Anton_Cloche

Some people say that Donald is a Shining Wit. Oh wait, is that a spoonerism?

Does that mean (with a last minute addition by you) that CJ will opine about SCOTUS healthcare, equality and marriage intrusions ⚖️ ? I mirror most of the comments about the very good nature of this chapter, as close to an A+ so far. Ozzie's "made up" stories for Liebe have been reflected by her adoration and caring for him (as shown when she darts onto the rugby pitch after he fell, to make sure he was okay ). Carlos you continue to drop hints of future events, so much so that I have to go back and re-read other stories to verify continuity (including Hail To The Chief), and damn you're good. As an editor I occasionally (unintentionally ) look to see if and when authors slip up. (Ian Fleming did in at least one novel), but you? Not so much. Thanks. Tony (aka Anton) 🇺🇦

Biker cupcakes with silver frosting? Could be tasty. 😜 Better than Ding Dongs & Ho Ho's and less fattening. (foreign readers may not 'get' that reference to your 'Hostess'). (did I post this?)

Is that an epee in your hand or are you just happy to see me? Ginger SNAP!

Wow! Future fiction mirroring current events, but you'd have to change 'Ritch' for a certain 'heir' Wm for whom DC doesn't mean Washington. He's probably chortling with knowledge of a cancelled Netflix show before it airs ( heirs?). 👑

On the one hand I want to scream "Hurry up with the next chapter!" After all there's so many issues that need to be addressed: ° Will Alec's mother mellow out even a bit and apologize to son & husband? (don't hold your breath) ° Will Alec discover that the little girl on Finn's knee is his niece (Milo and Nina's daughter)? ° Can Alec and Finn really get back together? Would Finn leave his gym (co-owned with Milo), and go to west coast to live with Alec? Would Alec give up his business, and leave River, and move back east (doubtful). So many unanswered questions, awaiting resolution. On the other hand...

Trust your heart Andre to put it all together. It's like taking exams at Uni, and your profs told you: answer the questions; review it once then don't second guess yourself. I know whatever you write will be appropriate. Whatever you have left over... Save it for a follow-up? Take care.

So speaking in the broader aspects of Buddhism, (as I understand it with input from 'learned' Buddhist friends and associates) being 'gay / LGBTQ is not forbidden. However, depending on the original ethnicity of some Buddhists, their 'national' biases do play strongly into how accepted gays are. Taking into account the various places where Dechen / Christopher grew up, the various areas' attitudes were likely 'absorbed' into his psyche. That and hormonal effects of puberty are all ganging up on D/C. Which means he has to sort out who he is (Christopher vs Dechen), where he belongs / wants to be (Tibet vs Oz) and what he wants to be (straight, bi, gay or?). His parents, for all of their supposed intelligence and learning, seem to have forgotten, ignored or never learned the effects of nature vs nurture in raising children.

So now that you've (perhaps) tipped your hand that 'the event' will happen in Mexico on Día de Muertos (end of October)? Día de Muertos Oscars in April, 6 months away in real time = 3 Fridays from now, or do we get to see summer holidays for Ceej, Oz & Liebe?

Northman in a photo? I thought vampires couldn't be photographed ( or seen in mirrors). He he

Andre, this is a very sad chapter, very well written and very considerate of all the characters and emotions encompassing a tragic loss of life. The visit to the wreck site and the laying of flowers by Beth and Nicki's four children was very emotional, and thankful of the crowd gathered to pay tribute. The funeral will be difficult for all, as will the departure of Jamie Jnr and Fiona to South Africa with Andrew, Ryan, Cameron and Elizabeth. Their grandparents Jamie Snr and Iona will be sorely distressed, but heartened by Andrew and Ryan's promise to return with the 'wee bairns' to Scotland and Achnacarry every year, and an open invitation for Jamie and Iona to visit them in Cape Town. Thank goodness the Texas cavalry are 'riding' to the rescue with Joan and Dan Kinley flying up from London to attend the funeral and 'offering' (that's Texan for 'insisting') to fly the expanded Devlin-Major family back to Cape Town on their "... new baby. We are flying on our new jet, a Bombardier Global 7500." Now we await a cold, snowy Scottish Thursday morning and the sad final farewell to two wonderful women, and the children's mother. The next few chapters will no doubt lay a strong foundation for Book III.

I feel sorry that Ruth and Ian had to lose their father Oliver, only to find out the reason he lost touch with them and that he was murdered. Ruth is finding some solace in his journal. I am angry at the Priestly's, acting all 'holier than thou, showing up at Oliver's funeral, the only chance his children have to say goodbye. But typical of the born-again alt reich, as they goose-step across other people's rights. Dale and Hunter need to be even more vigilant, for themselves and all four children. 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 🙏 for 🇺🇦

Welcome back Cal, and with another really good chapter too. At the rate Colin is jotting down trip memories (aka suggestions for home and club?) he and Armand will need a bigger house and a chain of clubs. 😆 Stay well. Tony Ps: 4 more weeks until I get 'Pfizered' 💉 for the 4th time (booster 🚀 2) 🥴

At the rate he's going Llorosa will soon be CAMALA’s 'Ex Director'. Perhaps he's related to Northman? In F's honor, a slight change of lyrics but the tune remains the same ... "If you had to do the same again You would, you fiend, Fernando" (with apologies to ABBA)

WOW Another really really good chapter Carlos. (In a tip of the hat to another TV show, " You missed it, (being Great), by that much"). Couldn't resist it after Governor Sam Seaborne made an appearance at CAMALA's Davenport Family Pavilion showing to benefit Hero's Haven. With Sam's appearance, and the reference to his former boss (the mythical President Jed Bartlet) we have more subtle foreshadowing of CJ's future. As for that Roy Lichtenstein vintage fighter jet painting, there were so many in the series, as well as the sketches of just the pilot's head in the cockpit. Any of those would be liked by Richie. Kudos. 🙏 for 🇺🇦

What should have been a happy birthday for Karl ends up being another sad day where he's had more confusion and mental anguish thrust upon him. More to deal with in an already chaotic and uncertain world. And abused (yes it IS abuse) by Jørgen who planned it all in advance, right down to bringing strong alcohol to 'loosen' Karl's inhibitions, get him drunk and compliant and take advantage of him. Jørgen who perhaps lied (to Karl AND himself?) about a girlfriend, wanting to get married and have children only adds to Karl's confusion, anguish and hurt. And this will hurt their ability to serve together if trust is gone. This is not going to end well for Karl. Even if he survives the war in one piece physically, his mental well being will be 'blitzkrieged'. 🙏 for 🇺🇦 especially 👨‍👧

Chapter 33, a hidden treasure found amongst the Spanish Steps. Glad to read it. 🙏🇺🇦

I too far that this is far from being over. Unless, the school decides that this goes beyond 'boys being boys', especially with Giles being physically assaulted, and decides to expel the 3 bullies despite whatever 'position' their good upstanding prominent families may hold in the community. The trump card may be one boy's uncle - the magistrate!

That was a sneaky test on my part. Wanted to see who else caught it. Last met His Holiness 10 years ago tomorrow (27/04/12) when he visited my city and country for an international conference.

Only 'Act I' with the bullies. Just wait as they plot to find Christopher alone.

Good chapter and your 'small steps' approach to introducing Christopher to his new life and surroundings instead of 'throwing him into the deep end and expecting him to swim' so to speak. Will that change? Probably in the next chapter when the school bullies make their first mistake. As for not eating meat (including fish as 'sentient' beings), all Buddhists are not strictly vegetarians. Buddhist texts do not unanimously condemn consumption of 'meat'. In fact, according to a 2010 interview, the Dalai Lama is non-vegetarian. He balances being a vegetarian at home in Dharamsala, and having occasional 'meat' (and fish) dishes when offered by hosts when he travels outside of Tibet.

Just a reminder that @CLJobe has been having computer problems that may be taking longer to resolve, 💻 especially if it's not a 'carry in' repair. There's a saying "patience is a virtue" so I guess we'll just have to see how virtuous readers can be. 😆 🙏 4 🇺🇦 Ps: @scrubber6620 mentioned seeing (reading?) chapter 33 last week. Perhaps GA could post the 'archieve' copy?

Interesting tour of Vatican and some of its art. Too bad Armand & Colin didn't tour the Papal Audience building and, as some claim, its eerie visual similarity to a snake. Also in this version of Where's Waldo ... 33?

And so it begins, but at least with Magistrate Kent (and the Court's support) young Dechen now steps into the 'hallowed halls' of C of E boarding school. Although his Buddhist education in 🇧🇹 stresses peaceful resolution of problems (of which I sense many lurking in shadowed hallways and on the playing field), hopefully Dechen befriends the Magistrate's nephew and gains someone to watch his back. 🙏 4 🇺🇦

Wow. A wonderful start to a new and different book Preston. I suspect young Dechen C(hristopher) Yeshe H(amilton), is going to face many challenges in his return to Hobart. Not just adjusting to the shock of re-entry into a completely different society, but also to the Hutchins Boarding school and no doubt its strict C of E (Anglican aka Church of England) background and mores, (the customs, norms, and behaviors that are acceptable to a society or social group). I suspect he is going be challenged at every turn by other students (bullies) because of his appearance, the way he acts and his Buddist beliefs. All this on top of entering puberty. Will sparks fly? Will his Buddhist 🇧🇹 beliefs conflict with his Judo training when push comes to shove? 🙏 4 🇺🇦