11. Mini Vacation

                                    

                                          
The night we arrived, Francine and Teddy had dinner cooked.  The men wanted to have have an early night because they would be up early to go fishing. 
We all laughed and Teddy was eager to go fishing with the guys to have a guys day of fun.
We all cleaned up and the guys went to bed before eight. We teased them for being early birds.  This was suppose to us relaxing and ENJOYING the views.
Francine, Jane and I cooked Smores and just sat around the deck with the heat lamps on playing cards and catching up with one another. Us gals finally hit the hay after three thirty and slightly tipsy. 
Our husbands were up at four thirty. I just looked at Charles and told him to "have fun but be safe." I kissed him by and fell back to sleep.  Teddy kissed me while I was still asleep.  I heard him head outside. Jane woke up with Bryan, she kissed him. I walked outside and told  them l all, " don't over do it too much. Be 
safe." I was in a playful mood and jumped in Maura's bed to wake her up. " Jane not now. It's too early and my head hurts." Jane brought me back some Tylenol and water to drink. I laid back down and Jane cuddled me like we did many, many years ago. We both fell back to sleep. We woke up after we heard Francine up making breakfast and coffee. Maura and I dragged ourselves out of her bed. We freshened up and went to the lounge area. Francine had brought up coffee and breakfast for us all. " I  still cannot believe you two still cuddle each other. I went to knock on Jane's door when her alarm clock went off and she didn't turn it off.  I thought something was wrong and noticed she was gone. Jane left your bedroom door open I am assuming and saw you all cuddled. So sweet you two gals still do that."
                          
We ate and figured our day out. Jane wanted to go the artesian stores she wanted to pick up some shampoo,  and other hair products that she likes to stock up when she comes instead of having them ship to her. Jane has been doing this for over 12 years now.
Charles rented a small boat.  We had the brewskies going and having a ball catching up. Teddy told us that Francine was pregnant and was due in 7 months.  They were not sure if they would stay or move back to Portugal.  
                          
" Maura and Jane,  Teddy and I are expecting our child in 7 months. We haven't decided if we want to stay or to go back to Portugal. If you noticed, you all probably thought I  was tipsy. Nope, just tired.  I was drinking cider all night while you drank beer and champagne.  I don't know how you woke up not feeling it. " We hugged Francine and congratulated her. "Maura woke up with a hangover. When I woke up and jumped on her bed, she looked like crap.  I went and got her some Tylenol and water.  "  " Thanks Jane, but I  was okay. Francine and I laughed because over the years we have seen Maura wasted and dealt with her and the toilet bowl.
The owner saw Jane coming.  "Jane we have your order ready. We were delighted to get your voice mail saying you were coming to get your items." The owner was delighted to see Maura and Francine.  Francine picked up her four usual bottles why Maura picked up her supplies too. We said our good byes and headed off to the gun range. Francine said she wanted to learn how to use a gun safely. Jane asked her earlier if she was okay because all the years she has becoming here Francine was never interested in going to the range with us. Francine stated, "the town is not like it use to be. More tourists who are rudely coming.  Just last month Teddy got into a confrontation with a couple who were sleeping on the deck after using your guys bbq. Bottles were everywhere.  Teddy and I had come back from out of town and saw the mess. Teddy isn't here all the time.  He goes fishing with some of the locals. I need to make sure I CAN KEEP myself safe. I have gone to the local gun in nearby town next to ours. I tried holding several and racking.  I like the 1911. Its a bigger gun, but I like the safety feature on it. I have taken the test two weeks ago to get my card to purchase weapons.  I already put a deposit on the gun and laser light for it. I am just waiting for my back ground to be cleared. I already purchased ear muffs and eyewear as you can see. Teddy had installed  one bigger gun safe in our closet and has bought me two safes, one for my vehicle and the other for the night stand. I have ordered a gear bag that should be arriving tomorrow and cleaning equipment for the kimber."  Jane went over the proper stance
for her to get comfortable. Maura went and rented a kimber for her and purchased ammo for her to use while Jane reviewed with her all the safety areas to be aware and to always keep the barrel facing down away from you when not in use. Maura and I were happy that Francine wanted to keep herself safe.  Francine was a quick learner. Jane drove us to the gun store. "I  need to buy cleaning supplies. I am almost out at home. " I  knew what Jane was up to and went along with her lamb story. "Jane, 
 since we are here I might as well buy some more paper targets and ammo.  Jane asked Francine to ask the clerk to show her the gun she had on waiting.   The sales guy said, " Francine my guy was going to call you this afternoon.  You passed your background check . When you want you can pay off your balance but you have twenty more days to pay it off." " May I see the gun she chose." The salesman brings out the kimber and lays it out on the counter.  Jane racks it easily.  The sales guy was going to explain to her how to rack it. Jane and I smile. " Francine rack it for us. How does it feel in your hands?" " It feels good." Jane tells the guys she needs 12 boxes of 9mm of mag tech, a laser combo light attached it to it." He goes and gets his screwdriver to attach it. Maura says to Francine. " How does it feel now?" " It feels a slight heavier but good." Jane shows her how to use it. The guy tells Jane he can only sell so many boxes of ammo at time because of the store policy and the laws. Jane was happy to see that this man was abiding by the rules. " Sir besides what I asked for I would like 6 boxes of 45 of mag tech and 6 boxes of .380 acp mag tech, four more kimber magazines, and two splatter targets, two full body paper targets, practice round for the kimber and three cleaning kits of green frog. I am happy to see you abiding by the laws of Massachusetts.  I am a detective with the Boston police department." Jane shows him her identification.  He smiles and laughs. "Francine -  Maura and I are paying for your gun and equipment.  We can go back to the range tomorrow. " Sir, please ring this up and here is my iidentification number to include on the ammo separately with the laser combo, practice rounds and cleaning supplies." Maura paid for the gun and targets.  Maura asks to add one ammuntion box holder which she referred to as the green metal box. One 9mm loader, and one lock for it.
Francine starts crying and hugs us.