Before moving on to Slim’s story about Windy, I want to share this picture. It’s the first grandchild coloring to grace the front of my refrigerator in my new home, and it was done by my granddaughter Becky who is in college, which proves you can color at any age.
BTW, I hate to admit publicly how dense I can be at times, but I don’t get the joke in this post from Slim. Usually, I do get his subtle humor, but no matter how many ways I looked at it, I just didn’t get “glue vine.” If you can help an old lady out, I’d appreciate it. Let me know in the comments, and then I can slap my forehead for missing it.
“I’m jest ‘bout new-aged up,” said Windy Wilson, sitting down and flipping his coffee cup to the upright and fillable position. Mavis filled it.
The other members sipping caffeine at the philosophy counter at the Mule Barn truck stop looked over at Windy. No one wanted to ask, so by the process of mind reading and silent linguistics, they managed to hold their tongues. They all knew Windy would never be content to leave it like that, and they were anxious to see how the feed-store philosopher would introduce the subject.
Windy sipped and looked around. He had their attention, all right, but no one asked.
“It’s like this here, fellas,” Windy finally said. “You know the widow, right? You know, the one that eats raw stuff? That new-age stuff?”
Still no one said anything.
“Name’s Mamie Dilworth,” Windy said. “The artistical one? The one that tried to get me to eat bait?”
Heads nodded, but were silent otherwise. Everyone waited to hear the latest attempt to drag the old cowboy and camp cook into modern times. They all knew Mamie gave it her best shot.
“T’other day it was,” Windy continued. “I sluiced over to Mame’s house to see if she had a cup of that five-dollar coffee, you know? But she smiled up at me and said, ‘Why Windy, haven’t you noticed how cold it’s been?’
“Wellsir, I ‘llowed as I had, and then she said she was goin’ ta give me a glue vine.
I had to scoot on outa there, guys. First thing you know, she’d a-had me wrapped up in sticky ol’ ivy or honeystickle or somethin’ and you know I didn’t want that there stuff getting’ on my good shirt.”
Windy was wondering why his friends were laughing and choking on their coffees.
Strange guys, you know?
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Brought to you by Strange Tales of Alaska by Slim Randles. Available at amazon.com.
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There are only three more days to enter the thriller giveaway at Book Hub for a chance to win a bundle of books and an Amazon Gift Card. The contest ends November 30. I’m one of the sponsoring authors, so you could get a copy of One Small Victory, as well as several other thrillers. Have you read any of these? I’ve read High Crimes, which is quite good, and I’m intrigued by several others, so I may be doing some shopping soon.
Your granddaughter’s picture is awesome! It certainly deserves a place on your fridge.
A glue vine (gluhwein) is a hot drink made with water, cinnamon sticks, sugar and juice of an orange, and wine. Doesn’t this sound great on a winter day?
Ah, I didn’t use the proper accent when trying to figure this out. LOL Thanks for the clarification, Jan, and yes, it does sound like a great drink.