Headstall

Mattel knew how to sell toys...

Trying to be fair...

Hey, all!

That colt is a great example of the fruits of Coy and Boone's labor, and just how good their luck has been. Everything fell into place once the arrived at Larkspur, and now they have two fine new additions to their farm with the colt and the filly. Possibilities are important in those times, and the boys have more chances to be successful. It is sad that Mitch is dying, but maybe the is another possibility here... a chance for him to tie up some loose ends in his life, and a chance for Boone and Coy to show their gratitude to the man. Remember, if the sheriff hadn't booted Coy's ass and got him to follow after Boone, there would have been no story because Boone would have dies on the riverbank all by his lonesome. Coy has not forgotten that... how close he came to losing his chance at this incredible happiness he shares with Boone. I think Mitch has found his way to the right place. It is the place he needs to be. Thanks, Albert.

Lol. Watching newborn foals try to get control of their legs is so much fun. We're not sure how much Will will share, but the boys are curious, and Coy could push for answers. For now, Mitch has had a long journey, and a good night's rest will probably do him good. I'm curious as to why he is no longer a sheriff. Thanks, Johnny. I appreciate hearing your thoughts.

This chapter ended heavy, but what I enjoyed most was the sweet talking scene. That was just so much fun. And then we get the Will visit. It did not go well to say the least, but we know now what is between Mitch and Will. I think Coy probably feels bad for what happened, but it won't keep him down for long. And yeah, that speech from Will made it clear to Mitch he doesn't want the man watching him die. Thanks, Terry.

Yes! A thing of beauty. I love that. Coy has hard a hard life, losing all his family one after the other, but now we see how happy and secure he is... and when he is on a mission... look out! Boone frets, but in the end he supports Coy because he knows his heart is tender, a rarity in those days. Sneaky or clever, he might have stick his foot in it this time. We shall see, and yeah, I don't think he will let up on pressuring Mitch to see the Larkspur doctor.

Coy is a far cry from the grieving man we first met, isn't he? He truly is a joy to write because of how much he cares. I like that you see how Coy and Boone balance each other out. It's easy to see Boone will always have Coy's back, even if he doesn't agree with him. Lol. There went Coy's plans. There is no way Coy can just sit by and not stick his nose in. He cares too much for that. Thanks, Terry. I enjoyed rereading this one... it really took me back.

Thanks, Albert. it's so nice to be able to write them at this point. No more confusion or misunderstandings or holding back. This is a committed pair, ready to share a life and a love till there is snow on their roofs.

Old man Corker is a treasure for a writer. I had so much fun showing such a tragic figure perfectly happy with living a life he is passionate about. He so obviously loves his horses, and he has that knack a good horseman has to have. Glad you loved this chapter... the entire thing makes me happy. Boone and coy are a perfect team, and they just bought a perfect team. And yeah, why might that river bath might lead to? Thanks for the kind words, buddy.

Whenever you breed for a foal, you always try to make a cross that will strengthen the flaws the dam and sire might have. It would seem the colt has surpassed both parents. It's early to be sure yet, but these men know their animals. Some stallions will always throw colts better than themselves. That sickness puts a real damper on Mitch's arrival. Coy, especially, is sorely affected by it. From the sounds of it there will be no long term future for Mitch, but he is breathing fair, and he is in a beautiful place with friends who care about him. I would say that is better than still being in Red Bluff. So, Mitch knows Will Merrick. Another curious thing to ponder.

Lol. You and me both, buddy. Maybe it's why we can read a story again and again and still enjoy it. This story starts out with a bang, something typical in farmers' lives. Stock was cherished in those times, because it was often the sum of your wealth. For Boone and Coy, this is so personal because Daisy is Boone's baby. Foaling is always scary to me... I lost a gorgeous colt hours after it was born and that horror has never left me. The story really begins with the appearance of Mitch, though. He's no longer a sheriff, and he's plenty leaner, and the sense is he is hiding something. The boys are happy to see him, but I don't think they ever expected he would show up at their farm. It's a very curious situation. Thanks, Albert!

Lol. I love "Hazzard" but no one would make the connection in this time period. It was a fun and exciting way to start the story. I've been through difficult foal births before, so it was familiar territory for me. I just had to write a story involving Sheriff Willard. The boys as well, but it was the sheriff I wanted to explore. Once the pieces fit in my head I took the bit in my teeth, so to speak. Sequels are tricky, and I had no real expectations other than readers of "Sidewinder" would be interested. What happened was that "Larkspur" became bigger than I could have imagined, with new readers coming onboard to read both. It's made me excited for the western genre on GA. Anyway, I'm rambling. Yeah, it is not a shock for the sheriff to see Boone and Coy kissing, and that tells us something. What it is, we do not know yet, but it makes sense since he was best friends with Wes and Lee. Still, he is definitely keeping something to himself, and the story begins... Thanks, Terry... I'm looking forward to this.

I'm right with you, buddy. Binge away.

Thank you, Albert! I set out to write a multi-chapter gay western that I would want to read myself, and I feel I accomplished that. I've read it many times along with readers such as you, and I don't seem to tire of it. As you know it was my pandemic escape, something to get me out of a depression, but "Sidewinder" has become so much more than that. The reader response for Boone and Coy's story has been very surprising, embraced by fans and non-fans of westerns alike, and I feel blessed by that. Your support for my writing will always be appreciated, my dear friend.

Yeah, you don't know what you're missing.

This Midnight Cowboy is going to sleep.

Maybe he's hanging out at the mill.

Hee haw!

I'll be there for sure. It's fun reading in a group... kind of like Oprah's book club.

Got another wonderful review of "Sidewinder" from @JohnnyC. Two in one night, and one for Morningstar. Woot! Thanks, Johnny!