wildone

There may be a pandemic going on out in the vast world as we know it, but the Review Team is working hard behind the scenes, reviewing, writing and featuring stories for us all to read! This week is a feature of Tales From the Sauna by @Thorn Wilde done up by Puppilull Tales From the Sauna Thorn Wilde Reviewer: Puppilull Status: Complete Word Count: 12,045 Now when many of us are feeling a bit isolated and perhaps in need of some warmth, I can recommend just the stories for you! The kind that warms your body and soul. So, without further ado, step into the sauna! Tales From the Sauna is a three-part series of one-chapter stories taking place not so very far from my hoods (relatively speaking). In the more rural parts of Finland where all things gay is accepted but not exactly thriving, we meet Juha, who is chilling in the never-ending summer evenings of the northern hemisphere. He is (perhaps a bit too) quietly enjoying his time off for the summer, when by chance he runs into Adam. A very good-looking So-Cal boy born and bred, but with Finnish roots which he is to explore. And boy, do they explore! The heat of the sauna cools in comparison to the heat these guys can generate. I suggest keeping something cool nearby, to drink or maybe to splash your face. As the series continues, we get to follow the boys for summer, Christmas and then another summer (complete with a premier Pride parade) again on their journey as they try to figure out what is actually going on between them. Is it just a fling, a passing attraction? Or is it something else? How will they handle a possible long-distance relationship? These are short chapters, perfect for a snuggled up read in the comfiest corner of the couch. Or maybe in bed…? But don’t let the sexiness of the tales fool you. These boys are hot for each other, no doubt. But they also have a connection that goes beyond mere sex. In the three chapters, Thorn Wilde manages to pack a lot of emotion as well. It’s easy to picture the small town, with a warm accepting attitude towards all people. I don’t find it too romanticized, since I feel most Swedish small towns are the same. Sure, there are the occasional idiots, but generally people live and let live. I enjoyed finding out alongside Juha and Adam just how to handle living so far apart and still not wanting to let go. As an added bonus, you learn how to properly take a sauna. Somehow, the boys manage not to break the rules. Such admirable constraint! But it doesn’t last long outside the sauna… Category: Fiction Genres: Romance Tags: young adult, europe, gay, love, oral, anal, vacation Rating: Mature

So lets have some fun Over in the Games and Humour section, there is a topic called Last Post Wins! Recently two or three participants tried to find earworm songs to drive the others crazy You know what I mean! The type of songs that you hear and then can't get out of your mind! No matter how hard you try! Well how about everyone share an earworm song to keep us going through Sunday to leave us all stark crazy. Post a Youtube link in your response Have some fun Some of the ones with Youtube links in the topic were : Baby Shark - Pinkfong Songs for Children Mahna Mahna - The Muppets I Love You, Barney Theme Song - Barney Daniel Tigers Neighbourhood - PBS Kids Never Going To Give You Up - Rick Astley Ob-la-di Ob-la-da - the Beatles Now back to our regularly scheduled program On Monday, Cia brought us the May Can't Stop Reading Feature. Wednesday was definitely a WOW Wednesday. Carlos, who is still desperately seeking questions for Authors, had one of the most responded to Ask An Authors...EVER! Now send him some questions to keep this going Then on Friday, comicfan, aka Wayne dropped in with a couple of though provoking prompts for everyone to consider tackling. All week long, did you take in Myr's Words Of The Day? And, drum roll please!!! How did we do on our goals? So, don't forget to send your questions into Carlos This is the last week to get your Anthologies in for the Spring Anthology!! Anthologies Author Anthology Questionnaire - Click here to participate Anthology 101 - New in the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies 2020 Spring Anthology: The Storm - Due May 15th 2020 Spring Anthology: Full Moon - Due May 15th Blog Opportunities Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author) Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevens to participate Premium Updates: The Horse Thief by Laura S. Fox *Premium* Classic Updates: A Perfect Confluence of Events by Dabeagle The Golden Portifor by Mike Arram Signature Updates: Endings by Headstall **Complete** Kiss Of An Angel by Comicality My answers to Val's Postcards from the Pandemic by aditus **Complete** My Only Escape by Comicality NaPoWriMo 2020: Postcards from the Pandemic by Valkyrie**Complete** Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont Only Prompts by Mikiesboy Ranger by Carlos Hazday tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy Unicorn Quests by Cia Promising Updates: Here Kitty, Kitty by Caz Pedroso **Complete** Re-Verse by northie Double Wow, lots of complete stories for those of you that like to wait until they are done Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! To get the ball rolling, here is one that gets stuck in your head

I thought he was practicing for a Marching Band Drill Team

Whoa, just about forgot to do up the weekly update today. Why you ask? I've occupied most of my day playing with myself Now get your minds out of the gutter. I woke up this morning and having nothing pressing to do, I sat down in front of the computer and played solitaire by myself. Then after some lunch, I fired up the PS4 and played the Campaign on COD 🔫 . Well that kept me occupied for a lot of hours. After dinner, I was tired of being online, so I looked in a not often used cupboard and found a jigsaw puzzle. Since I don't have that big of a condo and i took out the dining room table and replaced it with a second desk for work I had to get going on it on my kitchen island/breakfast bar. Sadly, other than the outside borders, not too much is done yet . So I did keep myself occupied and isolated and had a pretty gosh darn good day . What did you do on this Saturday? So we can now jump into the weekly blog and on Monday, Cia was back with the April CSR Discussion Day: Wednesday was Renee's day to light a fire under some of our assets if we have been doddling on getting in the Spring Anthology. Friday was a double whammy day! First we had Wayne drop by with a couple of Weekly Prompts: Then Myr was also back to giving us all a word of the day! Check out Friday and Saturdays here! As like I have in past few blogs, lets see how we are doing on our weekly goals. Anthologies Author Anthology Questionnaire - Click here to participate Anthology 101 - New in the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies 2020 Spring Anthology: The Storm - Due May 15th 2020 Spring Anthology: Full Moon - Due May 15th Blog Opportunities Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author) Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevens to participate Premium Updates: The Horse Thief by Laura S. Fox *Premium* Classic Updates: A Perfect Confluence of Events by Dabeagle Dancing on a Star by Ronyx The Golden Portifor by Mike Arram The Green Side by Mike Arram **Complete** Signature Updates: Endings by Headstall Headstall's Reflections by Headstall Idylls of Isolation: NaPoWriMo 2020 by Parker Owens If Only In My Dreams (Remixed) by Comicality New Kid In School by Comicality Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont Prickly Prompts by aditus Ranger by Carlos Hazday The Plateau by Comicality tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy Unicorn Quests by Cia Promising Updates: The Reluctant Consort by lilansui Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!

Looks like Meghan has lost most of the points of law that she was basing her case on. Without those being allowed in court, should she just drop it? https://ca.yahoo.com/style/meghan-markle-high-court-ruling-mail-on-sunday-111327084.html

Help So, did I get your attention ? Seriously, we need help from as many members as possible! I have been in conversation with @Carlos Hazday and he has 1 question left to ask an author(s) for Ask An Author. Needless to say, no questions, no Ask An Author . Your question could be about anything you want to ask. You can specify an author or authors you want directed to, or just ask the question and Carlos will put it out there still. If you click on his name above and then click on the click on the Message button to send him a PM. Either you do that, or Carlos is going to get a whole bunch of questions from me, which nobody wants What's your favourite colour (I snuck in two u's in those two words ) , are you a briefs, boxers, or boxer brief kind of gal or guy So please, please send in some questions, for all our sake Now what happened at the GA blog this week? Monday it was Cia dropping in with the Classic Author Feature: Then on Tuesday, kind of self serving , Renee had the big reveal on Author Guess Who (j/k Renee ) Wednesday saw Cia back with the Classic Author Excerpt. Finally on Friday, Friday, Gotta get down on Friday Wayne was back with a couple of prompts. What about our goals, are we back on the Dean's list 😮 Anthologies Author Anthology Questionnaire - Click here to participate Anthology 101 - New in the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies 2020 Spring Anthology: The Storm - Due May 15th 2020 Spring Anthology: Full Moon - Due May 15th Blog Opportunities Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author) Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevens to participate Premium Updates: The Horse Thief by Laura S. Fox *Premium* Classic Updates: The Green Side by Mike Arram Signature Updates: Agenda 21 by Comicality Beach Bottles by Carlos Hazday **Complete** Endings by Headstall Idylls of Isolation: NaPoWriMo 2020 by Parker Owens Jessie-101: Online Celebrity by Comicality Left Without Words by Comicality My answers to Val's Postcards from the Pandemic by aditus NaPoWriMo 2020: Postcards from the Pandemic by Valkyrie Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont Ranger by Carlos Hazday Unicorn Quests by Cia Promising Updates: Flash In The Pan by northie Thorny Poetry by Thorn Wilde Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!

I've never been impressed with MM since she stole my once future husband I used to keep up to date with the Royals, but not so much the ex-Royals. They are merging the best of Coronation Street and Days of our Lives to real life. Maybe that is the whole idea of Harry and Megan, start a reality show called 'Slumming with the Sussex's'

Classic deflection there, @Dodger

Soooo, The other night I woke up with my pillow on the side of my face and I had hair in my mouth and in my nose I've never had a beard for more than a week before in my life, but I let it grow out over the past 5 weeks. The unibomber had nothing on me And the eyebrow,s even Albert Einstein would be jealous So enough was enough and woke up today and got out the cordless waterproof clippers and got rid of the damn beard! Next, got out the actual hairdresser clippers and started to use a #2 to start on a fade. Went well until I got the hairdressing scissors out next I was trying to blend the sides into the clipper cut and took off just a bit too much No problem, I just did the same the other side to even it out . So when I took after pictures I was impressed with my 100% self haircut. There won't be any pictures of the back, no matter how much anyone begs, pleads or asks. Not going to happen When I look over my head I have decided to give myself a resounding grade of F-. Now to distract you from my salon skills, here is what happened at the GA Blog this week. Monday, Renee brought us a new Feature Author. Wednesday, our Featured Author dropped in and provide us with a Site Technology and Software Update. Anyone have a saga or two in them? Friday was the day that comicfan returned with a couple of new prompts for y'all, or is it ya'll I checked in today with how we did last week on the story goals last week, which I have been remiss in doing the past few weeks. So here is last week: But due to my remissness, I missed sharing you with a couple of great accomplishments!! Anthologies Author Anthology Questionnaire - Click here to participate Anthology 101 - New in the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies 2020 Spring Anthology: The Storm - Due May 15th 2020 Spring Anthology: Full Moon - Due May 15th Blog Opportunities Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author) Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevens to participate Premium Updates: The Horse Thief by Laura S. Fox *Premium* Classic Updates: Dancing on a Star by Ronyx Sci-Fi Flash Collection by Myr The Green Side by Mike Arram Signature Updates: Cozy Contemplations by Headstall Endings by Headstall GFD: Fanboys by Comicality Idylls of Isolation: NaPoWriMo 2020 by Parker Owens Lyrical Laments by Headstall Musings of a Mongoose by Cynus My answers to Val's Postcards from the Pandemic by aditus NaPoWriMo 2020: Postcards from the Pandemic by Valkyrie Ranger by Carlos Hazday Unicorn Quests by Cia Promising Updates: The Cockney Canuck by Dodger Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!

Please, please, please, please don't turn this into a pro life /pro abortion debate This is for informative purposes only. In Canada, generally abortion is free and covered under provincial/federal health care. For Ontario: Ontario Coverage: Provincial health plan covers costs of abortions at hospitals and clinics Comment: There are some clinics in Ontario that are not NAF members and charge a fee for non-insured services The cost of MIfegymiso®, the medication used in medical abortion, is covered to anyone who have a valid CHIP

Okay, digested that chapter overnight and today, and I think I will share my thoughts So the repeated topic is who is Robbie better off with? Tom, well droughtquake, not going to happen . But I will say that he would be the best option, but they have the pond between them Alex, I think with the phone call in the middle of the night looking for 2K is just another reason that Alex is still the worst one for Robbie (yes, even Fran would be a better choice ). JC, he raped Robbie 3 times. I still consider the first time coming in after the rain, and the night he plied Robbie with drugs, and then finally the forced and violent rape in Robbie's basement was the 3rd time. I think Robbie might be suffering from Stockholm synonym with his willingness to carry on with Alex. Nathan, I know a lot of you think he is the best for Robbie, but I believe he is just barely a step above Alex. The guy drags around Ginnie's cousin around to make Robbie jealous, aka, he is using him and the worst type of person, a tease. The fact that Nathan was completely at ease with the people at the party and was so superficial to Robbie and Conner makes me sick. Back when they dated, Nathan wasn't satisfied with just Robbie and wanted to add to that against Robbie's unwillingness. Nathan seems to be attracted to the next good looking person he sees. There is no loyalty or redeeming qualities to him. Conner I was saying that I don't like his fit with Robbie either. That he was a one way lover and fell asleep after he got to get his prize with Robbie, unsheathed!!! 😮 Now it seems to be Robbie needs to plan ways to avoid getting Connor's togger into his sore bum. But, I was surprised with this latest chapter, he moved up on my scale a fair bit. Although he didn't agree with Robbie's drinking, he stuck by him to look out for him. He did not take Nathan's disgusting bait to try and upset him by Nathan's constant flirting with Robbie in front of everyone. He seems to be able to converse with Don and Sue and you know what, although we hate them, they aren't busting Robbie's balls like they did when Robbie was with Nathan. Less stress in the whole house. Then, while on the phone with Alex, he was under the blankets trying to make Robbie's wet noodle to stand on it's end. So maybe he is realizing sex is a two way street. Daniel, not even considerable. He is so straight that he probably has a penis so straight without the slightest bend or curve to it because he has never touched himself So those are my thoughts and here is one final observation Robbie needs to stop dating immediately. He can't find a mature boy in Canada, he is not mature enough to be dating himself. But, in all honesty I would say the overall theme of this story is that Robbie, since coming to Canada, is in search of someone that will love him unconditionally and without ulterior motives. He hasn't found that in anyone he has dated yet. I would say until anyone can show him that kind of love and make Robbie secure in accepting and embracing that love, no one deserves Robbie and he would be better off without the lot of them. So what do you think?

looks good and some things I will employ going forward

Batten/Baton, meh Looks like I need to find an editor to catch these mistakes before I post. Any volunteers

Has the past month flown by for you too? It seems like only a little while ago that we were being told to baton down the hatches and start practicing physical distancing. Work days blend into supposedly days off and daily chores and tasks are being done more. As even one member commented, her Dad was washing walls, walls!!!! I see the blogs are starting to really take off. Interesting reading how so many people are dealing with the times as well as their thoughts on it too. Some of your status updates have me laughing my butt off . Seems like GA is becoming more and more a place to come to get swept away for a little while So what did the staff get up to this week with the GA Blog? Cia was on Monday, with a new CSR feature for the month of April. Tuesday was another feature of Author Guess Who Who are you, who, who, who, who? Wednesday, Renee was back with a Signature Feature: Friday Wayne was back with a couple of prompts, and if you look at the comments you will see why self preservation kicked in for me Anthologies Author Anthology Questionnaire - Click here to participate Anthology 101 - New in the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies 2020 Spring Anthology: The Storm - Due May 15th 2020 Spring Anthology: Full Moon - Due May 15th Blog Opportunities Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author) Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevens to participate Premium Updates: The Horse Thief by Laura S. Fox *Premium* Classic Updates: Corners by Dabeagle **Complete** Passover Panic by Altimexis **Complete** Signature Updates: Black Widow by Mark Arbour; Book 16 of Chronicles Of An Academic Predator (CAP) Endings by Headstall Idylls of Isolation: NaPoWriMo 2020 by Parker Owens Lyrical Laments by Headstall My answers to Val's Postcards from the Pandemic by aditus NaPoWriMo 2020: Postcards from the Pandemic by Valkyrie Ranger by Carlos Hazday tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy Unicorn Quests by Cia Promising Updates: Here Kitty, Kitty by Caz Pedroso **Complete** The Prince and His Royal Guard by lilansui **Complete** Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!

First thing that came to mind was the old expression '(have sexual intercourse) like rabbits' but realized I would get a letter from @Cia telling me it won't be published and possible warning points

Well, I'm kind of tired of asking the usual question at the past 3 or 4 updates As I was looking through the blogs and activity this week, I noticed a couple of things that I thought I'd mention. First off, for anyone reading @Dabeagle's story Corners you will see really high numbers of reviews and likes and overall interaction. I think that with so many of us home bound, Dabeagle has found for the lack of a better expression, a captive audience and growing audience. I also noticed it with other authors as well, @Mark Arbour posted a chapter of Northern Exposure also the likes and comments are flowing in too. With Mark having his own Club, he has also had a lot of people joining his club! Sorry, there is so many more, but these were just two of the many, many that I've seen this past week. To all of you contributing new works, on behalf of all of GA, THANK YOU!!! Second thing I saw was the Prompts that @comicfan graces us with every Friday, might be under utilized. I'm thinking I might do something totally different and actually express myself though a prompt response Keep the booing and the throwing of rotten fruit and vegetables at me to a minimum. I'm kind of fragile . Now shall we actually see what great blogs we had this week? Monday, Cia brought us all the CSR Discussion day for March. Wow, where did that month go? Wednesday was a favourite around these parts . Carlos was back with another rendition of AAA. Friday the prompt guru, Comicfan was back with a couple of intriguing selections for you to partake in. Anthologies Author Anthology Questionnaire - Click here to participate Anthology 101 - New in the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies 2020 Spring Anthology: The Storm - Due May 15th 2020 Spring Anthology: Full Moon - Due May 15th Blog Opportunities Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author) Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevens to participate Premium Updates: The Horse Thief by Laura S. Fox *Premium* Classic Updates: Corners by Dabeagle Dancing on a Star by Ronyx Signature Updates: Endings by Headstall Musings of a Mongoose by Cynus My answers to Val's Postcards from the Pandemic by aditus NaPoWriMo 2020: Postcards from the Pandemic by Valkyrie New Kid In School by Comicality Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont Ranger by Carlos Hazday Unicorn Quests by Cia Promising Updates: Here Kitty, Kitty by Caz Pedroso Songs in T-Minor by Thorn Wilde The Cockney Canuck by Dodger The Reluctant Consort by lilansui Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!

So in the Weekly wrap up, I said it might be cathartic to express yourself in a blog. As some of you know, on Friday a week and half ago, my dad was taken to the hospital in delirium, but something wrong in his chest too. They put him in immediate isolation and did a COVID19 test and checked him for a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). I should insert here, that Dad was supposed to be put on a list to moved from a assisted living facility to a supportive living facility. Before the above happened, I put in the top 3 facilities that my sisters and Dad and me toured. Unfortunately we only saw one, another we saw the lobby and dining area and the 3rd we didn't see at all. This was due to COVID19 So the COVID19 test came back negative, I think Monday or Tuesday last week . They said something still wasn't a 100% right with his lungs and were treating the UTI and they were waiting for a complete Viral Panel to come back. The next day, they said his UTI was still there and he was really in bad delirium and thought they were trying to poison him, and was trying to kick and punch the nurses, so they had to take immediate precautions and stuck him with a sedative and knocked him out. When he work up later, he was in restraints but was much more calmer. My older sister was allowed to stop by the hospital and visit him. The next day went better, as my older sisters night visit she convinced him the more water he drank, the more he would pee and with the antibiotics, would clear up his UTI and he would get out of there sooner. My older sister visited again. We got a call on Wednesday and we were told a bed was found and that my dad had to take it or he would lose his top 3 and would have to take the next room anywhere in the city. Calgary is a city of 1.4 million and laid out over a large geographical area. So we brought up that he was in the hospital, and we were told by the transition nurse at the hospital when they released him, it would be to the Supportive Living Care facility only. So I did 3 hours of paperwork (I'm his enduring power of attorney), signed a cheque for a deposit and my sister dropped off the next day as she lives fairly close. Well the weekend wasn't great. He was convinced everyday the nurses were telling him he was getting out the next day, and when that day came, he wasn't let out, he would get mad and angry. Saturday my older sister woke up with an ear infection and thus stopped visiting. We all knew Monday was the supposed release date, they don't release on weekends. Meanwhile, we could not get hold of anyone on the weekend at the new place so we could move stuff over. I bought him a new bed from Sleep Country. Shameless plug, but they were exceptional. All their stores are closed but when I called customer service and explained we needed a bed pronto, they got hold of a regional manager who called me right back. He was able to find out what type of bed he bought from them a couple of years ago (we needed to go down to a twin size) He knew the comfort level he had bought and found a mix and match set, mattress cover, a frame for me and keyed in the order and took my card number and it was ready for me to pick up in a 1/2 hour On Monday we called the new place and still no answer from the intake manager, then the hospital called and said that they wouldn't be able to take Dad in on Monday, as we hadn't brought a bed over and other necessary living items . Now we had been trying to get stuff over for 3 days and nobody would let us. So the hospital said they would keep Dad to Wednesday but he would have to leave then, no matter what. Meanwhile Dad is belligerent and going into delirium again. Was convinced they were turning everyone in the hospital was trying to turn everyone into zombies (In my 52 years, I've never heard my dad mention zombies before). Add onto it, my older sister now has a fever of 38.4C and aches and chills all over. So my little sister is the one on visiting as the hospital won't let me visit as I"ve been a type 1 diabetic since I was 4. All day today, my sisters and I have been trying to get hold of someone at the supported level centre so we could start moving, but no one answering the phone. My little sister visited again and talked him down with the assurance that she would get him out of the hospital tomorrow come hell or high water. So I got hold of someone in reception that I said basically we needed to come by tonight with a bed and some basic personal items, possibly his TV and one power recliner. She felt we could if we came at 7:00 PM tonight. So I went over to dad's place after stopping to get more packing boxes. Then at six, we get an email from the new place, they have had a staff member test positive with COVID19 today. She has been self isolating for 8 days already, but they are shut down basically. Still didn't know if Dad was moving in or not. Next the hospital called and said that the centre had called them and said they have suspended all intakes indefinitely. This meaning dad has no where really to go tomorrow. Well I talked tonight to my sisters and even if the hospital says they are keeping him, for his sanity and ours, we are taking him out tomorrow morning. I spoke with his current assisted living centre and they agreed to take him back there since he was negative on his test, as long as one of our family members visit with him once every day, to help keep his agitation down and we start looking after his laundry instead of him. Great! Sounds like a plan!!! One last thing to do, Dad is an outside seniors support group called C3 (Compassionate Community Care). He goes in twice a week and they look after all his medical needs, they have him do physio, he can join in on group activities (bah ha ha ) but he sits around and will converse with the other old men that come out to talk to him So call the 24 hour nurse on duty to arrange for Homecare to start back up and arrive in the morning and evening to ensure he has taken his meds. Now the wheels fall of the bus again. She is very sympathetic, but they have tomorrow as the termination date for him as he is supposed to be going into supportive care, which makes him ineligible for the C3 program anymore. I explained he is not going to the supportive care facility, so they can't terminate. She agreed but said the high ups would make a decision tomorrow. She also said she is unsure that they will be able to start Homecare to come by morning and evening or have the pharmacy do another refill for him . So let me say, I do honestly believe that our nurses and facility workers are angels during this time of need. Just Dad is a victim of the circumstances and the system is letting him down in a major way. There has been any real communication between all the involved parties, but mostly with my sisters and me I shall leave it at that and say stay tuned to this blog for future good, or bad news regarding my dad. Stay safe and wash your hands!

So what is new in your neck of the woods? Well I know that the news is something we are watching closely or avoiding due to the nature of it. When I log into GA, I think of all our members in all the different hot zones and hope that all of you are safe, if you in there or anywhere else . I was noticing over the past week that a few pop up topics have arisen in the Lounge to lighten the mood. Maybe pop into the hilarious topic, Make Us Laugh #2. Or you could go old school and check out where it all started with @jamessavik kicking it off with Make us Laugh, but be warned some of the pics have disappeared or hard to see behind watermarks. Or do you want to get something of your chest? You joys, fears, happiness, frustrations or whatever is on your mind. Why not post a personal blog. I know for sure that you will find people that can relate to you, and it is also cathrtic to just get stuff off of our chests . In case you don't know how to post a blog, check out this help topic that was created by Renee. Lastly, for those of you that work in healthcare, work in grocery stores or any of the other essential services that we are so dependent on during these times, we appreciate what you do and the risks you are taking to ensure we are as safe and can stay safe as possible . Now what did the staff get up to this week on the Staff Blog? On Monday, Renee featured a great Review Team Featured Story by @Parker Owens on a short but great story! Then on Wednesday, Renee was back with another timely reminder of the upcoming Anthology deadline coming up. I was impressed some have their entry(ies) in all ready Then on Friday, reliable Wayne, aka comicfan was back with a couple of new prompts for you. I thought we would look at the reading Stats! There is a lot of you reading and commenting which is great!! If I were an author I might put up a new story as there is a captive audience waiting for you Anthologies Author Anthology Questionnaire - Click here to participate Anthology 101 - New in the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies 2020 Spring Anthology: The Storm - Due May 15th 2020 Spring Anthology: Full Moon - Due May 15th Blog Opportunities Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author) Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevens to participate Premium Updates: The Horse Thief by Laura S. Fox *Premium* Classic Updates: Corners by Dabeagle Signature Updates: Disasters, Delights and Other Detours by Parker Owens Endings by Headstall Ranger by Carlos Hazday tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy Unicorn Quests by Cia Promising Updates: Amateur Night 1 - Upstairs by Sasha Distan **Complete** Amateur Night 2 - Downstairs by Sasha Distan **Complete** Flash In The Pan by northie Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!

I'd say that Three for Jake is one of my all time favourites. It takes a hard subject to write in my mind, one that would be hard to believe in reality, but he nailed it

So, what is new in your neck of the woods? I'm sure that you all have some stories, some frustrations, some concerns, some fears and and lots of other things on your mind. With the pandemic in full swing in basically the whole world now, it has to be affecting everyone in at least a small way. My heart goes out to those that can't work, or are laid off, and don't have some kind of social safety net to lessen the blow somewhat. Lets hope that this blog finds you all safe and sound and taking care of yourself and those that you love and care for are doing the same. Usually I try to add some jocularity (maybe a word of the day for @Myr) but not really feeling it today. Last night I called my dad up, as my sister was on her way over to the seniors lodge my dad resides in. He was not opening the door for homecare when they arrived and when they got the door opened, he was only wearing a towel and shaking uncontrollably. She got him dressed but he wasn't making too much sense. When I called she was still there, but had to take off but was concerned with my dad. She put me on the phone and I asked dad why he didn't open the door. He replied that he was stuck in the bathtub (he doesn't have a bathtub) and the Edmonton Oiler got slashed by the damn American and all hell has broken out on the ice. I'm sure everyone knows there is no hockey going on, but in addition my dad absolutely hates the Oilers . I knew right away that he is being affected by a infection and suffering from delirium. I told him that I'd call him back and immediately call 9-1-1. I told them what was going on and they immediately dispatched the fire department and an ambulance. He wouldn't answer the phone again and my sister arrived shortly after the paramedics and firemen did. So they were concerned with the his mental state, when they asked him when he was born, he felt 1759 was correct 😮 They thought he was suffering from a urinary track infection, which he has had in the past, but didn't really want to take him to the hospital with the Covid concerns. Well, they did detect something just not right with his breathing too. So where is this story going? After arriving at the hospital they tested everything on him and he did have the UTI, which is being treated. But they still don't know about the lungs. He has now be tested for Covid-19 and is in complete isolation in the hospital for at least the next 2-3 days awaiting the results. Sadly, no one is allowed to visit. My sister that went over has sons aged 8,11, and 13, and older sister has a bit of a cold and I am considered immunity compromised since I've had diabetes since I was 4 . So we are all hoping it is the UTI, and that he doesn't have Covid-19, as he is not in the best condition to fight infections, bacterial or viral. Long story short, take care of your loved ones and let them know that you love them, as with this pandemic, you don't know what will happen tomorrow. And whatever you do, please take this as serious as you possibly can. Follow the best directions out there, once again maybe defer to the World Health Organization, and be safe I have to admit, I've escaped from real life by coming here and enjoying pictures of @Valkyrie's hash brownies, @Renee Stevens' strange dreams, and @clochette's return to infancy All have been great comic relief and making me feel better about things. I've also been reading @Tiff's story that was featured on Monday and Wednesday on the blog So for everyone contributing, on behalf of myself and all the staff, thank you . Now as mentioned, Cia had a new Classic Feature on Monday: Wednesday, Cia was back with the Classic Feature Excerpt: On Thursday, @Graeme and the Author Promotion Team announced our latest addition to the Promising Authors: Friday, Wayne dropped in to give us a couple more prompts! Anthologies Author Anthology Questionnaire - Click here to participate Anthology 101 - New in the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies 2020 Spring Anthology: The Storm - Due May 15th 2020 Spring Anthology: Full Moon - Due May 15th Blog Opportunities Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author) Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevens to participate The Horse Thief by Laura S. Fox *Premium* Classic Updates: Corners by Dabeagle Dancing on a Star by Ronyx Signature Updates: Adrift by Mann Ramblings Connor's Best by Comicality Endings by Headstall GFD: Blade Of Shadows by Comicality Headstall's Reflections by Headstall Picture Me And You by Comicality Ranger by Carlos Hazday tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy Unicorn Quests by Cia Promising Updates: Here Kitty, Kitty by Caz Pedroso Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!

Congratulations @lilansui!!!! Hope you enjoy your stay as a promising author I'm sure you will be anxiously waiting to move on up to Siggy

Ah Tiff, I misses her so much I loved her writing and always looked forward to getting a new chapter. Will you all support me if I start a go fund me page so I can quit my job and go track her down to convince her to write some more? 😝I think she lives in the US of A, so that is a start, right?

So, what is new in your neck of the woods ? I guess we all are being impacted no matter where we are in the world by the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking at the status updates on site, many if not all of you have had some disruption of our normal day to day lives. I did a search, and ended up in Wikipedia, and according to them (not to be construed as 100% factual) that the last pandemic that rolled across our planet was the HIV AIDS one, and one we are living with, and IMHO, started to win finally in a lot of countries in the world. On behalf of all the site staff and all of your fellow members, we wish you all a safe journey as we continue to travel through the unknown. Please, if you have questions your first resource should be the World Health Organization's website, www.who.int . Seriously, I would take it from them before listening to non experts giving nothing more than their opinion. Be it your neighbour, a family member, a politician, or a news anchor. Educate yourself and don't think of yourself as a subject expert based on hearsay from others. Heck, I would disregard what I say . Trust the W.H.O for your most fact based information. Now as far as GA goes, we are hoping that we can provide some great relief from what is happening and allowing you a place to come to escape the daily news, or the latest panic. We have 5079 stories and being added to every day. We have a vibrant community that can discuss some of these stories, or other topics in the right areas of the site. We have blogs from not only the staff, but our members too! There is so much and we will continue to give you new content each week, especially with the GA Blogs. Let's see what happened this week! Monday, @Timothy M. and the Review Team took over the blog and gave us another Featured Story: On Wednesday, Renee brought us a Signature Feature on one of the most read Authors on site: Friday, Wayne came with his brand of prompts for St. Patrick's Day: Did you get to check out some of the new features that Myr has been developing and launched on the site? Make sure you check out the Site Technology & Software Updates Blog and here was the last one: Anthologies Author Anthology Questionnaire - Click here to participate Anthology 101 - New in the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies 2020 Spring Anthology: The Storm - Due May 15th 2020 Spring Anthology: Full Moon - Due May 15th Blog Opportunities Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author) Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevens to participate Premium Updates: The Horse Thief by Laura S. Fox *Premium* Classic Updates: Corners by Dabeagle Signature Updates: Adrift by Mann Ramblings Disasters, Delights and Other Detours by Parker Owens Endings by Headstall Ranger by Carlos Hazday tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy Unicorn Quests by Cia Promising Updates: Cutting It Close by Sasha Distan **Complete** Royal Duties by Sasha Distan **Complete** Thorny Poetry by Thorn Wilde Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!

Shall we see what caught the Review Team's eye this month? Nothin' Town Sasha Distan Reviewer: Timothy M. Status: Complete Word Count: 5,619 Sasha Distan's American Songbook series takes place in rural USA, featuring cowboys, farm hands, rodeo enthusiasts and al the other kinds of people who populate the countryside and the small towns. There are two longer stories, which were very popular with readers, but the rest of the series are short stories showing a small slice of rural life. Nothin' Town is one of those, and in this story we get to experience a Georgia setting via the eyes of a disgruntled teen. His parents have given up city life, partly because their sixteen-year-old son was brought home by police for being drunk and disorderly. Since Liam is gay, maybe it's a bit surprising they made the decision to move to 'the notoriously conservative South' as Israfil said in a comment. However, this issue doesn't play a part in Liam's choice of keeping his head down in the local high school, or giving off 'unapproachable' vibes to his peers. He is simply too focused on missing his old life and friends in Boston, and being bored and full of self-pity. But he finally pulls himself together and begins to open up, partly because one guy makes an effort to be friendly. He invites Liam to visit the horse ranch of his family and introduces him to his group of friends. Of course, Liam realizes the futility of crushing on handsome-but-straight guys, but at least he feels less lonely. There is a sweet little twist in the tale at the end, which had most readers asking for a sequel, including me. On the other hand, I have to admit the story works well the way it is. Why don't you check it out and see what you think? Category: Fiction Genres: Adventure, Western Tags: teen, rural Rating: Everyone

*hiccup* Sorry, I decided to start celebrating St Patrick's Day a wee bit early this month Bet I'm the first one to wish you a Happy St.Patrick's Day as well Duty still calls and no matter how many green beers I may or may not have consumed in the past 12 hours, I'm dedicated to you all so give me a hug Hands above the waist !!!! Tell me why, I don't like Mondays...But this past Monday I enjoyed Cia's CSR Feature: On Wednesday, bloody Wednesday (sure you find a well known song with Wednesday in the title) Carlos was back with another round of answers on AAA 2.0: Friday, I'm in Love... and the Cure for that is comicfan's prompts: Myr shared one last word for us this week, to announce what he is doing. Anthologies Author Anthology Questionnaire - Click here to participate Anthology 101 - New in the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies 2020 Spring Anthology: The Storm - Due May 15th 2020 Spring Anthology: Full Moon - Due May 15th Blog Opportunities Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author) Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevens to participate Premium Updates: The Horse Thief by Laura S. Fox *Premium* Classic Updates: Corners by Dabeagle Signature Updates: A Class By HImself by Comicality Adrift by Mann Ramblings Endings by Headstall Ranger by Carlos Hazday Unicorn Quests by Cia Promising Updates: Cut Throat Crush by Sasha Distan **Complete** First Contact by Sasha Distan **Complete** Here Kitty, Kitty by Caz Pedroso Royal Duties by Sasha Distan Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!