ReaderPaul

While the probe sounds intriguing, passing a total of 8 kidney stones over the last few years (which put some small tearing into my urethra), and with some slight scarring from radiation which fought my prostate cancer, I don't think I will ever try sounding. But I do have to admit, the descriptions above sound the best of all I have heard. It must be a chore to become a licensed celebrant in Australia. (Or at least in NSW.) It is New South Wales in which the story takes place, or am I incorrect on that? I agree with @chris191070 on all of his comments, including the phone call to the Fixer. I also wondered about the function room possibly being bought or rented by Edward. Personally, I hope he buys it, so he has virtually total control. Who or whom in Australia are legally allowed to perform weddings? I know in the USA that requirements vary for each state. @Wombat Bill, I appreciate the bits of Australian culture we are learning from you and from @Summerabbacat. You are educating us in the proverbial "easily digestible bites," so we are not overwhelmed. Please continue the good work and good writing.

It came back on line sometimes this morning, Central Daylight Time.

@Summerabbacat -- I really need to be able to use at least two emoticons to express my joy and pleasure at reading your comment. I love it and I laughed and I saw the serious parts as well. You expressed many of my own thoughts, and very eloquently, as well. Our beloved @Wombat Bill has provided an example of mixing maximum thought with maximum fun and magnificent plotting.

Okay, that went rather better than I expected. But I'm glad it did. Next question -- does Jonathan have any serious enemies at this point you have not told us about, @Wombat Bill? And the teaser for the next chapter looks fascinating!

I don't trust Jonathan. He is too used to getting his own way, with sometimes throwing crumbs or bait to other people. Virginia is more refreshing and honest, or at least seems to be at this point. HOWEVER, she may be more aware than she seems, and be playing the "I don't know much about what is going on card" for future leverage at a time of her choosing. Being back with Desmond is teaching her to look at things in ways she has not done previously. I believe she will become more observing, as well. Jared and Thomas have some interesting times ahead as Virginia and Jon do the competitive pulling over Thomas. Virginia will not let him go without a struggle. Also I agree with my fellow CWB groupie @Summerabbacat that Virginia is at least somewhat clueless about the relationship of Thomas and Jared. I am wondering if, perhaps, Thomas may end up using advice from Andy about Mr. P -- but perhaps not. On the other hand, Jonathan is right about one thing. Sometimes being a member of a political party can be stifling to politicians as well as the public. (I just erased the rest of what I was going to say because this is NOT the place for a political discussion.) By being an independent Jonathan can be more true to his own ideals. Jonathan may also underestimate the real expenses of a successful campaign when one does not have backing from a party.

Something is afoot. I'm not too sure yet what is going down. @chris191070 may well be right. But the Price part of this drama is still ongoing for some time, I predict.

The background info was good. I can identify with more than some might be able to, since I had a stroke in September of 2020. There are still some things which are challenging to do, although I was very fortunate because I got help quickly. A friend drove me to the hospital; I told them I thought I was having a stroke; they were doing a scan in ten minutes which revealed I was bleeding on the left side of my brain, and they apologized for taking ten minutes to get me to the scan, because someone was already in the machine! Then the local hospital flew me to a stroke center in another state, because the closest ones were too full of Covid-19 patients! I still have balance issues. I have a continual burning in two fingers of my right hand. I almost always walk with a 4-prong cane now. But I am blessed and lucky. I identify with Eric's frustration on having to re-learn some stuff. Good work, R. Eric.

Oh, that was good! Loved Brett and Jeremy negotiating for the rent. Loved the reaction of Prentice. It looks like Edward might be just a bit out of practice. But it was still good.

At first I thought you were going to chase several rabbits, but you wrapped it up quickly, and in a much better summary that I usually see from the -- what I might call -- "well-known theologically high and mighty." I am thinking of several men in the last few years who, having a lot of -- influence in so-called theological circles who have been caught in less than ideal situations. The insinuations and somewhat veiled insults flying in this chapter sounded quite real to me. I have seen this in real life in more than one situation. In some situations I could tell something was not quite as it should be, but realized what it was at a later time.

Loving it! You are progressing the story in a reasonable way, a logical way, and a fun way -- all at the same time.

I have no cats now. Where we live now, both dogs and cats have to be on a leash, and cats don't do well with a leash. It has been more than 30 years since we had a cat.

Okay, @Summerabbacat or @Wombat Bill, enlighten us on "The Big Merino" and the others you mentioned. And what is the third image?

Oh, this is GOOD!

Great chapter. And some great questions Justin asked. Love it!

I know what you mean about fake musicians-- at least as far as piano goes. I play piano. I don't play well, but I know enough to be able to tell when someone is really playing, or they are using the hands of someone else. In a movie, I'd rather they hide the hands entirely if the actor can't play. I can pretend better that way than if they try the "hands showing without the face and/or body." Did you mean Carmine or Carman? I'm familiar with the late Carman (who died in February of this year), but when I figured out that some of the words in a few of his songs are anti-gay, I became saddened and disgusted. At that time I was attending a church where the pastor was very anti-gay -- but accepted transsexual persons no problem! (Go figure.) Eventually that pastor left and was replaced by one that loved gays.

One of your best ever chapters, @Wombat Bill. Activity packed, planning packed, opportunity packed, and well written all in the same chapter. Loving this story!

Good chapter.

Wow, what many possibilities of happenings this chapters allows! Well done, @Wombat Bill.

@Wombat Bill -- this was a sensitive, emotional, and realistic chapter. I can imagine the emotions each person felt as each "puzzle piece" was revealed. Very well done indeed.

Glad to see this story continuing again. We had a long wait, but going well now.

Fascinating chapter. I hope Jared has not inherited Brenden's anger issues and quick temper. Do Jessica, Justin, and Julia know Brenden is dead yet?

This was a fun chapter as well and a good one. Looking forward to the rest of the story!

I am very glad to see this story continue. It is a good one.

Fascinating chapter. This is going to be an interesting adventure of parenting.

Good chapter!