Two Short Stories

By Jim SCHMALZRIED

Story #1 is of a young man who lost his father during a cattle roundup. A few years later, as an older teen he is invited to attend the anual roundup. He reluctant agrees and finds new meaning within his family.

 

Story #2 is a humorous fictional story of two U.S. Olympic downhill skiers and their antics as the prank each other while they prepare for the big event.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jim SCHMALZRIED
• Release date: Feb 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215603031

Jim SCHMALZRIED

Jim is a graduate of Youngstown State University earning a Bachelors Degree in History. Jim is a retired police officer and retired educator. Jim and Pam have been married for 43 wonderful years. They have four adult children and seven beautiful grand children. He currently coaches high school track and cross country. 

Book preview

THE ROUNDUP

BY Jim Schmalzried

I was out in the back 30 acres of our ranch clearing several trees and branches out of a stream. They had fallen during a recent storm and were backing up the water. I turned off my gas-powered chair saw deciding it was time for a short break. As I walked toward my horse to get my canteen, I could hear the distant sound of a trail bike coming towards me. Must be Al. Must be getting’ late if he’s home from school already, I thought. Sure, enough as I was drinking the cool iced tea from my canteen, Al came flying over the hilltop towards the stream and the wooded area which lined the banks. He had hardly turned off his bike then his excited words were flowing out of his mouth. Slow down, Al, take a bit of this iced tea. It’s still cold, I said offering him the canteen. He took the container and drank some of the content and handed it back to me. Now, what’s so important? I asked. Mr. Liner is at the house talking to Maw. He wants to see you! You in some kind of trouble? he asked in excitement. Naw, how could I be? I haven’t been off the ranch in a week. I answered. Come on Jim, I’ll race you back, he said as he started his trail bike. No, you go ahead, I gotta gather up some equipment. Tell Mr. Liner I’ll be there shortly, I said. Al disappeared over the hill with his bike straining at top speed. I packed up my saw and various tools, mounted my horse and rode across the pastures towards the house. Mr. Liner hasn’t been around for a few months; I wonder what’s up? I kept thinking to myself.

Finally, I arrived at the house and tied up my horse at the corral and watched the chickens scatter from my path as I headed toward the house. Hi, Mom, I said to my mother and entered the kitchen door in the rear of the house. Oh, Jim, she said rather surprised. I didn’t expect you this soon. Al said it was really important, I answered. Well, Mr. Liner is in the family room. He wants to talk to you, she said with a smile on her face. As I headed toward the family room she said, Tell him I’ll be in with the coffee in a few minutes. You want anything? Yea, I’ll take a glass of milk, please. I answered as I opened the door leading into the hallway. As I entered the room, I saw Mr. Liner sitting in an armchair paging through a Field and Stream magazine. I walked towards him and 2 extended my hand. Mr. Linear, I said, it’s a pleasure. He rose and we shook hands. Call me Bill, will ya Champ. I was somewhat stunned.

In all my 18 years, my parents have taught my brothers and sisters to respect our elders, always refer to your elders by Mister or Mrs. Or whatever their title might me my father use to say. Once he gave me a good thrashing for calling him Jim. Mr. Liner was the first one to call me Champ since my father died, almost a year ago. OK, Bill, have a seat. Don’t see you around much, I said. Well, you know how time consuming a ranch can be. My mother entered the room with a tray, two coffee cups and a tall glass of mild. After distributing them, she sat on the couch. Well, Bill, I take it you’re here on business since your wife isn’t with you, I said. "As a matter of fact, Champ,