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Biscuits, bacon and Jelly? Yes! It's beginning to sound like a cooking blog here. The whole chapter was delightful, but I think Grant missed his cue. The journal as a Christmas gift would have been the perfect opportunity after what was said about John's scumbag parents stealing love letters and poems given to Troy! Those were Troy's property. The romance of receiving the journal would negate the fact that it had been given it to Troy by Grant. Especially after Grant and Troy's conversation about comparing John and Grant. Since Christmas isn't over yet, there still may be a chance. The only sad part is that John, Grant and Troy seem to have asshats for parents. I wonder if any surviving grandparents are better?

Hey Paul! I gave a heart for the comment, even as I laughed my way thru this part! Well done, if a bit overdone.

Another great chapter with insightful comments. I like that Troy and Grant have enough trust to begin exploring their sexual chemistry. The issue of the Quad Squad's interference was more like a tempest in a pot of tea. As for the elephant, I think of it as more of a mouse. Since I also had in mind the same plan as Mikiesboy, I think it would have worked earlier, but now it is too late. However, assuming Grant doesn't impetuously blurt out the truth, things could be worked out with less drama if Grant handles it carefully. He needs to think of what Troy's reaction might be, why Troy would react that way, then carefully plan how tell Troy. There would still be some awkwardness, but nothing explosive. I honestly think Troy would love to have the journal back, especially with the love letter from John. What I think will be the biggest challenge will be confrontations between Grant and his mother.

Great chapter! I had no problem with Georgette, since she really didn't say anything revealing. She was just herself and didn't do anything harmful or malicious. I personally like her style. Brian is probably the best of the group to go to talk with Grant. He won't put up with lies and BS. His passion will be very evident and persuasive to Grant. It is what Grant needs to see and hear in order to be honest. I think Brian will also convince him that the group knowing the truth will demonstrate their desire for him to become one of the group. Grant needs that assurance.

That's more like it!

We're doing well. I'm working on more poems, doing some reading, attending a meeting and mailing off my taxes. Then there are some other chores to take care of today. I also am thinking of make a pot of potato leek soup for dinner tonight. I made a beef stew last night. It was full of root veggies and a thick savory broth.

Hi All! I see you all had a pineapple war. Sticky situation that. As for taffy, who buys taffy from corporate candy companies. Yuck! I love homemade taffy, or fresh made from a good mom and pops shop. There are several excellent salt water taffy shops on the Oregon Coast Hwy. The Taffy Depoe has 85 different flavors, and I never found one I didn't like. Hope everything is going well with you all.

I love the fighting spirit of Drudgery. It feels like a declaration of independence from that which tries to break our souls. The last stanza was a lovely way to highlight a victory over drudgery. Nature has the same affect on me. The haikus were delightful as each created different pictures to which I related personal experience. Orange would love the first one. It is so like her. I do love your haikus.

I love pumpkin and squash soups. They both are better with ginger and pepper. Sometimes I also add a dash of turmeric.

TP is the paper product of choice in Thailand. Spicy foods make for runny eyes and noses, so there is always TP in a dispenser at the dinner table. We use it more at the dinner table than the toilet. Of course that's because we clean up first with a butt blaster, then dab dry the tush. A butt blaster is a hose with a sprayer on the end, similar to what you use at a kitchen sink. Different structure, but the same effect as a bidet.

Thais recommend Tom Yum Gai. It is a sweet and sour chicken soup that has all the spices Thais use as cold remedies.

Wow! I'm drooling for a slice or four. ❤️

Thanks Paul! I've enjoyed and appreciated your comments about both my poetry and other stories and poems written on GA. Your support has made me happy and motivated to continue. Thanks again!

Thanks @Mrsgnomie! It's great to hear praise from a writer of your caliber. I look forward to reading more of your stories also. I have started a poetry collection in Blackbird Singing which has a prompt response and haikus. I will be adding a chapter of Tonka poems soon. Thanks again for reading these.

Hi Albert! Hope you and Steve are doing well!

Ain't that the Drewth!

Great chapters earn great comments. This chapter has earned many. If I were to comment on the comments, I'd write a very long essay. As Troy and Grant's relationship heats up, the friends want to know more. To me that is just human nature and care for a beloved friend. For the life of me, I can't see how gaming will produce any new information about Grant. Fireflies and Serenity marathons seem more like the thing to do at night when they take their trip than intrusive meddling. I hope that both guys will be honest and forgiving for past transgressions. They are both responsible for their own actions, and not accountable to others.

Grant needed to get drunk to finally add up the evidence. That he made a snap decision that he was gay is no surprise. He is a bit impetuous and has made many quick judgements and snap decisions before. However, he is slow to think ahead, and now he will soon face the consequence. He has a pot on the back burner ready to boil over. It will probably do so before he tries to apologize and make amends. It just wouldn't be as much fun in the story and end it too quickly if Grant defuses the situation before it blows up in his face.

What you said! There were many times I wanted to rip out Bridgett's throat. What an interesting twist of the plot that would be if Trevor in Circumnavigation was a lycan. Brilliant @Rkench!

A great holiday get together filled with good cheer and two gallons of truth serum mulled wine. I know a headache will be there in the morning for all. Grant will have to deal with his denial headache in addition. I hope he thinks clearly enough to not make some stupid comment, and/or keeps his mouth closed. Troy's friends were great in their support of Troy and acceptance of Grant.

Just to let you know Laura that I am enjoying the story very much. As usual, it is filled with fun, humor, great twists, hot sex and outrageously funny comments! Each chapter is just that much better than the last. Looking forward to the competition between Express and the S.H.I.T.s

Grant is a very good man and showed it with the compassion and care for the mother in the supermarket. He didn't do it for anything other than the feeling he got for doing good. It was not something to show off, and only the clerk knows Grant helped a person in need. His helping Tony is not comparable for many complex reasons. I can understand his emotional confusion concerning Troy. Grant is close to realizing that Troy means much more to him than a roommate. His body is betraying his upbringing, but I think he will realize he truly loves Troy. Troy already knows that he is falling in love with Grant. That demonstrates how much healing has already happened for Troy. The house is rapidly becoming a small issue for Troy. He now is remembering the good memories more than the bad. As that happens, he will be much more willing to forgive Grant's transgressions concerning the journal. I hope that the journal will soon be joyfully returned to Troy. Looking forward to Thanksgiving Day, and yes, I do suspect Natalie will try to be the matchmaker. Great writing in this chapter.

Now I have another story to add to my growing list of books to read.

Hey @WolfM! @Rkench is very right in his description of Circumnavigation. It is very long, but so filled with adventure that makes it easy to binge upon. It is also a great place to study cliffhangers, and the most evil set of villains and villainy I have ever experienced. One villain is the absolute personification of all that is evil. Enjoy the read.

I must say that if all the required poems I read were as good as the ones in this anthology, I would have been very happy to read them. The range and beauty of the poems submitted is awesome. I have read all the poems and enjoyed the experience very much. Thanks to Cia and all who made this year's Poetry Anthology happen! ❤️