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Did you get things sorted? There is a lot of stuff going on, so some confusion was meant to happen, but if it doesn't make sense later, that's a problem. For me, I mean.

Yes, he makes me laugh.

oh, wow, I don't know how I missed all your reviews! T__T Anyway, thanks for reading. I do have parts of an outline for a sequel lined up. I forgot all about the scepter, didn't I? Oops. LOL.

Congrats, Joann!

Sorry, guys, I am not going to make today's deadline.

Thanks for dropping by and reading. My beta was really helpful in clipping the extraneous and he would be pleased to hear your comments, as intriguing the reader was my goal. And to think we cut out about a quarter of the original words.

Then I will take Daddy kissing Santa Claus

Oh rats, I missed where that was posted.

I want to join! Put me down for the Night Before Christmas.

Wow, I love the subtlety.

As a kid, we put ours up after thanksgiving, usually while mom was out shopping on black friday. It was an event with us kids and dad. The tree came down over New Year's. Some years we did it earlier, depending on where the holiday fell, because the tree had to be down and put away before we went back to school.

Some day, perhaps I'll get Kip's story written. I do like his character, but this story was originally written for its dialogue.

Indeed.

Thanks!

Congratulations for you and Mike! Aw, for lil' q growing up so fast, but treasure the memories. See you when we see you and I hope you're basking in newlywed glow.

I hope you continue to enjoy the story!

It's good to know these two appealed to you as a couple. I think he will regret leaving, but who's to say it doesn't have your ending? There's something to be said for those open endings.

A general discharge in the 80s was not likely when you're talking homosexuality. If there's an officer/enlisted relationship also, then they most likely threw the book at the two involved. The officer would most likely be looking at jail time for breaking military law and as an officer would be more heavily penalized. For both, they could be busted down to airman basic (enlisted). A lieutenant/captain is more likely for that to happen vs. a more senior officer, though being busted down to lieutenant rank is practically a given. Remember, this is the 80s you're talking about, when the AIDS scare was growing exponentially and male-male relations are (fir whatever reason) more heinous and threatening to the stereotypical macho man, of which the armed services all have a high percentage of. Also, this was a time when being a serviceman (or woman) was still very highly regarded - officers and airmen were held to a higher level than "normal" citzens and anyone thought to be tarnishing that rep were just raked over the coals. Anyone with a less than honorable discharge is going to get questioned about it and it would be very hard to get hired afterwards as it was legal (still is, depending on where you live) to be discriminated against based upon your sexual orientation. My father and 2 uncles served in the air force during the time you're talking. I'll put the question to my dad and see what he says with his background in investigating officers suspected of "conduct unbecoming." My brother received a dishonorable discharge from the marines 4 years ago and it still haunts him. From my perspective as an air force brat and an officer, in the 2000s, cases of suspected homosexuality were usually dealt with within the squadron (think escalating bullying) until the person in question was reassigned or caught doing something else. Fraternization (having an overly friendly - sexual or not - relationship with someone significantly higher in rank than yourself is treated very very seriously. It is possible, depending on the ages of the people involved that the older person (not necessarily the higher-ranked) could take most of the blame for "leading the other astray." That would usually end up with one perso receiving the max punishment and the other person receiving a lesser one, generally falling under "conduct unbecoming." Depending on the situation, that could end up being as little as a formal letter of reprimand. One of those wpuldn't get you promoted, but wouldn't get you a discharge, either. Whatever you decide, you should definitely find and read military law regarding your possible scenario. They're no joke. Breaking military law is an automatic felony, which have higher penalties than state law.

Hey, Renee, don't let the smaller issues overshadow the big ones; focus on your family. I pray that you and yours have the strength for whatever comes mext. Your grandma sounds like a fighter - go Grandma go!

Baseball is my fav. I played for 12 years, until I graduated high school. Intramural softball was just not the same. Played rugby in college and a couple seasons off and on for a local team. Rugby's hard to watch, though.

I'm really enjoying this band, too. I came across them on my pandora station and enjoyed them so much I gave them their own channel. My brother has no rAdio in his truck so having the pandora app on my phone has saved my sanity on these quiet alaska roads!

Your fav expressway sounds like the 405 in socal. I hate that road. It's always busy (a nightmare during the rush hours) and people drive like maniacs on it. There's almost daily wrecks on the 405 during the morning traffic reports.

Thanks for the smile! Personally, I stick to potted plants; they're safer.

On Monday, July 22nd, my cat died. Gareth was 9 years old. We don't really know what happened and probably never will. What we do know is that for some reason he was out on my parents' deck and either fell or jumped. He broke his back. I pray he died quickly but if it was otherwise, I don't want to know. That little cat was my everything and it's fucking breaking my heart. Gareth came into my life when he was six months old. When I broke up with the man I thought I'd be with for the rest of my life, Gareth would climb into my lap and bump me with his head. He'd beep his strange, half-meows and remind me that I had better things to do than feel sorry for myself, namely feeding him. Even cats have their priorities. I couldn't sleep last night. I even through my backpack on the bed to simulate the extra weight by my feet even though Gareth would sprawl across my ankles. Today I face taking apart the cat tree and litter box and putting away his toys. There's also a petco order due to arrive, things I'd gotten for sending out to my new home. It's only my home now for there's no one to share it with. Gareth won't meet me at the door and loudly tell me about his day. He won't lay on my keyboard or beg to share my dinner. He won't be sprawled on the back of the sofa, his tail whapping me as I grade papers. I know the pain will fade eventually. With him I didn't feel alone. He gave me strength because if he could plot to take over the world then I could surely follow my dreams. Please God let Gareth chase lots of mice and eat as much as he wants now that he doesn't have to watch his weight. Gareth was the inspiration behind Rick's cat (from The One I Want) and there's a picture in my albums somewhere. I'm painstakingly typing this on my phone, so I haven't figured out how to do links. That little cat was such a huge part of my life from the first moment he leaped into my arms. I haven't cried this much in years and I don't want to go to Chevak without him. He may have been only a cat but he was my friend and I loved him with all my heart.