dughlas

I must disagree. I think the photos are fine. They are of men in traditional native garb engaged in longstanding activities central to their culture. To judge them as salacious is wrong. It superimposes white Western mores where they do not belong. Of course the fact there is drooling suggests a bit of inappropriate behaviour on our part.

Five Guys are far better, fresh meat and fresh cut fries.

Who would have imagined that a week at summer scout camp would lead to all of this ...

I had a cheeseburger, potato salad and fresh corn on the cob.

Hmmmm, that's a very good suggestion. Is that a bad thing?

Lucky me. It's not raining here just a lovely late summer's day plus a pretty face. Though he does look like he needs someone to kiss him and make him smile.

Weren't you supposed to be the sixth person in the line?

Don't ask me why but as I reached the end of this chapter my eyes welled up with tears. Maybe it's nostalgia for what came before and the realization that the Squad's lives really are going in multiple directions and while a bit sad I'm happy too. Damn why did you have to go and spin these folks out of the ether and make us care so much. Kudos.

G'day y'all.

You would definitely be the one to know about FALL(ing).

I hadn't noticed ...

Howdy Texy.

G'day y'all. Chilly morning here but it should be a nice day.

First, I applaud you for working to stretch your abilities. Personally I would be thrilled with one thousand word chapter posting everyday but that ain't gonna happen. Perhaps if you would stop writing such great stuff your readers wouldn't mind if the chapters were short. Again, ain't gonna happen. I recall times in the past when you gave us 5,000+ words and we still wanted more. Keep doing what you're doing. In the long run we'll be glad for it but still chirp like hungry birds. Now as to the actual chapter ... I am very curious to see this unfold from Chipper's perspective. We had bits of it earlier so have an idea where this is headed but had no clue as to what was going on in Chipper's life. Now we get to know more. I'm hooked.

I've seen those boards ... what, it was for uhm, er, oh yeah ... writing purposes.

Yes, yes it was ... but he left without his kilt.

He ain't no lady ...

All is well with Mum in SC. The storm has passed for her doing no harm. The sun was beginning to peak through the clouds though there is still the potential for strong winds today.

Thistle has never been a face kisser, hands, feet, knees and elbows yeah, but not faces.

Oh good, 'cause often the memory starts to go as you get older.

Thanks. I spoke with her a bit ago and she's okay. She can't get cell phone reception but her landline works and she still has electric. Fortunately when the storm arrived it was less intense than was feared. She isn't concerned about going to bed and sleeping tonight. I plan to call her again midday tomorrow. Oh, and my gas was finally restored this afternoon. I can use my stove again. The service guy was delayed. He was due to arrive between 8 and noon. At 12:30 I called to check on when he was coming. He had an emergency call and no one thought to call me. He was on his way. He got here about 30 minutes later and apologized. He thought the office was going to call, had he known he would have called me. When I told him I had been waiting nearly 3 weeks for service he said the company's poor customer service is costing them a lot of lost customers. Several of the smaller local competitive providers have recently been upgrading because they've been gaining customers from Amerigas. He works for them and they charge him hazmat fees on tanks he owns and has the certification to service and maintain. The only good thing was it was a problem with the regulator which they own so there is no charge for him coming and replacing it.

So that's how you've been doing it. In the past I used to try and wish folks a happy birthday especially the newbies in an effort to make them feel welcome. Removing them from the calendar was one update that I think makes us less of a community.

It's Marty's birthday? HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTY!

Yes thank you. I'll take very good care of him.