sojourn

LOl! I wondered if that joke would come across. Yes! My friend, for the moment it takes for you to read this response I proclaim you, Nahrung, to be in the "Top One Percent". Now, how about a loan? I believe I was a bit younger when I received my 20 gauge Stevens shotgun. A 22 was considered less useful. I think it would have been more fun. But then again, seeing my 20 gauge bout knock my friends on their asses the first time they shot it was pretty hilarious. And thanks for taking your time to review. Jim

Ah cliffhangers. We should come up with a more flattering monicker. Great story.

At first I thought TJ was the unidentified crush. After the flat tire, well. An especially nice touch to close the chapter with "Hey, little buddy." Thanks for sharing. Jim

I admit it... it was your review and a tremendously helpful suggestion for a subplot that brought me here. But, now that I'm here I can't wait to read more. Great beginning with a lot of potential. Thanks for sharing. Jim

Hey, I had not thought of that. Really, that is an excellent idea. That makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up, I like it so much.

Well patience should be rewarded and it will be... eventually. I initially wrote this to be a one chapter story. That is why chapter one was so long. Then I figured a little tension... hence the arson. Now the Adams family... fingersnap... fingersnap, has decided to flex some nearly atrophied muscle and clean up and revitalize the whole town. By the way they have their own secrets to reveal that have only been hinted at so far. Our arsonist will be dealt with... just have patience. Maria may have a surprise or two for her Daddies in the coming chapters. Thanks for reviewing I always look forward to reading your thoughtful comments. Jim

I think we agree on guns. Growing up "in the country" I was always around guns. 20 plus years in the military kept me familiar with guns and a couple of gun fanatics. I hope my treatment of guns has shown that I consider them to be tools. Not something to be feared, but respected. Anyway, I think I am done with chapters that focus so much on guns. I think tv and the internet have allowed individuals to develop a broader perspective than the traditional "small town" view. People often surprise me in how they act and react in a given situation. Let's watch as the bigots and hypocrites squirm under pressure and how the "townsfolk" react. Thanks for taking your time to review my story. As always you give something to think about. Jim

Yes, as you likely know characters sometimes surprise you. I expected Raymond to conduct the meeting but from the moment he locked door Joe just kind of took over. It has been fun so far, let's see how it unfolds. Thanks for taking time away from your story to read and review mine. Jim

Yep, Maria adds a depth to the relationship. She has a surprise or two yet in store for her dads. Thanks so much for taking time from you writing to review. Jim

There are plans afoot. I suspect the bigots won't go quietly. They still have the arsonist to deal with. Thanks for taking time to review. It does keep me motivated. Jim

Thank you again Jeffrey for taking your time to review. Joe surprised the hell out of me in this chapter. I too think he has some serious plans. Jim

Ilya made it clear that what he was going to do with Paul and Jeff was to familiarize them with; loading, drawing, firing and cleaning their weapons. He was not preparing them to become spies, assassins or “American cowboy gunfighters”. They would “after much more hours of instruction” be better prepared to counter the threat. “What you will be is better prepared to survive an encounter with an adversary who wants to take your life. We do not know who this killer is. We don't know when or where

Thank you for your reviews. When readers take the time to comment, even to complain I feel motivated. I hope you like how it develops. Thanks again, Jim

Yeah, guns and Texas... not quite pb&j but... Thanks for taking time to post your reviews Terry, they keep me motivated. Jim

I think that our guys are still getting to know each other. As to how Bumpkis and his crew will be dealt with... I suspect the impact will be like an oncoming summer storm. You can disregard the distant rumble of thunder, but you can't really know the power of the storm until the damage has been done. Thanks again for your reviews. I really look forward to reading what you have to say. Jim

Your reviews are always interesting and insightful. Thank you for taking your time to review. I was uncertain as to how this chapter would be received. You are too kind. Jim

Thank you Jeff for your reviews. It was difficult to end this chapter, but if I had continued further there would have been another cliffhanger. There is much to be revealed both past and present about the Adams Family... fingersnap...fingersnap. Thanks again for taking to review. It helps motivate me. Jim

I was taught gun safety at a young age. That allowed a smoother transition to military life. I taught my sons those same principles. Thanks for taking the time to review, Jim

Too short! Need more story, Now! Great job, Jim

Well, that was a relief. I was afraid his mother would get away with the criminal acts she perpetrated upon Wesley. I don't think I could have continued to read if she was not arrested and had her parental rights removed permanently. I am really liking your story, Jim

Yeah, seems they think he is a good guy. I was in the middle of chapter two of your story "Wesley and Shamus". I got a review alert and since I was at an "accepting" place I figured I would check out my review from you. Try as I might I cannot produce one of those stories that are perfectly edited. Most is due to a lack of education. The rest is because I get tired of rereading what I wrote. Like all my many shortcomings, I have learned to live with it. Thanks for reviewing, Jim

Hey, I came as soon as I saw you too had posted some stories. I actually had already clicked on chapter two, but came back to offer my comments. All that should tell you that I have enjoyed the first chapter. I read some of the reviews and, just like me, you have grammar and punctuation challenges. There is something about your style that makes me believe the protagonist is a closeted gay adolescent about to get his ass kicked. I can't wait to find out if his father is that kind of man. One of the reviews mentioned an "editor's corner". I don't think I have heard of that before now. I would be too intimidated too ask for that kind of help. Even though I have challenged some critics to proofread my stuff. Anyway, bottom line is let them help but be careful. You have a nice style, don't let an "editor" change that. Jim

The Christmas shopping crowd was in full bloom at WalMart. The parking lot was packed. Jeff just sneered at Paul’s suggestion that he and Maria be let off at the door while Jeff finds a parking spot. After going up and down a couple lot of parking lot rows they lucked out and got one about mid-way down on aisle 14. As soon as he parked Jeff stood on the driver's side step rail and surveyed the lot. Notting nothing suspicious, he ushered his family into the melee of Christmas shoppers. They ha

Well, I have decided I have read this story before. But, by the time I realized it I was enjoying it all over again. It was just as good this time around so I hope I "stumble" across it again in the future. Thanks for heartwarming story. Jim

I think I read this story on another site or maybe even this one. Old age is hell. But, it beats the alternative. Anyway, on to the review. I enjoy stories with believable characters with good conversational dialogue. You've got that in Spades! It is a great story! I only took a break cause I felt it deserved a review. Thanks for sharing, Jim P/s, love it when a manly man discovers he has a submissive side.