Anton_Cloche

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!

Oh oh Preston ('Q'), you're making my 'Editor's Eye' work overtime. It's a good thing these stories are fantasy, because at the rate Uncle Charles & Lord Tyler are spending like drunken sailors, Hunter Investments Pty and the Earldom purse may soon be empty. Reality cheque (pun intended) Tyler's £200 Million inheritance (at start) is largely property and NOT COH (Cash On Hand). Abbey & Estate (open to tourists), Castle & Estate (closed) Amanda's Home, + 11 acre Seaview bolt hole + desalination plant in OZ are not cheap. Detached homes on Amanda's street range £1.5 - £3.2 Million. Abbey, Castle + estate lands easily £50 M. Mary & George's 1/4 acre waterfront detached on Seaview cheap at around £300K, 11 acre Seaview home maybe £10M. 3 existing Desalination plants in OZ average $15-20 M Aus each. A 'small' plant for station / farms maybe $2.5M even after selling off the resulting salts. BTW the new Hunter Inv PTY purchases of farms, estates & commercial properties on IoM & IoW (Isles of Man & Wight) = 914 acres not 750. Ave cost = £25 - £40M total. Even as working farms/estates that you say "cover the taxes", and with only the Abbey doing tourist tours (soon 3 days a wk from 1) breaking even? For reference Buckingham Palace - largest castle visited - is only open to tourists 10 weeks a year (Aug, Sept and 1 week each during school breaks in Dec and Easter) generates approx £35M yr net. Just the facts. Hopefully Lord Tyler's keen mind and skills (from the station in OZ) will help him balance the books before Charles departs (leaving CA$H and no debts). 'Please Sir, can I have more' ;-)

As one who deals with media (including the #*@! Paps), a press conference aka 'Media Scrum' aka '1 & Done', it doesn't work! Look at Princess Diana, current Royals, celebs etc. I look forward to MANY more adventures and Misadventures with Tyler (oops, Lord). Let's hope: 1. 'Q' doesn't kill off Charles too soon and; 2. He doesn't turn Tyler into a raging bull with short temper and no patience (like main characters in former stories) who either die or have a bad turn. Sorry 'Q' Plus, we need Tyler to discover what really happened to his birth Mum Amanda/Louise and how MI6 is involved. Oh and Logan gets his visa to join Tyler at Uni in UK.

Great storyline so far Carlos. Knew it was only a matter of time until you filled in the Gap years from Georgetown to 'real' POTUS CJ. As for those drooling for Liston wines... surprised Jack's only creating 2 celebration wines for Liebe's birth, when they could have created 3. Mixed case (2 btls each) of Shiraz, Verdelho and Verdelho Tinto*. The latter grape has/is being produced in very limited quantities to create a Rosé style in Oz. Or they introduce Shiraz (red) skins to regular Verdelho grapes during initial fermentation to get the 'pink' Pam seeks. Sparkling Rosé Verdelho, (NOT Moscato), is all the rage for New Years and weddings in OZ Between CJ, Ozzie and Liston's Pam will get the help and closure she needs. 'In vinho veritas'

Speaking of "unintended pregnancy " , the gay members of 'The Squad' seen to have learned the lesson of keeping things under wraps, whereas the 'straight' members not so much. Chipper et al have to remember that, before they stir the pot, so to speak. (all puns, and tongue-in-cheek intended on Friday). * On a serious note, Monday, 11th November Remembrance / Veteran's Day, keep in mind those who served and gave their all, those who came home (many 'broken') and those who continue to serve.

Why is there so much hated and abuse of children like Jack, or has it always been there and we've not paid attention, or looked the other way? A 3-year old in Winnipeg Canada was recently stabbed by his mother's boyfriend while he slept, and later died. I'm not a 'bible-thumper' so-to-speak, but I recall a passage where Jesus says " Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come to me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Genesis 17:7,8,24-26 It seems Jack's 'safe place' is him trying to find heaven. But it's too soon Jack! Hopefully he can find BJ and some salvation.

DaddyDavek missing longer chapters reminds me of "Less Filling - Tastes Great" beer ads. On one hand, short chapters equals sooner gratification (sorry for big words ;-p), while waiting for longer ones results in a longer pleasurable read. Hmm, in the end I'll take any of Carlos' writing, anytime! Just more of it, while he waits for his next muse to arrive.

As much as I'd love to see a 'Squad' intervention (too many visions come to mind), perhaps Nalbo needs an invitation to a private yacht fishing party, 21 miles off coast, where he can 'chum' around? Just fishing for ideas.

Bill, I can't say I was surprised at Julie's passing. Having known ALS sufferers, at least it was prolonged and painful as it can be. Thankfully Holly and the boys have new father's and the extended Currie family to rely upon. I am concerned that the passage of time since Josh (Sr) starting bringing new boys into the house, means he may be on the cusp of 'leaving' the story, or some other older family / extended family members. Hopefully my foreshadowing sense is 'off'. Thanks again for the great writing and editing (giving my 'Editor's Eye' and red pencil a rest). Tony B

CHNG4? Yes Bill I love to see where the storyline goes to from here. You have so many 'loose threads' woven into the Currie tapestry, it would be a shame not to continue. As a journalist / editor it is not easy to find well written stories that grab and hold my attention like the Currie saga has. Far too often a story goes on for a while and suddenly stops, whether due to illness, writer's block or otherwise. I suggest authors create a storyline draft in case someone else needs to finish things up (not that this applies to you). Perhaps you'd consider another jump in time (say 4 years or when college ends for some) and see who comes home? Continued good writing.

Hold on Bill: Dog Kennels!! Flashback and/or PTSD for Benny!!

As a journalist and editor for 3 decades I am enjoying reading Castaway Hotel since I began reading two months ago. The characters are (for the most part) believable and relatable. Aside from some spelling and grammatical errors (Editor's Eye finds these easily), my only concern is your penchant for killing off lovable characters, such as Brent, Cody and now Albert. While I've lived through similar circumstances, some 'Trials and Tribulation' lessons can be learned without people dying. Try it.

While 'Active Jamming' is illegal in many countries, 'Passive Blocking' may be allowable under certain circumstances, including security, safety etc. "Australia: Illegal to operate, supply or possess unless the user has a PMTS C telecommunications licence under the Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2000." Another great chapter, looking forward to next, (hopefully NOT last) and then an epilogue or two.

Time, fate and happenstance wait for no one, and I now recognize aspects of Eric, Andy and Adam in the mirror. I anxiously await news in Book 3, including freedom for the caged bird - Felicity; and Rob. (my Red pen rests) . ;-p Thank you Northie

A correction here: Liebe (Elizabeth Liston Abellõ) was the result of a surrogacy, so she wasn't "the first child that CJ and Owen adopted".