Anton_Cloche

Just like reminding yourself to eat before going grocery shopping, otherwise your hunger impulse makes you buy more. With okra, there is a fine line in cooking it separately or adding to soup, gumbo etc. too early. The longer it sits in moist food, the slimier it gets. (Its mucilage / slime factor increases very quickly if over cooked). Put whole pieces (not cut into 'rounds' like carrots) in a shallow pan and cover with unsalted water. Bring to a slow boil, about 8 minutes. Immediately remove remove okra and put into water bowl with ice cubes to cool okra quickly. Remove from water and pat dry with paper towel. While minestrone soup (homemade or good quality like Progresso) is heating (not boiling), quickly pan fry okra in butter about 2 minutes and still crisp (not limp). After putting soup in bowls, put okra on top. Hmm. Enjoy!

@CLJobe brings us another interesting chapter in the Merino family story. Marie is obviously heartbroken 💔 over the death of her husband Lars during WW-I, and rather than live alone with their son Albin, she moves back into the family home. Unknown to her, she is placing little Albin at risk, from someone and something she can not imagine. Knowing most of the family members (by name and relationship to reach other; grandparents, parents, siblings and cousins - 13 at last count), will some reappear in this story or do their lives carry on in a subsequent 'Book'? The successful growth of Merino Construction under Gene? Merging with Larsson Int'l? Hmm, food for thought?

The story of one Italian family leaving home and a looming war in Europe for a better future in America? Monty Pythons famous 'tag-line' of: "And now for something completely different" comes to mind. Prolific author @CLJobe returns with another story for our interest and enjoyment.

Fatal in more ways than one. It could be literally fatal if the 'red mist' in front of both Corey and Nathan could blind them from seeing oncoming vehicles that they might step or drive in front of, resulting in injury or death. Or in their anger they could strike out at each other. Or heaven forbid, take another way out. Those possibilities made me choose the 'angry' emoji for this chapter, but just as quickly it turned to sadness (reminded by real situations like this). Another emoji that GA has refused to offer readers is one like this: Because sometimes you're just P O'd

Latest chapter of this new story 'Albin', from (self proclaimed 87 year old) @CLJobe is nicely introducing Angelo Merino and family, and their search for a new life in 'America'. By my reckoning (best guess), Angelo and family arrived in PA in the late 1880's. after living in eastern Canada for 8-ish years; with Angelo at best having a limited English vocabulary and likely little or none involving contracts, with most 'agreements' based on a 'hand-shake' and "your word". (his 10-year old son Gene would pick up english quickly, whether at school or in the streets). History tells us that shrewd (greedy?) American politicians and business men of that era were not known for giving immigrants a 'fair deal'. The Irish immigrant laborers were looked down on, and later immigrants from Europe, especially Italy, were treated worse than the Irish. Once Angelo (and Gene's) work as a 'Stone Mason' were assessed, their reputation and business acumen would grow. But at the time of 'the bridge' project, Angelo rightly used his business sense of what is right, and it served him well.

The first five paragraphs of Depth Perception immediately took me back "a baker's dozen" years (13 for the unfamiliar) to my own mother and her losing battle with what we later discovered was LBD (Lewy Body Dementia). The scene in Peggy's room is both eerily familiar and sad. Her "staring out the window at nothing in particular" is a reminder of "The 1000-yard stare" that Mom and most dementia patients have. So much of this story resonates with me. From greedy brother and sister-in-law, to the funeral with a 'rent a Rev' reading a scripted eulogy of someone he never knew (in my case a priest who botched Mom's name repeatedly). @kbois, another well written story. Thank you 💙.

I can easily echo other's comments about this story @Lee Wilson and The Boy on the Porch, but my Grandpa had a saying that says it best (IMHO) Lee, which is: Ya done good. Both stories are very well written and obviously with a lot of research involved. The Boy on the Porch by its very nature had to be told in a critical way that mirrored the seriousness of the crimes involved, but was told without being gratuitous. The Taft Family’s Before and After needed a more gentle touch, which you delivered well, with a Happily Ever After for Nick, Jill, Steven, Brendan and Skylar. Thank you!

With this latest chapter by @CLJobe another piece of the puzzle that is David McLavic's life story falls into place. The 'doppleganger' or someone who looks 'identical' to another person (living or deceased) is an all too real effect. In most cases, like that of David's daughter Beth Ann and his late 12-year old sister Jean, the resemblance is usually attributed to family genes being passed down. As for the odd interaction between David's mother and his 'Aunt' Dorothy (cold shoulder?), and his father calling Beth Ann "my youngest instead of our youngest", raises a question. One that families don't talk about (certainly not in front of children)? Hmm. 🤔

Even the best of writers sometimes get tripped up by technology, especially new and/or "improved" writing and editing apps (names withheld to protect the ?) claiming "Our AI is virtually better than actual humans." When in reality Herr Otto Korrect is far from purrfect and E-silly fooled into errors. There's also the possibility of errors by the 'publisher'; online and print. Patience is a virtue.

A mystifying poem @Lee Wilson, and one that mirrors my own conundrum (and one many of us face throughout our lives), and often we hear this suggestion from well intentioned others (from William Shakespeare's Hamlet): "To thy own self be true" But what does that mean? Some say it means that one should be true to their principles and who they are. That they should not strive to please other people by changing what they believe in or acting in any way that is outside what they really want to do. Is it really that simple, or are "we" just overthinking it?

Another very well written chapter P. E., not just for Orion and Quinn's developing 'personal' dynamics, but for how their businesses, Hansen Foundation and other philanthropic work are also profiting from their 'coupleness'. Yet strangely, there is something gnawing at my brain (no not RFK Jr pulled pork brain sandwiches 😀 ), but like waiting for the other shoe to drop. However in this case, it involves, flippers, ROVs and hyperbaric chambers.

So life encapsulated in all three stories, set in various parts of one "city/area", at 3 different HS (city has to be at least 75,000 citizens to warrant 3 HS, even in TX), and roughly 1 year apart for each? Guess that explains why these kids never met up even at sporting events / competitions between schools? Kinda of like throwing a bunch of ingredients in a blender, hitting 'frappe' to see what results? @Jeff Burton they are all great stories individually, but wonder what a meet up might be like. Senior class trips go on a scuba dive tour? That beats a 🏀 game? Glad you're back and eager to see what comes next for "firecracker", "lugnut", Max, and Jess, with Chris being on hand to watch over things? 🫰

So no "Going up?" or "Going Down" in elevator? Getting a 'lift' in the 'Lift'? Who remembers Elevator Operators (so passengers didn't have to pull levers or push buttons)?

Splitting old chapter 5 into two, thereby creating chapter 6 was a good idea @Jeff Burton, and it allowed you to create a really good chapter. Not sure whether the prescription his Psychiatrist Gavin gave Ben to help him sleep is the wrong medication, or that taking 2 pills at once caused the severe adverse initial physical reaction, AND (as sometimes happens) altered his body and mind with the continuing negative effects. Although Ben had (as stated in Chapter 4) previously taken 'as directed' without side effects, taking 2 pills was not good. 🥵 Certain drugs have significant 'drag on' effects that can last more than 24 - 48 hours, especially if you exceed recommended dose: “take one before bed or as needed, take no more than 3 in any 24 hr period.” This is why ER and other Drs always need to know what you took and when). 🚨 🫰

It's now October 2024 @Jeff Burton and "Enquiring Minds want to know" where this story is going, when we will see new chapters, and how many more chapters until an epilogue? We're hoping for a HEA. We also hope you are doing well personally, (or at least I and the editor in me are thinking that). The story is very engaging and 'rings' with authenticity, of an author that has a direct connection with someone like Benjamin. Looking forward to what's next.

Ah yes, an epilogue from Orion's 18th 🎂 with more frosting, and candles

Even with the political and business clout the family appears to have, there is always room on police force for homophobic, misogynistic, racist and/or bigoted officers. Sometimes right to the top.

An interesting prologue @P. E. Knapp, which raises a great number of questions, some of which may be answered in due course. Someone in such bad condition after a tragic accident (?) is taken to the burial at sea in his hospital bed? Either very important, or the scion of a wealthy (political or business) family? One query is the reference to the sounds of many boat horns as the ashes are poured overboard, as "Blasting the air with a calliope of sounds"? The editor in me, and comments of many maritime friends, would refer to those discordant sounds, even of 'steam whistles', as being more of a cacophony than a mellifluous calliope.

Couldn't agree more. @Lee Wilson is giving us a better / different view of how life progressed for Nick, Steven and Jill, as they grew up in a safe home with UB. As for the donator and the incubator, they both got a fitting end, but the kids definately felt it was not enough. As for the "ducking hunt", not quite the spoonerism, (an example might be referring to a nasty person as a "Shining Wit), I would use. But in her evil 😠 circumstance, I will just say she Can't Understand Normal Thinking. Looking forward to see where Lee takes us next.

Thank you @Altimexis for this chapter, introducing and reminding us of the individuals involved. The only reason I used the 'sad/tear' emoji is because of what is next. Otherwise you'd receive a thumbs up (at a minimum) for your excellent writing. Most 'reasoned' persons pray for a peaceful and just outcome for all involved. It won't bring back those 'lost', but hopefully it may lead to a livable future.

Oh wait, now I remember. Mac's 'grandfather' and 'uncle' have an explanation as to why that isn't possible. Apparently when 'Skinwalkers' morph into other beings in the "animal" kingdom a biological change occurs to prevent interspecies procreation. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. (like a fly to flypaper. Oops) 🪰

Better to ask for forgiveness than permission 😉😀

I'm surprised that there isn't a litter of little Bears running around. 'Nature' has a way of making things happen when 'dogs' like Bailey and Bear frolic in the "off leash" dog park. And Bear isn't 'fixed'. ✂️

Like asking a 'real' (loving, caring and empathetic) parent to pick a favorite child. Thank you @Lee Wilson for this "other side of the coin" perspective on the sad "Life" of Nick, Steven and Jill Tate before the salvation brought about buy Nick seeking out Brendan. Really looking forward to coming chapters.

A wonderful chapter, with new and exciting experiences for Steve and Chris. Their discovery of Lahaina, and amazement of seeing the proud 'grandmother' Banyan tree in the town center. Unbeknownst to them, we now remember the terrible, devastating August 8/9 fire, the 115 beautiful people and souls forever lost, and the 'heart' of dear Lahaina struggling today. 💔 Your story continues and a cloud looms, not just one created by a rain shower. Steve and Chris' discovery of the tourist pamphlet with the Blackheart logo, for "The Shoe Whore" store in Honolulu; changing their travel itinerary to leave from Honolulu and the likelihood they will investigate this seeming coincidence. Call home boys. Relay your finding. Let Dex know.