Anton_Cloche

Geoff: When you say, "My grammar checker sure has a problem with the way Noah speaks!", that is because he speaks with an open and honest mind, that hasn't (and may not) develop the nuances we who are not special have. And I use special without the air quotations we use when we often demean others. I prefer Noah's use of the word; 'Timmy and I were different from the other kids, and we were put in a special class'. No hidden meaning, not derogatory, just straightforward and honest. When Noah 'says', "Nana brought out the salad she cooked...", he is simply equating that cooking is what happens to food in the kitchen. Ergo, ALL food is cooked, even if it's salad. When my AS (I don't include the 'D') nephew Noah finally began to speak at 5, his simple child-like use of words and phrases were like those of other children. As he grew, (to now 17 years-old ) his vocabulary expanded with new words and phrases he adopted IF they fit how he wanted to speak. Just like your Beautiful Boy Noah has added 'cock' instead of 'penis' thanks to Skylar. And as for Noah's "Yes Please", he probably learned that the same way my late Mother/ Nana taught our Noah to say 'yes please' when asked if he wanted something. (among Nana's favorites "would you a like a cookie?"). Keep up the good work on this story. Don't lose the child within you, as most of us do too soon. ;-) Tony

Nice epilogue! As for "...an old, old man", the saying "you're only as old as you feel", comes to mind. These days, after 9+ weeks in Covid19 quasi-lockdown I think we're all feeling older (among other feelings). You can: A• lie down until the 'old' feeling goes away; B• wait for Happy Hour (it's always 5pm somewhere); C• grab two 25 year -olds to support you; D• All of the above ;-p Waiting for your next tome. Tony

Clear

Geoff: I'm reading this 'Barnstable' book with special interest, as my 17 year-old nephew Noah (seriously that's his name) has ASD and is on the high end, but social interaction vs 'noise' is always an issue. He's our own 'Beautiful Boy'. Making friends was/is an issue even for those on 'high end' bordering Aspergers. ASD families don't like the 'Disorder' label, we prefer to think of them (as Eunice Kennedy and family did when they created the 'Special Olympics') as 'Differently Abled' not 'disabled'. Whether speaking with sharks or chillin with penguins, these people are special. If you want to see a truly amazing ASD boy, check out young race car driver Austin Riley (yeah his dad is a brit sports car fanatic). https://www.racingwithautism.com/ and Take care. Stay well. Tony

Awe. A nice ending that wraps things up pretty well. Kind a sad leaving Jimmy, Rich and Nick. But maybe there's a side story in there somewhere? Brand and Charles? Nick and Alice (albeit not as challenging. But... a lawsuit or two dragging everyone back together a few years down the road...?). Thank you. Stay Safe and well.

A terrific story, with an interesting closure that incorporates an epilogue taking us 5 years past our current pandemic and presents a more hopeful near-future of 2025? And yes you've promised us another PK, # III, featuring Nate and hopefully Gleeson, that fills in the intervening years including Nate's full recovery. (after another 10+ chapters of our Beautiful Boy Noah's 'Barnstable' story). But PK-III need not be the end. We have three new 'Preacher's Kids', with Pastor Eddie and Matty's twins Clayton IV, Brandon and Amanda with her story. You've left yourself with your own 'homework' assignments 'Fly'. Lots to keep you busy. Stay well. Keep Safe'. (at least a 'first down' away using football measurement). ;-p Tony

Glad you're feeling better, just takes (frustratingly long) time. You'll get there, just step-by-step. Be well. Stay save. Keep distance... I suggest 2 pool noodles apart vs hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, golf clubs or baseball bats. Any 'hard' distancing 'tools' could turn dangerous in the wrong hands, like Levi, Blu, etc. ;-p

Renting rooms at an asylum (run by Jack 'I'm Baaaack' Nicholson) too expensive. Cheaper just to rubberize and pad walls for Blu and Levi.

Carlos: Another very good 'novella' with Ranger Brad, and while I echo other comments so far ('ended too soon' etc), I recognize it's just another step along your path. A path of being story teller, weaver of tales, inspiration, and telling it like it is, could be, or should be. One little 'Red Pencil' moment, I think you mean to say CJ's STINT in Mexico and not 'sting'. As for CJ and Mexico, "...traumatic events in Mexico City."? Earthquake quickly comes to mind, but I think not. Pandemic and quarantine will continue to be a clustercluck in so many ways, including physically, mentally (worse than Writer's Block) and more, as we've yet to overcome First Wave. But as mrbossmant said you've got something "up your sleeve". From what you've hinted is in the pipeline, those must be some pretty big sleeves. The image that comes to mind... you in your biking leathers, but with your vest over top of Seinfeld's 'Puffy Sleeves shirt! LMAO ;-p Had to poke the bear! Stay Safe, Well, and 2 lacrosse sticks apart (nod to Brad). Tony

Good chapters. A tad on the short side but frequent posting should quell our hunger for more. Would be nice if Jex and Marcus can reconnect in the near future and become better mates? Business partners? A shame Jex didn't trust Marcus enough for a tour of the future 'aero museum', maybe tripping over an unseen entrance's hidden door (I know from experience many a quonset / hospital had such 'doors' inside). On another note, has our young Earl discovered more about his mum's 'motor accident'? MI involved? Time for a quick 5 (min) chapter update from the Isle of Wight and the Earldom north of London. (yep, I'm also a cheeky sod, and a freelance writer / editor who likes to tweak an author's ear as a reminder). ;-p

Geoff? Many people read these stories (Sagas? ) to escape what's happening around them in real life. 'Art imitates Life'? As an editor let me just say that authors incorporating real time events into stories can be fraught with danger. Bringing TPK:CAB into the here and now of COVID-19, while an intriguing move could have dire consequences for everyone. Plus, your promise to wrap this story up means: • somebody's going to get sick and die? Nate & Glee have been through enough; • Donald's just getting his sh, stuff together; • Joe, bad, good, m'eh; • Alex, creepy/desperate at the end to get a piece of Matty and a momento; • Matty & Eddie (frequent hehe) ups and downs is now facing the results of (with apologies to Star Trek) 'going where no gay man wants to go' as a result of his rocket blasting off into inner space and launching thousands of 'genesis' probes... (stopping now). Eddie and Matty quarantined at the Lake House is good Geoff, just don't have them going in/near the water to avoid 'accidents'! Unless your final chapter is planned to be the biggest and best epilogue in history, and your crystal balls are "Uger' than tRUMP's and can really foretell the future, 'Houston, we have a problem. BTW, I think Bft meant to say 'drop down' instead of 'crop up'. At least introducing a 'bundle of joy' gives you license for a whole new sequel. PLEASE, don't kill anybody off!! Everyone out there PLEASE stay safe, well and Socially Distant (2 hockey or lacrosse sticks = approximately 6' apart). History (San Francisco 1918) shows we're not over this yet, unfortunately. :-(

I also recall a UK story about William and Liam from a few years back. Co-ink-a-dink? Happenstance (not to be confused with Happy Dance when your editors give you the all clear to publish). I noticed at least one of your editors is UK, when this appears: "... Liam... was lying on his bed in the foetal position." It's been a few years now since Chapter 45. Any indication when this and your other stories 'on hold' may be kick started. Not to be a nag, but I reread ALL of Willy Shakespeare's works yesterday to celebrate his birthday. Why? Well my streaming service is crap on Isolation Day 43, I've read the paper lining the birdcage, and have taken up knitting shredded magazines from recycling. Arghhh.

Or, you could post a bunch over the next few years until they total your age of 49* ;-p * Just before her 50th Birthday, my late Mom when questioned about how old she was, she said: "49 plus Bahamas tax, but there's no tax in the Bahamas". Happy Earth Day to all the Liebe's everywhere. Hopefully they can get back to school and real play dates soon (after C19)!

Rain, Blu, Sage, Thyme; and some people think only hippies cursed their kids with weird names, just don't introduce Parsley and Rosemary to the story. TBI is catastrophic both to the patient and family. My twin cousins were in a horrible accident (struck by a truck coming home from university). Went from 'A' students to comas and 10% chance of just survival. Recovery took years. One graduated, the other never returned to school suffering memory loss, psychological and physical impairments. I hope Levi finds a balance that works for him. Complete recoveries (miracles?) do happen. Perhaps 'Better Angels' (Rain? Nan? Steven?) help? Ps. 'Don't shoot the messenger' (Dahawk). If that happened we'd never have great authors and storytellers (Shakespeare, Grisham, King et al).

Okay, so I'm late to the story and 5 months behind, slowly catching up because this whole series of stories needs to be savored like a fine 'Old Vines' Zinfandel and not chugged like Blu's Long Island iced tea. ;-) Plus, as a journalist and freelance editor I don't want to miss anything. Having said that, Blu in discussing Link's possible parenthood asked if the child was his. And then... nothing. So, Two Words: Paternity Test! First, find out for sure if (what Blu previously called a 'goth princess') is indeed pregnant and Second, Amniocentesis Blood test to determine 'likelihood' that Link is the father. Or maybe that's in the next chapter of two. As for coming chapters, please look after your health. We need to keep treasures and good writers around for the long term! :-)

Before another moment goes by, I want to thank YOU and all firefighter, paramedic, and other front line workers, previous and current, for all you do to help others. All while putting yourselves at risk and in harms way. And would do so again in a heartbeat, without even thinking twice. THANK YOU.! Ps: If I could find a big enough heart emoji it would go here :-)

Hey Carlos: Great new chapter. Tough about Henk, but saw it coming as it's unfortunately too familiar with our Vets, but also with homeless including LGBTQ including teens & younger :-( . Linc's polite comment about tRUMP? Surprised someone the size of what my grandpa called 'a brick shithouse' is so delicate with his words. ;-) Would love to see a visual of the EVERHOPE banner (flag). Does it incorporate 'The Squad' tat image into it? As we continue with the C-19 lockdown / isolation / social distancing* for the next 'x' weeks, stay safe, keep well. Ps: My 'Corona' has a lime. * For SD (Social Distancing) reference, a hockey stick or a HOG with extended forks is approximately 6 feet / 2 metres

Hmm... I think the good Dr sees two sets of boys bunk-bedding (doubling up) in one cabin per pair, thereby freeing up two cabins for more paying guests. A good plan to make more money, but close confinement of family members - especially children - may bring problems with the siblings causing the macaw to holler at the owner "Walk the plank"!

April 1st, woke up after another bad dreams sleep desperately hoping that Covid19 was a demented April Fools Day joke. But shades of Groundhog Day (not a Bill Murray fan :-( sorry) it's still the new reality. (dream of winning Lotto also burst). Then I came across Chapter 1 of your NaPoWriMo project. Kind of like Postcards From The Edge 2.0, but in this case it's the edge of what? Frustration, anger, anxiety, fear, depression (damn that list could go on forever). Don't even get me started on the CovIdiots who refuse to take this seriously. I look forward to your new daily writings, while digging deep -(when we were kids playing in the sand Mom would warn "if you keep digging you'll wind up in China". Does she know in Heaven?) - to find something, anything uplifting. A giggle for today: Karma for toilet paper hoarders is endless constipation. Stay well, stay safe. Smile, say "hello" and wave to people you see, especially children who can't grasp this.

Carlos, another great chapter of Ranger, and I love the way you're filling in the blanks between the past and Ceej (love Liebe when she speaks) becoming what should be an outstanding POTUS. (oh that we had him now instead of Cadet Bonespur, apologies to my GOP family and friends). It seems like the soon to be Rev Paddy likes his men like his coffee... Hot & Black. ;-) I anticipate Ranger will arch over 10+ chapters, or at least I hope it will as I need the diversion from this damn Covid-19 and self-isolation. My background doesn't allow me to say much, other than had we in the 'West' known of the 'accidental' November of the release (not in the Wuhan fish market as a 'natural occurence' claimed by Xi), perhaps we could have gotten ahead of this, somewhat. Oh, and for all those 'invincible' students crowding beaches and bars during spring break... time for a reality check: Do the social distancing - keep a minimum of 3 feet (1 metre) apart. Carlos, keep up the great writing, stay safe and healthy. (ditto for all those reading this). Tony

Preston, some people say going to OZ is like going to another planet or an "out of this world adventure". DSA seems a bit like that, being before 'on' and 'off world'. Jupiter, hmm. My journalistic 'Editor's Eye' is enjoying this so far. (in other words, nothing jumping out at me asking to be tweaked), with one exception: "My Lord and your Serine Highness" is properly spelled 'Serene'. Speaking of 'adventure', I think there's still another 'penny to drop' with Lord Tyler'. It's not quite the gilded cage we've been left with, what with unanswered questions about MI5 & 6's possible involvement in his mother's untimely road 'accident' death. Tyler's uncle didn't seem to investigate which begs a Question. And then there's unrequited love (or friendship?). Your characters seem to have that problem... a lot. Food for thought? Like a Chinese restaurant buffet, always hungry for more. ;-p

Excellent wrap up on this snippet/novella from the ongoing lives of CJ, OZ, Liebe and their extended family and Squad. Some nicely laid groundwork for future stories: CJ's first posting with 'State', possible vendange/harvest events at Liston Estate ... Best wishes Carlos to you for a Merry Christmas, what ever holidays you celebrate, and a healthy, prosperous and Happy New Year in 2020. (may all your visions be perfect... bad pun). ;-)

I just started reading your story this week and I'm finding it to be well written, thoughtful and engaging enough to keep me looking forward to the next chapter. The characters are (mostly) believable as someone you might come across in real life. Jeremiah is like an amalgam of too many homeless/street kids you see these days. Tough exteriors that can easily crack. Erick and Todd's bi-religious relationship adds variety and complexity without being overly 'preachy' in my humble opinion (others may disagree, especially with the 'readings' starting chapters). I am concerned that Erick's odd health issues are a harbinger of difficulties to come. Hopefully not. The spontaneous proposal was great! Looking forward to the coming (many?) chapters, Book II? Best Wishes for the Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukkah / Chag Hanukkah sameach , Happy New Year.

Nice connection to IOR. Could make for some interesting adventures, but poking the nose of the giant (and not so friendly) C.H.Ina Corporation could put Tyler in the cross-hairs of another potential foe (Amanda's MI bosses being the first due to her mysterious "accidental death"). Hmmm? I be_tink something is afoot. (yeah that's a terrible pun). ;-p

Gary, just reread Finding Refuge after a year and enjoyed it even more. The nuance, color and descriptions make me feel like I've just wandered into that box canyon and found kindred spirits. As Wiley and Coop prepare for the coming winter, and whatever hardships the weather may bring, there is trust that they'll get through it just fine. (if only I could say the same as snow, ice and -20 bears down on Ont). Happy holidays!