raven1

Albert! 😲 I'd have thought by now you would have all your speedos and wife beaters ready to go! Get packin boy! Time is short and you don't want to feel rushed and forget the sunscreen. It hurts to even think about that.

Like father, like son!

You were definitely corrupted before I joined! You can try to blame the others, but I have my doubts. I will wait for the others to review and call you out. 🤔

Hey Albert! Dinner sounds soo good! What are you and Steve up too today?

I assume that's a compliment since you set such a fine example for us all to follow.🤔

Sorry to disappoint you Drew, but No! First, because it is too fun to pester you. Second, been there, done that and would get extremely irritated with even the slightest mistake. *deleted very long rant to be replaced by a shorter rant* I do like historical novels, but the time period you picked was one I lived. I am not patient with any fiction about that time period and prefer documentaries. Third, I have already experienced the Bridgemont series. It only proved to me that Gary was right about about not being redundant! Although I truly believe that Gary can extend many of his books successfully, Mark didn't achieve that. I read the first three books of Bridgemont and enjoyed them, but by book 8 I was bored. The plots were redundant, and the characters were inconsistent and tiresome. I loathed the MC. and I found myself disgusted with even my own comments. Not saying Mark is a bad writer, but stories that long, repeating the same action and same problem each time cannot keep me interested. Gary has proven that by his most recent addition to the Sidewinder series. I honestly believe Gary can take Virgil to Larkspur with a different plot, characters and feeling. Like I said, you are much more entertaining. That's why we all love ya!

This was a great chapter of family and the power of love to overcome preconceptions. Zander's family is very strong. Individually different, but united as a family. Frank is like his father, the family warrior. He wants to be sure, then lets Andy know he'd better not hurt Zander, Carol is loving, positive and exuberant in her support, and finally Maria is the independent, courageous sister who is willing to stand up to a spouse that cannot accept Zander and Andy. Kaz's mom is much like Maria independent and courageously examines her own upbringing critically. She loves and trusts Kaz and is willing to accept something she does not understand, but knows it must be right because her son accepts. She is also a good observer of character and sees how much Zander and Andy love each other. She's a good solid mother. She should really find a better nickname for Walter, even if it embarrasses Kaz. "Walter" was dated when I was a teen 60 years ago! 😄

It's good to hear that the storm will not affect you much in PA, but I will send good thoughts and wishes for Mum tonight. Flooding is also dangerous. Tell her I said Happy Birthday and wish her many more.

Zander and especially Andy are sprinting through the week. I had hoped that Andy would be able to talk to Dr. O' Shea, but at the pace he was going I know that was not possible. I was glad that he was remembering questions she would have asked even if he thinks that did not help. Those questions at least distracted him so he didn't go further into a dark place. I loved how Kaz used logic to make Andy realize how much he had changed in his thinking about being an athlete. It was great that he did win his first race. It should be an interesting dinner with the family.

To the young, the "Are you sure?" question is irritating, but it is an expression of love and concern by those who have a lot of experiences with life. Of course the marriage certificate hassle was something I expected because of their age and sexuality. This situation is too new for bureaucrats to easily understand and accept. Dr. O' Shea had to ask the question, as did Father Brewer. Garrett already knew the answer, but I think his lawyer side kicked in to make sure both the guys knew and understood the ramifications of what they were doing. I loved the meeting with Mrs. Marjorie. She is a rock solid lady and ally of Andy. I didn't doubt that the meeting would go well. I was so glad that Andy to reveal the truth to her about his life. I wonder if her comments about Bruce Mack will make a difference in what happens before the end of the story. Of course, the best was Nonna. I am excited about her visit as well as her part in the upcoming wedding. I bet she's a hoot and a half. She'll definitely keep everyone in line and focused. Like others, I am concerned about Andy's dreams. Andy needs to talk to Dr. O' Shea. The dreams are leftover fears from the abuse, but should be dealt with so Andy can really enjoy his own wedding.

I'll have to pass that on to friends that are still teaching. Speaking of renfaire, are you going to be closed for a few days anticipating the storm?

Thanks Dugh! I just saw it. It was a nice surprise today.

I agree with Spyke! Don't worry about postings. We'll try to keep Chris from getting to out of control. Continue to stay safe as your inspect the damage. We do worry.

Me too! After years teaching I know glitter never sticks to what you want it to stick to. However, it definitely sticks in the most uncomfortable and inconvenient places possible for many months no matter how hard or how many times you try to clean off.

Andy has been gaining strength with Zander's love and support. Now was the time for Andy to use his strength to love and support Zander. It was a very beautiful reunion with Eustace, and no surprise how Eustace feels about Andy. I also was please by how welcoming and supportive Eustace was of Andy and Zander's love and commitment to each other. I wonder if the wedding will happen as scheduled, or if the it will be delayed in order to include the growing family members. I love the feeling this chapter left me with.

I am very happy I was wrong about the direction the plot would take when Ambrose arrived. Ambrose blocking the family car seemed ominous. The result however was happy and hopeful. I am happy that the family are going with Ambrose to visit Eustace. He was my favorite characters before Terry, Kaz and Zander arrived in the story. Andy captured his heart, and knowing Andy will be loved and protected by family and friends will mean so very much to Eustace. Maybe Zander and Andy can help out at the farm during summer vacations. Knowing Andy, he will definitely be back and stay in touch for as long as Eustace lives. I was also glad that Andy was able to find out he had some real family, but sad that his mother was murdered. The last part didn't come as any surprise. Monster seems more and more like an understatement to describe Andy's sperm donor. I can't believe that Gunnar could accept and defend his brother (the registered sex offender of little boys), and nearly kill Andy for being gay. I think that Andy should sue the principal and school district for defamation and damages sustained because of how the principal handled the whole problem. Great chapter!

I agree that the chapter is full of surprises. It seems like everything was set up for Andy and Zander to get their wishes, and escape the clutches of CPS's evil Chandler. I certain don't the Ambrose is the bearer of good tidings. Fortunately, I think that Garrett and Andy's lawyer will be able to handle whatever is thrown at them. I did love the rings and the engravings on them.

Hi Clo! We're doing fine. It's Buddhist Lent so we're going to lunch soon with friends to a vegan restaurant. Vegan food here is excellent!

I have to admit that I wasn't expecting a plot twist like that! I am anxious to find out how the adults will react to the idea, and whether it is feasible. I do think that Andy and Zander will remain together for the rest of their lives, so I believe that their marriage will be strong. I can wait for the reaction of everyone.

Bruce must not be too smart. Terry gave him a good roughing up, then the boys all left him in the dust. I'm hoping that Terry will deliver the knockout punch that sends him out of the schools social ring. The court hearing was a brilliant display of skill and knowledge over an ignorant and lazy bureaucracy. Chandler isn't out yet and will probably go way out of her way to get revenge. I like the fighting mood of this chapter as well as the ingenuity of Andy's friends and family in defending and protecting him.

School was almost a cake walk with only a few hateful homophobes that Zander, Andy, Kaz and especially Terry ably handled. Love that girl! Bitch Chandler was just another autocratic, hateful, religious bigot. My only concern is that she will try a end run to capture Andy at school tomorrow. I hope Garrett will anticipate and set up a trap for her to expose her corruption and led to her exit from government employ. Judge Harrison won't put up with her and Garrett's forethought to get a really great lawyer for Andy should ensure she won't succeed. Like Val, I do worry about how this might influence what will happen in Carlsberg. I was surprised how Andy is handling this in a calm manner even when he is very afraid. He's growing stronger each day.

I don't get too excited about sex in a story, but do appreciate it when it is appropriate and handled with sensitivity and a natural expression of love. All the criteria were met in this well written scene. I think it was very important that Zander allowed Andy to not only initiate, but take control the whole time. Perfect timing for this too happen.

Hi @Parker Owens, I agree with what you have said in this comment. I only wonder how different the punishment would have been for the coach and Greg if this had been a heterosexual pairing. I'm 100% behind Spike on Nonna. I wish I had a grandmother like her. The other family at least lets Zander know that being gay does not stop them from loving him. That was great! I hope that Zander's actions won't upset Andy too much. Zander could have waited and talked to Andy first.

Soon to be made a serial on Netflix.

It is so great to see Andy growing in this chapter. He doesn't realize how much he is changing. Yes, he misses Zander, but his growing trust means he doesn't immediately start filling his mind with negative what ifs and anxiety. He is learning the lessons from Kaz well enough to immediately teach them Jeff. He is taking initiative to ask Monica to go out, and also to make a new friend with Jeff and deciding to go out for track. Most of all he is now bonding as a family and shows that by calling Monica "mom". Still some work to do but an amazing display of how much he is growing and healing. I love this chapter.