sojourn

LOL! I bought it! I got sucker punched by the "Not". Doesn't count cause your "not" was not capitalized and had no exclamation point. ? I don't make the rules... uh oh... wait a minute... it's my story, so I guess I do, I do make the rules. Getting sucker punched by your uncapitalized, unexclamated "not" does NOT!!! count. The Great and Powerful Oz, er, uh, Jim, has Spoken! (Clearly it's official, as indicated by the exclamation point. No appealing that ruling.) Bwahaha! Jim

I will accept the challenge! Only thing is... I don't use ten fingers, just one. This story has been written, edited and posted using my right index finger on my iPad keyboard. Does that mean the "limit" is less than sky high? Thanks again, Jim

I can only write what I write. I was determined to have Christmas dinner and Christmas night in bed for all, in this chapter. Then Bumpkis had to spill his guts. Daniel's Father had to also confess. Then Rosarita had to share her snide remarks. Then they all had fuss about which Christmas show to watch. I'm lucky I got all that done in less than 5000 words. There was no way Christmas Day could fit. (insert evil grin here.) Maybe Santa will bring me better emojis for Christmas. As for June, hopefully the New Year in Chicago will be posted by then. We are Technically on Christmas Day so dinner in the next chapter... Absolutely! Who cares if I let some of the sex scenes slide by with one liners. Nobody ever mentions them anyway. Well, one reader did via email, but maybe he'll forgive me. As always, Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

I know this started out featuring Jeff's Change of Heart, but Paul is the one faced with so many changes right now. 'The longest Christmas in literature' I am flattered you consider my story 'literature'. Somehow that word always implied, to me, a certain level of sophistication. But, I thank you. I think we all grow from experience. Paul and Daniel are experiencing significant 'growth'. But then almost no one is as we first met them. When it comes to the ladies, Paul sure has his hands full. He seemed a bit overwhelmed at first. Again, he is getting better at dealing with each of them. Thanks so much for posting your comments on all my stories. Jim

No. Thank you for posting your comments. I think it's true when someone really knows a gay person, they tend to be better at accepting and understanding gay people are just folks who are emotionally and physically attracted to their same sex. Kinda like being left handed... maybe more than kinda, some cultures used to sever the left hand if it was dominant. Other cultures burned left handed people as witches. My older sister was spanked, in the second grade, for writing with her left hand. My Dad soon put a stop to that by threatening to beat the hell out of the teacher's husband should she do that again. old age is hell... I just ramble on. Thanks, again, for posting your comments. Jim

Yeah, when you say it like that, I'm glad I didn't make it any longer. There was a lot going on in this chapter. I think Daniel has decided to put off thinking about his Dad and Fred, until later.... much, much later.? Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

It is nice to hear you think my story 'feels right'. I hope you understand that your input is respected and makes for a better story for the next reader. Thanks again, Jim

I initially intended to complete Christmas in this chapter. It just got too long. I thought it was pretty clever the way Sheriff Lovan never even mentioned the illegal wiretapping and video surveillance. Paul is developing a tougher hide. In his circumstances, who wouldn't? As always, thanks for posting your comments.

Sheriff Daniel Lovan had a busy Christmas Eve. Raymond had told him of their plan to ensnare Fire Chief Bumpkis using video surveillance. His wasn't convinced that the videos could be used as evidence, even if the bigoted bastard was a thief. Still, a man who would steal money donated to charity, especially a Christmas charity, was worthy of special consideration. If he was careful, a legal confession would negate the use of the video evidence. Bumpkis would be facing up to ten years in prison f

I have read it once after posting it. I can't say the ending justified all the tragedy, that would be impossible. It gave me instead, a sense of calm. Like after a soul cleansing cry. Thanks for reading and posting your comments. Jim

Smoothy, It is so nice to see someone who has been following my latest posting find my first and enjoy it so. Thanks for posting such a flattering comment. Jim

Thank you for posting your comments. Some have made me review the chapters. Some made me recall writing it as clearly as if it were yesterday, and I just had posted it. Thanks, Jim

In a word... Yes. thanks for taking your time out to post your comments. Jim

Even now it is hard to justify some of what they went through and what they put each other through. I got so bummed that at about this point I stopped, realized I needed something to lighten my mood... So I wrote "Not yet Doc" it still makes me smile when I read it. Thanks for your comments and your insight. Jim

I am sorry for your tears. I did tell you this story stirs up laughter as well as tears. I had one reader share that something all too similar happened to him. Thanks for posting your comments and sharing your thoughts. Jim

A Rolex... I remember getting a Timex and thinking it a grand gift indeed. It's all relative. It's all grand if it is given and received with love. Thanks for taking your time to comment on my story. Jim

I am sure you are going to hate me when you learn how right you are. I have a feeling you are about to be gobsmacked. Thanks for posting your comments. I appreciate you stopping before reading the next chapter. It is not always my favorite thing to do, as a reader. Jim

Thanks I'll change my setting to once daily and see if that helps. Jim

Life holds challenges for both John and Wylie. They face some hard times ahead. There is a happy ending. Thanks again for posting your comments. Jim

I am really glad you are enjoying my story. Dad knew almost before they did and accepts Wylie as he would a daughter in law. An extremely well vetted daughter in law. Thanks again, Jim

At my age, delayed gratification could very well equate to never. My advice... life is short, why wait. Old age doesn't make one more wise, just more experienced. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Thank you. I try hard to make my stories as realistic as possible. It ain't perfect, but neither is life. Thanks for posting your thoughts regarding my story. Jim

Wow! What a profound observation. I am glad you are enjoying my story. Thanks for taking time out to post your comments. Jim

They definitely are not being true to themselves or the one they care for. Thanks for taking the time to post your comments. Jim Sorry about responding so late. I haven't, for a couple of years, received email notifications. I learned just yesterday that I have to click on each "notification" and follow it to the effected story. I only get notifications when I log in. They only show your name and the chapter, no story title. I ASSUMED each recent notification was connected to my story being posted now. I will be checking more frequently.

I hope you do like it. It gets a variety of reactions from laughter to tears... but it has a happy ending. Thanks for taking your time out to post your comments, they are appreciated. Jim