The week went by faster than a speeding bullet; well not really that fast but if you asked the kids how fast it went by, they'd have said that old Superman saying. When the week started the boys had four weeks until school started but now it was three weeks plus that coming weekend.
Robert did get his payments from the TV station and the reporter, Richard Casey, on Wednesday as planned. It was then Mr. Ken told him of his plans to place all his new found money into a monetary vehicle that would let the money grow for him and be there for when he went off to college. Robert wanted to know why he couldn't have some of it to spend and Mr. Ken asked him what he would spend it on. Robert said he could buy a car in three years. Mr. Ken agreed that would be a good use of his money.
'Dad' Ken then explained to Robert he wanted to make sure that if any of his wayward family ever showed up they would not be able to touch any of his money. Mr. Ken explained to Robert if he had it in a regular account, and an aunt or uncle, or anyone, who took him in they would then have access to it. 'Dad' Ken explained he wanted to make sure Robert would be the only one who could get to the money and only when he went off to college or turned twenty-one. The teen hugged his 'dad' for telling him that and for caring about his future. The young teen also hoped that he'd get to live with his 'dad' Mr. Ken, forever.
Charles had been at The Cove for a month now and the first thing Mr. Ken did was to bug Ms. Judy, the CPS Director, about getting the permission papers that would allow him to take Charles on a trip within Texas. The man hadn't decided where to take Charles but he'd been to Houston with Collin and Robert, so he wanted to do something different.
While Mr. Ken was working on getting the papers for Charles, Robert and Eric came into his Study. Mr. Ken could tell they had something big on their minds by the way they looked back and forth to one another. 'Two peas in a pod', thought Ken Thomas.
"What can I do for you guys?" asked Mr. Ken.
"Ahh, 'dad', you told Eric and me that … well, that this summer … you'd take us to visit some of your amusement parks. We know you've been busy with Charles coming to live here and then with everything after his attempted kidnapping and that followed by his surgery but now … well, now that he's been here a month, ahh, can't he go places within Texas?," Robert finally got out.
"Wow, Robert, you have caught me off guard for sure. I know I told you I'd take you guys to visit a few of my amusement parks, but that was before Charles came to live here. I know that is not a good excuse, but you both know what has transpired during the month of July. Ms. Judy and I have talked about getting Charles his Texas traveling papers, but they won't be here until Monday at the earliest. On top of that, will it be fair to take you two to visit my amusement parks and leave him at home, alone?" calmly asked Mr. Ken.
Eric and Robert talked between themselves for a few moments and then Robert said, "But it isn't fair to us that you sort of promised you'd take us, but because of Charles you're saying we can't go? You know that's not fair either, 'dad'. When you had to go away you had Ms. Mary and Ryan stay with me … why can't they stay with Charles and Ryan can do the same with him by showing him all the pictures and videos and all the hiding places," argued back Robert.
Hearing what Robert had to say was eye opening, to say the least, and it made Mr. Ken lean back in his desk chair and think about what was just said.
"And, 'dad', we only have three weeks left before school starts and that doesn't leave lots of time to schedule those visits," added Robert.
The boys had him there, but he couldn't promise them anything right now because he had to talk to a bunch of people and most of all he had to consider Charles.
Then Robert said, "Don't you have to consider me and take me places, too? We haven't done anything since our Spring Break cruise, 'dad'." With that the lads walked out of the Study.
Ken Thomas felt like he had a mutiny on his hands. He really didn't want Charles to be left out of anything but he knew Robert had a good point. He knew it wasn't fair to Robert and Eric to look forward to something he himself had sort of promised. Now, he needed a way to make two trips happen without upsetting either of his 'son's'. He now had to make a few more phone calls to see if he could set the boys trip up but he also needed to talk to Charles about what might happen. He just hoped the lad would understand.
Robert and Eric didn't go back outside right away. They had told their friends they needed to go inside and talk to Mr. Ken about something. They left Charles out there to do host duties. The two Best Friends sat in the MRS room and talked. Robert asked Eric if he felt he was unfair to his 'dad' and "if the way he talked to him was rude to the man". Eric thought about it a few moments and then told Robert that since his 'dad' hadn't gotten mad at him he mustn't have been too disrespectful.
Outside, the guys were now hot from riding their skateboards, so they decided to go swimming. They went to the changing rooms inside to get into their swim suits and this time, no one hesitated to change in front of anyone. They placed their clothes in the lockers by the indoor pool and then headed out to the water toys. Christy and Megan heard them coming, so they quickly got into position. The lads had gotten used to the two college bound girls being out there and they enjoyed talking to them. Soon, Robert and Eric joined them and they joined in with playing their games. Charles started to join in more and more of their games, but he was still careful about not hurting his butt in case his incision got injured and opened up. He did not want to have to go through those two weeks ever again.
The lads continued to trade off doing the cooking honors for the barbeque, or cookout as it was sometimes called. Robert was usually involved to make sure the new 'cooks' did it right. The thing about having new cooks was they often reminded him about the day he burned the burgers and people were left with mostly hot dogs to eat that day. Today, Josh and Cody volunteered to do the honors. Of course other lads went in to help set up. They had to get the burgers and dogs out of the freezer as well as get the buns and condiments. Others had to get the iced sodas, which they had begun cooling down before they even began skating that day. And another group of lads brought out the plates, utensils, cups and anything else that was needed.
As the lads ate, they all talked about only having three weeks before school started. Some of the boys mentioned they were going to go on a trip before then because they hadn't done anything yet that summer. Then the lads asked Charles and Robert where Mr. Ken planned to take them, since he hadn't taken them anywhere yet. Robert and Eric knew they had talked to Mr. Ken but they couldn't say anything until Mr. Ken actually confirmed it. Charles had only just got there a month ago, so he told them he probably wouldn't go anywhere since CPS had rules for foster kids regarding when they can go places.
When it came time for the lads to go home, everyone went up to the Main Gate and waited for their parents. Mr. Ken avoided going up there knowing Joyce was constantly trying to get him aside and to get him to make a date with her. Even Camm was wise to her actions and he didn't want her to interfere with his friends and the fun he was having at Three Finger Cove.
When everyone had gone home, the Covers sat down to dinner. Momma Maria made a simple bacon covered meatloaf and offered mashed potatoes, gravy and corn and green beans. The meal began with a small side salad and fresh bread and butter. While Mr. Ken and his boys ate dinner they talked about what to do for the rest of the summer before school began.
'Dad' Ken told Charles that his in-state travel papers should be there early next week and he asked the lad where he might want to go somewhere in Texas. Mr. Ken told the boy he'd been to Houston and they've seen the Battleship Texas and many of the other things over that way so he asked the lad to choose someplace else for them to go.
Charles asked if Robert was going to go along, but Mr. Ken said that this trip was for just the two of them saying he'd taken Robert to Houston and on a Disney cruise and now it was his turn to have a trip with just the two of them. Charles asked who was going to stay with Robert and 'dad' Ken said he would ask Ms. Judy if she'd watch him and Eric. That was news to Robert and he was going to call Eric after dinner and tell him the good news. That was until 'dad' Ken asked Robert NOT to say anything because he hadn't asked Ms. Judy yet.
Charles said he'd get on the computer after dinner and look for someplace they could go. He then wanted to know if there were a dollar value he had to stay within. 'Dad' Ken assured him that money was no object and for him to look throughout the state for places to go and things to see.
After dinner, Charles went up to his room to check the computer. Mr. Ken then sat down with Robert and talked to him about the trip he promised him and Eric. He first told him that Ms. Mary and Ryan were not available to stay with Charles as they had planned a trip of their own before Ryan goes off to college. Mr. Ken added that when they came back they had to finalize Ryan's stuff he was taking to school with him. The man told the teen that he was not finished asking people but there weren't many more he could ask to help him.
Mr. Ken told Robert that he has his people making plans for at least him to travel because the parks have been after him to visit and inspect them. 'Dad' Ken told Robert he'd have already been there at least once but with all the things that went on at the end of school and Charles' arrival he just couldn't make it there. He did tell the teen that if he and Eric got to go, all he'd have to do is add two bodies to the list and off they'd go, but if he went by himself he had the same problem, as to who would watch him and his 'brother'.
What 'dad' Ken and Robert didn't know was that Charles had come back down to ask a question about where they could go. When he got to the door to the Study, he heard the two talking about Robert and Eric going with Mr. Ken to visit his amusement parks. Charles also heard how his 'dad' was looking for someone to stay with the preteen and or Robert if he didn't get to go. It was then Charles entered the Study.
"Ahh, 'dad', I'm sorry … but I heard you and Robert talking about you taking him and Eric to visit your amusement parks. I know that as a foster kid you can't go places until you've been at the new home for a certain amount of time, so I … I won't mind staying home. But if Ryan and his mom can't stay here with me where can I go and who can watch me?" said Charles.
"'Son', that is what I tried to do earlier today. I asked Ms. Mary, but as you probably heard she and Ryan are already going on a trip and won't have time when they get back. I will make a few more calls. I also need to find someone to stay with Robert when we go on our own trip. I plan on asking Ms. Judy, but she doesn't know that yet, so I ask you not to mention it to Eric. Things will all work out I am sure. I just need a few days to see what I can do. Can both of you boy's trust 'dad' to make it all happen?" smiled Mr. Ken, as he tried to reduce any bad feelings because things might not go as the boys wanted.
"Boys, with Charles going to be able to travel now, what say we plan a trip to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Sea World before school begins. I'll let you each bring at least one friend when we go. I know that will cause you a problem as to who do you pick out of all the good friends you have," mentioned 'dad' Ken.
"But what if some of our friends already have season passes?" asked Robert.
"Do you know if some do?" returned Mr. Ken.
"I'm not sure, but I've heard some of them talk about getting season passes earlier in the summer. I'm just not sure if they did or which park they got them for," replied Robert. "Should I ask around?"
'Dad' Ken wasn't sure if he wanted to be responsible for upwards of 20 lads without additional chaperones. He liked all the boys, but it was a big concern to many of the parents when he took them to the water park, so he knew he'd need at least two more adults to go with him. He told Robert to casually ask who may have their own season pass, but for neither of the boys to mention their potential trip. Both lads agreed to his terms.
After they talked about their trips, the three Covers went down to the Theater to watch a movie. By eleven o'clock they were all bedded down for the night. Even Chief made it an early night.
Mr. Ken was up at 8:15 as usual and went out and got his paper and then stopped by the coffee maker for his first cup of coffee. He sat down to read and relax when a thought came to his mind. Mr. Ken began to realize that being a foster dad to two lads was much more difficult than when it was just Collin or Robert, alone. He just figured he'd have to learn how to juggle things and this summer trip was one thing he needed to learn how to juggle.
As the man went back to his morning paper, the doorbell rang. He wasn't expecting anyone and since he was the only one up and about, he got up and went to see who was at the Foyer Door.
When Mr. Ken opened the door he saw a familiar face. "Deputy Dan, to what do we owe the pleasure of your company?" teased the owner of The Cove.
'Morning, Mr. Ken," said Dan Fischer, Sheriff, Deputy, "I thought I'd stop by and personally thank you and your boys for visiting me at the hospital. You were one of the first and virtually only civilians who did visit me. May I come in?"
"Yes, by all means Deputy Dan, but you can drop the mister and just call me Ken. That mister stuff, at my age, is beginning to get to me," replied Ken.
"Sure, I can drop the mister … as long as you can drop the Deputy when I'm not in uniform," laughed Dan.
The two men walked back to the Kitchen Nook and Ken got Dan a fresh cup of coffee. The lads were still in bed, so the men just talked about things in general. Ken, of course, had to ask about Dan's injury and when he was on track to get back to work. Dan told Ken he wasn't allowed to go back on duty until after Labor Day, and he wasn't very happy about that but doctor's orders and all.
It was about then that they heard the clicking of dog feet on the ceramic tiles and low and behold Chief came walking into the Kitchen Nook. Chief went to Mr. Ken first and got her first ear scratches of the day. Then, when her first master shooed her away, she went over to Dan and begged him for some scratches. The men had to laugh at the dog's antics.
The men talked about the shootout that got Dan injured and what was happening to those arrested. Dan told Ken that the three killed were three of the five that Charles had identified as the ones who did those unthinkable things to him. That concerned Ken that Charles would still have to testify, but Dan assured him that Sergeant Matthias wasn't going to push for that. Dan said that because of all the charges they had on them, it would put them away for more than twenty-five years, anyway.
The lads finally came down for breakfast and they hugged their 'dad' and said 'Hi' to Deputy Dan. They immediately went to the freezer and they each took out three breakfast burritos. They unwrapped them, put them into the microwave, set the timer and waited. Five minutes later, all six burritos were hot and the lads had gotten their morning drink of choice, orange juice, and joined the two men at the table.
"Deputy Dan, what brings you here so early?" asked Charles.
"Oh, nothing like beating around the bush, ehh" teased Dan. "I actually came by to thank you guys for visiting me at the hospital. You were one of the first and practically only civilians who did come out to visit. I guess I am not all that well known, or I've made a big bunch of enemies out there," added a chuckling Dan Fischer.
"I can't believe that, Deputy Dan," spoke up Charles, "You are one of the neatest policemen I know, of course I only know one, and that's you," now smiled Charles, "but you really are a good guy! Look at what you did for me after Smokey tried to kidnap me and how well you kept our 'dad' informed about what was happening during the arrest of Smokey and his gang. You are one great policeman as far as I'm concerned!"
"Yeah, I agree with my 'brother'," added Robert. "You've been there for us and have treated us like we were family. You always have a smile for us and we can count on you. Yes, you are not only a good policeman but you are a great family friend!"
The boys went back to eating their burritos and the men got another cup of coffee. Dan thought about what the boys had said about him and he really did appreciate that these two young lads looked at him in that way. Being a single man didn't get him around kids all that often. He remembered back ever since he met Collin, three plus years ago, he enjoyed being around the older teen and now Ken's two new foster boys. Just thinking that made him smile. He only wished he could interact with a kid or two.
As Dan sat there in his own thoughts, Robert was talking to Mr. Ken about their summer trips. Mr. Ken reminded his 'son' that he made a phone call yesterday and it was still a bit early to make phone calls yet today.
When Dan focused on their conversation, he heard the teen pushing his 'dad' to make some phone calls and to hurry up and find someone to stay with Charles and then him, so they both can get their summer trips in before school started.
"What's this Ken? Are you looking for someone to babysit your boys for you?" smiled Dan.
"He's NOT looking for a babysitter for us, Deputy Dan," said an upset Charles. "He wants to take me on a 'dad' and 'son' trip like he did for my 'brothers' Collin and Robert. He's called Mary and Ryan but they already made plans and then Ryan has to get ready to head off to college. He hasn't called Ms. Judy and that is what Robert is anxious for him to do to see if she can help us out." Fully explained Charles.
Dan sat there thinking about what Charles said and that he'd like to do some interacting with some kids and if he volunteered to help it would give him some 'baptism under fire' and he'd know if that was something he did want to get involved in.
"Ken … what about asking me … to help out?" directly asked Dan Fischer.
"Dan … do you know what you would be getting yourself into, here?" laughed Ken Thomas.
"Well, I am available and I have nothing scheduled until after Labor Day," offered Dan.
Robert and Charles looked on with hopeful eyes. "Come on 'dad', this is what you were looking for," spoke up Robert. "This way you don't have to beg anybody to stay with us. You have someone begging you to let him stay with us," now chuckled the young teenager with Charles joining in.
The part about Dan begging to stay with the boys brought a round of laughs from everyone. Even Chief joined in the conversation with a few "Woof, Woof, Woof's" of her own.
"Dan … do you really want to volunteer to do this? I planned to take Charles for three days next week to a place he has yet to tell me," sarcastically said Mr. Ken, as he looked directly at Charles.
"Okay, okay when I finish breakfast I'll go upstairs, and I'll find a place for us to go," said Charles.
"Why don't you head up to the Dallas-Fort Worth area?" said Dan. "They have Rangers baseball, a Six Flags, a nice Aquarium and a SpeedZone as well," added the Deputy. "If this was November you could possibly catch a NASCAR race over a weekend."
"'Dad', that place sounds awesome. Could we go there?" perked up Charles.
"Dan, are you sure? If so, you can use one of the guest en suites upstairs. Mr. Chris is here from about 9 AM until 4 PM, or so depending on his doctor appointments, or if the boys make him go crazy due to all the noise they make out on the ramps," smiled The Cove's owner.
"Yes, I am ready to do something different, and since I am off until after Labor Day this will let me see what living in the fast lane is all about. I do get to use your boat and personal watercraft, don't I?" asked a smirking Dan Fischer.
"As long as you have passed the Coast Guard training course, you can," replied Ken.
"Deal! Well, I hope it is a deal. I should ask the boys if they are ready to have a policeman watch over them 24/7 for a few days. What do you say Robert, Charles?" finished Dan.
"I'm all for it," spoke up Robert. "'Dad' and Charles will only be gone for three days, so I guess I could put up with you for that long," replied Robert, with a big shit-eating grin on his face.
Dan reached over and messed Robert's hair and smiled back at him and said, "I'll make sure I put you through a basic training course for those three days so that you'll be too tired to go anywhere with Mr. Ken."
"You wouldn't do that… would you?" a shocked Robert asked.
"Sure," smiled back Dan, and then he added, "NOT!"
"Oooohh, I'm gonna get you for that," smiled Robert.
Ken told Dan he'd have to call him with the exact dates, but if he were serious about staying with the boys for three days the first time and at least seven days the second time he wasn't going to refuse a deal like that. Mr. Ken then invited Dan to move his things over and use one of the guest en suites and get used to the place before the trip. Robert and Charles looked at one another like this could be fun and then bumped fists.
Dan told Ken he was serious, but couldn't get over there until tomorrow, at the earliest, as he needed to get caught up on his laundry. Ken laughed and told the man to follow him. The two went down to the laundry room where four High Efficiency washers and dryers were sitting and waiting for someone to use them. Ken also showed Dan the ironing board and steam iron he could use to freshen up his shirts and pants if necessary.
With the offer to use The Cove's washers and dryers, Dan told his friend he'd be back in a couple of hours. Ken told him to follow him back to the Study where he'd give the Deputy a key and his own alarm code to the house, so he could come and go as he needed. Dan smiled at the generosity of the man, but wasn't about to refuse the offer.
Charles went up to his room and got on the computer and looked up the Ranger's game schedule and learned they had a home game on both Tuesday and Wednesday night. He also saw that Six Flags was only a mile or so away and there were a couple of hotels nearby, but one hotel was located right across the street from the amusement park. The preteen also found out where the aquarium was located. Charles also saw that there was a waterpark across from Six Flags called Hurricane Harbor. Now he had four things they could do. What he needed to find out now was when they would get there. That way, he could make a plan for the three days they would be there.
Robert went to his room and called Eric to tell him the good news. He told his Best Friend that Deputy Dan was going to stay with them while the others went on their trip. That made Eric extremely happy and, after the two hung up, he quickly told his mom about the possibility of a long trip to visit Mr. Ken's amusement parks with Robert.
Judy Turner listened to her son's exuberance and when the lad went to change before going over to The Cove, she called Mr. Ken.
"Hello, Three Finger Cove," was how Ken Thomas answered the phone.
"Hello, there Ken, Judy here … Eric tells me you corralled Dan Fischer into watching your boys while you're gone on some upcoming trips?"
"Yes, he actually volunteered. He stopped by this morning and during my talk with the boys about finding someone to stay with them while one lad and I and then the other and I go on some trips before school started, he volunteered. Don't tell me that I need CPS permission to have someone watch the lads while I am gone, Judy?" a now anxious Ken Thomas asked, hoping that wasn't the case.
"Actually, no, Ken. But, even if there were, Dan Fischer would be readily accepted to help you out verses some like, let's say … Joyce Cambelle," laughed Judy.
"Phew, you had me worried that I wasn't going to be able to take the boys on their planned trips," replied Ken.
"I knew you had told the boys that you would take them to visit your amusement parks, but with the addition of Charles, I was wondering how you were ever going to be able to do that. But with Dan volunteering, I think you got the better part of that deal," teased Judy.
"I thank you, Judy. But, Dan was serious about wanting to help me out. He isn't allowed to go back to work until after Labor Day and I think he felt he was going to be bored until then. This way he gets a mini-vacation at a 5-star resort, and I get someone reliable to watch over the boys for me. It's a WIN-WIN, as I see it," Replied Ken.
"So when are you taking these trips?" asked Judy.
"Well, Charles and I will go this coming week. I don't have any dates yet, because I need to call my travel agency and let them know what I want to do. Then, for Robert and Eric, we'll probably leave on Saturday or Sunday. That trip will be at least seven days or longer depending on the weather and how much fun we're all having," honestly revealed Ken Thomas.
"That is good to know. That way I can have Eric's clothes ready to go. So, you say seven days. I guess I should plan on ten days just in case," said Judy.
The two talked for a few more minutes and then Charles came into the Study all excited about what he found in Dallas for them to do. With that, Ken and Judy hung up and promised to talk more about the travel plans when they were made.
"What you got there, 'son'?" asked 'dad'.
"I looked up the Ranger's baseball home game schedule and they play a Tuesday and a Wednesday night game. Depending on when we get there we could do Hurricane Harbor, a water park that's located across from Six Flags, or the aquarium. I also looked up SpeedZone, the place Deputy Dan mentioned, and it looks like fun. There is a La Quinta hotel right across the street from Six Flags and the Ranger's ballpark is only a mile or so away. I hope we can get to stay at the LaQuinta because it is centrally located for everything but the aquarium and SpeedZone, 'dad'," the excited preteen said.
The two talked more about what Charles found out and 'dad' did agree that all of those things sounded fun and they could easily fill up their three days for sure. He told the lad he'd call his travel agents and get them working on that itinerary. Charles hugged the man and then went outside to catch up with all his friends.
The talk out at the skateboard ramps was that Sheriff Deputy Dan Fischer was going to be staying at The Cove for a few weeks and that Charles and Mr. Ken were going on a trip to Dallas next week and Robert, Eric and Mr. Ken were going to visit some of Mr. Ken's amusement parks the following week. All the lads were happy for their friends. Some were concerned, though, how that would affect them coming over to The Cove.
Then, Robert remembered to ask about the Season Passes. He generally asked if anyone had them and if they were worth getting. When asked why he wanted to know Robert told them if they were a good deal then maybe he'd ask for them for Christmas.
Robert learned that only two of their friends had Season Passes to Six Flags, but they were going away next week. Then Eric said he and his mom had them two summers ago but because where they live it was a long ride to get there and even a longer one getting back, if they stayed all day. Of course, he also added that they didn't have lots of time to go because of his mom's job. The lads who've been there said they enjoyed it as long as you enjoyed roller coasters and the Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park were fun to go to, as well. Robert chalked that all up in his head. He decided he'd talk to his 'dad' later tonight about what he found out.
As the lads enjoyed skating on the ramps, they saw a strange car arrive at The Cove. The reduced guard presence and streamlined entrance process, meant that if the guards knew you or you were expected they let you into the estate. Then they saw a man walk around the corner of the house. It was Deputy Dan Fischer.
"Hello, boys," called out Dan, as he came up to the lads.
"Hi, Deputy Fischer," called out the lads in a sing-song manner, as they are prone to do in school. It made Dan smile to himself.
"I suppose you heard I will be a guest here at The Cove for a few weeks. I hope that won't interfere with your normal activities while I am here because that is not my intention. If you feel like I am cramping your style, don't be afraid to say something to me. It is not my intention. While Mr. Ken is gone, I will have access to the Commander and the PWCs so I hope we can at least use them.
"I recognize a few of your faces, but I hope I get to know all of you boys during the time I am a guest here. Also, remember, besides me being here, Mr. Chris will also be here during the day, so when Mr. Ken is gone and you have any problems you should go to him first. If he can't help you, then by all means ask me. I'll see what I can do. Do any of you have any questions for me?" finished up Dan Fischer.
The boys looked around at one another and seeing no one had a question, Dan said in departing, "And don't forget to tell your parents that I will be staying here while Mr. Ken takes either Charles or Robert with him. I think they will be relieved to know you are still being chaperoned by two adults while you are here. I just wanted to meet you lads and I'm sure we'll talk some more soon."
The lads talked about what Dan Fischer had said and then they asked again how his being there might affect their coming to The Cove. Robert told them that it shouldn't affect it at all. He said either he or Charles would be there and they can come by unless something comes up that would change it. The lads seemed relieved at hearing that.
The boys skated and when they got hot they all headed to the dressing rooms at the indoor pool and changed into their swim suits. Christy and Megan were waiting for the lads and when they saw them head into the house by the indoor pool they knew they'd be out there soon so they got ready.
The lads were soon out on the water toys and having the time of their young lives. They had only three more weeks of freedom before school began, so they made the best of the day. So far they've had no real rains, to speak of, but they knew it couldn't last much longer. They knew that when it finally rained it probably would cool off the water some and fall would soon follow.