Geron Kees

Hmmm. Does it have to be that complicated? The fact that Derry's mom calls Mike Hamlyn 'dad' does not mean he is her biological father. Many people call their father in-law 'dad', just like their own father. I call my father-in-law 'dad', which is why I used it that way. But, in retrospect, it is misleading. Mike Hamlyn is Derry's paternal grandfather, not his maternal one. That was my intent, and if I wasn't clear on that, it's my fault and not yours. I went back and looked, and I see I called Mike Hamlyn either 'granddad' or just 'Mike' in the first story. So you have reason to wonder. The only other answer would be that I messed up somewhere. But Mike is supposed to be Derry's dad's dad, not his mom's dad. Oh my. Well, I wanted Difris to be likable. I guess that worked out. Thank you. I will consider the idea of having Cally's POV the dominant one in a future story. Don't see why that would be a problem. And I would assume that and place like the transfer station on the moon would have to have restrooms. But...what kind of fixtures would be in place for a restroom designed to handle hundreds of different races? I don't think I will spend a lot of time describing them anytime soon. Might be fun to mention them, as and aside, however. Thanks for all the great input!

This story follows events first recounted in The Odd, Onward Door. You really should read that first. From the trees beyond their hiding place came the sound of riders, a good half-dozen of them, as they pushed their mounts back and forth through the underbrush, calling to each other in a strange and alien tongue. Their voices were deep, guttural, with a commanding tone that pierced the late afternoon air and left no doubt as to their intentions. They were seeking prey, and fully exp

Derry and Caleb return to the moon of the red sun to assist the robot, Difris, in his search for the vanished civilization of the builders. This trip will take them farther from home than they - or any human - has ever been before...

What! I got here, and there was such a crowd standing about that I couldn't even see the author! A very nice beginning, Ivor. It's been too long since you have visited us with a new tale. I think the reception for this one should show that you need to get back more often!

Thanks for saying! I'm not sure how the fantasy element crept into the series, as the first tale was pretty straightforward. I guess the Christmas setting in the second tale carried it in. But I have been enjoying it, and it seems that others have, as well, so I'll probably let it stay. Especially Kip and his skwish. I have been having too much fun with that to let it go.

Hmm. I have to honestly say that I have not considered the grandparent's attitude towards the boy's relationships. They have not popped up as characters yet, but they don't really need to in order to have an opinion. I'll consider it, and see what comes up. My leaning is that they won't necessarily like it, but that they also won't let it stop them from caring about their grandsons. I come from a family that is non-judgmental in that fashion, and i never had any difficulties with family members at all. I know guys that did, but I also don't know all the details. Stories online about families disowning sons or daughters because they are gay are everywhere. I have never felt a need to add another. Being gay or bi is not always difficult. Many families place love before other considerations. That's as it should be, don't you think?

Hi, Dave. Thanks for the good word. Always happy when someone gets a smile from something I posted here. Max and that group will be back. Jesse and Marty, too, eventually. I just wish there were 36 hours in every day. I'd ask Max to help me with that, but...you know. Hope you can enjoy some of the other tales, too. Thank you for taking the time to write! Best, Geron

I appreciate the kind words. Thank you. Happy New Year to you, too!

Oh, I'll see what happens. Major holidays are one thing, but National Flower Potting Day is just out as far as i am concerned. Hard to think up a tale revolving around potting flowers. I have some ideas for other things. I have some big projects that need completing this year, including the third Road tale. So I'll see what the world kicks my way. Good to hear your thoughts, as always!

Thanks for saying. I don't think I can keep up with all those holidays, though. A friend of mine did suggest a title for a July Fourth tale: "There's a Rocket in Your Pocket, Charlie Boone!" I smiled and thanked him, but don't know if I will use it. I'll have to see what comes up. I intend to keep up with the Halloween and Christmas stories, but I'll have to see what ideas pop up at the other holidays , if any. Thanks for the inspiration. A little goes along way!

Thank you, Ivor! Aw, there's skwish everywhere, my friend. You just have to look a little harder sometimes to see it!

Yes, Sinterklaas helped to produce the American Santa. A lot of the European traditions went into making the American Santa. It was different there, though. Sinterklaas arrived in November on a steamer from Spain, in the company of his Zwarte Pieten. As a boy, we heard that the Zwarte Pieten were black because of the soot in chimneys, but most of us suspected it was because they were from Suriname. Kids, you know? Sint Nicholas Eve is December 5th, with Sint Nicholas Day on the 6th. The Dutch also celebrate Christmas now, so kids there get two shots at gifts. Doesn't bother them at all! We used to leave our shoes by the fireplace on Dec. 5th, and they'd be full of what you would call stocking stuffers the next morning. My dad is American, and so he was much more a Christmas kind of guy, and the bigger presents came then. My mom, being Dutch, loves Sint Nicholas Day still. I still get those stocking stuffers each December 6th. Still love to get them too.

I did forget to bring up that thing with Ricky and the make-up, probably because the boys did no make-up of their own in this tale. I do have an answer for that...and will try to put it in the next tale! I have always liked Santa, and as a kid I imagined what his life might be like. I still give it some thought, even though I am not a true believer now like when I was five or six. Then it was Sinterklaas, and a somewhat different tradition than the one I learned when I came here to the US at age nine. But if he were a real person, what would his life be like? Oh, sure. I like Kippy and Charlie and the world they live in. There will be more tales, I'm sure. Thanks for the suggestion - and the encouragement!

That's exactly why I used the Munster's address instead of the Addams's. Many people, even younger ones than the show (me) saw the comedy in reruns and remember that address. I was wondering how many people would pick up on the Westmore clue. I suffer from being a reader of credits for old movies, and so know who did what in a lot of old B/W films. In many cases it leads to reading about them, which is interesting. So many fascinating lives out there in the world! The Addams Family was a much more interesting show than was the Munsters. The Addams Family was full of very adult humor, in addition to the sight gags and funny lines for kids. There was a very artful separation between the two, so that kids were not assaulted by adult humor, and adults could laugh at all of it in time with their kids, and the kids would never suspect that there was more going on than met the eye (or ear). "Tish! You spoke French!" always made me smile. The affection of the Addams couple was much more pronounced than that between Herman and Lily. But that's no surprise, either!

I posted the Christmas story after it had its initial view elsewhere, just thinking it was close enough to that holiday to still be of interest. I had a busy year's end and didn't have time to post my last four or five stories here, including the Halloween tale. But right after posting CB#4, someone else wrote to me and asked where the heck #3 was! So I decided to post it, too, even though it felt out of tune with this time of year. Oh, well, at least all four are here now. The Westmore family produced some of Hollywood's great make-up men, including Bud, Wally, and Perc Westmore, who did an awful lot of monster make-up for Universal and other studios from the start of the sound era right through the early 1970's. And yes, you're right, they are still going with Michael Westmore, who designed the Borg and Ferengi make-up for the various Star Trek franchises. also McKenzie Westmore, a young actress and daughter of Michael. I have not seen Closet Monster. I looked that one up, and I think I will. Thanks for that! I looked at your link to The Pit, but it told me I that I didn't have the permissions to view it. Big surprise, here!

I know I have moved away from the spirit of the first tale, which had no real fantasy element to it. But I think it served to introduce and bring together the four main characters, and the Christmas story that followed kind of set the tone for what was to come. I enjoy Charlie and Kippy and friends, and intend to keep offering them at holidays. I'm pleased that you enjoy them, too. Maybe the guys can come back sooner than later. There are, after all, other holidays besides Halloween and Christmas! Thank you for the great comments, CG!

"Another Halloween coming," Kippy Lawson said, his voice sounding anything but enthusiastic. "And I have nothing to wear." Charlie Boone pulled back in the bed and gazed fondly at his boyfriend. Kippy didn't have a stitch of clothing on, and the view to Charlie's eyes was just heavenly. "I kind of like you in nothing," he said, smiling and flexing his fingers affectionately on Kippy's chest. "Then I don't have to guess what you're thinking about." Kippy laughed, and leaned forward and

Charlie and Kippy and friends are invited to a Halloween party in an old house in the woods. They soon find out that some of the guests are not what they appear to be - not at all! Posted a bit late, but better than never at all!

Santa means different things to different people, but one of the things I always liked best about him was that, even though he may be magical and a little different, he has always been composed of the best things we love about being human. As far as I am concerned, a visit from such as he will always be welcome. Thank you for commenting!

I enjoy visiting the place, so know what you mean. If only! Everyone has a bit of skwish inside, including you. Not only does skwish make one more insightful, it allows that little bud of magic to flower, and grow. I've read your stuff, so I know that you know exactly what i mean!

I am glad you have enjoyed the story. Vielen Dank für die netten Worte! Und ein frohes neues Jahr auch für Sie!

Hi Ivor! Aw...you say nice stuff, and I appreciate it. But it's those people in the story, and the ones like them in the real world, that deserve the credit. There can never be stories without truths to base them upon. And I am so glad that there are still truths in the world that I just cannot contain myself!

Thank you for the kind words. It is human to resist the wrongs in the world. I don't think that will ever change. At least, I hope that never changes. If it ever does, we will no longer be worth the effort of maintaining a civilization. And most of us do enjoy being part of a civilization.

Thank you for the wonderful comment. Most of my stories are about friendships, and the romances that sometimes arise from them. I agree that most people move on from turbulent times. But you cannot get away from memory, and the times and events that many people have experienced colors everything that comes after. Not always in a bad way - sometimes it is for the good. I think in most people it is a blend, a kind of happy medium that lets them live in peace. But if all the stories hidden away in people's memories - both the good ones and the not so good ones - could be brought forth and placed into the record, think how much richer we all would be for the experience. Everything that comes in each life is carefully built upon all the lives that have come before. Knowing - really knowing - that foundation, is what will eventually make the human race strong.

I'm sorry that I missed your comment, Dael. It wasn't that I was ignoring you at all! I always appreciate hearing from you (we go way back!); so if this happens again, just send me a strongly-worded message and I'll get on the ball. Thanks, as always, for the kind words! Best, Geron