lambs. Hal pulled the
triplet lambs, and they all lived. Rudy's reason for having the
nerve to ask for Nurse Hal's help was she was closer than the vet.
Saving his lambs was his emergency.
    Payment was two ewes. Was he really
interested in how she made out with his worthless ewes? Maybe
inside he was smiling at how he'd pulled the sheep's wool over her
eyes.
    Hal replied, “Fine, denki. They both had a
set of twins. I admit I was glad to see the end of bottle feeding
the lambs. That was a job, but I found I love sheep. John bought me
ten more ewes and a buck at the salebarn. I'm looking forward to
lambs in the spring with mothers that can take care of them this
time.”
    “You will always have a lamb or two to feed.
It might be the left out one of a set of triplets, or a confused
ewe that refuses to claim her lambs. If you want to get out of
bottle feeding, I have the perfect answer. Buy a milk goat,” Rudy
advised.
    “How does buying a milk goat help me? I'd
have to milk her all the time, fill the bottles and feed the
lambs.” Hal wondered what the catch was. John warned her with Rudy
there was always a catch.
    “Milk goats often will adopt bottle lambs
along with their kids. Just keep the lambs in the goat's pen. Wean
the lambs along with the kids and dry the goat up. Simple as that,”
Rudy stated.
    “I see. That sounds easy. I'll discuss this
with John. If he wants a goat, he can get me one at the salebarn,”
Hal said as she turned to go back to the kitchen.
    “Wait!” Rudy exclaimed.
    Hal turned around slowly.
    “No need to bother with the salebarn. I own a
dozen milk goats. I would gladly sell you one to help you out. Jah,
I would,” Rudy said smoothly.
    Hal imagined Rudy would have made a good used
car salesman in another life. “I have to think about this.” Hal
backed up to go get more pie.
    Emma was talking to Mary Mast, Eli's wife and
didn't see her step mother coming until Hal bumped into her. “Oh,
Emma, I'm sorry. I should watch where I'm walking.” She nodded
slightly toward Rudy Briskey.
    Rudy waved his fork at her. “I will gladly
deliver.”
    Emma grabbed Hal by the arm and headed for
the kitchen. She whispered in Hal's ear. “What is Rudy Briskey up
to now?”
    “He wants to sell me a milk goat.”
    “Really? What did you tell him?” Emma asked,
trying not to smile.
    “I'd have to talk to your father,” Hal
said.
    “Gute answer,” Emma agreed. “We do need to go
to the salebarn soon though. I have to help you pick out a rooster.
Maybe Daed will see a gute milk goat there if you really want
one.”
    Hal put pie filled saucers on her tray. “Jah,
the sooner the better we should go to get the rooster. Tom Turkey
has