Anton_Cloche

Great chapter! What a joy to have an errant children return home and be grateful for being welcome. (Ackkk. Sorry got choked up on sarcasm). Anything I could say would be superfluous to comments already made by others.

Another really good chapter and ending with an interesting not quite 'cliff hanger' Cal. Nor are you "giving away the farm" (those unfamiliar with the phrase will find definition online), but Donnie sent a clear message to Tim to buy it. I suspect the Parker's will also include the goat cheese recipe in the sale. drsawzall suggested 'Conservation Easement in Perpetuity' is a good idea. Another would be to create a 'Legacy Trust' which accomplishes the same but so much more tying the 'farm estate' to the family (and designated 'heirs' if Tim & Stephen chose to adopt children 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 instead of surrogacy). As for who's going to 'run' the farm (and associated farm product sales ~ Donnie's Heavenly Goat Cheese ~ it could use Agriculture College Co-Op students (usually with a government grant and/or business tax credit) until Randy graduates. Tim and/or Stephen can have their office at the farm. Options abound if you know where to look, and both Tim & Stephen have plenty of vision. Continuing Stephen's (Sr and Jr) and Gramp's theme of conservation; covering the farm building roofs with either solar shingles or panels could generate surplus energy to feed back to 'the Grid', as will installing wind turbines, resulting with the farm being effectively 'Net-Zero', and an example (via the Ag-College & Gov't) for 'Future Farming Today'*. * ©️ TM *Just some random ideas from my company.

Well some 'interesting' info on Tim's older sister Ann Marie. At 20 years older than Tim, she marries a man 30 years older thereby not concerned about children to diminish her share of his estate when he dies (and at 70 vs her 40 he's - to quote Bob Dylan - Knockin on Heaven's Door). She's just bidding her time. But want to bet she's got an (evil?) eye 👀 on Gramp's companies and money? And probably her Dad's too. Better hide the good silverware if she comes to visit.

Ah yes, the missing sister. Sometimes siblings can be the rose, the thorns or the fertilizer. As my Brit cousins would say, "She's a bloomin _______". "Tune in tomorrow, same time, same channel" 😉

Another good chapter Cal. I noticed 👀 a few minor spelling and punctuation errors. In paragraph 6 Tim is talking to Stephen about "... Gramps’s project for you?” The correct use of a possessive for a word ending in 's' is to just add an apostrophe, in that case it is Gramps' project. In the next sentence Stephen replies: “It’ll take me away from a chip I was working on. I want to finish that project first.” I'm not sure if 'chip' was supposed to be 'project'? Otherwise it seems that Randy has become Stephen and Tim's unofficial adopted 'son'. With no reaction from Mrs. Olman (?), are we to assume she's acceptable to that if her health is waning? In previous chapters there's been reference to Randy possibly being adopted by Stephen's parents. Or am I getting ahead of things? (Oops?). 😉 Keep up the writing Cal, I can't get enough of your heartwarming stories. Thank You. Tony (B)

The father 'saying' he was taking the pickup truck away from his son who threatened Tim and Stephen is good IF "actions speak louder than words". The concern is if that happened, does it put Tim and Stephen in that neandrothal's tiny homophobic brain as a target again? As for receptionist Mrs. Garfield, since she is the first 'public' face of Gramps' company to greet / welcome people when they walk in the door, she needs to be escorted out that door for good. No one should be made to use a "back door" to avoid a situation.

Both Stephen Sr and Cramps are old enough to tell Claire "Don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out". Of course they probably wouldn't to avoid a harassment suit. My grandpa used to say the middle of that word oftimes describes the person filing the suit. 😆 Another good chapter Cal. Keep them coming. and Stay Well.

Whether Donnie was really behind the priest, smiling as Timothy and Stephen were married, or only in Tim's imagination, it's comforting to both guys that Donnie is on their side. Perhaps Donnie will also watch over Randy once the newlyweds move. Timothy giving his old car to Randy ensures he and his mother will have transportation when they need it. Timothy's Dad having 'the talk' with him about being a responsible driver, shows they'll watch over Randy and his Mom. So now that Tim and Stephen are back from their honeymoon 👨‍❤️‍👨, let's see what happens next.

Although the chapters are short, they do move the story forward quickly. One item to note is the correct spelling of the Princess' surname. Historically and to this day, whether amongst aristocracy or non-royals, women's last names end with the special grammatical feature – gender. In brief, this means, that you add a special letter to all feminine words. For most names, it is “a”. The same grammar rule was used in the Old Slavonic, the ancestor of Russian language.Therefore, all Russian female surnames ('family' name) end with the letter 'a'. Accordingly, as Princess Agnia's late husband was Prince Gabrelyanov, she would be called Princess Gabrelyanova.

Another wonderful chapter Cal, but is the last line “Yes, unfortunately, it will be the last time we make this run." a cliffhanger or simply an acknowledgement that school as over? Donnie's appearance in both Stephen & Timothy's dreams promises Tim's passed the bar exam and a glimpse into their future including a baby he (Donnie) asked to be named Donald. I'm thinking Donald Stephen would be nice. 🚼 As we celebrate Remembrance / Veteran's Day, 🌺 I hope you are keeping well. Tony (Anton).

Another good chapter. Princess and dark-haired courtier (?) next door give Alexei something to think and dream about. When Alexei heads over to deliver his mother's invitation for the princess to come for tea, he might check to make sure the door is only slightly open (ajar) and not a container "... a jar" as indicated in the last paragraph. Only oops that stood out. Thanks for reminding me of the other spelling of 'swop'. My relatives will be on me about forgetting.

Keith, an interesting 'period' story set in pre-Bolshevik Russia and told from Alexei's perspective. As for posting it one chapter at a time, that's the best way to build reader loyalty. But I suggest finish the story completely and then post a chapter daily or weekly. I'm sure you've starting reading other stories only to have them abruptly stop, never to be finished for various reasons. A Russian Summer so far as well written with only one spelling error catching my 'Editor's Eye' in paragraph 6 where you wrote: "... My father had us swop the city apartment for a wooden house..." And I'm certain you meant 'swap'. One suggestion I make to authors, writers, journalists, their editor(s), proofreaders et al, especially if they're posting online, is to beware of three writing 'aides' that are most often the cause of errors. First' turn off or disable 'Predictive Spelling'. It's often either correcting to American spelling or substituting words not intended. Second, using 'Spell Check' Apps for the same reasons as above. Third, turn off or disable 'Grammarly' and similar Apps because they're often created by developers / companies located where English is not their native tongue. They get spelling, grammar, context and more wrong. If using these Apps, make sure your proofreaders have the background to accurately do they job right the first time. Finally, when your work has been 'gone over', take time to proofread it yourself, ideally in a quiet place. If something catches your eye, trust your instincts and check again. Looking forward to seeing how this story unfolds. Tony (Anton)

Karl is slowly learning some English in the way many foreigner do, through watching, listening and interpreting what is occuring. It's a long, slow and tedious process, but Karl's not stupid.

Karl would be exempt from being 'enlisted' to fight for the British for three main reasons. First he doesn't exist as far as the government is concerned having entered illegally. Second, the Brits weren't returning or interning refugees. Third, although there was conscription of men 18 to 41 years old, you had to have rudimentary English language skills to speak and understand orders (which is why Welsh regiments had a hard time forming). Karl would not fit that requirement. As for why Paul or anyone else failed to seek out translation help, perhaps that's coming? I do know primary language conversion dictionaries in Britain pre-WWII were for French and German (from which 'Englishc' was derived in the 5th century from the 'Angles' tribe of Germany not the 'Saxons' as commonly thought).

LittleCherryBlossom26, just a couple of errors in this chapter. In your prelude / introduction you wrote: 'Take care ans stay safe! ' and obviously you meant 'and'. In the 7th paragraph you referred to Mrs Hopkins, missing the 'period' after Mrs. Punctuation is one thing most grammar Apps mess up as their creators, for the majority, are not located in English language nations. (Read any instruction booklet or manual for product's made overseas and you'll see examples of that). Tony.

Hello LittleCherryBlossom26: Please continue writing and posting your story. As a (former) editor, writer, journalist I am finding it will written, especially as a 'period' (historical era) piece, with few grammar, spelling, punctuation or context errors. One thing I will suggest is that if English is not your native (first) language, that your turn off 'Predictive Spelling' 'Spell Check' and even 'Grammarly' as they are not foolproof. If you chose to use them (or similar Apps), choose settings that allow them to 'suggest' changes (usually highlighted) but not automatically make changes. Finally, just continue to proofread before posting (and listen to the little voice in your head that tells you when something doesn't seem right. That instinct is usually correct). If I run across anything I will let you know, (if there's a lot, I would notify you by DM rather than 'broadcast' to the wider audience). Tony (Anton)

My GrandUncle fought in WWII and told us some 'Annexed' countries Embassies remained open in London but certain staff were replaced by Germans already in UK. (That would change when Britain entered the war). So it is possible Mr. Hopkins could have checked that out (with suspicion and caution) or checked about to see if he could locate someone who spoke Danish. As for foreign language dictionaries my uncle said they were "rare as hen's teeth".

Mother Dearest is more concerned about 'Putting on Airs' and having heirs (grandchildren) to show off. Stephen being gay, and having the audacity to get married would publicly disgrace her. Aww 😱 Did the elder Stephens pass down a common gene? Daddy issues?

Glad to know you've been hard at work on this story and then next, but unless I'm wrong (been known to happen occasionally 😉...) I seriously think one of your "spin off stories... where Jamie is in the background", should be the story of how two people from different backgrounds met at Duke University in the 1960's (?). That's right, the Spencer Prequel of how Kate and Robert met. Their family backgrounds, falling in love, graduating and starting a family Down Under. This could be a 10 (or so) chapter story that seques into Jamie's story. That way we have the family history Part I, 'Jamie' effectively is Part II, and Part III (IV...) could be 20+ years after 'Jamie', with his and Ben's 4 children off to college and (sadly) Kate joining Rob. Offered from this freelance Editor / writer for your consideration, or not. Speaking of editing, few spelling, grammar or context issues to bring up, other than two in your reply. "développement" instead of 'development' and "story’s" instead of 'stories'. Possibly 'AutoCorrect' or 'Predictive spelling? Or you accidentally switched to French keyboard? Or another option is you are an un auteur Français ? 😉 Cheers. ttfn

John, while I know this current story of Jamie is going to conclude, hopefully it won't be 'The End'. You've left more than a few exposed threads to pull on (like those on a knitted jumper) or an ember that a Firie like Jamie would try to extiquish before it becomes a 🔥. Like future children from him and Ben via a surrogate (Hailey as she's more 'easy going' versus 'intense' Steph 😉). I was sad to see Jamie's beloved friend / Dad die, but I suspected it was coming when he told Jamie (in a previous chapter) about a "intense sudden headache behind my ear, but I took a couple of paracetamol", and Jamie didn't pick up the clue. Thank you.

Glad to see Randy's straight A's report card, thanks to Stephen and Timothy's tutoring. But also their being Big Brothers supporting him.🫂 A child in 7th grade shouldn't have the weight of the world as it were on their shoulders. 😟 Randy and his mother are getting the help they so desperately need, and hopefully she continues to do well. With Stephen and Timothy entering their final year, hopefully they'll stay in town, both for themselves and Randy. 🙏

Tim and Stephen helping Randy Andy his ailing mother is not only the right thing to do, it also shows the empathy and compassion they both have and share. While I hope for a happy story, I fear Randy's mother may take a turn. Hope I'm wrong. Another good story Cal, stay well. Tony B

First thought as Bill was describing the serial killer role Connor would be playing was maybe your 'inspiration', was John Wayne Gacy. 😠 Creepy as Hell

Bill. Thank you for this brief Halloween story. While not scary, Scott 'visiting' Det Jeremy was a little spooky. But I think Scott was just searching for love and support after he was killed that his 'father' never did once he discovered Scott 'might' be gay (because at Scott's young age most boys experiment). It's sad that Scott wasn't able to 'move on' after his death 😇. Perhaps he couldn't get enough love to let him leave. The sad reality is that there are 10's of thousands, perhaps millions of LGBTQ+ teens in the streets alone, unloved (not necessarily sexually), hungry and in need of shelter every night in America and around the world. 🫂

Had to search a bit. According to Wikipedia the 1938 book became a Broadway 'Black Comedy' play financed by Boris Karloff (actor who played original Frankenstein monster). It became a movie in 1944 also starring Boris Karloff. In 1962 it was turned into a NBC-TV movie. You might find it online or on TCM (Turner Classic Movies). Thanks for the 'homework' 😉