Anton_Cloche

"I called and made reservations for a morning flight. Then I called home, Colin wasn’t home but I spoke with Marie, I told her I’ll be there tomorrow afternoon." Hmm, Je pense (I think)... "afternoon" is defined as anytime between 12 Noon and 5pm. Getting through Paris traffic to CDG (Charles De Gaulle) airport is 30 - 45 mins, plus average 2 hr security delays plus 7 hrs 38 min flight time to New Haven CT = Not afternoon (or even late supper). Ain't I a stinker. 🫂 CORRECTION - Wow time travel is possible! (should I buy a lotto ticket?) Just now (12:30pm Sat Aug 12) read the next chapter and all is explained ... sort of. 😅

"I decided to pack, I called and made reservations for a morning flight. Then I called home, Colin wasn’t home but I spoke with Marie, I told her I’ll be there tomorrow afternoon". WHAT? Armand leaving for the U.S. in the morning before Christian brings his father Arnaud to see Saint Michael ArchAngel installed atop his mausoleum? (Guessing Armand is purposely stepping out of the spotlight and wants Carl to get recognized as the artist behind the painting. Assume Carl is staying to oversee installation, before he and 'Model Boy / Chef Boy / Charles leave for U.S.). Why doesn't Armand want to let Arnaud thank him (before he passes) and have that last good memory? Is Armand afraid of the tears he knows will flow? "I was getting homesick. I knew I’ll have to make another trip back soon but that will be quick although sad. I was getting old and losing friends and family just reminded me of my age". I am surprised and pleased that Grandmere Lavigne spoke to Armand when he visited her resting place. Thank you Cal @CLJobefor reminder of how and when GG became Armand's guiding light and guardian angel. 🐦 Take care and stay well. 🫂 Tony

Okay, this story is coming along nicely, albeit slowly and with lots of twists and turns. There is an interesting blend of family histories - Irish and American Indian (Navajo and Sioux). In Gaelic Irish language, O'Faolan (pronounced O'Phelan) means 'gray wolf', while in Navajo, Maʹiitsoh also means 'gray wolf'. Fenrir means 'black wolf'. The wolf pups in Dakota's previous dream, and the three rabbits in Connor's dream could represent children being watched over, like 6-year old Jonus and 3-year old Danny. The third child? Danny being able to see his father in his dreams, and relate to Connor so easily in their first meeting, speaks to 'other forces' at work. 'Great Spirit', Gaelic 'gods' or ?. Then there's the issue of sudden and unusual hair growth. Dakota's interest in Connor, and Dakota's full name - Mingan Ashkii Dakota Two Guns, translates to ‘Wolf Boy Friend'. Shifting topics?

With Arnaud's largesse or a whole lotto luck that trip could be sooner, (but someone once said "if it wasn't for bad luck you wouldn't have any". Like to prove that wrong 😉) If "in the next life", maybe a little 🐦, the occupant of a squeaky rocking chair and a 'chatelaine'* will provide guidance. * For those unfamiliar with the word, a 'chatelaine' in French culture is usually a well-educated (not just from school) woman of a certain age, adept at having a well kept house and is welcoming to all. In earlier centuries she would be 'Mistress of the château', (often wife of the owner) who supervised its daily functions, kept the keys and was in charge of hospitality to guests. 'Grandmere' Madame Lavigne is a perfect example. My Tante Gisele was a perfect example, educated, bon vivant, raconteur and an expert at french cuisine, who could easily 'dispatch' a hen and then make it into 'poulet cordon bleu' for dinner guests, with the remains made into chicken soup. A 'real life' version of the caricature Julia Child or Martha Stewart strived to portray.

Thank you for another wonderful chapter Cal / @CLJobe. I echo the sentiments and comments of those before me. I previously suggested a solar lighting solution, keeping in mind that local 'Arrondissement municipaux' or municipal governments oversee regulations for cemeteries and mausoleums within each district, with exceptions for 'mausolées historiques' mausoleums of historic significance. I suspect Arnaud's falls into that category as it was previously stated that it dates back to Louis VIX and Arnaud and Christian have that covered.* *FYI The historic resting place of French Kings is at the Cemetery of the Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis (Basilique royale de Saint-Denis, now called Basilique-cathédrale de Saint-Denis) in the northern part of Paris.

The editor in me noted a few 'Oops' not caught, but once in particular stands out. After the boy's mother Donna dies, the older son Bryan decides to go to school, saying to his father Diego: "You miss Abuelo, but I'm not going to miss her.” Last time I checked, 'Abuelo' means 'grandfather'. Aside from that, this is an interesting read.

Wow! An amazing 200th chapter (some may say "less" for repeats etc.) , is an accomplishment @CLJobe. Congratulations Calvin on that. On top of which it continues to tell Armand's story; from budding artist to one of great accomplishments, with a wonderful life partner in Colin, saving orphan boys and girls, building a family, global friends and philanthropy. Though it all, Armand consciously and subconsciously worries he is not good enough, as in this conversation with son Carl and perhaps new son 'Model Boy' / 'Chef Boy' / Charles: "They are going to tease me.” “No, they won’t will they, Charles?” “No, they won’t. No one is going to tease my dad.” I looked at Carl and Chef Boy. Putting my arms around each, we headed to battle". Thank you Calvin, I believe you have your own GG 🐦and perhaps 👼🏼 keeping watch and encouraging you. What's that creaking sound?

I have felt for years that some people should never be allowed to have children. It seems that not a day goes by where there is sad news about children being harmed or worse. The old host of 'The Price is Right' game show - Bob Barker - used to tell viewers "Control the pet population, have your pet spayed or neutered". Jonas' parents, and others who hurt children, should have that done retroactively, and without anesthesia.

A touching and revealing chapter Cal. In death as in life: “It appears that Grandmere is still helping people". Armand painted an "...angel in robes" on the door of her mausoleum, so she would not be "laying in a dark cold place". "This angel says come unto me, my children. Give me your problems and I will bring you peace". 🐦 Armand and Carl's painting of St. Michael the Archangel "...delivers a different message.” Not meant to scare people, but a warning that Arnaud's mausoleum is under great protection. Not just by Michael's sword, but by an Arrow and a Dart. Thank You. 🫂

Another eventful chapter Cal, but a few "Oops" in this chapter, that repeat. ( Please see DM, with suggestions in bold) The painting of St. Michael the Archangel over the entrance, as protector for all those 'sleeping' in the mausoleum is very appropriate. Something in a 'Renaissance' style (like that shown below) respects both the age of the mausoleum, and those inside. Arnaud needs to see it before he 'rests'.

Thank you Calvin @CLJobe for another well written and caring chapter, that deals with a sensitive (and all too familiar) topic of people nearing the end of their lives. And yes, I too am also aware of the oft quoted "Death comes in threes". I only noticed one 'oops' in this chapter, when Arnaud's son Christian points out to Armand and Carl a particular 'resting place' / crypt within the mausoleum: “This young man was the son and heir appoint when he was killed by Napoleon’s guard..." I believe you meant that to be 'apparent' (or perhaps Grammarly's dumb AI 'corrected' it). As for that 14 year old son of Louis XIV, the 🐦may have been his favorite bird, and GG was simply reminding everyone. Speaking of 🐦, I see Elon (Musk be an idiot?, pun fully intended) is removing this friendly little bird logo from Twitter and replacing it with 'x'? The last time I checked, while 'x' may "mark the spot", it can not tweet like a bird. But perhaps an addlepated billionaire believes it can. Take care. 🫂

Most mausoleums are made of granite, (sometimes marble) including the roof. Those of 16th century France generally have 'pitched' roofs, (so that rain or snow simply run off), with sections facing both east and west (so that "the sun never sets" on the family). With a roof having an east/west (or south-western) orientation, it is relatively easy to install matt finish slate-like in appearance 'solar tiles'* vs bulkier solar panels. These tiles (like that shown below from Swiss Freesuns.com) are retrofitted on historic (and UNESCO) buildings to maintain a discrete 'stately' appearance, simplify the charging process, and in the case of Arnaud's historic family mausoleum, provide sufficient power to use LED light strips inside a frame and shatter-proof glass enclosure to softly illuminate and protect the exterior over the entrance 'Angel' painting from the elements and potential vandalism. * https://freesuns.com/content/photos/our_products/xpanneau_1_web.jpg.pagespeed.ic.ia1zi2sZlR.webp Additionally, they could power discreet indirect 'soft' lighting inside Arnaud's mausoleum as well as power ventilation.

Anyfin is possible. @Justin4Fun might be creating a diversion just for the halibut? Buy this hook, line and sinker? 🎣

Okay, so Spidey-sense failed. Hmm, so avatar is less growl more?

I think @CLJobe has two artists that can draw or paint that image very well. One older and well established artist Dad and his adopted son / protegé closer to Dakota's age. Great chapter, especially the 'Home' boys being potentially trained and awl that entails.

Very interesting first chapter that seems to set the theme. Despite your statement that you are not "American Indian" (most prefer to be called by tribal name, ie Navajo, Lakota, Apache etc.), you are getting most of the 'western names, terms and others details correct so far. By the way, although Lt Col George Custer of Little Bighorn Battle fame had no legitimate* children / descendants, his two half-brothers did carry on the famous last name; which may account for the "Custer's Last Stand Ranch" where Connor will learn to ride One puzzling thing however is a very distinctive 'speech' pattern which appears to be more than a little Irish, with repeated references to "Da", "Granda", "Boyo" and others. So either Connor's entire family are recent emigrates, or the author is from Eire. Neither of which is a criticism, given part of my family heritage. * 36 year old Custer is rumored (via Cheyenne 'Oral History') to have had an illegitimate son - Josiah Steele 'Yellow Swallow' aka 'Yellow Bird' Custer in 1869 with 19 year old Cheyenne mistress Monahsetah aka Meotzi. Later records show Custer's younger half-brother Thomas as father.

Thank you @CLJobe / Calvin for this all too touching chapter 😢. Even when you 'feel' that someone's journey is drawing to a close, it still comes with difficulty. Grandmere Lavigne knew she was unwell, but chose not to burden Armand, who she loved like a son, or her 'petits enfants' (grandchildren) who loved her as much as she did them all, including those at The Home. I hope Armand painted her 'ange gardien' (guardian angel) on the mausoleum with acrylic paints to withstand the elements. Although I suspect 🐦will keep it always looking fresh. Italian 'cousins' return for Thanksgiving and then Armand, Colin and the ever expanding Rowe-Roberts family (including those at The Home) prepared for Christmas. And while someone is missing, late at night perhaps two rocking chairs are heard slowly creaking, as they keep watch. Bonne nuit grand-mère et que les vols d'anges te chantent pour ton repos.

It's taken me a while to get into this story @Bill W (what with 'life' and others events) so apologies if I comment on things others have addressed previously. Like most of your stories, I find this one easy to read, with few distractions (spelling, grammar, context, continuity issues etc.), that my 'Editor's Eye' seems to automatically find. One thing I noticed in this chapter is Devon's mother's feeling about skinwalkers. "You guys have talked Mac into becoming one of you as well,” Mrs. McCaskill spat out, not sounding pleased about the idea". At least she is aware of the hardships she faces, whereas Mac's mom only faced the idea of not being a grandmother after learning Mac was gay (yes, I acknowledge adoptions and surrogacy options), but how would she cope with a "shifter" who could live for generations? Eagerly awaiting what's next. Perhaps the change won't work this time (or worse, it leaves Mac trapped in an animal body, not being able to shift back, or something worse. Fly on the wall?).

André, banish those "sleepless nights" and get the recommended 7 hrs of sleep. Allow me to paraphrase from Will Shakespeare's Hamlet (only the good part, not the bad): "To sleep, perchance to dream", and in such dreams will come to you easily, plots and themes and chapters to fill many volumes. (with apologies to my English Literature teachers ).

Another wonderful chapter @quokka, bringing us up to date on Kip and Joshua, their families and corporate goings on. And a little on the ever looming threat from evil empire. However, I believe there might be a ❓missing next to "The End". OR, will what's coming next focus on Xander and Langley, Davenport & Wagner businesses as well as Xander's family, including Xander's foster sons, now 10-yr old Myles and 12-yr old Simon, last seen 4 years ago when Sir Lewis (IOTA Administrator / Magistrate) appointed Xander and Langley to be their Foster Fathers when their mom Joyce was bashed and sent to Australia hospital in a coma, to recover? Hopefully she did, but perhaps with some lingering health concerns, is unable to be full time parent. Or Xander and Langley moved them all into a larger 'safe' estate and at Joyce's request the guys continue as "fathers" ? Planting seeds...

Another interesting chapter Calvin, but sad news about Arnaud's life journey drawing to a close, (half expected / afraid it might be about Grandmere). Unfortunately time yields for no one. Arnaud has been given time to get his 'family' affairs in order, and preserve its 'nobility' for his heir and rightful successor Christian. (and not the oh so many 'pretenders' to French royalty, essentially fighting for money and titles. Mon dieu). Armand needs to heed the advice to capture images of family (and friends) to accompany stories and memories. Carl will help and GG 🐦will inspire. Take care.

Although it's been 2 decades, I recall the annual Fiesta de la Paella in Benicássim near Castelló on the east coast - Costa del Azahar - in Spain. Didn't win PowerBall (yet?) so unfortunately no private jet for trip with friends to enjoy Paella first hand. 😟

There's a number of solutions for those with shellfish allergies. 'Paella auténtica' starting with saffron rice, vegetables and meat (carnes) including beef, chicken, rabbit, sausage etc. Fish alone (pescado) and even vegetarian. Dinner only restricted by the chef's (James) imagination. Accredited by the Spanish Government, paella was created in Valencia and is the national dish of Spain. Truly authentic paella does not contain any fish or shellfish, according to Valencians. Buen apetito! ~ ~ ~ As for Armand painting a 'keepsake' portrait for orphaned children with no memory of their parent(s), especially if abandoned at birth, hopefully GG 🐦may be able to help with that. 💞

André, it is so good to see you back with a new and wonderful chapter, for this amazing inaugural journey aboard the Lady Janice with family and friends Joan and Dan Kinley. As for your "Yet another apology for the long interval since the last chapter" ... "a 19 floor project at work ... on a very tight schedule"? Well that obviously takes precedent. After all something has to pay the bills, put food on the table etc. If you need to apologize for anything, it is causing my taste buds to crave all of these wonderful meals and fantastic wines you keep tantalizing us with, (and like @drsawzall I'm fighting to preserve my waistline). Everything from 'simple' breakfasts and bountiful buffets, to dinners like BBQ Yellowtail served on Ratatouille ... to Ray's delicious Bananas Foster dessert. "Thank you" seems insufficient praise. 👏🏼 I will gladly wait, when chapters like this keep appearing. Stay well. Tony