Anton_Cloche

Perhaps a 1 chapter packed Thanksgiving 🦃? Suspect it would be a howling success. 🐺

Intriguing 2nd chapter. Like @ReaderPaul I was and am puzzled by two slightly different names and legalities thereto. Which raises the question of whom and what Grantly Sr is (and his wife). Will 'granting' @quokka extra time - until Chapter 7 - make things 'clearer'? Having previously been in Foreign Service, it is possible to have acceptable variations of a 'legal' name, for example on a passport, driver's license etc.. (The example below -without ID number - is for a Member of UK House of Lords . It states his 'title' Lord Black of Crossharbour and his primary legal name Conrad Moffat Black. 'Royals' do as well. Similarly some 'actors' have 'stage names'. Tom Cruise's passport shows that name, along with his legal one of Thomas Cruise Mapother IV). So now on to a Manx holiday cruise. ⛵

Another great chapter Bill. I wonder how much of what Mac and Devin learned will be put to use while at college, and not get discovered. As long as they do not morph during an exam. As for the quiz, better than I thought but not quite 4.0 GPA. I guess you decided not to use multiple choice (guess) questions. 🤭

🥜 =

Interesting story so far @Robert Hugill Hopefully young Joe doesn't mention money to new girlfriend, as she might get designs on it. Speaking of inheritance ("£10k - £20k/yr now", probably £7k - £15k/yr 20 years ago), illegally denied by lawyers means Mhari and Owain are owed £70k to £150k each compensation for the last 20 years. Not to mention 'punitive damages'. They do need to seek redress from the UK government body (SRA - Solicitors Regulation Authority) that oversees solicitors, (attorneys, lawyers et al), especially in the event of "wrongdoings" like mismanagement of estates, theft of funds etc., but also firm 'failure'. Solicitors (lawyers etc) in UK, (U.S. and most countries) must be insured to protect ALL clients and estates for full value. So even though the previous solicitor (responsible for the fraud?) died, the current one is NOT being honest and forthcoming when he says: "I must apologise, this must all seem extremely unprofessional. The solicitor who handled this is long departed, and he was with another firm whose business my firm took over". Law firms that 'take over' other firms still have to do 'due diligence' to protect and indemnify / compensate for harm or loss. He's trying to cover his ass, but putting his firm in trouble*. Hopefully Mhari's legal guardians angel will assist, and she, Owain and Joe will be better off. * (Full Disclosure, I went through 5 years to reclaim my great aunt's Estate in UK where initial well-known 'Firm' for over 160 years absconded with funds, changed payment release dates "Without Required Notification of Heirs" and other malfeasance. In the end we won, but UK Inheritance laws saw 45% hoovered by HMRC).

Depending on where in "far eastern Russia" Huntington's troops are positioned, Sebastian could quietly 'pre-stage' his some of his fighters in Alaska while they wait for intel and confirmation. BUT (and it's a BIG but) the previous fight with Huntington showed his use of 'planted' wolves, appearing to support Sebastian, for sneak attacks. Logistics? 250+ Montana & Co. furries 🐺 take a boat cruise to Anchorage Alaska (part of 1.6 million Annual cruise line visitors to the state), some 3,300 miles from Eastern RU. (Closer than 5,261 miles from Billings or Bozeman). Unfortunately, due to circumstances PUT IN place, cruise ships no longer visit RU's east coast port of Vladivostok. 🚢 Or Cassiel 'the other more powerful Fae Prince' opens a portal 🪄 from Point A to B?

This may explain why Ronnie and Colin didn't want Armand to see Louise's body, but remember her as she was, and why a quick entombment without a funeral, because they didn't want to upset anyone else, (especially children at 'The Home'). For almost everyone else who 'passed' in this story, there was only 'the Final' graveside ceremony. Time march's on, like it or not. We get updates on: the original four adopted sons; news of children and grandchildren (!) including Carl & Carla expecting their first. We learn of educational achievements, and new careers. Pierre's life really took off when he became Armand and Colin's son. He arrived in U.S. as a young teen, spent 4 years in HS, 3 to get B.deg and 3 to get his M.IEF. Now he is back in Paris, but 'Home' will always be in with Armand and Colin in 'New Haven'. Speaking of Carl, he has been very busy painting more angels on and inside the 'family' mausoleum. “Carl, why does this crypt have an angel painted on it?” “When I was painting an angel on Pat’s room someone told me to paint one on this door as well.” When Armand had the 'Family' mausoleum built on the knoll, he said "There will always be room for anyone, including those from 'The Home'." It has lots of 'rooms' and space to expand. It reminds me of a verse in the bible (see I did pay attention): "In my Father's house are many rooms: ... I go to prepare a place for you... I will come again, to receive you; so that where I am, you may be also". 🫂

Many authors on GA (and other sites) do post 'Trigger Warnings' at the start of chapters that could potentially cause issues for readers. I'm pretty sure @CLJobe will as well. I feel where you're coming from. You have survived 5 years and hopefully have been able to address some of the underlying causes. Just remember there are resources available for anyone needing help; on Toll Free phone lines, via SMS/txt (not the same as actually speaking with someone, and in North America there is 988 available 24/7/365. Or check with local health services. Help is Available. Talk with someone.

Huntington and his army in Russia must, like all evil tyrants be 'Put In' his place! Preferably a one way trip across the River Styx into Hell... ... On the way to meet: On a happier note, Theo said: “Hi.” 😂

What are stoners Frank and his 'tart' Kris doing in the closed refuge, let alone long enough for the Lexus engine to get cold? Did Sam discover something in the refuge over a week earlier that got him killed as he tried to make his way through the refuge, past Kane to the exit gate; or did he find something or someone in the remains of the old "decrepit hurricane shelter"? Has pup Whisper heard or sensed something or someone hiding in there, in trouble? Is that why she continued to try and burrow her way under the fence,despite getting her paws torn up? Micco checking along the paths at the rear of the refuge indicated "The fence looks intact". But is it? Is Luna's mental message of "Protect" that Micco hears in his mind, not about Whisper but about someone in the "hurricane shelter"?

I'm usually one playing Devil's Advocate. One thought the comes to mind is part of a phrase many might know: Those in glass houses shouldn't ... ___________ Any and every one, can fill in that blank with whatever & whomever they deem appropriate! (& not "throw stones").

Another very interesting chapter Robert. Seems everyone is settling in well and dealing with the new domesticity. Brian learning to bake cake for Toby and his new mate Noah (albeit it 'cheekily' in the "almost" buff. "OK Dad, thanks. And when you squat like that, I can see your willy" 🤭). Not the sort of thing Chef Ramsey or Colin Fassnidge might do? Plus the 'slap and tickle' action between Brian and Gordon (just not on the kitchen table lads!).

Oops.

This is a difficult chapter to read @CLJobe , as it no doubt was to write. The first paragraph started serious, then added some cheer with news of Carl graduating with B.Arts degree and marrying Carla. Then the other shoe dropped. Endings are so difficult, regardless of age. Devastating if young and with little or no warning, as it was for each of Armand and Colin's children, starting with Tommy, Ronnie, Richie and Ivan. Difficult when you've known someone for years, and you see / sense the end coming and nothing you can do to stop it. Those on the 'sunny' side of 50 (?) think they have all the time in the world. Those on the 'shady' side may try to plan, but long for more time. I worried when Armand thought to himself: "... sitting in the roof garden with our coffee, reminiscing about our time together. I wanted to be a young man again with Colin by my side; ...remembering ... when we were first married; ... our first trip to Europe. I decided if Colin was taken from me, I would find a way to join him" 😰. Armand and Colin are depressed, but Armand perhaps worse. The boys, now in their mid-30s (?) do their best to help and comfort. They will need to do more while they still can. Cal, you said: "Normally I would end a story with "THEY LIVED HAPPILY FOREVER" But not this story. I have taken from Armand's childhood, through school, and as an adult. Now as a senior citizen, he must face old age". All I can add is, "A life well lived." 🫂

Notification received today (2 Nov. 23 refers) says: "LJCC updated chapter 18 in Mr & Mister Danvers: Initiation" Yet I only see 17 chapters listed. Is 'someone' miscounting the Prologue as 1? The things authors and publishers do to mess with 'editors'. And, ICYMI, or your Uni 'English / writing' profs didn't teach it: "According to the majority of editorial guidelines, a prologue is not considered a chapter. Unfortunately, there is not a general standardization. Publishers usually provide their own submissions guidelines". Or not; as Publishers and literary 'grads' (including "journalists") in the last 2 decades get lazier and less focused on important basics. Somewhere Proust, Hemingway, Twain and their cohort are having a drink (or more) and lamenting the current state of writing. 😁 😉

Paging Dr. Nathan. Dr. Nathan to Brody STAT. Greg NEEDS someone stable he can trust Brody to. And Brody needs his grandad (even if he is ailing) as part of their "family" structure. NOT potentially evil Overseers who can steal Brody away to keep Greg on the hook. Greg needs to contact his former Lordship client, to find a way to force MI6 and Dyson ilk to put 'fully paid for home' in trust for Brody, with Greg & Nathan as Trustees, a long with £5Million. And Greg walks away.

Welcome to the metric system, 157 years after U.S. Congress approved it for use in 1866. Again in 1960 and 1975. Acknowledgement is one thing, implementation is another. Just like getting rid of semiannual nonsense of clocks going forward and back an hour. Oh wait, are politicos involved? At least "Shadow Out" shifting isn't regulated. Thanks to Kage for making the mating special, truly bonding Eli, Ashton, Tyler and Austin. He also imbued them with a unique defensive & offensive ability. It's Huntington season. Bwahahaha!

What you mean "WE"? Fangs, I mean 'thanks'? 🦇

No Coop, don't take one loony to fix another. When the Hauser history began I thought we'd discover an unfortunate 19th century death at their remote cottage north of old New York City. But no such luck, that an exorcism might cure. Eric, like most arsonists are a moth to a 🔥. But Pete could be trapped inside!

Another very interesting chapter of 'Harder Than ...". It's one thing foryan and Kenny to be up to no good, after all they're just kids, but messing around with Grandpa's "Boner 🔷 Pills"? As for the iced (laced?) Cupcake, was it a Homer Special with 'sprinkles' 🧁 or is that a hard no? Appears Steve inhaled his delightful treat, but Dr. Diego has the cure. Does 'peniscillin' need more than one shot? Is this a 'Blue Moon' event? 🌚🚀🌚

"Hollow quills" is a similarity avians have to porcupines. Information from University of Massachusetts, Amherst says: "Birds’ skeletons have unique adaptations to make flight possible. One of these is hollow or pneumatized bones, meaning they’re filled with space for air, which helps oxygen intake during flight. Air sacs attached to the hollow areas in bird’s bones adds more oxygen to the blood, providing a bird with extra energy for flight. But hollow bones don’t make a bird lighter. A bird’s bones are denser. This density makes these thin, hollow bones stiffer and stronger to keep them from breaking. Crisscrossing struts or trusses also provide structural strength". More quiz material?

Tough lessons learned (for both Devin and Mac, but also for 'nosy' hungry coyotes) 3 weeks left before summer ends and school begins again, means more shifts coming?

The late comedian George Carlin asked: "What's the last thing that goes through an atheists mind just before they die?" "Oh god, why me"?

Libby, thank you for this endearing story. One that proves 'You CAN teach an old dog new tricks'. (as well as Cora 🦮 and Sam 🐕‍🦺 ).

Paging Dr. Nathan. Dr. Nathan to Brody STAT. Greg NEEDS someone stable he can trust Brody to. And Brody needs his grandad (even if he is ailing) as part of their "family" structure. NOT potentially evil Overseers who can steal Brody away to keep Greg on the hook. Greg needs to contact his former Lordship client, to find a way to force MI6 and Dyson ilk to put 'fully paid for home' in trust for Brody, with Greg & Nathan as Trustees, a long with £5Million. And Greg walks away.