Chapter 27 - Almanzo and Cap Search "For Daily Bread" Part One

I often ask myself, "How did Laura Ingalls Wilder get through hard times?"  The Ingalls family didn't lack challenges.  There were limited landmarks, early mornings, and the constant threat of blizzards.  During this period of self-quarantine, I decided to reread The Long Winter to discover - What Would Laura Do?

Chapter 27 - "For Daily Bread"

This adorable illustration of Laura can be purchased at the Etsy shop - Carrot Top Paper Shop.

Full disclosure:  Chapter 27 yet another Laura-less chapter I skipped as a child.  This is a darn shame since it is full of action, heroics, and cliff hangers - very different from the previous chapters filled with wheat grinding and hay twisting.  

A three day blizzard has ended.  Almanzo wakes up to the stillness at 3:00 AM.  "Three o'clock on winter mornings was the only time that he was not glad to be free and independent.  Once out of  bed and into his clothes, though, he liked early morning better than any other part of the day."  

Fact Check:  According to local oral history and Wilder biographers, Almanzo and Cap only traveled 12 miles to find wheat - not 20 miles.

Today is the day Almanzo and Cap Garland are going to find wheat to save DeSmet, SD from starvation.  Remember - "There was only a rumor that someone had told somebody that a man living somewhere in that region had raised wheat."  (Sounds like an iffy game of Pioneer Telephone to me.) 

Almanzo hitches Prince up to the hay sled and rides down Main Street to pick up Cap.  Cap, and his trusty steed - Buckskin, were outside waiting.  (How did this happen without cell phones?  Did Cap psychically know Almanzo was going to wake up at 3 AM and head on over?)  The fearless duo sees no animal tracks and no road.  It is difficult to judge directions and distance because there is only wind blown snow.  Almanzo thinks, "Well, we'll have to make it by guess and by golly."  The only land marker is one lone cottonwood tree.   They immediately turn West at the tree. 

Being directionally challenged, I would have made a lousy pioneer.  For years I thought North was up and down was South.  I blame my Elementary teachers for their thorough teaching of the compass rose.  Thank goodness for Google Maps.       

There is no fear in duo's interactions.  Their dialogue is breezy and chit-chatty.  
     "Fine day for a trip," Cap remarked.
     "Yep, it's a fine, large morning!" Almanzo agreed.
Soon, half the day is gone and they have seen no shanty.  The friends discuss cutting their losses and returning to DeSmet.
     "Think we better go back?"  Almanzo asked.
     "Never give up till you're licked!"  Cap said cheerfully.  

Replica of the sod house the Ingalls inhabited in the book, On the Bank of Plum Creek.  Can you imagine spending an entire winter in a sod house?  Ugh.

Almanzo stands on his sled and finally sees a smear of gray brown smoke.  Almanzo and Cap cross a slough to reach the smoke.  Once there, Almanzo and Cap start shouting.  The door to the sod house is thrown open by a shocked man.  

Anderson, the man's name, is overjoyed to see people.  He hasn't seen a soul since October (it is now February or March) and has much to say - "Hello!  Hello!  Come in!  Come in!  Where did you come from?  Where are you going?  Come in!  How long can you stay?  Come right in!"

Prairie Lulu cuddles our Prairie Cat - Millie.  Feel free to stop by our homestead for an in-depth conversation about Millie.  We can discuss napping habits and portion control.

I understand Anderson's desperation since I am also desperate for in-person conversations.  I pounce on people strolling by my house.  As a conversation starter, I compliment babies, dogs, and masks.  Surprisingly, people don't cross the street to avoid me.  They want to talk too.  One neighbor wanted a tour of my perennials.  Some guy wanted to discuss cat ownership after seeing my overweight cat in the window.  I hope these small interactions can lead to longer conversations. 

What Would Almanzo Do?

• Get an early start to the day
• Keep conversations light-hearted
• Never - Ever give up

We are going to leave it here for today.  Join me tomorrow for Part Two of "For Daily Bread".

Prairie Eydie