raven1

I forgot to mention that I did live in Toledo very briefly. My mom moved there just after my high school graduation, and I only spent one summer there until I left for Eugene. I am following you, and will definitely read the story. When do you expect to publish it?

Good day all! Sawasdee Khrup!🙏 I see that Texy is littering glitter once more.

I just wait until they grow enough to take themselves to the garbage can.

Born in Portland, but raised in Estacada until my parents moved to Sheridan for my high school years. College in Eugene, then to Portland where I spent 30 years (except some summers in Corvallis and Newport getting my MS degree). Then moving to my dream home in Brightwood for 10 years before I retired to Chiang Mai. BTW I didn't get "roasted" until I moved to Thailand. 😄

Can you imagine Tab Hunter in a buzz cut? Sorry, but blonds do not do buzz cuts well. Just to be clear I live in Chiang Mai, Thailand which is just as beautiful as Bangkok is not.

Hey mrsgnomie! Great plug for Crater Lake. Just keep quiet about all the other hidden gems in Oregon and the western US. Don't need a lot of tourist spoiling everything. As a born there, raised there, and lived there for 60 years Oregonian this one had me rolling on the floor. I retired to Thailand 12 years ago and trust me, it is a great place to live. OK, back to the story. Some things I liked: Nash's lawyer Sam and his gift Sunday Serenade Charades Shayla's perspective Nash being honest about the split with friends and family Some things I am so so with: Nash's relationship with his dad. It is a bit dysfunctional. The haircut, still to be determined, but hope it is not a buzz cut. Things I don't like: Lee laying hands on Nash's hair Penn not being honest about his marriage. (Could this be mrsgnomie's upcoming betrayal?) Nash's frustrated feelings for Penn. See ⬆️ As always another brilliantly written chapter!

I think you meant to say the "cliffhanging you've been enjoying!

We don't know much about Cam, and I am still undecided. I am warming up to her even if she drinks too much when visiting her hometown. I have my own theory about the whole set up, which involves a broken hearted Penn, who on the rebound marries a close friend. It doesn't work, but they stay married in name only. That's all I'm saying just in case I'm right. I like to guess, but don't want to spoil. I don't read ahead, so I just may be embarrassed when the truth comes out later. Just want to thank mrsgnomie for a great chapter in this binge worth story that challenges my deductive skills.

I can't believe that Paul was given a "Get Out of Jail Free" card by Nash, then blows it all away with his arrogant attack on Nash. Nash had no choice but to resign. That and the family's lack of support for Nash of course set Wayne off. Nash is upset, so he was not thinking right when he hurt Penn with his words. I am glad that Ryan and Wayne to Nash to settle down and relax at the Sunday get together. I had a lot of fun picturing in my mind the game being played. The Knotts have become a family to Nash. It is fun to see Nash start to openly flirt with Penn. I loved the stumbling and falling Penn when Nash mentioned the lap dance. So much fun in this chapter! Way to go mrsgnomie!

There is a hell of a lot to consider in this chapter. I need to do one of my lists to organise my thoughts. Penn had originally said it wasn't the he didn't like Lee, it was just complicated. That was a lie. He now admits he hated Lee since high school. It is apparent that Penn's marriage is a sham. His wife and he don't seem to live together for any length of time, and they don't have any children. Penn is shifting his emotional and relational investments. Penn may not have known about Lee's infidelity, but I am sure that at least Ryan knows even if he hasn't discussed it with Penn. Based on Ryan and Logan's words and actions, I think they know that Penn would like something more that a best friend relationship with Nash. I am willing to bet Penn's feelings of hatred of Lee since high school are the result of Lee's relationship with Nash in high school. I also think that Paul and Lee are making plans to really screw things over for Nash. Lee is so self centered it is impossible to believe he wants Nash back. To me the whole counselling sham is just another way to betray Nash. Nash trusts Penn enough to reveal what is happening and how he feels. Penn is compassionate and understanding to openly demonstrate that if nothing else, Nash still has his support unconditionally. Like I said, you have given readers a lot to think about. I know it is just a list, but it also is a guide to where I think the story is headed. This is a wonderfully written emotional turning point for the story. PS I really hate Paul. Lee, too.

Sounding a bit like Penn?

You know that when a character connects and resonates with the character(s) you have created a great story. This story is great. I was well prepared for what was to happen in this chapter. I already suspected what was to happen and who were involve. When the moment hit, however, I was shocked, upset, angry and tired. I felt to some degree the same as Nash. I couldn't accept the betrayal of Lee. I hated Paul for his treatment of a once good friend, Nash. I was even angry at the Knott brothers for knowing the truth, even if they did the only things they could do to help Nash knowing he would find out sooner or later. Nash's acquiescence to Lee's requests got me mad at Nash. Nash knows that their marriage is toxic and should be ended, but elects to stretch out the pain. Why? Like I said, Great Chapter even if it made me very emotional! 😲😭

Like I said, Fortunately for me I am not Texy's nanny. I bet he even says that to his mom. 😠

If I were your nanny, I'd tell you to go to bed! Fortunately, I don't have that job.

A very complex chapter that has me trying to figure out what really is going on. While I think on that, I do have to say I really was impressed by some of the descriptions of Oregon. I spent several summers in Newport and this describe it well. Nash's realisation of how the Knott brothers treat Lee and how feels about Penn is harsh, but understandable. When Nash, out of character and rude, makes them understand the situation. I think it also earns their respect as Nash shows them his loyalty to Lee. Penn's response is the most telling when they say they like Lee, but have been excluding Lee. Penn simply said it is "complicated". I suspect that may be an understatement. It is hard not to be binging on this compelling story. Thanks again Mrsgnomie!

A lot of intriguing comments. I also suspect that there are some issues with infidelity among some of the couples to which Nash is totally oblivious. I think that Penn knows what is going on and part of the way he behaves around Noah is from guilt at keeping things secret from Nash. It is interesting how Penn keeps trying to impress Nash. Ryan seems to be the ring leader for the whole charade and is very pushy about getting his way. Jane did say Ryan was very goal oriented. I love that this is set in Oregon, my home state. The jet boat trips on the Rogue River are memorable and filled with wildlife and wild rides no matter where you start and finish. Another great chapter!

I know the inevitable will happen, but am enjoying the story very much. You create such interesting and beautiful characters. I really love Nash with all his compassion for kids and sense of fun. Some interesting foreshadowing is also present in the comments by Penn's brothers. I enjoy trying to guess your next move as always. The Clubble was so fun in construction and use. I also thought Nash's speech was excellent. The switch of clothes and roles fits the characters and also provided some hearty laughs. Great chapter @Mrsgnomie! This is as good as all your other stories I have read.

Good night all!

If you ever decide to do Frosty, I can help with the 50's background from a child's point of view. I am following you so I can keep up to date on your stories. Good luck with all your endeavours.

The beginning to this story is focused on Nash, but the characters you have introduced are also very interesting. I appreciate the humour you have included in the dialogue, and agree that the dialogue is not stilted, but flows easily along. I am prepared by your introduction for a harrowing event that threatens Nash and his comfortable world. This is a wonderful opening to the story!

Hi Albert I'm doing good. I'm a bit lazy today. Went out with Aod last night. How are you and Steve?

This is a fantastic group of vignettes giving the readers a tantalising taste of the future of humans integrating into a galactic culture. The various vignettes have many interesting characters of various species that inhabit this future. The author's creativity in creating this unique world is very evident in each story. The dialogue is exceptional and makes this a very entertaining read.

You certainly have a very creative mind. I do like these series of vignettes and hope to see more. I was impressed by Horri in this chapter. Your other suggestions are something to look forward to when the come to completion. You have a lot of writing to do considering the other stories you have added when you completed Death in the Shadows. The Frosty story sound like it will be fun, especially if you get it done before next Christmas.

Vincent's attempt to bring comfort to his friends backfired bit time with Dirk. The scene of him going feral and losing his bear was tense and unexpected. Vincent tried to take blame, but I believe that Dirk was right when he later said the results were inevitable. It must be extreme circumstances that push the animal to abandon the human shifter. The results were very harsh. Dirk being filled with remorse and shame, still needs to heal. Maybe when he does heal his bear will return. At least it released the fire mage in Dirk. Vincent's releasing the magic transferred to him by bringing arctic temperatures down a bit was pleasing and ironically amusing. Ty and Vincent could start a business together, Fire and Ice Climate Control. Aliz's appearance was surprising. I had the impression she would be very removed from the whole problem. It does seem she has some control over the destinies after all. Her example was a lesson in balance. I think the advice about Dirk will be well accepted. Dirk does not like to be pushed, and that is the message to Vincent as well as Dirk. Her advice to Vincent about waiting too long does put some pressure on Vincent. How will he know when it is the best time to challenge Stefan? Excellent chapter.

So my air purifiers and house plants are really killing me???????