Anton_Cloche

Another wonderful @quokka chapter that sees Oscar on the move yet again. This time into a new old home (formerly an 1866 church conversion) that is closer to Uni SA campus at Mt. Gambier. (I love rehabilitations that save and convert old buildings like churches into homes, especially with care taken to preserve the best of the past and blend it with present*). This move however means the current Adelaide home is too big for just Giles and Antonio; so Oscar buys a smaller home nearby (with a pool) that still has 3rd bedroom for Oscar to use when he spends 1 weekend a month in Adelaide to keep his friendship with Giles going. They've become too close to separate . I felt my heartstrings pulled when Oscar sees what appears to be a homeless young man about his age outside a pub that Oscar is going into for an early dinner. Noting the evening is getting cooler, Oscar gives the man his own warm coat, saying: "Here, you need this a lot more than I do, keep it, as you need to stay warm.” Oscar then goes into the pub and orders two warm meals, with the first one "To go". When it arrives, Oscar takes it outside to give to the homeless man. Oscar to his rescue? * The inspiration? https://www.realestate.com.au/news/is-26-william-st-allendale-east-sas-best-converted-church/

Jeopardy answer: Ernest Hemingway. Question: ... (who remember literature class?) 🤔 Manny will likely settle on newest prosthesis (Rocky will want to buy) that exceed the myoelectric silicon versions. But it will not be easy. Some (many?) comments seem to show a definite 'era' (or 'vintage' if preferred) of readers. Not that that's a negative. Just 2 cents worth. Oh wait, with inflation that's now either $3.75 or a million 😉

Some clarity on the family "dynamics" regarding mother. Dad not upset with "Grandparent's" (his Dad and Mom) continued ownership of "family homestead, farm and property" that will pass directly to children; as he will continue to run it until all three are of legal age. A decade of post secondary education for Oscar. Multiple degrees and certifications, yet still somewhat conflicted (albeit with a better grasp on handling 'it'), but still not "settled". Psychologists & psychiatrists suggest a never-ending pursuit of advanced education may be a quest to find peace within, and acceptance of one's self, or an escape from doing so. At the start of this well-written chapter, Oscar offers: "What I did manage to do, was to officially register as a professional Psychologist ... so that I could do any counselling work if it became available". To that end, he accepts a part-time position at Mt. Gambier campus of Uni SA "as a Student Counsellor and Disabilities Support worker..." Professionals often echo and suggest two oft heard and relevant phrases. The first, from the gospel of St. Luke: "Physician heal thy self", (before undertaking to counsel / aide others). The second, the widely held dictum in medical fields (including "psychological counseling"), is from the Latin "primum non nocere" known as "First do no harm". Oscar has a lot to offer, but even more so, if and when he unlocks the 'issues' within himself.

Is Corey being stalked or is his imagination getting the better of him? Is Grayson going to protect him (or save Corey for himself)? The university they attend must offer law program. Why? Well, most cafés employ students part-time, but in this one; "The barrister came with our drinks". 😉 Sorry my 'editor's eye' caught that "oops" right away. Now it's on to the next chapter of this interesting story @Kou Delika.

Given Gramps' apparent expertise in all matters financial, it is likely the majority of 'holdings' created for Oscar are in 'Trust' with him the designated beneficiary, and therefore not fully disclosed. Also, Gramps has wisely ceded all or portions of properties to be 'Nature, Coastal or other Reserves', and would have exchanged the value of these lands "in lieu of taxes", current and future. Many such 'Trusts', for HNWI (High Net Worth Individuals) and especially for UHNWI (Ultra etc) include either a Perpetuity Clause (generally means "taxes" are not due and payable for at least 21 years after the death of the last 'direct line' descendant of the original Trustee Benefactor aka Oscar and any biological offspring of him), or a "Royal Lives Clause", which extends the life of the Trust (and forestalls payment of all taxes including inheritance, death, capital gains, etc) for a much longer time. Theoretically in perpetuity. The "Royal Lives Clause" defines the trust period as: “…ending on the expiration of 21 years after the death of the last survivor of the lineal descendants of Queen Victoria living at the time of my death”. As of 2024, that means Charles III, William V, George VII, etc. etc. Considering 1209+ years of British (and UK) monarchs are direct lineal (proven) descendants of Alfred the Great in 871 AD, including Queen Victoria, it could be some time before the taxman gets their hands on OQK monies.

Philanthropy? It need not be monetary. But begin at home with siblings Amara and younger 'little' brother Deacon who love and miss him (and obviously don't understand family rift. They asked Oscar when he was 15 and they were 8 and six: “Oscar, don’t you love us any more? Why do you not come home more often?” Oscar needs to mend fences while he can?)

I think Ghil is due for a long overdue reprieve. Something or someone who's very existence depends on the kind heart that is sheltered within Ghil. An event that will awaken the empathy within Ghil before he learns to stop caring.

As an "Honorific", it is generally a title that conveys esteem, courtesy, or respect for position or rank, and is should be used when addressing or referring to a person holding that position. So, oops. (a typo missed). As to whether 'Crustypants' is "honorable"... well I see the jury coming back in, (from 100 Centre St. coffee shop).

"John Grisham, Your Honor, representing..." 😉

Try that again, with the understanding that you're asking a distraught boy about "discretion", a word not likely in his vocabulary. Was what Bryan said wrong? Not entirely, and while an older teen might have used better words, not likely one who has had been physically and emotionally abused by his sperm donor. His actions were wrong, but again anyone with an ounce of empathy could see where that anger is coming from. Another wonderful chapter @John Henry. If I were Billy, I'd get the Padilla's psychologist / psychiatrist on the stand next to explain Bryan's behaviour. Not to excuse it, but too explain it. Perhaps they'll discover that along with stuttering (sometimes brought on by childhood trauma) Bryan had occasional 'tick' or muscle spasm to account for water glass "knocked" in Calvin's direction? Unfortunately, with Calvin dropping Bryan (yet again) and focusing his demand on getting Caleb back, the question (as yet not addressed) is what's in it for Calvin? Where does the money trail go to, if there is one? BTW, I was torn between ANGRY and WOW 😱 emogi for this chapter, as I couldn't find WTF. Just saying.😉 Finally, JH you said this: "I think I'm an okay writer (and I'm prepared to duck whatever will be thrown my way). Sorry, but in this editor's opinion that is completely inaccurate. You are, in my humble opinion, so far beyond "okay", that word only appears in your rearview mirror. Glad to know you are getting better.

Agree with @chris191070 that something is looming on the horizon, (not a bloody big exploration vessel offshore 😉...) that is bound to intrude. With Oscar still to finish his 3rd year at SA Uni, Giles at Flinders and 'housekeeper/chef' Antonio at TAFE, the three 'students' will be living in the Grand's (Oscar's) newest home for a while. Great that Oscar continues to broaden his knowledge / talents with Auslan, but sad that one of his Auslan classmates has a: "little brother – Jordan is deaf ... with Jordan currently very sick and in hospital". Will Oscar try to help Jordan out (either directly or anonymously)? Will Oscar arrange for Jamison to come east for a visit, meet Antonio and see: "... if they got together, there would be a fierce cooking comp going on between them”? Will the "swear jar" become larger?

Another property added to the 'Trust Portfolio' for one OQK. He's starting to become a major Monopoly "player".

Congratulations are certainly in order @quokka for your achievement of: "I have now written over 3 million words since joining Gay Authors just over ten years ago... Q". I'm certain "we" your readers look forward to many more, whether new stories, or previous ones revisited to add a next 'book' or just epilogues. Jamison seems to be fitting in to the group at Manakoora, although for how long remains to be seen. Will he continue his culinary career, or return to school to upgrade his skills and abilities? Perhaps at Le Cordon Bleu Australia, with a campus in Adelaide (close to where Giles is at Uni), another in Sydney, and the main one in Melbourne .

But did you know that IRS uses moles, voles and other small critters to spy on BLM? Dev & Mac need to snack on them. 😉 🐺 🐁

Thanks for this chapter Bill; as Devin, Mac, Pop and Gramps continue their search for elusive treasure. If you think about it, the most valuable "treasure" for Devin and Mac is the time they get to spend with Pop and Gramps. The valuable skills, techniques and knowledge being shared with them, and in time for them to pass that on to other generations, is a continuation of the oral history of native Americans and other indigenous people. And then there's this: The U.S. Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, states: "Any "Archeological Resources" ("treasure") found on public or BLM lands, belongs to the Government". This law has been extended to just about everything older than 100 years old. So finding then selling: the Treasure of Sierra Madre; Spanish conquistadors looting U.S. natives; or Civil War "treasures", it would all be forfeited. But all is not lost. They can still search for D.B. Cooper's $200,000 hijack ransom money, or millions of dollars in gold Americans hid to avoid turning it in the government after May 1st 1933 Executive Order 6102 forbidding ownership or hoarding of gold coins, bullion and certificates. On that date there was an estimated $4 Billion in coins, bars, and certificates in public hands. Less than half was voluntarily turned in or confiscated. The rest? (in grandparents backyards, under floorboards, at farms or hunting cabins)?

Jamison is becoming an "insider" with invitation to Manakoora. Perhaps an new "Master chef"? At the very least, an adventure he will never forget.

Interesting and in depth chapter Lee. It's a terrible injury but at least (for now) the necrosis on Manny's left hand and forearm has been stopped, likely saving his life. The next few days or weeks should show if the operation is successful. His life, while altered, should go on, albeit with modifications. Rocky's enthusiastic research into prosthesis is admirable, and worth looking into further. Silicon versions, which literally slip on like a glove, can be as simple as cosmetic, or have 'poseable' digits to hold or grasp objects, and new robotic versions can lift 50 lbs (up to 100 lbs) based on requirements. Thoughts are hopeful (didn't want to say ... You know).

@Lee Wilson: "You can't hate me too much; I really haven't had a cliffhanger in this one yet. Some foreshadowing, yeah, but no cliffies". Uh huh, how's that working for ya? Love it when somebody says, "Don't shoot the messenger". That never draws any negative attention does it? 😉 Bwa, ha ha.

Young Jamison's story is interesting, and not unlike a lot of first time / young travelers who forget important things. "The Mansion" reference, not sure if that means his family had money, OR was Jamison from the "former Youth Detention Center" ? Hopefully not as 'Jamie' seems an honest young man, (and budding chef who can turn SPAM into a deluxe meal).

Is it "hostility", frustration at constant bamboozling, tired of smoke and mirrors, BBB or redefining 1st?

As for those #!@*! BAC (Blathering Arse Craptions) Alt Reich, GooseSchepping, Red Cap Koolade drinking, Gold Idol worshippers with their $60 upside down "what a testimony" bibles? Steve learns after being summoned to meeting with school principal about Caleb's beating, that parents are complaining about him: “It's not a coincidence. They're all related. Debra Thomas, the father of the Beck children, and Lewis's mother are all siblings. They're also the children of Reverend Donald Beck, the leader of the group protesting the custody hearing.”? Did I fail to mention mouth breathing, knuckle dragging, banjo playing (no Deliverance from Evil), inbreeders? As Monty Python says: "Say no more".

Interesting chapter, with lots to filter through. One item that caught my 'editor's eye'; at the Olympic level, all sporting organizations, in U.S. and around the world are called 'Federations' not "Skating Confederation" (Editing, continuity, ghost writing, Devil's Advocate etc., it's pays the bills, sometimes.🤔)

The best laid plans often go awry. With Tom and George playing sleuth, I think Ken and Joe will need more than 'a rye' before Happy Hour even starts.😉

Or he could just pull the stick that's stuck up his ass out and use it? Sure fire way for Judge Crustypants to speed up court proceedings? Remind him the 'Seniors Blue Plate' dinner special starts at 4pm. Thank you @John Henry for serving up 3 Memorial Day Weekend chapters for our EduTainment. Your own version of a Blue Plate Specials. 😉