Anton_Cloche

Maybe 14cm? Seriously what is it with skinny add musicians and big 🥒 and 🍒?p

Ben is curious? Perhaps also gentle? 🧸

@Al Norris wrote: "Regardless of all the legal mumble-jumble, this opens up a means for Phil and Allen to connect and to know each other. Lots of things may now happen and Phil may be able to move forward." This is right on the money. The whole interactions between Phil and his son Roger reminds me of the saying: "You can pick your friends but you can't pick your family" (in most cases). Roger shunting his POA onto his son Allen (Phil's grandson) should have immediately resulted in Phil's lawyer being apprised, since (as previously stated) you can not be appointed POA for someone who is dead. Gary taking Phil out to dinner (and a ride to ?) opens up many possible destinations, but my money is on a meeting of "interested parties" at Phil's house. The main floor 'in-law suite' would be perfect for Phil's mobility issues. (The large covered porch can easily accommodate an ADA compliant ramp if needed).

Kanaan, and similar 'creatures' ('it' doesn't deserve recognition as a 'human being'), most likely from Arab Gulf states ( دول الخليج العربي), became wealthy beyond comprehension after March 3, 1938 when American engineers discovered the largest reservoir of petroleum under the sands. As wealth grew so did the need to control. But without empathy or compassion some (more than we know?) simply take who and what they want. Ahmet, and by extension Matt, will soon discover the absolute evil that awaits them. Unless they can quickly find a way off the boat to any place of safety. If Ahmet can find a way to drug Kanaan, he may be gain access to money (on board, 'accounts' etc) and RUN.

"... before the end," ???? Surely you meant to say 'the end of Thicker Than Water - Book I', with Book II to be a continuation let's say with the boys graduating and going off to college (funded in part by half of the $8 Million "inheritance" that went to Caleb and Bryan, with Diego and Steve being able to set up a new foundation to truly help children in need)? There is plenty more to write that could be Book II, OR you can just write a huge great Epilogue that picks up 15 years later, includes some of the above, with an HEA (except for Calvin 🤬). Thanks again @John Henryfor this wonderful story. Ps: No one picked up on reference to Fleetwood Mac's 12th and perhaps best 'studio' album being titled ... TUSK ? 😉

I would hope that Oscar's immediate 'new' family of Julia and their two sons Tristan and Simon are 'long-term' if not permanent (if Oscar thinks otherwise, Gran and Gramps will quickly put him in his place. For legal and inheritance purposes, may sound wedding bells?) 💒 Alison and her two teen sons Willis and Evan are also likely long-term, if they are given a choice. The approval by the Shire for the new buildings will help create a visible homestead presence that should discourage snoops. However, nosy officials will seek to monitor construction with unplanned 'visits' to the property. Good thing new fortified 'security' fencing will be completed before snoops (and drones) can see just how impenetrable it is. Otherwise they will go ballistic.

In my original comment I intended to address the issue of drone(s) flying over Oscar's property (by Rangers, Shire officials and others), to essentially spy on him, but needed to verify court rulings. To wit; Oscar is within his rights, personally, professionally (as a business enterprise) and laterally as what the Crown would recognize, "In Chambers and under Seal," as a "Protected Zone", to use "reasonable" measures to stop the spying. Lasers to blind the drones, block transmissions of images and/or other necessary measures to disable the drones from entering the airspace over Manakoora. A 1968 Australian Court decision stated that "a person has limited rights ‘in the air space above [their] land to such height as is necessary for the ordinary use and enjoyment of [their] land’, including privacy". It concluded that: "At common law, your property rights comprise the land’s surface, the soil beneath (unless changed by the terms of a grant), the airspace above (as necessary for ‘ordinary use and enjoyment’ of the land), all things growing on or attached to your land and all minerals except gold, silver and others excepted by the terms of a Crown grant." Use counter measures to: Electronically 'Jam' radio signals to disable and 'down' drones. Or do it the old fashioned way and treat them as target practice. AND, Oscar and anyone working on his behalf will not be liable for any expenses associated with the damaged or destroyed drones.

Interesting couple of chapters these last two. 'Private' ownership of property still requires applications for (shire, / government) approvals to build on or use said property. Surely a project of this magnitude attracted interest during the clearance / removal of the old or previous structures, materials etc., and construction, installation of the new. It didn't just spring up magically overnight, especially if it borders on the waterfront and/or 'public' spaces where beachgoers, kayakers, campers etc. would have seen something going on. Second, we've gone from Oscar's adamant rule that no one else is coming to Manakoora Retreat, with a threat to destroy it if they do, to Jarrad contacting Oscar from Singapore: “As you may have guessed, I am with the group of three, we are boarding the flight shortly, so we will see you at the end of the day. Will you arrange for someone to come and collect us from JB please?” Getting Oscar induced whiplash.

Whether "...local Yahoo's / idiots, wanted to have 'fun' without any care in who they annoy, injure or property damage", they may also be called Bogan, Cougan, Cozza, yobbo, and other names. These guys, on or near Manakoora, may just be shooting at tinnies (beer cans) or bottles for "target practice". They may be specifically targeting Oscar's property because of the electric security fences. Shocked? Found in almost every country, (even those with tight firearm laws), they are not exclusive to Australia. Mostly late teen to 20's (or beyond), frequently fueled (spurred on) by alcohol and/or drugs; they go beyond verbal taunts, fights and weapons (mostly guns). 😒

WTH: Did Hugh go outside the procedures of NCB to request a conference with Oscar without giving him a "heads up" that new Interpol Officials were to be included? Possibly, and Hugh should have refused his "superiors" demand that he initiate the video call. But Oscar has his idea of how NCB should bend to his will, but it is an "International" organization with many things to consider, and one of these is need for urgency to protect those at risk. HOWEVER ... Just when you think Oscar is acting more or less "normally", vis-à-vis his interactions with others, something happens to turn him into a mad recluse yet again, and to hell with anyone else. And it's clear that includes threats and possible danger (death?) to another mother - Alison Brandis - and her two young boys (possibly as young as Oscar's two, newly discovered sons with Julia). And then, just before stomping off in a fit of pique, Oscar threatens to tear down, dismantle and destroy his country retreat aka Manakoora? Time for another MRI. Perhaps a brain lesion or other physiological / neurological issue is affecting his judgement and emotional stability. He can't, and shouldn't pass this off as PTSD. Also any attempt to "reason" with Oscar will only make his reactions affecting others worse. At the very least Marcus and Rebecca must contact Gramps and Gran to see if they will offer compassionate safe shelter to Alison and her boys until someone can talk some sense into Oscar. They are "in transit" from Europe to Australia with just a brief stop in Singapore.

Okay, I'm really late to reading Circumnavigation, and have refrained from commenting as reader or editor, but this is a "bloody marvellous" story and not even a third of the way through. Trev's predicament with his 17 year old and Shane's 18 year old 'spontaneous' erections had him remark "What I need is a solid steel jockstrap." (One such item from 2007-ish hockey days. Over the years, in particular last few decades, aside from fetish restraining devices, there are many 'armoured' jocks and 'cups' to protect the 'jewels'). 😉

Well, well, well. This changes a lot, for a lot of people. First are Oscar, Julia and their 2 year old twin sons. 👫 👨‍❤️‍👨 Then there's now 'Great' Gramps and Gran, Oscar's parents (oh to be a fly on the wall when dear Mum hears this news), plus Deacon and Amara become Uncle and Aunt. Oscar's Uni plans may (or may not) need altering a bit. The OQK 'Income Trust' will need some reconfiguring of the long-term plans, but Gramps and Gran will have that quickly sorted. Fortunately Oscar has a great team of mates as part of his Manakorra Cohort, both locally, across Australia and globally, who will give him all the support he will need. 🤞 Great chapter Preston, and a segue to what?

Oscar certainly seems to attract the worse type of 'officials' who invariably cause him harm, both physical and emotional. Hopefully this event at the airport will be the last, (for a while 🤞), especially when Gran and Gramps' barristers get done with them. With four days until Christmas , Marcus (as 'Major Domo' for Manakoora ), remarks: "it’s hard with just one person to keep this place spotless, especially with all the outdoor work that needs doing too.” Everyone offers to help out and asks what needs to be done. Marcus said all the boundary fences need to be checked, as yobbos (troublemakers) have been trying to break into the property; and while the solid base to the fence have foiled attempts to get a vehicle through, there are signs of people climbing over the fence, which caused some damage that needed fixing. Gran and Gramps provided equipment and supplies to install electric fencing along the top half of the boundary fence, to deter any trespassers, (with warning signs posted along the fence line). With two plain wires half a metre apart, it should deter people from climbing over. Working together they had the job finished in two and a half days, with Rebecca accidentally touching the wires after activated, and she felt it working well, which brought some laughter amongst the crew. However the more protected a house or 'estate' looks, the more determined criminals will be to get in. Oscar's younger sister Amara and little brother Deacon will yet again be sad and disappointed to not be allowed to spend time with the big brother they love and miss. As a Uni 'counsellor' Oscar must recognize and know the emotional harm he is causing them. Screw his 'Mum' and invite them to come and visit at least for Christmas and birthdays; and if not at Manakoora, then at Gran and Gramps place in Yanchep! Grow up Oscar!

Oops, Nothing to read here.

Back in Adelaide, Oscar gets good news from Gran and Gramps about successfully suing the Mount Gambier and SA police for assaulting him, and getting a proper comoensation. Hunter, with Oscar's help, is coming to terms with being a 2-property owner, having financial security and finishing Uni courses to manage what he inherited, including a 3 generation family farm near Hindmarsh Valley. Reflecting on his good fortune of being rescued by Oscar versus being "dead in a ditch", he realized how much his Mum cared for him and made plans to protect him after she was gone (including from his rat bastard stepmonster). Hunter, Oscar and Giles set off south to visit the farm (and leaseholder farmer who is managing it), then further south by car and ferry to Kangaroo Island to visit his 89-acre ocean and beachfront "Sanctuary Cottage" for two nights. Back in Adelaide Oscar plans for the three of them to head to WA for Christmas. A phone call to his close mates there, confirms plans to stay at "Mara… what?” Hunter asked. To which Oscar says: "Manakoora, it is a property that my Grandparents own on the coast about an hour north of Perth”. Hunter is about to join the secret and "... very mysterious” group. 🤔

And why not? Afterall, Andrew "... had sold his first book at twenty-three", and, "... earned enough to buy Windy Island nearly eleven years ago. The island had come with a large house...". Andrew made an investment for his future, so why not make another investment for someone else's? Someone like Matt. And if Andrew buys Matt, it's not to own him, but to rescue and set him free. Another riveting chapter @Mikiesboy, and I'm not putting the book down (if it were in print). Awaiting next installment.

Another wonderful chapter @John Henry, but your sports reference in your closing remark, "I think we're in the homestretch", IMHO is a bit off. You've slid into second, but 3rd base is still waiting and not an easy 'steal' (he he). 🤭 Kenny breaking up with Bryan is a result of Bryan having a hard time dealing with evening that's being thrown at him (no pun intended) by Calvin in and out of court, starting with the first rejection as a child. And Kenny is having a hard time knowing what to do 😢. The next court appearance should, hopefully, help all the children, and their families. 🤞 Time for 7th Inning Stretch. ⚾

The Estate (Davidson family properties, money, jewels etc.) which Hunter's Mum inherited from her Uncle, that she carefully managed to keep out of her "husbands" hands, and Hunter not having received the monthly stipend in the two years since his "step-führer" kicked him out of the house, that "stipend" arrears should be around $60,000. That would be enough for Hunter to get the best hearing aids available. Hunter doesn't have to become a farmer ( to learn that "Cows go Moo and sheep go Baa") or take over running the 678-acre farm property. He can do as his Mum did, lease out the property and have a steady income. Similarly the "93.28-acre holiday property at Antechamber Bay (on Kangaroo Island), that has a fully restored 1880s cottage and 1 kilometre of beach-frontage", (wow that's great beach frontage!), can continue to be "let" with him retaining 100% ownership plus regular access to the cottage for his own use. With Oscar's knowledge of farm and investment properties, he and Giles can work with Hunter to ensure he has access to the right Uni courses to learn how to manage his properties for a bright future.

Weather you're in Southern Hemisphere (06:20 QLD 21/06/24) or Northern Hemisphere (18:20 ET 20/06/24), today marks a change. Have a good day!

A sad day for Hunter. Even though he knew his Mum was dying, it still came as a shock, and the hospital should have at least called so he could see her before she died. Oscar hugging Hunter while he cried, shows Oscar can overcome his aversion to close personal contact. Similarly, when Derek Lang, partner in the real estate firm that had mishandling the management of Oscar's Racecourse Bay cottage and Allendale East home, called Oscar about reimbursement for damages to them cottage, only to learn Oscar (and Hunter) were on their way to the funeral, Lang should have offered his condolences. Not doing so will cost him in the long run, as he will discover when he learns of Oscar's purchase of "...2.4 acres of coastal land, just down from the cottage on Eight Mile Creek Road".

Having read the original version of After We Danced, I have enjoyed this lightly revised one as it reacquainted me with Matt, Luke and all their friends and families. Matt and Luke listening to Garth Brooks 1992 songs being played on New England Radio reminded me that A.M. radio signals, given the right weather conditions, (clear nights) actually bounce or 'skip' off the ionosphere, (like a rock skipping on a flat water surface), reflected back to earth thousands of miles from their origin point. As this book closes with the guys off to Uni and new adventures and lives, we know they won't forget those they leave behind, as they helped mold them into who they are. Ready for updated 'The Rip' to begin, Mark. Before that, allow me to Thank You for this series, and your other remarkable tales. (edited correction applied)

Third part makes me anxious, fearful and concerned for Matt, his cabin mates and especially for Andrew and what may become a one-way ticket. However, any of four long sharpened pencils, plunged into either carotid artery, makes for a quick death and a chance to escape. Just saying, Andrew as a reporter should know this, just in case.

Sorry to hear that TB is occurring where you are currently @John Henry. When BCG (TB) immunization shots were first given to all children around most of the 'western' world, it was described as "one shot for life," but the medical community knew it was really only effective for the first 20 years or so, during which time the body would develop its own antibody defences. Since TB is airborne, it is easily spread whether someone is coughing, sneezing, breathing or just talking. In the last 3 decades, there has been a large increase of TB (and other infections) appearing in "closed communities" (hospitals, retirement homes, LTC etc). Most "National" health organizations (NIH, NHS etc.) are looking at re-vaccinations. You might ask about booster shots to be on the safe side 🤞 🙏. At a minimum, if there is an outbreak, masking 😷 (N95 and OR masks best, pleated or cumberbund version while not greatly effective, are better than nothing), and distancing is a good measure, along with increased cleaning of rooms, bedding and linens, and good ventilation (fresh air). Another wonderful chapter John and advancing towards the trial end and a decision "in the best interests of the child / children". Unfortunately with the (less than) Honorable Judge Crustypants), unless Billy pulls a rabbit out of his 'legal briefs' it will be an appeal, a 'judicial review' to kick judge out, and hopefully a 'bar review' of Clarke. Take care!

I am reminded of some author's statements about editors (and a number of "famous" authors, past and present, went through numerous editors because of "differences" of opinion. Or as one late author publically remarked to their publisher, "They're entitled to an opinion no matter how wrong they are"). Did @Zuri feel this chapter by @Lee Wilson is rushin just to Put in a HEA? But then again, it is fiction and Lee's driving the bus. (каламбуры предназначены 😉.) Could 'Associates' of Rocky's father, upset by not getting more (or all) of the "Bratva" (братва) mob money, have decided to kidnap Rocky? Possibly, but that's not what Lee wanted. An epilogue is always encouraged.

Toby will be one to watch with his entrepreneurial spirit, even if he doesn't yet know what that means. Oscar has lucked upon a worthy group in Julia and family not only to rent his former church home, but too look after it and his cottage at Racecourse Bay, even finding a tenant for the next 24 months (although it means no nearby vacay bolthole for him, Hunter and Giles).