Anton_Cloche

Why and to what end indeed. Lots of details in this chapter Preston, and perhaps they will help uncover needed answers. The properties and building projects of Oscar's grandparents sounds like either a secure military 'complex' or a bolt hole devised by 'preppers' (people who believe that something untoward is going to happen, in the not too distant future, and they want to ensure they are prepared for any eventuality). A third option is that they have too much money and time on their hands (Musk it be this way?). I can see Oscar needing to find a way to spent time with younger sister Amara and younger brother Deacon, and to let them know how much he loves and misses them, hopefully making plans to see them regularly when his 'vacation' property is completed. In the meantime, a hotel suite with pool etc to relax and play with them, plus Skype or Facetime (maybe reading a bedtime story to them?) while he's at school should help fill the void. As for his Mother? Selena is a very complicated person. While Oscar, his father, his younger brother and sister, and his grandparents are all 'Kingston's', his Mum is the daughter-in-law. She may be living a life that, (like a lot of women), is not the one she imagined for herself as she was growing up. Perhaps she was an only child, pampered (spoiled?) and the center of attention. Planned on Uni and a career. Now she is just a small fish in a big ocean. And feeling overwhelmed, and perhaps underappreciated, seeking to control whatever she can. In this case the children, and with Oscar the oldest , he is the example she wants to set for the younger two. As a result she becomes a taskmaster and Oscar bears the brunt of this. In the example above, Selena is the little fish on the right, the next fish represents the children, followed by her husband and the biggest fish (on the left) is the all-controlling Grands. Or I'm completely out of my depth, floundering around trying to make sense of this; just for the halibut. 😉. (Okay, 0300 is taking a toll. TTFN).

Truth be told, this chapter will probably bring memories of people to every reader, whether casual acquaintances, 1 night stands or relationships. Regardless of what era readers grew up in. Although according to "more seasoned" friends, (over 50 but not pensioners), mostly 'connections' in the last 1/2 century, before the "oughties" began. Nicely created chapter @Robert Hugill, like a written version of a hand woven tapestry.

Would that depend on how 'blue'* you are feeling? * Depending on where readers live, many 👮 police have blue uniforms. As for cops and donuts? I think that also depends on location. 😉

"Heads up. Order more tissues and maybe even get a prescription for Xanax for the next chapter". Diazepam and donuts - perfect snack combination for a session with patients (and friends) along with children reeling from not just the divorce, but Mommy Dearest wanting the divorce and not wanting the children? Thankfully Karl lucked into getting a great player drafted and seeing his commissions go up enough to get a nanny to look after his children when he has to go out of town, plus being close enough to have Carlo and Brandon's kids as friends. What could go wrong (or seriously sideways), and who is going to be affected. Jason having a health issue? Janet? Hopefully none of the children. Time for trip to stock up; tissue, diazepam (although if children 'need' something I avoid Rx drugs and instead use children's motion sickness medication Gravol © aka dramamine as a gentle relaxant). For donuts at a psych session..

Wow! The whole family on both sides gathers together for Thanksgiving, and a month later for traditional Christmas and New Years celebrations. Not something that's always feasible in any generation, but even more difficult in the last half century (NOT saying we're "over the hill") with work/careers, education, travel, and health all being contributing factors that make such gatherings possible. Thank you @Bill W for this well imagined and written story. (of how remembered, or wished they would be).

As welcome as any new chapter from you is @quokka, this one started well. Oscar seems to be doing well, with no recurrence of anxiety attacks or what triggered them before. His friends have rallied around him, and even schoolmate and neighbour Marcus Gresham, despite being in one grade lower, has become a good friend. Oscar learned Marcus' parents had to sell their small vineyard and orchard farm business due to finance issues, but the new owners agreed to let them rent the farm (at an affordable rate), and retain their home so that Marcus will remain in the same school and be a close by neighbour. And surprise (?), Gramps and Gran purchased the Gresham farm and added it to the growing 'Lands Trust' they've been assembling for Oscar's future. Unfortunately, a trip up north to spent a quiet weekend at the family farm, before school starts for Oscar, does not go as planned. When they arrived, Oscar's younger sister and brother, Amara 4 and Deacon 6, rushed to see their big brother who they love and miss dearly, running towards him as he got out of the vehicle. Amara asked, (as only a distressed child can), “Oscar, don’t you love us any more? Why do you not come home more often?” While Deacon asked: “I miss you, Oscar, why can’t you go to school here in Moore?” Oscar, more than a little shocked that his parents perhaps hadn't explained to his younger siblings that he was away at school, glanced over to my approaching mother for an answer. Which turned into a bit of a heated discussion, in front of the younger children, getting worse when Gran suggested it was a bad idea to visit and they should leave, triggering a panic attack in Oscar. (And scaring two little children needlessly). * (to a child, of any age, a 'discussion' can seem more extreme. It's all POV.) What is going on? A few chapters ago, it 'seemed' Oscar's parents were favouring their younger children over Oscar, hence the grandparents making separate plans for Oscar's future (unbeknown to his Mum and Dad). Now it seems Gramps and Gran are being too controlling? Some clarity is desperately needed. For Oscar, his siblings, and everyone else.

Oscar seems to putting the anxiety attacks behind him, thanks to discussing 'most' of his issues. But what remains to be brought out, may still trigger an event. Time will tell. 🤞

And a couple of 'burner cell phones' just in case. Leaving his and RMW's 'trackable devices' locked in hotel room safe to prove their 'official' presence, Jamie overlooked some important and necessary tools. D'uh?

Thanks again Preston / @quokka for this updated look into Simba's life. Wow, Simba is as sneaky and generous for his mates and friends, as he showed in the past, especially with the brief Paris vacation enroute home to Australia. The expansion of their family owned tourist enterprises near Kilimanjaro will continue to expand employment opportunities for locals, as well as farming offering fresh vegetables, bananas and other crops like maize, to the local community (without taking any profit). They are truly 'giving back' and 'paying it forward'. Still a shame about the backwards attitude of more nations (than people realize), that punish real and assumed same sex relations with imprisonment and even death. Travelers, whether for studying, vacation or business have to be extremely cautious and aware, so as not to be 'targetted'. (Some friends and associates, straight and LGBTQ, at 'major' motorsports events in middle east were "mistakenly hassled" by "authorities" for innocent hugging during greetings). Looking forward to more from Simba Returns (and the 'continuing story' of Oscar Q. Kingston in Country Retreat).

If you mean this one, it is monstrous indeed! No windmill can make more view pollute than this...'object'! 😱 Okay class, today we will compare and contrast Roman architecture in modern times within a quiz to follow ... kidding. However, the Digswell Viaduct (seen above) confuses even Britians since it was built. The purpose of a viaduct is to carry a road or railway over water, a valley, or another road. Not to be confused with an aqueduct (functionally related), which carries water across s chasm as both were developed by Roman engineers. Rumour has it that on the day it was to be officially opened, Queen Victoria refused to travel in the Royal Train over it out of fear, instead taking a horse drawn carriage to the other side via roadway. As for @Cane23 objection to the "visual pollution" factor equating it to windmills? I presume reference is not to those used to grind grain into flour, but those to generate power. (No poetic rhyming intended). (right image exaggerated somewhat) If a country lacks sufficient hydro (water) resources (high capacity flowing rivers etc) to turn turbines to generate electricity, then other means must be found. Currently in UK, this is what provides electricity: · 5 % Hydro-electric (renewable) · 55 % various Fossil Fuels which includes 33% Gas. (Non renewable) · 26 % Wind (renewable) · 4 % Solar (renewable but clouds?) · 10 % Nuclear (but many issues) What can you live with / without?

Oh Wow, "Super Red Herring" Man? Not satisfied with just hooking readers? Luring us in? But a Super Hero? Your alter ego @chris191070 ? Back to the story, thanks to Tom's blow by blow dream details, Det. Ken now has a suspect in custody for the murders of Gustav and Theresa., even through: “Technically,” Joe pointed out, “Tom was wrong. Sexual abuse didn’t do Gustav in. He indulged in a little bit of consensual ass fucking". Will Tom and Det. Ken's hard work bring an end in sight? 🍑 or are things going to get jammed up? An enticing, delectable dinner ... I mean story to be snappered up. Don't leave us floundering.

Thank you @quokka for bringing us back to Kilimanjaro as Simba, family and close friends gather for a Christmas to remember. Hopefully without the negative 'challenges' of previous trips. Samba snd family looking at buying a 40 acre 'lodge' and accommodations located near "appropriately named Samba Camp" close to the Rongai Gate hiking route on the north side of Kilimanjaro. Both an income earning investment 'tourist lodge' for Simba and family, as well as an eventual retirement location? Let the journey continue.

Okily Dokily!

Another great chapter @John Henrywith much more information about Calvin, although putting all the pieces together to figure out his motives, is like a 1,000 piece puzzle with key pieces missing. What is Calvin (and his "sickly thin and tastelessly dressed ... fiancé ... Ashley Rickman"), really up to? Given what we know about his barely functioning own alcoholic father (Calvin Sr) it's highly unlikely there's any hidden inheritance for Bryan and Caleb from their bio-grandparents that Calvin would control for "minor children". If there was, Billy would have discovered it by now. Judge Crustypants having Covid has delayed the Court hearing, barely. Unfortunately in vaccine-denying "DeSanctimonious" Florida, the U.S. CDC recommended '14-day COVID isolation period' was 'dumbed down' to just 5 days. Meaning unless Judge Arthur tests positive again, the Padilla family will be back in Court soon. IF (by some miracle?) the judge does test positive, Billy could apply for a new judge to hear the case (and ALL the evidence Crusty denied) as the State of Florida JQC (Judicial Qualifications Commission) "can recommend that a judge be involuntarily retired due to serious illness that interferes with the ability to perform the duties of office". (ie "in a timely fashion" as "justice delayed is justice denied"). Also, Calvin (and fiancé) not looking after the "health and wellbeing" of a minor child by smoking around Caleb exacerbating his asthma (for which he has a medically prescribed "rescue inhaler"), may open additional new grounds for Billy's case.

Sorry, that beggars the questions: 🤔 · 'Honest' mistake? From politician?; or · Mistake by omission (see above) But yes, I will concede there are sometimes honest mistakes. (for me, children often get a pass, because it can then be a learning or teachable moment). Thank you @lawfulneutralmage for this intriguing, thought provoking and enjoyable story. Have a good weekend, and be safe.

Jamie continues to deal with the aftereffects of notoriety thrust upon him from at least two sides: the unsocial media mobs over alleged inappropriate behaviour with his protectee Minister; and the intrusion of said Minister RMW, who used his ability to 'read' minds by delving inside Jamie's without warning or permission. RMW tries to pass this off as an innocent event resulting from their brushes with demons on a killing spree which includes attempts on the Minister. Jamie isn't buying this, angrily and loudly confronting RMW. But the Minister continues to use Jamie to bolster his own political agenda. "Keep your friends close, and enemies closer"? As for all this GPS, Sat-Nav 'name calling' nonsense? Appears 'some' people are easily sidetracked or led astray by misdirection. Or annoyed by (female) voices telling them where to go? If they'd simply READ the 'set up / installation' instructions they would discover alternate (or no) voices of other genders, accents, languages and dialects. Or are people so dense that they need AI because they have none of their own? These are the same people who are surprised when their 'self-driving' vehicle gets into a COLLISSION, because it is not ACCIDENTAL when you cede control to a non-sentient thing. Either DRIVE (preferably learning 'stick') or get the hell off the road.

If memory serves, some two and a half months have passed since Gustav Hamm and Theresa Sachs were murdered. Tom thinks his being sexually abused in his dreams by Hamm's ghost, ("succubus" / demon), is Gustav trying to send a message or clue about who killed him and Theresa. But how to prove it, and not "end up in the crazy house.” FYI: Bodies in a morgue or ME's refrigerated 'drawer' are kept between 2 °C (36 °F) and 4 °C (39 °F). While this is usually used for keeping bodies for up to several weeks, (in case they need to re-examine the body for 'trace' samples needed for testing or verification, eg semen), it does not prevent decomposition, only delays it. Legally most U.S. courts only recognize the "72 Hour Rule" for "viable semen samples" in rape cases. However, although a properly refrigerated body continues to decay, it is at a slower rate than at room temperature. Body 'contents' do begin to 'break down' within 2 weeks. Semen samples may remain viable for DNA and/ or RNA 'typing' and matching for up to 45 days, but as time passes the minuteness of semen samples continues to diminish. But, scientific testing of 'remains' continues to expand. Will a rape kit exam on Hamm's decaying corpse reveal anything of use? Did the ME do a rape kit on Hamm when the body was initially brought in (without being asked) only because his anus showed signs of recent penetration and they were being thorough? Hmm 🔎 🍑 ?

Expect Insp Boswell to receive a number of (potentially career ending) calls about him suspending Jamie, from 'Superiors' including: 'Commissioner of the Met'; The Home Office Secretary'; Commissioner of 'The Yard' and the Crown Minister responsible for all Policing in the UK, "Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, the Right Honourable Dame Catherine Scattergood". Expect to see Jamie's 'suspension' from duty rescinded with a "proper inquiry" to be held at a later date. Or perhaps Insp. Boswell taking early retirement?

Are Zack and Thomas going to 'come clean' with each other? Be honest about their real feelings for each other? Put the fear of 'What Ifs' behind them? Life as complicated. It's messy, both as Zack is finding out with his divorce and his cancer; and as Thomas is finding out a he trys to maintain professional decorum with Zack. It's not just soup boiling over.

Oh I know my Mozart, and obwohl meine österreichischen Freunde und Cousins anderer Meinung sein werden (although my Austrian friends and cousins will disagree), Mozart is often claimed by both nations as 'their' favorite. Technically, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wasn't German or Austrian by birth. He was a Salzburger, born in Salzburg in 1756 when Salzburg was an independent city-state sharing a border with Germany. Salzburg became part of the Austrian Empire in 1805, but In 1809 became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria, which one day became part of Germany. However, in 1816, Salzburg was again returned to Austria. When Mozart died in 1791, he was technically never a citizen of Austria or Germany. 😉

This is a marvelous telling of one man's journey through life, and an overview of what happened along the way. @Bill W Those familiar with the U.S. publication 'Readers Digest' will know that its main claim to fame was 'condensed' books. Stories that were shared in an encapsulated format. Bill's. 'The Seasons of My Life' is an even more succinct version of RD. Those who have followed his wonderful stories and tales, will know there is much, much more to this author's journey through life, than this brief 'history' provides. I encourage you to read (and re-read) his offerings. In my humble opinion (I really don't care for 'text' shorthand), you will be better for doing so. Thank you Bill, but remember, Winter can be a fun season, especially for those who walked 5 miles uphill in snowstorms to get to school. Mastered making snow angels. And hot chocolate with marshmallows. Perhaps this singer can explain it:

Many doctors, neurologists, psychiatrists, and others specially trained in mental trauma, advise that speaking (telling others or reliving the event in controlled surroundings including perhaps hypnotherapy), about what initially happened to cause the resulting anxiety attacks, may make it easier to work through or possibly resolve future attacks. Perhaps letting close friends and mates know what occured between Oscar and Rizen (and the subsequent anxiety attacks) will help Oscar, or at least make it easier to forestall attacks. One potential problem may be other schoolmates, like Giles who exclaimed “What a bastard!” , taking matters into their own hands to find and 'teach Rizen a lesson'. But they have no idea of how traumatized he may be, and how fragile his state is. Someone, (Gramps?) needs to contact Rizen's grandfather in UK to find out ASAP. He also needs to know if this was a 1-off incident of mixed signals between adolescent boys (with hormones running amuck). Was there a similar previous incident in UK that got Rizen sent to Australia? Ps, not trying to "throw a spanner in the works" @quokka😉

Maybe a little Eine kleine Nachtmusik playing in background to set the mood?

Definitely interested in looking in on Brian, Gordon, Toby and Noel (and bugs) from time to time. The wedding would be nice invite. As to "new series Parborough Chronicles", when and where will it appear? Until then, just hanging out.

There is a saying "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away." Which has some basis in fact. Healthy eating (like that 🍎 ) may preclude visits to a doctor. Few people know that 'aphorism' originated in Wales, in 1866 in a slightly different rhyme: “Eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.” The saying reappeared in its current form in 1913. As to comments on (all things?) Apple? A great many writers swear by Apple's .pages document creator being superior to MS Word. However some editors swear at 🍏 for its formatting which does not allow documents to be converted to Word .doc or even .pdf format. for ease of editing, sharing etc. Steve Jobs' dislike of most Gates' MS creations is best shown in a reference to Word as "being for lazy writers". Hmm.