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I still haven't found the third plaque, but I did make another observation about Boss' artwork. In his Boar's Nest office he has two or three of the dogs playing pool/poker paintings, but in his office at the courthouse he has a copy of 'Washington Crossing the Delaware' by Emanuel Leutze. I guess it reflects the pleasure and business roles of each office.

Daisy stretched beside her husband in the small bed in Darcy’s travel trailer out at the Hazzard airport, “Mrs. Daisy Kincaid” she mused while looking at the golden rings on hers and Darcy Kinkaid’s left hands, they had bought the rings from the little jewelry store in Tennessee, just before it closed then it was on to the justice of the peace. Now it was time to let her Uncle Jesse, Bo and Luke know what was going on. Darcy opened his eyes to see Daisy watching him, “Good morning Mrs. Kinkaid.” “Good morning Mr. Kinkaid,” Daisy replied with a smile and a kiss then asking, “are you ready to go have a talk with Uncle Jesse and probably Bo and Luke and likely their wives?” “Sure, but all of them? I thought we’d just tell your Uncle for now,” Darcy replied. “Uncle Jesse fixes breakfast for all of us on weekends, sometimes Dixie and BL don’t come and the fellas take the leftovers home to them,” Daisy said. In town the Duke family members being discussed were up and getting ready to head out to the farm. Jeb looked over at Debbie as she slept. He knew it was time to wake her before work but he knew she was tired. It had been late when they got to her apartment and even later when they went to sleep. Time had gotten away from them at the bonfire so Jeb had parked his bike beside Cooter’s garage and driven them back to Debbie's in her car. He planned to drop her off at work, drive back to Hazzard for the day and pick her up after work so they could spend the evening with the others. An hour later, Jeb was driving toward Hazzard to park the car at Cooter’s and take his bike to the farm to help with chores. Jeb had decided to go cross country to the farm once he was on the dirt roads so the four town dwelling Dukes hadn’t seen him yet. At the farm Jesse was putting the coffee on unknowingly that his peaceful morning was about to be anything but peaceful. Jeb came up from the back of the barn as Bo, Luke, Dixie and BL turned in the driveway. All five of them met met up in the backyard. “Hey, where you coming from this early? Figured you stayed here last night,” Luke said. “I had some business to attend to at the tri counties jail,” Jeb replied. “Did you go and get yourself arrested?” Bo asked. Before Jeb could reply, they heard a vehicle approaching. Darcy and Daisy turned into the driveway and saw the others gathered in the yard under one of the big shade trees. Darcy could almost feel a noose around his neck. “I hadn’t wanted to die today,” Darcy said to Daisy. Daisy nuzzled in tight, "Don't be silly. You aren't going to die." Luke let go of Dixie's hand and his entire demeanor changed. Dixie tried to suggest reason. "Luke. Hear them out." Luke was already walking toward Darcy's car. Bo and Jeb had already fallen in on both sides. “Something tells me this ain’t gonna be good,” BL said, moving to stand by Dixie. Dixie said a bit louder, "Luke!" By now, Luke was unbuttoning his shirt sleeve cuffs and rolling them up. Bo and Jeb were following his lead as the three Duke men approached Darcy’s car. “Bo!” BL said, trying to get Bo’s attention before things got ugly which seemed about to happen. Jeb opened the driver’s door on Darcy’s car. “Darcy buddy, you ain’t just bringing Daisy home from the festival are ya?” Bo asked, sounding friendlier than he or the other two Duke men looked as they crowded around Darcy who was now backed against the car. Daisy glared at her three male cousins over the car’s roof, “Bo, Luke, Jeb, ya’ll just back off! Jesse heard several vehicles pull up but so far no one had come inside. He glanced out the window. He noticed Bo, Luke and Jeb in a very tense stance at the driver's door of Darcy's car as Daisy was getting out of the passenger side of the car. He checked the time. The sun was just coming up full. Jesse had figured that Daisy had stayed in town last night when he hadn’t heard her come in but apparently he’d been wrong. Stepping out the back door he said in a warning tone “Bo, Luke, Jeb Stuart, what’s going on?” Bo’s temper showed as he answered, “Darcy is just now bringing Daisy home from the festival.” “Is that so?’ Jesse asked. “Yes sir,” Darcy replied respectfully, looking the older man in the eyes. Jesse had joined the group of young adults now. “Uncle Jesse we will explain if you’ll all go in the house,” Daisy said. "Daisy Mae, ... I'm not real sure there is any explaining that's gonna change the fellas or my mind, but we will go inside and listen. Boys, .... I'm warning all four of you, if this needs settling, it will not happen under my roof." Jesse warned. Darcy almost felt relief. Then, Jesse added very seriously, "There is a barn and plenty of outside." Everybody went into the house, Jesse sat down at the table where all the Duke family’s important things were discussed. Darcy was nobody’s fool and took a seat at the other end of the table for a quick getaway and judging by the looks he was getting from the Duke men he just might need it. Bo, Luke and Jeb all sat eyeing Darcy like prey. Daisy sat next to Darcy, close to the door. Dixie and BL didn’t want to seem clingy but all the chairs were taken, so they perched on one of their husbands knees. Normally this action would get a raised eyebrow from Jesse and the girls would find extra chairs but today wasn’t normal and not a thought was given from anyone there. “Well let’s hear it,” Jesse said gruffly. Daisy started, "Well, ya see..." She stopped mid sentence when Darcy patted her hand. "You see, Mr. Duke, fellas," Darcy took over since he knew to be respected by this family he needed to take charge of the conversation. "I love Daisy and I reckon she loves me. So last night after the festival we drove up to Tennessee and were married." “Married?” Jesse asked. “Yes, married,” Daisy replied, holding out her left hand with a gold band on her ring finger. The Duke men sat in shock for a full minute then recovered, shaking Darcy’s hand and hugging Daisy. “Welcome to the family!” Jesse said. “Congratulations ya’ll,” Dixie and BL said together. BL said, "Dixie we gotta get busy planning a reception.” Dixie agreed and the girls went into planning mode, chores and breakfast forgotten. Once everybody’s excitement and surprise settled they had a hearty breakfast. Luke swallowed the last of his coffee, standing he said,“c’mon Bo, Jeb the chores ain’t gonna do themselves.” Darcy was about to go with the young Duke men but stopped when he heard Daisy ask, “Uncle Jesse can me and Darcy talk to you out on the front porch?” “Me and BL will do the dishes,” Dixie said. “Thank ya girls,” Jesse replied, getting more coffee then joining the newlyweds on the porch. Daisy started, “we got to ask ya something.” Jesse replied, ”I’m listening.” “Darcy’s trailer out at the airport ain’t very big and we’d like to live here where there’s room to start a family someday,” Daisy replied. Darcy cut in before Jesse could answer, “I’ll earn our keep. Help out on the farm that way Bo and Luke can spend time with their wives and soon their babies too, instead of coming all the way out here everyday to help with the chores. “ Jesse considered his words a long minute before answering. So long in fact, that Daisy and Darcy were beginning to sweat. "This old farm ain't near as big as it once was but it don't like not being full. I appreciate you wanting to pull your weight around here Darcy and I'm sure the boys will appreciate a little less on their shoulders." Daisy wrapped her arms around her uncle, "Thank you Uncle Jesse!" Darcy shook hands with Jesse, "I'll go see what I can do to help the fellas and learn my way around a bit." Darcy went down the steps, disappearing around the house. Daisy headed back inside to tell Dixie and BL that her and Darcy were going to live on the farm with Uncle Jesse, so she wouldn’t be needing the usual things given at wedding showers or housewarmings but she was sure her two best friends would want to have some sort of celebration. Jesse stayed where he was, his ‘kids’ were all grown and married now. After church all the Dukes went to the farm to cook a big dinner to celebrate their growing family. Jeb left in time to pick Debbie up at work. She had a couple days off and Jeb talked her into going back to Hazzard with him. They made a quick stop at her place to grab a few days of clothes and were pulling in just as the girls were setting the table. “I hear that there’s a new member to the family,” Debbie said after all the hellos were said. Daisy almost had a vapor lock thinking Debbie was talking about her being pregnant. Daisy sighed with relief when she realized Debbie was talking about her and Darcy getting married. "Thank you, we went up to Tennessee after the festival,” Daisy replied. “Bo, Luke, Jeb, think ya’ll could give me a hand bringing some stuff from my trailer over?” Darcy asked. “Sure thing Darcy,” Bo answered for all three Duke boys. After they had all finished eating the four young men took Jesse’s pickup to the Hazzard airport to get some of Darcy’s things. Meanwhile back at the farm the girls cleaned up the kitchen and washed the dishes. When the guys got back and unloaded the pickup, everyone visited for a while but when Jesse went to bed, Bo and Luke took their wives home and the newlyweds went to Daisy’s room for some privacy. Jeb took Debbie’s hand and they went out to the barn for some privacy of their own.

Fellow Hazzard-ites if you live around the Great Lakes batten down the hatches as there are 50+mph winds coming with the storm front this weekend. Barometric pressure will take big swings too so you might get a headache.

I once had the opposite happen. I bid on a CD boxset and I don't remember there being any more listed by the seller. When the auction finished, I'd been outbid, but then the seller messaged me to say he had another copy and would I be interested in buying it at my highest bid. Of course, I said yes, and ended up paying less than the person who won the auction.

Of course. That's been a sales trick forever. But it depends on the product. If a seller is a dealer selling inventory of currently manufactured product, they might use that tactic. But if a seller is selling antiques, old collectables, thrift store items, etc, then 'last one" probably means last one. For example, I had two identical Rickard Petty floor mats in my collection for many years. They were still brand new, I decided to sell them. I listed them as a single item but I had two available. Once the first one sold, eBay marked "last one" on the listing because I only had one left. When I'm shopping on eBay, I ignore the "last one" tag, I don't let that persuade me to purchase anything.

If you only saw the thread title and didn't read the posts, you would think HazzardNet is a bad place....lol

That's basically why I made it these colors. High contrast, but a bit easier on the eyes. That said, if there are enough people who would like a lighter theme, I can create one and allow people to choose which one they want.

All too early, Luke’s clock went off. He could hear Bo's clock going off from across the hall. As Luke sat up on the bed, Dixie pulled his pillow closer and snuggled back into the covers. Scrapie and Trixie were up and ready to start their day. Luke went out the bedroom door, banged twice on Bo and BL's door. "Bo, if you'd get up when your clock goes off, I wouldn't have to wake the house up." As Luke banged, Sadie bounded from the chair to the bed landing on top of Bo. She knew once he was out of the bed that she could get back into her bed. “You bang on doors like that once there are sleeping babies in the house, Luke Duke and you are liable to become the second most disliked man in Hazzard,” BL called back. “Oooff. Hey, what's the big idea!” Bo complained as Sadie now lay between him and BL doing her best to scrouge Bo out of the bed. BL giggled as Bo fought for his share of the bed, “she’s trying to get you out of her spot.” “Bathroom’s yours Bo,” Luke called as he passed going back into his and Dixie’s bedroom. Bo gave up on keeping his side of the bed a few more minutes and headed for the bathroom. Sadie wasted no time stretching out on her side with a satisfied groan the minute Bo got up, making BL giggle again. Dixie had heard the commotion outside their door, which was pretty much the normal when Luke was going with Bo to the farm. Luke came into the room, grabbed his clothes and sat on the bed. "She's right, you know." Dixie said sleepily. Luke grumbled just a bit, "Then BL needs to learn how to kick him out of bed quietly." He leaned over and kissed Dixie letting her know that he really wasn't being a grouch. Bo came back into the room and shook his head a little as he stepped into his jeans, “spoiled rotten.” Sadie raised her head up to look at Bo, as if she knew he was talking about her, then layed back down. After Bo put his shirt on,he sat in the chair to put his socks and boots on. “What time are we going over to the square to set up?” Festival starts at 11 o’clock, so we need to have some food ready to start selling, so about 10 maybe,” BL replied. “Ok we’ll try to be back,” Bo said, giving BL a kiss before leaving. “Don’t forget wood for the bonfire,” BL reminded him. “10-4,” Bo replied. Dixie snuggled back into the covers and said sleepily, "Tell Uncle Jesse and Daisy that we will see them in town." Luke looked up to reply and saw that there was no point since Dixie was already back asleep. Meanwhile, at the Duke Farm, Jesse was up and had already poured his first cup of coffee while glancing at yesterday's paper that he had already read. Bo and Luke headed out to the farm in Luke’s truck so they could haul the wood back. When Jesse’s cup was empty he put down the paper and went to start breakfast, he knew the boys would likely be hungry and their wives too if the girls came. He wished Daisy would get up before Bo and Luke arrived; he still didn’t know what Doc Applby had said, it had been very late when Jesse had heard Daisy come in. Luke and Bo pulled into the farm. As they got out of the truck, so did all three pups and the game of tag ensued. All three ran around the truck and their masters, then made about three trips around the farmhouse yapping as they ran and chased each other, then all three sprinted toward the barn. Luke looked at Bo as the pups disappeared into the barn, "I'm glad they are more awake than you." “I’m awake, it just takes me a bit to get going,” Bo defended himself then added “a cup of Uncle Jesse’s coffee will help too.” As Bo and Luke headed in the farmhouse door the three dogs raced out of the barn. “Morning Uncle Jesse, Bo and Luke said as they came in, got a coffee cup and poured themselves a cup of coffee. “Morning boys, are the girls with ya?” “No sir, they're back at the house,” Bo replied. Jesse nodded. "I'll fix them a bite of breakfast for ya'll to take with you for them." Luke took a drink of coffee and said, " You are spoiling them." Jesse looked from the frying bacon in the skillet for the boys breakfast to his oldest, "I'm spoiling them? It seems that I'm still cooking breakfast for you two, too." “Point taken,” Luke replied, it was too early to rile Jesse into a full blown lecture. Out on Cedar Tree lane, LB was just beginning to stir on Lori Mae’s couch, they must have fallen asleep talking. Lori Mae must have woken up at some point and gone to her bedroom. Slipping on his boots then writing a quick note that he’d pick her up for the festival later LB went to his truck, hoping to get home before Clyde missed him. Clyde was up with coffee in his cup and yesterday's paper. The house was still quiet, too quiet. He stood up and looked into the front yard. LB's truck was not home. LB pulled his truck into his usual parking place and headed inside to what he figured would be the third degree about where he’d been. Clyde was at the stove frying eggs and called to LB as he came in the front door, “where’d you go so early? The hardware store ain’t even open this early.” LB stepped into the kitchen replying, “I didn’t go to town, had to take care of something though. Clyde remarked, "It's gonna be a busy day. Breakfast is nearly done and coffee is ready." LB sighed and took a seat at the table. At the Duke farm,Luke finished his coffee. "Let's get at it Bo." He was already in motion, heading out to get the morning chores done. “Right behind ya,” Bo replied, sitting his empty cup down, following Luke out the door. Back at Clyde Davenport’s, Clyde set two plates with eggs, bacon and toast on the table with 2 glasses of orange juice. “What was so all fired important that it couldn’t hold for a bit?” Clyde asked. LB wasn’t ready to tell that particular news yet, so he concentrated on his breakfast and eating it as quickly as possible to get out from under Clyde’s scrutiny. “Slow down son, I know I said it was gonna be a busy day but there’s time to eat,” Clyde said. LB swallowed the food in his mouth then drank the rest of his orange juice, “sorry Pop, I just want to get to town early and the chores won’t do themselves, better get at it,” LB replied, heading for the door, while Clyde cleaned up the kitchen and washed dishes. Daisy heard the dogs yapping as they played chase. She had gotten in late. Really late. She sat up easily, hoping that this would not be a bad morning and that she could use the festival as a reason to not get into a long conversation. She really wished she could get Bo on her side as a distraction. Lord knew she had done it for him many times in the past. Just as Daisy got out of bed, she looked out the window and saw Bo, well behind Luke heading toward the barn. She raised the window. "Bo .... Bo!" Bo heard her the second time she called to him and turned back toward the house. "Good morning Daisy." Bo said. Daisy was sure it was morning but certain it would not be a good morning if she ended up in a conversation with her Uncle. “Morning Bo, I need a favor,” Daisy replied. “Anything for you darlin’,” Bo replied. "Remember all those times you came in really late and didn't want to face Uncle Jesse alone and needed a diversion?" Daisy reminded. Bo got a goofy grin, "Yeah." "Today is payback time." Daisy said in a no nonsense tone. "Don't leave me alone or let me get cornered. I'll be dressed by the time ya'll get chores done. And Bo, don't tell Luke either!" She closed the window to get dressed. Daisy took her time getting dressed just coming out of her room as Bo and Luke came in the back door. “Morning Uncle Jesse, morning Bo, Luke,” Daisy said sitting down at the table. “Morning Daisy,” the 3 Duke men replied. After a hardy breakfast, Luke finished his coffee and slid his chair back, "I guess we'd better round up the pups and get into town. Is there anything Bo and me can help you with or take to town for ya'll?" Jesse reached for the wrap to start wrapping the rest of breakfast for Dixie and BL. "Yes, there is about a hundred pounds of chili in that there freezer and two coolers on the porch. Divide it equally, between the girls and the fire department" Jesse warned sternly and began wrapping the leftovers up for Dixie and BL. Daisy added, "If you stack the dishes I'll wash them tonight. I need to get to town with ya’ll." Luke frowned, "It's still early Daisy." "The girls have got the decorations I need. Besides, I haven't seen them just to talk in days." Daisy said, giving Bo a pleading look. Bo said, "I'll make sure the chili is divided equally. Luke you go pack it up and I'll help Daisy get her stuff and help you pack the chili in the truck." Daisy went to her room and set out four big boxes of cookies “help me carry those boxes to my car, please Bo.” “Sure darlin,” Bo replied, picking up three of the boxes leaving one for Daisy. “Thanks Sugar,” Daisy said. The boxes were put in the backseat of Daisy’s yellow roadrunner. “I’ll take the leftovers to Dixie and BL, meet you at the house fellas. Bye Uncle Jesse,” Daisy said,picking up the plates of food going to her car. Bo and Luke put the freezer boxes of the frozen chili in the coolers to take back to town, putting them in the truck bed. “Well I think that’s everything, right Bo?” Luke said. “The wood for the bonfire.” Bo said. “Shoot I forgot!” Luke exclaimed, moving the coolers to the backseat, so he and Bo could load the wood they had rounded up all month, into the truck’s bed. Luke whistled and three dogs came tearing toward the truck like there was a bobcat on their tails. Luke had his back truck door open. Scrapie and Trixie jumped into the back seat. Sadie jumped onto the back floor board but there was no room for her in the seat, so she did the only thing she knew to do. She jumped up front into Bo's seat. Bo put the last piece of firewood in the bed of the truck then walked around to the passenger front door to get in but found Sadie sitting in his seat waiting to go. “That’s my seat, move over,” Bo said, and Sadie responded with a ‘woof’. “Don’t you back talk to me missy,” Bo said then realizing how he must sound added,”what am I doing?” "Talking to Sadie like she is a two year old." Luke gave Bo an innocent look. “Look who’s talking, I seem to recall you reasoning with the two in the backseat when they made it snow in the livingroom with toilet paper,” Bo retorted. “Funny,” Luke said, then patted the seat beside him,”come on Sadie, come sit with me.” Sadie went across the seat and into Luke’s lap so she could look out the window, instead of sitting beside him like he had intended. Bo got in the truck and they headed to drop off the wood for the bonfire then home. Dixie heard Daisy’s Roadrunner pull into the driveway way before she wanted to get up. She hoped BL was more awake and receptive to early morning family than she was. Dixie turned over and covered her head with the comforter hoping to get to drift back off and not have to get up right now. BL heard Daisy’s roadrunner pull into the driveway as she came out of the bathroom. Daisy wouldn’t usually come this early on Dixie’s day off when she could sleep in, unless it was really important. BL knew Daisy would be by to pick up the decorations she needed but it was still several hours before the festival started, plenty of time left to decorate. Daisy knocked and waited until BL opened it but instead of a smiling Daisy the brunette said “where’s Dixie? I need to talk to ya’ll now!.” “She’s still in bed, I’ll get her” BL replied.Going upstairs BL opened Dixie’s bedroom door saying, “Daisy’s downstairs and needs to talk to us. Something’s up Dix, she’s as jumpy as a sore tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.” Dixie poked her head out from under the covers. "I'm coming." BL turned to go back downstairs. Dixie grabbed a robe, went to the bathroom and headed for the couch where she pulled the afghan off the back of the couch, pulled her feet up and covered up. “What’s up Daisy? You’re not here just to tell us the latest gossip you heard at the Boar’s Nest,” BL said, sitting on the edge of the couch after pushing Dixie’s feet out of the way. “No,” Daisy shook her head then continued, “I need advice, I got something big to tell Uncle Jesse and he ain’t gonna like it.” “I’m sure this won’t be the first time he’s not liked what you told him, it can’t be that bad,” BL replied. “I’m pregnant!” Daisy said, bursting into tears. Dixie sat up quickly, now fully awake, "You are WHAT? I know I'm half asleep and all but I thought you said that you are pregnant." Daisy closed her eyes and nodded 'yes', "Yeah, that is exactly what I said." Dixie frowned in thought, "But, Daisy, you have been on birth control pills since before I left Hazzard years ago. I mean with BL, she had just started taking them so I figured they weren't in her system. I was taking mine regularly, but as for anything else or being real careful, we certainly were not, but I know you have been on them for years." “It’ll be ok Daisy, Uncle Jesse might be a little upset when you tell him but then he’ll think about the next generation of Duke cousins growing up together and lookin’ out for each other like you, Bo and Luke will make him pleased as punch,” BL said. Daisy replied, "You think so?" Then, she thought about what BL said and bolted up out of the chair like the house was on fire. "Oh, Lord. I just don't know how Bo and Luke will take this either. I really don't want to be a single parent and Dar...." She let her voice trail off. Dixie was now awake and caught Daisy's slip, "Darcy? Darcy is gonna be a daddy?" BL leaned forward, “Wow you and Darcy are gonna be parents. Daisy he did not do this TO you, it takes two and it’s obvious you love each other.” “Yeah we do,” Daisy replied. “I’m gonna let you in on a little secret, me and Bo was keeping the weekend of Dixie’s reception/party and all your cousins was here and so were your Uncles Elbert and John and your aunts Bessie and Pauline. Me and Bo had us a scare, my period was late and we just knew we were in trouble because our protection broke.” BL confessed, adding “so Bo ain’t got much room to talk, he did the same as Darcy, we just got lucky.” Dixie saw BL look over at her as if she were waiting for Dixie to tell her own secret. "What are we doing, .... playing truth or dare?" Dixie said but continued before anyone could answer her or change her mind, "Since we are telling and KEEPING secrets this morning." Dixie stressed 'keeping' before she paused a long minute to get her words just right, "Daisy you shouldn't be real surprised if I don't make my due date." “Is there a history of early births in your family?” Daisy asked, the keeping secrets not clicking. “Not that I know, “ Dixie replied and saw Daisy had no clue what she meant. "Daisy, Luke and I knew I was pregnant before we got married. The dates may be close but they won't add up." You were?” Daisy looked a little relieved. “See, Luke can’t say nothing, it'd be the pot calling the kettle black. Don’t let those hot headed cousin’s of yours spoil what should be a happy time for you and Darcy,” BL said. “Right. Won’t it be fun, having our babies so close together?” Dixie was trying to put a positive spin on Daisy’s situation.’ “When are you due?” BL asked. “I don’t know, I don’t remember Doc Applby saying,” Daisy replied. Dixie asked, "You saw Doc Applby?" "I always go to him, besides I wasn't expecting this at all." Daisy replied. Dixie grimaced a bit, "Ya’ll may want to figure something out really quickly. Remember Bo's ex-girlfriend, Jane. She works for Doc some and I hear she keeps the Hazzard phone lines hopping." Hazzard square was beginning to buzz with activity as some like Daisy didn’t have their booths decorated yet and were in town to get it done before the festival started at 11 o’ clock. Down the street leading out of the square Doc Applby’s Ruthie Mae was getting ready for business as usual. Sickness didn’t take the day off just because it was the annual Fall festival. Picking up a couple chart folders to put away, Ruthie Mae stumbled and dropped the charts, spilling their contents on the floor. “Shoot what a mess,” Ruthie Mae sighed as she knelt opening the folders beside her, not thinking much of it when she read Daisy Duke on one, that is until she picked up a lab report from the day before and three words jumped out at her ‘pregnancy test:positive’. Ruthie Mae couldn’t wait to tell Jane when she came in, the nurse had been out the day before for personal reasons. Rute Mae quickly put the chart files in the filing cabinet before the day’s first patient came in and saw her and accused her of snooping. About ten minutes later Jane went into the reception office to leave her purse as usual. “Good morning Ruthie Mae. How are you?” Jane said. “Jane! You are NOT going to believe this,” Ruthie Mae said. “What?’ Jane asked. One of the perks of working for Doc Applby, in her opinion, was knowing news or gossip, whichever the case might be first. “I wasn’t snooping, I dropped some files I was putting away and some papers just fell out,” Ruthie Mae clarified then continued, “Daisy Duke is pregnant.” Jane's eyes went a bit wide with surprise, "Really? Well, you don't say." She couldn't hide the giggle that followed. Ruthie Mae asked, "Wonder who the lucky fellow is?" “I’ve seen her at the Boar’s Nest being real nice to a couple fellas, one being Darcy Kincaid,” Jane replied. Ruthie Mae asked with a gleam in her eye, “who’s the other one?” “Cletus Hogg,” Jane replied. “ No way, Cletus? Are you sure?” Ruthie Mae asked. "I heard her call him 'Sugar' the other night and he was waiting for her to close and lock up before he left on patrol." Jane said. After dropping off the wood for the bonfire Bo and Luke headed home. As they were driving along just enjoying the peaceful fall morning a yellow motorbike came out of a side road nearly hitting them, “Luke lookout!” Bo said. Jeb Stuart Duke about laid his bike down trying to miss the truck he nearly collided with,“road hog!” Luke was that who I think it was?” Bo asked. “One way to find out,” Luke replied, picking up the CB mic. “This here’s the lost sheep calling out to the yellow bike we just almost ran over. “This is Black sheep. Where ya’ll headed in such a rush?” Jeb spoke into his helmet radio. Bo took the mic from Luke and replied. “Home to our wives, the festival starts in a little while. Did you forget living in Placid so long?” “No sir I didn’t forget, the festival is why I’m in Hazzard,” Jeb replied. Luke took the mic back, "Uncle Jesse will be along in a bit. Daisy is already in town somewhere. Turn that thing around and let's head to the house." Jeb replied, "I'm right behind ya'll." It was then that Dixie, Daisy and BL heard Luke's truck. Luke pointed to the Road Runner in his parking spot and parked on the street, "Looks like we see where Daisy is at." Daisy questioned, "Our secret? For now." Dixie and BL nodded 'yes' as they all heard the motorcycle pull into the driveway and around to the back yard. Dixie said aloud, "Who in the world?" “There’s only one person that rides a motorcycle and would park in the backyard," BL said as both the front and back doors opened. “Jeb Stuart!” Daisy flung herself into Jeb’s arms for a hug. Jeb dropped his duffel bag to catch her. ”What are you doing in Hazzard so early? Daisy asked. “I decided to come early and visit a spell before the festival and enter in the Hazzard Derby, if Cooter will loan me a car,” Jeb said adding “and I ran into these two ruffians…” “Almost literally,” Bo cut in. “Me and Bo was on our way home with the chili Uncle Jesse made for the festival so Jeb followed us home.” After all the pertinent information was exchanged the guys went out to load Daisy’s decorations for her and to unload Luke’s truck. Jeb took the few minutes without the girls in ear shot to ask something he knew better than to ask in front of them, “Luke is it just because I haven’t seen her since Bo’s wedding or has Dixie gained a few pounds?” "I know Uncle Jesse and Aunt Pauline too well to know that you don’t know that she's pregnant." Luke said. Jeb replied, "I do and I know it's too early for her to be showing but she's gotten wider." Luke pretended to be offended, "Just why are you checking out my wife so close?" Jeb for half a second took the bait, " Now, Luke you know it ain't like that...." Before he could say anymore, Luke cracked a smile and put his arm around Jeb's shoulder, "As for Dixie getting wider, don't leave your dessert and even think it will be there later." “I wouldn’t mention that you noticed either,” Bo added. “Right, let’s get some coffee and sit with the girls so we can all visit a spell before things get busy,” Luke said and they went back in the house. Luke got 3 more coffee cups and the coffee pot and brought it all over to the table. After everybody had a cup they all sat chatting about what was going on in each county, “Did ya’ll know Cooter is leading a secret life over in Placid ?” Jeb asked. The group gathered around the table gave him questioning looks of confusion so Jeb elaborated. “I seen him yesterday walking down the sidewalk with a woman and a little girl, he was holding the kid’s hand like they was kin or something.” “Cooter Davenport?” Daisy asked skeptically, she thought Jeb was mistaken. She’d heard people say that everybody had a ‘twin’ somewhere. Dixie added, "Cooter? As in my brother, Cooter? Tall guy, ball cap, usually greasy?" Jeb nodded ‘yes’ saying “I’d know Cooter anywhere.” Dixie then asked, "What did the girl look like?" Jeb's description fit Crystal. Dixie looked at BL, "Crystal?" “Sounds like her but I didn’t know she had a kid.Did you Daisy?” “Nuh uh, me neither” Daisy replied, taking her cup to the sink, “I best be going and get those decorations up. See ya’ll later.” Jeb retrieved his duffel bag saying “I’ll see ya’ll later at the festival,” then went out back, his motorcycle roaring to life and peeling out headed toward the Duke farm. The young married Dukes did a few things then got themselves ready and over to the square, Bo and Luke firing up the grills while Dixie and BL started some popcorn in the big street vendor popcorn maker and got Uncle Jesse’s chili heating in a couple of big pots. BALLADEER: The smell of Uncle Jesse's chili and the grilling hotdogs filled the Hazzard morning air. Cletus was the first to stop by the Hazzard Volunteer Fire Department's booth, "What do ya’ll have smelling so good?" Bo replied, "Uncle Jesse's secret chili and polish dogs." "I'll take two with everything." Cletus said. Luke burst his bubble, "The chili is still cold and the polish dogs are just starting Cletus. Give us a half hour." "Well, alright." Cletus said as he moved over to the Orphanage booth. "What are ya'll selling over here?" Dixie replied, "Hotdogs, popcorn and cotton candy." Cletus felt his stomach growl from the delicious smells. "What's ready now?" Dixie replied, "Popcorn. Chili is heating and hotdogs are on, but it's gonna be a bit yet." “Flapjacks on a ferris wheel, give me some popcorn then and I’ll come back in a little bit when it’s ready,” Cletus said. BL bagged up a paper baggie of the buttery popcorn and gave it to Cletus, “that’ll be 50 cents Cletus.” Cletus reached into his pocket and handed BL 2 quarters “Thanks, I’ll be back later.” Cletus then headed over to where Daisy and her Junior Patrol troop were selling cookies. “Hi deputy Cletus, wanna buy some cookies?” a freckle faced little girl with red hair and blue eyes asked, smiling up at him. “Sure Mary Jo. Um I’ll take 2 boxes each of the snickerdoodles, chocolate butter pecan and peanut brittle,” Cletus replied. Mary Jo bagged up the cookies while Daisy tallied up the cost. “Let’s see, that's 4 dollars a box for the snickerdoodles and the chocolate butter pecan cookies and 5 dollars each for the peanut brittle, that comes to a total of 14 dollars,” Daisy said, then put the money in the money box. All the booths were open and ready for business by the time Uncle Jesse made it to town. He and Jeb had left the farm together but of course Jeb had quickly pulled away from the old pick up. By the time Jesse parked there was no sign of Jeb or his bike. Jesse knew that like the older boys, Jeb was sure to turn up somewhere. Jesse crossed the street and entered the square filled with tables and booths of all sorts. It had been a busy day so Dixie, BL, Bo and Luke were finally getting time to eat some lunch thanks to Luke’s fire jumper teammates Randy and Bugs taking over the grills at the firehouse and the concession stand. The two couples were strolling around looking at the other booths while they ate. “Look Dixie Ms. Webster has some baby stuff she knitted,” BL pointed to the booth on the left that read ‘hand knitted baby things, scarves, mittens and hats’. “Let’s go see what she’s got,” Dixie replied. At the same time that the Dukes walked up, so did David and Jennie Ann Doolin each carrying a baby carrier with their twin boys Dalton and Dawson. “Hey long time no see,” Luke said. “These two have kept us pretty busy the last two months,” David replied. BL and Dixie each now holding a baby while they were talking to Jeannie Ann and the men were talking. Jesse walked up about the time that Cooter did, to the boys talking with David Doolin. Jesse nudged Luke, "Well, it looks like baby fever has hit." Cooter nearly choked at Jesse's comment. "I think it hit a few months ago, Uncle Jesse." Luke reminded a bit puzzled by Jesse's statement. In the wise words of the older man, he disagreed. "No. That baby was made back then but since then Dixie's been sick, you both have been getting used to the idea of a little one, but now..." He pointed to Dixie and BL gently loving and playing with the infants, "the fun begins. They are holding those little ones but they are trying to figure out what those little Dukes will look like." Bo was patting Cooter on the back, "You alright?" "Peachy." Cooter replied, while trying to get his breath back. “We best be getting back to our stands, c’mon give’em up little mama’s,” Luke said. “I better get back too, the drawin’s on the chances is about to get underway,”Cooter said, heading for the gazebo where the drawings for each organization that sold chances on a prize was being done. “We don’t want to keep the twins out too long so we’re gonna head home,” Jeannie Ann said. Getting the infants back in their carriers the group said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. First drawing was Cooter’s boy scout troop, the winner was Billy Bob Wilkes. After the voucher was collected Cooter sent the boys off to their parents and went in search of Crystal and Kathy Mae. Finding them just leaving the corn hole game he walked over and gave Crystal a peck on the lips. “Hey! Are ya’ll having fun?” Cooter asked. “Look what I got!” Kathy Mae proudly presented her prize from the corn hole game. “Good job baby,” Cooter replied. Cooter could tell Kathy Mae was getting tired so he picked her up and sat her on his shoulders. Jeb was turning to leave the arm wrestling when he spotted the three, this time he was positive Cooter was not only with a woman but they had a little girl with them. Jeb made his way through the booths and crowd and caught up with Bo, Luke and the girls just as they were getting back to their booths. "ya'll almost had me second guessing my eyesight earlier but come here. Look across the square at the Lady's Aid booth and tell me who you see!" They all looked in the direction Jeb said. “That’s Cooter with his girlfriend Crystal,” Luke said, then his next words trailed off in disbelief, “Cooter’s carrying a kid…” “Possum on a gumbush,” Bo said. Dixie hadn't really been interested until then. She exclaimed, "He's carrying 'what?!” “I see it but I don’t believe it. Reckon there’s something he forgot to tell us? Like he has a kid,” BL said, making the assumption the others were probably making too. BALLADEER: Ya’ll reckon she can spell assume? While the group was still looking Cooter’s way and trying to figure out what they were seeing,Randy, Luke’s smokejumper team’s second in command called to Luke, “Hey Luke, we got a large, to go order and I could use some help over here.” “Little help here too would be nice,” Bugs said. People were lining up at the concession stand to get what would be supper for many before the hayride. Luke went back over to the Hazzard Volunteer Fire department’s booth and Bo and the girls went back behind the concession stand. None of them gave Cooter, Crystal and the mystery kid another thought. Noone was paying attention either when Daisy and Darcy headed to Darcy’s car. The last of the orders were filled and the hayride would be starting soon. Luke and his crew fixed 'dinner' for all his workers as did Dixie and BL . After a quick bite, the grill and other equipment was slid into the fire station and the trucks parked back inside as everyone headed to the courthouse for the hayride. At the courthouse, farmer Perkins and Burl Tolliver held the reins of a team of horses hitched to 2 wagon loads of hay. Dixie’s coworker Debbie had been unable to get off work for the festival but she couldn’t wait for the hayride to start. She and Jeb had been dating since Dixie and Luke’s wedding reception weekend. Coy and Vance had planned to come from Tennessee for the festivities and to see Casey and Lisa, the two female smokejumpers on Luke’s crew but something came up and they didn’t make it. “Hey you made it!,” Jeb gave Debbie a bear hug, picking her up off the ground. “I have to work again tomorrow though,” Debbie replied. Everybody was soon on the wagons, young couples either dating or newly married on one and families with kids too young to date on the other. As they took their seats, Jeb asked Debbie, "Do you like hayrides?" "I'm not sure. I've never been before." Debbie answered honestly. Jeb said, "Well I'm sure you will have fun." As he leaned over for a deep kiss. Cooter and Crystal had been about to board that wagon, but seeing Jeb’s long kiss, Cooter guided Crystal to switch to the other wagon. Kathy Mae asked, "Why not wide dat wagon?" Cooter answered as Crystal looked at him for the same answer, "This one has more kids your age honey. You will have a better time.” At Jeb's touch and kiss, Debbie couldn't believe her body's reaction. She could use a very cold shower right now. The hayride had started in town and was about four miles through backroads of beautiful colors as the leaves took on shades of red, orange and yellows. Then it was back to town where everybody got their vehicles and either headed home or to the Hobson farm for the bonfire. Jesse’s old ridgerunner buddy Amos Petersdorf had brought out his old fire truck to douse the flames when everybody went home, he liked to keep the truck in working condition and this way Boss Hogg couldn’t charge for use of the town’s fire truck. The bonfire in Hazzard wasn’t the only big event going on, just over the Tennessee state line, Daisy and Darcy were pulling up in front of the justice of the peace’s house. Darcy looked at Daisy saying, ‘I know this ain’t the wedding you have probably been planning since you were a little girl or even the ideal elopement but I promise you’ll get your ‘real’ wedding, one day. “I love you Darcy and marrying you is a dream come true, no matter how or where,” Daisy replied. Back in Georgia LB and Lori Mae were headed back to Hazzard from their own elopement to Greenville. Dixie went with Luke as he led his Smokejumpers over to see Amos's old fire engine. Amos was tickled pink to show off his 'old girl', especially to some of the younger whipper snappers on Luke's crew. When Luke and the other smokejumpers got back to the others he noticed he had a missing cousin. Jeb and Debbie's more or less long distance relationship had Jeb wanting more than just holding hands at the bonfire. Debbie had indicated that she was more than ready to move into a more physical relationship. Debbie had never been the sort to just jump into bed with a fellow, but tonight when Jeb touched her hand there was a feeling that went through her and she was more hot and bothered than she had ever been. Jeb had moved Debbie's car away from the crowd. It was October, but tonight was warm. He led her down to a quiet place under the stars down by the creek. LB and Lori Mae made it to Hobson farm and parked at the end of a row of cars next to Cooter’s truck that now had a carseat in it and it hadn’t been there yesterday, “Jumping Jehoshaphat! Where did that come from?” LB exclaimed. ”What?” Lori Mae asked. “That carseat…C’mon let’s go find Cooter,” LB said, holding Lori Mae’s hand as they weaved through the crowd, stopping occasionally to talk with folks. As they were parting company with Brody, LB saw Cooter up ahead going in another direction but what he didn’t see was the tiny tot in Cooter’s arms. LB tried to catch up but got stopped again by a couple friends. At the end of the night Luke took a couple of his younger crew over to put the hose back on the old engine for Amos. Amos told Luke as he watched the younger people readily climb on top of his ‘old girl’ and lay the hose back neatly, "I can't thank you enough Luke for bringing those youngins over to lay that there hose for me. They are doing a fine job much quicker than these old bones could do it." "It wasn't any trouble at all. Besides, they don't get a chance to lay hose much." Luke said as he and his crew bid Amos goodnight, then went back to their vehicles. "Ya'll be careful on the way home. I'll see ya Monday. Thanks again for coming over. Maybe next time ya'll can stay longer." Randy shook Luke's hand and replied, "Maybe next time it won't be fire season or whoever makes the schedule gives us the next day off." Knowing full well it was Luke who made their schedules. Luke replied, "Well next time, just remind me and I'll have a talk with that fellow about the schedule." With a good laugh the remaining few headed off the farm.

I'm very familiar with that area and was watching the news to see how they did over there. Went fishing many times at Castaic Lake with my brother and, of course, been to Magic Mountain many times.

We had Storm Éowyn back in January with winds of over 80mph in parts of Ireland (Scotland recorded a gust of 135mph) which left nearly 15% of the country without power. Some people in rural communities were without power for over two weeks.