Anton_Cloche

My bad 🫢 Sorry about that.

A somewhat famous someone once said "'working ... politicians' is often an oxymoron. Malingering might be an apt description". A time to get off public stage and 'purse'; be an "elder statesman" and work for "Dollar a Year". Another great chapter @Bill W. Looking forward to what's next.

Interesting, very interesting. 'Darkness' and 'Light' in balance or...? (Spoiler Alert or not?) Or is he?

Another outstanding fishing trip for the boys, and a special 'Albany' Grandfather and his grandson Joey (I was concerned about this: "... Colin took Joey to a chair, and strapped him in. He looked at his grandfather, he was scared". But another boy explained it was to keep them safe. "Now when he looks at his grandfather, he smiles". Losses, like that of Marcel, always hit hard, Especially when they are more than a boss, or friend; or as Marcel was, a mentor, a father-figure and much more. For Billy, Peter and James (Jimmy), Marcel was all those; unlike the egotistical, bullying and cursing 'chefs' on TV. Charles aka 'Chef-Boy' just missed out on that experience. Bon Voyage Marcel. Nice chapter @CLJobe. Keep well Cal. 🫂

Completely sympathize with you. Had it off and on for about a decade, but for 2 months earlier this year it was almost daily. Doctors, hospital, limited medication use and physiotherapy utilizing 'Epley Maneuver' and 'Vestibular Rehabilitation' helped somewhat. Unfortunately the former only has a 52% success rate, and the latter, based on 'visual / balance' techniques (when everything is spinning?), is harder. Best wishes for you. As for Caleb and Asa, hopefully a full and speedy recovery for both, so they can plan 'something' for the future. (... "so bright you gotta wear shades". My bad and apologies to Timbuk3).

Asa reached down and gently tilted Caleb’s chin, forcing him to look at those pale, glacier-blue eyes. Whoa! Asa, hold your horses! Can you help mend Caleb / your 'mate' completely? Now that Asa has let Giles, Santos and Caleb know what is involved in 'righting the ship' so to speak, all they need is an extended weather forecast of bright sunny days without a cloud in sight (and not chance of meatballs. Sorry, couldn't resist ). One potentially bright side (no pun intended) is, if Asa can cure Caleb, could he help Hybrid Pups?

If a 50mg (or 100mg) 🔷 pill is ingested by a teenager (or anyone else not assessed for) the consequences can be dangerous. "A couple of grandpa's boner pills..." 🔹 🔷 in cupcake frosting?? 🤯 Drug-induced erection over 4 hours may require hospital ER intervention including medication to counteract the drug or draining excess blood via syringe. 💉 The Barton boys are in trouble (David more than Quinton I suspect).

My goodness what a wonderfully chapter Cal. The children who were in the second 'wave' of those adopted by Armand and Colin; little Toby, David, Louis and Louise have graduated from high school are almost grown up and are heading off to college. Their choices of areas to study are influenced not only by Armand and Colin, but by their older brothers and by their initial lives as orphans. Except for Louise, who choosing modelling in NYC (Armand's 'profile' may have helped open the door to 'The Ford Modeling Agency') will cause worry for Armand and Colin. (And have GG 🐦 working overtime). The fishing trip with the 'big shots' overseeing NY orphanages, and their dinner visit afterwards at 'Angel's Home' seems to have been a success; showing them how a place for displaced children can be a 'home' instead of an institution. Will it help improve state and city run orphanages? Pat's prayer offered at dinner says it all: "We give thanks for our food, a place of safety, and people who care about us.” Thank you @CLJobe. 🫂

'Thank you' seems insufficient for this, and the many, many other chapters you bring us @CLJobe (Calvin). This one had three especially touching moments. (I was going to say 'poignant', but too many people mistakenly think that word only refers to sad events.) The first in a courtroom: "The look on Pierre’s face told me he was now our son. Holding the Judge’s hand, he approached Colin and me smiling. Henry went to the bench and announced that Charles Roberts and Pierre Rowe were officially the sons of Colin Roberts and Armand Rowe". The second when Pat saw her 'forever suite home' at Angel's Home: “I remember the first day you walked into my office. You had Tommy by the hand, he was smiling. Somehow, I knew you would be my friend and you were.” As she spoke, there were tears in her eyes. Remembering the past and the problems of the past and how they were overcome, brought tears to her eyes and mine as well. Sitting there we relived those days. The zoo, the mule baseball team, the Halloween party, the Weiner roast, and best of all the bunk beds. “When I saw this building for the first time I couldn’t believe it, the day we moved in, the children were wide-eyed as if this was a dream. Sometimes I wake up, believing I’m back in the old building. When I open my eyes, I see what is around me and I know it was a dream. This is all because you and Colin took an interest in one child. Now, they all call you Dad and Colin Pop even if they aren’t adopted. It seems thanks isn’t enough.” The third: “Dad, are we going fishing on Saturday?” “As far as I know why?” “The guys were asking.” The guys, I caught that. Pierre and Charles fit right in." Somewhere a group of rocking chairs creak, lead by a Great-Grandmother 🐦 and friends. Take Care. 🫂

35 years ago a vet friend / 'handyman' came up with a relatively inexpensive solution. Using magnetic door latches, he fitted a 'locking' latch on the opening bottom edge of door flap and frame, with 'opposite' release magnet hanging on dog collar. (No batteries). As dog's head approaches or touches door, latch releases and dog enters / exits as door latches securely behind it. Raccoons can't defeat it. It allowed his terrier and huskies access (to large fenced yard) 24/7 even when he was at work, while keeping house secure. He shared his idea without patenting it. A California company took the idea, made a more complex version (including motorized ones) patented it and they cost over $500.

Very interesting chapter @Bill W. Should be titled 'For Whom The Dinner Bell Tolls'? Mac (or 'Michael' as the shaman calls him) is learning the 'food chain' isn't about grocery stores, and when morphed into a smaller mammal he's definitely a target.

When nom de plume becomes nom de guerre? Or too far 'Out on a Limb'? As for "No matter what Asa is capable of discovering, Caleb still has a long way to go being healthy"; frequently after a diagnosis is made a specialist is brought in. It's time to bring in an Alpha couple, one of whom has special healing abilities, including (silver and other) poisoning. Hmm, could that be...

OMG 😱. "New leather and sweet coconut—his brain finally placed the scent that eluded him earlier. That’s what Caleb smelled like. Asa’s hands came up to cup Caleb’s face. He drew back abruptly as images assaulted his brain. He gasped, his eyes a myriad of emotions. “You’ve been poisoned.” Asa has discovered what no one else has or could have, a medical reason behind Caleb's current condition. Caleb being poisoned is perhaps behind his being so easily "controlled" by High Council thugs Oswald Belland, and head Harold Albert's? @kbois This is better than

I would suggest you carefully re-read the last 6 chapters, (start with Chapter 11) for clues as to what is happening. It is easy to overlook details hidden in plain sight. You'll find a key character who says: "...humans only see what they want to see. That typically excludes things that don’t fit their desired image of the world around them". Dakota is not molesting Naiche / Yázhí.”

John, I sincerely hope your health issues have been successfully resolved. (I'm waiting for 1 of 2 of mine to get "fixed" in a couple of weeks. Not a fan of surgery, but like a car, seems problems come up when warranty over).

If we keep this up I'm gonna tilapia myself. Or as some 'fishers' say "Yer scrod".

Thank you John Henry for a very good chapter. Where William Parker IV aka Billy arrives in the nick of time to save the day, and free Kenny from the evilness of Debbie Thomas (poster 'Karen' of the Alt-Reich and their BAC*). Kenny returns to class starting Monday, and in a fitting moment, the subservient school bored members, come to their senses, throw off their shackles, and help Billy throw water on the evil supervisor's fiery diarrhetoric (diarrhea + rhetoric), expelling her on Halloween. But we know this isn't 'The End'. * Bored Again Crap

Is @Libby Drew trying to 🪝more readers by luring them in, baiting them with false leads? See if she can reel us in by casting a wider net? Just messing with readers for the halibut? Cod I hope not. Sorry for puns? M'eh. It's a grey, rainy, cold day in my plaice. Just passing the time.

Sparks fly, one leading to another as a chain reaction occurs? Or will it be like a lit firecracker with a burning fuse that flames out? Oh, I failed to mention one side of my family includes O'Phelan from ón tseantír (Gaelic Irish for "the old country").

Perhaps Pat's routine may have seen her supervising the kitchen a bit more (or just differently than Tommy) and with Pat gone, Ann took advantage of an opportunity to 'dip' her fingers? 🫂 Ps: Cal I haven't ignored or overlooked a couple of comments (queries) you made. Just a little sidetracked, but will rectify that.

Yes, yes & generally. Back before "Mad King George III" upset a bunch of not so "tea totalling" colonists, there were barristers and solicitors in the U.S. and the term 'lawyer' was not used. In UK the 'titles' may differentiate areas of practice. In other words, the 'fine print' aka legalese, is something only a lawyer would concoct. Clear as mud? So glad Toby is finally finding someplace to be a real "home". If Dierdre makes an appearance, maybe Toby's 🐝 friends will sting her, and she'll swell up to 20 Stone (280 lbs)? Oooh

"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" *, or like Dierdre one who will appear with 'crocodile tears' before solicitors, to say she's been "wronged" by her husband, while she's been sleeping around. When she tries to take Brian for everything he's got, plus outing him, claiming he's an 'unfit parent' for Toby, he needs to fight fire with fire, revealing her "lifestyle" as being unfit. (my UK Army uncle would have called her a variety of things including 'tart' and 'strumpet'). " 'tarts' leaning on bar" is UK derogatory slang referral to hookers in pub, tavern etc. * (proverb adapted from a line in the 1697 play 'The Mourning Bride', by English author William Congreve). Waaaay before my time!

What you mean "We"? Second, as an Editor, I would love to read the entire original, but searches come up empty Justin. So if you (or anyone else... Dr? Raven1?) could DM a working link I'd appreciate it. Finally, Scott, James and Donna are obviously 'Day walkers' as their vampires are unaffected by the 'traditional' restrictions readers associate with vampire stories. This is a wonderfully written story, so far. Twilight's approaching, got to fly. ..? 🧛🏼‍♂️ Ps: An accountant once asked: What's the difference between vampires, lawyers, bitter ex-spouses and the tax man? How long it takes each to bleed you dry. (Another joke that sucks?).

Thank you @Bill W for a wonderful chapter that like others mentioned, is a transition from action to education. Al's comment about using Google Earth to look up information reminded me of explaining encyclopedia to nieces and nephews a few years BC (Before Covid). A trip to a local library discovered that 'relic' found in the 'reference' section. If you want to really educate the 'youngers', send or take them on a vacation to anyplace where 'devices' won't work. Looking forward to what's next, where Mac discovers "It's a small world after all" 🐁 🐿️ 🐹 🐦 🦎 🐇 🪤.