Anton_Cloche

🤗 👍 👍 Another great Bill.

Another great chapter Carlos just in time for Christmas (unless you're planning a Secret Santa bonus 🎅 ?). A chapter that gives us more insight into the supporting characters in the lives of Ceej, Owen and Liebe . And news that there's another 30 chapters in the Hazday 'vault', (printed copies won't fit in your saddle bags but a USB stick fits anywhere), means your treats will last until after next 4th of July! 🎆 Best Wishes to you and yours Carlos for a Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year in 2022. (apologies for translation oops if any. Ed) Los mejores deseos para ti y los tuyos Carlos para una Feliz Navidad y un Saludable y Feliz Año Nuevo en 2022. Tony B (Anton)

Would that every life interrupted had as good a reconnection as Tristan and Gavin. Would like to have a little more, perhaps a couple of chapters and an epilogue, as you indicated could be available. Thank you Bill

Going to be an interesting muster and Jordan eagerly keeping an eye on Carson.

As I said much earlier in this story, "Something smells and it isn't goat poop down on the farm". To use another farm analogy, 'The chickens are coming home to roost', and for bumbling local cop Benny, his panicking attempt along with Mom's Dr. Tommy to "take care of her" and keep the truth from coming out? Let's just say the chicken shits going to hit the fan BIG TIME. Haven't seen this much clucking since 2012 when Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy's homophobic tirade backfired on his company with boycotts, international scorn and investors taking their investment 'eggs' out of his 'basket'. Or as one reporter said: "Deep fried chicken do doo". BAWK BAWK BAWK. 🐔

Read it. Twice. Often when I read stories, my 'Editor's Eye' automatically tends to pick up errors, (spelling, punctuation and/or grammar), which slows my enjoyment of the story. With many of your stories, like this one Bill, I read them a second time to get the full impact or enjoyment out of them. Wow. Tony (Anton)

Wow! Hindsight really can be 20/20, or at least in this realm. I know some people with 'photographic memory. If only there was a way to utilize VR 'glasses' to capture imaged this way.

Thank you Bill for your sweet reminder of Christmas and Santa Claus / St. Nicolas' part in the whole event and season. And thank you for a wonderful story of how Mr. Fletcher relates the history of Christmas and Santa to "almost 8" Andy, but does so in a way that doesn't shatter the young boys belief in Santa. I was a little afraid that the mound of snow might be a child in dire need of medical attention, or God forbid in worse shape. As 2021 draws to an end, and not the one most of us had hopes for with an end in sight for all things Covid-related, I encourage readers to take a moment and reflect, and pause before you walk past someone who may be in need. Think about the Millions of people in this country and around the world, especially children, who are homeless, hungry, and fearful for their lives every day. It is at this point that most people say "What difference can I make, I'm just one person?" Well if every person that can, donate some change, or ask the person (or child), "How can I help you?", that starts to make a difference. Maybe they need something to eat or drink. Or direction to a shelter, or medical help. I can hear people's eyes rolling, and heads shaking, some even thinking "boy is this guy naive". Well I'm not. And I'm not perfect. And as we go into potential lockdowns again for Omicron, look out for those in need. Save a life. Take care, stay safe, GET vaccinated or Boosted (had my 3rd), and yes, wear the damn mask ... properly, over nose and chin. 🎅 🎄 ☮️ Tony B

Hmm. A woman Eqyptian Canal Pilot with a rank of Captain? This story is indeed timely as Eqypt's first ever SCA Captain, Marwa Elselehdar was wrongly accused in April of 2021 as being responsible for the boat that blocked the Suez Canal, despite being onboard another ship over 200 miles away in Alexandria at the time of the blockage. An investigation confirmed online male trolls were scheming to reinstate the ban of women onboard, let alone being in charge. I suspect more incidents to occur both during transit and once in the Gulf. 🛳️ 🏴‍☠️ 🚒 My 'Editor's Eye caught quite a few spelling, and punctuation errors in this chapter and a few grammar errors as well. Although there are many Apps out there that tout themselves (blow their own horns so to speak) as being ideal for proofing and editing, none are foolproof. Take the really good reviews with a large grain of salt as they may be 'self-written'. In considering Apps, from dozens available, whether those like AutoCrit, Grammarly, Hemingway (would Ernest sue if alive?), Scrivener, Vellum or many others, Caveat Emptor still applies.

Preston I am glad to see you back with some stories from down under. They are a bit of an early Christmas present. Eruption is well written so far, (giving my 'Editor's Eye' and 'Red Pencil' a rest), with very believable characters, starting with his Mom, Dad and younger brother Kit, and now we get to meet his Aunty Jos and her partner Gillian (along with some of their friends). Carson's 5-week vacation may be the start of a new chapter in his young life, but your story précis indicates that he does not decide to transfer from UNB to Darwin for a Sciences AQF. Carson instead winds up in the Canadian far north Yukon Territories where the 'Wrangell Volcanic Belt' lies adjacent to Alaska. So does 'Eruption' have more to do with his personal life or a possible volcano erupting near Whitehorse at the 'Fort Selkirk Vent' cinder dome? Hmm, can you give us any indication of the number of chapters in this story's arc? Stay Well, get your booster 'Jab' 💉so you're well protected. Tony (Anton)

Obviously Doc's appearance has changed enough since high school that Ann Marie doesn't recognize him and freak out. OR, he's kept her drugged. Hopefully Stephen's computer sleuthing 🔍 will uncover more. BUT if the town's that small or corrupt cops in on it too ? Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it?

Obviously Doc's appearance has changed enough since high school that Ann Marie doesn't recognize him and freak out. OR, he's kept her drugged. Hopefully Stephen's computer sleuthing 🔍 will uncover more. BUT if the town's that small or corrupt cops in on it too ? Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it?

Older = Hotter? Reminds me of two sayings my grandfather used about getting older, grey hair 😉 etc. "There may be snow on the roof but there's still fire in the furnace". The 2nd, "The flames in the fire may be gone, but poke the embers and see what happens" Pillow 'talk' 🥺 ? Liebe's innocence may both frustrate and amaze Ceej and Owen, but her unique outlook on life is a gift. Keep up the great chapters. BTW your good writing (and editing) is giving my 'Editor's Eye and Red Pencil a rest. Take care, Stay Safe and get your Booster. Tony B.

Others here have commented that George needs some (psychological) help. Presuming they are too young to have experienced 1939 - 1945 ( I wasn't born for another 20 yrs), or had relatives who fought or learned about it in school. So for them, there was next to NO psych counselling. Vets were maybe treated for 'Shell Shock' but other than that NOTHING. You'll note that Paul's father doesn't talk about his WW I family loss that still affects him. As for George, his suicide attempts would put him in Mental Hospital not much better that prison. If he admits his homosexuality, that CRIME in UK WOULD put him in prison for up to decades. No way out ???

Issues in Egypt, the Suez & Middle East? 'Quelle surprise'

Good to see a return visit from Alex. So he's prepped to sail back from Italy on his refitted Toodyay and a chance meeting sees him offer fellow Aussi Lang a sea trip home. Lang will have to 'Sing for his supper' to use any old saying, using his restaurant skills on board as a Steward. Let's see where this story goes. Hopefully Alex his grown up and put his often displayed 'sharp attitude' away, as it is both annoying and has cost him some friendships in the past.

Karl has had a very sheltered life. First in a foreign country, in a remote location there and without perhaps any interaction with other boys his age. Then he is sent away to the UK to escape the Nazis but cannot speak english. Now he's been forced to endure George's suicide attempt - twice! No wonder his poor mind and now body is in turmoil. Maybe he can talk to Paul?

Despite all the excellent medical attention Evan received that saved his life and (mostly) restored his face back to 'normal', the emotional / psychological minefield left behind for Evan, his Dad, Micha and all the families will last a lifetime. Hopefully The Farm at Maple Hollow and Ant Island will work their restorative magic. I foresee trips to 'talk' with Mary Ellen. As for the Press Conference and the ratbastard 'reporter' from that 'other' network? I know that Arik and Micha have something 'special' for him and his level-headed viewers. Your comments about how government 'handle' these 'events' (using their air quote buzzwords) such as Ruby Ridge and all the other 'incidents' are right on the money. It's so beyond "fustercluck", SNAFU & FUBAR or SOP that I'm not sure there's a single term or phrase to suffice. Thank you for this latest story. It is very well written / put together and I've put my Editor's Eye on pause and my Red Pencil back in the drawer (for now). Now on to the Presser...

As I was reading this chapter a 'notice' popped up on my cellphone, it was a news reminder that today (December 14th, 2021) was the 9th anniversary of the massacre at Sandy Hook elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut where 20 first graders, aged 5 to 7 years old were murdered and 6 of their teachers died trying to save those innocent souls. One child, 6-year old Jesse Lewis, saved at least 6 of his schoolmates lives telling them to run when the shooters gun jammed. But the moment the gun unjammed, Jesse was shot in the head while looking at the killer. Uncles Arik and Ethan from the Farm at Maple Hollow appear to support Evan and Micha as they deal with being gay, (luckily with family love, understanding and acceptance), but also the death of Evan's mother Mary Ellen from cancer and then the shooting at their school when Evan is shot in the face (through his mouth from cheek to cheek) and the aftermath as he is operated on top save his life. I'm hoping the healing powers of 'The Farm' can once again work its magic.

Hopefully Stephen told Randy to stop at a hotel if he get tired while driving

At this point Timothy has sufficient proof to have AM declared (at least temporarily) 'non compos mentis', which would remove all her rights to act in her own best interests. The effects on the parents and family will be great. 🥺

Ann Marie reminds me of the spoonerism about a shining whit.

Sounds like what Ann Marie told the cops and coroner when they showed up: "At least George died with a smile on his face". (Or was it a grimace from being 'rode hard and put away dead'?) Geez, did I just write that, or was it the ghost 👻 writer? Bad...

Might have to try 3rd hat. Generally it's my 'reader' hat the triggers my 'Editor's Eye and Red Pencil 📝' making me change hats. ( not to be confused with changing 🐎 in mid -stream ). 😉 It is a good story.