raven1

Another excellent chapter. Although many of the same threads from the original have remained, this rewrite is much better. I'm not sure, but are Rob and Nick a new thread?

It is clearly Wile E. Coyote's face after one of his unfortunate explosive encounters with the Road Runner. Either that or a zombi moth.

Good Morning All!

Hey Spike, Great questions. It is not an official holiday on the Thai national calendar, so Thai businesses are open as usual. However, most Christians in the country who are working are usually given the day off if they request it. Businesses owned by Christians will close by their own choice. Christian churches and schools go all out, and international schools do the same. Almost every Thai, no matter the religion, decorates their businesses several weeks ahead, and some play nothing but Christmas music while shopping. This includes large stores and malls. How individuals celebrate at home depends on the individual, but many do decorate and play music for several weeks before and after the day. Many do all the things you suggested and more. Here is what I and my friends will be doing this Christmas holiday. Tonight, we are going to Orion Bar for a Christmas party that also has a gift exchange. The bar will provide entertainment, Christmas Music and snack foods. Tomorrow, we will go to a Thai barbeque restaurant for dinner and then to a friend's home for 'afters'. My friend always puts up two trees, a door decoration and outdoor lights. Christmas Day, Aod and I will have a lunch date at a restaurant. You didn't ask, but the Thais do celebrate the Western New Year officially and to the hilt. That includes all the things you will see anywhere in the world.

Christmas is bright and beautiful for most, but not all. Many families hurt by economic hardship cannot give even basic gifts to their children. The Giving Tree is a compelling reminder of how we can share the wonder of the season and bring joy to those without.

This is a very compelling Christmas story of the true power of a gift of time. James finds a church that accepts him. It is a very unlikely place where he can find peace and acceptance to renew his faith by comforting lost souls.

Two very interesting developments have arisen. First, Christa is pregnant, and Dr. Vasco has not suggested an abortion. The second is Chris' observation that orientation may not be a factor in sexual arousal when guilt about sex is not a social factor. Well done!

Nice start, Chris. I'm interested in what directions this may go. Could the presence of these very different astronauts change the dynamics and stability of this planet?

Merry Christmas, Drew! Yayo and Orange seem to like the same toys to play with. My Thai friends, who are Buddhists, have their Christmas decorations and trees up, but none in my home.

PS, I love them both, so my only response is this.

Very true! My very good friend, who is German, remarks you are late if you are not 10 minutes early. My husband who is never on time always tells him it was my fault! 😳

The boss man has it ready to post, but being British, he's a stickler for staying on the schedule.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

It's a very beautiful and moving ending, @kbois. Thank you for over two years of wonderful reading and enjoyment. That thanks extends @Mrsgnomie, @Danilo Syrtis, and @astone2292 for their help and snarky comments. I'm wishing you, your helpful elves (Are elves shifters?) and all here a very Merry Christmas and a safe and fun New Year.

Hey @Mancunian, Could you check on the PM I just sent? To the rest of you lovable miscreants, I'll get back to you all in the morning. My morning, that is.

It is sad, @Cane23. It is also one of the miracles of life. A coincidental encounter, like Harry meeting Michael in the hospital, has brought Harry into contact with so many of Mikey's friends.

It was a night at home last night, so my regular sleep pattern didn't get disturbed. I normally sleep 6-7 hours now that I'm older. If I need more, I usually take a mid-day nap.

My favorites! Please, Page, can I get some for Christmas? It's great you added the video, and I watched it. I'm glad to know that I can add cinnamon to the filling because I do it!

These guys finally have good fortune on their side. You are correct about the work and effort ahead @drsawzall. Fortunately, all three have the determination and resources to succeed. They also have the right attitude and I think we will see them pay it forward when they are able. Hopefully, that will be soon.

I got the same feeling when I went back to Portland, the city I lived in for decades, after being away for 10 years, @sopocles. It had changed, and it no longer felt like home. It wasn't just the buildings and streets. The people acted much differently also. I've been working with @Mancunian on this story for 8 months. I researched many of the locations in Manchester, so I would have some background to do this. One of the places I fell in love with from the first suddenly disappeared from Google Maps about two weeks ago. It has closed permanently. 😢

I also love The Boot and The New Boot. They are more than shelters offering handouts. They give their clients a hand up to enable them to create a new start in life. Stacy and Max both believe in that approach to helping others. It is a better investment with lasting returns rather than temporary help lasting for a few hours or days. Their work at and with these shelters demonstrates the kindness and consideration of these two.

I love all the Christmas pics and look forward to seeing more orchids soon.

I am also looking forward to Michael meeting them. They are special people. I wonder how Michael will react when he finds out they know Stacy, Max and the rest of the family.

You've made many good comments, and I like the speculations. Michael is nervous about the job, but he's got great support. I think that Brad and Harry talking about Mikey was special for both of them. I can say anything about the speculations. Sorry, @Bill W

It was a fun chapter to read, @Albert1434. I love the picture of Michael you've posted. I did get a small laugh thinking he was playing for a classroom at the School for Blond Boys. I just love how AIs interpret our instructions when I make a picture.