sojourn

This story entertains me too, as I write it and as I read the posts. Thanks for all your positive posts. Jim

I was hoping that finger snapping would annoy someone other than Joe and Jeff. Glad you are continuing to enjoy the story. Jim

Hey! You made the first comment on this chapter. I was worried for a while that you might have lost interest. Thanks for posting all your very encouraging comments. Jim

Paul was really impressed with the horsehair mattress. He had expected it to be itchy and lumpy. Instead, it was firm and comfortable. Idly, he wondered if they could get a sheepskin comforter to fit this half acre bed. For a moment he got lost trying to decide which side of that comforter would be exposed and which would caress his skin. Maybe he could get it silk lined. Then he decided he would simply sometimes put the rug on the bed and forego the comforter altogether. It was a strange s

I am glad you enjoyed this chapter. As stated in an earlier response, I had really considered scrapping most of this chapter. Now, I am glad I didn't. Yes, I talk to myself. Luckily, I don't always listen.😜 Thanks for posting your comments. I really enjoy them. Jim

I guess Larry felt it wasn't necessary to hide his relationship with Runt after watching Raymond and Daniel play tonsil hockey on the front porch. I think Raymond and Daniel have a ways to go before they use the term "family" to describe their relationship. Daniel is still a little sensitive about trusting Raymond. Let's see how it goes. Thanks for your comments and all your many "likes". Jim

"Coyotes" is a slang term used describe someone who leads a group of illegal immigrants across the border from Mexico. They charge the immigrants a fee for their guidance. The idea, in this story, is that the preacher aided the coyotes while the Sheriff ignored these illegal activities and was paid a bribe to do so. I keep trying to write "friendly" dialogue between those two... I guess I better try harder. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

I feel honored to be mentioned in the same paragraph. Please remember me to him in your next email. Just don't tell him I mentioned the 51 chapters.😳 Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Honestly, I am a fan of an Aussie writer, Maxieplus, who posts on another venue. He has 53 chapters already written, of the story he is currently posting. I get would get confused if I had a single chapter written ahead. So, yeah the baby thing surprised me too. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

I think you may have a dirty mind... just like mine. Thanks for posting your comments, you know I appreciate them. Jim

I think you may have a dirty mind... just like mine. Thanks for posting your comments, you know I appreciate them. Jim

Thank you so much for saying such niec things about the characters and the story. It really does motivate me to keep telling their story. Jim

WOW! If you knew how close I came to keeping only a small portion of this post. I considered, just before posting, cutting everything except driving to the house and the walk through, leading to the bedroom and sex. No parents, no Tesla, no Larry, no childhood memories, no baby for Raymond... just look at the house and have sex then back to Joe's. All to be cut because I felt the story should move faster through time. I was going to put Christmas to rest with this chapter. Now, I am definitely glad I didn't. An especially big thank you for your comment. Jim

Jeff, I sometimes think it a disappointment that my story moves so slowly. Then, I read posts like yours and I am reinvigorated. Thanks for your consistently positive comments. Jim

Raymond keeps his cards close to his vest. Like most men he would rather always appear strong. He equates openness with vulnerability and weakness. Not that's bad, just typically male. In the next couple of chapters Raymond will get to shine like a new penny. So if you don't find what your looking for in past chapters, keep reading as new ones are written/posted. I have plans for Raymond. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

I think Raymond is exactly where he wants to be and he, very much, wants Daniel to be there with him. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

It's feels good to hear positive comments regarding the characters dialogue. Thanks for posting your comments. They are always interesting although occasionally they do get my goat. Jim

After all, what did you expect from Daniel? He couldn't very well walk back to Joe's place, he's the Sheriff now you know.😜 Thanks for posting your comments, they keep me motivated. Jim

With encouragement such as yours, it will definitely go on for some time. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Thank you so much! I was tempted to let time rather than events drive this chapter. I am so glad and grateful you took the time to post your comments. Jim

When Daniel's alarm chirped he sat up, wide awake. He was never one to ease into the day. He went from a sound sleep to full alert in an instant. He completed his morning ablutions and dressed in nice slacks and a button-down shirt. Daniel donned black boots, a matching belt with a black leather blazer and decided he looked better than usual. He was mildly surprised to find both his parents at the kitchen table having coffee. His Dad greeted him while his Mother smiled warmly and placed a

Molly, This is a clear example of why feedback is so important. I was seriously considering only offering the the secondary character storylines in a separate email. Thanks again for your feedback. Jim

Well, first let me say that I like you moniker... not so much the mouse part as the Molly House part. Thank you for posting your comments and saying such nice things about my story. I am in the midst of writing the next chapter and was thinking I should perhaps "streamline" the story and not cover the lives of secondary characters as much as I have been. You make me think I have been doing ok. Thanks for that. Jim

WOW! There was a lot going on in this chapter and a lot going on in your comment. As usual, thank you for posting your comments, they always cheer me. When I read, I like to settle into the story like I belong there. Not every story allows me to do that. If mine does that for you, then I am a much better storyteller than I had ever hoped to be. I thank you for even hinting that may be the case. (If that isn't the case, please don't tell me. Let me have my little dream.) I think Rosarita will be difficult to replace once she goes back to school. She reminds me of some of the sharp tongued bitchy women of sitcoms. She has all the qualities you want in a best friend, but her quick wit and cutting observations have to be taken with a grain of salt. Make note of the fact that she has not attacked or demeaned Paul personally. She just loves to get a rise out of him. He is beginning to challenge her instead of melting from embarrassment. The shoe is on the other foot. Let's see what happens. Thanks again, Jim

I think Daniel's Dad had a little too much Christmas cheer. I wonder how evolved man will have to become in order to view sex as something other than procreational, "sinful" (Don't even get me started.) and just plain nasty. I think Daniel was right in thinking sex was simply an extension of their friendship. Sex didn't challenge their marital status, the way they saw themselves, nor did it impact their fishing skills. It was fun, it gave release, and it was between them. I have NEVER before been this involved in planning Christmas this early in the year. Thanks Ott for posting your comments, etc. Jim