raven1

Both of us are doing well. Last weekend we celebrated Aod's birthday. Went to a great seafood restaurant with friend and then out drinking. In Thailand it is a two or three day celebration. I also went to a couple of new bars that have live music with my shotgun, Mana. After we met Aod and his sister and her girlfriend. That was a very long weekend, but great fun.

Hi Albert! I see you have been reading of couple of stories I like!

Howdy Drew! How's the weather? Good hit on the Earth bound asteroid. It was a great way to congratulate Clo!

Hi Bucket! Since the flies are gone now, get your axe out!

Congratulations Clo!

Hi All! Sawasdee Khrup! 🙏

I didn't like sprouts until I was invited to a small birthday celebration at a good restaurant. I was 35 years old, before I learned sprouts didn't have to be mushy. Forgive me Mom. You were a great cook, and I miss your cooking except for the mushy sprouts.

I cringed when James' mom asked him if he was a virgin. I do like her, and her reason was great. She's very supportive and showed her love in listening to Jame's explain about Donovan. I hope Donovan is out of the picture now, but honestly think he'll be back to cause more trouble. Nurse Dorothy's entrance to the closet stopped a first kiss, but I'll forgive her this once. Mr. Wilbur is great. He's made sure that Dion and James will get a second chance for that kiss. I am loving this story.

I don't know what crazy game that bitch Shannon is playing, but it will comeback to bite her. This may not be a cliff, but it is foreshadowing her being involved in Trevor's future. It also suggests the involvement of a third unknown party. The tour of nude beaches was fun. I was amazed at the rock slide video. The most fun was the run on the Marine base. Trevor's ego has got to be high from all the propositions, in spite of Shannon's rejection.

I'm sure the party will be good for everyone and the meal delicious. It sounds like it will be a good sized party with good friends of both Angelo and Emilia. Personally, I think eating inside the Da Rossi sounds like it would be more comfortable. It would also allow Gianni to make sure the Brussel Sprouts cooked right.

@Dickbrokemyheart, I had big problems reading these chapters also. I read thru to chapter 5, then took a break. Starting again with chapter 6 things gradually got lighter and easier to read. Each chapter began to bring more positive events and happiness to Stefan. The ending was beautiful. I gave the book a 5 star review. Taking a break is something I do occasional. I have had to do this with other great GA authors whose characters I became very bonded to. Hopefully after a few days or weeks you might want to come back to this. Best wishes. Terry

When reading this essay, I remembered Circumnavigation's Bridget. She appeared as a perfectly normal and helpful person, but by the end of the book it was very evident how truly insane she was by what she did and how she did it. C. James used the process you just describe to perfection. Thanks for all these great essays.

I am enjoying the story, and Efraim having sex with Cory was very good. Too bad the story is on hold. I would like to see what will happen with them.

Indie's background introduces a poignant character. I wonder where he will fit into this story. Great writing @Dayne Mora

I am enjoying watching Garza and Card frustrate each other. They are so sure each other is straight. I wonder how long it will take them to find out they are both hot for each other.

First time read for me, but I think I'll like this story.

It is wonderful to be back in Ravello again. I also like that Gianni and Angelo are now fathers to Sami. Since both are young men who now have a young son, it did not surprise me that Gianni is having some self doubts. Being an only child who never expected to raise his own child, he questions things too much. Angelo got it right when he told Gianni he was over-thinking this. Sami will challenge Gianni and Angelo as the raise him. I Sami's two fathers focus on loving Sami and preparing him to successfully as a happy adult it will be the best result. Gianni needs to remember life is not perfect and some mistakes will always be made. In a way Gianni and Sami are alike in facing a new and culturally different life after their parents died. It is also great to see Dani, Marko and Giaco are back. Great start!

Why does it not surprise me that Rusty is cock blocking Jamie? Little Matty is ready, but I definitely don't think Big Matty is ready. It was interesting that Rusty didn't answer Matty's question. At least directly. Indirectly it was Hot!

The best part of this chapter is seeing Carl finally realizing this is his family. A family that will love and protect him the rest of his life. It was fun to see him joking and talking freely with the rest of his brothers. As usual the trip to Italy was like going home for the kids and Armand. I was touched that Armand spent part of each day visiting and talking to Nonna. I'm sure she heard every word he spoke.

Ash's visit to his therapist is a good first step. Her advice for Ash is good for everyone. We all need to remind ourselves of the positive things in our lives. I was glad to see that Ash was able to begin to apply her advice. Ash's acceptance of Cove's invitation to spend the weekend was also important. They need to have time to themselves to communicate and learn more about each other after so many years apart. Cove is loving and patient as he continues his quest to make Ash his spouse. A well written dialogue that felt real. Thanks again for another fine chapter, @Thirdly

Your mom would love Thailand. In Chiang Mai there are many farmers' markets. The biggest is open 24/7. Most are open every day and a few are open twice a week in one spot, the move to two other spots in the city during the rest of the week. Then there are the big open markets that are once a week on Wednesday (South Gate), Saturday (Chiangklan) and Sunday (Tapae Gate) that block off a main street for 6-8 blocks. These are in addition to open markets at shopping malls, grocery stores from small boutique featuring local, regional or international food to places like Costco. Of course we also have several stores like Safeway or Krugers and organic grown stores. This also doesn't include the many college markets that 4 or 5 times a year sell vegetables and plants raised by their agriculture schools or the individual roadside stands everywhere throughout the city and country roads. Food is big in Thailand 24/7. Good to hear you are doing well.

To be honest, several chapters in I had to take a break for a couple of days. I bond with well written characters like Stefan sometimes. I did get back and the story began to get much easier to read. Like I said, it is an awesome story that I love and remember. I'll probably read it again sometime this year.

I'm sure it will be a big surprise! How are you today Drew?

Leave it to kbois to prove my point. Next up should be Mrsgnomie.

Hey @Mrsgnomie! Why don't you collaborate with @astone2292 and @kbois using the DONNAS as a game show panel like "I've Got a Secret" or "What's My Line"? Can you imagine the questions they would ask?