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The actress was Lori Lethin who played Lori in 'Southern Comfurts'. Her line was, "Yeah, but necessity's the mother of intervention, ain't she?"

We had snow here at the Mufn homestead a few weeks back, but looks like we won't have snow for Christmas. Might have some a few days later though. Wishing you all a happy, healthy Christmas and New Year.

I noticed that "The Dukes of Hazzard" had a Smurfette problem. That is the show only had one female main character, as opposed to recurring characters. That meant that the show placed the female characteristics onto one person. My idea would have been, in addition to two male cousins, two female cousins. That would have even out the character traits. What do you think?

I am trying to find an actress's name. I don't think this will be enough of a clue because it is hardly anything, except one line she had....and I'm not sure I even have the line right. But I've been in this situation before and someone always pulls off a miracle. I only need the episode name. I can always look her name up if someone can figure out what ep. There is a line where a lady takes the quote "Necessity is the mother of invention" and alters it a little bit. I can't remember exactly how she alters it but she doesn't say the quote correctly....and that makes it funny. She is probably about Daisy's age and delivers the line with a little Southern drawl. As I recall she plays a little bit of a tougher character. I don't mean like Cousin Alice. But not real feminine like some soft spoken seductresses that have been on the show.

I like to see a good mixture of male/female ratios across TV shows. Some environments are predominantly biased to towards a single gender, so it wouldn't reflect reality if we try to keep them all even. Two of my favorite British sitcoms are 'Porridge' and 'dinnerladies'. The former is set in a male prison, which doesn't give the opportunity for many female roles. The latter is set in a factory cafeteria where seven of the nine main actors are female (including the one who also wrote the show). Others I like may have a male or female in the lead role with a mixed supporting cast. So long as there's a good variety across the shows, I'm fine with that.

Garrett Duke parks his car at the starting position of the race and as he slowly steps out of his car, he notices Jesse approaching the General Lee several cars ahead and gives him a slow nod before glancing around the large slew of cars that are lined up ahead of him. Something about him not being from Hazzard had set him in the back while Bill Elliott is up front with the General Lee since he is bringing in the fans and money. The General Lee will start since they had won last year's race. After eyeing the competition, he looks around at the herd of people that is surrounding the cars, their talking and yelling echoes off the buildings while the sun shines brightly upon them. "Yo rookie," a voice rings out from behind to break Garrett's attention and thought and he slowly turns around to face Ernie, "you nervous?" Garrett nonchalantly shrugs. "I'm Garrett. I don't get nervous," he states dryly, "I'll either win or lose. But thanks to y'all...I'm here for the fight. I appreciate you and Bill stepping up for me." "Well we couldn't have you in jail with the dumb law around here," Ernie grins, "I just wish I could get you from the back to the front. I can't believe such a crooked law system even exists and they get away from it." Garrett nods. "It took me a moment to believe it myself when I moved down here," Garrett agrees, "yet here we are." He goes silent. "As for the race, this will give me the opportunity to prove myself to these losers. Ernie claps him on the shoulder. "Everyone but Bill," he laughs, "you beat him, I may get you a ride on the circuit." Garrett raises an eye brow. "Now that's some heavy motivation," he states as he watches Cooter walk past their car and start his way to the orange car up front, "as if beating those guys isn't enough motivation." "You got this," Ernie states as he looks at his watch, "hey," he looks back up at Garrett, "we are about to get this party started. I better hop up front and offer Bill some motivation to him as well. Stay out of trouble. I'll be rooting for you." Garrett offers him a rare smile. "Thanks Ernie. I appreciate it," he states as Ernie claps his shoulder once more before giving him a high five before he slowly walks away from Garrett, following Cooter to the front where Bill is standing, talking and signing autographs of several people and children.

I won't argue about their popularity. However, even in 1979 there were programs that featured more than one regular female character, i.e. "Charlie's Angels" and I wonder why the creators of "The Dukes of Hazzard" only created one regular female character. The show ran on the Smurfette principle, meaning that there was only one female character to represent women in a sea of male characters. If there is a future program set in Hazzard County maybe it should have more than one female character. For example, make the mechanic a competent woman.

The Smurfs were created in Belgium in 1958. (That's 2 years before John Schneider was even born). Dukes came out in 1979. It seems a bit silly to judge them by 2023 standards. Besides, they are 2 of the most popular shows in history and still have millions of fans worldwide. It's hard to argue with success.

Bill ELLIOTT (mentioned during a NASCAR race on "Undercover Dukes")

Bo wasn’t up as early today but he was still up with the chickens. “Morning Uncle Jesse,” Bo said, coming into the kitchen. “Morning Bo you’re up early,” Jesse said, surprise in his voice. Daisy had closed up the Boar’s Nest last night and wouldn’t be up for a couple more hours, so Uncle Jesse was cooking breakfast. “I want to get the chores done so I can head to work a little early, so I’m not late because of Rosco,” Bo replied on his way to the barn. Clyde Davenport like his brother Luther was an early riser, he was up making coffee so he could drink a cup in peace while he read the paper. Even with the time difference, Luke and his crew were up before Dixie turned over. They had eaten breakfast, loaded their tools and equipment onto the jump plane and were now getting loaded themselves. Today, looked like another long day of jumping in ahead of the fire and trying to get fire breaks cut in to protect areas and cut the fire off so that it could be contained. Scrapie would again be jumping in with Luke. He was bouncing and letting out the occasional excited yip as he was ready to go to work. Dixie woke up just before her alarm was set to go off. She felt the urgent need to go to the bathroom. Dixie would have preferred to have stayed in bed the other few minutes. She closed her eyes and tried to ignore her body's demand for her to get up. Seconds later, she knew she had to get up now. After finishing in the bathroom, Dixie went ahead and dressed, then headed to the kitchen. Thankfully, this morning, she didn't feel at all sick. In the kitchen, she took a Sprite from the fridge but a look across the kitchen and the coffee pot was calling her. Dixie figured that a bit of coffee occasionally wouldn't hurt, so she put on a pot. While she waited on the coffee she gathered some tuna salad, crackers and some fruit for lunch. The more she looked and dealt with food the more she realized she was hungry this morning. That was really unusual for her as she had never been one to get up and eat first thing but this morning she was 'starving'. Figuring her body knew what she needed, Dixie got out cereal and milk. A couple bites later she knew she had made the right choice. As Dixie filled the cereal bowl for a third time she was now glad she had gotten up a bit earlier. She finished the cereal, rinsed her bowl, poured a to go cup of coffee and as she put up the milk the orange juice called to her so she filled a to go cup of juice also. Dixie headed to the car with the two to go cups and a cooler of lunch goodies. Dixie spotted Mrs. Kravitz on the porch again watering her flowers. Dixie got in her car without a hello or wave to her neighbor. She backed out and headed off to work. Bo finished up the regular morning chores came in, poured himself a cup of coffee sitting down to a plate of eggs, bacon, a bowl of grits and biscuits. “This looks great Uncle Jesse,” Bo said. Jesse smiled, he remembered fixing a breakfast like this, every year of the ‘kids’ first day of the school year. After breakfast Bo went back out to work on the chicken coop he was building to replace the old one that was falling apart. He was almost finished when he realized there wasn’t enough chicken wire, so he went to talk to Jesse. “Uncle Jesse there ain’t enough chicken wire but if I drive all the way into town and get it, I won’t have time to put it on the new coop and drive back to town for work,” Bo explained. ”Just leave a bit early, pick some up before work and bring it home after work,” Jesse replied. Bo cleaned up and headed to town for wire before work. Just as he came on the crossroads he heard Rosco before he saw him. Bo checked his speed. He was doing 54 mph. "Dang it, Rosco!" Bo said aloud. He checked his time. He didn't have time for Rosco. "Come on General!" He back shifted to speed General Lee up in hopes of losing Rosco. Bo entered town Square with Rosco still hanging on. BL was getting the mail ready for delivery when she heard General Lee go by followed by Rosco. BL looked at the clock, she hadn’t expected Bo in town until almost time for him to go to work but here he was early. Picking up the mic to the used CB she’d bought from Billy Joe Fong so she could listen to the Hazzardnet. “Sweet Talker to Lost Sheep 2, what’d you do now to ruffle Rosco’s feathers?” BL teased. “Har har, I got no idea, I wasn’t even going 55,” Bo replied. “Need any help?” BL asked. “Nah I can handle it,” Bo said. “Ok, holler if you need me. I’m gone,” BL replied, putting down the mic. “10-4,” Bo replied, racking his own mic. Bo looked behind him to make sure Rosco didn’t see him turn down the alley to the feed and seed store. Bo parked where Rosco couldn’t see General Lee from the street, then went in. “Afternoon Mr. Tompkins, I need a roll of chicken wire,” Bo said. “It’s in the back, I’ll get it for you Bo,” Hank replied, disappearing into the store room. A few minutes later he came back putting it on the counter. “That’ll be $13 Bo. How’s the family?” Hank asked. “They’re fine, Luke’s gone to a fire in Texas,” Bo replied, paying Hank Tompkins. “How’s his new wife taking it?” Hank asked. “Just fine, Dixie knew this was part of Luke’s job before she married him. Speaking of jobs I better get or I'll be late my first day,” picked up the bundle of wire and waved. Bo had managed to give Rosco the slip before, he hoped to not even be seen as he made his way to the drive-thru deli for a corned beef sandwich with lettuce and tomato and an RC cola for lunch. Dixie was working the Control Room of Tri-Counties jail today. She glanced at the clock. It wasn't even close to 10:45 count time, but she was already reaching for her lunch to snack on. Rosco saw Bo though as Bo was about to turn onto a side street so he could maybe park and eat his sandwich. Making a U-turn, Rosco turned on his lights. “Dangit Rosco!” Bo said, stepping on the gas a little harder. BL was making her rounds of businesses and townsfolk who had mailboxes instead of a PO box and saw the chase, so she decided to get in on the fun. “Sadie we’re about to ruin Rosco’s whole day,” BL said, coming out of a side street, causing Rosco to have to swerve or be hit, not wanting Boss Hogg to yell at him for wrecking another patrol car. Which only half worked, he might not have hit BL but he had run into a fire hydrant and now Hazzard had a geyser. Rosco fussed and fumed before getting on the CB to radio the garage for the wrecker. BALLADEER: Just wait til the guys at Hazzard Power and Water see this mess! After Luther showed up with the wrecker and Hazzard Power and Water shut off the water to make repairs, a soaking wet Rosco carrying a wet Flash made their way over to the Courthouse in search of a towel and dry uniform. Luke's crew had gotten a good bit of fire break cut and decided to take a quick break for lunch in a clearing before continuing the fire line. Dixie checked the clock. It was just before two o'clock. She had eaten her snack that she intended to be her lunch before lunch. Got a tray from the kitchen for lunch, which had a hamburger, baked beans, and mixed veggies on it. She checked her bag and found she was out of anything to nibble on, so she poured a small cup of coffee and then decided to check out the vending machine. Surprisingly, the iced honey bun looked really good. Figuring with coffee that it may do the trick, Dixie bought the sticky snack, which was normally a good enough reason for her not to buy it. After a few seconds in the microwave, it made the perfect snack. Leaving the Control Room to wash the sticky off her hands, Dixie passed the vending machine again. She washed her hands, and this time, on her way back to the Control Room, she stopped, pulled out more change, and got a second honey bun. Bo finished his lunch then gathered up his garbage to throw away on his way in the building. “Hi Shirley, how are you?” Bo greeted the secretary, putting his trash in the big trash can by the door. “Afternoon, Bo, is that right?” Sherry asked, she already liked the pleasant young man better than a couple of the other drivers. “Yes ma'am. Is Mr. Harvey busy? He told me to come to his office when I got here and he’d introduce me to the foreman,” Bo said. “Go right on in, Bo,” Shirley replied. “Thanks Shirley,” Bo said, knocking on Mr. Harvey’s door before entering. Hello Bo, follow me and we’ll get you a company work shirt, then I’ll introduce you to Andy the foreman,” Mr. Harvey said, leading Bo out of his office. First they stopped at a closet full of tan and grey work shirts. Then it was on through a door to the garage/shop. “Tom, I’d like you to meet Bo, our new part time driver. Bo this is my forman Tom Nelson” Mr. Harvey said. “Welcome aboard Bo,” Tom said. The two shook hands “Thank you Mr. Nelson. “Please call me Tom,” Tom said, then showed Bo a map of the county and what his route was. Cooter had been under the hood of a truck when Luther left to get Rosco's car off the hydrant so the water could be shut off and the hydrant fixed. He had missed all the commotion of Hazzard trying to avoid getting wet. A bit later, he heard Luther pull in with the wrecker. Luther slammed the truck door and stomped into the garage boots, squishing as he walked. "The next time that bird brain crashes you or Luke can go get him! Especially when it was his cousin who caused Hazzard to nearly be washed off the map." “Sure it was Bo? He’s a working man now, he don’t have time to play with Rosco,” Cooter pointed out. "If Luke is in Texas or somewhere in a fire, do you know any other person in an orange Dodge Charger with a big 01 on it?" Luther fumed. Cooter scratched his head, "No, but ..." "But, nothing. I'm going to the house and change before I catch my death. Then, I'm going to grab an early beer. Here's the wrecker and lock up the place when it's time." Luther stomped away, saying, "Wait til Clyde has to deal with him for a son-in-law! At least Luke won't be around for weeks at a time!" By this time BL was out on the backroads of the county, still tickled at the sight of Rosco all wet and getting wetter by the minute as the hydrant continued gushing. “Don’t guess Rosco will need his Saturday night bath this week,” BL said to Sadie, referring to when folks had to fill a washtub to take baths because they had no indoor plumbing and bathed Saturday night before church on Sunday. Bo hadn’t seen Rosco crash into the hydrant and was whistling a tune as he headed out on the day’s deliveries delivering tractor parts to some of the farms in the county. Bo loaded his flatbed truck and headed out through the county to make his deliveries. After making several stops, Bo was parched and near the Boar's Nest. He stopped in for a large iced tea to go. Once inside, he asked Daisy for a tea. Leaning against the bar while waiting on his drink. Daisy gave Bo his drink and a straw asking ”hey Bo have you and BL picked a definite day? I was thinking about putting an announcement in the paper tomorrow.” “Thanks Daisy. We ain’t really had any time to ourselves the last few days, ask her I’m good with whatever she wants,” Bo replied. As usual Rosco managed to get his times wrong as he approached Bo at the bar, "Alright! Bo Duke! I got you now! Where were you at 12:15 today?" Bo replied honestly, "All clocked in and on the job at work." He tugged at his work shirt as he spoke. “Horsefeathers! At work my foot, everybody knows you ain't never had a steady job,” Rosco said with a smug look on his face. ”Well, I do now and I gotta get back at it, I just stopped for some tea,” Bo replied, making sure to tell Rosco exactly what was in the foam cup, so Rosco didn’t try to arrest Bo for drinking and driving. Bo also tugged at his work shirt as proof he was on the job. Rosco looked at Bo’s shirt, it didn’t have a name patch but it had Roadhog Supply Trucking monogrammed on the upper right front of the shirt and the flatbed truck out front had the company logo on its doors.While Rosco was still processing it all, Bo walked right past Rosco, out to the truck and headed out to make his next delivery. When Dixie got off work, she changed as usual and got into her car. As she drove toward Hazzard, she felt as if she hadn't eaten all day. Dixie knew that was far from true, but she found she was mind driving the route faster and she was trying to figure out where to stop for a bite to eat. Normally, she would just wait til she got to the Boar's Nest, but today she didn't think she wanted to wait. There were a couple of chain food places in town that she went by, so she figured that she would just swing through a drive-through. At the next place, she turned in and ordered a burger, fries, and a drink that she ate as she drove. Coming into Hazzard, Dixie decided to see where BL was. She grabbed the CB mic and yelled, "Hey, Sweet Talker, do you have your ears on? This is Little Shotgun." BL was just locking up when Dixie yelled, Mrs. Whittier had stopped by the post office demanding to know why the mail was being delivered in the afternoon now, when Miz Tisdale had delivered it in the morning for the last 15 years. BL had done her best to explain, afternoon worked better for her. Still not happy about the change but knowing there was nothing she could do Mrs. Whittier had left in a huff . “I always got my ears on,I’m running a little late today was just locking up. What's up Little Shotgun?” BL replied. "Are you heading to the Boar’s Nest this afternoon?" Dixie asked. “Maybe for a little while, Bo’s still at work and me and him are usually there first unless you or Luke are off, Cooter’s usually on a wrecker call or doing something he can’t stop in the middle of. Daisy wants to talk, she met me at the mailbox today,” BL replied, hoping Dixie figured it was wedding plans Daisy wanted to discuss. Only their Hazzard family members and Lulu Hogg knew about her and Bo being engaged and she didn’t want to announce it on air, that was as bad as the Hazzard telephone operator spreading it. Dixie replied, "OK. I'll meet you there." She pulled in a bit later and heard BL pulling in as she got out of the car. Daisy's car was already there too. Daisy was already working her shift when Dixie and BL came in, “Hey Charlie I gotta talk to BL. Can I take a break?” Daisy asked. “No problem Daisy, Polly will cover for you,” Charlie replied. Daisy got Dixie some iced tea and BL a beer taking them to the table with her, “Looks like it’s just us girls for now anyway,” Daisy said, sitting down. "Yes, at least for a couple more days before Luke gets home." Dixie said. "Has anyone heard how Bo likes his job?" “He likes it just fine I reckon, he was in here earlier to get an ice tea to go,” Daisy replied then continued. “Rosco came in after him and was harassing Bo about where he was at 12:15.” “Rosco’s feathers was probably still ruffled, he got his Saturday night bath a little early. He ran into a hydrant and set a geyser to gushing,” BL chuckled, thinking about how Rosco had looked all wet, with water spewing in the air. "Oh Lord. I bet he was hot!" Dixie said. Daisy said, "He still didn't seem happy about it. Bo didn't say anything about that when he was here." “Bo don’t know what happened, Rosco was on Bo’s tail and Bo wasn’t even doing nothing, so far as I could tell, he was going to work. So I decided to run a little interference, so Bo wouldn’t be late, first day on the job,”BL replied. Daisy asked “what did you do?” “Just made my turn onto the street, wasn’t my fault Rosco swerved to miss me and hit a hydrant,” BL answered, shrugging. They all had a good laugh. Daisy said, "OK, so out with it! When is THE date? And when are ya'll going to tell everyone?" “We really haven’t had much chance to talk about it” BL replied. Daisy said ”that’s what Bo said when he was here and I asked him,” continuing she added “he said whatever day you picked was good with him.” “Well it’s a holiday weekend so most everybody will be off work on Friday August 31st but those that have to work, usually have Saturdays off anyway, so Saturday the 1st is probably the better day,” BL answered after looking at the little calendar in her purse. Daisy tore a sheet from her order pad, so she could write it down. “As for telling everyone, you are released from your vow of secrecy,” Daisy grinned at BL writing herself a note to put an announcement in the Hazzard Gazette tomorrow morning when she went to the bakery to order a cake for the bridal shower, Saturday. “We need to get invitations out too,” Daisy said. BL could see the wheels turning a mile a minute in Daisy’s head. BL held up a hand saying. “Holdup Daisy, me and Bo want to keep it small, just family and a few close friends.” BL looked over at Dixie and said, “me and Dixie will make a guest list,right Dix? There ain’t no need to send an invitation to everybody on it though, only aunts and grandmas keep them as keepsakes. Everybody else just keeps them until THE day or a few days after.” "Right." Dixie said as she fiddled with the menu. "BL, you know I love you and all. Like I said, I will wear a dress but please not pink." “Pink goes so good with purple,” BL said, tormenting Dixie just a bit. The look of displeasure but resigned to her fate made BL laugh, “I promise you do not have to wear pink,” BL replied. "That's better, but I still hate dresses." Dixie fussed like she did about age four. Daisy said, "I'm sure Uncle Jesse will have all the Duke relatives notified just as soon as we give him the go-ahead. ”We know,” BL and Daisy said together. “I got to get back to work. Yell if you need me for anything," Daisy said. Dixie sighed just a bit before she said, "Daisy, can you bring me the double BBQ platter with slaw on the side and a box to take some of it home?" Daisy beamed and touched Dixie's arm, "Sure thing, Sugar. “If you’re not too tired, we can get started on that guest list when we leave here. I'll call home and tell’em I’m staying with you tonight to work on wedding stuff” BL said. "That sounds good by me, but you might want to get you a snack for home." Dixie said, sipping her tea. Daisy started to turn away but remembered something she was going to tell BL and Dixie. “Bridal shower is Saturday at 2pm. Dixie, can you bring chips please?” “Yeah no problem,” Dixie replied “Daisy will you bring me a bbq plate with slaw on the side too, that sounds good,” ”You got it sugar, do you need a double and a to go box too?” Daisy asked, adding the order to her pad. “Just a regular is fine but I do need a box to take some to work tomorrow,” BL replied. “Ok, be back shortly with ya’lls order,” Daisy went to put the orders in. Dixie went to the restroom while the food was being made and by the time Daisy placed it on the table her mouth was watering. The first bite was oh, so good. Dixie was enjoying each bite. She ate the last French fry, took a drink then ate the last bite of the second sandwich before realizing she had eaten both sandwiches instead of taking one home as planned. BL stopped Daisy as she started to walk away, “Daisy can I get another, I was thinking there’d be enough for two meals, I guess.” What BL had been thinking was Dixie had ordered more food than normal again and just a regular order would be plenty. "Daisy, ... that was really good, .... can I get another double platter to go. I seemed to have eaten my lunch for tomorrow already. And I need a piece of pie too, to go." Daisy smiled from ear to ear, "Sure, Honey. Which pie?" "Surprise me. I've never met a pie I didn't like." Dixie joked. The truth was they all sounded good and if she had chosen she might have taken a piece of each home. “Be back in a bit, girls. BL do you want pie?” Daisy said, before going to place the order. “No thanks, I still want to fit in Mama’s wedding dress in a couple weeks,” BL replied. Dixie was going to need a dress with elastic at this rate. Dixie shot BL a look as she stood up, "I'll be back." Dixie headed to the restroom again. It was weird. She had just gone but really felt like her bladder was going to burst. BL didn’t pay any attention to Dixie’s look, she was thinking about all that her and Bo still had to do for the wedding even though Daisy was taking care of alot and she knew Dixie would help anyway she could too. Still it seemed like alot to do in a short time. While waiting for Dixie to come back BL decided to call and tell Clyde or LB, whoever answered the phone, her plans to stay with Dixie and work on wedding stuff. She hoped LB answered because she didn’t want to deal with Clyde accusing her of having plans to meet up with Bo, so they could spend the night together. “Maybelle will you get me Clyde Davenport please,”BL said,waiting to be connected. Luck was on her side, LB picked up on the first ring, “Hello, LB here.” “Good it's you, I’m staying with Dixie tonight to work on wedding stuff,” BL said. All LB said was “ok.” BL had expected her brother to give her a little grief but he hadn’t, that must mean he was expecting a call likely from a girl. Lucky for him she didn’t have time to drag out her call to annoy him, Dixie came out of the restroom. “I gotta go,” BL said, hanging up at the same time Daisy put their to go order on the bar. Daisy saw Dixie approaching, "Hear you go, Sugar. I hope the little Duke there likes lemon pie. His Daddy does." Dixie couldn't help it, her mouth was watering at the thought of the taste of the pie. "Daisy, believe me, I think he or she will like it just fine. If you want to come over when you get off, come on." ”Ok, I get off at 7. If there’s any lemon pie left, I’ll bring it with me,” Daisy said. “Great! See ya about 7,” Dixie replied. “Dixie, you ready to go? I left Sadie at your house because I didn’t know how late I’d stay and I didn’t want to leave her in the car in the heat and I didn’t want to bring her in and mess with Rosco,” BL said. “Yeah let’s go,” Dixie replied. Going to their cars the cousins headed back to town. At Dixie’s they saw Gloria Kravitz sitting on her porch drinking a glass of lemonade. The girls went in the front door and were met by a barking Sadie. BL said, "Sadie, it's us." Sadie changed from barking to bouncing. Ready to go, play, whatever the evening held. Dixie said, "Why don't you take her out back and I'll put this in the kitchen." Gloria couldn't help but conclude that the newlyweds were surely having difficulties. The oldest Duke hadn't been around in days, ... well nights! Dixie put the food in the fridge. Poured two glasses of tea and put the pitcher back. Spotting the pie, she had to have just a bite. Three bites later, she made herself put the half a piece of pie back in the fridge before joining BL and Sadie. BL was throwing a ball for Sadie, the dog had lots of energy to burn after being in the post office pretty much all day. ”Thanks,” BL took the glass of tea, sitting on the railing so she could keep throwing the ball and talk to Dixie at the same time. ”I’m starting to think you and Luke did the smart thing by eloping. Who knew there was so much to do even for a small wedding,” BL said Dixie grinned, "Well, that was at least part of our thinking. Besides with Luke, the oldest and first to marry, we knew Daisy and all the Dukes would go way overboard." Dixie shrugged, "while knowing that Daddy and the rest of the Davenport men would have issues with it. It would have been like rubbing salt in an open wound." “Daisy’s trying to control herself, I’ll give her that,” BL said. BL gave a little sigh saying “You were on Uncle Jesse’s front porch the other day, Daddy ain’t exactly thrilled,” Dixie nodded, "True, but he and Bo have nowhere near the history that Luke and Daddy do. He will be fine." Dixie assured BL. “I hope so,” BL said as Sadie brought her the ball again. ”I need more tea, be right back,” BL went inside, taking the ball with her. The only way her arm would get a rest was if she left the ball in the house. Dropping the ball BL washed her hands, got more tea and the notepad and pen from the junk drawer, which didn’t have much in it yet. Then she went back out with tea, notepad and pen in hand, sitting down on the bench beside Dixie. “Ok let’s get started on the guest list while we wait for Daisy.” Dixie thought, "Mother, I suppose." Dixie took the notepad and wrote the address down. BL sipping her tea said, “you make it sound like, it’s the wicked witch of the west or something. She’s the only aunt I have, mama was an only child.” Dixie replied, "I know, you know how it is with her and Daddy around each other. Besides, you get her around Luke's Aunt Pauline for very long, they might start adding two and two and coming up with THREE." Dixie said as she patted her still basically flat belly. BL frowned “oh yeah, well we’ll just have to find a way to keep her and Uncle Luther separated AND keep her and the guys Aunt Pauline preoccupied or their liable to come up with 6! If ya know what I mean,” BL said. Dixie replied, "I wouldn't be surprised, but in our case it's pretty close to the truth. So, who else?" BL thought a minute answering “Miz Tisdale but I don’t have her new address with me. Miss Clara Coltrane.” BALLADEER: The two might be apples from the same family tree but Rosco got the worm. "Don't forget Mama Coltrane. We'd never hear the end of it." Dixie said. "And, of course, there is Miss Lulu, Mabel Wooster, Rose Ellen, from the bank." BL chuckled a little “do you know mama Coltrane’s name? I don’t, she told me when I was a kid and called her Mrs. Coltrane to call her Mama Coltrane, everybody did,” BL wrote the names Dixie called off then named a couple, “can’t forget Laverne at the bank either and Grannie Annie.” After getting back to Base Camp and getting his crew settled, Luke made his way to the Command Tent where he met their Supervisor. "You all did good today, Duke. If the lines hold tonight we might be out of here in the next day or so." "Well, this year, I can't say that I mind that at all." Luke said. Dixie said, "I figure Cooter will get in touch with Cousin Earl." “Don’t forget Grandma Betty. She’s been wanting to meet Luke I bet and she’ll want an invitation for a keepsake,” BL said. Dixie said, "You know she will. Sadie, are you about done? I think I'm about ready to finish my pie." BL asked, "Finish it? When did you start it?" "When I took it out of the bag to put in the fridge." Dixie said innocently. "Besides, I've got to go to the bathroom again." Gloria had moved down the yard, checking her back yard flowers and hoping to hear the girl's conversation. Something was wrong over there. She just knew that Duke wouldn't stay with one girl long. Here, he'd left in the middle of the night and not been seen anywhere in town or home for two more nights. Sadie ‘woofed’ and met Dixie at the door at the mention of food. “She didn’t say anything about sharing,” BL laughed and followed them in. Gloria heard the backdoor bang shut and then silence. While Dixie was in the bathroom BL added Lori Mae, a waitress from the Boar’s Nest. “You know because we’re inviting Lulu Hogg, we get JD by default doncha,” BL said, when Dixie came back. Dixie knew all that before she mentioned Lulu. "It's your party. See that’s another reason we eloped. There are so many people you want to share with, then there is the group that you just 'have' to invite. Watch, your small only family and friends will be a church full before you know it." Dixie got her pie from the fridge and the pitcher of tea. "Do you want anything now?" BL shook her head ‘no’, “I’m good. We may have to disappoint some people, 50 guests is all we’re inviting 75 tops.” Dixie finished her bite of pie, "BL, 50 nor 75 people is small." “It is compared to 100 or more and we could likely get that many easy.” BL said then changed the subject “shouldn’t Daisy be here soon?” Dixie took the last bite of her pie, "Yeah, she should be. I hope they had pie left over." Dixie said as she rinsed her fork off. She was thinking about a BBQ but would wait to see if Daisy brought more pie. As if just talking about her had conjured her up, Daisy’s car pulled up out front. Gloria was still tending her flowers and almost pulled one up instead of a weed as she watched Daisy get out of the car, then get a pie out. It was only a matter of time before that orange eye sore with that blonde troublesome Duke boy with his swagger, showed up. “I brought half a pie,” Daisy said, putting the pie on the counter instead of the fridge incase Dixie or BL wanted some. Dixie proved Daisy's notion right as she got back up for a saucer and a fork. "Are ya'll joining me?" Daisy replied, "No, but help yourself. I just need five minutes in a shower and I'll be ready to help with the wedding. There seemed to be more smoke in that place tonight than in a long time." Daisy headed for the shower. True to her words, she was right back in a big, thick terrycloth robe that was hanging on the back of the bathroom door. "I borrowed someone's robe too. Hope ya don't mind." Daisy said as she dropped her clothes in the washer. "Dixie, do you have anything to make a load out of this?" "Clothes basket to your left. Put in whatever fits." She said, finishing a piece of the pie Daisy brought. "Be right back." Dixie said again, going to the bathroom. It was hot tonight, so while she was upstairs, Dixie changed into her gown, which was a bit longer than her normal nightshirts. Just as Dixie came back down the steps, the phone rang, "Luke Duke residence." "It's nice that you answer that way when I'm not around." Luke teased. "Luke!" Dixie said in surprise that he was calling so early. "How's the fire? I miss you and Scrapie." "Well, that is what I'm calling for. We got lines in today and rain about an hour ago. So, you better kick that other fella out of our bed, we'll be back at Base Camp sometime tomorrow and as soon as we get the equipment back in order, we'll be heading home. I just might beat you home tomorrow evening." Luke explained. "That's wonderful!" Dixie said then added, "And there ain't no one here but BL and Daisy. "We are working on plans." Luke didn't want to give anything away, "Well, you just keep my part in this simple. Remember KISS!" "Yes, keep it simple stupid. I know, but I'm working with Daisy and BL here so I'll try." Dixie said. "Try hard." Luke said, "I love you but the quicker we get things done here the quicker I'll be home." "I love you too. Pet Scrapie for me and get home soon, just be careful doing it." Dixie said. "Always. Got to go. Love you." Luke said. "Love you too." Dixie said as they hung up the phone. As she stood up from where she had sat on the step for the call, she swore just a little, then called to BL and Daisy, "I'll be right back down, again." Dixie said as she returned to the bathroom. Daisy asked, "Has she been doing that a lot?" BL replied, "I'm not sure what a lot is, but more than me." “I’ve had a beer at the Boar’s Nest and two glasses of tea since we been home. Be right back, since ya’ll are getting comfy I am too,” BL said going upstairs to change into a gown or something. Bo headed to General Lee he’d just finished putting up stock he’d unloaded, now he was headed to the Boar’s Nest hoping someone to hangout with was there. He’d missed the after work usual meetup because he had to go home, do evening chores and get back to work to unload a big truck. Pulling upto the front of the bar he saw that LB, Brodie, Dobro and Cooter were all there. Scanning the crowd he found his friends at a table near the bar, he went over pulling up an extra chair. “Well if it ain’t Hazzard’s newest working man. How was it?” Cooter said. “Not too bad, I just got off, had to unload a truck and put up stock.” Bo replied. Dobro and Brodie had a surprised, almost shocked look on their faces. “I thought BL said it was part time ain’t it kind of late to be getting off?” LB asked. “I got to go home to do the chores then went back to unload and put up stock,” Bo replied. Lori Mae brought over a beer. The guys chatted about their cars and what they had recently done to them, when Bobby Douglas walked up. “Bo we got some business to discuss and I’d like to do that outside if you don’t mind,” Bobby said. “Sure Bobby,” Bo recognized Bobby’s voice as the same as the challenger on the CB the other night. In town, the girls were changed and comfy. Daisy looked over the wedding list. "We all know Uncle Jesse will get the Dukes, but I'm sure Aunt Pauline will want an invitation to keep." ”What about your Aunt Bessie?” BL asked. ”She probably will too,” Daisy replied. “Now that I think about it, we might need two lists, one for people to give/send invitations to and one with everybody invited, just to get a head count,” BL said. Dixie gave BL a look, "I'm telling you, it's gonna be bigger than you think real quick like. I'll be right back." Dixie said as she headed upstairs to the bathroom. At the Boar’s Nest Bo and Bobby stood at the back of their cars, propped against them. Bobby had parked to the side of the parking lot, close to where Bo had parked General Lee in front of the building. “Ok Bobby what’d you want to talk about?” Bo asked. “The race you old geezers agreed to or have you chickened out,” Bobby retorted. “We ain’t chickened out, Luke’s out of state for work and might not be back for a few more days and I’m getting married next Saturday, so let me get back to you on that,” Bo replied. “We can eliminate a third of the female population now, cos Bo dated ‘em,” BL said when Dixie came back, only partly joking. "And also any Luke dated that just want to show up to be nosey." Dixie said. “See there goes another third,” BL said with a grin. Daisy giggled and then asked “ya’ll want to go shopping Sunday afternoon for bride’s maids dresses? We’re running out of time and we can’t go Saturday because of the bridal shower.”Sounds good to me,” BL said. "Sure. Where do ya'll want to go?" Dixie asked. Daisy said, “it’ll have to be one of the bigger towns, not many local stores open on Sunday.” “How about Capitol City, if we was looking for fancy stuff, I’d say maybe even Atlanta,” BL suggested. "Well, I for one would like to stay closer to home. Luke's been away most of the week. I'd like some home time before next week." Dixie said. BL and Daisy both understood, nodding in agreement, “Capital City it is then,” BL said. “Can ya’ll think of anybody else to put on the list right now? I want to get these out by Saturday at least so the one’s being mailed will get to their recipient by Tuesday or Wednesday, the rest I can deliver in person when I run the mail route. “Enos, I have his address out in LA, he writes every week so he can keep upto date on what’s going on here,” Daisy replied. Dixie currently had the notepad and wrote down Enos's information. Then stood up, "I got to go upstairs again." She started up the steps and along with the feeling of needing to go to the bathroom she felt really bloated and suddenly really tired. "Hey, ya’ll can come hang out up here if you want but I'm not climbing these steps again." Soon Dixie, BL and Daisy were stretched across Dixie’s bed making plans. Daisy had swapped the terrycloth robe for a shorts and tanktop pajama set of BL’s. The girls and Bo weren’t the only one’s making plans, Boss Hogg was meeting with a pharmaceutical representative to buy medication for the drugstore at a very discounted price. BALLADEER:Something about this meeting don’t smell right. Before BL and Daisy noticed, Dixie was fast asleep. Daisy motioned to BL. They got up to head to BL's room when Daisy whispered, "Is her clock set?" BL checked. The alarm was set, but Dixie hadn't turned the alarm on yet. BL flipped the switch so it would go off for Dixie the next morning. Bo had gone back inside the Boar’s Nest after he had finished talking to Bobby, “What did he want?” Cooter asked before Bo even got sat down good. “To see when me and Luke wanted to race, punk thinks his car can beat General Lee,” Bo replied. This news got amused scoffs from the other young men at the table. “What’d you tell him?” Dobro asked, Bo never turned down the chance to race. “That Luke was out of town for work and we’d set it up after Luke got home,” Bo answered. “That reminds me Coot, Luke wants me, you and him to work on the General like we used to before a race, ya know pull an all nighter. When will that part be in?” “Ah the good ole days,” Cooter said wistfully adding “should be in tomorrow”. Bo replied, "Alright! I haven't talked to Luke in a day or so, but we'll plan this just as soon as I know he's heading home." Bo said, eager for a guys night out. “Bo, Luke is married now he probably prefers the company of his wife more than yours and Cooter’s,” Dobro said, wiggling his eyebrows at Bo. “Hey now, that’s my sister, you’re paintin’ pictures I’d rather not see,” Cooter said. Dobro, unfazed by Cooter’s protest continued “you’re getting married soon, if you had a choice between spending the night with BL or Luke and Cooter, who would you choose?” Bo got a silly grin on his face just thinking about BL being his wife and how he’d be spending the night after being away from her like Luke had been Dixie. LB saw the grin and said “don’t answer that!” Daisy and BL planned for a bit longer before Daisy went to the spare room to turn in. Bo was on his way home from the Boar's Nest, a bit lost in his thoughts. What would his life be like in five years, a year, six months, or for that matter a month from now. He was thinking of how things had already changed for him over the last year without him even making any major changes himself. Instead of heading right home, Bo circled the Square to check on Dixie and see if BL was in town. Just as he saw the Courthouse, something caught his eye. Boss Hogg’s Cadillac was out front with Rosco's patrol car behind it. Bo checked the time and wondered what Boss was doing out so late. At Luke's, Bo saw Dixie's Thunderbird, BL's GTO, as well as Daisy’s Roadrunner at the house. BL heard General Lee making a loop around the square, getting out of bed and putting on slippers. She headed downstairs. “Stay, you’ll bark and give me away if I let you go,” BL said to Sadie at the door before easing out. Bo saw BL step outside as he made a second pass by the house. He cut the motor and drifted into the space in front of the house. He climbed out of the car and met BL on the porch ..... “Hoping for one last fling before you’re tied to a ball and chain?” BL teased. “Cute,” Bo said, the shadows hiding his grin. “I know but I like it when you tell me,” BL said, a breeze ruffling the knee length hem of her cotton gown with multicolored paw prints on it. “What have you girls been upto?” Bo asked, tucking BL’s hair behind her ear. ”Working on the wedding guest list, Dixie says there’s no way we’ll keep it small” BL replied ”How many you got so far?” Bo asked. “Um I’m not sure about a total head count but we have somewhere between 10-15 invitations, some will be more than one in the household,” BL replied. Bo sighed. He really wanted to do this with about ten to fifteen people. Somewhere deep in him, he wanted to ask BL if she was sure they couldn't just go to Chickamahoney and have a big party later. ”Before you even ask, I’m absolutely positive we can’t just go to Chickamahoney,” “Why not? We can do like Luke and Dixie and have a big party later,” Bo used his most charming voice. “What if we make it family only,?” BL compromised, she had been planning her wedding since she was a girl and she wasn’t about to forfeit wearing her mother’s dress or her father walking her down the aisle. Bo conceded, "How about blood family and ten to twenty friends?" “Ok I’ll go along with that,” BL agreed. They now sat on the porch swing in the dark,swinging gently while they talked. Mrs. Kravitz had been sound asleep until she heard the General Lee's engine cut off. She had gotten to the window just in time to see Bo Duke and BL Davenport smooching on the swing. Smooching wasn’t all that was going on, Bo’s hand slipped under the gown’s hem and was making its way up her thigh but midway was as far as it could go. BL held it down tight against her lap. Pulling herself in check before they got carried away BL asked, “how did your first day on the job go?” “It was pretty good, except Rosco said I caused him to hit a hydrant about 12:15 but I was already at work,” Bo replied. “Whoops, he was tailing you and I saw and knew you’d be late messing with him, so I took matters in hand. I can’t help it, Rosco can’t drive defensively,?’ BL said, laughing a little. "You? What did you do?" Bo asked. BL replied, "Just pulled out in front of him." BL tried to look innocent. Bo gave her a look that said he was not buying her look… BL laid her head over on Bo’s shoulder and yawned, the rhythm of the swing’s motion and his arm around her, hand rubbing her bare shoulder and the late hour was making her sleepy. “You should go on back inside and go to bed Darlin,” Bo said. ”Don’t wanna m’just fine right here,” BL replied sleepily. “It’s late, you need your beauty sleep,” Bo said. “I guess, hey you didn’t tell me what you’re doing in town this late?” BL questioned, no teasing this time. “I had to unload a truck after hours, then I went to the Boar’s Nest to see if anything was happening tonight. Cooter, Dobro and Brody were there, then Bobby Douglas came in, he was who challenged General Lee the other night. Wanted to set up a race, told him I couldn’t until I knew when Luke was coming home,” Bo filled BL in. Now it was BL’s turn to update Bo, “Luke called Dixie earlier, said he’d be home tomorrow.” Bo gave the swing another push with his boot, "Good. That will give us a couple of days to get General Lee in shape to show those kids what a real car is." BALLADEER: Luke and most of his crew were nowhere near ready for bed. They were busy packing. Well, most everyone but Scrapie. He was currently keeping the team in eye sight, but he was laying under the tail board of a bear by engine out of the welcome rain. Scrapie doesn't like water unless he is drinking it folks! Bo and BL spent a few more minutes just cuddling as the swing gilded back and forth in the dark with nothing but the night sounds coming from the woods behind the house. ”I better go, morning chores come early” Bo said, giving BL a long slow kiss. After the kiss ended BL held out her flashlight “need this?” ”Nah I’m an ex-moonshiner, got eyes like a cat,” Bo replied. BL stayed on the porch until she heard General Lee’s engine growl to life, then she turned and slipped back inside, assuming the other occupants of the house hadn’t even missed her. Dixie had been sound asleep when General Lee parked outside. Now, she woke up and headed to the bathroom. As she started back to her room, she remembered the pie and barbecue in the fridge. It was late and she knew it, but her mouth was watering at the prospect of another piece of pie and she knew she would have enough barbecue for a snack and lunch tomorrow, so she headed to the kitchen. Only after she got in the kitchen did she turn on a small fluorescent light to give her some light to eat by. She pulled out the rest of the pie and the barbecue and a Pepsi. Dixie couldn't help it; she took a bite of pie to hold her until she could make the barbecue sandwich. Also, in the to go platter, they had put a couple of dill pickle Spears. Dixie wasn't a dill pickle fan, but she figured ‘why not’ as she took a bite she was pretty sure she may have just found a new love for dill pickles. Seeing the faint glow from the kitchen BL headed that way instead of back upstairs, she didn’t think they had forgotten to turn out all the lights but maybe they had “You ain’t gonna have anything left for lunch at the rate you’re going,” BL said, standing in the kitchen doorway. Dixie looked at her plate, then BL, "You are probably right. Did I wake you?" BL replied ”No, I was already awake.” She didn’t elaborate though on why she was up. "Want some pie?" Dixie asked. “Maybe just a small piece. You were right about the wedding guest list getting out of hand quick, me and Bo talked, he tried to get me to go to Chickamahoney when I told him how many was already on the list. We decided blood kin and 10-20 friends is all we’re inviting,” BL replied. Dixie took another bite and grinned, "I won't tell you I told you so, but I told ya so. Have you tried these dill spears at the Boar's Nest lately?" BL shot Dixie a look, then replied, "No, but I didn't think you liked dill pickles." Dixie replied, "It's not that I dislike them, it's just they aren't my favorite. Or, I should say, wasn't. They have got to have done something special to them." “Are you sure you’re only eating for two?” BL asked, finishing her own piece of pie. "Yes, don't be silly. I guess I'm making up for being sick." Dixie said, "But, it's strange. Like those pickles, they are great. I never really liked them before. And then, there is the pie, if I would have gone back to bed without at least a bite, I don't think I could have slept. It was like I needed it, you know, as in had to have it." “I’m not being silly, you were only told by Dr. Quinn when you were due. Shouldn’t you have another appointment and a sonogram just to check on the baby?” BL asked, not knowing anything about pregnancy care. Dixie smiled, "I do have another appointment. A month after the first one. As for the sonogram, Doc said she could have one scheduled at Tri-Counties Hospital if I want or she sees a need, but I told her unless she needs one I want to be surprised. Besides, Doc sees me several times a week at work too." Dixie finished the last bite of her second barbecue sandwich. "Are you ready to go back to bed now?" She asked finishing her Pepsi. “Ain’t it too early to tell what you’re having? You’re not even showing yet,” BL said, finishing her Dr Pepper. “Yeah, morning will be here before we know it,” BL put their dishes in the sink. "Yes, it's still pretty early to tell right now, but it will be here before we know it." Dixie said, as she laid her hand to her still rather flat belly, "along with me not being able to see my toes. Hey, I know you didn't come down for a Dr. Pepper and pie. Why are you up?" “Seems you have had a ‘body guard’ while Luke’s been gone and my guess would be he’s laid eyes on you everyday but today, because he had to work and he came by to make sure everything was ok but wasn’t planning on stopping until he seen me come out on the porch,” BL replied. "Body guard? What? You were outside?" Dixie asked. It was late and it was showing in her level of sharpness. “I know you had to have heard General Lee, likely everybody on the street did. Bo must have seen me come out, so we sat on the swing and talked a bit,” BL said as if explaining to a child. Dixie smiled, "No, I didn't hear the General unless that's what woke me up, but I really had to pee, so I figured that's why I was awake. Bo was likely looking for you in the first place." Dixie said as she topped the stairs. “Probably and he figured if I was in town, I’d be here at that time without him. Night Dix,” BL turned to go to her room as Dixie went into the bathroom.

Episode DEPUTY DUKES

Thanks Cousin Roger Duke/Uncle Jesse. And my reactions came back again. I was able to love this post.

I love you Cousin Skipper but you are making this way more complicated than it has to be. Simply stop posting on the quotes thread UNLESS you are certain the quotes are accurate. And finally, I am disappointed that you are not using my advice and taking a couple days off from HazzardNet to cool down. I've learned a lot in my lifetime, so please trust me on this one: If something is upsetting you, the best thing you can do is step away for awhile. That isn't always possible....but it is in this situation. You will feel so much better by taking a break.

I took advantage of the white stuff being on the ground and went for a long walk in the woods....singing Christmas carols for awhile. It sounded pretty bad but my terrible singing voice keeps me safe by scaring the predators away. Looks like we'll still have snow on the ground tomorrow but probably melt after that.

You're welcome Roger. No snow here for Christmas but that's OK. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. You, your family and your daughter are in my thoughts and prayers everyday.

Morning came way too early, Sadie demanded to be let out at 6 am as usual, normally BL got up right away but usually she hadn’t still been out at two am, “Not now Sadie,”BL groaned, which only got her a persistent bark. “Ok, ok I’m up,” BL said. Downstairs BL let Sadie out into the backyard while she put on coffee, figuring they all needed it, this morning. Bo got up as soon as BL left the room, he had alot to get done this morning. Getting dressed he went to the bathroom, washed his face and not having his own, used BL’s toothbrush. Dixie heard Sadie bark. Scrapie jumped straight up and ran out the bedroom door down the stairs behind Sadie and BL. Dixie turned over, snuggled back to Luke, throwing one leg over his. Luke moved slightly, then went back to sleep. All of ten minutes later, Luke's clock went off, followed by Dixie's a minute later. Both scrambled to hush the offending noise. Dixie moved way too quickly. Last night's pasta sauce was back, at least to her chest. The instant heartburn followed nausea. "Oh, no." Luke had sat up, taking a minute to wake up, and looked at Dixie. She appeared a bit 'green around the gills'. "What's wrong?" She shook her head 'no' while putting her hand to her mouth and hoping she wouldn't be sick. BALLADEER: Sometimes we should be careful what we hope for. BL had let Scrappie out with Sadie and then got ready to make pancakes, it wasn’t the hearty breakfast Uncle Jesse made but it beat nothing. Bo was just coming out of the bathroom, when Dixie pushed past, hand still over her mouth “Dixie, you ok?” Bo asked as the door was slammed in his face. “Here we go again,” BL muttered, hearing the door slam. Luke pulled on his jeans following his wife “Dixie it’s Luke,” Luke said, opening the door enough to slip in. Luke found Dixie sitting with her head over the toilet, but she hadn't thrown up. He got a cool, wet cloth and gave it to her. Dixie wiped her face and back of her neck. She had managed not to throw up, but she was still very nauseous. Several minutes later, Dixie managed a weak, "I'm sorry." "Sorry for what? It's as much my fault if not more that you aren't feeling well. Do you want me to go call us in to work?" Luke offered. Dixie shook her head 'no'. "I'll be alright. I'm gonna try to go in." Luke gave her a look. "Do you really think that's smart?" "If I can't do it, I'll turn around or leave early." Dixie said. "The other day I was fine in a couple hours. I think it was the pasta sauce. It came to haunt me. Maybe some heartburn medicine." "You are sure?" Luke asked. “Yes, I’m sure,” Dixie replied. Bo slipped on his boots as he came through the livingroom, Pouring himself a cup of coffee he kissed BL on the cheek as she took up more pancakes. “Good morning beautiful, mmm those sure do smell good,”Bo said. “Morning, don’t sound like Dixie’s in the mood for breakfast,” BL replied. Bo replied as he took his seat at the table, "No, I about got run over coming out of the bathroom." BL let Scrapie and Sadie inside. Scrapie ran upstairs looking for Luke. Sadie ran upstairs in hot pursuit of Scrapie. Dixie, who had sat on the edge of the tub trying to decide if she was going to live, suddenly had a lapful of Scrapie. He had jumped in her lap and was washing her face in an effort to make her feel better. "Thank you, Scrapie. Good boy." Dixie said in an attempt to stop the little tongue but he licked more. Luke watched for a minute, "Why do I think I'm losing our K-9?" Dixie replied, "Only until you say the w o r k word. One or both of you. We have to get ready." A bit later, Dixie, Luke and Scrapie came into the kitchen. Dixie was in uniform and appeared ready to leave for work even though she wasn't feeling great. She just hoped that she looked better than she felt. “Morning you two, I made pancakes and coffee if you have time and want breakfast,” BL said. “Good morning BL, no time for breakfast but I’ll take coffee to go,” Luke replied, pouring himself a travel mug of coffee. "BL, I love you. If you love me, please don't get any food near me." Dixie reached for a really cold Sprite. “I got to get, see you tonight at the farm BL, you too Bo,” Luke said, kissing Dixie asking, “Are you gonna be here after work or at the farm if you get off on time or miraculously early?” “Daisy is expecting us. I’ll meet you here and ride out with you,” Dixie replied. “Alright see you after work. C’mon Scrapie,” Luke said, heading to his truck, Scrapie zoomed ahead. “See ya’ll at the farm, ”Dixie saId, going to her car. “Give me 10 minutes and I’ll be ready to go,” BL said, laying down the dish towel. “Ok, I’ll take the wrecker to the garage, Luke didn’t have time, plus he plumb forgot. Luther ain’t open yet, so he’ll never know,” Bo replied. BL went upstairs putting on a minimum of makeup, putting on a sundress and pinning her hair into a bun. Sadie had rode to the garage with Bo, BL was waiting on the porch swing when they got back. Gloria Kravitz gave a deep sigh of relief when General Lee left, maybe she could get some rest now. Dixie sipped the Sprite on her drive to work. Going inside Tri Counties, she hoped to act like nothing was wrong and pray she felt better soon. Bo pulled General Lee in behind BL’s car when they got to Clyde’s, so he wouldn’t be blocking LB’s truck, when LB needed to leave for work. Clyde and LB were walking up from the goat pasture below the house, when they saw General Lee, not wanting in the middle of a showdown, LB cut across to the back door as Clyde headed straight for the orange stock car, by now Bo had sat Sadie on the ground and was helping BL out. “The prodigal daughter returns,” Clyde said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “It’s my fault she didn’t come home last night sir,” Bo said, standing straight and looking Clyde in the eyes. Clyde folded his arms and waited for Bo’s explanation. “We was on our way back here but I wanted to talk to Luke, it was real late when me and Luke got done talking,” Bo said. “I went to bed while they were talking, in my room ALONE, Bo hadn’t you better go home and get those chores done?” BL cut in before Clyde could speak. “Uh yeah, see you at supper, what I mean is see ya’ll, LB too. Daisy’s cooking for everybody like she did when Luke and Dixie got married,” Bo started to kiss BL but one look at Clyde changed his mind and he went home. One look at Dixie by her boss and the older woman knew she was having a rough morning. The lady was the day’s shift commander who made the work assignments. She had assigned the other officers but had not given Dixie an assignment. "Where am I?" Dixie asked. "In here. I have some work to do in the main office, but I'm not in a rush. I'll keep the book and such for a while. " Bonnie said. "Are you sure?" Dixie asked. "Grab you a seat and get yourself feeling better. Hang out in here with me unless you're needed to do something and about ten I'll turn this over to you." Dixie said, "I appreciate it. I didn't want to miss work and feel fine in a bit." Bonnie reassured her, "You are a good officer and work hard. I'd rather have you here and not a hundred percent for a couple of hours than not at all." Dixie replied. "That was about the way I saw it. Thanks again." BALLADEER: Both ladies were right by 10 o'clock. Dixie was herself and on the job. At Base Camp, Luke and the supervisors were following a fire and weather at a fire near Big Bend National Park. It looked to be turning into a big fire. All through the day on breaks and at lunch they checked in on it. At the end of the day the supervisor said, "There hasn't ever been a jump in Texas, but when they have had bad fires, this base camp wasn't established yet. I'm not saying that we are gonna get called to it, but we've let them know we can be there if they need us, so be ready to fly boys and girls." Luke added, "And dogs?" The supervisor gave a questioning look. "I don't know. Do you know anyone that can take care of him?" "He could stay with my wife." Luke said. "If we fly, I'll make sure you know before you leave home." He said. Luke replied, "Great." He and Scrapie headed to Hazzard. Luke had been concerned about Dixie working today, but she had insisted. He planned to corner Uncle Jesse tonight. BL had cooked breakfast a second time this morning when Bo dropped her off at Clyde’s to get her car, making scrambled eggs, bacon and toast. After getting LB off to work BL cleaned up the kitchen and still made it to the post office with five minutes to spare. Daisy had come into town to get a few things she needed for tonight’s supper. She had parked her car at the garage because she couldn’t find a parking spot on the street in front of the store. “Hey Cooter, Luther I came by to invite ya’ll to supper, I’m cooking for Bo and BL the same way I did for Dixie and Luke,” Daisy said. “Did they elope too, instead of a wedding?” Luther asked, still a mite peeved over Luke and Dixie eloping. “They're still having a wedding, us girls are going to work on it after supper,” Daisy replied. “We’ll be there, what time?” Cooter said. “About 6, see ya later,” Daisy said, heading back to the farm. BL worked the Post Office until noon when Ellen Sue took over. BL had just left on the afternoon mail run when Luther came in to get the garage and house mail and to get some stamps. Clyde also just happened to be in town and decided to stop in the Post Office. "Hey, Brother. What are you doing?" Clyde asked Luther. "Paying everyone else what I just made." Luther said. Gloria had seen the men go into the Post Office " suddenly felt the need to check her mail. As she entered, she paid no mind to the girl at the counter but addressed the two men, "Afternoon Mr. Davenport and um... Mr. Davenport. I'm Mrs. Kravitz. I live beside your daughter and, at times, your daughter, too." She paused a split second and then got her second wind, "And, that's what I want to talk to you about. Now, I know your daughter married that oldest boy of Jesse Duke.” she said to Luther then addressed Clyde. “But, I also know that your daughter has been running around with that other Duke boy at all hours of the night. I know because those loud cars, trucks, and even the wrecker wake me up. Why just last night the wrecker left after midnight and didn't get back in until after 2 am.” “ Then, that other Duke boy showed up with your girl and her dog," Gloria added, speaking to Clyde. “Then, the dogs started barking. Well, I was left with no other choice but to call that nice Deputy to go over there and quiet them down, and then the dogs barked again,” Gloria complained. “ But, I think it is just disgraceful how your daughter is running around at all hours with that Duke boy,” Gloria again addressed Clyde. “And all of them staying over there at the house right beside me, don't you know, and those two not married. And last night wasn't the first time either." BL had barely stepped in the post office door after the afternoon mail run, when Ellen Sue came out of the bathroom “good your back!” “Ellen Sue, is something wrong?” BL asked, thinking maybe Ellen Sue had an emergency but had waited for her instead of just closing. “Your Daddy came in while you were gone, your Uncle did too,” Ellen Sue paused mustering up the courage to continue. “So did Mrs. Kravitz,” Ellen Sue then told what she’d overheard. “Ellen Sue, do you mind closing? I need to take care of something,” BL didn’t wait for an answer, she needed to talk to Bo now before supper and they both were in Clyde’s crosshairs. “Sweet Talker to Lost Sheep 2, you got your ears on? Bo I need to talk to you,” BL called out over the CB. “I’m right here Darlin, what’s on your pretty little mind,” Bo replied. “We might be in trouble, can you meet me at the Choctaw Indian caves?” BL asked. “I can be there in about 10 minutes,” Bo replied. “10-4, I’m gone,” BL said, racking the mic. At the Indian caves BL started talking as soon as Bo slid out onto General Lee’s window sill. “Be ready for anything at supper, Daddy came by the post office and Mrs. Kravitz came in and started talking…” BL said. “Oh Lord,” Bo replied. BL told him all that Ellen Sue overheard then added “we can’t even try to convince him, he misunderstood because Uncle Luther was there too. Like I said, be ready for anything, he will have had all afternoon to stew, so our goose is cooked,” BL said. Dixie had gotten off work on time and arrived home in time to get out of her uniform, grab a shower and walk into the bedroom in a bath towel when she heard Luke's truck pull into the driveway. Luke took Scrapie out back then they came in the back door. Not seeing Dixie downstairs, Luke headed upstairs to find Dixie wearing only a towel gathering her clothes to wear to supper. "Can we skip supper?" He asked as he stole the towel. "Luke." Dixie said. He leaned in kissing the back of her neck. Dixie turned around and kissed Luke back. “We better get to the farm before Daddy or he’ll think I bailed on work, just to spend the afternoon with you, I did leave about an hour early,” BL said. “You hollered at me on the CB so won’t he know we ain’t been together?” Bo asked. “Not unless he was in his truck, the cabinet shop, don’t have a CB,” BL replied. So Bo and BL headed to the Duke farm, Bo following her in General Lee. Luke and Dixie managed to get dressed a bit later than planned and headed out to the farm with Scrapie putting nose prints on the truck window. On the way out Luke told Dixie they were watching a fire in Texas but it wasn't real likely they would get called out, but that they were 'ready' if they were called. He also mentioned that Scrapie may or may not go. BL was helping Daisy carry everything out to the picnic table, not just because she always pitched in but because she was trying to keep Clyde from ambushing her, she was beginning to think Dixie hadn’t gotten better and Luke and Dixie weren’t coming, when they finally drove up. Luke sat Scrappie down and a game of chase ensued as he and Sadie got a case of zoomies. Luke turned back to assist Dixie. Seeing Bo, Cooter and LB tinkering with General Lee he joined them, “Hey ya’ll,” Luke greeted the others. “I was starting to think you and Luke weren’t coming,” BL said, looking relieved.’ Luke grinned “sorry got occupied.” Cooter caught the drift, “hey, hey now, Dixie’s your wife but she’s my sister!” Luke grinned again, “I didn’t say anything about Dixie.” Cooter said, ”you didn’t have to. I know that grin, so just hush.” “Hushing,” Luke said with a wider grin. “Ok ya’ll wash up, let’s eat,” Daisy called the rest. They all sat down to a hearty meal of corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, baked beans, toasted bread and bbq chicken. “Daisy, this is great,” LB said. “Thanks sugar, save room for dessert because I made peach cobbler,” Daisy replied. Supper was nice and enjoyed by everyone. All was still sitting at the picnic table talking when…Dixie and BL offered together, "I'll help with the cobbler and coffee." The girls went to get dessert. Bo seemed more nervous than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Clyde had been looking at him all through supper. Finally, Clyde spoke, "Jesse, could you, me and Bo have us a little private talk?" Jesse nodded, "Sure, Clyde. Ya'll excuse us, we'll be back directly. Bo." Bo knew his name was called and it wasn't an option. He stood up to join the two men while looking at Luke for a rescue. They hadn't had a chance to talk privately. Luke shrugged, not knowing what was going on. "Yell, if you need me." He said for only Bo to hear. Bo dropped his head. He was sunk. Bo looking like a man being sent to the gallows or his own hanging as he went along with the older men, stopping near the barn, Clyde propped his foot up on a haybale, looking at Bo he said, “Jesse, I was told some distressing things today when I ran into Gloria Kravitz. We both know Gloria is one of the biggest gossips in the county and she don’t always get her facts straight but I don’t think she’d get something wrong that practically happened in her own front yard,” Clyde stopped to collect his thoughts and get his second wind. “Jesse, she was complaining about the kids coming and going at all hours with their loud vehicles, now I just figured she was exaggerating ‘all hours’ but she told me and Luther, was there too, that she heard the wrecker leave about midnight then come back around 2 am. Then she heard the General Lee and Sadie barking along with Luke’s dog. She said she had to call Cletus to go quieten them down. Things got quiet alright because Bo here kept my girl out all night, they stayed with Luke and Dixie and it wasn’t the first time she said that it’s happened. That's just unacceptable in my book. A young man should have a girl home before the wee hours.” Jesse looked at Bo, who was looking at his boots; they'd become more fascinating with Clyde’s words of his encounter with Gloria Kravitz. “Is what he said, true Bo?” Jesse asked gruffly. “Yes sir,” Bo said, head still hung. Jesse Duke wasn't happy. Engaged or not, it wasn't right for the 'kids' to be acting married already. "I'll deal with you in a bit, but for starters, you can apologize to Clyde." Bo did as he was told. "I'm sorry, Mr. Davenport." Inside BL looked out the kitchen window as she was getting dessert plates and coffee cups seeing the three men get up and walk away from the others “uhoh…” BL said. “What?”Dixie was pouring coffee. “Daddy, Uncle Jesse and Bo just took a walk away from everybody,” BL replied, as if that were explanation enough. “So,” Dixie didn’t see the big deal. “While I was making the afternoon mail run, Daddy came by the post office and ran into Mrs. Kravitz. Ellen Sue told me, she overheard their talk,” here BL proceeded to tell Dixie everything Ellen Sue had heard. Dixie took coffee out for Luke with iced tea for herself. She leaned in and whispered, "You might want to go check on Bo." Luke replied with a smirk, "I wasn't invited.” “Luke, you know we weren't causing a ruckus last night." Dixie said. "I know that and I'll explain that to Uncle Jesse in a bit." Luke said. BL came back out with a tray of plates of dessert, coffee and coffee cups. Sitting it down on the table for everybody to help themselves. Bo, Uncle Jesse and Clyde came back over and sat down, Clyde and Jesse both poured a cup of coffee. After finishing their dessert, the younger men went back to their tinkering while the older men took their coffee to the front porch. The girls took everything back inside. “Ladies, we need to talk about the wedding after we get these dishes done. It’s only a couple weeks away,” Daisy said. Once away from the older men Luke asked, "Everything alright?" Bo frowned and simply said, "For now." Dixie put the last plate up and was more than ready to go sit down on the couch in the living room. Daisy and BL joined her in the living room. Daisy got a notepad and pen from the desk, “alright BL, what do you want the wedding to be like, it is YOUR big day,” Daisy said, pen at the ready. “You already know, I’m wearing my mother’s dress. It’s long with no frills, really just a short train and long lace sleeves and the veil has little flowers on the bottom,” BL replied then continued, “I am going to change before the reception so I don’t accidentally ruin Mama’s wedding dress.” “What kind of flowers?,” Daisy asked. “I want purple, japanese irises for my bouquet,” BL said. “What about a cake?” Daisy asked. “Chocolate cake let me see that pen and paper to give you a basic idea of the design I want,” BL took the notepad and pen, drawing a sketch of the idea in her head. “Bridesmaid dresses?” Daisy took back the notepad and pen. “Something simple that can be worn again, like just a church dress,” BL replied, looking at Dixie, if she was going to wear it, even though she hated dresses, BL thought she should have a say in it. Dixie replied, "Only for you and I'm changing when you do." BL said, "You two can match or be slightly different since Dixie is gonna be the Matron of Honor and Daisy, if you will be the Bridesmaid." Daisy said, "Great, when can we go dress shopping, so that we can compare. Are you having just the two of us?" BL nodded ‘yes’,"yep, just the two of you, told ya I want to keep it simple,” BL said. “Well, I already told ya’ll I’m off on Saturdays,” Dixie said. “Me too, Ellen Sue agreed to work all day Saturdays,” BL said. “We can’t go this Saturday, the bridal shower is from 1 to 3,” Daisy replied. The girls continued to talk about the shower and wedding. A bit later, Daisy noticed Dixie had gotten quiet. She looked over to find Dixie comfortably napping on the couch. BL saw Dixie was asleep and said “guess Luke needs to take her home,” BL got up to go tell Luke that Dixie was asleep, so he should probably take her home, when Clyde came in,. “I’m going home, be home at a decent hour,” Clyde might have sounded like he was just making a statement or even asking a question but after talking to Mrs. Kravitz, he expected to be obeyed, even if she was an adult, “Yes sir, I’ll be home in a little bit,” BL replied. As soon as Clyde was gone, BL continued her original mission, going out to where the guys were all at, tinkering with General Lee, “Luke, you might need to take Dixie home,” BL said. “Is she ok?” Luke asked worriedly as he wiped his hands on a grease rag. “She’s fine, she’s asleep on the couch and I thought she’d be more comfortable and rest better in her own bed,” BL replied, going back in the house. Luke nodded and continued to clean up. "Alright, Cooter when that stuff comes in, we'll bring the General over to the garage and work on him one night like we used to do." Bo looked surprised, "Pull an all nighter, at the garage?" They hadn't done that since Luke and Luther parted ways years ago. "Sure. Do you see any problems?" He was looking at Cooter. “The only problem I see is your wife might object to you not coming home, " Cooter replied. Luke gave Cooter a look as he was hurrying to put up his tools, without looking like he was in a hurry. "I meant with us using the garage or with Luther." Cooter shrugged his shoulders replying, “shouldn't be.” "Ok. I'll catch ya'll tomorrow. Bo, if you run into those loud mouths, set something up for Saturday night at the earliest. so we can get those parts on the General." Luke walked to the house where Jesse sat on the porch. The Davenport elders had both left by now. "Uncle Jesse, I don't know what all Clyde heard, but Bo, Daisy, BL, and Cooter have all stayed at the house even when it was BL's. There wasn't any messing around going on." ”What about when its just been Bo and BL? I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck, I know last night couldn’t be the only night it’s just been those two,” Jesse said. Luke didn’t want to dig Bo’s hole deeper, he’d most likely do that himself, so Luke only said “there wasn’t any messing around going on then either.” After Luke woke Dixie enough to walk out to the truck, he helped Scrapie in and they all headed home. After Luke, Dixie and Scrapie left, BL decided it was time she went home too, it likely wouldn’t be wise to push Clyde’s button’s. “Leaving so soon?” Bo asked, walking her to her car, Sadie at their heels. ”I don’t want to antagonize Daddy,” BL answered. Parking behind Clyde’s truck, BL headed inside, Sadie sensing BL’s nervousness was sticking like velcro to BL’s leg, inside Clyde put down his newspaper. “Brandy Lou, sit down,” Clyde said. BL sat down on the couch, this wasn’t going to be good, if he was already using her first and middle name instead of her nickname. “I saw Gloria Kravitz at the post office this afternoon and she had quite alot to say,” Clyde said, then he proceeded to repeat what Gloria had said. BL already knew what he’d been told, Ellen Sue had already told her. “I already asked this once before, are you and Bo sharing a bed?” BL dropped her head, so she couldn’t see Clyde’s disappointment, “We have a few times at Dixie and Luke’s,” BL quickly added ”but it’s NOT like you think, NOTHING dirty went on, we SLEPT in the same bed that’s ALL.” BL said, emphasizing key words. Clyde's face had progressively turned to a reddish purple, but he held his temper with his daughter. "Brandy Lou, it's not proper. Just not proper at all." The mental image of his baby wrapped in Bo Duke's arms flashed into his mind. "Just remember, you are not married yet." He got up and trotted out of the house. BL got up and went to her room flopping across the bed. The song Daddy’s Hands by Holly Dunn had always fit her relationship with Clyde. He had ‘patted her back for something done right, ‘been soft and kind, when she was crying’, and ‘hard as steel when she’d done wrong;. Sadie hopped up on the bed, washing BL’s face in kisses. Dixie headed to the kitchen for a Sprite while Luke took Scrapie out. Then they all headed upstairs to get comfy. Luke wasn't ready for sleep, but with Dixie napping at Jesse's, he figured if she fell asleep in bed, then he wouldn't have to wake her to go upstairs. He had taken his jeans off and opted for a pair of pajama pants. Dixie had slipped into her short gown and cuddled with Luke and Scrapie. Just as everyone settled down, the phone rang. Luke swore. Scrapie barked. Dixie laughed at them both. Luke had forgotten to get the stuff to run a jack upstairs, so he ran downstairs, "Duke residence. This is Luke." Maybelle said, " I'm connecting your long distance call now." Luke swore but couldn't help the adrenaline he felt even before his Supervisor came on the line. "Duke. We are flying. I need you and Scrapie here in the morning. We leave here for the great state of Texas at dawn. I'll see you by 4." Luke replied, "We'll be there." "Bring a pack for Scrapie. Food, his water and such." The Supervisor reminded Luke of what he knew already from training. "Got ya." Luke said. Dixie asked, "Who was that? You don't have the wrecker." "Work. Scrapie and I are heading to Texas in the morning." Luke said neutrally. He didn't like or want to leave Dixie alone, but smokejumping was his job. A job he liked. This season was going to be different for sure. "Promise me you two will be careful?" Dixie asked. "As careful as I can be in the middle of chaos. Always." Luke said snuggling back in by Dixie. "Scrapie, you get to jump with us tomorrow. Get some sleep." A couple minutes later Scrapie was upside down asleep. Jesse had waited until everyone had left and Daisy had gone to bed. Now he got up from his chair, went to the kitchen, coming back to the livingroom with two cups of coffee. He handed one to Bo before sitting down again. “Bo we need to have us a talk, Now I know I don’t usually get in you ‘kids’ love lives but I didn’t like what I was hearing from Clyde Davenport, nary a bit,” Jesse said. “I’m sorry Uncle Jesse,” Bo replied, head hung. ”Sorry you got caught or sorry for what you’ve done?” Jesse asked. Bo thought about those nights holding BL in his arms, what he was sorry for was getting her in trouble with her father, ”I’m sorry for this whole dang mess,” Bo replied. “Have you been taking marital liberties with that girl?” Jesse asked, not real sure wanted an answer. “No sir, just sharing a bed a few times, like last night but we was dressed. I borrowed pajama pants from Luke and BL wore shorts and a t-shirt. Sadie was between us,” Bo added the last part, hoping it would lessen the severity of Jesse’s look, it didn’t! “It don’t matter the dog ain’t a german shepherd or a coon hound, she’s easily moved. Sleeping in the same bed is a privilege for marriage,” Jesse replied. Bo dutifully replied, "Yes, Sir." Jesse further stated, "Engaged is one thing. Married is another. I'll expect you to remember that until your wedding night." “Yes sir, you have my word as a Duke,” Bo promised and he had no intentions of breaking his word. Jesse nodded, satisfied the matter was handled, he picked up his paper. Luke had managed to get a couple hours sleep but found himself awake before the clock went off. He cut the clock off then held Dixie a few extra minutes. He gently kissed her and tried to ease out of bed without waking her while telling Scrapie, "Shhh." Luke picked up his clothes and boots figuring to dress in the bathroom. Dixie said with her eyes still closed, "You don't have to try to be quiet." "I was trying not to wake you." Luke said. Dixie smiled, "I know when my husband leaves the bed." She turned over into the warm place he had left and hugged his pillow and Scrapie. Luke got dressed and was ready to leave. He sat on the bed and said, "I'm heading out. I have no idea when I'll be home. I'll call you if I can tonight. I love you." He said, giving her another kiss. "I love you both. You two take care of each other." Dixie said as she also gave Scrapie a kiss. Luke said, " Come on, Scrapie, let's go to work." Scrapie jumped at the word 'work'. He started off the bed but turned to lick Dixie right up the face from chin to nose then went off the bed 'talking' to Luke as they went downstairs. A couple minutes later, Dixie heard the truck fire up and back out. She was back to sleep before Luke was out of Hazzard Square. Gloria snapped awake as Luke’s truck fired up “now what?” Gloria fussed, then she heard Luke back out and the sound of the loud motor fade as he neared Hazzard Square. Gloria and Luke weren’t the only two awake this early, BL and Bo were awake too, BL hadn’t slept well for two reasons, one had been because she missed having Bo’s arms around her, even though it had only been a few nights and two she kept seeing the disappointment in her father’s eyes. Giving up on sleeping any more than what little restless sleep, she had gotten she got up and was now out in the back yard with the livingroom rug over the clothesline, taking out her frustration and removing dirt at the same time by beating it for all she was worth with an old badminton raquet. At the Duke farm Bo had been restless, missing the feel of BL in his arms and seeing Luke’s empty bed across the room just made things worse because he had noone to talk to. He was now out doing chores, trying to forget his troubles. "Thump, thump, thump, ..... thump." Clyde heard the noise. Now that it had him nearly awake, he was trying to figure out what in the world made that noise. "Thump, thump, thump." He stepped into a pair of work pants, grabbed his shirt and a rifle and headed out to find out. He noted the living room and kitchen lights on as he went. Going out onto the back porch he heard, ‘thump,thump,thump’, looking to his right in the early morning light, stood BL wielding the badminton racquet like a bat giving the rug what for. “BL, what in tarnation are you doing?” Clyde asked, propping his rifle against the wall. “Getting the dust out of this rug, been needing it for a while,” BL said, breathing hard from her exertion. ”Fine but if you keep at it like that, you’re gonna beat a hole in it,” Clyde said but BL kept whacking. Jesse got up and came into the kitchen to make coffee. The stove eye was on low and the pot was nearly full. Jesse walked back to the bedrooms to find Bo's bed in a crumpled mess and empty. Jesse turned back toward the main part of the house, Bo wasn’t in the bathroom, the door was open. Bo hadn’t been on the couch when Jesse had gone to the kitchen, so he checked the front porch but no Bo, Jesse was getting up a head of steam as he went around the side of the house, thinking Bo had taken off somewhere but General Lee was in his usual spot. Looking around, Jesse spotted Bo out beside the tree near the barn, going over there Jesse said “you’re up early,” Bo looked at his boots, "Yes, Sir." "Well, is there a reason you are out here two hours before dawn?" Jesse asked. "Probably." Bo said. Jesse fumed, "Bo, I love all you kids, but if there is a reason I'm out here in my long John's I'd like to know why." “I couldn’t sleep,” Bo replied simply. Jesse looked at Bo. "Son, there have been many nights you can't sleep, but I never found you doing chores before dawn." ”I didn’t want to wake you and Daisy, so figured I’d get started on the chores,” Bo replied. Jesse nodded. "Come on. Let's get breakfast started." Bo sighed. Put down what he was working on and followed Jesse back to the kitchen. As Dixie slept, Luke and Scrapie arrived at base camp. It was determined that Luke would wear the extra harness for Scrapie to jump. Luke attached his harness to his rig but put Scrapie on a leash for the flight. Luke as well as Lisa and Casey all brought supplies for Scrapie. BL brought the rug back inside, putting it down on the livingroom floor again, then went to take a shower before making breakfast but as she passed the kitchen on the way to her room to get clothes, Clyde said, ”Don’t worry about making breakfast, I’ve got it covered. I’ll make us some waffles, been a while since I made any.” “Ok, I’m going to take a bath,” BL said. A soak in a bubble bath was just what she needed, after last night. At the Duke farm, Bo sat down at the table. ”Uncle Jesse can we talk?” Bo asked. ”Sure, what's on your mind?” Jesse asked, sitting beside Bo at the table. Bo said, "night before last didn't help none, but you can see Mr. Davenport ain't real happy with me becoming his son-in-law. So, I been thinking on trying to get a part time job." ”You think that’ll change Clyde’s opinion of ya? Jesse asked “Yes sir, I think he’d like me more if’n I atleast helped BL make a living and part time means I can still help on the farm,” Bo replied. Jesse stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Bo, my issue here is that you are wanting to take on a part-time job to impress Clyde." Jesse held his hand up, "I know what we make from this farm ain't a lot, but you know it's has always been a full-time job for the four of us. Now, with Luke in and out of the County during fire season, that's gonna mean longer hours and trying to make up big jobs when he is home. If you are working long hours here, plus part-time somewhere else, when are you gonna have time for your wife and be able to sleep?" ”Luke manages to sleep and have time for his wife, I reckon I can too. It ain’t that I’m trying to impress him, I just don’t want him thinking I’m a lazy no-account that expects my wife to work to pay our bills. Daisy has a job plus she does most of the cooking and all the laundry and house work,” Bo replied. "Alright, Bo I'll support your decision." Jesse said, though he still wasn't sure Bo was making his choices for the right reasons. “Thanks Uncle Jesse, I’ll go into town this afternoon and see what’s posted on the board outside the courthouse,” Bo said. At Clyde's, LB banged on the bathroom door after a simple knock got no response from BL. “HURRY IT UP IN THERE, SOME OF US HAS THINGS TO DO TODAY!” BL had dozed off as the hot soapy water relaxed her, now she sat up quickly, draining the tub and scrambling out and drying off. “Alright, alright give me a minute!” Sadie barked at all the commotion going on. Clyde yelled, "Knock it off! All three of you!" Dixie decided to try something different this morning. She had set the clock a few minutes early. When it went off, she sat up slowly. She sipped a couple of small drinks of the Sprite she had taken up to bed with her, hit snooze and then the second alarm went off, she eased out of bed and to the bathroom, she was a bit nauseous but was ok.She was hoping the slower motions of getting up would keep the morning sickness at bay. So far, so good, as she got dressed, then headed downstairs and out to the Thunderbird to head to work. Quiet was restored when Clyde yelled, the ‘kids’ didn’t want to be on his bad side so early, considering the bad mood he’d been in last night. “All yours brother dear,” BL said, coming out in her robe. Daisy had gotten to bed much earlier last night, than when she worked and came floating into the kitchen, well rested. “Morning Uncle Jesse, morning Bo,” Daisy chirped. “Morning Daisy,” both men replied. Just like in practice, Scrapie was eager to head to the plane for an adventure! Luke and Randy continued to check weather patterns and updates on the fire. Once on the ground, at Base Camp, Scrapie would be with Lisa. Once on the jump plane, Luke would take him back and get him secured into his harness just before jumping at the fire scene. From indications, this was going to be a 'good' fire. No chance of it going out or rain putting it out anytime soon. Daisy finished cooking breakfast and by the time they were done eating, it was light enough, Bo and Jesse finished the rest of the chores. “Tell Daisy I’ll try to be back in time for lunch,” Bo said as he headed out on the tractor to cut hay for Nate Sumner, who’s tractor wasn’t running. “I’ll do that as soon as I give Wilbur his bottle,” Jesse said as he put the bottle’s nipple in the piglet’s mouth. Daisy had finished her housework and was getting in her roadrunner to go to work when Bo returned. “Sorry I’m late Daisy, I’ll make myself a sandwich,” Bo said heading inside. He needed a quick shower to wash the morning’s dirt off. Once showered and dressed in clean clothes, Bo made himself a sandwich to eat on the way to town, to look at jobs posted on the notice board outside the courthouse. BL was getting the mail all sacked and ready to deliver even though she was supposed to be off, Ellen Sue had called in sick. Bo saw only 3 notices that interested him so he took them down and headed over to the garage to ask if Luther would let him use the phone in the office to call about them. Cooter looked up from what he was doing as Bo crossed the street and came over. “Hey buddy roe, what’s shakin’?” Cooter said. “Hey Cooter, can I use the phone in the office? I want to check on these jobs,” Bo replied. ”‘Help thyself but I thought you and Luke once said you couldn’t leave the farm and Uncle Jesse for full time work? Well, Luke done made a smokejumper and works out of the county, out of the state even when there’s a big wildfire, now you’re looking for a job too?” Cooter said. “I’m just looking for part time, so I can still help Uncle Jesse with the farm but the farm don’t make enough to support uncle Jesse, Daisy, me and soon BL too, besides me and BL are going to live with Dixie and Luke, be easier to pay the bills if it’s a 4 income household,” Bo explained. Cooter went back to work when Bo had gone into the garage office and shut the door. Luke, Randy and the others got a glimpse of the fire on the way into base camp. There they got briefings on wind, weather, fire movements, as well as safe zones. These safe zones were the river, black areas that had already burnt which if cut off the smokejumpers could go to and be safe. That is if any place in a forest fire could be safe. Ground crews had been on scene for nine days. This would be a historical jump for a couple reasons; one, Smokejumpers had never jumped in Texas and two, they had never jumped this far south. The Sublett fire** in Big Bend National Park would certainly be a first. It had started from a lightning strike. The fire was progressing toward historical buildings in the park along with campgrounds. Campers had been asked, told even to pack up and leave. Most had done so, however there were a few still thought to be at the campgrounds. It would be the Smokejumpers job to find them and get them moving.Then try to put in lines around the historical buildings at least a hundred years old. They were briefed. They knew their job. Equipment was loaded. It was time to fly. Luke knew Dixie would be at work but he checked his phone signal just the same. Surprised, he had signal. Hoping to go get this mission complete and be able to call her in the evening, he made the call, "Load up." Scrapie was itching to get on the plane. Everyone was on board, the plane readied for take off. ** The Sublett fire in Big Bend National Park was a real fire that did go down in history for these reasons. Where the Smokejumpers came from, and era, along with the fact that all persons were accounted for were real. I am taking the liberty of editing these parts of truth to fit our story. Bo made his calls but only one place was still hiring, he told the secretary he could be there in an hour. Coming out of the garage office Bo waved at Luther as he was parking his truck. “Thanks a lot Cooter,catch ya later” Bo said. “Anytime, anytime, see ya” Cooter replied. Luther saw Bo pull out, "What was Bo up to?" He asked Cooter. “Calling about some jobs he seen on the notice board over at the courthouse, if you can believe it,” Cooter replied. Luther didn’t know what to believe, so just got back to work. BL met Bo, heading for Roadhog’s Supply Trucking, the only other place to go on this road was Herman’s Gas station and Bo had already passed it by, “Sweet Talker to Lost Sheep 2. Bo where ya headed in such a hurry? Rosco ain’t chasing you.” BL spoke into her CB mic. “I’ll tell you later, when we all meet at the Boar’s Nest after work like usual, wish me luck. Over and out,” Bo said. “Good luck,” BL replied, knowing Bo was upto something but not ready to tell yet. Bo parked in Roadhog’s parking lot, slid out of General Lee, tucked his shirt a little and went in. “Good afternoon Shirley, I’m Bo Duke, we spoke on the phone. I’m here about the job,” Bo said. “Have a seat, I’ll let Mr. Harvey know he has a visitor,” Shirley said, leaving Bo to wait. Dixie's day had been pretty routine as she drove back to Hazzard. She had already changed out of her uniform and was heading home when she passed BL, who was probably heading to the Boar's Nest. BL had, had a good day until the last ten minutes and Mrs. Kravitz had come in the post office, she’d been out of stamps and instead of leaving a note and some money in the mailbox like most people in the county, she’d made an unnecessary trip to the post office. BL had made her take a number and show her ID, just like Miz Tisdale had done. What BL had taken the most pleasure in was making Mrs. Kravitz wait while BL called for numbers 1-3, pausing to look around after each as if the Post Office was busy, before calling the next number. Now BL couldn’t wait to get to the Boar’s Nest for a cold beer. Bo shook hands with the owner of Roadhog’s Supply Trucking as he came out of the office. “See you Monday at noon Mr. Harvey,” Bo said. “See you Monday Bo,” Mr. Harvey replied. Bo waved at Shirley on his way out, now he was headed to the Boar’s Nest and a celebratory drink. Dixie hadn't really planned to stop at the Boat's Nest tonight since Luke wasn't home. She, like the rest of the Dukes, had the habit of finding trouble. She had driven by the Boar's Nest and was heading towards town when she passed Bo in the General Lee. "Lost Sheep Two, to Little Shotgun." Bo called. Dixie reached for the mic. "Go ahead." “You’re going the wrong way, the Boar’s Nest is the other way, you passed it” Bo said, keying his mic. “I’m not coming,” Dixie replied. “Why not?” Bo asked. “Because I don’t feel like getting into trouble, Luke ain’t home he was called to Texas, left this morning,” was Dixie’s answer. “You won’t, me and BL won’t let you,” Bo replied. BALLADEER: Friends and neighbors if you believe that, I got some ocean front property in Tennessee. Dixie grinned then keyed the mic replying “Bo no offense but you get in twice as much trouble as I do and more often than not BL ends up in trouble right along with me.” Bo said, "But, you have to come. I got something for us to celebrate. You don't have to stay long." Dixie sighed, "Alright, Bo Duke but I ain't staying long." Dixie said as she turned around and headed back toward Bo. Dixie and Bo pulled in the parking lot, parking on either side of BL’s GTO. Inside they stopped a minute just inside the door to let their eyes adjust to the dim lighting before going over to sit with BL. “Hey beautiful,“ Bo said, kissing BL’s cheek. “Hey, ok what were you doing earlier on the other side of town when I met you while delivering the mail?” BL asked. “You’ll find out when Cooter gets here,” Bo replied. “Bo that could be a while if he’s on a wrecker call, I’m not staying long remember?” Dixie said. Bo reassured Dixie, "Just give it a few. He'll be here." Dixie replied, "Alright. But, countdown has begun." Dixie turned to Daisy, "Can you please let the Hazzard operator know that I'm here in case Luke calls?" Daisy replied, "I got you. What do you want to drink?" "Iced tea. Plenty of lemon and ice." Dixie said. “Beer for you two?” Daisy asked Bo and BL. “Yes please,” BL said, then asked “Can I get a frosted mug, please?” BL continued “I had a good day up until about 10 minutes before closing and old battle axe Kravitz came in. “ “What was she trying to start now?” Bo asked through clenched teeth, he’d about had his fill of the busy body. BL replied, "Nothing obvious, but she kept giving me a look." Daisy saw Cooter come in just as she was about to bring the drinks over and added a beer to her tray. Cooter was just sitting down when BL spoke, “Ok he’s here, what’s the big news.” “I got a job at Roadhog’s Supply Trucking today. I start Monday at noon,” Bo said. Cooter said, "So you are really going to see work off the farm?" Bo replied, "It's part-time, so it shouldn't be too bad." “That means you’ll be out of the county most days probably,” BL said. Not far, I'll still be home at night,” Bo replied. ”Luke and you both out of the county, where Boss and Rosco can’t keep tabs on either of you. That will drive them nuts,” BL said. Dixie smiled at the thought, "Yes, it will be nearly as bad as when he found out that Luke had red lights in his truck and there was nothing he could do about it." Bo laughed, "Yeah there's an added bonus that I hadn't thought about." They all had a good laugh. “Hey Daisy, how about another round?” Bo said. “Bring me a soda please, I got the wrecker,” Cooter said. “How about you Dixie, more tea?” Daisy asked. There wasn't a rowdy crowd tonight and Dixie had gotten comfortable. The last thing she wanted to do was go home and cook so she replied, "Sure and while you are at it “bring me a burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese and sweet pickle if you can find any back there." Daisy replied, "OK Sugar.” Dixie stopped her, "Daisy, make it a double and an order of cheese logs." Daisy asked, "Three?" "Make it six." Dixie said. Bo, Cooter, Daisy and BL looked at each other when they heard Dixie’s order. ”Did you skip lunch today sis?” Cooter asked, he’d never seen Dixie eat that much. She wasn’t like some girls who ate like birds but she didn’t usually eat this much all at once. Dixie looked totally clueless that her order was larger than normal and replied, "No. Why?" “Dixie I love you and I know you’re eating for two now but keep eating this way and you’ll be as big as Lulu Hogg,” BL teased. Dixie gave BL a look. "It ain't like we've never ate that before." “The sweet pickle is new, what’s up with that?” BL asked. Dixie replied, "It just sounded good. I'm not a fan of dill pickles but bread and butter or a sweet pickle just makes my mouth water. I think it will be good. Don't you?" “Not really, I’m not a fan of pickles period,” BL replied. Daisy brought out Dixie’s order, Cooter’s soda and Bo and BL’s beer asking as she passed it out “can I ya’ll anything else?” “Thanks Daisy, I’m good now,” Dixie replied. “On second thought I think I’ll have a burger too but no cheese or tomato and I’d like an order of tater tots,” BL said. “One burger and tater tots, coming right up” Daisy replied. Daisy turned back toward the bar but before she made even one step BL stopped her. “Daisy, can I get 2 bbq sandwiches and 2 large orders of onion rings to go, before I leave?” “Sure thing sugar, I’ll bring them over before you go,” Daisy replied. Once Daisy had gone, BL noticed Dixie giving her a questioning look. “Peace offering,” BL said, she knew it’d be way past supper time if she cooked because it didn’t look like any of them were leaving anytime soon. Most everyone figured Dixie would end up taking some of her burger and cheese logs home. Daisy was even coming to the table to see if she needed a take out box. They were a bit surprised when she cleaned her plate. When Daisy saw the empty plate, she had the good graces to ask, "Does anyone need anything else?" Dixie replied, "Can I get a to go iced tea and a piece of the peach pie?" "Sure. BL are you ready for your to go order?" Daisy replied. “Yes, I guess I should get home. You want to come hang out Dix, that way you ain’t gotta go home to an empty house,” BL asked while Daisy was getting their to go orders, “I got evening chores to get done since Luke got called out on a fire,” Bo said. Dixie replied, "I think I'll take a rain check. I want a long soak in the tub, a call from my husband and a nap. Not necessarily in that order." “Ok, holler if you need me, catch ya’ll later,” BL said, picking up her two to go boxes. Bo and Cooter followed her out. Just as Cooter opened the wreckers driver side door the CB came to life. “Duty calls, catch ya’ll on the flip side,” Cooter said and was gone in a cloud of dust. “I’ll stop by and see you before work, if I have time,” Bo kissed his finger and touched it to the tip of BL’s nose, “ love ya.” “Love you too, See you tomorrow,” BL replied, sitting the to go boxes in her passenger seat, then she headed home, Bo following until she turned onto her road. Dixie was ready to be home, get comfy and wait on Luke to hopefully call if he could get a call out from wherever he was in Texas. Pulling into the driveway, Dixie saw Mrs. Kravitz watering her flowers. At this rate she was going to need life jackets for the poor plants. With the time difference, Luke's crew was still hard at it. Their jump in had been textbook. Scrapie was right with them. The wind had changed, causing the fire to begin to head near a campground that was yet to be evaluated. Scrapie helped find some of the campers who were camping in the more rural areas of the campground. Mrs. Kravitz was waiting for Luke to park beside Dixie like most days her overactive imagination concluded the newlyweds were having marital trouble already. Paying more attention to her neighbors than her flowers. Mrs. Kravitz soon found herself with a small pond in her yard, prompting her to hurry and turn the water off. BL was met on the porch by Sadie when she got home. BL had dropped the dog off with Clyde at the cabinet shop, so she could hang out at the Boar’s Nest a little longer, it was still too hot to leave Sadie in the car for long even though humidity was down. “Hey girl, sorry but I didn’t bring you anything, I forgot,” BL said going inside, Sadie darting in the door first. “Thought you were going to leave me and your brother to fend for ourselves,” Clyde grumbled. “Daddy, why are you so cantankerous lately?” BL asked, heading to the kitchen with the to go boxes. “I brought you and LB back a bbq sandwich and onion rings,” BL added. “Ok, you're forgiven, Ain’t you gonna eat?” Clyde said, taking a bite of his sandwich. The Boar’s Nest might only be a bar but they had the best bbq in 3 counties. “Luke had to leave out early this morning for Texas, Dixie had any calls from him if there was one, sent to the Boar’s Nest and we was celebrating Bo’s new job, so me and Dixie had a bite to eat. I suspect she ate there because she didn’t want to cook for just herself,” BL said. "Texas?" Clyde asked. "Still not used to hearing these details about the elder Duke's job. "Why on Earth would he go to Texas?" BL replied, "There is a forest fire near a national park there. Luke's team was called in." “Ain’t Texas a bit out of his usual territory?” Clyde had heard the ‘kids’ talk about the places Luke had been on a fire but he’d never heard of Luke going so far south. “I don’t guess he has a ‘territory’, they just go where needed,” BL replied. Normally, Dixie would have spoken or at least waved to Mrs. Kravitz, today just wasn't that day. She got out of her car and went in her front door. There, she closed the door and the rest of Hazzard and the world out. She then put her pie on the kitchen table and let the Hazzard switchboard know that she was home. Being a bit lazy, Dixie went to the laundry room where she had a long night shirt. Deciding to change there instead of going upstairs to change and then have to carry the dirty clothes back downstairs. Dixie turned on the TV more for noise than anything else. She sat her tea and the phone on the table by the couch. Dixie eyed the downstairs closet and smiled a bit. She took out the pillows and a light cover that she left there usually for Bo and or Cooter. Going to the couch she placed the pillows and stretched out on the couch with the light cover. Dixie had always thought the overstuffed couch was comfortable, but today it was especially comfy as she snuggled into place to relax a while. Bo finished up the last of the chores and came in the back door just as Jesse was sitting the cornbread on the table. “You’re just in time,wash up before it gets cold,” Jesse said. Bo did as he was told and sat down, reaching to pick up a bowl he was starving but when Uncle Jesse cleared his throat, Bo withdrew his hand for Uncle Jesse to say grace. “Did you have any luck finding a job?” Uncle Jesse asked, still not sure it was the best idea but he’d go along with Bo’s decision like he said he would. “Yes sir, I start Monday at Roadhog Supply Trucking,” Bo replied. "What will you be doing?" Jesse asked. Bo replied. “Monday, I'll be making deliveries in the County in the afternoon. Then some days I'll have to be there really late at night or early morning to get big trucks unloaded and stock put up then I'll be home to do the morning chores." Bo took a sip of tea, "They also have mining supplies." Jesse said, "There ain't no mines in Hazzard." "I know. I'd have to take deliveries out of the County, maybe even out of State." BL had given Sadie a bath and now sat on the porch swing giving the dog a good brushing, while Clyde sat on the doorstep and whittled. Clyde stopped whittling and looked at his daughter. “What will Bo be doing? You didn’t say,” Clyde asked, “Making deliveries, mining supplies and unloading big trucks and putting stock up,” BL repeated what Bo had said at the Boar’s Nest. After getting the group of rescued campers safely turned over at base camp where transportation out of the park could be arranged, Luke went to check on his team. As soon as he stepped in the tent, Scrapie ran towards him and stood on his back feet. Luke stepped forward and picked him up, taking the leash from Lisa, "You did good today, fella." Luke gave him a treat as he petted the pup. He also made sure the team had food, shower access, a place to store their stuff and sleep awhile. After the team had the information, Luke looked at his watch which was set now to Texas time. "Randy, give me ten minutes. I need to make a call." Randy replied, "You got it." Luke tried to give Scrapie back to Lisa. Scrapie insisted on going with Luke. "Alright. Come on." Outside, Luke found as quiet a place as he could. He sat down on the tailboard of an engine and placed a call. After being transferred the house phone rang several times. Dixie was hearing the phone way off somewhere but could not tell what it was. After several rings, Dixie realized it was the phone finally answering…"Duke residence." Dixie said sleepily. Jesse stood up from his easy chair, picked up his bible and headed for his room. “Don’t stay up too late,” Jesse said. “Yes sir, reckon I’ll turn in directly,” Bo said. At Clyde Davenport's much the same was happening, Clyde headed to bed, BL and LB had gone to their rooms a little while ago, to do their own thing before going to bed. Realizing he had woken Dixie, Luke said, "Well it better be. I woke you up didn't I?" Dixie had opened her eyes and got a drink of her tea. "I dozed off on the couch." Luke grinned, "Set you an alarm clock before you stretch back out or you will be there at noon." "I will not." Dixie protested, even though she knew deep down he was right. "How's the fire?" Luke replied simply, "Hot." "How is Scrapie?" Dixie asked. Luke laughed, "He is soaking up all the attention everywhere he goes." Dixie asked, "Anything exciting going on?" "Same stuff, different fire." Luke said. The TV that Dixie had turned on earlier for noise switched to a news segment on a forest fire. Dixie looked up in time to see the Smokejumpers jump from the plane as the reporter was telling how this was a historical jump as it was the first time Smokejumpers had jumped into a fire in Texas. He went on to say that this particular crew even was getting help from a specially trained K-9, named Scrapie. He went on to say how Scrapie wasn't the normal K-9 that most people expected to see but that he was a miniature Dachshund that actually jumped with the Smokejumpers. The news shot then switched to an interview with Luke still wearing Scrapie's special harness. Then, it switched to Scrapie on his leash as the interview continued with more shots of the fire. "Luke, you are on TV!" Dixie said. Luke replied, "What are you talking about?" Dixie replied, "You were talking to a reporter who told about y’alls jump and Scrapie and even how ya'll saved some campers. It said Scrapie found them. Luke replied, "He did, but how are you seeing it?" Dixie checked the channel, "It's on the national news." Luke replied, "No, that can't be right. They had me talk to the reporter since Scrapie jumped with me, but it was a local guy." "Luke, I'm telling you, this was on national news." Dixie said as she picked up the phone from the table and took it to the kitchen. She found her pie and ate it while they talked. Luke reminded Dixie to set the clock when she got upstairs. They hung up after a bit more conversation so Dixie could go back to sleep and Luke could get back to the crew.