Anton_Cloche

Hopefully Tyler's mate doesn't have and overbite. 😄

Cheating or Gaming the system? It's like U.S. Senators getting advance briefings from SEC about stocks BEFORE IPO's and making a fortune off that 'tip'. Others outside Senate/Congress can be convicted for what is 'Insider Trading' but politicians now Multi-Millionaires are untouchable. (Just in case you wonder how 'career' politicians rake in the $$$$). Now you know why they oppose Term Limits.

What follows is not a personal attack. Perhaps more like a former segment on 60 Minutes - Point / Counterpoint. Wow, did someone get up on the wrong side of the chalkboard, was all the coffee gone from the teachers lounge or is it just a Dewy Dismal day? And a "diatribe" (aka "a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone", Oxford Dictionary, at the library.) for a perceived slight, that the author didn't actually say happened, but rather that the 'librarian' not having a ready supply of specific information helpfully suggested another source. And to state: "This kind of information is kindergarten make-work for a Librarian, any Librarian, especially at that level. They would NEVER have simply foisted him off onto another department." Heaven forfend they did, might they be "hoisted on their own petard"? As someone who has worked with and has respect for educators, I and countless others, especially children, encountered 'some' people in those positions who were and are less than helpful and treat others with distain as being 'beneath' them. In the case of impressionable children or those with impediments, there have been numerous cases where children are shamed, made to feel stupid, belittled and scared by 'some' people caught up in their own self-importance. And some of those 'people' were dismissed from their 'positions of authority' and faced charges. But as the saying goes: "One bad apple can spoil the bunch" and subsequently effect the good that remain. Many people can recall instances where taciturn and morose librarians 'ruled their roost' with a severe glare and admonishment with a LOUD SHUSH to anyone speaking it all, let alone whispering in 'their' hallowed domain. Otherwise how could they portrayed in artistic endeavors: Even in the 'hallowed halls' of Ivy League institutions, is it possible to find less than helpful individuals behind that all imposing counter? The answer may be yes. "It’s about the respect and support, people! We were worth double our weight in gold during the pandemic..." There is a saying that "Respect is a two-way street". As for support? How about parents and those looking after and trying to teach children without access to libraries locking down for up to two years despite scientific proof that the virus was not likely transmissible after 24 hours contact with paper, books or even mylar book covers. (CDC in CNN April 2020 report). And libraries who 'fogged' their contents with antibacterials, allowed staff back in but blocked public? It's important to point out that decision was made by Library Boards not librarians. Finally, there's a little thing that authors and many others (artists, playwrites etc.) use, whether in Fiction or Fact... Artistic License.

If planning to retire to the isle you'd be looking at around £1,650 year in Council Rates (municipal taxes) on an average 3 bdrm, 1 and 1/2 bath flat (and yes you can both buy or rent a 'flat'). Council rates/taxes do not include taxes for services and utilities.

My mother used the same saying as @drsawzall mother did. The entire saying is: "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all". Basically the saying means that no matter how frustrated, upset or angry you might be (with someone, some thing or situation) , there is a way to communicate that isn’t derogatory, hurtful or intentionally inflammatory. Hope that helps.

It seems that sad farewells are all Jamie and Kyle have left after the death of Collin. For he was the 'glue' that kindly saved the boys and kept the three of them together, but with his tragic death, 'the ties (love) that bind' simply and sadly isn't enough. 😢 🫂 It seems that despite his wealth and status as a Inverness distiller, and having a mansion and a large stable of work, riding and racing horses to keep Kyle satisfied, MacKintosh does not have connections to anyone needing a skilled sculpture and fledgling artisan such as Jamie. BTW having spent some time in Inverness (in a gap year a few decades ago) I know there was some artistic wood sculpture done after WW-I, but not on the scope that Jamie desires. And those in the upper class, (Lairds etc.) only wanted repairs and reproductions to existing woodwork, not creativity. 'Down the road', in twenty years time, another war could bring tragedy too for Jamie and Kyle (perhaps 'just' entering their 40's). 😟

Tommy's actions, including crawling into bed with Armand and Colin, or 'snuggling' into Armand's side, made me guess he was around 7 instead of ten. Now I realize he was seeking the loving safety, comfort and security he has missed since his parents died. Even at his young age he is passing along his good fortune by sharing what he has, with friends from the orphanage by inviting them out to share lunch or even a trip to the zoo. Armand now has Colin and Tommy learning some Italian in advance of a trip to Italy, and the 'villagio' he loves.

Hello Calvin. Another great chapter, filling in more information and opening up new possible topics to explore. My 'guesstimate' (in respect of Tonyr's question) is that Tommy is 7-ish. Nice to see Tommy wanting to make sure his former orphanage 'buddy' gets more to eat. This however raises the question: are these orphans getting proper meals, or was this just a treat? As for Gallery security, surprised the 'expert' didn't suggest Rolling Steel Shutters for all the doors and plate glass display window. Also known as 'Hurricane Shutters, when properly mounted, they sit about 1 inch away from the window so that the glass is seldom contacted. A friend of mine with an art gallery, preferred to have artwork visible when the gallery was closed. That changed after two break-ins and theft. But he went 2 steps further. He put a custom sheet of 1/2" Plexiglas (think hockey glass) 1/2-inch in front of plate glass before installing steel shutters. He then painted a mural on the steel shutter showcasing his art.

Glad to see someone else is an old school typist, but I suspect less 'touch typist' and more 'hunt and peck'. (Don't go 'there' 😜 ). Back to 'inaugural balls', they usually put Presidential Seal on everything. (Now you can go there. 🤣)

As a kid on family car trips to Florida from late 70's to late '80s Stuckeys was more frequently along I-95 than Cracker Barrel. Especially in the Carolinas and GA. Pecan Log Rolls gave parents a rest from "Are we there yet". Granddaughter of founder bought back company in 2019, survived Covid and is growing again as more people are taking road trips. Sometimes nostalgia works. Fingers crossed that the first part of Elijah and Tyler's road trip, to see Kage's boss, doesn't backfire on them. At least Elijah contacted Sebastian and although he didn't 'reveal all', Tyler can call in 'back up' if needed. Hopefully not necessarily.🤞🏼

Christmas can always come early. Maybe in time for November 24th? So anytime would work, maybe in between chapters of Everhope? I mean we're still in August and already 'Fall' sales are happening and 'Pumpkin Spice' everything is already being pushed! IMHO most of that 'pumpkin-flavored' stuff tastes like RUMP. I want the real pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving with enough real whipped cream (not in can) to get a cardiologist concerned. 👨🏼‍⚕️

Carlos wrote this 'Final' story in his C.J. saga to provide the ultimate HEA to "the long and winding road" that is the story of C. J. Abelló. But like the closing lyrics in the Beatles song, Carlos' writing always "lead me back ... to your door." Consider that this story was written just as the worst pandemic in history began. Thankfully we had CDMX as an 'interim' CJ (OZ and Liebe) story to help us through a terrible two years. And although this 'Final' (hmm?) chapter has been written, there is 'Everhope' (okay, stop groaning 😉 ) that more 'interim' stories are too come. After all, there are many family, friends and associates whose backstories we have yet to read about! (Carlos, that loud THUD you just heard / felt was a huge amount of 'virtual' mail landing on your doorstep, begging for more stories). 'Thank You' seems nowhere near enough. Ps: Madame Chief Justice Obama is a nice twist. 😲 ⚖️

Welcome back Carlos. It is always a pleasure to see your writing on a Friday! With my editor's 'Blue Pencil' set aside (accept for your response to @Clancy59 "I mentioned Mrak going to work for a security company in Ranger." Like in golf, you get a 'mulligan' for this one). Nice to see you getting the band back together (so to speak). Reintroducing family, friends and other characters; carefully weaving them together in the another rich (no pun intended) C.J. tapestry. Into that tapestry are plans for changes and additions, when CJ says to Liebe: “Hey, Munchkin, you ready for a baby brother or sister?” I have to wonder if President Biden's selection of Presidential Portraits for his Oval Office planted a seed in CJ and Owen's minds for naming the soon-to-be 'babies' Jeffer and Roo? But I'll stop before I spoil things for those who haven't read ALL of your 'CJverse' stories. Or those who reread them, (as I did this summer), but may have missed salient points. Finally, you replied to another comment by hinting about CJ meeting another president during the summer. But perhaps that meeting could happen on CJ and Owen's trip to or from the Tokyo conference in November. That flight often has a stop in Hawaii, giving them a way to accept an invitation to lunch at Obama's new home on Oahu at the former "Pahonu" (Turtle hatchery pond) 🐢 property was the real life setting for 'Robin's Nest' estate on the original Magnum P.I. Next?

Glad to see Tommy settling in, but obviously insecurities still exist when Tommy awakes and can't find his Dad right away, especially not on the same floor. At least Tommy wasn't in tears. (or when children forget where the bathroom is, which is why night lights are important). I think Colin and Armand still fall into 'twosome' mode and momentarily forget there's now an integral 3rd person in the 'house'. It's a work in progress. I too was initially confused about where Armand was going to "see the police" about security for the Gallery. After previously going to the police station he was told to go to police office at City Hall. Today he mentions Court House, then I remembered...💡 ... Many towns and cities (including large cities), in the U.S. and around the world, often group different 'munlcipal' services and departments together in one location. Hence 'City Hall, the 'Courts', 'Police' etc. share one central building. A Police division there makes sense. When Armand went in, he found, "... a desk with an officer sitting there. I told him why I was there and had been recommended to come here to get help. “I’ll be right back. Have a seat until I come back.” He was gone about 30 minutes. When he came back, he had a name and telephone number. “We have worked with this outfit before. They are very competent and are up to date on the latest technology for crime prevention techniques. Give them a call and tell them we recommend that you contact them. If you have any issues or want us to check out the finished installation, let us know.” Some people's idea of “I’ll be right back" obviously are not based on normal time. Or when he returned he could have said "Sorry for the delay" (with an explanation?). Or is there a cafeteria, snack counter or employee coffee room on the way? Any telltale 'sprinkles' or powdered sugar on his shirt?

History begins to unfold and Karl will be an important part of it. But he will remember that he has his British 'family' and friends who will wait for his save return.

Tommy is fitting in well with his new Dad and Pop 👨‍👨‍👧; organizing the weekly breakfast menu is a good idea, but as others commented, even a brief visit with a child psychologist could have big benefits for Tommy resolving his parents death. Orphanages don't do that or don't have the resources to do it. Armand should have showed up to the Cop Shop with D'oh nuts.

You and your brother have my thoughts and prayers as you deal with your mom's declining health. Having become the 'Paitient Advocate', I thought I was mentally prepared as I looked after my Mom in her last years, I now know only too well the toll that can take. The best advice I was given, and pass along to others 'Take care of the care giver'. Even though your Mom has 'hospice care' options, your mind(s) will always be in 'alert' mode. So whether that's treating yourself to a quick 48hr R&R vacay, or sharing the load with others, take time for yourself and DON'T feel guilty about doing so! And when the inevitable occurs, don't rush to 'tidy up affairs'. Take time to decompress and grieve. 🙏🏼 🫂

Jamie will struggle to finish the pulpit, but in his hesitation and with faltering hands, he will likely hear Collin's words, as if being whispered from afar; gently guiding his hands to finish as a tribute to his personal savior, mentor, lover and friend, Collin. 🙏🏼

Why has the self-proclaimed soccer mom @kbois decided to throw state sponsored religion into the mix, (what 'antidisestablishmentarianism' refers to), or was she simply playing Edna Krabappel, trying to put @Howzat in his place for creating a 'word' to describe Kage-killer Trevor* (if that's really 'Trevor') that won't pass the Scrabble judge? As to her choice of 'antidisestablishmentarianism', that's not found on a 'word-of-the-day' novelty toilet paper roll, nor is it the 'longest word in the English language. That claim to fame currently belongs to, Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis. (Say that there times quickly 🤣 ). Just saying. * Speaking of @Howzat , with his reference to "Tyler & his family are now in danger from Trevor The Killer and 'B', are we bringing morphing insects into this story by adding Killer B's? Next?

The proverbial "Fork in the road", and so much is being put on their plate (not just Mama's cooking): the Bel-Air, the laptop under the trunk LID (not called a "Door" in English. Editor not pointing out numerous other 'Blue Pencil' errors); Kage's killer Trevor; Kage's Boss texting Elijah to meet him in Crescent City when Eli should simply text 'Trevor' to him; and finally Montana! At least Elijah and Tyler have a firm plan on where they are going, in the interim. "Two roads diverged in the woods, and I, took the one less travelled by, and that had made all the difference".* * ("The Road Not Taken" is a narrative poem by Robert Frost, first published in the August 1915 issue of The Atlantic Monthly, and later published as the first poem in the collection Mountain Interval of 1916).

At long last, love! 👨‍👨‍👧 💞 Love of Tommy by his Dad and Pops, forever. (Thought 'Rowe-Roberts would be hyphenated). I am glad to see Tommy shows his everlasting love of his parents by keeping his entire original family name. Love of Tommy by his grandparents (of various names he chose), and by his 'GreatGG' who he has yet to meet, but I suspect now that he is living permanently with Dad and Pops, he will be visited in his dreams by GG which he will run to tell Armand and Colin at breakfast, that she told Tommy she is his Guardian Angel. Thank you Cal for this wonderful chapter! Looking forward to more.

The wheels of 'justice' turn oh so slowly, just like the saying " A watched pot never boils". Then of course there are the state 'Children's Services' (surely a contradiction of words if ever one existed), that put their fat fingers on the 'Scales of Justice' and can, and frequently do oppose gay adoption. Sincerely hope Armand and Colin either get a sympathetic judge, or that GG gave the judge 30 nights of disturbed sleep, indigestion and nightmares, sufficient to change his or her mind to approve Thomas' adoption by his "Dad and Pop". 👨‍👨‍👧 Thanks Cal @CLJobe for another uplifting chapter. Finger's crossed for those to come.

“Ye...ye three…ye live in …pederasty and sodomy”, says the accusatory village vicar to Collin, Jamie and Kyle. But history (and the courts) tell us of many a kirk of the Church of Scotland (and other religions), their self-important vicars and other highly placed presbyters have been found to have their own pederasty problems. Perhaps Collin should have reminded the good vicar of what the Bible says Jesus spoke in John 8:7, “ Let He that is without sin among you, cast the first stone." At least then the boys would have seen the vicar turning redder than the Devil.

When now grown up Collin (with still unknown skills learned from his late grandfather) rescues Jamie from a cold highlands storm into his horse-drawn wagon (caravan), I suspected it was perhaps more than helping a stranger. And so it has come to pass that Collin extracts a 'price' for the rescue, but in a gentle way. Perhaps Collin's 'gaydar' was certainly more aware than Jamie was. When Collin tells Jamie: "It are the vicars and bishops who have stigmatized and denounced our kind of people as immoral and repulsive", he didn't tell Jamie about how two-faced these same 'Men of God' were as they often used younger boys for their own pleasure.

Perhaps ... De vishaak is stevig ingebed in mijn mind. In otherwords, you have 'trapped' Gandalf as a reader.