Anton_Cloche

So, 5-ish days since Kev and Glen snared Rabbit sneaking in for shelter. Tells them his life story: • that he woke up in hospital (with amnesia?) after an accident he can't remember. • told his latest name is Ronald Smithers, and is taken to a home and introduced to parents he can't seem to recall. Lives with them for 5 years but comes 'home' from school to find men emptying the house and he runs, winding up at Kev and Glens. Glen thinks Rabbit / Ron is 10 or 11 (based on his small size). Kevin thinks maybe 14 due to peach fuzz above his lip. CPS DNA test to find out more about Ron determines he's almost 15 and he's really (?) Samuel Joseph Addison and computer files are blocked. Witness Protection gone bad? 'Mob' involvement or something worse? All Ron wants is to be adopted by Kevin and Glen and "be one of the boys". Awwe. Please let this work out!

There seems to be a recurring problem thoughout all your stories, of principal characters who fail to recognize or acknowledge close 'mates' with potential interests in becoming more than just that. Here again we have Jexon failing to recognize Auggie's interest in perhaps a closer relationship, certainly more than vet colleagues. I've suggested in previous stories the need (at very least the potential) to revisit those stories 'x' years further on, not only for an update, or epilogue (as the case may be), but see where interpersonal relationship may have sprung up. For example, an Earl and his longtime mate Jake. Just an observation.

Bitter Captain of 'not so Jolly' Roger behind scuttling of boy's dreams! But hell-LOU still involved? I hope they both get keel hauled and royally scrod! (a heavy east coast accent 'screwed' sound like Scrod). God bless little Peter's BIG heart! (please don't let his heart get broken. Keep Gram well). Tony Ps: https://newengland.com/today/living/new-england-history/the-legend-of-the-sacred-cod-or-haddock-or-scrod/

Freddy the pool 'boi' has some serious Daddies issues! But catchy biz card. Good thing César is limber enough to fold his 6-3 frame into the Beemer's letter slot back 'seat' like an 折り紙 (Origami) Bear. Great chapter to wake up to. Tony

I've binge-read Scuffy so far and it's been good. Nice short chapters make it easy to read. (not to mention easier to write and post with quick editing). However, (Spidey / Editor's sense tingling), I'm not generally fond of foreshadowing especially when it's a trail of crumbs Hansel und Gretel couldn't miss if they tried: • Gram in good health but getting paperwork prepped for guardianship; • winches squealing / straining under loads (multiple chapters); • New 'deck boots' to prevent Peter and Charles (and others) from sliding overboard; By the Way, no mention of at least the four/five 'kids' being reminded every time they get on board to put on their PFD. USCG-approved and required self-inflating PFDs are NOT bulky at all, feels like a safety vest. FYI 95% of all boating fatalities, including commercial fishing boats did not use PFDs! • Bad maintenance records including engine; • Winches lifting floorboards; • (not specifically mentioned) Old maritime tradition / superstition, 'renaming ships mid-season is bad luck. 'the Peter-Charles' is a great name, but... Please DON'T create a Perfect Storm! It would spoil your well earned good rep (IMHO). Stay Safe & Well - everybody (including the good crew of PC) Tony

Apologies for arriving late to the party ( I just finishing Chapter 4) due to 'so much to read' as we enter month 3 on the Covid Calendar from hell. Hope this finds you well and safe as can be. Good story so far. Reminds me of what I've missed of NYC since living there briefly in the early 90's. Especially buildings like 'Boltfort' that have character, (along with back stories, back stairs etc), some having 'vertical crawl spaces' between exterior brick and lathe & plaster inner walls. Up to 1m in some cases, enough space to move around and for a homeless youngster to hide / live in. So, maybe Mark's not an apparition (although he seems a 'vision' to David, and a wistful Craig)? Or perhaps there are ghost writers at work? Back to my warren to finish reading. TTFN. Stay well, and Safe! Tony

Carlos, Carlos, Carlos: As much as I'd like to admonish you by calling you 'Ya ole horndog', I'm afraid you'll see it as just more praise. Lol La La Land, sun-scorched lizards aka over-tanned, leather-skinned, George Hamilton wanna be's trying to ride Hogs. What could possibly go Sideways (tip of the Napa wine glass to that flick), for your intrepid dynamic duo. Just when readers thought only CJ & Oz could wreck havoc. (oops meant have 'adventures'. Trying to avoid adjectives and nouns overused by orange he wonderful). Next chapter? Tony Ps Stay Save, Well and extend distancing from the ongoing mayhem! Afraid things are going to get much worse.

Hello Geoff: Thank goodness for another wonderful chapter! One that comes as a welcome respite from all of the current pandemic news, political twitter nonsense and bafflegab (trust me, there's other words I could have used. ;-p). This chapter continues to reveal your depth as a writer, and your ability to dig down and bring us characters that are truly lifelike. Characters that we want to reach out and hug, (or not, as Noah said to Katie/Glinda when she asked to hug him: "No, please. That's hard for me."). That comment shows your understanding of many AS persons being uncomfortable around new people and having 'personal space' concerns). You said at the end of this chapter, "Your comments and reviews mean more to me than you could ever know!". Well, we'll just have to keep sending them to you, until we do know! In the meantime, thanks for this latest chapter, and I look forward to more 'bon mots' or 'good words' as the French say. Stay safe, stay well. Tony

'Still', as in Still waters run deep? Or Calum but he'll be nicknamed 'Calm' because he's a baby that doesn't fuss? 'Deep'? N'ah that doesn't work. Anyone else?

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 :-)