Pamela had always been a gregarious
child, her grandma said with just a bit of pride. Grandpa called her “Munchkin” which made her laugh, because she was anything
but small or weak. Tall as a man and
just as strong, Pamela could handle just about any physical challenge.
| Wikipedia, God bless 'em |
The moonshiners in the back woods often tippled back a few samples of their work, which set them carousing and singing bawdy songs
at the top of their lungs. One
afternoon, Grandpa mentioned that he wished them ne’er do wells would get their
comeuppance someday. Pamela considered his words.
When dusk was just dipping, Pamela wrapped herself in a
burlap sack and darkened her face with charcoal. Gazing about the barn, she noticed some ancient
tools and buckets. There in the corner
was a rusted bed pan that Aunt Pitty had used before she died.

Armed with the pan, Pamela crept silently up to the camp
where the carousing men were
staggering around. She leapt from the
brush with a roar. Stunned, the men were
speechless as Pamela battered them with the bed pan until some fainted.
“GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE!” Pamela roared. They ran.
Pamela destroyed the still and jars of moonshine.
There would be no more carousing
near Grandpa’s farm. She did keep one jar for Grandma's Christmas pudding.
P.S. Oh, Delores! You were messing with our minds!
The underlined words had been given to bloggers by Delores. She created Wednesday Words challenge for bloggers to expand their genre. Delores passed the baton onto Elephant's Child and River. Please check those sites for contributions.
This is from 2012. My mom said that her dad had a still in the woods, which made Grandma really mad.
Beat them with a bedpan - now that would be quite the sight.
ReplyDeleteUse whatever works, I guess.
Deletethey deserved the bedpan and the terror. I lived 5 years in moonshine territory in the state of KY in the edge of Harlan county. from 1953 to 1959 just a little over 5 years. i was 9 when we moved there. it was a common thing. never heard them make noise though, they were stay clear of the revenooers.. which is what they called them. you have reminded me of a story when I was 12.
ReplyDeleteKentucky is famous for its whiskey and its moonshine.
DeleteWhen I was in junior high we visited my aunt and uncle in Tennessee. Daddy and his younger brother went out so my uncle could show the sights. When they were not back when my aunt thought they should be she grabbed Mom and they went to search for them. Mom later laughed and said my aunt knew every still in the county. What she didn't know was that Daddy didn't drink.
ReplyDeleteHow funny! Mom knew the tricks in rural moonshines.
DeleteI'm not sure if I'm angry at the moonshiners or not. It sounds like they were annoying. And I'm not one for booze. But other than that...
ReplyDeletePamela took care of their business. In a rural environment, moonshining happens.
DeleteYou ain't right! But we sure enjoy your tales and wit. I am still a little lost.... Hoping to get better.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard for us even in the 70s, to realize we are frailer than we knew.
DeleteCool story! My family basically stuck to beer, and none were ambitious enough to make their own. However, spring and summer often brought dandelion or clover wine.
ReplyDeleteMy sister's family did some brewing, had a fun time. "More work than is worth it."
DeleteMy parents had a camp in the country on Bootlegger Road. The moonshiners were gone by then, but they'd used the river for transport, and this little branch off the river was a favorite.
ReplyDeleteIf they're making a ruckus on someone else's land, it's time they were sent packing.
What a history. This would have been interesting to watch.
DeleteHilarious! Great little story. I laughed out loud. Thanks for visiting me off and on. I appreciate it. Hope your wrist is a lot better.
ReplyDeleteI love visiting you.
DeletePamela is a force to be reckoned with!
ReplyDeleteI have known 2 girls named Pamela. Not a big name.
DeleteA clever and amusing story, Susan. Good job!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Bed pan as a weapon was inspired.
Delete