Free In the Midst of Tribulation by Mary Griggs Page B

to show you another perk of this place."

Intrigued, the four women trailed behind Jay through the French doors to the patio. She walked to the side of the building and pointed at a large shape.

Piper was the first to speak. "Is that what I think it is?"

"Yep." Jay walked over and lifted the lid. "One genuine California hot tub, at your service."

"Unbelievable."

"I've got a special enzyme concoction that keeps the water soft and clean naturally and lasts for a super long time. Those solar panels over there collect enough energy to power the heater and the air pump." She turned and faced the group. "The big rule is that you have to shower before getting in. The system works better if no body soil makes it into the water." Cocking her head at the kitchen window. "I also think we need to have a clothing rule with the youths around."

"Agreed. There are some things that Cody doesn't need to see."

"What are we to wear?"

"T-shirts and shorts should do it." Jay set the lid back down. "I'm going to turn in but feel free to use it before y'all head to bed."

With a smile and a wave, she walked back inside to a chorus of "Goodnights."

Chapter Six - O Day of Light and Gladness

Earth feels the season's joyance,
From mountain range to sea
The tides of life are flowing
Fresh, manifold and free.
In valley and on upland,
By forest pathways dim,
All nature lifts in chorus
The resurrection hymn.
Words: Frederick L. Hosmer, 1903. Music: "Lancashire," Henry T. Smart, 1836

The household woke in the morning to the scent of fresh baked bread. Almost as one, the travelers crawled out of their beds and made their way to the dining room.

Turning the corner out of the kitchen, Jay smiled at the tousled hair and sleepy eyes of her new household. She held out a jar of blackberry jam and a jar of honey. "Here are the spreads to go with the biscuits I made," she said, pointing at a towel covered wicker basket.

"Wow." Cody enthused as he threw himself into a chair. With gusto, he smeared jam on the still warm bread and stuffed more than half of it into his mouth. "Dude, this is really good," he said, spraying crumbs.

The women acted less like starving wolverines but were no less eager to eat the hot biscuits. Moaning in pleasure, the group inhaled the contents of the basket in record time. Jay laughed at the worried looks that were shot her way when the basket was empty.

Walking back into the kitchen, she pulled out a second tray of biscuits and slid them off into the basket. She put it on the table and quickly stepped back. Obtrusively counting her fingers to make sure they were all still attached, she invited, "Try the honey. It's from very local bees."

"How local?"

"Over on the other side of the pond."

"You've got bee hives?" Eva asked.

"Yup. At the end of the month would you like help me prepare the hives for winter?"

"Sure. That would be so cool."

"Where did you get the jam?"

"There's a guy further up the mountain who puts it up. I never had the patience to stand out there collect enough berries to make jam." Jay ate a biscuit. "Though, to be honest, if I didn't eat so much while I'm picking, I'd probably have plenty."

Jay was sitting at the head of the table and she looked out over her new household. "How did everyone sleep?" Following the positive chorus, she stuck her finger in the honey pot and licked it off. "Feel free to switch around, there are a plenty of places to crash."

"Having a bed at all is wonderful," replied Susan. "We've been on the road a month and, before that, living out of the two stable rooms in our old house. We are used to sleeping on floors and the ground."

"Well, I'd be happy to scrounge up some rocks to toss between the sheets."

"No thanks."

Martha pursed her lips. "The luxury of it all is delightful after all we've been through."

"I think you might be amazed at how quickly you fall back into the habits of civilized life."

Piper nodded, "We'll be spoiled in no time."

"We deserve some spoiling after