Times 10 challenge, Sapphires Short story Options

[Rhymer]

[size="4"][/size]Ten Words - Mini Story

journeyman
traveler
railroad
leveret
freeway
overpass
weigh station
patrolman
hitchhiker
tuna fish

He was a regular Railroad Traveller being a Journeyman of considerable acquired skills. As an expert in Railway affairs he, unannounced, would call in at a Weigh Station along the Line, to check on their security and effecient operation. Once his duties were done, he’d often take time to relax with a flask of coffee and a Tuna Fish sandwich, or stand alongside the nearby Freeway where, at times he’d chat with a passing Hitchhiker, or a familiar Patrolman - one occasionally met, that he knew. At times, he’d walk a few yards further down the road, where the Freeway crossed the railway line. There he’d lean on the Overpass buttress , just to watch the traffic go by. On one occasion, he had watched an impatient Leveret dash madly across the busy highway. Holding his breath until it reached the pastures on the other side - seemingly unaware of speeding traffic, whose drivers were intent only on arriving at their intended destination, he had heaved a sigh of relief, once it made it safely across! Relaxing, he returned to the station, andthen home. His work for the day, done.

Flask
Security
Pastures
Buttress
Occasion
Freeway
Traveller
Overpass
Railroad
Patrolman. Rhymer. June 7th, 2020.

[Psyche]

[/size]Ten Words - Mini Story

journeyman
traveler
railroad
leveret
freeway
overpass
weigh station
patrolman
hitchhiker
tuna fish

He was a regular Railroad Traveller being a Journeyman of considerable acquired skills. As an expert in Railway affairs he, unannounced, would call in at a Weigh Station along the Line, to check on their security and effecient operation. Once his duties were done, he’d often take time to relax with a flask of coffee and a Tuna Fish sandwich, or stand alongside the nearby Freeway where, at times he’d chat with a passing Hitchhiker, or a familiar Patrolman - one occasionally met, that he knew. At times, he’d walk a few yards further down the road, where the Freeway crossed the railway line. There he’d lean on the Overpass buttress , just to watch the traffic go by. On one occasion, he had watched an impatient Leveret dash madly across the busy highway. Holding his breath until it reached the pastures on the other side - seemingly unaware of speeding traffic, whose drivers were intent only on arriving at their intended destination, he had heaved a sigh of relief, once it made it safely across! Relaxing, he returned to the station, andthen home. His work for the day, done.

Flask
Security
Pastures
Buttress
Occasion
Freeway
Traveller
Overpass
Railroad
Patrolman. Rhymer. June 7th, 2020.

[size="4"]That's an excellent short story, I think the best so far. Don't tell Daniel! I've just finished the word challenges, so I'll return tomorrow, if at all possible. Many thanks for joining our tiny team, God bless and keep safe, Sylvia

[Psyche]

Sorry, I can't get the format right tonight. Must be tired.

[JustDaniel]

traveler
buttress
railroad
freeway
overpass
pasture
occasion
patrolman
security
flask

I was a weary traveler sleeping at the buttress of the railroad freeway overpass after traipsing through pasture of high grass all day. On this particular occasion as I awoke, a patrolman had discovered me and was concerned for my security, so I shared with him a flask of bourbon for his kindness.

occasion
security
pasture
flask
manure
bullock
tractor
posthole
lanyard
storm fence

[Rhymer]

[size="4"][/size

occasion
security
pasture
flask
manure
bullock
tractor
posthole
lanyard
storm fence


It was obvious the Security of the Storm Fence leading to the Pasture was broken. With no signs of the prize Bullock to be seen, it was an Occasion to cause concern. Only evidence to be seen of its disappearance, were Tractor tyre imprints in Manure: a Post Hole where the fence had been, whilst lying on the ground, one could see a broken Lanyard lclose to a broken Flask,

Tractor
Security
Occasion
Bullock
Lanyard
Gatehouse
Sawdust
Staples
Barbed Wire
Spade

[Psyche]

Clever mini story, Denis. I'll not try now, just finished the word challenges over in Acropolis.
It's raining cats and dogs here, only had time for a short walk in the mud...arrgh!
All the best, Sylvia

[JustDaniel]

gatehouse
tractor
lanyard
bullock
barbed wire
sawdust
staples
occasion
security
spade

The rancher appears out of the gatehouse wearing the key to his tractor on a lanyard around his neck. On the way to the tractor he realizes that a bullock has somehow gotten loose in his field but is stuck on barbed wire, dragging a fence post behind him. He cuts off the fence post with his chainsaw, creating a cloud of sawdust. Brushing it aside he removes the staples holding the wire and carefully removes the barbs from the bullock. He takes this occasion, for security, to repair the fence, digging out the post hole with his spade and replaces the post and the barbed wire, securing it again with staples.

sawdust
staples
security
spade
boat yard
dock
stern
gasoline
cooler
teak

[Rhymer]

[size="4"
sawdust
staples
security
spade
boat yard
dock
stern
gasoline
cooler
teak

The scene in the Boat yard, was utter chaos! The Dock was littered with Sawdust, Staples and a battered old “Cooler” ditched along with a Spade and other debris. Even a Teak cross thwart Stern seat, salvaged from an old Naval Cutter, lay abandoned, along with an old Gasoline can - battered and useless. What tales this mish mash of items could tell, given a voice? Why would Security be of importance to whomsoever owned the boat yard? Maybe safeguarding memories, of times and events about which we’ll never know? Even a vivid imagination cannot shed light on the circumstances surrounding this - somewhat unusual - collection of back water trash. Perhaps in a following chapter, we’ll get to know more of its history, as more artefacts are uncovered in a future search. Presently, these are little more than possible memories of an Old Man of the Sea.

Epaulette
Tholepin
Linen
Spigot
Sailcloth
security
spade
boat yard
dock
Quarterdeck[/size]

[Rhymer]

For some obscure reason this posting would not accept a change of Font Size. After four attempts, I gave up! rhymer.

[Psyche]

For some obscure reason this posting would not accept a change of Font Size. After four attempts, I gave up! rhymer.

Same here, Denis, as you well know. But your story is the work of a genius, your knowledge stretches far and wide. I had to re-read it several times to get the gist of it. I'll come back for another read, as my mind is blown away by your imagination. I just managed to finish the word challenges. I hope you continue with the stories. This is not a competition, at least I've not noticed anything of the sort. I enjoy it thoroughly, especially when they are amusing as well as educational.
BTW, I've also had cataracts for about 2 decades. I was told I needed surgery immediately, but when I got home I began thinking: I can see perfectly with my specs on, what's the hurry? So here in Patagonia I went to another specialist, he prescribed stronger lens and shook hands. I said: But the cataracts? He had another look and said I would probably never need surgery. So I'm praying that yours will grow as slowly as mine, Denis. Being vegetarian helps, but I wouldn't ask you to become one, it's a choice that was forced upon me, because I began to find all meats disgusting.
Excuse this long story, greetings and goodwill to you and Pauline. Sylvia

[Rhymer]

NB:

[size="4"]Not sure I should be adding a following Chapter to my earlier Mini Story,uUsing my listing of words? Bbut here goes anyway. Probably ignoring or breaking the Rules yet again. Yesterday's showers gave me a small window of opportunity to exercise my "little grey cells| as Agatha's Poirot would say! They needed some exercise.

His Epaulette was a sign denoting his rank. He a mere Lieutenant - no more - was charged with overseeing the ship’s lifeboats. His morning routine was to supervise the inspection of Tholepin and Oar and remained clean and easily accessed. All dross such as bird droppings removed. Besides this he ensured Sailcloth was to hand. This for weather protection - if needed - and his duty included checking Security, and had not been breached. The ship’s canvas, was made from strong Linen, and was a necessity many a shipwrecked sailor had found most useful. Some lifeboats even carried a small, short handled spade, which was useful at times a boat reached shore. This was regarded as a necessity in many Boat Yards all around the coast, and so it had become a very important addition to many a ship’s lifeboat over the years. Generally attached to the bilge Spigot exhaust at the stern of a boat, it was readily available, at all times. After his spell of duty the Lieutenant would advance to the Quarterdeck and make his report to the Duty Officer of the Day. His morning duties carried out, he would dismiss his men and retire to the wardroom, or take a walk along the Dock if the ship was in harbour, until required for more duties. Rhymer.

Quarterdeck
Dock
Anchor
Hawser
Matelot
Security
Boat Yard
Captain
Boatswain - Bosun
Spade

[Psyche]

NB:

[size="4"]Not sure I should be adding a following Chapter to my earlier Mini Story,uUsing my listing of words? Bbut here goes anyway. Probably ignoring or breaking the Rules yet again. Yesterday's showers gave me a small window of opportunity to exercise my "little grey cells| as Agatha's Poirot would say! They needed some exercise.

His Epaulette was a sign denoting his rank. He a mere Lieutenant - no more - was charged with overseeing the ship’s lifeboats. His morning routine was to supervise the inspection of Tholepin and Oar and remained clean and easily accessed. All dross such as bird droppings removed. Besides this he ensured Sailcloth was to hand. This for weather protection - if needed - and his duty included checking Security, and had not been breached. The ship’s canvas, was made from strong Linen, and was a necessity many a shipwrecked sailor had found most useful. Some lifeboats even carried a small, short handled spade, which was useful at times a boat reached shore. This was regarded as a necessity in many Boat Yards all around the coast, and so it had become a very important addition to many a ship’s lifeboat over the years. Generally attached to the bilge Spigot exhaust at the stern of a boat, it was readily available, at all times. After his spell of duty the Lieutenant would advance to the Quarterdeck and make his report to the Duty Officer of the Day. His morning duties carried out, he would dismiss his men and retire to the wardroom, or take a walk along the Dock if the ship was in harbour, until required for more duties. Rhymer.

Quarterdeck
Dock
Anchor
Hawser
Matelot
Security
Boat Yard
Captain
Boatswain - Bosun
Spade

Dear Denis, you can certainly answer your own mini stories. Lori is not here...lol.
I've just done the challenges and will take a nap now, maybe my brain cells will have rejuvenated by then. Ciao!

[Rhymer]

Mini Story New Chapter.

Quarterdeck
Dock
Anchor
Hawser
Matelot
Security
Boat Yard
Captain
Boatswain - Bosun
Spade

Although the ship lay at Anchor close to the Dock, still the Quarterdeck played an important role in everyday life of life aboard a ship. Security though Number One in priority, would be left to the quartermaster. He with the Captain, and the Bosun, would, with the Boat Yard nearby, double check arrangements.
Flagging the ship’s Hawser would warn passing ships, it was there, so passing ships would steer clear.
When sitting in a dry dock for maintenance and repairs, a razor sharp Spade - kept solely for the purpose - would be used to remove barnacles and other marine deposits, from around the hull at the water line, and below, before a fresh paint was applied. A Matelot’s life, be it at sea or in harbour, was never a time for idleness.

Quarterdeck
Boatswain
Dockyard
Anchor
Captain
Barnacles
Gantry
Rivets
Galley
Gang Plank

Thanks - I'll accept your verdict Sylvie. It's becoming more of a diary and observation I had made - much earlier - when HMS Tyne sat atop huge wooden blocks in the dry dock in Sasebo Harbour, Japan for hull maintenance. Late 1953. Going ashore - naval terminology - though really not at sea - was quite the scary walk. Gang Plank was very high and long from the ship to the dockside and bounced wildly if more than one Rating walked across it at a time. Personnel had to go singly as and when they went ashore. Only after the leading walker reached the dockside, were you allowed to take your turn! About forty feet from the ship to the bottom of the dry dock!
Hope you enjoy? Rhymer.

[Rhymer]

New Chapter #3 Present Mini Story

Quarterdeck
Boatswain
Dockyard
Anchor
Captain
Barnacles
Gantry
Rivets
Galley
Gang Plank

A sailor joining his ship, at any time, stood at the edge of the Quarterdeck and snapped a salute towards the Ensign flying at the bow of the ship or to the Duty Officer who was present, before heading below. Tied up at the Dockyard an Anchor was not required nor dropped, but a Gangplank was. Sometimes one was situated amidships, and another near the stern. The ‘after’ gangplank wsa used mainly to allow the Boatswain to supervise the delivery of supplies, without the need for those coming on board to salute. Most deliveries were for the Galley if in small quantities, and mail, whereaas larger heavy and bulky supplies were lowered to the ship’s hold by means of a Gantry. Few of the daily deliveries were of concern to the Captain. Only important visitors warranted his personal presence - always at the quarterdeck..

Two things are surely found on every ship, no matter what their size. Along with welded metal plates, steel Rivets are used as the means to build a ship of any size. Together they ensure a ship is water tight. On the other side however, below the water line, Barnacles attach themselves to any hull - be it wooden or metal - when sitting at anchor.

I'm adding another Chapter to this Mini Story but not adding any words for a follow-up. I wonder if any of the remaining Members might like to either add some that may be seen as a continuation of my "Story" or perhaps put ten words up as a fresh possibility? I feel I am beginning to 'hog' this, and would like to have some 'input' for either possibility. What say you? I'm sweating out very warm, high humidity days that could prove a little dangerous to me at my age. Not the correct physical make-up nor am I acclimatised in such a short period of time. Reminds me of Singapore - way back when! Took me months to acclimatise - never did truly! What say anyone reading? Ciao for now. Denis.

[Psyche]

Dear Denis, I'll add new words tomorrow. You're not hogging this, it's just that Daniel has had knee surgery and is in great pain. I'm praying he has a quick recovery and no pain.
Myself, with this lockdown, I have all the housework and garden to tend to on my own. I also contribute poetry to several websites, so that takes time and also crits and comments.
If you wish to continue with ship jargon, please do. I read your stories with great interest and learn a lot. So if you don't see my new list tomorrow, please continue, I'll do my best and, as I said, I expect Daniel will return soon. Hope so.
Keep safe, all the best, Sylvia

[JustDaniel]

Since you did not add five or six new words, Denis, I'm adding six of my own (which makes it easier for me, of course!)

anchor
captain
barnacles
reggae
rivets
elbows
deferred
cuisine
grouper
souse

After we dropped anchor here in the Bahamas, I let the captain know that I was going to go scrape off some of my barnacles by giving it a try on the dance floors of some of the many reggae, calypso, ripsaw and goombay joints scattered about the island. It didn't take long to realize that my body is not up to that type of activity, and my joints function more like rivets attacking my knees, hips, ankles and even elbows, so I deferred to the Bahamian cuisine. I particularly enjoyed their seared grouper with grits, souse and rum cake. I returned to the ship tired and sated.

elbows
deferred
cuisine
grouper
souse
island
palm
beach
calypso
kettledrum

[Psyche]

Once again, you've made me laugh, Daniel. Very good story!
I haven't taken part for a while. How are you? Has the surgery helped? Praying for your speedy recovery.
I'll try to answer this challenge tomorrow. Depends, because I'm having some furniture and other stuff re-arranged and/or repaired. If it snows, the man won't come and I'll have time.
Keep safe and painless, Sylvia

[Rhymer]

Mini Story continuation.
elbows
deferred
cuisine
grouper
souse
island
palm
beach
calypso
kettledrum

Feeling tired and worn and half Soused, after I had Deferred to the Chef’s suggestion, and dined on the local, mouth watering Cuisine of marinated Grouper, I was completely exhausted! So I sat with my Elbows on the table, to consider my next move? I had arrived at this small Island resort earlier, where the sounds of Calypso echoing out over the Beach had decided me to stay awhile. An Island where Palm lined shores, seemed to sway in time to the never ending hypnotic beat of a Kettledrum I could hear from across the Caribbean waters, Paradise or? Only time would tell. Rhymer.

Hypnotic
Caribbean
Exhausted
Chef
Echoing
Piper
Snapper
Stripper
Snake
Samba.

[JustDaniel]

Thank you for your concern, Sylvia. Got word Wednesday morning that I'll be discharged from the rehab next Friday morning or early afternoon. Physical therapy is going well, and the pain is dissipating. With the help of my Rollator I've been able to walk the halls without pain, so the greater stability of the bottom half of the joint (which was replaced) seems to be doing the trick we'd hoped for. I'd evidently slightly re-torn the patellar tendon, which the surgeon repaired by drilling a couple of holes in my knee cap to lace the tendon with surgical thread to it. I'll resume therapy after discharge, continuing hopefully to be eventually able to walk again with my cane. At least that is my goal. The surgery also slightly increased the length of my leg to bring in closer to normal, which will help my ability to stand with less pain in my opposite hip.

Thanks for your prayers and encouraging words.

Denis, great story. I'll hopefully be back to either tackle your word list or Sylvia's, depending on which of us arrives first, perhaps tomorrow. deLighting to share, Daniel

[JustDaniel]

Caribbean
samba
stripper
echoing
piper
chef
snapper
hypnotic
snake
exhausted

My second day visiting the Caribbean island would not find me attempting the samba or visiting some stripper joint; that's for sure. The pain of my first day fighting my age was echoing in my mind; you have to pay the piper, and I had run out of that kind of funds. I visited one of the chefs of whom I had become fond yesterday, and thoroughly enjoyed his grilled snapper. For entertainment i enjoyed the hypnotic performance of the snake charmer and all of the fantastic music. Once again i returned to the ship absolutely exhausted, but enjoyed a wonderful night's sleep.

samba
stripper
echoing
hypnotic
chocolate
goombay
ambulance
fire truck
axe
litter