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Concerned 1-word comment too vague or mispronounced. I know make up of SCOTUS. Someone jokingly said they reminded of game at arcade, or Chuck E Cheese.

Another great chapter. Their train trip from Wales to London, (Euston), the overnight private sleeper cabin (room) to Edinburgh (a trip I've done), and then their extended tour of Scotland brought back many fond memories. The call and invitation to work 3 months at the Chester Zoo came as a surprise. Extending their stay by 90 days, Jex and Marcus decided to begin the paperwork process for a future adoption in Australia. Doing so while still on a working vacation in the UK was simply them wanting to start the process they could complete once back home in Australia. (Most Commonwealth Countries share similar processes). A surprise visit from Child Services adoption liason officer with tragic news about the car crash deaths of a local couple, Sarah and Tom Appleton, leaving their two boys orphans, may complicate Jex and Marcus' stay in the UK. Adoption normally only occurs if there are no blood relatives 'able' to look after the children. The boys were visiting their grandmum when the accident occured. If she is the only family member left, is she unable to care for her grandchildren? What does this all mean?

Qué?

Other than that, the dinner party was one where being a fly in the wall would be a dream come true. 'Not so subtle' enquiries from President Obama about CJ and Owen's voter's registration reveals CJ's seriously considering to run as a Green candidate? Trying to reform the Greens from an environmental, one or two issue far left party into one with broad aspirations (and appeal) is a big ask. CJ says: "I want to reshape the party. Fiscally conservative, socially liberal, supporters of the military, and not afraid to engage in the world. Environmental concerns would remain a primary focus." While CJ's concept is one that is laudable (one I could get behind), in reality it's like trying to nail jello to the wall. (In Australia, 'Greens' are taking baby steps in that direction, but receiving considerable pushback, despite a primary tenet of the 'Greens' is diversity). Or to put it another way, a former President once said: "Political parties talk about being inclusive, or a 'Big Tent' party with room for everyone. But like all 'Big Tent' events, someone is always stuck behind to clean up after the elephants". Hmm

John's death during surgery (to remove the regrowth of a previous brain tumor behind his eye) was not something his 'opthamologist' or neurosurgeon could have easily predicted. And there are some things GG has no way to intervene. Choosing surgery would have been difficult for Mary and Colin, but knowing John's attitude, it was the only choice. Mary's job running Armand's Gallery will continue to keep her busy, and moving into a (renovated & enlarged?) apartment with an elevator above the Gallery makes sense. BTW, you previously wrote that Marie had been Richie's family's maid but she moved into Armand and Colin's home (built to look like Richie's) and has her own suite next to the kitchen and near the girl's bedrooms. Laying John to rest in a corner of the golf course is a nice tribute, as is an Annual John Roberts Tournament. Perhaps raising funds for cancer research? Since a 'crypt' is underground, (usually under a chapel), did you mean a mausoleum? With a bench for Mary (and family) to sit on when visits to talk to John. Death (or 'bad things') sometimes come in three's. An aging (but 'well') Grandmere Lavigne who is returning to Paris? Arnaud, with Christian as his heir / successor? Hopefully none of the children, either in Armand and Colin's family or at The Home! Finally, Carl's choice for his professional 'mark' or monogram is most appropriate. "...it was a dart with colored feathers. He said a dart is the son of an arrow. I asked him about the feathers, he said an arrow has feathers".

This chapter brought both good news and bad. Good with Pepe fitting in well with the whole family, but especially with Tommy. Perhaps working at The Home is in his future just like Tommy. Louise has taken an interest in Ivan's farm, or perhaps just the chickens, until she sees the neighbouring farmer's baby sheep. Ewe know what would happen next. (Baaa'd pun). I think Roger's idea of toy stuffed sheep was a better than the real thing. Sad news about John. His initial reluctance to see a doctor and his failure to do follow up appointments made this inevitable. It will be horrible for Colin but also for Richie. GG 'visiting' Armand results in the painting of the strong eagle (father figure) flying from the dark (illness and death) into a brighter sky (heaven?). Carl is thinking about how to sign or identify his paintings. Armand may be steering him in the right direction by suggesting a monogram (mark) similar to his 'arrow' or GG's 🐦 . Perhaps a 'crow' since that's well known to be a smart bird. Whatever Carl chooses, his unique mark will no doubt pay homage to his 'father' Armand and GG's inspiration.

This started out as a heart-wrenching sad chapter, with Pepe suddenly loosing his Mother (and only remaining family) to cancer. And while he was there when she passed, I know only too well how that feels. Armand and Colin will honor Maria's last wish and bring Pepe back to America and adopt him. With the help of the other boys, especially Tommy, Pepe was welcomed and GG 🐦 stepped in, "speaking" with Pepe, letting him know he will be safe. Arnaud, visited The Home and is thinking, and discussing with Armand and Colin, how to have a version created in Paris. GG will no doubt share her unique insights. Thank you Cal for another wonderful chapter. Good things do come to those who wait. 🫂

Link image missing Maybe between the two of us, we can come up with something for him. Side profile of maybe 3...

No trip to Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 for the intrepid visiting Vets would be complete without a visit to Edinburgh Zoo. Owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the 83 acre wildlife conservation park is a charity devoted to connecting people to nature and safeguarding animals for the future. There are plenty of other things to see as Jex and Marcus tour a bit, old castles, palaces and lots of different food. However with the Welsh vets in jail, J & M need to get back to Kununurra so Auggie isn't overworked, being short two vets.

Great chapter. Jex and Marcus had a lot of things thrown at them at the zoo, but handled it well. It seems Dr. Matheson of Risca Vet clinic is trying to pull the wool over our Aussie vet's eyes, (sorry for pun. Ewe'd think I wouldn't do that 🐑😂), by changing conditions of their 'exchange' contract. It is a dumb move that makes you wonder if he even read Jex's CV, which would contain his military background as well, showing that he's not to be messed with. I think Dr. Adam is going to find out what happens if he tries anything else.

I think Carl will be an offshoot of Arrow, but I'm still working on his monogram (symbol in place of his signature). GG had her 🐦, Armand his >>-----> , and Carl Rowe-Roberts has ...

To paraphrase Groucho Marx (on some comedy show with young blondes on either arm): "You're only as old as you feel, so take 2 of these and feel better by morning".

Arnaud tossing Toby's fishing rod into the ocean? 🎣 He'd better have retrieved it quick. Even if Arnaud claims "It slipped", I don't think little Toby would buy that "hook, line & sinker". Seems the incident at The Home, was just a power outage caused by a storm and between the backup generators and police everyone is safe. Tommy's idea for 'camp rolls' (sleeping bags) is a good one to turn power outage into an adventure to allay any children's fears. (Tommy missing out on a family vacation for the first time, shows his dedication to other children ). Armand 'distracting' Colin during the phone call shows their love is very much alive! Thank you for another wonderful chapter Cal.

Whoa! Jex and Marcus just arrived in Wales to have a free week to explore and already jumped straight into the fire? A casual visit to a private zoo and they literally walk into a potentially explosive situation with a highly infectious disease that not only threatens livestock, but is easily transmissible to humans, through direct contact, water, air, soil (anywhere the water buffalo pees or poops), or comes in contact with others animals etc. An infection that can live in soil for 3+ months. Which means anyone who visits the zoo would walk out with spores on shoes (anyone else familiar with stepping in disinfecting trays? Or having footwear sprayed?). Jex and Marcus 'may' have identified it in time for vaccination, quarantine and decontamination to be effective. Or have they opened Pandora's Box? And, is it possible Welsh Vets unknowingly transported infection to Oz?

Andre, please take care of your health first and foremost (DM). Another wonderful, and detailed chapter. (although I had to open the links in a new page to see Lady Janice images) With final fitments, all hatches 'battened' and properly launched, MY Lady Janice sets out for sea trials and is welcomed into the Devlin-Major Portfolio of First Class Luxury Destinations. Ahoy!

Oh My Goodness! With this chapter @CLJobe has taught the history of Greece in a much better way than how I originally learned. The sons, both younger, and the original four, are getting a 'hands on' history lesson that they will remember forever. Cal, I almost expected there to be a 'pop quiz', or is that a quiz by 'Pop'? Little things like informing Ivan that "Demeter was the goddess of agriculture", or letting Carl choose between going to the National Art Gallery and Museum in Athens or visiting the Acropolis. Carl choosing the Art Gallery continues his development as an artist. (With GG 🐦to guide him). Cal, your move to "one chapter a week" reflects the research you do and the information you impart. Thank you for this tremendous journey!

Not just another interesting chapter Cal, but a very informative one. All those different musical instruments, (surprised no one has to talk the boys out of buying bagpipes ). And those inventions? An alarm clock powered by water? Drip, drip, drip would wake you just to get to bathroom. And the best part, little Toby still speaking. Santa helping 'free' his voice was a true gift! Next Macedonia.

In my humble opinion , every new chapter by Andre is like a ship arriving at port. You never know who is on board and what they are bringing with them. But it is always a learning experience. This latest chapter is all that and more as we see the expansion of the Devlin-Major group (not just the ships -with the arrival of Lady Janice - and properties, but the people as well ... and Rascal). A new marina for larger yachts / ships, including Lady Janice, opens another door to invite people in to experience Devlin-Major first hand. Thank You.

Great star to this new, albeit brief arc in the CJVerse. Good to see Grandma and Grandpa Liston up at Everhope from down under. (And Geoff's tour of the'cellar'. I especially like the Liston Vinyards way of greeting arrivals of new grandchildren. All 'vintage' years!). Like most 2-year olds, Liebe's "Quiero vaca frita" (want fried cow) is followed immediately by a tiny hand grabbing food. Because she's only 2. Of course the second Ozzie chides her, the bottom lip goes out (usually quivering) before tears start and she snuggles for safety from whoever is holding her. In this case her Grandpa Geoff, who wisely passes Liebe to Daddy CJ. When CJ asks: "Why are you crying Munchkin?", (to see if she can think of what happened), her response is completely expected: "Ozzie's mean". (Which no doubt caused Ozzie's heart to ache just a bit). BUT, as I often remind relatives with young children, certainly at or under 4, "They are little people, just learning their way, don't be harsh. Gently remind them of what is expected, but without anger, harsh tone or worse". (Which has seen me on the receiving end of rebuke, which I usually reject with a shrug, side eye and a silent 'Buck you Fuddy").

(This got missed from my previous comment). While the differences between much smaller Wales (20,780 sq kms) , and WA (2.6 million sq. kms) are HUGE, the Vet challenges to both couples - Dr's Jex & Marcus, and Dr's Patricia & Mike Webb - should prove to be interesting. As for where Jex and Marcus will stay? Perhaps they'll have accommodation near Llandogo, a village on the River Wye that’s become better-known as the setting for the Netflix series Sex Education? Afterall, doctors are all about learning.

You threw me for a bit of a loop with the opening sentence. Like entering a movie 5 minutes late and trying to catch up. Perhaps, you'd consider an intro prologue in future? Or is it just me (here in the frozen Northern hemisphere?). Otherwise, an interesting new adventure for Jex and Marcus.

More good times and learning in Greece by the Rowe-Roberts boys. I am touched but not surprised that Ivan wants to journey to his ancestral country to visit his Grandfather's grave. Ivan was just a boy when his grandfather returned 'home' to his farm, knowing he was unwell but not sharing that with Ivan. His sacrifice gave Ivan his own future. Ivan, as a farmer, honours his grandfather's example everyday, by helping supply food to children in The Home. 🚜👨🏼‍🌾

And not Greek meal can be complete, especially with hungry boys around, than several plates and kinds of baklava. . (and the boys asking Armand and Colin to have this dessert at home). Another tasty chapter @CLJobe and we look forward more travel adventures before they head back to France to rejoin with Marie before heading home.

I think Dourada Sargo, with Sea Bream (related to small Cod, hence few small bones but flexible backbone). Fish was gutted, scaled and fins (except for tailfin) removed. Was cleaned, coated in olive oil, dusted with lightly herbed flour with capers, rosemary, lemon and pine nuts inside and roasted over hot charcoals (after being 'positioned' with tail in mouth) until skin crisps and starts to flake. Memories may fade, but images and tastes remain, which is why treating the boys to local food is a good thing. 🍽️

There is a Portuguese dish that roasts/grills Monkfish that way, as they have no major bones other than backbone and a thick skin that retains moisture. But it looks weird (and scary to kids) when presented, often on a bed of saffron rice or with grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs. Great first day in Greece for the boys, with Arnaud's history lessons. Associating Greek foods is a good way to encourage learning, recall and language skills, (but it's still "all Greek to me").