Reader1810

The more I get to know Owen, the more I like him. It's not surprising that CJ is very taken with him as well, but it's the dads' reaction to him that seals the deal. They both like and trust him in my opinion...even "new dad" Brett. This bodes well for Owen's move stateside. I wondered how Owen ended up dating a douche like Dawson, but he probably didn't show his true colours right away. I do have one question...which I am sure will be answered in the next chapter...what will the dads' think of CJ wanting to keep his new hotel room given that it is on a different floor from theirs? As always,excellent chapter Carlos!

Interesting reflection Gary I was reading it and thought of ink blots. You remember those...see the ink blot and say what it reminds you of...usually the first thing you think of. Thats what I thought of here. One word (thought) led to the one beside it. Strange thought process, I know, but that is where my brain went so I'm sticking with it. I will say one thing for you Gary, you are a big thinker- that is a compliment by the way.

Hey tim You we're only half lucky in the parent department, but your mom saw the real you and knew that you, as a person, have great value. It's unfortunate that DD is too blind to see your value too...he's missing out a lot by holding onto his ignorance and bullying ways. I have to say, I loved the telling of the conversation between Michael and DD. I do believe the bully got quite a shock when he met Mike and discovered his bullying ways fell flat. Kudos for Michael for how he handled the situation...he has your back that is for certain. As for the sucker punch DD threw, that says a lot about his character...he got what he deserved, I just wish you hadn't been put on the casualty list, physically or emotionally. There is a saying Families are made, not born...I think you got lucky with your made family and I know they think the same of you - of that I have no doubt. As always, nicely done.

Making snow fun...check out the snow shoveler http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/22/us/winter-storm-making-the-best-irpt/index.html

Everything he said is so true including how he just went back to the script (ie moving on) as if nothing happened. But, they did listen and hear this time - witness the empty hallways...

The loved the Eagles...RIP Glen Frey

Hey tim That was both sad and beautiful. It fills me with joy for you that you are once again experiencing the beauty that life has to offer. Though the road may still filled with bumps and unwelcome memories, your words show you know what and who is important. Important enough to not take things for granted, but to know that together, you will shine. We all should be so lucky to have a love like you and Mike. to you both. As always, nicely done.

I have to say I am loving Winter. I feel as if I am vacationing in Australia, albeit vicariously, along with CJ and the others. What a great treat this is. The new character Owen is meshing nicely with the others so I foresee a lot of good times when he comes to D.C. I wish next Friday was already here... Thanks Carlos for what is promising to be another great season.

Happy Birthday!!

RIP Alan Rickman

Hey tim. You've captured the season and our moods quite well. I can see myself in both poems...but, I will not bide. I was determined to go for my walk today despite the newly fallen snow. Turns out uncleared sidewalks are quite the workout. Don't people know they are supposed to clear the snow in front of their own homes? Grrr. "Spring brings her graces". That phrase is a lovely way to way express in words all the wonders we have to look forward to...a reward for "surviving" winter. As always, nicely done.

Welcome to GA Ani. There is a lot to see and do here so I'm sure you'll find something that interests you.

Hey tim As you always do, you have a way with words. I liked all three poems for the stories they tell but it was these lines from the Life poem that touched me the most. You've said variations of them on more than one occasion I do recall. It is an important message. If only everyone could hear and heed that plea, the world might be in a better place. Run till you drop or stop, breathe and see. As always, nicely done.

Apart from it being wonderful seeing the world from Bodie's POV, there are two instances I really loved (above all the others, of course ). The first is the long awaited reveal to Nate (and Brodie by association) of the earlier move in date. Funny thing is, when I thought about how this moment would go, I thought it would be a lot louder. I didn't expect the tears...mine and Nate's. It was a truly magical moment that didn't need shouts of hurray (alright showing my age, I don't know what teenagers nowadays would shout) or jumping around. The quiet realization and the half-hearted high five (very effective visual btw ) really set the tone to show how profoundly the news affected Nate. To know that his uncles went out of their way to do this for his benefit shows him (thoughI think he already knew) just how much he mattered to them. This scene was beyond my expectations. Thank you Gary. The second came right at the end. I loved Bodie's response and solution to both Nate's nightmare and how to deal with it. I have a feeling too that Kendall heard every word they said and was smiling proudly from ear to ear on the other side of the door. Thanks for another amazing chapter Gary! You Rock!!

Hey tim Like Dugh, I read this more than once...alright it took me three times...to really see what the words were saying. Love is strong and enduring...but what terrible sadness can sometimes be the price. Then again, to have known such love makes one lucky too. As always, nicely done.

That was wonderful!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

I don't know anything about Haikus beyond them being a form of poetry, but I like both of these. The poems evoke clear imagery Drew. Well done!

:hug: Here's two just for you Emi

Google can add saving a life to its "Pro" column... http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/07/health/google-cardboard-baby-saved/index.html

I have to say one of the things I truly love about this story is how close everyone is to each other. The emphasis throughout has always been about caring very deeply about what someone else thinks or feels. Bodie, despite his young age, is showing that he too knows the importance of caring for someone else. Even if he doesn't know that person personally. His compassion for Josh s evident in his not wanting to add to his heartache by telling him that he and Nate are boyfriends. It is a given that what he went through when he was outed is a factor, but I think it is an inherent part of his nature to be so kind and considerate of another's feelings. There is a lot of other points in the chapter I enjoyed, but this was the topper for me. As always, a wonderful chapter. Thank you Gary.

Hey tim I'm proud of you and all that you have and will continue to achieve.

Happy Birthday Andr0gene!! Gary and Tim, behave and let the birthday boy have his cake in peace, really now...

Happy Birthday!!

Cheers!! Here's to good friends and turning 50. It only gets better, right Carlos?