The sun had set as usual that day after Cal and Silvia reminisced about old times, new times, and future times. Both were exhausted and looking forward to a good night’s rest. Cal was first to bring an end to the day, slipping between the sheets shortly after the sun had sunk beneath the mountain range in the distance. She remained awake just long enough to make a call on her cell phone, whispering to the party on the oth...

Summer In the Ozarks 5 By the time they reached the lake, the sun was high in the sky and bearing down on Arkansas with full intensity. Despite all the rain from the previous day, the mercury had risen toward the one hundred degree mark. That was not unusual, even for as far north as they were, so close to the Missouri border that they could almost see the state line from Cal ’s home. Cal brought his black truck to a stop...

It had rained for the entire day and well into the night. The electricity had returned after several hours, once the downpour had turned to a drizzle. However, the day was ruined by that time, at least for the activities he had planned. No hiking, no boating, no swimming in the lake. Still, they enjoyed each other’s company until sleep had overtaken them and it was time for bed. He awoke the next morning to the sounds of...

Rain. It fell hard. It was unrelenting. It was ruining everybody’s plans. Cal stared out through the living room window, gently brushing the thick curtains off to one side. They had planned to revisit the lake that day. He had hoped to rent a boat and take Silvia for a private tour. There were small beaches to see, people on jet skis to watch, and the sun to keep them warm and dry, not to mention providing a nice suntan b...

Despite an afternoon filled with sexual delight, both were tired and spent by the time the sun has set, leaving them no choice but to accept a good night’s sleep. Cal and Silvia slept deeply until the following morning, when the sun rose from beyond the treetops and delivered its golden rays through the bedroom window. Cal rolled over and delightfully discovered Silvia was still sharing his bed, breathing softly beside hi...

Summer had finally arrived in the Ozarks. The winter had been long and troublesome and, unlike the global warming predicted, it had been cold. Very cold. Colder than it had been in decades, and with more snow than even the oldest of the town elders could recall. It coated the houses, it coated the cars, and it coated the streets. The ice was thick and, in many cases, simply refused to return to the liquid state from which...