What was wonderful was seeing her smile and be so relaxed and happy, and knowing that he had played a (very) small part in that.  "Now it's a matter of staying on top of things, making sure what needs to get done gets done, but you have a fine crew working for you, and I've no doubt they will do their best."

One thing about Leah Steelgrave was that she commanded respect and awe from those who saw the good in her, and consequently, the men working for her would put in that much more effort.  If there was a delay in the building, it wouldn't be because of the construction crew.

"You should take some time for yourself this winter, perhaps take the opportunity to go somewhere that the weather is more agreeable for a few weeks, attend the opera, dine at fine restaurants."  Not that there was anything wrong with the Lickskillet, but Leah was too good for a place like Kalispell.  She should be shining in a big city, worthy of her.

Leah looked at him for a long moment as a smile began to creep across her face. She wanted to laugh, but didn't, "That sounds like a wonderful plan, Jonah, a wonderful plan indeed, but there are still many things that need doing before I can hustle off somewhere, what was ite? Oh yes, 'go somewhere that the weather is more agreeable for a few weeks.' And I would, yes, I certainly would, if there wasn't so much yet to get done."

Furnishings, beds, medical equipment, and medicines to order. Her plate was still quite full though she appreciated the thought.

"We've so much to get done before the spring thaw. All the orders to submit for all those things we will need before we can open. It's almost dizzying!" She added.

"I suppose the first step is getting hold of Dr. Boone and getting his input," Jonah commented.  "We already have some supplies, and an extensive list, but getting his suggestions will certainly help."  There were likely things on the list that weren't essential, much the less necessary, and things that should be on the list that they hadn't thought about.

"I haven't had a great deal of time in hospitals, outside of training, so I'm certain there are things I've overlooked.  I'll make sure to wire him, then make arrangements with Addy to go fetch him if he needs it."  He grinned.  "You should go with her!"

"Yes, getting ahold of Doc Boone would really get us underway, and please, you're not the only one who has been short-sighted about what is needed and when. I have absolutely no experience with hospitals, other than we need one." Leah admitted, "Getting what is necessary first should be our priority and Doc Boone is really the man for the job. Not that you have not been as helpful in this endeavor as anyone could expect. Together we have done a great deal to make this dream a reality!"

"So, you'll wire Josiah, and hopefully get him down here, then all we need to do is decide what we're having for dinner." She suggested. "That's why we're here, and more talk of what's needed for the hospital can certainly wait."

"Small things first, right?"  Jonah chuckled, then ordered chicken and dumplings along with coffee.  He'd probably have a slice of pie later!

"We need to steal Mrs. Lutz from here, give our patients the best meals available!"  He chuckled, leaning back in his seat.  "You know, it might be an idea just to contact an established hospital, see what they recommend.  I know between Josiah and I we have a good start, but I'm sure there will be little things that we overlook...those things you rarely use, so you only notice that you need them when you do!"

And there would be medications to stock, cabinets to secure them in, means to administer them...not to mention incidentals like linens, bed pans, utensils...

"I think we need to plan for chaos the first few months, and a whole litany of items we missed!"  He laughed again.  "At least the planning will keep us busy during the winter."

"you know, small things are the hardest to get done because they are small, and continually slip down the list of things to do." She replied then looked up, "Oh, yes,  a quarter of the standard steak, rare, fried potatoes, and whatever else comes with that and coffee as well."

Then she turned back to Jonah, "Stealing Missus Lutz might be a bit more difficult than you think, but offering her the position is another story, and worth the effort when the time is right." She smiled, watching the young woman walking away, "The problem, Emiline Pike may well have made her an offer we can't compete with."

"Now, contacting the hospital in Helena or Boseman, even Virginia City would be smart, yes, indeed. They could direct us to the right companies with the best products and prices. We should wire them in the morning and see what comes back. Good thinking, Jonah. And yes, this will be as busy a winter as we can make it, depending on the snow, of course."

"Oh, I hadn't even thought about who we'd buy things from...that's a good idea, making those sort of inquiries."  He honestly wasn't sure where he'd look for some of the equipment, so asking other hospitals was a great idea.  "And as long as the telegraph lines hold, we will have plenty to keep us occupied."

He took a sip of the coffee that was brought, then continued.  "We can send out ads to papers for positions, have any prospects send in letters that we can peruse, then, in the Spring, invite good candidates out for in-person interviews."

That would save them some time, and save any applicants that didn't measure up the trouble of coming all the way to Kalispell, especially in the Winter.

"Yes, ad's for the help we need, what a grand idea, Jonah." She replied, "And no telling who might reply to such an add. We'll need to locate the papers in the major cities, which brings to mind our own Phineas McVay. I'm sure he has connections in the east that would be of help. Newspaper men have those sorts of connections, I'm sure."

Dinner came which slowed the conversation somewhat. Still, there was a new excitement in the air, at least for Leah letiing the world know there was a band spanking new hospital in the far west looking for help. That would mean for some doctors and nurses, new opportunities for their careers.

"Imagine, Jonah, medical people heading out here to staff our hospital." She added with a smile and a wink. "Oh I can hardly wait!"

She stood there just a moment longer looking at the creation that would be coming to life in the not to distant future, yes, it was going to be great!