text:
Language Warning: There is some potentially objectionable language, but nothing too darned bad (See? I don't even say anything bad here. Wow.). Well, at least I don't think it's all that bad, but I may be world-weary, or used to it? Nah. But don't say I didn't tell you.
Other Stuff: There isn't any, really. WAIT!! How about my addy so you can tell me if you like it or not? Whaddaya say? Here it is just in case-- email@example.com . Oh, okay. I can thank my beta-reader for her help? but she won't let me mention her name so I'm hoping she'll know that this is for her.!
Now, without further ado?
Part 1
"Whose idea was this, anyway? Are we almost there? I don't think I like this, or you, very much right now."
The remark was answered with a snorted laugh, then, "Umm? I think it was your idea, if I remember correctly."
"They say senility is one of the first signs of old age, you know," the woman retorted.
"'Let's do something you like, Molly.' Remember?" the tall woman continued as if there was no interruption.
"What FOOL said that?" was the muttered reply.
"Quit your whining. Anyway, this is good for you," the husky voice teased.
"Yeah, the same way that death is good for the DYING."
"And you love me."
"Somebody LIED to you that day, girlfriend," the helmeted figure announced. "How much further?" she yelled to the retreating figure, as the tall woman started up the trail again.
"Another couple miles."
"Oh my GOD!" came the shrieking groan.
"It's not my fault you're out of shape, Potter. Now LET'S GO!!"
Noelle Potter glared balefully at the love of her life, who was, at that very moment, pedaling her mountain bike up a rather steep, rocky, treacherously narrow path. Treacherous is right. Realizing that resistance, at that point, was futile, the sturdy blonde stomped her left foot onto the pedal and pushed off hard. She took her mind off the physically draining exercise by thinking up different ways to torture and torment tall, dark, and stunning. Thumb screws to start, she thought evilly.
If she would have been paying attention to her surroundings, Noelle would have been delighted at what she saw. It was a beautiful early June morning, the sun just starting to peek over the mountaintops to the east. The sky was a cheery light blue with small, wispy clouds skittering around on the blue background. The trees waved gently on the soft, cooling breeze.
The trail they were biking didn't go through particularly deep woods. In fact, right then, it meandered uphill through a small clearing filled with tall, dark green grass and bright yellow dandelions. The meadow was surrounded by dark woods, and riding into it was almost like stepping into a dream.
Dragonflies snapped here and there, while butterflies did their "Woodstock" impressions. Birds hidden somewhere in the trees called to the wind, and, if they were silent long enough, the wind answered them.
"Don't go into the long grass!" she yelled after the dark woman, pedaling faster to catch up, the line from that dinosaur movie suddenly popping into her head. Shivering slightly at the thought, Noelle looked around quickly, checking for any signs of giant, carnivorous, reptilian creatures, as she pumped her feet as fast as she could.
But why I'm pedaling faster is beyond me. I'm not going anywhere, for God's sake. Which, of course, was true. Because of the low gear, Noelle's legs were pedaling furiously, but she was getting nowhere fast. Death by T. rex, right now, isn't such a bad thing, really. And I'll never be able to move this blasted bike in a higher gear. Damn her. She screamed in frustration again.
Blue eyes, unknown to Noelle, twinkled merrily at the sound of the scream.
"Sounds like she's having a great time," Molly snickered. Standing up on her pedals to use more leg power, the tall woman glanced quickly around, taking in the scenery. She breathed in deeply when she felt the
now-familiar twinge on the right side of her groin, then she brought her concentration back to the trail ahead of her.
After only a few minutes, Molly noticed that the trail seemed to just end about a hundred yards in front of her, so she slowed down and finally stopped. "What the hell?" she muttered to herself as she waited for Noelle.
"What's going on?" the blonde panted when she stopped just behind the taller woman.
"Nothing, I hope. See the trail?" she asked, pointing ahead, not taking her eyes from the spot where she pointed. "Let's check it out on foo-" "False horizon," Noelle commented cheerfully.
Blue eyes turned to her in confusion. "False what? What the hell is that?"
"Horizon. False horizon," Noelle repeated slowly, as if speaking to a daft person. "Boating term. Usually means waterfall, so my guess is that there's a rather steep descent just right there."
The last words were spoken so matter-of-factly, so normally, that Molly just stared at her. "So now what?"
"Well, we keep riding, of course."
"But it could be dangerous," Molly answered, a note of worry in her voice.
"We'd better-"
"I thought you extreme-biker-chick types just rode like lunatics off these things and hoped for the best, or something equally moronic."
Blue eyes widened slightly, before narrowing suspiciously. "Extreme-biker types, huh?" she asked. Then, without another word, she slowly lowered her bike to the ground, took off her helmet, and stared menacingly at the other woman. "Extreme-biker types?"
Feeling the eyes on her and hearing the tone of the voice, Noelle cut her eyes to the side without moving her head, trying to check out her partner without looking like she was checking her out. But it was to no avail.
Green connected with blue, and Noelle knew she was sunk.
"Uh, Mol? You're looking, ummm? kinda scary there, sister." Without taking her eyes from the woman who preyed upon her, Noelle lowered her bike to the trail, then took a step back, making sure the bike was between her and Molly. Her hands came up to ward off the impending attack. "Play nice now?"
The tall woman didn't move. She just continued to stare at Noelle as she took another step backward. Finally Molly moved a half-step to the side, intent on chasing the blonde. But she was completely taken by surprise when Noelle yelped, tossed her helmet at her, and jumped over the bike, sprinting up the trail.
"What the he-" Then she dropped the helmet and tore off after the screaming woman. "Come back here, woman!"
The edge? holy shit, the EDGE! The realization dawned on her that Noelle was running toward- only God knows. Just as she was about to yell at her to stop, she watched as Noelle suddenly disappeared over the edge, a bloodcurdling scream issuing from her throat.
"JESUS!" Molly yelled, pounding up the last few feet of trail, not thinking about the pull in her leg. She skidded to a halt and peered over the edge, and what she saw, or, rather, didn't see, stopped her heart cold.
But where the blonde should have been on the trail, there was only?
emptiness. Taking a fortifying breath, Molly continued down the trail, calling the name of the woman she loved. Jesus, where'd she go?
"NOE- Oof!" she grunted as a small, sturdy body tackled her. Before she even hit the ground, though, Molly had turned her big body to catch Noelle and continue the momentum to roll them over, her bigger body covering Noelle's.
"I gotcha now," Molly taunted softly.
"I know," Noelle breathed in response. She watched, mesmerized, as the dark head lowered. Green eyes drifted closed as Molly's lips captured her own in a soft, gentle kiss.
"You didn't hurt anything?" she asked, worry clouding the earnest green eyes that suddenly popped open.
"No, Noe, I didn't hurt anything. Now please stop worrying, okay? I'm fine. I promise."
Then Noelle buried her hands in the dark hair and kissed Molly fiercely, thrusting her tongue deeply into the woman's mouth. She pushed her hips up to rub provocatively against Molly's as she moved her mouth to nip and suck the conveniently placed earlobe.
"Do you know," she whispered hotly between nips, "how much I want you? How hot you make me?"
The big woman groaned at the words. Red hot desire streaked through her body as Noelle continued to tease her. She slowly pushed her hips into the soft body under her, wishing they were someplace soft and private.
"Do you want to touch me?" Noelle whispered. "Do you want me to touch you?"
"Yes," Molly hissed.
"Too bad," Noelle whispered after a second's pause. "Now get off me, you big moose!" she yelled playfully.
Using her body to its fullest, Noelle wiggled out from beneath Molly, making certain she rubbed against the big body in all the right places. "Come on, big girl. Let's go find someplace to eat. I'm hungry."
Molly rolled onto her back, throwing an arm over her eyes and groaning softly. "I'm hungry, too." With an inner strength borne of long hours of practice, the dark woman brought her raging desire under control.
A finger wagged at her. "No no no, not that kind of hungry. I mean food hungry."
"You're evil," Molly replied.
"Yeah, I know."
Molly moved her arm enough to uncover one eye and she watched Noelle walk back up and over the crest of the trail.
"Nice ass," she called.
"Yeah, I know," Noelle called back, sashaying a bit more dramatically, her voice carrying easily on the breeze.
The big woman stayed lying in the middle of the trail until she heard Noelle's bike coming toward her.
"Get out of the way, you big lug!" Noelle yelled in warning.
Rolling out of the way just in time, Molly picked up her head and watched the small woman sail past her. "Slow down!"
"Make me!"
The challenge spurred Molly into action and she jumped to her feet, sprinted up and over the crest, and mounted her bike after donning her helmet.
"You little minx," she growled. Although she wanted to catch up to her, Molly rode slowly, staying in a low gear on the descent and picking her way carefully around the rocks that littered the trail.
Ten minutes later, the desire she had just fought so hard to control burst into flames again. The first thing she spotted when she rode into the clearing was Noelle bending over her bike, rummaging through one of her saddlebags. The black biking shorts she wore left nothing, absolutely nothing, to the imagination. It was quite obvious that Noelle wore no underwear underneath, even to a blind person, and all Molly could think was that was mighty thankful she wasn't blind and that she'd love to be inside those shorts right then.
Stopping right beside the other woman, Molly dismounted and let her helmet drop to the ground beside her bike. She strode the few steps required to stand behind the smaller woman. Big hands moved to stroke the firm
backside, thumbs sliding sensually across the seam and slightly down between Noelle's legs.
Molly closed her eyes when she met the heat of Noelle's body, her own body temperature rising a couple hundred degrees.
"God," she ground out. Her hands moved to the other woman's hips, holding her steady as she rubbed her body against Noelle's backside. "I want you so much."
Swallowing convulsively, Noelle managed to swat the hands away, and then she took a step forward and turned around to face the tall woman. "Cut it out," she said sternly. "We have to eat-" "Oh, I'm looking to eat alright. But not those sandwiches we have," Molly commented as she leered at Noelle.
"Oh yeah? Well, that's all we packed, so what're you planning to have?" she demanded, her hands on her hips.
A dark eyebrow raised in answer.
Seeing the look in the blue eyes and the arched eyebrow, Noelle's own eyes widened. "Oh," she whispered, her hands dropping to hang limply by her side. "Oh," she repeated.
Molly watched in delight as a blush crept up Noelle's neck and across the fair skin of her face. On most other people, the effect would be harsh, but on Noelle's slightly freckled face, the effect of the blush was
breathtaking. It softened the freckles and made her green eyes brighter.
Pulling the blonde close for a big hug, Molly held her and chuckled. "You always fall for it. God, I love you." She seems so? sophisticated and? worldly sometimes. But she's so innocent inside. Deep inside where it counts, she's just? Noelle. "I love you," she repeated.
"Of course you do. I mean, what's not to love? I'm wonderful?"
"Absolutely," Molly agreed.
"And? well? hmmm? I guess that's it," Noelle finished with a shrug.
"Beautiful. You forgot beautiful," Molly whispered.
Shaking her head, Noelle gently cupped Molly's strong face. "No, Molly Cartwright. You're the one who's beautiful, not me," she answered softly.
Then, putting everything she felt into it, she kissed the woman who held her. When she pulled back, she looked deep into blue eyes that were filled with love. "Can we eat now?"
Grinning, Molly let her arms drop. "That appetite of yours is insatiable."
Noelle snorted. "So's yours, pal." But instead of having the desired effect, Noelle was the one who blushed when Molly just leered at her again.
"Shut up."
"But I didn't say anything," Molly retorted.
"But you were going to. Now give me some food."
It didn't take long for the two women to spread the sheet and set out the light lunch they brought with them. As they sat munching the ham and cheese sandwiches and drinking the iced tea, Noelle brought up the subject of summer vacation.
"Staff training starts in two weeks. Are you sure you want to do this?"
Although she'd never say it, Noelle feared the answer.
Laying a hand on the muscular thigh next to her own, Molly answered. "I haven't changed my mind, Noe. It'll be good for me, good for us, especially after the past couple of months." She straightened up and bit into her sandwich again. "Besides," she added around a mouthful of bread and meat, "it'll be fun, right?"
"Oh, Molly, it is fun. These kids, they're so different than the students at school. They're young and so? vulnerable and some of them are hurting so much. It's just as wonderful as teaching, only? different somehow." Noelle shook her head and looked off into the distance. "Sometimes I think maybe it's not too late for them."
Putting her sandwich down and gathering the small woman into her arms, Molly held her close. "You can't reach all of them, Noe. Not every one."
"Yeah, I know, but I just wish it had been different."
Silence reigned then, both women lost in their thoughts.
After the shooting, it took many days for the school to return to some semblence of order. Those first days after the incident, less than a quarter of the enrolled students came to school, most parents keeping their children home and close to them. For those who did arrive, there were grief counselors and therapists experienced with post-traumatic stress disorder at the school to help them deal with what happened.
But these things Noelle didn't know because she had spent her time at the hospital with Molly. The injured woman was in the hospital for more than three weeks and it was a long time before she recovered enough to go back to her job. And her upper thigh and hip would always ache when she worked too hard or when cold weather came.
The dean didn't come back to school until the middle of May, with only 3 weeks left in the year. Although she did her job as well as before the incident, she never let on to anyone that she was completely exhausted at each day's end. But, with Noelle's love and companionhip and the physical therapy she attended 3 days a week, Molly was able to regain her strength.
Tony hadn't wanted to lose his dean, but, in a meeting on the last
in-service day, the three of them decided it would be best if Molly filled a vacant position in the IU. It would mean more money, and the tall woman wouldn't be on her feet for so many hours. Neither woman liked the move, having to work in separate places with the new job. But they accepted the offer, simply because it allowed them to be slightly freer with their affections.
That was all behind them now? thank God, Molly thought. They had summer to look forward to, and, according to Noelle, it promised to be a good one.
"So tell me more about this place," she urged Noelle.
Taking a moment to swallow the mouthful of sandwich, Noelle looked at the
other woman. Before she even began speaking, Molly could tell that this was
something that excited Noelle. There was a sparkle in the green eyes and an
animation to her body language that only occurred when Noelle was really
excited about something.
"Well, training starts in two weeks, like I said. Then-"
"What's this training like?" Molly interrupted. "You said it's for, what?
A week?"
The blonde head nodded. "Mmhm. It's a week of team building stuff, skills
tests, and a backpacking trip."
"A what? A backpacking trip? You mean? with backpacks and stuff?" Molly
asked incredulously.
Laughing at the questions, Noelle smacked the tall woman on the arm. "Yes
with backpacks and stuff."
"Why do I have to do that? I'm hired as the mountain biking instructor, for
God's sake."
"And I'm the waterfront director and head sailing instructor, but I have to
do it, too. It's fun." There was a pause. "Kind of."
"Oh boy, this is another Potter experience, isn't it?" Molly asked
"Oh stop. It'll be fun." Noelle wiggled her eyebrows at Molly. "Besides,"
she added with a grin, "we can share a tent."
"Where do I sign up?"
The blonde chuckled, then took a gulp of water from the bottle next to her.
Noelle wiped her mouth and continued. "Let's see, what else can I tell you?
the kids come for the entire summer. Most of them are from low-income
families who-"
"If they're low-income, how can they afford camp for an entire summer? It
can't be cheap," Molly questioned.
"It's not, but the Y in Erie gets funding from the government and private
grants to defray some of the costs. Sometimes, families that are better off
or don't have kids themselves sponsor some of the kids. And all parents or
guardians are required to pay a nominal fee, something like $50 for the
summer, mostly so they can feel like they're doing their part, I guess."
Serious green eyes turned to Molly. "We don't get paid much, but no one
does it for the money, obviously."
"Just like teaching."
"And just like teaching, you love it, don't you?" Although the answer was
apparent, Molly just liked to watch Noelle talk. Listen, yes, but watch, as
"Heck yeah, I do. They're all younger than our kids at school, some as
young as 6, and they have so many problems. But to see their little faces
when they first see the lake, or when they get their new clothes? it's
amazing," she finished softly.
"New clothes? They get new clothes? I don't get it," Molly frowned.
"I could just let you find out during training, but since you and I are a
big part of it, I might as well go 'head and tell you now. See, because of
their backgrounds, most of the kids come with so very little. No
toothbrushes, only a couple of articles of clothing, no soap or shampoo or
anything like that. So, throughout the year, Winky, the director, asks for,
and gathers together, donations from a whole bunch of places. She works
with the store managers at a couple of Wal-Marts and Goodwill stores, as
well as smaller places, to get some of the things they need."
"So the kids get? stuff?"
"Yeah. We know their sizes and spend a day during training week getting
packages together for them. We put in clothes, toiletries, and a small
personal kind of thing."
"And we do all this in one day? That's a lot of work, don't you think?"
Noelle nodded. "Well, yeah it is. But the camp isn't all that big, only 12
cabins of 6 kids each, so there are only 72 packages to put together. And
with about 25 people working on it, it doesn't take longer than the one
day," she finished with a shrug.
Silence fell over the two women as they mulled over their conversation. The
wind continued to blow gently, providing them with a cooling breeze.
"So how far do we go to get out of this place?" Noelle finally asked as they
gathered up their trash and stuffed it in the saddlebags.
"About 3 miles," Molly answered nonchalantly.
"Holy SMOKES!" Noelle yelled. "I have to pedal that beast for another THREE
miles? Jesus!"
"Now, Noe," Molly began placatingly.
"Don't you 'Noe' me, Cartwright. I was ready to heave the damned thing over
the cliff about 3 miles AGO, and now I have to go three MORE? That is NOT funny."
"But it's all downhill from here, so we'll just be riding the brake the
whole time. Well, except for that little bit at that one spot," Molly said
to herself, scratching her chin.
"What little bit?" Noelle asked suspiciously.
A slow grin washed over Molly's face. "I was only teasing. It really is
downhill from here. It's still rocky and there are a couple of switchbacks,
but there's no more uphill."
"You're damned lucky," Noelle sniffed.
"Oh yeah? What would you have done if it wasn't downhill, huh?" Molly
"Made YOU ride my bike."
"And you would've gotten back? how, exactly?"
Noelle answered very matter-of-factly. "Walked." Then she buckled up her
helmet and started off down the trail.
"Wrong way!" Molly yelled before the other woman got too far.
As she rode back past her, Noelle retorted, "I knew that," and then she
disappeared around a bend.
Molly came out of the bathroom the morning of the first day of staff
training to find Noelle still sleeping. She strode over to the bed they
shared and lay next to the sleeping woman. She pushed the hair back from
the warm face and kissed Noelle's forehead. "Come on, Noe, we have to get
moving. We have to leave in less than a half hour." She slid closer to the
other woman, slowly pulling the sheet down that covered the naked body.
Facing her, Noelle's position afforded Molly a perfect view of the small
body. She lay on her side facing the tall woman, one arm under the pillow
and the other resting on it. Small, full breasts with soft pink nipples
peeked from beneath the arm that partially covered Noelle's upper body. Her
legs were separated a bit, the top one slightly in front of the bottom one,
effectively covering what Molly wanted most to see.
Reaching out a long finger, Molly gently stroked a nipple.
"Do we have time?" a sleepy voice asked.
Molly looked up to see hazy green eyes looking at her.
"Good morning, baby."
"Hi," Noelle answered softly. "Kiss me?" she asked, not moving a muscle.
Instead of answering, Molly simply leaned in close and placed a kiss on the
waiting lips. "I love you."
"I know," was Noelle's reply. Then her eyes drifted closed again.
The tall woman rolled out of bed, then playfully slapped Noelle's backside.
"Let's go, camper!"
"OW!" Noelle jumped, then rubbed the spot. "That hurt, creep," she said
with a scowl.
"Want me to kiss it?"
The blonde head nodded. "Yes," she breathed.
Molly kneeled on the bed and urged the woman to roll onto her stomach.
After first rubbing the spot, she leaned over and kissed it. She dragged
her tongue around the handmark, then placed tiny kisses all around it. When
she felt Noelle starting to respond, she bit her.
"Ow!" the blonde yelped again as she rolled away. She stood up on the other
side of the bed and pointed a finger at Molly. "That wasn't very nice."
"Yeah, I know," Molly snickered.
"You shouldn't have done that, you big jerk."
"Yeah, I know," Molly answered, leaning back on her heels and crossing her
"You should be nicer to me."
"You're very mean, Cartwright," Noelle said, her hands on her hips.
"And you're very naked, Potter," Molly pointed out.
"I'm wha- oh," Noelle finished lamely, grabbing the nightgown hanging over
the bedstead and putting it on. "I think I'll go use the bathroom now," she
informed Molly, mustering up as much dignity as she possibly could.
Molly grinned at her and turned to watch as the small woman walked around
the edge of the bed and through the door to the bathroom. Molly loved how
she looked in the sleeveless white summer gown. It was calf-length, with a
ruffle around the bottom and lace around the neckline and shoulders. Noelle
just looked so feminine and dainty wearing it. She'd kill me if she ever
heard me say that. 'Molly Cartwright, I am anything but dainty!' I can
hear it now.
When she heard the water running, Molly got off the bed and went to her
dresser, grabbing a pair of khaki shorts and a yellow polo shirt. "Do I
need my bathing suit?" she called into the bathroom.
"Uh? yeah, bring it just in case," the muffled voice replied.
Molly dug it out and stuffed it in a daypack along with a beach towel and
some sunscreen and lip balm.
"Don't forget sunscreen," Noelle instructed.
"HA! Beat you to it," Molly yelled back.
"You know," Noelle started, opening the door and leaving the bathroom.
"You'd think some people would be grateful for the concern, but nooooo, some
people would rather HASSLE you." She still wore the nightgown, and she
hadn't bothered to brush her hair because she was going to put a hat on.
Not answering, Molly stripped her sleeping clothes off and got dressed. It
was in companionable silence that the two of them got ready for the day
Noelle wore the standard summer "uniform", tan shorts and a t-shirt. She
put on socks and her hiking boots then stood up and looked expectantly at
the other woman.
"You ready?" she asked.
"Just need to put my hair back, but yes." Quickly accomplishing the task,
Molly turned to survey Noelle. "I like that color," she complimented,
motioning to the pink shirt. "And that's quite a 'do you have there."
Blushing as pink as her shirt, Noelle just muttered her thanks then hustled
the tall woman out the door. "We're going to be late if we don't get a move
"I tried telling you that when you were laying in bed like a fat, lazy
"Hey, speaking of, where the hell are those two? And it's lying."
Molly looked around, rather comically. "Who's lying?"
Shaking her head in exasperation, Noelle just sighed. "Forget it. Where
are they? Roocifee!!! Bingo!!!" There was a short pause. "Come out, you
two! Pss pss psss?"
"They're somewhere around here."
"I kinda figured that, yeah," Noelle said, rolling her eyes.
Just then, two pretty, roly-poly kittens came trundling out of the kitchen.
The smaller one, a tiny black and white kitten, led a much larger bushy
orange coon-cat over to where the two women stood waiting.
"Well hi, you two," Noelle crooned as she picked up the soft balls of fur.
"You heard me talking about you, didn't you?" The blonde schmoozed the two
kittens a bit before putting them down again. "Okay, you kids be good now."
Then the two women were out the door.
"They're a bunch of kids," the tall woman said to no one in particular. She
scanned the small group assembled in the dining hall waiting for the first
training meeting to start.
Molly turned her attention to her partner who was, at that moment, mingling
with the other counselors in the dining hall, presumably greeting and asking
how each was. She liked to watch Noelle work the crowd; she did it with
such grace and sincerity. She could tell that Noelle made certain each
counselor felt special before she moved on. Not only was it a lost social
grace, but it was something very, very few people could do even if they
wanted to do it.
Noelle felt eyes on her and turned to smile at the culprit. Her heart beat
just a tiny bit faster when she connected with warm blue eyes. She smiled
at the tall woman and made her way over to her. "Hi. Winky should be here
in a couple of minutes, but I'm going to get this show started." Not
waiting for an answer, Noelle hopped up on the big hearth that spread out in
front of the gigantic fireplace.
Suddenly a loud, piercing whistle split the air, drawing the attention of
every person in the airy hall.
"Welcome back, returners!" Noelle yelled when she was sure she had
everyone's attention. "And welcome to the rookies. For those of you who
don't know me, and for those of you who forgot, although I don't see how
THAT'S possible, I'm-"
"Fern," a warm female voice finished.
Noelle turned to see her good friend and the camp's director, Winky,
standing at the door, her arms full of bunches of papers. "Winkster!" she
yelled as she jumped down and hustled to the woman. She threw her arms
around the stout woman, hugging her and laughing.
"How the heck are you? God, you look great!"
"Hang on, Fern, let me put these dumb papers down." The director placed the
stacks of paper on the nearest table and hugged Noelle back. Then she
pulled back and looked at Noelle gently. "I heard about Mary, and I'm
sorry. How are you doing?"
Molly felt a strange stirring at the sight of her woman hugging another
woman. My woman? she asked herself. Damned straight she's my woman.
All mine. Feeling the proprietary attitude and recognizing it as the
slight jealousy it was, the dark woman strode over to where the other two
women were chatting and stood behind Noelle, her arms crossed over her
Feeling the presence behind her, Noelle didn't have to look to know who it
was. She thumbed over her shoulder at Molly. "Winky, this is my partner,
Winky reached a hand around Noelle and offered it to Molly. "Nice to meet
you, Molly." After shaking hands, Winky turned back to Noelle. "I think
Ice Queen'll work, don't you?"
Green eyes looked perplexed? and more than a little amused. "You don't
think it'll be too intimidating to the campers?"
"I see what you mean. Hmm? what about? Yukon?"
Noelle choked with laughter. "Umm? how about Pike?"
Shaking her head, Winky responded. "No, I like the ice theme thingy. What
about? I GOT IT!" she yelled so loudly that the entire dining hall turned to
look at her. "Snowflake!"
Without another word, the short, round woman moved to the front of the crowd
of mostly college kids.
"Hey, gang, welcome back. We've got a busy week ahead of us. There are
about six million things to do, and only 6 days to do it all in. So let's get started. First off, I'm Winky, or any derivation thereof, and I am, along with my husband, Trek, the director of this fine establishment. He'll be here this afternoon; he's picking up a few last minute things."
As the director continued on with a few opening remarks, Noelle and Molly
settled down at a table on the perimeter of the small group.
"Uh, Noe?" Molly whispered, not taking her eyes from the director. "Did she
just name me Snowflake?"
Nodding, Noelle answered. "Yup. And it's a great name," she teased.
"Suits you perfectly."
"Snowflake? As in the white stuff that falls from the sky in the winter?
THAT kind of snowflake?" Molly asked incredulously.
A nod of the blonde head was her only answer.
"Snowflake?" she muttered to herself. "Snowflake? Dear God, what have I
gotten myself into? I think I just stepped into the Twilight Zone." She
turned again to Noelle. "What's with the name? And how the hell did you
get pegged with Fern?"
"Shh," Noelle hissed. "I'll tell you later."
"But anyway," Winky was saying, "instead of jumping right into assignments
and paperwork and all that, let's play a game."
The director moved to the back of the dining hall where a space was clear of
tables. She waved the others to the back of the room and instructed them to
sit in a circle.
Molly followed slowly and suspiciously, knowing exactly how Mulder and
Scully felt whenever they walked into a new X-File. She settled down between
Noelle and a husky college guy named Mouse.
"Okay, well, my name is Winky and I'm going on a picnic. I'm bringing?
wine," she said with a grin. "But don't let any of the campers know that."
The other people in the group looked at each other quizzically. Seeing that
they weren't catching on all that quickly, the director turned to Noelle.
"Fern, you come with me. What're you going to bring?"
Knowing just what the game was, Noelle answered surely. "That's Winky," she
began, pointing at the woman to her left. "And she's bringing wine. I'm
Fern and I'm bringing? french toast." Then she turned expectantly to Molly.
"Your turn," she offered cheerfully.
Molly growled softly at her then turned to address the group. "She's Winky
and she's bringing wine, and that's Fern and she's bringing french toast.
Apparently I'm? Snowflake," she said with a raised eyebrow, to which
everyone responded with a chuckle, "and I'm bringing?" The dark woman
paused, completely baffled. What the hell am I supposed to bring? What
the hell kind of game is this? Damn! "Damn," she repeated softly. "A
Winky and Noelle laughed. "Nope," Noelle said. "Sorry, nice try."
The game continued with Mouse trying to bring beef jerky and being rejected.
The tall girl next to him caught on, and with an elbow to Mouse's side,
said her name was Rudolph and she was bringing raspberries.
"Sonofabitch," Molly grumbled fifteen minutes later, when she was the only
one left who wasn't going on the picnic. "Why the hell can't I come?" she
yelled. "Is there some kind of CODE or something that I'm missing?
Something you people know and aren't telling me?"
Seeing that her partner was getting terribly frustrated, Noelle stopped
laughing long enough to instruct Molly to say as many names and picnic items
as she could remember.
The laughter died down as Molly began pointing at people and saying names,
not missing one person at all.
When she was through, she looked at Noelle as if to say "Now what?"
"Think about it, Snowflake," the blonde said with a grin. "I'm FFFFFFern
and I'm bringing FFFFFFrench toast," she commented, really dragging out the
F sound. "That's WWWWWWWinky, and she's bringing WWWWWWWWine." Noelle
paused, giving Molly a chance to think. "Now, tell me, SSSSSSnowflake,
what're you bringing?"
Dark eyebrows knit in concentration and confusion. There was a long silence
as everyone held their breath, waiting for the dark woman to catch on.
"Rice pudding?"
The dining hall rang with shouts of laughter and hoots of amusement. Noelle
fell against Winky, holding her stomach and laughing hysterically. "Rice
pudding? Holy? smokes!" she gasped, tears leaking out of her eyes. "No!
You can't bring rice pudding!"
Then Molly screamed in complete, primal, animal frustration. Hard blue eyes
looked around the small group. "Damn it," she growled, "someone better let
me go on this damned picnic," she hissed.
Butter, a soft-looking, round college student came over and did the most
extraordinary thing to Molly.
She hugged the tall woman.
Noelle's breath caught when she saw Butter, who was so gentle and warm and
sweet? and short, walk to Molly and hug her. Please don't explode, she
begged silently. Her eyes widened and she heaved a sigh of relief when she
saw Molly return the hug.
Not knowing exactly what to do, Molly awkwardly hugged Butter back, patting
her clumsily on the back. Wha- Wow?
God I love her, Noelle thought simply as she watched the scene unfold in
front of her.
"Snowflake," Butter spoke softly, looking directly into bemused blue eyes.
"You have to bring something that starts with the same letter that your name
starts with. I'm Butter and I'm bringing boiled yams. She's Fern and she's
bringing french toast. See?"
Now disbelieving blue eyes turned to laughing green. "So that's it? It's
that simple?"
Noelle nodded, desperately trying to hold the laughter in. "That's it."
"Damn," Molly swore softly. "I can't believe it." She shook her head, then
suddenly burst into laughter. "I can't believe I didn't get it," she said
again, laughing ruefully at herself.
The group of counselors joined in the laughter, and the crowd moved back to
the tables. Without being asked, and after only the one game, the small
group sat closer together.
"Okay," Winky began, "we've got a couple of rookies this year, so let's go 'round and everyone tell something about yourself. I'll start... I'm Winky, I've been the director here for, oh, going on 12 years now. In the off-season, I teach emotional-support kids up in Erie. So, who's next?" The short woman looked at Mouse. "Go on, Mouse-man. You're up."
The burly young man stood up and faced the group, his brown hair styled in a crew cut. "Hey. I'm Mouse, I play football at Slippery Rock, and I'm a senior in child psych. I, uh, hope to do what Winky does someday."
After Mouse sat down, Butter stood up. "I'm Butter, and I'm a junior at Pitt in special ed. I'll teach someday."
It finally rolled around to Noelle. "I'm Fern," she stated as she stood up and grinned at everyone. "I'm NOT a student, but I teach. I teach high school English and literature and I'm here because? well, dang it, I like it. Someday I hope to? start my own charter school." The blonde turned to her partner. "Your turn, Snowy," she teased.
Standing up slowly to her full height, Molly looked sternly at the group. Then her face lit up as she broke out into a big grin. "I'm obviously Snowflake, or Snowy," she interjected, looking at Noelle fondly. "I was the dean of students at the same school where No- Fern teaches, but this year I'll be starting as the school security advisor for the IU. I'm here because she" and here she thumbed over to Noelle, "told me I had to come." There was a short pause. "But I can see that I'll be glad she did." The tall woman started to sit down but stopped and straightened back up. "Oh yeah, and I don't like picnics." Then she really did sit down. The group erupted into brief laughter, settling down quickly to let everyone have his or her turn.
Just as the last counselor, a guy by the name of Tarzan, was telling the rest of them that he was a junior in elementary education, a giant of man walked through the double doors of the dining hall.
Molly watched as the returners smiled and began chattering as soon as he walked in. She leaned over to Noelle and was just about to ask who this was when the blonde grinned at her and said simply, "Trek".
The tall woman watched as Winky bustled over to her husband and planted an affectionate smooch on his cheek. Then she turned to the group. "Folks, this is Trek, for those of you who don't know him. He's directs this place with me, and he's also head of maintenance and grounds, so, Digger, you'll be working with him."
There was a pause, then suddenly a hoarse yell rent the silence. "Coffee!"
The sound startled Molly so that she almost snapped her neck in at least three places trying to see who yelled. "Dear God, what's going on?"
Noelle turned to smile at the dark woman. "Come on, Snowy-girl, it's break time." Without waiting for the other woman, Noelle strode through the small crowd to the industrial-sized coffee pot that had mysteriously appeared on a table near a long, shuttered window. She grabbed a large styrofoam cup and looked around expectantly. "Hey, Kernel! Where the hell is the cocoa?" she asked indignantly. "I don't drink this oil," she lamented.
"Quit yer belly-achin', girl. It's right here." A tall, wiry man came
through the kitchen door carrying a large tea pot and a handful of hot
chocolate packets. After dumping the lot unceremoniously on the table, the tall man turned to Noelle, his deep blue eyes twinkling behind black-framed glasses. He had a short, neat, snow-white beard and his head was shaved. The man smiled at the blonde, showing a row of perfectly even? dentures, Molly thought.
"Ferny, how's my gal doin'?" he asked, grabbing her in a friendly hug.
"Been awhile. How's yer Mama?"
Green eyes clouded in pain. But even before she said a word, the old man shook his head. "I'm awful sorry, Fern. Yer Mama was a good woman." And then, knowing, as only the old can know, to change the subject, he stepped back and studied her. "Looks like things've ben goin' good for ya, though."
Grinning, Noelle again thumbed over her shoulder at Molly. "Her fault,
Kernel. She's the one doing it all." She reached behind her and tugged the tall woman next to her. "Kernel, this is Molly Cartwright, camp name: Snowflake."
No more words were needed, so none were spoken. The keen old man knew just exactly who Molly was to Noelle. Knew how important and vital she was to the small woman.
"Molly," Noelle continued, "this is the Kernel, a retired colonel in the United States Army and present truck driver for JB Hunt."
"Colonel," Molly said politely, almost feeling like she should stand at
attention and salute.
"Uh, no, Mol, you're thinking of the wrong colonel. It's Kernel. As in popcorn. A play on words? that kind of thing? You with me?" she ended in a shout.
The tall woman laughed. "Yeah, yeah, I hear you. God, you have a big
Light brown eyebrows waggled suggestively. "But you like my big mouth," she whispered for Molly's ears only.
Snorting, the dark woman turned back to the old man. "Kernel, Colonel,
whatever the hell it is, it's nice to meet you."
"Yer damned straight it's nice to meet me," he said with mock severity, then he turned and stomped back into his kitchen.
"Don't mind his bark, Molly; he's all bark and no bite. But, boy, does he make a MEAN beef stew. Wow."
Laughing blue eyes turned to Noelle. "I think I'm going to like it here."
Continued in Part 2.


text:
Road Safety Week returns again to the UK this November, organised by road safety charity, Brake.
The safety awareness week will begin on the 20th of November and will run until the 26th.
Every year, Brake create a different theme to focus their campaign on in order to improve road safety. This year's theme has been announced as 'Speed Down Save Lives'. Different events will be happening over this time period, to raise awareness and highlight key issues that currently jeopardise road safety every day in the UK.
Brake actively encourage drivers to swap their short car journeys for a ride on public transport, or travelling on foot. However, Brake are well aware that a lot of people will still choose to drive, even if this is just to visit the corner shop. So, they encourage those who do continue to drive anywhere and everywhere to think about their driving and the safety implications they can cause if they don't follow the slow, sober, secure, silent, sharp and sustainable pledge.
Speed is the main cause of road accidents in the UK and, though obvious, many motorists still sail through main roads, A roads and motorways with total ignorance to the speed limit signs.
Don't make any excuses – drink sober, always. Drinking or taking drugs before or while driving is a serious offence and puts yourself and others at serious risk of a road accident.
Or, if you are getting a lift from a friend, boyfriend/girlfriend or member or your family after an event involving alcohol, assess the situation. If you've noticed someone drinking around you and taking to the wheel, avoid getting in a car with them and discourage them from driving home as best you can.
Ensure you and all passengers are always safely strapped in before setting off; you don't want to responsible if an accident occurred and injuries were caused as a result of unfastened seatbelts.
If your phone is beeping away while driving, alerting you about new messages, missed calls or social media notifications, ignore them when behind the wheel. Better yet, switch it off before you start driving. The less distractions while driving the better, and there is no excuse for texting or talking on your mobile while driving.
Keep your perceptions sharp for a safer drive. If you are feeling ill, hazy or tired, consider how much this will affect your ability to concentrate on the road. Take regular breaks, that's what service stations are for, after all.
Aim to drive less. If you live on or near a bus route, next to a train station or own a bike, swap driving for riding.
Prove to yourself and others that you are the safe driver everyone wants to encounter on the road; make your road safety pledge online, here.
Anglo Liners continually provide necessary road marking and pothole services to improve road conditions and, as a result, driver safety. Do you have a road marking or safety query? Visit our website to receive a quote from us today.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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Know Your Shades: 4 Types of Iconic Sunglasses
Apr 16, 2019
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Apr 09, 2019
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5 Promotional Products for Firemen and Fire Departments
Mar 26, 2019
Firemen deserve a special kind of admiration. They spend their careers rushing into buildings while others are rushing out. Many departments require aid from the community, and that's wh...Continue Reading
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Mar 19, 2019
A large university needed a useful tool to promote its school app to students and faculty because it wanted to use the app to communicate important college news and upcoming events. Since most st...Continue Reading
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Mar 11, 2019
Did you know that wearables are the #1 best-received promotional product? Add your logo to these fresh wearables and make your brand a walking advertisement with innumerable impressions all year long!...Continue Reading
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Mar 04, 2019
A hotel wanted to promote its amenities to guests in a personable, yet non-intrusive manner. The goal was to encourage guests to utilize hotel amenities instead of going off-site to fulfill their need...Continue Reading
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Feb 25, 2019
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Feb 18, 2019
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Feb 10, 2019
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How to Juggle Work and Life Balance Like a Boss
Feb 03, 2019
Sometimes life gets hard. You don't have to work a night shift from Monday to Sunday to agree with that statement. Even the most effortless of jobs, those we believe to have truly mastered, can...Continue Reading
7 Promotional Products for When You're Feeling Lucky
Jan 27, 2019
Whether you're a casino looking for new ways to entice players to visit or you're putting together a casino themed event, there are plenty of promotional products for you! Add your logo an...Continue Reading
5 Environmentally-Friendly Promotional Products
Jan 20, 2019
How about that Earth, huh? She sure is something. Fortunately, there are plenty of people in the promotional products industry that feel the same way. In fact, we can offer you thousands of products t...Continue Reading
5 Military Themed Promotional Products
Jan 13, 2019
We've got camouflage. We've got utility. We've got plenty of "olive drab" to go around. If you are looking for products that appeal to military personnel and their famili...Continue Reading
Case Study: A Gift to Build a Dream On
Jan 06, 2019
Description: Medium Pillow Box Industry: Healthcare Personalization The pillow box was modeled after designs used at a charity golf tournament benefitting the hospital. Because children at ...Continue Reading
You Need More Cowbell
Dec 29, 2018
Description: Cowbell Industry: Sporting Events, Athletics What it was purchased for: A charity marathon coordinator wanted a giveaway that spectators could use to cheer on their runners. They chose ...Continue Reading
10 Promotional Products for Healthy Living
Dec 22, 2018
We all strive to be our best selves, but sometimes it's easier said than done. We can all make excuses to make unhealthy choices. Your niece has a birthday and it would seem rude to turn down th...Continue Reading
Top 8 Promotional Products for Real Estate Professionals
Dec 15, 2018
If you work in real estate, you know that your field generates billions of dollars in revenue per year in residential, commercial and industrial sectors. And you could pocket a good amount of that yie...Continue Reading
8 Paw-some Promotional Products for Dogs and Dog Lovers
Dec 08, 2018
Whether you work with animals or want to show that your business is pet-friendly, there are plenty of products that will win over every dog breed! Here are 8 of our favorite pet products. Col...Continue Reading
How to Make Resolutions You'll Actually Keep
Dec 07, 2018
As the new year rolls around, we are constantly writing out as many goals as we can think of. Unsurprisingly, these goals seem to fall short around mid-January. The only goals that are within your gra...Continue Reading
Ain't Nobody Got Time for That: 5 Tips for Working Efficiently
Dec 01, 2018
No one ever got anywhere by doing the bare minimum. Your growth depends on you getting as much done in as little time as possible. The five tips below will help you accomplish as much as possible each...Continue Reading
8 Fall Promo Products
Nov 24, 2018
As the weather cools down, we're having dreams of color changing leaves and all the fall themed events and promotions to come. From Halloween parties to homecoming football games, there ar...Continue Reading
8 Corporate Gifts for Your Employees
Nov 17, 2018
The employees are the backbone of every company. And when your employees have been working hard all year to bring in tremendous results, nothing conveys your appreciation more than a corporate gift. A...Continue Reading
6 High-Tech Promotional Products
Nov 03, 2018
It seems like there are new cutting-edge gadgets coming to market every day. It's getting hard to keep up with what is really going to make your life easier and what's just hype. We&...Continue Reading
Game On: 10 Promo Product Games We Love!
Oct 26, 2018
From traditional favorites to new and trendy games, you can put your brand at the center of the fun whether it is at a tailgate, a special party or event, or just around the office. Bean Bag To...Continue Reading
Drink It In: 6 Drinkware Products to Quench Your Thirst
Oct 19, 2018
What better way to put your money where your mouth is than to add your logo to some stylish drinkware? We have six unique picks to inspire your next drinkware order! Moscow Mule Gift Set Cheers to...Continue Reading
Case Study: Sharper Students
Oct 12, 2018
Description: Pencil Sharpener Industry: Construction What it was purchased for: A shipyard in a major city harbor has advocates who go out to local schools to promote shipbuilding. These advoca...Continue Reading
Make Your 2018 Your Most Productive Year Yet!
Oct 05, 2018
Here you have it – a new year, a new, better you. Right? While we have faith that you'll see your lofty ambitions and admirable goals through to 2019, statistics say a mere 8 percent of pe...Continue Reading
9 Useful Apps for Sales & Marketing Professionals
Sep 28, 2018
Your phone's ringing off the hook. You've got three meetings back to back. Emails are piling up in your inbox. And when you have a moment to book your next business trip, you wonder how yo...Continue Reading
How to Gain Inspiration in 5 Minutes
Sep 21, 2018
People demand a lot of creativity from professionals these days. We live in the era of media overload, where viral video marketing and colorful infographics have become accepted means of engaging an a...Continue Reading
Resort Incentive Yields Oceans of Opportunity
Sep 14, 2018
A five-star resort that frequently hosts corporate events for Fortune 500 companies wanted to reach out to corporate guests to entice them to return for family vacations. The goal was for the guests t...Continue Reading
6 Budget-Friendly Products to Drive High-End Sales
Sep 07, 2018
Are you looking for a marketing campaign that is not only successful but budget-friendly? Good news! You don't have to break the bank to find promotional products that get the job done and leave...Continue Reading
Why You Should Be Having More Fun at Work
Aug 30, 2018
In the past, the words "work" and "fun" were two very different concepts that could never be caught in the same sentence. The old school rationale taught us that if you are enj...Continue Reading
10 Must-Have Tech Products and Accessories
Aug 23, 2018
If you want to give your brand a modern and fresh new identity try throwing some cutting-edge tech gadgets into your marketing mix. The wave of wireless charging options, portable speakers, and wearab...Continue Reading
4 Ways to Improve Communication
Aug 16, 2018
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How to Protect Your Business From Hackers
Aug 09, 2018
Business owners have a lot to lose in the event of an unfortunate data breach. From intellectual property to customer lists to bank account numbers, hackers have their eyes set on the most invaluable ...Continue Reading
3D is the Key
Aug 02, 2018
A company was looking for unique items to commemorate the celebration of its 45th year in business. They wanted to incorporate a new logo that communicated the anniversary as well as the range of prod...Continue Reading
Branding 101: Let's Talk Logos
Jul 26, 2018
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Case Study: Let the Games Begin!
Jul 18, 2018
Product: Custom Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Automotive/Banking What it was purchased for: A car company wanted to find a product that would promote their brand at a local college BCS Bowl Games. Ho...Continue Reading
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Jul 11, 2018
Product: Jumbo Cooler Bag Industry: Agriculture What it was purchased for: These bags were given out to participants in a company golf tournament. How it was distributed: All participants received ...Continue Reading
9 Promotional Products for Tech Wizards
Jul 04, 2018
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Jun 27, 2018
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Jun 20, 2018
Sometimes it's good to take a moment and get in touch with Mother Earth. Not only are these products great for printing your company logo or message, but they also serve dual purposes. The produ...Continue Reading
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Jun 13, 2018
A computer repair store attended a local home show and wanted something useful but unique to attract attendees to their booth. They also wanted something that would keep their name top of mind when th...Continue Reading
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May 15, 2018
Objective A local brewery wanted an eye-catching promotional item to place on tables that would boost their alcohol sales and highlight their weekly specials while encouraging enrollment for their ta...Continue Reading
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The fescue lawns in Harvey County have greened up in the cooler temperatures of spring! Lots of lawn mowers humming and edgers buzzing let us know its lawn maintenance season too.
Mowing: Turf-types: 2 to 3 inches. K-31: 2 1⁄2 to 3 1⁄2 inches. Raise height to the upper end of the range during the summer.
Fertilizing: September, November, May.
Watering: In the Spring water minimally. Summer: 1 to 1 1⁄2 inches per week. Fall: only as needed to prevent wilting.
Planting: September or March through April, using 6 to 8 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet.
Dandelions: Herbicides are most effective in the fall.
Crabgrass Preemergence herbicide: Apply before redbud trees reach full bloom.
Grubs: Treat May through July depending on when grubs are present.
Aerating: Early spring or fall, as needed
Doing these chores at the correct time and correct way will save you money and time and help create a healthy, beautiful lawn.


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Luxurious and stylish 2 bedroom/plus den 3 bath unit in brand new Marina Palms Yacht Club complex with direct water and city views. Modern brand new furniture, kitchen by Snaidero, Subzero, Wolf/Miele appliances, Italian bathroom vanities. Beautiful amenities, childrens room, state of the art fitness center, spa, pool and full service marina and Yacht club.
|Elementary School
|Middle School
|High School
The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the participating Associations of the Miami Multiple Listing Service. The MLS data provided for the property above (A10900071) is provided courtesy of (Keller Williams Elite Properties). The information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data last updated on 10-29-2020. IDX powered by Realty Net Media
Leonora Viner, P.A.
Keller Williams Elite Properties
305-331-9192 Direct 305-331-9162 Office Skype: dimamiami126 786-707-0707 Office
20801 Biscayne Blvd
Aventura, FL 33180


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Caring for the people's health is one of the top priorities of the local government of Lake Stevens. Our aim as a health center providing natural health care is to introduce Lake Stevens residents to safe and natural ways of achieving their optimum health. We will do this with our holistic approaches to health care and we make sure that these are all natural and safe for everyone.
Lake Stevens Cold & Flu Treatments
Colds and flu bring along several discomforts which can impediment your daily life. To keep Lake Stevens residents healthy, we encourage them to embrace natural ways to boost their immune system and practice natural healthy practices like having a balanced diet, exercising, and not forgetting to have their regular flu shots.
Lake Stevens HCG Diet Plans
To help battle obesity, HCG injections which would make the body use up stored fat can work well for Lake Stevens residents. We can enlighten you on the positive effects of this hormone injection which is a naturopathic approach to fighting obesity.
Lake Stevens High Blood Pressure Treatments
More than 68 million adults in the U.S. experience high blood pressure or hypertension. We want to help Lake Stevens residents keep their high blood pressure in check and let them know of natural ways to help alleviate the symptoms and discomforts they are experiencing.
Lake Stevens Lab Referrals
Whenever we feel that our patient from Lake Stevens needs a more thorough workup, we offer lab referrals to come up with conclusive results. These results can help use determine what treatments would best serve the health of our patient. Lake Stevens Massage While there are varying beliefs on the effects of massage, it has long been trusted as one of the natural ways to relieve stress, improve range of motion, reduce pain, and even improve sleep and helps detoxify the body.
Lake Stevens Message Therapy
Massage is known to give people a number of physical, psychological, and circulatory benefits. At Mcquinn Naturopathic, we can help alleviate pain with massage therapy.
Lake Stevens Menopause Treatments
Menopause can be a tough stage to go through. With the naturopathic health practices and solutions we have for Lake Stevens residents experiencing menopause, they can wake up to brighter days free of pain, mood swings, and other menopausal discomforts.
Lake Stevens Naturopathic Doctors
We believe in nature's ability to help our bodies heal. With naturopathic health treatments from Lake Stevens, we make use of natural techniques like therapeutic massage, organic diets, homeopathy, and herbal medicine. Before making our patients embrace these lifestyle changes, we examine their health practices along with other factors to determine which would work best to achieve a holistic treatment.
Lake Stevens Nutritional Counseling & Food Allergies
To replenish essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs, nutritional counseling will work well for Lake Stevens residents. This is done to help the body have its natural balance and also to be aware of and be able to avoid foods may be causing them allergic reactions.
Lake Stevens Pediatric Exams & Sports Physicals
Each young one should be taken care of and natural treatments which are gentle will work best for them and this is what we aim to give them. Also, athletes who want to be as fit as possible without resorting to medications can benefit from our sports physicals.
Lake Stevens Physical and Women's Health Exams
You alone are in charge of what happens to your body and you have full responsibility of taking very good care of it. While you should not take physical and women's health exams for granted, be sure to have only trained professionals to do it.
Lake Stevens PMS & Hormonal Imbalance Treatments
The women of Lake Stevens undergo hormonal changes especially during that time of the month. PMS can be very frustrating and we aim to provide natural relief from the discomforts which this womanly health condition brings. We also offer women's physicals and health exams to keep their bodies in check.
Lake Stevens Poor Digestion Treatments
Living in a fast-paced world does not have to take a toll on our bodies. A lot of health problems can arise from poor digestion which is why we advise Lake Stevens residents to embrace natural health practices which can promote good digestion.
Lake Stevens Therapeutic, Wellness & Nutrient Injections
Sometimes, our bodies don't get the essential nutrients needed to function properly and achieve healthy balance. With our therapeutic and nutrient injections, the lack of vitamins and nutrients can be covered in safe and natural ways.
Lake Stevens Urinary Infection Treatments
We should not take our bodies for granted. Lake Stevens residents who experience urinary tract infections should take the necessary steps needed to make sure their situations won't worsen. We are here to provide natural treatments for UTI.
Lake Stevens Women's Health Services
The health of Lake Stevens residents is our top concern. With our naturopathic health solutions, we aim to provide safe and natural solutions to take care of Lake Stevens residents' health.
Lake Stevens Acupuncture
We are one of the best and see new clients gain the benefits of this highly effective form of therapy. Our clinic offers high quality services and a qualified and dedicated team of acupuncturists.
Lake Stevens Core Classes, Core Cardio and Stability Workout
The aspect of good nutrition is important when it comes to core workouts. During the process of core training, the body needs certain nutrients in greater quantities than normal.
Lake Stevens Life Coaching
Sometimes there are sudden or major changes in life that come up. Not all people have the ability to cope well with transitions of these changes. Our current facilities and staff qualifications allow us to deliver effective and relevant life coaching services.
Lake Stevens Yoga
There are so many reasons that clients are attracted to our Lake Stevens Yoga classes. One of them is the fact that people are becoming more aware of the true nature and benefits of yoga.


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Cyber Monday And The Slow Death Of Black Friday
I'm going to come straight out and say it, so you're aware I'm working from a bit of a bias: although I positively love all the sales and discounts available on Black Friday, I positively loathe the day itself. It effectively represents everything negative about consumerism; historically, it's caused shoppers all across North America to conveniently forget that they're rational human beings. Instead, their brains switch off, and they immediately descend into an illogical frenzy of consumption only made worse by the turkey comas they still haven't quite recovered from.
For a reasonable simulation of this event, watch George A. Romero's Dawn of The Dead. Just imagine the people are products on sale.
Right, time to hop down off the soapbox. I actually do have a point here aside from whinging about crowded malls and frothing bargain hunters. I'm here to talk about Cyber Monday.
Back in 2005, online shopping was still trying to get onto its feet. People simply didn't want to bother shopping online. Back then, it was far more convenient to simply travel bodily to the store and browse. One of the efforts marketing agencies made to inspire more people to use the Internet for their purchases was the invention of Cyber Monday - a sales day completely devoted to online deals which took place immediately after Black Friday.
Then Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007, and online shopping exploded.
A lot has changed since 2005. Advances in networking and mobile technology have quite literally made it possible to shop from anywhere at any time. Retailers have gradually phased out the "online vs. offline" debate with the realization that a multi-channel approach is indeed the soundest stance to take, while streaming services and digital distribution have all but revolutionized the delivery of media and entertainment products.
That said, there's still a growing split in purchasing habits. Consumers are - slowly but surely - shifting their spending habits from offline to online. Consequently, sales at digital storefronts are increasing at a far greater rate than offline sales - 8.2% to a paltry 3.4% from January-October, 2013. One reflection of this growing trend towards digital purchases is that there exists a growing camp of men and women who are completely disinterested in Black Friday.
"Why waste time going to the store and dealing with savage crowds and hours-long lines," they ask, "when I can just log in from home and buy all I need there?" Why, indeed?
That Black Friday is gradually shifting towards a digital front is effectively irrelevant here: Cyber Monday offers many of the same deals through retailers like Amazon, without any of the hassle, and offers a much more impressive selection of digital goods than what Black Friday has to give.
In essence, Cyber Monday is either very slowly killing Black Friday or forcing it to evolve into something completely apart from what it once was. Since people aren't forced to leave the house in order to access the plethora of grand sales and deals, they're likelier to want to spend Thanksgiving with their families. After all, why shop on someone else's terms when they can just shop on their own?
Now, granted, Black Friday isn't going to be going anywhere for quite a while. It'll still be a day of gleeful consumerism for many years to come. That said, Cyber Monday is very quickly gaining ground. Eventually, it's going to overtake its predecessor - it's just a question of when.


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GM Crops Destroyed by US Drought but non-GM Varieties Flourish
Editor's Note: I'm sorry I can't put the images up that accompany this piece, but I understand the need for I-SIS to encourage subscription to their site so as to support their important work. I am an I-SIS member, so was able to see the images (Figures 1 and 2), and the photographs show quite stark contrast between the GM and non-GM crops. This is yet another report showing that GM crops do not perform as they promise — they actually perform worse in drought, not better — and that genetic modification of plants actually depresses plant function and productivity. I can foresee another 2008-like food crisis about to occur — within 3 – 10 months I estimate — and considering the world's current acute state of vulnerability, it's clear that utilising diverse crop varieties developed locally for regional climate variability has got to be the safest way forward.
Non-GM varieties are more drought resistant, yet agritech giants ensure farmers are unable to access them, by Dr Eva Sirinathsinghji
A fully referenced and illustrated version of this article is posted on ISIS members website and is otherwise available for download here.
The United States is suffering the worst drought in 50 years. But crop damage may well have been avoided if high quality non-GM varieties were available to farmers. Further evidence is emerging that glyphosate-tolerant crops are ill-equipped to deal with drought, while high quality non-GM varieties are flourishing. Monopoly of the seed industry has left farmers unable to get non-GM varieties, despite the drought having global repercussions including steep rises of cereal prices and reduced meat production in many countries.
In a commentary circulated by GM Watch (UK), Howard Vlieger, a co-founder and agroecological farming advisor of Verity Farms in drought-stricken South Dakota in the US, provides evidence from a farmer who has grown both GM and Verity Farms' non-GM varieties of soybean and corn side by side [1]. Non-GM soybean, grown in agroecological conditions to promote soil biodiversity and nutritional content is shown next to Monsanto's GM triple-stack GM corn, which is glyphosate-tolerant and additionally expresses two Bt insecticidal toxins, grown using conventional chemical industrial methods that include the use of Monsanto's glyphosate-based herbicide, Roundup (Figure 1). As captured in the photograph, non-GM varieties appear greener, fuller, and healthier. These impressions are backed up by the far superior yield reported of non-GM corn, which averaged 100-120 bushels per acre (BPA) compared to the 8-12 BPA to 30-50 BPA of GM corn.
Figure 1 Aerial photo of adjacent fields with non-GM corn (left) and triple stack roundup ready GM corn (right)
The large yield differential was confirmed in a new set of harvest data provided by Vlieger (with accompanying photographic identification) for three fields surrounding Verity Farm, all growing Smart Stack RR corn [2]. All were harvested for corn silage as the yields were too poor to harvest the grain. The federal crop insurance adjuster appraised yields were respectively 12 bushels per acre (BPA), 27 BPA, and 28 BPA. The Non-GMO corn on Verity Farm across the road yielded 108 BPA.
The findings were replicated with soybean crops (see Figure 2).
Figure 2 GM (left) and non-GM (right) soybean crops
Previous studies found glyphosate tolerant crops require more water
Triple Stack RR corn may be especially drought intolerant, but the new evidence from the farm is consistent with previous laboratory findings that glyphosate-treated crops are less water efficient than untreated crops. One such study was performed in Brazil when farmers reported "injured-looking" glyphosate-tolerant soybean crops. The team, led by Luis Zobiole from State University of Maringá found that GM glyphosate-tolerant (GT) soybeans absorbed less water, which resulted in reduced water efficiency [3]. The volume of water that non-treated GT soybean plants required to produce 1 g of dry biomass was 204 % and 152 % less than required when the plant is exposed to 2 400 grams acid equivalent (a.e) of glyphosate per hectare, in single or sequential applications respectively. GT soybean plants receiving a single application of the currently recommended rates of glyphosate (600–1200 grams a.e per hectare) needed 13–20% more water to produce the same amount of dry biomass than non-glyphosate treated plants.
A previous publication by the same lab showed GT soybeans to have reduced lignin content and photosynthesis rates, both possible mechanisms for the reduced water efficiency [4]. Lignin is an essential component of plant cell walls, and contributes to the compression strength of stems and to the efficient transport of water and solutes over long distances within the vascular system. Water deficiency is not the only physiological effect that glyphosate imposes on crops. It has been shown to reduce nutrient availability and immune responses and thus defence against plant diseases (see [5] Glyphosate Tolerant Crops Bring Death and Disease, SiS 47). At least 40 diseases are known to be increased in weed control programmes with glyphosate and the list is growing, affecting a wide range of species: apples, bananas, barley, bean, canola, citrus, cotton, grape, melon, soybean, sugar beet, sugarcane, tomato and wheat [6].
Monopolisation of the seed industry
Many farmers are fully aware of the control of the seed industry by multinational corporations like Monsanto. Prior to the mid-20th century, the majority of seeds were in the hands of farmers or public-sector plant breeders. Now, agritech giants have used intellectual property laws to commodify the worlds' seed supply and turn seeds into private property to be bought and sold for profit. As a result, not only are they flooding the market with patented GM seeds and preventing farmers from saving them each year, they are also diminishing the supply of non-GM seeds. Monsanto is now the largest seed company in the world followed by DuPont and Syngenta; they have all acquired or created "partnerships" with independent seed companies that sell both GM and non-GM seeds. As highlighted recently by Pierre Patriat, director of APROSMAT, the association of seed producers of the Brazilian soy-producing state of Mato Grosso in Brazil, farmers are faced with little choice but to grow GM varieties, which is posing a serious threat to the country's food security and sovereignty [7]. An estimated 23 % of the propriety seed market is owned by Monsanto who, in addition has used licencing agreements to spread its technology — giving some 200 smaller companies the right to insert Monsanto's genes in their separate strains of corn and soybean plants [8, 9].
The demand for non-GM seeds is on the rise
According to Vlieger, the demand for their non-GM seeds is on the rise, offering an alternative to the current monopoly. While the non-GM seeds are bought out, their GM seeds are sitting in the warehouse. He is hopeful that the demand will be met with increasing supplies of non-GM varieties by small and larger companies as they awaken to the needs of farmers.
In a decisive move, Peru passed a ten year ban on GM ingredients in March 2012 in response to farmers who are worried that the introduction of GMOs will compromise the native species of Peru such as the giant white corn and the numerous species of famous potatoes [10]. It is about time that the rest of the world follow suit (see [11, 12] The Case for A GM-Free Sustainable World and Food Futures Now *Organic *Sustainable *Fossil Fuel Free, ISIS publications).
To conclude
Glyphosate-tolerant crops have been repeatedly shown to be less healthy than conventional varieties. Their increased water demands make them entirely unsuitable in times of unpredictable weather conditions and increasingly limited supply globally (see [13] World Water Supply in Jeopardy, SiS 56). Monopolisation of the seed market means conventional varieties are unavailable, therefore reducing the farmers' ability to effectively deal with changing conditions and most worryingly, it threatens global food security and sovereignty. A global shift to non-GM agroecological farming is the real way forward.