travlbug

😲 😱 Your secret is safe with me. 🤫 😂🤣😁 A boysenberry is a cross between a blackberry and a raspberry and has a flavor all its own. Next time you visit the West Coast, don't hesitate to try the boysenberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Just heavenly (my favorite pie)!

Premade pie crust? Jett, I don't know if you've ever read Dante's Inferno, but the 6th ring is where you go for heresy. And where's the boysenberry pie? Bo as a jungle gym? Could be! (He's just a big pussycat when it comes to kids. ) Naked teens in a woodshop? The splinter would certainly have taught the kids respect for safety--and the need to wear clothes! (Tiny quibble: the doc would have used ultrasound, not x-rays, to assess the wooden splinter.) Awww. Jett's present to Kyle really says love, and Kyle almost says it back. 🥰

I think that authors have a lot on their mind while writing and may not address every little detail, especially if it is ultimately not pertinent to the story. I love the story anyway. ❤ (See, Ethan, this is what happens when you use a little foundation to hide things from your mother! 😂)

I wonder if anyone during P.E. just happened to see Mathers' butt and if he exhibits any bruising. "You shoved my head into my locker and I've got the bruise to prove it." Mom doesn't notice (or comment on) a forehead bruise? Seriously? As Ethan has sustained an injury with sufficient force to bleed outwardly, into the skin, he needs to be evaluated for skull fracture or even inward bleeding--a slow subdural hematoma. I still think that Reynolds and Jackson could be nailed to the wall for blatantly ignoring Ethan's head trauma, but I can't believe that the parents would ignore it as well. (They don't even take a picture, let alone offer their son a medical evaluation.) Once again, Jackson plays fast and loose with his punishments, singling Wayne out for more paddle strokes than the two other boys receive. He does not dispense his brand of justice evenly, and his refusal to take into account the actual facts surrounding the fight (to decide on the degree of punishment) shows that he is not interested in justice anyway. Technicalities can be extremely important: Jackson, and even the school board, may not care if another teacher (required) or student (forbidden) is present during CP, but Jackson's failure to follow the rules is legally actionable. (They may care a bit more when they lose the suit! Of course, if the school board is anxious to avoid a suit, it may prove more willing to throw Jackson under the bus.)

Great to see that FedEx is increasing its services! (Air holes are extra. ) So, which circus did you say that the siblings belong to? 🎪 🤗 She shrieked as he demanded, "Lick my boots baby girl!" Bo certainly has an unusual method of shining his shoes! 😂 “Do I mention that my secret fantasies include extremely old men with sagging boobs, rubber bands and whipped cream?” Kyle's memoir has been optioned by a porn studio. 😏 Ah, Noah and Bo--the elf and Big Foot! Despite his diminutive stature (actually, 5'6" is not that short, except in comparison to Bo), Noah is feisty and, as Jett incidentally observes (for no particular reason ), has a well-padded posterior. We leave them speaking the language of the Fey (computer geek), and we'll just have to wait and see how they get along. 😁

Funny the things that are acceptable for adults but not for children: "Fighting in school" may be grounds for suspension (or punishment à la Jackson) regardless if one is the perpetrator or victim, whereas defending one's self would be perfectly appropriate in the real world. Fairness, or even an expectation of fairness, can be a fantasy when it comes to the school yard, as Wayne knows all too well. If Mathers is not punished, then we'll know that the assault and battery on Ethan was a setup (or less likely, administration approval after the fact). Reynolds, however, can be faulted for failing to take Ethan to the nurse for head trauma, as I'm sure he sustained some visual damage. (Ethan's parents may not be able to complain effectively about the punishment for fighting, but a complaint that a teacher ignored a medical issue could be devastating.) Grandma knows. (You can have a lot of fun in a tent! 😂) Nothing says prison like prison: I'm sure that Wayne, his grandparents, and his Dad will have a great visit, but I hope that the prison itself won't cause Wayne to feel depressed. (It may also occur to him that being set up in school and being set up for prison is only a matter of degree. 😪)

Keeps you fresher longer! (I didn't say that. )

Bo jumps out of a box because he couldn't find the right cake. (One must make do. ) I am allergic to guns: I think Trigger is a horse, a Bullet is a blender, a barrel is what you use to age fine wine, and Smith and Wesson is a salad dressing. (Do I at least get partial credit? 😂😂😂) If others want to exercise their right to use guns responsibly, I have no objection; but we'll probably differ on what the word responsibly means. I'm glad that Megan and Kim have met: It may not have been an earth-moving experience on the surface, but it's a necessary start. ("[Kim's] not apprehensive anymore, at least when it comes to Megan": A stumbling block to their having a relationship has been removed.) Christmas eve with Jett's family sounds like a certain kind of reality show! (I can actually picture Bo and Jett wearing body-sized Christmas stockings with blinking lights. [For Bo, Noah can be the stocking stuffer! ].)

The law was definitely different then: I did a bit more research and found that the Texas state legislature enacted the opt-out clause in 2017 (with the U S Supreme Court making corporal punishment legal back in 1977. In other words, it took 40 years for Texas to create an exemption to CP, and there is no law requiring the school to notify parents before inflicting CP even now!). I'm glad I was raised in California! ❤

According to Findlaw, "In Texas, corporal punishment in public schools is considered lawful unless a parent or legal guardian has refused to give permission with a signed, written statement to the school board." Of course, if you're a California transplant, how are you supposed to know? I wonder if Wayne's Mom, who seems to have abrogated her responsibilities as a parent, has allowed the school to paddle Wayne as a sort-of surrogate caregiver (or if she just doesn't know her options or simply won't lift a finger to help Wayne. Another possibility is that Wayne hasn't told her of the abuse because a) he's trying to protect her, b) he thinks she would be indifferent, or c) he doesn't realize that she has the ability to help). Another, even sadder, reason that Wayne may have accepted the paddling is that it represents a better alternative than suspensions or expulsion--the alternatives that Jackson might employ if he is not allowed to inflict corporal punishment. I love that Ethan and Wayne hold hands in front of Ethan's parents and that the only reaction is a smile from Ethan's mother. Yay! A visit with Wayne's Dad may be imminent! "Lance and the Dickheads"--great name for a swim team. The hazing ploy is genius to get the boys paddled without administration involvement but would require that no other boys are accepted onto the team: Otherwise, their being singled out for the "initiation" would raise the alarm!

Where can Dani be? I love how James heightens our sense of danger through Marta and Salvatore's comments about the Torre's surrounds (especially at night). Enzo previously abandons Michele in his time of need and has hated himself ever since for his cowardice: He truly acts the hero in Dani's rescue, but he does it as much for Michele and himself as for Dani. (He balances the scales.) Salvatore acknowledges that Toto has proven himself an adult with the right to make his own decisions; and Toto almost immediately validates his father's belief by agreeing to stay in school. (Smart decision, Toto: You won't regret it!) I love the flashback at the end of the story: As children or adults, Toto and Michele will always fly together. ❤ Thank you, James, for another wonderful tale! Any ideas for you next project? I believe you mentioned that it would not involve Ravello....

No, not really--just the idea that both disappear and could be in danger. (Dani may be sensitive, but he's not that sensitive.) Gianni and Dani have different motivations for their actions; and while I personally dismissed the idea of Dani considering suicide, someone somewhere may read about Gianni's situation (right after reading about Dani's disappearance) and presume the worst. That said, a careful reader won't.

A lovely day for Toto and Michele to experience la joie de vivre and explore their blossoming relationship. At the end of a perfect day, they sit with friends who understand them and provide positive reinforcement. Yes, Toto, you need your education if you really want to fly.... About that perfect day: The news that Dani is missing changes everything in an instant. (In viewing the construction of the story, I love the juxtaposition of the joy of young lovers to the heartbreak of a missing child.) James, you are pure evil for juxtaposing Daniele's disappearance with Gianni's suicidal thoughts and gesture: I refuse to fall into the trap of thinking that Dani is contemplating suicide himself. At the time, Gianni thought he was being rejected by his own true love and the local community, whereas Dani is a sensitive boy who is asked by his friends to give them space for a day. My fear is that he goes off for a good mope and finds himself trapped--unable to go home--and is in need of rescuing. And Toto and Michele know just the place to look!

Sex vs tacos. (The sex is hot, but the jalapeños are hotter! 😂) Whichever you start with, you have another treat waiting for you. 😉 And Jett, as for the dilemma of soft vs hard, you like them hard (and messy).... Wait, what do you think we're talking about? 😂🤣😅😉😁 Kyle, I have no objection to your learning how to use a gun--especially with Jett to help you--but why do you need one? Do you think that Greene would try to kill or kidnap his own son? And to what purpose? However, if Greene is granted parole, Kim (and Nikki) might feel better off with a weapon, and it's not a bad idea for Jett to suggest it to her.

That Jackson feels he can rely on support from the entire staff is telling. (It would be nice if his assessment is wrong.)

Jackson is actually engaged in a conspiracy to administer corporal punishment to Ethan and Wayne: "Anything they do that is out of line, even a little, send them to me. I can't wait to have their butts up in the air in front of me." Before the fact, and despite the nature and degree of the transgression, he has already decided to provide a maximum penalty. Now is the time for Ethan's Dad to confront Jackson about his prior assault and battery, with the intent to report future transgressions: Jackson may have the staff watching Ethan and Wayne, but Jackson may react differently if he knows that Ethan's Dad is watching him. Wayne's Dad has been railroaded. I wonder what, if anything, Ethan's parents can do about it. Great to see that the boys are making friends and that their own relationship is progressing. The visit with the grandparents shows that there is at least some stability in Wayne's life. Ah, Wayne is half Comanche (so was Quanah Parker). I wonder if he has ever attended a Comanche Homecoming Powwow? (This year, it will be July 16-18.) I also wonder if he has embraced the culture and to what extent, especially as the town is prejudiced against Native Americans.

Now that he and Michele are together, Toto feels "like a child again." His sensitivity is heightened, and on his Vespa, he [relishes] "the feel of the fresh night air on his face." As he prepares for bed, "Toto thought he had never felt so happy." (Ain't love grand!) Michele does two important things in this chapter: First, he initiates a kiss with Toto (so Toto isn't the only one doing the kissing); and second, he "blackmails" Toto into staying at school--going to university. He refuses to be the reason that Toto gives up his future and says, "I'll finish with you if you keep talking like that [about giving up his education]. Michele is actually ensuring that they have a better future, and this incident shows that Toto will acquiesce to Michele regarding major issues. (Actually, who am I trying to kid: Michele has Toto wrapped around his little finger! ) A little drenching, a little undressing…. They've finally been a bit naughty, and I love that Claudia unerringly realizes that they've been "making out" and wants an update. ("Into each life, some rain must fall," but I don't think Wadsworth had this in mind. ) "Will you join me for dinner in the square tomorrow? I’ll close the shop early." Salvatore knows that Toto is growing up--that he is turning into a young man--and his invitation represents a wish to know his son better. In fact, when they finally sit down together, Salvatore muses, "Perhaps it’s not too late? ...Talk to me, Toto… tell me what’s happening in your world." After Toto reveals that Michele and he are a couple and expresses his pride in Michele, his father says the words that truly start the healing: "Although we differ in so many ways, I shall try my hardest to be proud of you too." And the mountain comes to Muhammad.

Under the circumstances, the name Rowan itself can be considered a clue. (Of course he's a botanist! 😉.) I love the mystery element, when Rowan learns that the house is abandoned and that Pieter has lied about its provenance. Technically, Rowan is a demigod (jus sanguinis); and though he loses his lover, his father, and his humanity at the story's denouement, he becomes something greater, and he finds his true home (nature's balance of loss and gain). Thank you for a lovely story.

Darcy Coates, eat your heart out! An atmospheric, creepy tale--well done. 👻 (As an aside: Pairs well with Darjeeling. ☕ 😉)

Dr. Greene obtains silence from the Bentons (regarding their adoptions) by informing them that the father is a politician who'll destroy their careers if they tell. Likewise, the Bentons are fearful that, under those circumstances, they could lose the children. Yet, Greene handles his subsequent adoptions differently. Does he simply find a "better" way to perform them, or is there a specific reason he insists on silence regarding the Benton children?

The lack of regulations for hair length changes Jackson's interventions from punishment to assault and battery. The school board, CPS, and police should all be notified, but Wayne's reticence is understandable. At least, Ethan's parents are aware, so if Jackson tries to pull another fast one, they'll be poised to act. The boys are growing closer (yay!), and Ethan's parents have provided tacit approval. I wonder when we're going to meet Wayne's Mom (or any of his relatives).

Hmmm. I've never heard of an underwear tradeoff, but it certainly puts a different take on the idea of walking a mile in someone's shoes. Simple corporal punishment--not OK but possibly legal for the sake of our story. Progressive corporal punishment with no endpoint (except compliance)--I can't believe that this would be legal under any circumstances. Further, has Jackson subjected any other student to a similar punishment? Wayne needs to challenge Jackson's actions--to hold him accountable. Perhaps, Ethan's parents may help.

That Wayne even thinks of ownership papers for a bike found in the trash is sad and telling; and worse, he actually needs them. Apparently, he has little parental supervision, as he doesn't have to inform anyone to stay the night at Ethan's. Further, his Mom works a late shift (hopefully not a second job), and there may be no father in the picture. Wayne himself works in a grocery store, and the state of his clothes suggests that money is tight. Wayne confirms his native American heritage (tribe so far unknown) and buys into the idea of a project on "Indians in WW II." He volunteers to discuss the idea with his grandfather, and we'll need to wait and see what grandad says. Wayne needs to report to Mr. Jackson, the VP for school discipline. If the visit is regarding punishment, we can only hope that the punishment is fair; but considering that even the cops have stopped him (for riding a bike while Indian?), there is no guarantee. (Jackson's willingness to break confidentiality to talk about Wayne to Reynolds is at least disrespectful.)

“I could do with getting some fuel, Dani,” Toto said. “You’re taking me to see Enzo, aren’t you?” Daniele replied. Dani is sharp! He sees the true relationship between Toto and Michele, and he sees through Toto's "fuel" ploy instantly. I love that both Michele and Daniele benefit from their "Filippo therapy." (And pizza is an excellent reward [especially with anchovies!].) "What do you think I should do, Dani?" "...I don’t know…" Daniele frowned thoughtfully. "What would make you the happiest?" "...I guess there’s really only one answer to that," Michele said quietly. In this exchange, Dani is wise beyond his years, hitting the nail on the head, and Michele shows that he's already aware of what he has to do. It can be harder to stand up for yourself in front of your parents than in front of a bully, and I'm certain that it's no coincidence that Michele does both in the course of this chapter. Kudos to Michele for talking to his family immediately after making his decision. Kudos to Chiara for putting her son's happiness first. And honorable mention to Davide for accepting the relationship, no matter how it makes him feel. I love how Toto and Michele announce their relationship to Gianni (so cute): They are officially a couple. Michele took his hand. “Show me how to fly,” he said, and they closed their eyes. I teared up at this passage: The imagery of wings and swifts and soaring spirits come back to mind, as Michele acknowledges that he is finally ready to soar with Toto by his side.

"Yeltsin was dead, Gorbachev had ceded power to the men who had started the coup, and their hopes for a better future were dead as well." The Soviet Union persists to create discord on the world stage. Brian himself is captured by the KGB and is severely tortured--brutalized for years. After lifetimes of effort, what was it all for? True, our friends are given one last Do Over, with the presumption that a profoundly damaged Brian will heal, but the conclusion of the series has left me frustrated: Davey and Brian's goals are never met. That said, do they finally decide to leave well enough alone? "Maybe, maybe there's another way." Brian asked with a shrug. "...We've always tried changing things from the top. Maybe we can change them from the bottom." (And the hamster wheel starts turning again.) The saga ends with the affirmation that "together they could conquer the world," but by now, after so many failed timelines, this sounds like an empty promise. We can but hope. Despite a darker ending than I expected, the Do Over series is one of the best time travel epics I've ever read, and I will strongly recommend it. As an aside, I love that the Aussies are heroes this time around but are too smart themselves to utilize the time travel technology! (Cheers, mate!) Recommendation time: If you loved the best of what the Do Over series has to offer, you'll also love GOON, another time travel story by DKStories, complete with it's own mad professor. (It will help with the withdrawal symptoms!)