Me and Tim Cullman go way back. Ever since i bagged my first buck with the rifle he recommended way back in '88 ive been a regular customer. Hell, i even bring the man venison steaks everytime i get something.

Its a drizzly wednesday afternoon. I left my rifle with Tim a week ago to have a new stock and scope put on it. I will wave a friendly hello to the crazy lady on the porch and head inside.

Mary Jo is first to greet him wehn he enters. At first, she is happy, but once she sees how old Doc is and who he is, she just rolls her eyes.
"Tim is in the back with -your- gun," she says in a sassy manner. She groans and returns to her post. Tim steps out of the gun bunker and smiles to Doc.
"How are you doing ya old coot?"

'Im doing fine my friend. Hoping i can bag a buck before christmas... Hows buisness?'

I will shake Tims hand warmly before entering the gun bunker. I may look like an old hippie half the time but there isnt a firearm in here i could pick up, take apart, clean or use.

"Yeah me too. You remember Chuck, that old marine that's missing him left leg and a right testicle? Well, He's got some real nice land about an hours drive of here. Said he's seen all kinds of deer and hogs running his property. He's got about 100 arces, said we could come up and stay. You know, I can't go, not with my daughter being sick an' all."
He walks with Doc to wear he has his newly outfitted gun. He takes it out of the case and hands it over to him.
"I added that scope you like. She asked about you."

'Your daughter asked about me?'

I ask, puzzled. I pick up the rifle, a slick bolt action Remington with a heavy wood stock. I dont go for that new polymer stuff. Feels too flimsy, i like my guns wood and metal, like god meant them to be.

'Hows she feelin these days?'

I asks, squinting one eye through the scope of the rifle i have sighted in on some small item across the bunker.

"Yeah, said she thought about you the other day. Was wonderin' how you were doing..."
He goes silent for a moment.
"Well, they are trying to decide the next course of treatment on the cancer. The last one they put her on damn near killed her...But, she's a tough girl...I'm sure she'll pull through."
He clears his throat, before jerking a cloth from his pocket and coughing into it. Not one of those, tickle in my throat coughs. THis is a long deep, hacking cough with plenty of phlem and roughness. He turns his back to Doc as he coughs. Once he's done, he shoves the handkerchief back into his pocket.
"God Damn it. My wife keeps telling me to go see the doctor...I just need to quit smoking these damn cigarettes."
He chuckles lightly.
"So, want me to talk to my marine buddy and hey...you need any new ammo?"

I look concerned for Tim and his family. For them its either feast or famine. They are either doing great or they are all dying. I hate seeing that happen to good people...

'Anne has some books for your daughter. Might help take her mind of the treatments. Its all over my head but Anne thinks alot of the new experimental stuff has real promise... Dont lose hope my friend.'

I pat Tim on the shoulder as he starts coughing.

'Why dont you come by for dinner tommoro night and let Anne look you over? Noone likes going to hospitals and we can save you the co-pay.'

I grin at the man. I may be a bit older but my health is a million times better. Ever since I heard the voice of God and learned the Truth, i have never had so much as a cold... I know im capable of passing my healing attributes on to others. Its just a weird thing to do, miracles arent easy to accept.

"Sure, I'll bring Charlene when I come by. Our wives certainly seem to have a good time when they are around."
He smooths a worn hand over his beard.
"I don't see how it would hurt. I certainly can't afford it right now. Had sme sour broad come in here, almost purchased that sword I have. Bought two sigs and was arranging to buy the sword...but she ain't shown up. Also had some biker fellers come in here for stolen goods. Like I would knowingly buy stolen goods."
He shakes his head and heads behind the display case to get him some ammo.

'Give those two a bottle of wine and just get out of the way.'

I comment with a laugh about our wives. I cant imagine why anyone would need two Sigs, but i decide not to ask. Its your second amendment right to be as overarmed as you wish to be and i cant count on my fingers how many times that and some quick talking has kept me out of prison.

'Well what would a bunch of hells angels wanna-bes know?'

I finally set down my rifle and tell what Tim what i need for ammo.

'Ill take some FMJs, hunting loads and solid tip if you have any left...'

The real good ammo is getting harder and harder to find and i imagine with Obama-ya-mama in office i will soon be reduced to pouring my own...