{"id":5765,"date":"2013-10-02T23:15:32","date_gmt":"2013-10-03T03:15:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5765"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:13:44","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:13:44","slug":"a-place-to-call-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5765","title":{"rendered":"A Place to Call Home (by Patina)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span>WHN for Return to Honor. Will Cartwright adjusts to life on the Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0K+\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Word Count=5568<\/p>\n


Written for Round 3 of the Ponderosa Poker Tournament. My words were: round up, soap making, scissors, chopping wood, and branding.<\/span>

Disclaimer: I don’t own Bonanza or the Cartwrights. No copyright infringement is intended against Jack Turley’s script. No money was made from this story. Original plot and characters are property of the author.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reviews from the Old Library are on the last page.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Place to Call Home<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoss gave his full attention to the chicken wing he was gnawing on, unaware of the four pairs of eyes scrutinizing each bite.\u00a0\u00a0 Pulling off the last piece of meat with his thumb and forefinger, he dropped the bones into the mound of detritus on his plate and reached forth to pluck a drumstick from the platter.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should give up the cattle business and go into chicken ranching,\u201d Joe said.\u00a0 He leaned with one arm on the table, a forkful of mashed potatoes held poised between his plate and mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got to keep up my energy,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor what?\u00a0 Eating apples?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Hoss shoved a morsel to one cheek and said, \u201cIt just so happens that I do most of the heavy lifting around here, so I got to keep up my strength.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hid his smirk behind his coffee cup. \u201cI\u2019ve yet to see you round up steers on foot then carry them one by one to the branding pit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll remember that next time you need someone to hold up a wagon so you can do the hard work of dabbing on grease,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

Ben leaned his elbows on the table and clasped his hands before his mouth.\u00a0 His eyes sparkled in amusement.<\/p>\n

Will chuckled yet he envied the easy banter flowing between his cousins.\u00a0 He\u2019d arrived on the Ponderosa two months ago and was adjusting both to ranch life and taking orders from his uncle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill, you better learn to eat up, and often, if you\u2019re going to stay on,\u201d said Adam, adding a wink.<\/p>\n

Hoss dropped the stripped leg bone onto his plate and said, \u201cAll this talk is whetting my appetite.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing emerged from the kitchen to clear the empty plates.\u00a0 He scowled as he took in the proportion of bones in front of Hoss as compared to the other Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

Hoss wiped his greasy fingers on a napkin and asked, \u201cYou got a few more pieces squirreled away in the kitchen?\u201d\u00a0 His eyes sparkled with hope.<\/p>\n

The cook crossed his arms and said, \u201cNo more cook chicken.\u00a0 No egg if all chicken go in belly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Hop Sing,\u201d Hoss pleaded in a wheedling tone.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing said, \u201cNo egg, no flapjack.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged a shoulder and said, \u201cWe can do without flapjacks for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe raised his eyebrows and blew out his cheeks.\u00a0 He knew his biggest brother would get flapjacks on the sly at the International House if Hop Sing didn\u2019t fix them.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing smugly looked at the largest Cartwright and said, \u201cYou eat all chicken and no egg, no more cake.\u201d\u00a0 He punctuated his statement with a nod.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo cake?\u201d Hoss asked in quiet disbelief.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing shook his head and gathered up the plates.<\/p>\n

Hoss smiled and asked, \u201cHow about a big ol\u2019 juicy pork roast for supper?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose chickens are still squawking and you\u2019re interested in supper?\u201d asked Adam, an eyebrow cocked in disbelief.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing muttered a few words and his expression suggested murder with a meat cleaver at the next opportunity.<\/p>\n

Knowing they were skirting the edge of the cook\u2019s temper and a threat to return to China, Ben said, \u201cNow Hop Sing, pork roast and sweet potatoes will be just fine for supper.\u00a0 Won\u2019t it, boys?\u201d<\/p>\n

A chorus of agreement and head nodding soothed the cook\u2019s ruffled feathers.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing said, \u201cI cook pork roast.\u00a0 No cake.\u201d\u00a0 He retreated to the kitchen muttering in Chinese about the middle Cartwright son\u2019s appetite.<\/p>\n

With the spectacle over, Ben said to Hoss, \u201cIf you\u2019re still able to move, I need you to ride into town for a few supplies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go,\u201d offered Joe, springing to his feet.<\/p>\n

Pointing, Ben said, \u201cYou can stay here and patch up that hole in the loft.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa,\u201d Joe began.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve put it off long enough.\u201d\u00a0 From the corner of his eye, he caught his eldest son\u2019s attempt to cover a mocking smile.\u00a0 \u201cAdam will be happy to help, won\u2019t you, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was on the verge of lodging a protest when he noted the look in his father\u2019s eye that indicated no argument would be brooked.\u00a0 He tossed his napkin onto the table and said, \u201cLooks like we\u2019ll be passing this afternoon in the loft.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about me?\u201d asked Will.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou oughta come along to town,\u201d offered Hoss.<\/p>\n

Will looked to Ben for permission.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou go on,\u201d said Ben.\u00a0 It\u2019ll do you good to get off the ranch.\u00a0 You boys just be sure to bring back the mail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t let him forget,\u201d said Will with a wink to his uncle.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Will slouched beside Hoss on the wagon\u2019s bench seat and took note of the severe lack of scenery\u2014rocks, cactus, and mesquite.\u00a0\u00a0 Amazing this land supports cattle let alone people<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Hoss kept up a steady chatter about the Ponderosa and Virginia City.\u00a0 Will grew bored hearing about Joe\u2019s cleverness with the ladies and Adam\u2019s plans for timber and mining operations.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you, Hoss?\u201d Will asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhaddya mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve told me about Adam and Little Joe but hardly a word about yourself.\u201d\u00a0 Will pushed the soles of his boots against the floorboard and leaned his elbows against the back of the seat.\u00a0 Looking over at his cousin, he said, \u201cTell me about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

A flush crawled up Hoss\u2019 face and disappeared under the brim of his hat.\u00a0 \u201cAw, there isn\u2019t much to me.\u00a0 I\u2019m not as good at business as Adam or as popular with gals as Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cForget about those things,\u201d said Will as he waved a hand in dismissal.\u00a0 \u201cTell me what you<\/em> like, what you\u2019re<\/em> best at.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss pursed his lips and thought on it for a few minutes.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I\u2019m a fairly good judge of critters and people and I can track \u2018most near anything.\u00a0 I may not have book learnin\u2019 like Adam and Joe, but I know when the weather\u2019s about to change from the way the wind smells.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say those are useful skills.\u00a0 A man can\u2019t learn everything in a classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose not,\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0 He took a breath and tilted his head, \u201cIt sure would be nice to have a gal look at me all dewy eyed or to add up a column of numbers in the shake of a lamb\u2019s tail.\u201d<\/p>\n

A few minutes of silence passed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about your Pa?\u201d asked Will. \u201cYou haven\u2019t said much about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose he\u2019s a lot like yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt that,\u201d said Will.\u00a0 \u201cMy father spent his life chasing dreams.\u00a0 Yours built his.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa chased his for a lot of years before building the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe knew what he wanted, though.\u00a0 And he wanted it for himself as much as you and Adam and Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss flicked the reins to encourage the team to keep their pace.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe your Pa\u2019s dream was harder to find,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe so,\u201d agreed Will, falling silent.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Hoss and Will picked up the mail and headed over to the Bucket of Blood for a cold beer while waiting on the supplies to be loaded.<\/p>\n

Callie, a girl with one green eye and one brown eye, shuffled a deck of cards and smiled at the newcomers.\u00a0 A miner had bestowed the nickname upon her because she\u2019d of an unsuccessful attempt to dye her brown hair red with henna, leaving dark patches among the bright red.\u00a0 She liked Hoss, he was friendly enough, but he didn\u2019t fritter his money away on drinks and cards as Little Joe did.\u00a0 The tall man with him walked like a panther on the prowl and looked to be a man who wasn\u2019t a stranger to trouble.\u00a0 The trim mustache suggested he was very particular in regard to his appearance; she wondered if he was particular when it came to saloon girls.<\/p>\n

She sauntered up to the bar, walking in a manner that made the skirt of her dress swish from side-to-side.\u00a0 Hoss smiled a friendly greeting but she noticed the other man looked at her as if he were seeing her unclothed.\u00a0 She nervously adjusted the neckline of her dress before placing her hand against Hoss\u2019 arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s your friend?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gulped a swig of beer and said, \u201cThis here\u2019s my cousin, Will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour cousin?\u201d She took a closer look at him.\u00a0 The strong jaw and chin were shared by Adam and Hoss; his eyes bordered on green, like Little Joe\u2019s.\u00a0 He was tall, almost as tall as Hoss, but lithe.\u00a0 \u201cWelcome to the Bucket of Blood.\u00a0 Let\u2019s have us a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

She picked up a bottle and two glasses and made her way over to a table. \u00a0Will started after her but a man\u2019s voice stopped him mid-stride.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast thing Virginia City needs is another high-and-mighty Cartwright,\u201d said a dirt-covered miner.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one\u2019s looking for trouble, Fred,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cCome on back here, Will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am<\/em> old enough to make my own decisions,\u201d said Will.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t take his eyes off the miner.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen to your nursemaid,\u201d spat the miner.<\/p>\n

Callie poured whiskey into a glass and said, \u201cLet\u2019s just all be friends.\u00a0 How about it, Fred?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSince when did your tastes rise so high?\u201d the miner asked the girl.\u00a0 He crossed the room and backhanded her.\u00a0 \u201cYou too good for men who work underground?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss tried to hold Will back but his cousin jerked away.<\/p>\n

Will rushed the miner, grabbed him by the shoulder to turn him around, and loosed a fist against the man\u2019s jaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cGimme another beer, Sam,\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0 If Will was anything like Joe, the fight would be over in a few minutes, one of the men knocked out cold.<\/p>\n

The two men traded punches as Callie screamed at them to stop.<\/p>\n

Will delivered an uppercut that sent the burlier man backwards into a table, splintering it.\u00a0 The miner wiped at the blood trickling down his chin and rushed at his opponent head down, like a ram in rut.\u00a0 Another table collapsed, and the men wrestled for advantage on the dirty floor.<\/p>\n

The miner, pinned beneath Will, struggled until his hand was on the butt of his adversary\u2019s pistol.\u00a0 Will shifted his weight to roll away and keep his gun away from Fred\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

A silver blade glinted in the dim light. A bright flash was followed by an echoing gunshot. \u00a0Smoke curled from the pistol barrel.<\/p>\n

Callie screamed as Fred collapsed in a heap.\u00a0 She ran to him, cradling his head in her lap.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re my girl, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Fred asked, his voice faltering.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she said, nodding and stroking his cheek.<\/p>\n

The saloon doors banged open as Roy Coffee entered with the business end of a rifle leading the way.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was self-defense, Roy,\u201d said Sam.\u00a0 \u201cFred drew a knife.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat what happened?\u201d the sheriff asked Hoss, not taking his eyes off Will.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded.<\/p>\n

Roy walked over to Callie and squatted beside Fred.\u00a0 The only wound he could identify on the collapsed man was a graze above the temple.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Roy assured Callie with a gentle squeeze to her shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll need some looking after.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled weakly at the sheriff and said, \u201cI\u2019ll tend to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy stood and walked over to the bar.\u00a0 Fixing Will with a steely gaze, he said, \u201cYou\u2019re mighty lucky Fred will just be parting his hair differently.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a warning shot,\u201d said Will, his thumbs tucked into his gun belt.<\/p>\n

\u201cMake sure you don\u2019t fire any more of those,\u201d advised Roy. \u201cHoss, get your cousin on home before he causes more trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re leaving,\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0 He lifted his mug and drained it in one long drag.<\/p>\n

I may be a Cartwright but I\u2019m not the right kind of Cartwright<\/em>, thought Will.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Will returned to the mercantile for the wagon and set off for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Neither man spoke.<\/p>\n

Will was sure the trip back to the Ponderosa was taking twice as long as the ride to town.\u00a0 He tried to sit up straight, but a pain in his side caused discomfort.\u00a0 He shifted on the wagon seat and took a couple of deep breaths.\u00a0 The result was a hurt that brought on a groan. He slouched down on the bench, arms crossed protectively over his belly.<\/p>\n

Hoss glanced over and assumed Will was sleeping as his cousin swayed with the wagon in a near-hypnotic rhythm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll stop up ahead to give the team a . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Will fell from the bench and hit the ground with a dull thud.\u00a0 Hoss pulled hard on the reins to stop the team then jumped down.\u00a0 He knelt on one knee and looked his cousin over.\u00a0 Seeing nothing, he opened Will\u2019s coat and frowned at the scarlet blood staining the dark gray shirt.<\/p>\n

He lightly slapped at Will\u2019s face and was rewarded with a low moan.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like you got a battle scar.\u201d\u00a0 He gently propped Will against one of the wheels and grabbed for the canteen.\u00a0 Carefully, he poured a trickle of water between Will\u2019s slightly parted lips then dabbed lukewarm water on Will\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Will moaned and slowly opened his eyes, much to his regret.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened?\u201d he softly asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re bleeding, Cousin.\u00a0 Anything you care to tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess that knife found its mark.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna get you back to town and the Doc\u2019s.\u00a0 Can you stand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . think . . . so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss tried to be gentle but Will passed out.\u00a0 He got his cousin into the back of the wagon, settled on bags of flour, and then tried to arrange the tarp to shield him from the sun.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sure hope that pork roast doesn\u2019t dry out,\u201d muttered Hoss as he clucked the team into action.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Will woke to rocking.\u00a0 Have I been shanghaied<\/em>?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He raised his wet palm to his face and blanched at the red smear.\u00a0 He tried to sit up but hissed in pain through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n

The wagon came to a lurching halt and Will squinted in the light when the tarp was pulled back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just stay still,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cIt\u2019s a few more miles to Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll last.\u00a0 You just drive on.\u201d<\/p>\n

They reached the doctor\u2019s and Hoss smiled in relief as Dr. Martin\u2019s buggy was parked outside.\u00a0 \u201cYou wait right here,\u201d he said to Will.<\/p>\n

Where exactly does he think I\u2019m gonna go<\/em>?<\/p>\n

\u201cLemme get him out of here,\u201d said Hoss when he returned with the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d rather examine him just where he is,\u201d said Paul.\u00a0 Hoss untied the tarp to allow the doctor to examine Will.\u00a0 Climbing into the wagon bed, Paul gave Will a reassuring smile.\u00a0 \u201cMy patients aren\u2019t allowed to have relapses,\u201d he said, pulling up Will\u2019s coat and untucking the shirt.\u00a0 Shortly after Will had arrived on the Ponderosa, the doctor had had to remove the stitches another doctor had sewn to close a bullet wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially if they\u2019re Cartwrights?\u201d asked Will through gritted teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially,\u201d agreed Paul.\u00a0 He reached into his bag and pulled out a long needle and a length of cat gut.\u00a0 \u201cYou want a drink, for medicinal purposes?\u201d<\/p>\n

Will shook his head.<\/p>\n

Knotting the last stitch, Paul pulled scissors from his bag to cut the remainder of the cat gut and he dropped it and the needle into his bag.\u00a0 Satisfied with his handiwork, he said to Hoss, \u201cTell your Pa to make sure Will stays in bed for a day or two.\u00a0 No busting broncs or riding roughshod through the countryside.\u00a0 I\u2019ll take out the stitches in a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRiding into town isn\u2019t doing much,\u201d said Will through a grimace.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not the ride but the entertainment when you get here,\u201d said Paul with a stern look.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make sure he doesn\u2019t do anything he shouldn\u2019t,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u00a0 You gonna sit on me?\u201d asked Will, an eyebrow raised in doubt.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I\u2019ve got to.\u201d<\/p>\n

One side of Will\u2019s mouth curled into a smile and he looked at the doctor.\u00a0 \u201cI promise to be a good boy and stay in bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I\u2019m mighty persuasive when I set my mind to it,\u201d Hoss said with a wink.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are<\/em> that, Cousin,\u201d agreed Will.<\/p>\n

After binding his patient\u2019s abdomen with a fresh bandage, Paul retrieved a couple of wool blankets to keep Will warm on the journey home as sunset was fast approaching.<\/p>\n

Since the tarp was no longer needed for shade, Hoss fixed it to serve an extra blanket.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou boys be careful,\u201d said the doctor with a goodbye wave.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will,\u201d answered Hoss as he tipped his hat.\u00a0 He clucked and flicked the reins, setting the team into motion.<\/p>\n

After an hour of travel, a bobbing light appeared in the distance.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like Pa\u2019s got Adam and Joe out searching for us,\u201d Hoss said over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you be sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Pa,\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cIf one of us is late getting back from town, he broods like a mother hen.\u00a0 I can\u2019t count how many times I\u2019ve had to saddle up and go looking for Adam or Joe because Pa thought the worst.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss guffawed and said, \u201cThere was this one time Pa sent us out \u2018cause Little Joe was late getting back with the mail.\u00a0 Turned out he\u2019d gotten a load of buckshot when a gal\u2019s father mistook him for a fox intent on getting in the henhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite the pain, Will laughed so hard tears flowed from eyes.\u00a0 He held his side, pressing against the bandaged wound, imagining the sight from the vivid picture Hoss painted in telling the story.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat have you done to Will?\u201d asked Joe as he pulled alongside the wagon.<\/p>\n

Will burst into a fresh peal of laughter, imagining Joe draped over Hoss\u2019 saddle because he couldn\u2019t sit a horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he drunk?\u201d asked Joe in disbelief.<\/p>\n

Hoss tried to hide his laughter behind a snort but wasn\u2019t successful.\u00a0 \u201cNah, we ain\u2019t drunk.\u00a0 We just had to make a little visit to the doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat explains everything,\u201d said Adam with a raised eyebrow.<\/p>\n

Hoss wiped the tears flowing from his eyes and said, \u201cI was telling Will about that time Joe was shot in the middle of the . . . Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snickered, bit his lower lip, and looked away.\u00a0 He tried to think of Dickens\u2019 poor orphaned Oliver Twist, begging for another serving of gruel.\u00a0 Adam put a hand over his face and let out a sound that, to a generous ear, may have been interpreted as a sneeze.<\/p>\n

Joe glared at his brothers and cousin.\u00a0 \u201cIt wasn\u2019t that funny,\u201d he grumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sure am sorry for makin\u2019 you the . . . butt of the joke,\u201d Hoss said as he nearly fell from the bench seat.\u00a0 Adam and Will were laughing so loud they drowned out the coyotes.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop, Cousin,\u201d pleaded Will between gasps for air.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we don\u2019t get home soon Pa\u2019s likely to come looking for us and he won\u2019t be happy about it if he thinks you spent too much time on supplies and not enough on the mail,\u201d warned Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t sound so self-righteous,\u201d Adam said as he wiped the corner of an eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I\u2019m saying is . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know what you\u2019re saying,\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0 He looked over his shoulder and said in a loud whisper, \u201cThat little incident still stings.\u201d<\/p>\n

A fresh round of guffaws rang into the night air.\u00a0 Joe wheeled Cochise and set off for the Ponderosa, flinging dust and clods of dirt in his wake.<\/p>\n

Will, finally able to breathe, asked, \u201cYou weren\u2019t too rough on him, were you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe will forget it by the time he gets home,\u201d said Adam as he reined Sport to trot beside the wagon.<\/p>\n

Ben was reading by the fireplace when the strains of Early One Morning<\/em> carried in from the yard.\u00a0 He frowned, tossed the book on the table, and stormed over to the door.\u00a0 The sharp rebuke caught in his throat when he saw Will supported between Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe didn\u2019t tell you?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head as Hoss handed him the mail.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had to make a stop at the doctor\u2019s,\u201d said Will.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m okay, Uncle.\u00a0 It\u2019d take more than a butter knife to kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Ben assisted Will inside while Adam drove the wagon to the barn to unhitch the horses.<\/p>\n

In the dim lantern light, Adam saw Joe in Cochise\u2019s stall, brushing the horse down with a rag.\u00a0 From the set of his brother\u2019s shoulders, Adam knew Joe was spoiling for a fight, verbal or physical.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t mean anything back there,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

Joe continued grooming his horse.<\/p>\n

Adam unsaddled Sport, picked up a curry comb, and let the silence stretch.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did Will stay?\u201d Joe finally asked.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s nothing but trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow and stifled a chuckle.\u00a0 His youngest brother was calling the kettle black as far as some citizens of Virginia City were concerned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a Cartwright, Joe.\u00a0 He may not have been born to the Ponderosa but he\u2019s a Cartwright just as much as you or I.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not enough,\u201d said Joe hanging the rag on a nail.\u00a0 \u201cHe doesn\u2019t know anything about ranching and I don\u2019t think he wants to learn. \u00a0He lied about dying to get Pa to save his bacon.\u00a0 Who knows what trouble he\u2019ll bring to our doorstep.\u201d\u00a0 Joe stepped out of the stall and stood with his hands on his hips.<\/p>\n

Adam stopped currying his horse and leaned against the animal.\u00a0 He looked at Joe and asked, \u201cWhat do you want him to do?\u00a0 Bust a few broncs?\u00a0 Ride drag on the next drive?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at the floor and didn\u2019t answer.<\/p>\n

Adam returned to grooming Sport and said over his shoulder, \u201cMaybe we can start Will on simple chores like soap making or chopping wood.\u00a0 Let him work his way up to the livestock.\u201d\u00a0 Adam set the curry comb back in its place and stroked Sport\u2019s nose before exiting the stall.\u00a0 \u201cJust give him a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked up and nodded, a thin smile on his face.<\/p>\n

Adam encircled his brother\u2019s shoulders with an arm and the two men walked back to the house.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Instead of spending the next few days in bed resting, Will was put to work peeling vegetables, plucking chickens, and holding down a chair.\u00a0 At the end of the week, he rode into town with his uncle and cousins\u2014they were to collect the payroll, settle the account at the mercantile, and check on the title to a piece of land to be acquired while he was to visit the doctor under his uncle\u2019s watchful eye and stay out of trouble.<\/p>\n

Paul Martin removed the stitches and noted his patient\u2019s flesh was healing well.<\/p>\n

Ben stood nearby, hat in hand.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019s Fred?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOrnerier than ever,\u201d said Paul.\u00a0 \u201cBut he\u2019s smart enough to stay out of fights.\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing back to admire the neat, red line on his patient\u2019s belly, Paul said, \u201cI figure you\u2019ve got to earn your keep.\u00a0 But, horse breaking is still off the table. Holding a branding iron won\u2019t cause too much exertion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re saying I\u2019m too delicate to do any of the real<\/em> work,\u201d said Will as he buttoned up his shirt.<\/p>\n

Paul looked over to Ben then back to Will.\u00a0 \u201cNot at all.\u00a0 Just don\u2019t overdo things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll work all right,\u201d said Ben, his stern gaze fixed on his nephew\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

After saying goodbye, the two Cartwrights strolled over to the Bucket of Blood to await Adam, Hoss, and Joe.\u00a0 They picked up beers at the bar then selected a table.<\/p>\n

Ben leaned back in his chair and studied his nephew over the rim of his mug.\u00a0 He knew Will was restless, ready for action, and life on the Ponderosa was likely slower than what he was accustomed to.<\/p>\n

Will set his glass down and tapped his fingers on the table as he looked around.\u00a0 \u201cYou know, Uncle, maybe I\u2019m not cut out for this kind of life after all.\u00a0 Maybe I\u2019m too much like my pa\u2014restless and searching for the next big thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben leaned forward, elbows on the table, and held his mug between his hands.\u00a0 \u201cNo Cartwright ever quit anything, not even your father.\u00a0 Sure he might have lost interest in his latest venture or wanted to see someplace new, but he kept looking for that one place<\/em> he could set down roots.\u00a0 You\u2019re no different.\u00a0 Will, you\u2019re a Cartwright.\u00a0 You can\u2019t change that.\u00a0 Stay on the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Give it a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Will drained his beer and motioned for Sam to bring two more glasses to the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think Joe wants me around,\u201d Will said with a snort.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe he thinks I\u2019m trying to horn in on his inheritance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anger glimmered in Ben\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s not true.\u00a0 I think, deep down, you know that but you just have to convince yourself that staying is the right choice for you.\u00a0 And for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe strode through the door and Joe crossed to the table while Hoss picked up the beer.<\/p>\n

Joe flopped into a chair and pushed his hat back.\u00a0 \u201cWhy so serious?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

The saloon doors pushed open and Fred walked inside.\u00a0 He scanned the room as his eyes adjusted to the dim light.<\/p>\n

Will\u2019s shoulders tensed and he dropped a hand to his thigh in case the miner wanted to settle the score.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack for another whippin\u2019, Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t recall you winnin\u2019 the last round,\u201d said Hoss over the mug poised under his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about a beer?\u201d asked Will, hoisting his own glass as a peace offering.<\/p>\n

Sam pulled the stout mallet from its resting place and laid it on the bar with a thunk as a warning.<\/p>\n

Fred removed the woolen cap from his head to reveal a bald patch.\u00a0 He pointed to it and said, \u201cI owe you a scalping.\u201d<\/p>\n

Will stood and unbuckled his gun belt.\u00a0 He rolled up his sleeves and said, \u201cI\u2019m ready to dance when you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben hissed his nephew\u2019s name but that didn\u2019t stop Will from crossing the room.<\/p>\n

Hoss leaned his chair back on two legs and sipped his beer.<\/p>\n

Will stood in front of the miner, his thumbs hitched in his belt loops.\u00a0 \u201cIf there\u2019s trouble, it\u2019s your doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred balled up his fist and launched it at Will\u2019s face.\u00a0 The collision knocked Will against the bar.<\/p>\n

Joe pushed back from the table and took off his gun belt.\u00a0 He walked over to the miner and circled the man.\u00a0 \u201cYou better get a new barber.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred swung at Joe but the younger man ducked then drove a fist into his opponent\u2019s midsection.\u00a0 Joe taunted Fred by weaving out of range yet landing a few blows.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet over there and stop this,\u201d Ben said to Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cWill and Joe got to work things out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred landed a blow to Joe\u2019s chin and Joe fell on a table.\u00a0 The newly repaired piece of furniture crashed to the floor.<\/p>\n

Will launched himself at Fred and got a few punches in before a fist smashed under his eye.\u00a0 To Will, the lighting in the saloon grew dimmer as he fell to the floor.<\/p>\n

Joe leaped onto Fred\u2019s back and wrapped an arm around the miner\u2019s throat.\u00a0 Fred tried to swing the smaller man off without success so he pried Joe\u2019s hands off and held him at arm\u2019s length.<\/p>\n

\u201cFight\u2019s just about over,\u201d said Hoss before he finished off his beer.<\/p>\n

Fred landed three jabs in a row and Joe fell to the floor unconscious.\u00a0 The miner picked up his wool cap and nodded to Sam before leaving the saloon.<\/p>\n

Hoss pushed back from the table and asked, \u201cYou ready to head home, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben only nodded and picked up the gun belts.\u00a0 Hoss hauled his brother and cousin to their feet and tightly held onto the backs of their collars as he escorted them outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll send you a bill,\u201d Sam said to Ben.<\/p>\n

Ben merely tipped his hat.<\/p>\n

Hoss dunked both Cartwrights into the water trough to speed their return to awareness.<\/p>\n

Joe sputtered so Hoss let his brother be.\u00a0 Will shoved at his cousin until Hoss decided he could stand on his own two feet.<\/p>\n

Will felt the lump under his swollen eye and looked at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re gonna have a shiner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re one to talk,\u201d said Joe as he slapped Will\u2019s arm with the palm of his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Adam?\u201d Ben asked, ready to retreat to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked up the street and a smile lit up his face.\u00a0 \u201cOver there, with Laura.\u201d<\/p>\n

The rest of the Cartwrights followed Hoss\u2019 pointing finger.\u00a0 Adam was assisting recently widowed Laura Dayton into a buggy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, you don\u2019t suppose he\u2019ll invite her over for Sunday dinner, do you?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe groaned.<\/p>\n

Hoss licked his lips and said, \u201cI bet Hop Sing\u2019ll cook up a mess of chicken for her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Will could only see out of one eye but he watched Laura take up the reins and start down the street.<\/p>\n

Adam strode over and looked his cousin and brother up and down.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like I\u2019m late to the party.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get on home,\u201d said Ben as he handed the gun belts to their proper owners.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, have you decided to stay?\u201d Adam asked Will.<\/p>\n

Will watched Laura until she turned the corner and disappeared from view.\u00a0 \u201cSure, at least until Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

October 2013<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>sklamb<\/a>\u00a0Signed<\/span>\u00a0\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"half-star\"
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>13 Nov 2013 07:51 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Place to Call Home\u00a0I like Will–except for that sissy moustache–but I think he could tell pretty quickly he wasn’t cut out for ranch living. Your portrait of him forming ties with the family rings true, though. Better living through serial bar fights? ;)As for Laura, if Will hadn’t married her Adam would have had to–and that would have been a disaster all around. I think it worked out pretty well for everyone, though it would have been nice to have Will stop by a time or two later in the show, to let us know how things went for him. Thanks for reminding us that there were more Cartwrights than the Nevada branch, Patina!*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>Sibylle\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>19 Oct 2013 12:29 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Place to Call HomeIt’s interesting to see how the “new Cartwright” affected the relationship between the others. And – like in the show – when we begin to like him (a bit) new problems arise. Your Will seems even more unsoldierly against Adam than the original. So may he take Laura and go away. A well written story.Author’s Response: Thanks, Sibylle. Will could have made an interesting addition to the family even though his being there would have likely changed the brother dynamic. Too bad Adam fell in love with dippy Laura but, then again, thank goodness Will hauled her away.<\/i><\/p>\n
*<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>jojay\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>19 Oct 2013 12:28 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Place to Call HomeI really liked the interaction between all the boys and Ben. If Will had loosened up a little more I could imagine the group would have gotten along quite well. Silly Will anyhow!Author’s Response: Thanks, jojay. I would have liked to see more interaction between Will and his cousins. Too bad he couldn’t stay around a while longer. And too bad Laura ever showed up.<\/i><\/p>\n
*<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>faust\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>19 Oct 2013 12:27 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Place to Call HomeLovely bantering – I do understand Will’s desire to become a part of that, and I almost began to like him.Makes the reader kinda wish had stayed at the Ponderosa…only without Laura, of course. \ud83d\ude09Author’s Response: Thanks, faust. Too bad Laura ever came into the picture. Will would have been an interesting addition to the Cartwright family.<\/i><\/p>\n
*<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>Beej\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>\u00a0\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>19 Oct 2013 12:25 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Place to Call HomeI can’t help but wish the knife went a little deeper (I really don’t like Will!) Loved the banter between th brothers… great job.Author’s Response: Thanks, Beej. Ouch! (lol). Will didn’t inspire much fan loyalty by stealing away Adam’s fiancee.<\/i><\/p>\n
*<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>joaniepaiute\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>19 Oct 2013 12:25 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Place to Call HomeGood banter, good weaving together of several series elements. I’m with jfclover: Hoss is the smartest of this bunch. \ud83d\ude00Author’s Response: Thank you, Joanie. Glad you enjoyed it.<\/i><\/p>\n
*<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>bahj\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>19 Oct 2013 12:24 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Place to Call HomeVery fitting the way Little Joe ended up accepting his cousin, but I have to say, Will is a dope–choosing Laura over the Ponderosa, Sheesh! Loved the teasing between the family. Thanks so much for sharing this story :0)Author’s Response: Thanks, bahj. In Joe’s eyes, Will proved he was a Cartwright. Have to agree Will was a dope for lusting after dippy Laura.<\/i><\/p>\n
*<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>jfclover\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>19 Oct 2013 12:24 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Place to Call HomeLooks to me like Hoss is the smartest of the bunch. Fun story!Author’s Response: Thank you, Pat. Hoss sometimes was the one with the most common sense.<\/i><\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Rating:\u00a0K+<\/p>\n

Word Count=5568<\/p>\n

Summary:\u00a0WHN for Return to Honor. Will Cartwright adjusts to life on the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":5766,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,13,40],"tags":[158],"class_list":["post-5765","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-whn","category-challenges","tag-pppt","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-13-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1345,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/A-Place-to-Call-Home_Companeros29.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":46189,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46189","url_meta":{"origin":5765,"position":0},"title":"Friends and Family (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"August 17, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0After suffering a tragic loss Ben learns true friends are really family. Rating: K+ Word Count: 822","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/PPPT-pic.png?fit=588%2C325&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/PPPT-pic.png?fit=588%2C325&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/PPPT-pic.png?fit=588%2C325&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13202,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13202","url_meta":{"origin":5765,"position":1},"title":"The Funeral (by silver sven)","author":"silver sven","date":"August 9, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0a missing scene from \u201cForever\u201d Rated: \u00a0K+\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count: \u00a0971","rel":"","context":"In "Missing Scene"","block_context":{"text":"Missing Scene","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=61"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Poker-2016.png?fit=1109%2C750&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Poker-2016.png?fit=1109%2C750&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Poker-2016.png?fit=1109%2C750&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Poker-2016.png?fit=1109%2C750&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Poker-2016.png?fit=1109%2C750&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14629,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14629","url_meta":{"origin":5765,"position":2},"title":"We Meet Again (by sklamb)","author":"sklamb","date":"August 2, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis: \u00a0Adam Cartwright is home again, but not everybody seems pleased about it.... Rating: \u00a0 K+ \u00a0\u00a0Word Count: \u00a0 827","rel":"","context":"In "Short Stories"","block_context":{"text":"Short Stories","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=8"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Poker-2017.png?fit=931%2C664&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Poker-2017.png?fit=931%2C664&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Poker-2017.png?fit=931%2C664&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Poker-2017.png?fit=931%2C664&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":40518,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=40518","url_meta":{"origin":5765,"position":3},"title":"A Wreath of Blessings (by PuchiAnn)","author":"Puchi Ann","date":"December 14, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A poem originally inspired by a Christmas card showing a wreath made from pine branches and cones and sent out years ago to Bonanza friends. Word count: 122 Rating: K A wreath of Ponderosa pine Tells me that it's Christmas time. Outside, a fleece of shim'ring snow, Within, bathed\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/30wreath.jpg?fit=450%2C549&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":49369,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49369","url_meta":{"origin":5765,"position":4},"title":"My Pa (by Puchi Ann)","author":"Puchi Ann","date":"June 15, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A tribute from Adam, Hoss and Joe for Father's Day (transcribed by Puchi Ann) Rating: K Word Count: 88","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Square-Deal-Sam-2.jpg?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Square-Deal-Sam-2.jpg?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Square-Deal-Sam-2.jpg?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":16163,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=16163","url_meta":{"origin":5765,"position":5},"title":"Colors (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"March 27, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Colors on the Ponderosa can come from unexpected places.\u00a0 My entry for World Poetry Day. Rating - K, WC - 112","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Lake-Tahoe-Winter-2.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Lake-Tahoe-Winter-2.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Lake-Tahoe-Winter-2.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Lake-Tahoe-Winter-2.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Lake-Tahoe-Winter-2.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5765","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5765"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5765\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5766"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5765"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5765"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5765"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}