#Foundation Repair Two Rivers

[tworiversfoundationrepair]

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[fatehbaz]

On the night of April 30, 1541, the Ming Ancestral Temple in Beijing was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. [...] 

[T]he fires forced the Jiajing Emperor to resurrect one of the dynasty’s most expensive, difficult, and destructive projects: the logging of old-growth timber in the far southwest of China. Disaster struck again in 1556, when fires burned the Three Halls that form the central axis of the Forbidden City. The Three Halls burned yet again in 1584. [...] Yet the lightning strikes in Beijing were also a disaster for the old-growth forests of the southwest, where the logs to build the palaces had first been cut in the early 1400s. As logging supervisors soon learned, ancient trees could not be felled on a regular basis. Officials pressed ever deeper into the gorges of southern Sichuan and northern Guizhou to find them, bringing massive transformations to the environment in the process.

---

The foundations of Beijing were laid between 1406 and 1421 by the Yongle emperor, a junior son of the Ming founder, who moved the court to his personal appanage in north China. [...] Grasping the sinews of power that connected his court to far-flung regions of the empire, Yongle pulled one million laborers to Beijing to build his palaces. Because the weight of Chinese buildings is carried by their pillar-and-beam frameworks (liangzhu), monumental buildings required monumental trees (Figure 2). So Yongle also dispatched a similarly large labor force to the old-growth forests of the far southwest to cut the fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) and nanmu (Phoebe zhennan) that grew straight and tall enough to be used for imperial construction.

We cannot be certain just how many logs were cut to build Beijing, but the figure must have been astounding. In 1441, two decades after the completion of the project, 380,000 large timbers were left over from the earlier construction. By 1500, these too were gone, used for repairs or too damaged by rot to be used for construction purposes.

---

In the sixteenth century, logging officials wondered how their predecessors had been able to obtain so many giant timbers. Li Xianqing, who supervised more than 40 logging sites in the 1540s, noted that large trees could still be found, but they could only be transported out with great difficulty and at great expense. The majority had to be discarded as hollow or insect-damaged. Even when a quality log was found, it took five hundred workers to tow a log over mountain passes.

Skilled craftsmen were on hand to build “flying bridges” (fei qiao), stone-lined slip roads, and enormous capstans (tianche) to tow the logs up slopes (Figures 3 and 4). In the remote forests of the southwest, loggers faced attacks by snakes, tigers, and “barbarians” (manyi); “miasmatic vapors” (yanzhang, probably malaria); storms, forest fires, rockslides, and raging rivers (Figure 5). Labor teams had to carry their own food and often starved. At the rivers, logs were tied into massive rafts bound with bamboo for buoyancy, towed by teams of 40 men, and then launched on the three-year, three-thousand-kilometer journey to Beijing (Figure 6). Only a small fraction of the trees reached the capital in a condition where they could be used for palace building.

---

Expeditions exceeded their budgets up to fiftyfold.

One official remarked, “the labor force numbers in the thousands; the days number in the hundreds; the supply costs number in the tens of thousands each year.” Another saying held that “one thousand enter the mountains, but only five hundred leave” (rushan yiqian chu shan wubai). To make matters worse, logging mostly occurred within territory that was under only loose Ming control [...].

---

The Yongle Palaces were said to replicate the otherworldly atmosphere of the old-growth forests where their pillars originated. The presence of these timbers in Beijing linked the capital, materially and symbolically, to the southwestern landscape of cliffs and gorges where the trees had grown.

But ancient sentinel trees could not be reproduced on demand. The fifteenth-century logging project was a millennial event, removing the growth of hundreds or even thousands of years. Later officials were forced to come to terms with the transformations their predecessors had wrought in the ancient forests. Eventually builders had to switch to smaller, commercially available timber, using ornate artisanship and commercial efficiency to substitute for the austere majesty of the early Ming palaces, and the thousands of years of tree growth on which they rested.

---

All text above by: Ian M. Miller. “The Distant Roots of Beijing’s Palaces.” Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society, Environment & Society Portal, Arcadia no. 39. Autumn 2020. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Presented here for commentary, teaching, criticism purposes.]

[outofangband]

Basic Tol Sirion World Building

world building post for the Isle of Wolves!

World Building Masterlist

This was requested by an anon awhile ago, I’m so sorry for the delay

Please feel free to ask more!! General posts are hard because I didn’t have specific categories to cover so feel free to send categories or more questions!

Tol Sirion stood from the middle of the first century of the first age, for almost 400 years until 456 FA. Finrod first oversaw its building but Orodreth was left in charge and it was under his rule that the fortress lasted until Sauron

-Minas Tirith, unlike Nargothrond, is primarily a military operation rather than a creation of a realm where people can live and work and prosper. Minas Tirith means watch tower.

-Minas Tirith is constructed primarily from white limestone, mostly from deposits of the river Sirion, south of Tol Sirion. Slate, wood and clay were also used

-It is not a city, but rather watch tower with a collection of outer buildings, including an infirmary, a library of sorts, where information about the lands and its creatures and people were collected for sometime, an armory and forge and small houses. The watch tower itself has a number of personal rooms.

-There are also gardens and a small greenhouse, partly modeled after the one built at Barad Eithel which was warmed through hot springs. The greenhouse at Tol Sirion is mostly warmed through the sun and with steaming and misting practices originating from Alqualondë

-The library was a project of Finrod’s and at the time of its creation held very little text, because there was not room to bring many tomes, and written, works over. However, by the time it was invaded there was a modest collection of research. Not all of it would turn out to be completely accurate, but always done with sincerity, and with the help of truly preserving information. All of it was destroyed when the island was invaded.

-Food was primarily sourced from the river itself and from trade with Dorthonion, Hithlum, and Nargothrond. The island of Tol Sirion was probably both too small and its soil in ideal for large scale agricultural production though materials like leaves, roots, some fruit and meat were obtained locally. There were also some smaller gardens, mostly for medicinal herbs but some vegetables too.

-Fresh fish and vegetables, both grown and foraged, are common. During the Watchful peace, small scale agriculture projects are headed by some of the host. These were primarily west, in the shadow of the Ered Wethrin. Trout and river lampreys are delicacies

-Wild mushrooms are also eaten. Elves who have more contact with dwarven and human groups are more likely to eat mushrooms

-Materials for clothing, weapons and other supplies were also mostly acquired through trade however during the Watchful peace, mineral and ore deposits in the nearby mountains were quarried to gather metals and other resources

-The environment is far colder than Tirion, Alqualondë and the rest of Valinor and Orodreth and his host would suffer homesickness at times. The summers and spring are warm however and the island is draped in wild flowers and wild herbs, the scene mixing with the cool water

-The island is large enough that there are several small underground streams that cut through it. It’s from one of these that a well is sourced which provides Minas Tirith with water. It is from two of these wells that form the caverns that will become the pits of the Isle of Wolves. With the streams corrupted by Sauron’s force and repairs of the wells and foundations are no longer done so frequently, the water that drips down the walls where Finrod’s company are chained is poisoned and foul

Please feel free to ask more!

[masterthespianduchovny]

After Kratos and Freya restore the River and clear out the invasive species, this is their exchange:

(Mimir: Maybe life in this valley can flourish again.)

Freya: I hope so. Vanaheim has suffered enough.

Kratos: It will prove resilient

Freya: How are you so sure?

Kratos: Lands tend to reflect those who care for it most.

You ain’t slick, Kratos. 🫣

Of all the people Kratos partnered with and met on his past two journeys, there is no one is respects or holds in such as high esteem as Freya.

Although this missions are optional for us, they canonically do everything that’s presented to us.

They repair/rebuild nine realms together, but Kratos spends the most time in Vanaheim—Freya’s homeland—and restores the rivers, clears out invasive species, helps clear poisons and stuff, brings peace to trapped spirits, etc. The Crater, Vanaheim territory, is the largest segments for side quests.

And while I think he’s a great friend, this has the markings of a great (romantic) relationship.

Because not only is Freya highly esteemed in Kratos’ eyes, he expresses it in different ways. One of them was to her face and a very touching way. We see what happened to her lane after Odin invaded, which Kratos then made a parallel to her ordeal with her ex. Stripping her of everything and making her psyche have an invasive emotional journey for over a century. Through this all she was resilient and flourished.

But I also think of his innate thoughts, journal entries, and how after he met Freyr, Kratos said that he wasn’t as impressive as his sister. 😂 he didn’t Freyr any time to prove himself or anything. And depending on what you do in Alfheim, it’s even more funny. This dude got the light and dark elves to get along for a little bit and Kratos doesn’t think he’s nearly as impressive as Freya.

What’s also interesting about The Crater segment is that there’s these missions that leads us to finding out that Faye was there and fought Thor. But that wasn’t enough for Sony Santa Monica, Freya either briefly met or at least observed his wife (enough) to know she saw her firsthand and thought she was fierce.

Imo, this shows that the studio is building up the foundation of a romance based off friendship and mutual respect. The way in which the studio ties them together and how they perceive one another and their experiences doesn’t feel like they have a platonic end goal in mind.

These are two people with immense grief that have experienced raw pain with one another, but can also be incredibly open and vulnerable. Faye had her reasons for keeping her past secrets, but I do find it fascinating that if Kratos and Freya canonically get together, it will be with no secrets between them and them knowing the truth about each other—grimy details and all.

Two people who have either seen the other at their worst or they know about it and why. And get, they already have a deep and profound respect for one another.

[lionessinarms]

The Months in Between Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

The next morning Wade and River are in Firetown. Wade finished writing up a list of violations for a brick apartment building and is now challenging River to spot the violations he took note of. All she could talk about is how soot filled the apartments are from all those added chimney fires. She is disgusted by it. 

"Agh all this filthy charcoals and brunt logs everywhere are just eww." River says nearly gaging.

Wade from behind her rolls his eyes, "Did you even look at the structures I pointed out?"

"Oh those pipes? Yeah they should be over those nasty fires." River suggests.

"No. No. Very wrong. Did you hear what I said about building when we walked in?"

"That is was originally build for Earth? Which is why the chimneys are illegal." River claims with her fist in her hand.

"No those are part of the original build. What is not original was all the extra piping in each room." Wade points out. 

"Yeah that's because Earth uses extra water." She states frankly.

"Regardless of Earth, Fire, whatever Element those added pipes are unnecessary and are causing extra leaks. Which is why the building now has foundational issues." Wade looks at the time. It's close to lunch and he promised a favor for Vinny. Wade then instructs River. "I need you to pull the original blue prints for that building and email them to me. Meet me at the next address at 2pm. It's long lunch break today because I got a special project to take care of."

"What? Why the blue prints? Are job is finish once we cite the violations." River protests.

"Wrong again because these are emergency repairs we got to write action plans, solutions, for the city to repair those violations quickly." Wade states.

"Sounds like unnecessary work." River questions. "It would be easier if they just moved."

Wade is getting frustrated, "Well, this is what you signed up for." Then he turns to leave. If he's lucky River will just quit.

At the Fireplace. Bernie is checking inventory as two construction guys walk in. One is an Air and the other an Earth Element. Seeing as they are not Firish, Bernie is immediately not thrusting of the two, and keeps a close eye on them.

The Air guy floats by showing his coworker around, "Oh man this place is great! You're really going to love these snacks. They've been a life safer on the job. Killer flavor!"

"Can't wait to try 'em."

Flarrietta greets them like old time regulars, "Ráì khìf! Great to see you again! We got a special on these mini kol nuts today, buy one get one."

"Nice! I'll take some!"

Bernie looks confused. He's never thought any other element would like Firish food other then the Firish. As the two construction workers leave Bernie them hears him say.

"This place is the best. Can't find one of these in Element City." 

Berne knew his place was special but in the whole City?

"Wade!" Flarrietta, Flarry, and Cinder all say hi as Wade steps in because he is the best regular they have, always getting Ember some extra fuel for her lunches at work. Bernie watches him.

"Hello Everyone!" Wade says as he jogs to the back to the Blue Flame.

"Yo, yo, yo Wade!" Clod runs up to him point at his head for water. 

Wade stops with a skid on one leg, almost loosing his balance, and gives Clod some water out of his hand. "Here ya go!"

Clod is refreshed by Wade's water "Ahhh."

Wade runs up to the Blue Flame and grabs a log underneath. He quickly mumbles the same prayer he always does. Bernie catches what he says. "Thank you for keeping Ember safe and please keep her burning bright." The with a little trick he figured out, holds the log right on the edge of the cauldron, and uses his hip to bump it in. Nice and dry the log flows in making it flicker less and glow brighter. Wade turns back around to Flarrietta, "Is the food ready yet? Anything I can do to help?"

Flarrietta, "Oy it's just getting packing it up now. Are you going to be able to carry all of this yourself?"

"A buddy of mine is stopping by to help me out." Wade tells her. 

"Oh good because this is a lot of Firish treats." Flarry says turning around with a few big boxes in hand.

Wade dreamily, "Yep, only the best for my Ember."

"YOUR EMBER?!" Bernie says angrily.

"AH!" Wade jumps in surprise and starts to sweat. He turns to look at a very angry Bernie with his hands on his hips. A nervous Wade starts to ramble. "I.. I.. I.. Didn't Mean.. That's not what I.." Bernie just stairs at him angrily and fumes brightly. Wade then drops his shoulders and head in defeat. Wade decides to speak honestly from the heart. "I meant no disrespect sir, I just really love your daughter very, very much."

Bernie starts to soften a bit. He can't get over the fact that some Water guy loves his daughter as much as he and his wife do. Maybe even more.

Just then the shop door opens and in walks another Water guy. "Jimmy over here!" Wade calls out. Wade turns back to Bernie. "I don't want to be rude but I'm in a hurry." Then he turns to leave with Jimmy carry out the big catering order. 

Bernie starts fuming again but the little Earth boy Clod braving goes up to him. "Umm excuse me sir?" Bernie turns to the boy and Clod nervously explains, "Wade is surprising Ember and the other Firish at the job site with a huge lunch from here." Bernie softens again.

Flarrietta is getting annoyed by Bernie's outburst and tells him honestly, "You need to calm down. Wade is a good person. Even did a quick prayer to the Blue Flame."

Cinder was next to Flarrietta this whole time watching and she tells her. "I'm starting to think this isn't a Fire Water thing."

The Shop door opens and it's another Firish business owner from down the street. "Hey did you guys hear on what the city council just voted on?"

Overhead shot of the job site. The site looks almost complete with less scaffolding and less construction material laying around but the waterfall is still raging on. Bright yellow light can be seen glowing from inside the falls. Inside Ember and Vinny are working together on a complicated weld. Their finger tips just millimeters away from the fast flowing water. 

"Just a bit more." Vinny has trouble saying from all the concentration he's putting out on that weld. Ember has her black googles on just remaining still and focused. She brightens up with intensity on the last bit of weld, heats up through the water, and completes fusing the metal together. She and Vinny both relax at a job well done. Vinny yells, "OKAY! PULL US UP!" 

They are both on a platform that get raised up through the waterfall. As it does we can see Vinny looking very tired and soaked even in the water proof suit. Ember looks the same but more calm then tired with her eyes closed. She takes a deep breath in and as she exhales the water on her suit steams away from her body. She is becoming a master of her own flame. 

All the other construction workers and Firish welders cheer. Celebrating this huge milestone in the repairs. Vinny and Ember step off the platform, "Not much longer now plus we are ahead of schedule.

Ember groans, "Agh finally." But Vinny can see she isn't tired but playing it off for the other Firish who couldn't do the work she did.

Vinny continues, "I would offer you more work but I know you'll say no with the glass internship coming up. Need a reference from me let me know. I'll write you one anytime."

Ember laughs, "Yeah I could really use the break but I appreciate you offering the opportunity and thank you." She smiles at Vinny.

Vinny then starts to look serious, "Have you heard about the city council's vote on the Firetown flood yet?"

Ember looks confused"No?"

Vinny then spots Wade, "Ah, food is here. I'll tell you about it after." Vinny turns to the rest of the crew. "Lunch is here everyone, dig in!" 

Ember brightens up at the site of Wade. She can't help but feel so excited to see her boyfriend. Ever since he pitch the weekend idea with him, only him. Out of all the amazing opportunities she's gotten the past few months, being his girlfriend has been the best one. She has never felt so sure of anything in her life. Ember practically pounces on Wade in a hug.

Wade nearly falls backwards with a laugh. "Hey don't worry about me go eat." He then jokes "Man you're heavy." As Ember lets go of him and she shakes her head at his comment.

Jimmy over hears this, "Dude, never tell your girl she's heavy. I made that mistake once."

Wade argues with his friend. "It's not her it's the suit."

Ember laughs and tells Jimmy, "Wade's right it's the suit but thanks for having my back. I'm glad Wendy forgave you too."

Everyone is laughing and having a great time. Ember picks up a Kol nut and just as she is about to take a bite freaking River chimes in.

"Eww why is there an open flame here? This seems way too dangerous to be on the job site." As River points to the cauldron holding the Blue Flame.

A very annoyed Ember and everyone else, especially the other Firish workers, turn to look at River. "Removing the Blue Flame from this site are grounds for Religious discrimination."

Wade adds standing next to Ember with his arms crossed, "Which is violation of City policy and very illegal."

River simple and uncaringly, "Oh, sorry."

Jimmy tells Wade, "How is that not Elementalism?" 

Wade shakes his head in annoyance, steps up to River, "What are you doing here? I told you to meet me at the next address in Firetown."

River coyly, "I wanted to inspect this site and make sure the work is up to par." She turns to look at Ember. River is talking specifically about her work on the welds. But Ember doesn't need to defend herself as Vinny steps in.

"Yeah I'm not going to let some intern inspect my job site." Vinny says bluntly.

River annoyed, "Why not? You let some intern work on it."

"City employee as of last week."

Ember turns to Vinny, "What?" Wade is next to her smiling.

"Congrats Kid, you've had a raise as a entry level welder, it's well deserved." 

Wade is so excited for her he puts his arms up and cheers, "WooHoo! That's awesome! Congrats Babe!" He then picks her up despite the heavy suit to twirl her around. "This will look so good on your resume!" He couldn't be happier for her. He puts her down and hears his girlfriend ask him.

"Babe?" Ember looks up at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh. Hehe." Wade is embarrassed but then nervously laughs it off and shrugs his shoulders.

Ember grabs his tie and pulls him in close. "I like it." She tells him then gives him a kiss. It's short kiss because they're in public but both are looking at each other wishing they weren't.

River huffs at the scene and storms off. Everyone laughs.

As Ember and Wade turn back to grab food she tells him, "Yeah I not worried about her at all but I'm sorry you're dealing with that."

"It is what it is. Oh I have something else for you other then food for once." He pulls out a small bag and hands it to her. "It's a special type of sand from glass internship."

Ember looks at the bag then smiles up at her Boyfriend.

"I'll meet you at the Shop after work since I'll be in the area, love you." Wade gives her a kiss on the head then goes back to work with a smile on his face.

Lunch was fabulous but it's now nearing the end of day for Ember's welding job. Her phone keeps vibrating and she finally goes to check it. It's all messages from her mom, Flarrietta, and even Clod all saying get to the Shop ASAP. Ember shows Vinny the messages.

"Sounds urgent. It must be from that city council vote. We're ahead of schedule so you can head out early to take care of this." Vinny tells her.

"Okay, thank you." Ember gets on her motorbike and heads to Firetown.

Inside the Fireplace. It's getting dark from the sunsetting. Flarrietta, Flarry, Cinder, Clod, and whoever else is shopping in the store and all starring wide eyed at the scene folding out in front of them.

Wade is pleading with Bernie, "Please let me explain."

"YOU LIED TO ME!! ALL OF YOU PROMISED THERE WOULD BE NO MORE WATER!!" Bernie is glowing from his anger.

Wade is boiling and sweating from the waves of Bernie's heat but isn't backing down. "It's has to stay in order for the water to go somewhere otherwise the pressure can build back up and another disastrous flood will happen." The next part Wade stands up firm and says. "And I am working hard to make sure Ember, you, or anyone else here in Firetown will NOT be in that kind of danger again."

"SO YOU LET THE ONE THING THAT CAN KILL US STAY?! WATER IS DANGEROUS!!" Bernie steps towards Wade his fits to his side balled up in rage.

Wade is so upset he can't tell if Bernie is taking about the water staying in Firetown or him personally. "I AM NOT DANGEROUS!"

Ember hears the shouting from outside the Shop, enters through the front door in a panic, and yells. "What is going on?!"

Bernie speaks first, "HE LIED TO US! WATER IS STAYING IN FIRETOWN!"

Ember ran up next to Wade as her father speaks. She is noticing how much of Wade's water is sweating and bubbling out. Not only that but the shelves around her father are almost lit up in flames. Wade looks to Ember hoping she will be the voice of reason to calm her father down. "Àshfá calm down you'll start a fire in the Shop and Wade isn't lying."

Bernie yells, "WHAT?"

Ember has stepped out in front of Wade with her arms open. She doesn't want to fight with her dad but he needs to hear this. "Àshfá, I've been working at the water's source for months, I understand the city council's decision because Elements need water."

"NO FIRE NEEDS WATER!" Bernie yells.

"I do Àshfá, I want my boyfriend to feel safe here." She motions to Clod. "I want Clod to get a drink of water from the Shop and my new friend Wendy, the construction crew too." 

The Air and Earth construction worker from before are hiding behind a small chair one says to the other. "A little water here would be nice." They nod in agreement.

Wade steps up next to Ember and cautiously states, "The council also voted to lower the water on the Wetro so no more over flow from above." He gently takes Embers hand as he continues. "And the city is installing heaters, as well as more water reductions, and splash zone warnings because Element City is a City for all."

The last part triggers Bernie. Even though his second language skills aren't the best he clearly remembers the banner for the Vivisteria tree all those years ago reading: for ALL to see. "CITY FOR ALL?! WHERE WAS THAT CITY WHEN WE CAME HERE? WHERE WAS THAT REDUCED WATER SO MY PREGNANT WIFE DIDN'T GET HURT?" Bernie is glowing in angry but with something new that Ember spots, tears?

Ember crouches down to her Father, grabs his hands, and calmly tells. "I know mistakes have happened in the past but that doesn't mean we can't move forward and connect to a better future together."

Bernie Looks into ember's worried face and is finally calming down to her words. As he does he looks around at the patrons in his Shop. All different elements. He even spots a younger fire guy holding hands with an air girl. Bernie looks back at his daughter and they share a big hug. Cinder comes around the corner and hugs them too. "Times really are getting better. I can smell it." Cinder proclaims. The Lumen family laughs.

Wade is holding back tears at the beautiful scene in front of him.

Ember tells her dad, "Come on Àshfá let's go rest after a long day." He nods at his daughter with a smile and he with Cinder walk hand in hand upstairs.

Ember turns back to Wade. Wade puts his hands up, "I. I didn't mean to cause a fight and I meant no disrespect. I-." He gets cut off by Ember hugging and kissing him.

She pulls back and joking says, "Thanks for not putting my dad out and I'm glad he didn't boil you away too."

Wade puts his hand over his mouth in shock and proclaims. "HUH! I would never."

Ember laughs and put her head on his chest. "I know you wouldn't." Wade hugs her back. She reluctantly pulls away and tells him. "I promise to call you later tonight. My dad and I still need to work things out."

Wade gives her an understanding smile and nod.

The Lumen's all sit around the kitchen table for dinner. It's quiet. Bernie looks tired from his earlier out buster but is now calm and content looking. Ember is determined to not let this change in him go and wants to bring back up the idea of her and Wade living together. She going to ease into it first. 

"I found out I got a raise from work today after putting in my notice for the glass internship." 

Cinder is first to speak, having her back, "Oh that's wonderful sweetie." Bernie looks up at her and smiles.

Ember continues, "Yeah this extra money is a surprise. I'm thinking about using it to let Wade go back to school to find his dream while I'm at the glass internship." She eyes her dad for his reaction.

Bernie smile's fades and raises his voice, "Oh no, it's not good to let a man not provide." 

Ember stands up to her father, slams her hands on the table, and raises her voice back, "What exactly do you have against Wade?"

Cinder looks at the two of them and quickly walks off to the other room, "I'll just let you two work this out." Honestly Cinder has been dying for them to finally have this talk. She may even gossip to her new friend Brooke about it.

Bernie calms downs and has a serious talk with his daughter, "Look I don't know how Water does this but Firish-"

"He's not Firish." Ember interrupts

Bernie puts his hands up and calmly but firmly, "Please let finish."

Ember sits back down to hear what he has to say but is in no way backing down if she needs to defend Wade again. He's done nothing wrong.

Bernie continues, "Firish men are the head of the household. They are the providers. It is their responsibility to care of their wife and children. They also don't move in together unless they are married. That is what your mother and I did. It has brought us great happiness. Which is what I want to have happen for you and Wade." Bernie was sincere on the last part. He loves his daughter and other then the fact that Wade is Water he does see he is a good man.

Ember has a realization and then points out, "Then why train me to take over the Shop or even let me do this welding job? Sounds like work a Firish man is supposed to do."

Bernie tells Ember, "I thought it was your dream at the time and this isn't Fire Land so..." Bernie pauses as it hits him. Traditions can be different here then in Fire Land. He was a part of that change and didn't even realize it.

Ember smiles at this and tells her father. "You know, I did learn a lot about love from watching you and mom. How you guys sacrificed and struggled. You were always there for each other and for me too." Bernie watches his daughter speak to him and brightens up. "Wade has helped me when I was struggling with my anger. We have made sacrifices to help our community like you and mom did with the Fireplace. We're always there for each other, in good times and bad. Love has always been the foundation and I can't thank you and mom enough for teaching me what that looks like." A tear escapes Ember's eye as she finishes.

"Hmm, I'm so happy you learn this from us and it really is time to let you live your life on your terms. I am so proud of you my daughter." Bernie smiles at her.

Ember gets more teary eyed and hugs her dad. "Oh Àshfá!"

Bernie hugs her back, "What's with the tears, Wade is really rubbing off on you, huh?"

Ember laughs as her father rubs her back.

From the hall Cinder smiles at them then quickly starts texting on her phone walking back into the living room.

It's late at night. Ember is now in her room having a video chat on her phone with Wade. "We worked things out and my dad is okay with me starting my new life at the glass internship with you."

Wade can be heard over the phone. "Really? That's great. I'm so glad things are working out. I was beginning to worry I was causing too much trouble."

"You? Trouble? Never. Besides you are totally worth it."

Wade blushes and smiles.

Ember gets a little bashful, "It's getting late. We better get some sleep. I love you Wade."

"I love you too Em. Good night, sweet dreams."

As they hang up Ember thinks to herself another pet name Wade slips out but she loves it. Now she has to come up with some of her own. She falls asleep dreaming about it.

Author's Note: I wanted to write Wade and Bernie getting into to this huge fight. Conflict is fun. I love that Cinder and Brooke are friends and we get to see them together next chapter. I wonder who else will be seeing together? XD

[mariacallous]

For most of his life, Cory Infinger has lived down a hill and along a bend in the Little Wekiva River, a gentle stream meandering northwest of Orlando. During Hurricane Ian, in September 2022, the stream swelled, inundating the homes of his family and his neighbors and also the street where they live, making it impassable.

Overnight Ian had moved slowly and violently over the state’s interior, dropping historic amounts of rain, after coming ashore in southwest Florida as a category 4 hurricane, its high winds and storm surge flattening coastal communities there.

For Infinger the deluge forced a hasty morning evacuation with his wife and youngest two of their three children. It would displace the family for months as their home underwent massive repairs. More than a year later the ordeal has left the family rattled, especially his 16- and 8-year-old children, said Infinger, who grew up fishing and trapping turtles along the Little Wekiva and now enjoys doing the same with his kids. (A 22-year-old son no longer lives at home.)

“You could tell they were sad when we came back to get the last few things,” he recalled of his kids as he described the family’s temporary stay in a rental house, and then the move back to their newly remodeled home. “It took them a while to get used to, this is our new house. Everything had changed.”

In the last seven years Florida has weathered five major hurricanes. Michael, which made landfall in 2018 in the Panhandle, was the first category 5 hurricane to strike the continental United States since Andrew in 1992. Ian, in 2022, was the costliest hurricane in state history and third-costliest on record nationwide, after Katrina in 2005 and Harvey in 2017. Recent major Florida hurricanes also include Irma in 2017, Nicole in 2022, and Idalia in 2023.

If the disasters sharpened Floridians’ resolve, in the immediate aftermath, to build back stronger and better, another crisis may be causing some to rethink where they live and the rising risk as the global climate warms.

After Ian, Infinger’s taxes and homeowners insurance, which he pays together into a bank escrow account as part of his regular mortgage payment, jumped by $450 a month. That amount could be considered moderate in a state where annual home insurance rates in the five and six figures have not been unheard of in recent years, and many homeowners have received letters from their insurers informing them that their existing policies will not be renewed.

Some homeowners have received multiple such letters from multiple insurers, leaving them scrambling from one policy to the next, as lenders require mortgage holders to carry insurance. Others whose homes are paid off are going without insurance altogether, to spare the expense.

“We deal with it,” said Infinger, who, with his wife, is considering moving away from the Little Wekiva in the coming years. For now, he said, “there’s nothing really we can do about it.”

Across the country, homeowners are grappling with skyrocketing insurance rates and dropped policies, with those in states such as California, Florida, and Louisiana hit hardest. Growing evidence suggests the soaring costs only hint at the widespread unpriced risk facing homeowners as the warming climate leads to rising seas and more damaging hurricanes and wildfires.

As many as 6.8 million properties nationwide have been affected by insurance problems, but that number represents a fraction of the 39 million homes and businesses vulnerable to flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires whose risk has not been priced into their policies, according to a study by the First Street Foundation, a nonprofit researching climate risk. Together these 39 million properties constitute what the study characterizes as an “insurance bubble,” defined by properties likely overvalued because of underpriced or subsidized insurance.

Other research suggests the changing climate has not been priced into the real estate market in a way that reflects the risk. A separate study published last year in Nature Climate Change, a peer-reviewed journal, estimates that residential properties vulnerable to flooding are overvalued by $121 billion to $237 billion, in part because of the subsidized National Flood Insurance Program.

The study found that the most overvalued properties are concentrated in coastal counties where there are no flood risk disclosure laws and where there is less personal concern about climate change. Much of the overvaluation is driven by properties situated outside of the 100-year flood zones designed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Low-income households especially are in danger of losing home equity, potentially leading to wider wealth gaps. In Florida, properties are overvalued by more than $50 billion, according to the study.

The unpriced risk is important for many reasons. Municipalities that rely on property tax revenue may be vulnerable to potential shortfalls, the study says. The National Climate Assessment pointed out last year that the overvaluation of coastal properties makes it difficult to move people out of harm’s way, because of the limited amount of compensation available through flood insurance and federal flood disaster assistance programs.

“Florida is one of the riskiest places from a climate impact standpoint that you can live in,” said Rob Moore, director of the flooding solutions team at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “One only needs to look through a few years of front pages to see how many major hurricanes have struck this state, and that definitely had an impact on how both private insurers and insurers in the public realm are looking at risk and pricing it in the state of Florida.”

“We’re so far behind in regard to pricing in the climate. That’s why we’re seeing these big [insurance] spikes in places like Florida and California and Louisiana,” said Jeremy Porter, head of climate implications research at the First Street Foundation. “It’s the first mechanism to start to price climate into the housing market.”

[holdenmarrswritings]

Trolls

The town of Idmus was a fairly small but established stop between two of the larger cities in the region. It was a peaceful town of good people. They were in a heavily wooded area alongside a river, and so their main product for the kingdom was lumber. Most of their food came from their own hunting and fishing, and what they couldn’t kill they traded for. As towns went, it was a very safe and quiet one.

Until the earthquake.

The quake shook the town to its core, reducing some buildings to their foundations. The ones still standing were damaged inside and out by fallen trees and fallen belongings. By some miracle, no one was killed, but many were wounded. The town didn’t have much in the way of medicine, so they sent for a doctor right away. While they did the best they could tending to the wounded, the able-bodied set about repairing and rebuilding the town. So we find Godfrey, hammer in hand. He was boarding up windows about town to try to keep out the cold that was approaching.

Godfrey was a handsome young man. His beard had finally begun to grow in more than patches, and his hair was a deep auburn. He was tall and strong. He was one of the premier hunters in town, and could often be seen with his godfather, Alaric. He’d been orphaned at birth, his mother giving her life to bring his into the world, and Alaric was the closest thing to a father he’d ever known. His own had abandoned them before he was born. 

Speaking of his godfather, he rounded the corner of the building that Godfrey was working on. Godfrey may have been tall, but Alaric was a mountain of a man. He’d been a guard for noblemen in his youth, and he had the broad shoulders and broad scars to prove it. Upon spotting Godfrey, Alaric whistled to get his attention and began to speak.

“Well Godfrey,” said Alaric, “it looks like it’s time for another hunt. Shall we?”

“I think we shall,” Godfrey said, setting down his hammer.

“Meet me at the southern gate,” Alaric told him. “And don’t mess about!”

With that, the two separated, and went to their respective dwellings to gather their bows and other hunting gear. They regathered at the southern gate shortly and departed to enjoy each other’s company for the rest of the day.

“So what’s it like to be so old and unmarried?” Godfrey asked. “Surely the nights must be lonely.”

“About as lonely as yours, you little shit,” replied Alaric. “When’s the last time you took a woman to bed? Wait a moment, it would be the first time too wouldn’t it?”

“I’m saving myself!” Godfrey said, hissing his defense so as not to scare away any potential prey. “Our Lord says it is the righteous thing to do.”

Alaric scoffed. “You think the warriors of old saved themselves? They spread their seed across the land, like men!”

“And you spread yours across your sheets old man, now hush. We have work to do.”

Alaric smiled and decided to stop teasing the lad, knowing full well that he had eyes for one woman. The two of them had been beating around each other’s bushes since they were children. So Alaric left it well enough alone, and the two of them continued stalking through the woods – now in silence. They pulled a few rabbits out of yesterday's traps, but the trees were suspiciously quiet. Many of the older, more rotten ones had fallen during the earthquake, their weakened trunks unable to stand up to the tectonic forces.

“Alaric, correct me if I’m wrong, but that cave wasn’t there last hunt,” said Godfrey.

Alaric followed his gaze and saw the cave he was speaking of. Indeed, it had not been there before. It had a massive entrance being blocked in part by a fallen tree, perhaps the reason they’d not seen it sooner. 

“I do believe you’re right, Godfrey.”

“Should we take a look, do you think?”

“I do believe we should. Could be anything in there though, so be ready.”

With caution they approached the cave’s entrance, keeping an eye out for any telltale signs of a bear or a mountain cat. They climbed over the tree blocking the entrance, Alaric’s old bones giving him trouble while Godfrey bounded over it. Godfrey waited for him on the other side with a smirk.

“Don’t get too cocky boy,” Alaric told him. “I can still put you in the dirt anytime you’re ready.”

“I’m well aware old man, now let’s get on with it. We’re losing light.”

So on they went, unknowing of the trespass they were committing. They hadn’t gotten too far into the cave before it split into two tunnels. One of them smelled positively foul and was pitch black, and the other one had something… magical, about it. It looked as if there was some kind of cerulean light coming from deeper in, and Alaric motioned for Godrey to follow him into it. Silently, they made their way deeper into the dimly lit depths. What they found, they could barely believe. Crystals were growing in fanned outcroppings at the end of the cave, glowing a blue hue that matched the sky on a summer’s day. 

“By Baldir’s beard,” said Godfrey, his voice full of wonder. “What in the world is this?”

“I don’t know,” Alaric whispered. He wouldn’t have believed what he was seeing had it not been right before his eyes. He’d only heard stories of crystals like these. Stories from the olden times, from the times of Baldir and Venleah themselves. It was said that the crystals gave rise to the god-kings and heroes of yore. But surely, those were just stories – weren’t they?

Godfrey reached out and touched one of the crystals. When he did it broke off and fell to the ground, shattering upon impact. Alaric reached down and picked up a few pieces. He was able to crush them in his hands, but they didn’t seem to produce any dust when he did. Instead, it seemed Alaric absorbed it directly into his calloused palms. He gazed at his hands in amazement.

“For the love of our God,” said Alaric. “I feel… I feel…”

“Are you alright?” Asked Godfrey.

“I feel strong as an Ox!” Alaric said, his voice echoing in the dark. “I haven't felt such vigor since my youth!” With that, he reached out and crushed more crystals. He seemed hungry – hungry for power. Godfrey placed his hand on Alaric’s forearm.

“My friend,” he said. “I think that perhaps we should not tempt the Fates. You should stop this, we don’t know anything about these crystals. We should –”

He was interrupted by a roar. It was a sound that neither of them had ever experienced, and it sent a shiver down their spines. They turned around, and what awaited them was not something of their world. It was some hulking creature born of nightmares.

Alaric was no small man, but this monster stood some heads above him. It had rough, thick-looking skin with brownish-green mottling that gave it an almost scaled appearance. Its head was mounted to its torso by a stump of a neck, and where its nose should have been there were simply holes. Its eyes were beady and front-facing, black as a starless night. Its ears were mounted flat to the sides of its head and looked almost human. A mouth full of near tusks finished its facial features, but the truly terrifying part of it was its body. They had never seen something with such muscular bulk. Barrel-chested and with arms the size of a man’s torso, and legs like tree trunks, it stomped toward them with flat feet that had only three toes ending in stubby, hoof-like nails.

Godfrey snapped out of his stupor first, and took aim with his bow, letting loose his arrow too quickly and with not enough force. Still, it managed to pierce the monster’s hide eliciting another roar. The creature charged forward and swiped at them with a massive hand, missing them and slamming into the wall of the cave as they lept out of its way. It may have been large, but it was slow.

Alaric had left his bow on the ground and it was now splinters under the foot of the creature. So, he drew his knife and readied himself for a fight as the beast righted itself. Godfrey loosed another arrow into its shoulder, but this one simply broke upon impact. He turned to put some more distance between himself and the creature, but stepped into a hole in the ground, twisting his ankle. Godfrey cried out in pain as he fell to the floor of the cave. 

The creature roared in triumph as it closed in on Godfrey. He took out his dagger and tried to defend himself as the mountainous bulk bore down upon him, but it was no use. The monster grabbed him by the legs, lifting him into the air like a child playing with a doll. Godfrey screamed in agony when the creature ripped his right leg off and dropped him to the ground. It took a bite out of his thigh, its tusks tearing through the flesh with ease. Godfrey continued screaming, the adrenaline keeping him conscious through the pain. The creature quickly grew tired of his cries, and with a wet, squelching crunch crushed his head beneath one of its elephantine feet.

Alaric watched the events in horror. The monster continued to feast upon Godfrey’s leg, seeming to have forgotten about him entirely. Alaric had known Godfrey since he was but a babe, and images of the life Godfrey had lived flashed through his mind. He’d been a good boy, and had grown into a fine man. Suddenly, Alaric was overcome with rage. With a mighty warcry, he sprinted to the beast and dug his knife into the back of its knee. 

The thing roared in pain, dropping to kneel as Alaric pulled the knife from its flesh. It swung blindly behind itself, but Alaric dodged its mighty paw with a nimbleness that should belong to a much younger man. With a strength beyond that of his body, he lept high onto the back of the beast, driving his blade into its shoulder to secure his purchase. Its pained cries continued as it tried desperately to throw Alaric from its back. But Alaric was blind with a Berserkers fury and reached his other hand around and dug his fingers into the eye of the monster. With a shout he ripped his knife loose and swung himself over its shoulder, keeping his digits inside the beast's eye socket. Blood covered Alaric as he himself roared like a beast, and plunged his knife into its neck, over and over again. The creature began gurgling as it started to drown in its own blood, and in one last desperate attempt at survival, managed to rip Alaric from its face and throw him away. But, it was too late. Alaric bounced off the ground and rolled himself onto his feet, but the knife remained in the flesh of the beast.

The death throes of this creature were titanic, and as it bled out Alaric noticed Godfrey’s body next to him. In one final moment of passion, Alaric grabbed Godfrey’s bow and notched an arrow. He drew back with the last vestiges of his newfound strength, bending the bow with the force of his pain. He loosed the arrow with a tremendous shout, and it flew true, burying itself deep into the beast's remaining eye. The creature tensed up, then went completely limp, falling to the ground in a heap. Alaric was left bruised and panting, but ultimately the victor. He cried out in excitement at his win, and in pain at his loss. 

Before he could take his time to mourn, however, he heard another roar.

[lookmomiwrite]

The Crystal Lake Cabin

Chapter 1: A Lost Journal

I had just bought a cabin right off the shoreline of Crystal Lake... Well, what used to be Crystal Lake. Now it was just a river and the muddy remains of what used to be a lake. The dam that kept the reservoir filled was decommissioned about six months ago. Now that the lake was gone, the cabin I bought hit rock bottom prices and it would have been idiotic for me not to buy it. All I wanted was a nice hunting cabin, somewhere to stay for a month or two each year. I didn’t care about the lake being drained and the river was still flowing so there’s plenty of fish to be caught.

After signing, I drove up to the cabin to start the renovations. It hadn’t been used for decades and it needed some repairs. Luckily, the foundation was sturdy and the damage was only cosmetic.

I arrived early in the Spring and my to-do list was endless. The roof had small leaks, the window shutters needed to be replaced, the doors needed new hinges, there was dirt, plants, and debris everywhere, and that was just scratching the surface. It was a mess… but it was my mess now.

A few weeks passed before I noticed the boarded up door on the far end of the house. Between the repairs and fishing trips to the river for food, there wasn’t much time to make new discoveries. It wasn’t easy to open either. Whoever nailed the boards to the wall really didn’t want this door to be opened easily.

I got to work and an hour later the boards were removed. The room was blanketed in a thick layer of dust. There were no windows but there was another door on the outer wall. I didn’t notice a door from the outside and after examining it, I found that the door was completely covered by bushes on the other side. I wish I could say there was some kind of treasure but there were only gardening tools, shovels, and some old books. One book in particular caught my eye.

It was an old journal written by a woman who lived here in 1922. I wasn’t much into snooping but it’s hard to resist reading someone’s one-hundred year-old journal. She was a thirty year-old woman who had moved to the cabin with her husband. Her name was Isla. Her husband was a dam operator and was sent out here to replace the previous operator after they went missing.

***

July 17th, 1922

I am not too enthusiastic about moving out here but Edgar went on and on about how great it would be to get away from the city and do something meaningful. The dam is only a few years old and the reservoir is filling up faster than expected. The reservoir is going to supply water to the nearby farms during the dry season so it is important that this dam is maintained well. It is an important job for an important man, my husband. Even as reluctant as I was to move, there was no way I could say no to him as excited as he was and I could finally start the garden I have always wanted.

July 22nd, 1922

It’s been a few days now and we’re settling in. Edgar has been working hard at the dam the last few days so I’ve been tending to our cabin. Whenever I have time, I work in the garden. The weather is great and with any luck, we will have plenty of vegetables to eat in a few weeks. Edgar went into town yesterday and bought me new tools with the stipend his company gave him. He even brought back a necklace made by a local jewelsmith in a nearby town. It has the most beautiful amethyst surrounded by small obsidian shards and swirling silver rings.

August 1st, 1922

Oh, I have really messed up. I lost it in the garden. I have been digging holes everywhere to try and find it but I just can not find it. Edgar is going to be disappointed with me when he finds out it is lost.

***

It was getting late so I decided to wrap up for the day and it wasn’t much fun to read a journal in a room filled with one-hundred year-old dust. At least the dozens of shovels stockpiled in the room made sense now.

The sun was setting, dark clouds were rolling in, and I still needed to get the generator running before it would be too dark to see. I couldn’t help but wonder what she lost. A ring? Some money? Maybe some kind of family heirloom? I wondered if it was still in the garden, buried for over a hundred years. I decided I’d take a look soon. I have to dig up the old garden to install a new septic system anyway, I might as well dig around a bit while I’m at it.

The weather worsened as I finished starting the generator and by the time I was in my new bedroom it was already pouring. I sat down and started to read Isla’s journal again. I was hoping I could figure out what she lost but the next seven days of entries just repeated how “she lost it” and how “it must be buried here somewhere.” I realized I wasn’t getting anywhere with this and decided to sleep. There was plenty of unfinished work to be done and I needed to conserve my energy.

That night was the worst I’ve slept in years.

I’ve had the same recurring dream the last few nights. The dream starts with me waking up on the couch downstairs. I look out the window and the sky is washed with smoke and the deep burgundy glow of fire. I try to rush out of the house but when I open the door the cabin is on an island of dirt surrounded by a pit so deep the bottom is shielded by a thick, black fog. I always wake up before I can do anything else.

Tonight, the dream was different. When I open the door, the smoke filled sky turns into a wall of dirt, as if the cabin was swallowed by the earth. I remember the shovels in the gardening room and begin digging my way out. No matter how much dirt I moved, all I accomplished was filling the house. There was no end. My only choice was to fill the hole behind me as I continued to dig. My shovel breaks and I wake up drenched in sweat.

The night had just broken and the sun was barely higher than the mountains in the distance. There were still light orange and red hues refracting through the clouds. I sat up, rubbed my eyes, and made breakfast. It was a smoked fish I caught at the river a few days prior.

I was done repairing the roof, walls, windows, and anything else that would let the outside in and it was time to start the septic system. It was only a hunting cabin but I planned on staying a few months at a time. An outhouse wouldn’t cut it.

Digging the trenches for the sewage piping was taking much longer than I expected. The issue wasn’t how hard it was to dig, it was how much of a bore it was to dig for hours. As soon as I remembered Isla losing whatever “it” was in the garden, I was already digging. Before I realized how long I was at it, the sun was already setting. I could feel the pit in my stomach tighten as I became conscious of my hunger.

As I sat down for dinner, I picked up Isla’s journal and began to read.

***

August 23th, 1922

Edgar has been worried about me lately. I stopped swimming in the lake recently and he won’t listen to me when I say I’m fine. I just don’t have the time to swim anymore. There’s so much to do around here. I have to tend to the garden. It’s not easy to grow your own food. I wish Edgar could understand.

September 2nd, 1922

Edgar has been insistent on trying to stop my gardening. He says I spend too much time on it, that we don’t need the extra food. He says that the holes are too deep, that it’s not even a proper garden. He just doesn’t understand. He still doesn’t know about it. It’s still buried somewhere. I need to find it.

September 13th, 1922

Edgar had a doctor check me. He says that there is something wrong with me because I spend too much time doing what I love. I have expanded the garden now. It extends to the treeline. I am thinking about expanding it even more. I have always heard that the forest is a natural garden. It only makes sense. I could use the extra space too. There is not much room by the cabin now.

September 30th, 1922

Edgar is mad. He fell and hurt his leg. It is not my fault he was not paying attention. He knows I like to garden, he should be more careful. I told him I started a new garden there.

***

I had the dream again. I was digging for hours… Though, it’s not easy to tell time in a dream. It could have been days. Shovelful after shovelful of dirt I moved ever closer to the surface. My clothes were drenched in sweat and I peeled off each layer, burying the clothes behind me as I dug further and further, never coming close to reaching the end of wherever it was I was going. With each pile of dirt I threw behind me, my breath became more labored. My muscles ached and screamed out to me in pain, telling me to stop… to control myself.

The tunnel narrowed and I slowly became encased in the dirt around me. I was barely able to move my arms and legs enough to maneuver the increasingly damp dirt until the soil condensed and hardened around my body. I tried to scream as dirt and rock filled my lungs.

I laid there, imprisoned in an ever hardening coffin of dirt, until a crack formed above me. Was I free? Did I reach the surface? I watched as a soft purple glow filtered through the dirt and the soil around me melted away as if the light shining through was cleansing me. I was free.

Suddenly, the world turned upside down and I was falling through the crack that was once above me. I crashed into the rock below me, expelling the dirt from my lungs. I was laying in a vast cavern lined in purple gems. I reached out to grab one.

I awoke.

I wanted to find out what she lost.

***

October 5th, 1922

Edgar is becoming angrier every day. He has not tried to understand. He told me he would sell my tools and destroy my garden if I did not stop. He just does not understand what was lost! I thought maybe he would understand if I told him about it but he only became angrier. This is why I had to hide it. No one will understand.

October 6th, 1922

Poor Edgar. I told him that I would not stop gardening. I have to find it. He does not understand. I have to find it. I can not stop until I find it. Why will he not listen? Why will he not understand?

He came home from the dam tonight. He was angrier than I have ever seen him. He tried to stop me. He took my shovel. My dear shovel! He tried to take me away from here but this is where I belong. I belong with my garden. It needs me.

If only he did not try to stop me. We were so happy and now he is gone. He would not stop and so I had to stop him. I did not have any other choice… I have to find it. I have to find it. I have to find it. I have to find it.

***

October 6th, 1922. This was the last entry in the journal and it’s likely gone unread for one hundred years. I finished dinner, well.. breakfast, and went outside to decompress.

All I could do was stare at the long abandoned garden and think about the history here that no one knows but me. As I stared at the ground, I could feel it calling me. It wanted me to dig. My head began to ache and my hands began to numb. All I could do was dig. I had no desire for anything else at that moment. I just needed to dig, to find what it was. What was Isla so obsessed with that she would murder her own husband to continue her search.

My mind jumped to the purple gems in my dream. I wondered if my dream was some sort of premonition on what lay below the garden. Maybe she knew about the gems. Maybe she had dug some up when she first started gardening. Maybe they were still there, somewhere hidden below me.

I went to the gardening room, grabbed her shovel, and started digging.

I dug hole after hole for days. First, I started near the cabin. It made sense, this is where Isla started her first garden. In each hole there was nothing and yet I continued digging. I remembered her journal. She started gardening further from the cabin. It was possible it was further out.

Days passed. I think it may have been six days of digging before I found it. Well, not it but him. I found Edgar or rather what used to be Edgar. He was wearing denim overalls and a shirt that all but withered away under the soil. He was nothing more than a skeleton now.

Reality set in for a fleeting moment. I was filled with contrition. Until now, I had only assumed Isla had murdered him but there was no way to actually know for sure. She stopped writing in her journal after that night. I knew this was him and now I knew that he was murdered. The right side of his skull was caved in as if an axe had cleaved its way into his brain.

“Why was I digging again?”

That was the question I kept asking myself over and over as I sat above Edgar’s grave.

“What am I looking for?”

My head was foggy and it was hard to concentrate. I stared at Edgar’s lifeless bones and remembered what Isla wrote the night she killed him. He had just come from the dam when he tried to force her to leave the cabin. There was something he learned that day that he didn’t know before that night.

My answer was at the decommissioned dam.

***

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[nanas-45]

Wolverton: A Historic Railway Town with a Modern Twist

Nestled in the north-west of Milton Keynes, Wolverton is a town rich in history, heritage, and transformation. Located beside the West Coast Main Line, the Grand Union Canal, and the River Great Ouse, this town is the administrative heart of the Wolverton and Greenleys civil parish.

A Historical Glimpse

Wolverton is one of several Buckinghamshire areas that laid the foundation for Milton Keynes in 1967. Though modern Wolverton emerged in the 19th century, the village itself dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was known as Wluerintone. The original settlement, now referred to as Old Wolverton, was once a bustling medieval village. While the site is largely gone today, its legacy is still visible in the ridge-and-furrow agricultural patterns in nearby fields.

Interestingly, archaeological digs have revealed Anglo-Saxon remnants dating back to the 400s, including a significant Anglo-Saxon cemetery from the 600s—the largest ever discovered in Buckinghamshire. Standing witness to these centuries of change is the Saxon Church of the Holy Trinity, still beside the ruins of a Norman Motte and Bailey castle.

The Rise of a Railway Town

Fast forward to the 19th century, Wolverton took on a new identity as a railway town, becoming home to the locomotive repair shops of the London and Birmingham Railway in 1838. This ushered in a period of industrial boom, with hundreds of homes built for railway workers and the establishment of a church, schools, and even a printing works.

Though the town’s role in locomotive production diminished by the late 19th century, Wolverton pivoted toward carriage production, making it the home of the Royal Train fleet. During World War II, the town's factories played a key role in producing war materials, from Lee-Enfield rifle parts to aircraft wings.

Canal Connections and the "Secret Garden"

Another historical gem in Wolverton is its connection to the Grand Union Canal, which skirts the northern and eastern edges of the town. The canal was once an essential waterway, albeit prone to disruptions due to flooding. Today, it remains a peaceful presence, along with the Secret Garden—a community park cultivated by residents on derelict land leased from Railtrack. Once a Victorian townhouse site, the garden now offers a serene space for summer events and music, tended to by volunteers.

Wolverton’s Unique Landmarks

Wolverton is home to several remarkable landmarks, such as the St George the Martyr Church, a listed building from 1843, and a historic football ground believed to have one of the world's oldest covered stands, dating back to 1899. Though the original stand was demolished in 2006, a replica has been erected to honor the town’s sporting legacy.

Another modern symbol of Wolverton was the Agora Centre, built in 1978, which became a community hub known for shops and its lively roller discos. Loved by some and disliked by others, the Agora was a defining part of the townscape until its demolition in 2022, with new developments now rising in its place.

Green Spaces and Education

Wolverton is also known for its green spaces, including Victoria Park and an expanse of allotments, with access to footpaths leading to the countryside. The Flood Plain Forest nature reserve, located on the River Great Ouse’s floodplain, is a haven for wildlife and a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors.

The town offers solid educational infrastructure with a secondary school, The Radcliffe School, and two primary schools, Bushfield and Wyvern, along with the Slated Row Special School.

A Well-Connected Town

Wolverton’s road and rail links make it an integral part of the broader Milton Keynes area. With Wolverton railway station offering local services and easy access to major grid roads, the town is well-connected to both rural bus services and national routes. The MK Connect on-demand bus service ensures that all areas, including Wolverton, are accessible.

[fallouttalesfromthewastes]

Chapter 3: Adventure Log #002 - The Brotherhood?

I successfully inoculated myself against the Scorched Plague, following the direction of what Dr. Hudson left behind. By no means would I consider myself a doctor or medical professional of any kind, hell… the Mr.Handys and their counterparts in the Vault handled all that for the most part, but her vision for prevention of the Plague was well documented and planned out. Shame she couldn’t see it through… Seems like most of the other 76ers followed the path too otherwise they’d likely be Scorch-ified by now.

I’ve also been working to solidify my homebase when I have the chance. If I’m going to find any success in staying alive out here it’s going to have to be with a strong foundation. Upgraded the generator, have workbenches for anything I need to make, even added some decorations and a pet salamander I scooped up in the river in Flatwoods. Named it Matilda because it likes to crawl on the book I placed in the terrarium as a sunbathing spot.

Next on the To-Do list was to check into this Brotherhood of Steel I had heard about. They actually made themselves easy enough to find by having a looped broadcast picked up on my Pip-Boy.

“This is Paladin Rahmani of the Brotherhood of Steel, broadcasting to the people of Appalachia.

We are en route to your region on a long-term mission. We will be taking the ATLAS Observatory as our base of operations. Consider this a warning for any persons occupying the facility. It will be ours. This matter is not subject to negotiation.

Know that we are coming in peace; we will provide aid and protection to the people of Appalachia.

Supplies for construction and repair are to be delivered to the ATLAS observatory in anticipation of our arrival.

Your cooperation guarantees our ability to secure a better future for Appalachia. Be part of that future, help us.

This has been Paladin Rahmani, First Expeditionary Force. The Brotherhood is returning, see you soon. Message repeats.”

Atlas was going to be a haul of a trip based on what I remembered of the area as a kid; so I packed what supplies were needed, checked my weapons and armor, and set out to make contact. Would the Brotherhood finally be an ally I could connect with and count on? Would they even potentially become a new home?

The trip was as pleasant as one might expect. It began rather quietly as a trek through Appalachia’s green hills towards Sutton and over the hill to Helvetia passing the old West Tek Industries building. The pre-war institution of science and technological feats, or so Ms. DeJean had mentioned in the Vault, sat quietly on top of the hill looking down upon Helvetia like a silent observer. While it didn’t make a sound, I couldn’t help but feel like the building… or something about it… was alive.

The silence of the trip met an abrupt end when I made it to Bolton Greens, at the intersection of 91 & 95. I thought I was traveling quietly but a group of Scorched got the drop on me giving me one hell of a firefight. Is it a firefight if you’re mostly swinging a hammer? Anyway, after about twenty minutes I was able to clear a half dozen of them or more before hastily leaving the area. Good news, it gets worse from here.

What’s worse? How about an enraged mutated bear outside of an abandoned motel as you’ve already been climbing up the cliffside? I did learn two things in this exchange that will make for helpful survival tools in the future. 1.) These mutated bears take a LOT of ammunition to take down, and that’s from .308 rounds that are meant for hunting and 2.) these bears cannot comprehend the idea of stairs allowing you to use the stairs as an impassable barrier. Bear dead, more climbing.

After a few more hours of climbing the Appalachian mountains through rocky cliffs, dense wooded areas, and the occasional stream or two Atlas came into view with its towering dome surveying all the land within its shadows. It was an impressive site and understandable why a group would set up their operations in the location of the old observatory.

At the base of the old observatory I found a stairwell that appeared to lead up to the entrance. Along the final stretch of my climb, as my feet were killing me and my legs grew weaker and weaker, I was… greeted, I guess by a Brotherhood soldier who thought the best first impression was waving a laser pistol in my face and telling me to move along. Charming group already…

Stopping at the top of the stairs I had no choice but to take a deep bend at the waist to stretch my legs. They were exhausted from the single day trip, but it was much safer than trying to camp overnight. Upon realigning to a straight position the sight was impressive. While I could have guessed they would have a militaristic operation, they were as organized as I had seen any group be since leaving Vault 76. Rotations of guards, supply management officers, a secured boundary and even someone welcoming visitors to the gates.

Guess that’s a good place to start.

[toptmt]

Building Strong: A Guide to Choosing the Right TMT Bars for Your Project

The towering skyscrapers that define modern cities, the bridges that span rivers, and the homes that shelter families – all of them share a crucial foundation: the strength and resilience of TMT bars. Choosing the right type of TMT bar for your construction project isn't just about picking metal rods; it's about laying the groundwork for a structure that will endure.

Navigating the Maze of Options:

With an array of TMT bars available, each with its own unique properties, the selection process can seem daunting. But fear not! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the labyrinth of options and confidently choose the bars that will be the unsung heroes of your building.

Unveiling the Grades:

Understanding TMT bar grades is your first step to success. These grades, denoted by numbers like Fe415 or Fe500, represent the minimum yield strength of the bar. Simply put, the higher the grade, the stronger the bar. But this isn't a one-size-fits-all equation. A high-rise needs different muscle than a small bungalow. Carefully consider the load-bearing requirements of your project and consult structural engineers to determine the ideal grade for each element.

The Strength Equation: Tensile Power and Ductile Grace:

Tensile strength is the champion of load resistance, making your structure stand tall against gravity and external forces. But true strength lies in balance. Ductility, the ability to bend without breaking, is equally crucial, allowing the bars to absorb stress and prevent sudden fractures. Finding the sweet spot between these two properties is vital, ensuring both resilience and adaptability.

Weathering the Storm: The Corrosion Challenge:

No structure is an island. It faces the relentless assault of sun, rain, and wind. This is where corrosion resistance takes center stage. Choose TMT bars with effective anti-corrosion measures, be it chemical additives or a well-designed ribbed surface, to shield your building from the ravages of time and the elements.

Shaping Dreams: Bendability and Weldability:

Construction is not a rigid art form. The ability to bend TMT bars to your will is essential for creating arches, columns, and intricate architectural details. Weldability, too, plays a crucial role in seamlessly joining bars, ensuring a unified and sturdy skeleton for your project.

Finding the Perfect Fit: Size and Dimensions Matter:

Think of TMT bars as the veins of your structure. Their thickness and spacing determine the flow of forces within the concrete. Choosing the right sizes and dimensions is key to ensuring uniform load distribution and structural stability. Consult experts and follow building codes to select the perfect diameter and spacing for each element of your project.

Quality Beyond Compromise: Certifications and Standards:

Don't let the allure of a bargain blind you to quality. Always choose TMT bars that comply with recognized industry standards and certifications. These ensure stringent manufacturing processes and material testing, giving you peace of mind and a guarantee of long-lasting performance.

Investing in Strength: Balancing Cost and Value:

While cost is a factor, remember that cheap bars can turn into expensive repairs down the line. Choose TMT bars that offer optimal value for money, striking a balance between upfront cost and long-term durability. Think of it as an investment in the future of your structure.

Building With Confidence:

Now, armed with this knowledge, you can enter the world of TMT bars with confidence. By considering these key factors – grades, strength, corrosion resistance, bendability, size, certifications, and cost – you can select the bars that will become the silent heroes of your project, ensuring its strength, resilience, and beauty for years to come.

[pestagon]

What's The Best Termite Treatment?

A thorough, professional inspection is the first step to a successful termite treatment. After an best termite treatment experienced pest control expert determines the extent of your termite problem, you can choose between two popular treatment systems: chemical barriers and in-ground baiting systems.

Liquid barriers form a physical barrier in the soil around your home, with the termiticide used as a repellent to keep the termites away from the treated area. This method is effective against subterranean and drywood termites and can be less expensive than other methods. However, the soil barrier may require regular repairs.

Termite baits are traps filled with termiticide placed in high-traffic areas around your home, such as near the foundation or in crawl spaces. Worker termites come across the baits, eat them, and bring the poison back to the colony, where it’s spread to other termites. This system can be effective against a serious termite infestation, but it can take several weeks for the termites to find and consume the bait.

Unlike liquid sprays, foaming termite treatments like TERMIDOR expand up to 30 times their original volume upon release, so they can reach hard-to-reach areas. The product is also odorless, making it ideal for use in close proximity to homes and sensitive landscaping. This system is less invasive than a liquid barrier and offers better coverage than baits.

In-ground baiting systems use small plastic bait stations with cellulose inserts like wood, paper, or cardboard to attract and poison the termites. Once a termite ingests the bait, it returns to the colony to share the poison with other members, effectively wiping out the entire population. This is a highly effective strategy for controlling major termite infestations and can be done without disturbing the existing landscape or disrupting the home’s appearance.

Fumigation is a more drastic option, requiring the homeowner to vacate the premises while it’s being performed. This is a good choice if the termites are in hard-to-reach places or if there’s an extensive amount of damage to the home’s structure. Fumigation kills both present and future populations, but it’s not a guaranteed solution.

If you can’t afford to evacuate your home during a fumigation, a tenting process uses elevated temperatures to eliminate the termites and prevent them from returning. This can be more cost-effective than other options, but it’s not a good option if the termite infestation is limited to just one or two areas of your house. Termite treatment is a complicated task, so it’s important to consult with an experienced pest expert to determine which method will work best for you. If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced pest control company, contact us today! We’ll provide a free estimate and help you get rid of your termite infestation. We service New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, and our experts are here to answer all your questions. Our pest control experts will recommend the most effective termite treatment for your home and budget.

Pest-A-Gon is 100% Australian owned and operated. Over 35 years of industry experience. Proudly servicing all suburbs in and around the Far North Coast and Northern Rivers area.

[cbus-automation-services]

Transforming Homes in the Northern Rivers: Expert C-Bus Services

Introduction

Nestled within the scenic beauty of the Northern Rivers region, the concept of home automation has gained momentum. Amidst the stunning landscapes and serene settings, the integration of C-Bus technology has brought a new level of convenience and efficiency to homeowners. Skilled C-Bus technicians in the Northern Rivers area are at the forefront, offering their expertise in repairs, installation, and maintenance. This article explores the world of C-Bus services in the Northern Rivers, highlighting the essential role played by proficient technicians in shaping the future of smart living.

Unveiling Smart Living in the Northern Rivers

The Northern Rivers region, with its breathtaking natural surroundings, provides the perfect backdrop for the convergence of technology and nature. C-Bus technology has emerged as a bridge between these two worlds, offering homeowners the ability to control lighting, security, and more with a touch of sophistication and ease.

The Vital Role of C-Bus Technicians

At the heart of every successful C-Bus installation lies the expertise of a dedicated technician. C-Bus technicians possess an in-depth understanding of the technology, enabling them to provide tailored solutions that match the unique requirements of Northern Rivers homes. Beyond technical skills, these professionals are adept at seamlessly integrating automation with the aesthetics of each individual home.

Comprehensive C-Bus Services in the Northern Rivers

Residents of the Northern Rivers region have access to a comprehensive range of C-Bus services, including:

Installation: C-Bus technicians excel at meticulously installing the technology, managing wiring, programming, and integration with precision. This ensures that the automation system becomes an integral part of the home's functionality and design.

Repairs and Solutions: Glitches and technical hiccups can occasionally disrupt the seamless experience of home automation. Skilled C-Bus technicians swiftly diagnose issues and implement effective repairs, ensuring minimal disruption to daily life.

Maintenance and Optimization: Regular maintenance is the key to the consistent performance of C-Bus systems. Technicians conduct routine check-ups, update software, and optimize settings to ensure optimal efficiency and functionality.

Elevating Home Automation in the Northern Rivers

Personalized Integration: C-Bus technicians understand the Northern Rivers region's distinct architectural and climatic characteristics. They tailor their solutions to complement the local aesthetics, resulting in a seamless fusion of technology and environment.

Electrical Proficiency: With a solid foundation in electrical systems, C-Bus technicians possess the expertise to navigate complex wiring and technical intricacies. This expertise ensures a safe and reliable smart home environment.

Conclusion

As the Northern Rivers region embraces the era of smart living, C-Bus technology has emerged as a beacon of innovation. The power to control lighting, security, and various systems from a central interface has redefined convenience. To fully unlock the potential of C-Bus technology, proficient C-Bus technicians in the Northern Rivers region play a pivotal role. Their mastery in installation, repairs, and maintenance ensures a seamless transition into the world of smart living. By collaborating with these experts, homeowners in the Northern Rivers region can enhance their living spaces, infusing them with the perfect blend of comfort, efficiency, and technological advancement.

Visit for more information:-https://connecting.com.au/

[steel-bar-au]

Understanding the Impact of Steel Reinforcing Mesh on Infrastructure

Steel reinforcing mesh Brisbane plays a crucial role in modern infrastructure, providing unparalleled reinforcement to structures worldwide. This steel wire mesh is intricately arranged and welded, forming the foundation for the durability and longevity of concrete structures, ensuring safety and stability for everyone who relies on them.

What Makes Steel Reinforcing Mesh Unique

First, it is critical to understand what constitutes steel reinforcing mesh and how its structural design contributes to its strength. Steel reinforcing mesh is a highly resilient material assembled by welding rigid steel wires into a grid-like pattern. This configuration gives way to two pivotal aspects: versatility and robustness. Its flexibility allows it to be shaped and installed into various structures. At the same time, its robustness emanates from the inherent strength of steel, a quality enhanced by the mesh design as it effectively distributes stress across the structure.

The Valuable Role of Steel Reinforcing Mesh in Infrastructure

When it comes to infrastructure, reinforcement is not something that can be skipped over - it is an absolute requirement. The widespread adoption of steel reinforcing mesh stems from its ability to significantly bolster tensile strength, supplementing the inherent compressive strength of concrete. By amplifying this fundamental property, steel reinforcing mesh adds resilience and durability to constructions, allowing them to withstand substantial loads, resist adverse weather conditions, and endure over extended periods.

The Practical Applications of Steel Reinforcing Mesh in Infrastructure

Steel reinforcing mesh is essential in many infrastructure projects, from bridges to skyscrapers and highways. Let's examine its practical applications in the following examples:

Roads and Bridges: As structures that must endure immense daily loads, highways and bridges benefit significantly from using steel reinforcing mesh. By enhancing their ability to distribute these loads evenly, the need for maintenance and repairs decreases significantly, leading to a longer life expectancy for these vital connections.

Skyscrapers and Residential Buildings: Safety and longevity are crucial for tall buildings and living spaces. By incorporating steel reinforcing mesh, these structures gain the stability required to resist high winds and support the additional loads imposed by occupants and services.

Tunnels and Underground Structures: Subjected to the massive pressure of soil and rock, these subterranean constructions demand remarkable durability. Steel reinforcing mesh provides the necessary reinforcement, ensuring these structures maintain integrity under intense pressure.

Coastal and River Defenses: As they face the constant threat of erosion, coastal and river defenses require additional protection against nature's relentless forces. By incorporating steel reinforcing mesh, these structures receive an added layer of strength, enabling them to withstand erosive forces.

In conclusion, steel reinforcing mesh's impact on infrastructure is multifaceted and significant. Its integral role in enhancing concrete constructions' structural integrity, durability, and load-bearing capacity cannot be understated. By mitigating cracking and reinforcing against tension forces, steel mesh ensures longer service life and reduced maintenance needs for various infrastructure projects. As we continue to advance construction practices, acknowledging and harnessing the profound benefits of steel reinforcing mesh will remain pivotal in shaping the future of infrastructure development.

[whatdoesshedotothem]

: Thursday 17 May 1838

7

2

A-‘s cousin came this morning soon after nine a week too soon fine morning F56 ½° at 7 ½ am wrote the whole of the last page and breakfast at 9 ¼ in ½ hour and had talkathon with the washerwoman whom I quietly put into as much rage as she dared shew – would not pay her bill – but said I would settle it with the lady of the house or with monsieur she wanted the bill back again but this she would not give up – had just written so far at 10 10 according to the ‘almanach administratif et statistique et de la cour d’appel de Liège et de son Ressort. 43me année. 1838. Liège. Imprimerie de Jacques Desoer Libraix Place St. Lambert, no.774’ vid. p. 157 governor M. le baron Charles H. A. J. Vandensteen de Jehay, Mt. St. Martin, no.614. and vide p. 211 population de la ville de Liège 1 January 1837 = 59.363 ames – or population par quartier Sud, 18,251 ; Nord 14,817, Est 14,606 ; Ouest 11,689. and vide p. 279 to 284 inclusive account of the anniversary – p. 282 Galerie Zoologique ‘pourra devenir précieux par l’achat du célèbre cabinet de [fer] M. Schmerling’ – M. D. – took a commissionaire and George and A- and I went out (walked) at 10 35 – 1st to Collardin’s took back the 2 plans of Liège 4/. and got in exchange a German French and English vocabulary 4/. and a Belgian Livre de poste 2/50 – left these at home and then went for 10 minutes to the cathedral (St. Paul) -  neat, clean, marble skirted, handsome remarkably comfortable church – with handsome painted window east and two partly painted in the transept north and south a German had just been at the top of this church – then to St. Jacques at 11 and sent George and the commissionaire home for Oddy – old gothic church very neat and interesting and handsome founded by bishop Baldric in 1014 – the cathedral ceiling painted in a running pattern, that of St. Jacques much handsome – good deal of [?] imitating the effect of guilding – the church undergoing great repairs – the man who shewed us about said to the 300,000 francs? of which government gave 25,000 fr. but what was that – waited for the servants ½ hour – then 5 minutes longer and off to Les mineurs at 11 35 and the priests’ college adjoining the bishops’ palace – 140 etudiàns, at 400fr. per annum – In the corridors an excellent gravure of Rome, and chronological gravure of the heads and dates of all the popes, all the Kings of Spain, and all the Roma emperors – saw the dining room kitchen and lecture room – good, but very plain rooms, nothing to see – the bishops’ palace not shewn a merely pretty good private house – the church (all the same corps de bâtiment) neat clean very white and pretty and handsome enough – all the churches here less than usual encumbered with Roman catholic frippery – off from here at 1 35 – ½ hour at a booksellers in passing and bought several little things, not dear – then up to the church of St. Martin more striking in exterior and like commanding situation than worth visiting for its interior – pretty little oak-carved pulpit some pictures by Latour, and some tolerable little basso-relievo marble medallions by Delcour who sculptured the foundation (Virgin and child on pedestal water from the mouths of 4 lions into as many stone troughs) in the Place de St. Paul – from St. Martins’ went to the adjoining barrière and looked down upon the barrière St. Marguerite by which we had entered and close to which was our coal-pit – fine view on this side – but magnificent one from the garden of the cafè de belle vue looking down to the other side the hill, upon Liège and its fine river and voisinage – vineyards and gardens and long chimneys but very little smoke to be seen from houses or engines – our commissionaire said the coal of Liege did not make much smoke – true there is not much – a large 100 horse engine does not make more (as far as we have seen) than a common kitchen fire in England! How is this? – Delighted with the view – sent the servants home to dinner before 2 – ourselves back at 2 20 – got down the hill by a near little narrow way along the Derrière l’Eglise de St. Jean and soon at the theatre and at home – A- tired but lay on the sofa – made herself some tea as yesterday and seemed quite refreshed again in about an hour – I read the almanach de Liège lent us by our host and then till 4 wrote all but the 1st 5 lines of today – A- and I went out at 4 5 – bought pretty blue silk pincushion topped boite aux gants 12/. – then sauntered along the streets to the university – sought out our portière – she was with a party of French went with them to the salle (lecture room) – very large good handsome circular squared room – benches en amphithéâtre for the étudiants, and above a colonade gallery – very good effect – to the cabinet d’histoire naturelle mineralogy and geology and in the cabinet de physique et anatomie – mathematical instruments and anatomical preparation everything very nice – the cabinet of M. le docteur Schmerling not yet purchased but les administrateurs sur le pied de l’acheter – among the coal fossil vegetable remains saw one from la mine de l’espérance which it seems is at Seraing and belongs to Mr. Cockerill  and the woman as I understood said it was deeper than the houillère of Sainte Marguerite – an hour at the university then sauntered along the quai to the post the singular looking old brick building that Mt. de Piète – went up one of the several little streets (opening on to the Quai) not 4ft. wide I should guess about 3ft. 8in. wide according to my parasol returned by the marché and called on booksellers Place St. Lambert and bought the Liège almanac (vid. line 5 of today) etc. – home at 7 5 dinner about 7 ¼ in an hour – at 9 ¼ went down to see Mr. Mathiolis’ cellars, kitchen baths, and lastly his stable to see a Hannover horse (aetatis 9) that he played all sorts of coaxing tricks – with to shew how quiet it was – an hours’ business – his fruit cupboard and foyer de cuisine the best worth seeing things – A- tired – it was too much for her – fine day – F59° now at 10 ¾ pm – fine day – rain from about 8 am

the portiere at the university said how cold it was and that there was snow here on Tuesday morning at 6 am

SH:7/ML/E/21/0102

A- lay on the sofa poorly busy getting the boiler to heat water and undressing her with A- heating water or one thing or other till 12 20 – then leaving her in bed, sat looking over the books bought today till one tonight – then hearing her crying went to her and gave her some cherry brandy  she said her head and neck were bad she wants more than I can do for her  a good strong fellow

[goldiers1]

Hedcor Aid to Mindanao Medical Centers

  Hedcor and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. donate much-needed medical supplies, equipment and furniture worth P350,000 to two newly refurbished sub-health centers in Sitio Centro Pogpog and Lib-in, Barangay Sibulan, Municipality of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur. In 2021, Hedcor and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. successfully implemented the repair of the sub-health centers. As a continuing project, the health centers receive promotional equipment, appliances, clinic beds, tables, drawers, medicines and other medical equipment that will strengthen the health care services and make it more accessible, usable and available to the community, especially the indigenous community in the province. Hedcor President and COO Rolando Pacquiao acknowledged the health workers for their unrelenting service in the community. “Our health workers need sufficient supplies and reliable equipment to provide quality health services to patients and residents of Barangay Sibulan and nearby areas. These donations will definitely aid the operations of the health facilities, strengthen the health system and be able to better respond to the health needs of the community," said Pacquiao.   Santa Cruz Municipal Health Officer Dr. Raygene Manuel shared that the barangay health workers (BHW) feel blessed to receive Hedcor and Aboitiz Foundation's donations that will be used to help their constituents. Dr. Raygene Manuel, said: “We know that not all communities were given this kind of health assistance, and we are truly fortunate to receive these. I am proud to say that our BHWs are very dedicated and always ready to be of service.”   Meanwhile, in the Province of Bukidnon, Hedcor turns over to the Municipality of Impasugong its Health Center's completed covered pathway worth P250,000 as part of Hedcor and the local government unit's commitment to putting health a priority. The covered pathway is beneficial in a healthcare environment. It is used as a linkway between the regional health unit's building, providing staff, patients and visitors a dry journey and shelter from bad weather especially those who came from far-flung areas. 13 barangays in the Municipality of Impasugong are availing the Rural Health Unit services. Municipal Mayor Anthony Uy said the completion of the covered pathway is one of the testaments of Hedcor's commitment to the health system enhancement initiatives of the municipality and the general welfare of the locals. Mayor Anthony Uy, shared: "This is a milestone being undertaken by the local government unit and Hedcor to ensure that the health services and the health needs of Impasugong are given utmost importance."   And to improve the delivery of health services, barangay and municipal health workers in Bukidnon and Davsur will receive refresher courses on how to respond to health emergency situations from Department of Health (DOH) and Municipal Health Office representatives. "May these regenerative projects continue to strengthen our relationship with our community in pursuit of transforming energy for a better world," said Hedcor President and COO Rolando Pacquiao. Hedcor is the renewable energy subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation.  

About the Hedcor Group

Hedcor Group has been generating renewable energy from run-of-river hydropower systems for over four decades, making it a leading hydropower operator in the Philippines. With 22 hydropower plants under its management, the group currently supplies the country with more than 278 MW of clean and sustainable energy. By providing power generation that is least disruptive to the environment, Hedcor is helping communities and businesses achieve a better and greener tomorrow. With its commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, Hedcor is indeed a company worth recognizing.  

About the Aboitiz Foundation

The Aboitiz Foundation is a testament to the Aboitiz Group’s commitment to corporate philanthropy. Spanning over a century, the group’s legacy of giving back has been instilled and passed on through generations. One of its first leaders, Don Ramon Aboitiz, initiated corporate philanthropy efforts and prioritized the welfare of the company’s employees. As the Aboitiz Group diversified into multiple businesses, its commitment to giving back grew as well. While the group gave to various causes informally for decades, it realized the need for a more efficient and effective way of giving. Thus, the Aboitiz Foundation came into existence to better assist areas where the company operates. Today the organization has given out around 36,000 scolarships and benefited nearly 4 million people though philanthropy.   Sources: THX News, Aboitiz Foundation, Hedcor Group & The Philippine News Agency. Read the full article