Anton_Cloche

Glad to hear how well TJ is doing at home. His little body movements picked up on the baby monitor sure beats a piercing wail in the middle of the night. First time that happens it will scare the rest of the boys (somehow I bet Joshie will be first to the crib, to TJ's amazement and a smile).

Canada seems to be very welcoming. Guess that's why it's American's favorite holiday destination, especially for RVers. Maybe you can put together a '5 years later' Epilogue to see where things are for Dad, Tom and Paul in the far north Arctic of Canada. You could also have them call (via landline as the Smithers in North Dakota didn't have cell phone) to see how his first two 'sons' little Jon and Ollie are doing on the farm. Just maybe, the country (U.S.) pulled together instead of falling into Civil War 2.0? A happy-ish ending? (just miss Dad - maybe Big Ron - Jon, Ollie, Paul and Tom already)

While Ben and Caleb tried to make the best of a bad situation, and knowing of the future events from 1918 to the 60's, it's clear what they longed for was never going to happen. You can't go home again.

Don't you think it's about time that Aaron gets a surprise when 'Uncle' Nat returns from his next trip to the UK? Accompanying Nat are two young 'baggage handlers' - Aaron's two younger step-brothers, who we know dearly love their 'big brother'. They've come for a short school break to see Aaron.

212 years later (1808 if you're wondering), and the old axiom still holds as strong as spider's silk... "O what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive". Those lines mean 'a complex, difficult, confusing situation'. (From Sir Walter Scott 's epic poem Marmion of 1808 ) Tell Kevin? And rip apart his world. For what? If he was deathly ill and needed a kidney or transfusion, AND Anthony's paternity was proven he was the only match, yes. But to assuage his mother's feelings. Hell to the NO! But Wombats (Warren?) are not cute, cuddly little things. They scratch, and bite, and are very mercurial. Which is to say I suspect this fictional tale is about take a turn. Or not? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ps: Despite what I've just said about these little creatures, I have to give them a proverbial pat on the head. In the last two years, their relentless digging ever deeper underground in search of water and cooler safety from the horrible wildfires above, and their surprising willingness to allow other endangered species to shelter in their burrows and share water, has saved many other fauna from certain death.

Interesting chapter. If things went sideways bad enough in the US, (including Alaska which has always been a 'prime' target) being 'North of 60' brings harsh conditions. 'Year-Round' roads (paved & gravel) only recently reached the northern-most city (Tuktoyaktuk) in Nunavut. Everything north of 60 generally costs a minimum of 3x the cost in the lower 49. 1 gal milk $12. So Dad, Paul and little Tom will face no small amount of hardship, once their 'stored' foods etc runs out. Hopefully this story will include a '5-years later' Epilogue to see how Dad and his two sons are doing.

First stop on waking up from a 3-hour 'black out'? Emergency Room to see if I'd had a stroke or other medical incident. Run some blood tests, head CT plus ultrasound or x-ray for a not insignificant incision on the scrotum. (Theme music from original Rod Sirling Twilight Zone). Ooooooh

Love your different Halloween stories Bill. Not every Halloween tale has to be scary, or horror filled (apologies to King). They can be mind boggling, or even somewhat humorous. So I'm looking forward to more tricks and treats from you before All Hallows Eve. Thank you. Tony

While 'no means no', don't forget we're talking about teens, and probably not as experienced. In light of comments that seem confused over whom the aggressor of Paul was, I re-read that whole section, again. First it was, "...when Paul said rather loud, "Easy T o r n, you'll rip me apart." , which to me is clear that T o r n. (the new Inuit youth passenger) was fucking Paul. And it may have been a more aggressive coupling and a larger penis with T o r n being an older teen. That seems borne out when Paul says to our still un-named driver, (AHEM, who wasn't properly introduced to the Smithers), : "I know, I didn't think it would hurt as it did. When T o m does it, it doesn't hurt...." It was cleared up at the end of this chapter when driver (now called 'Dad') said to Paul: "No, TORN will clean them, (the fish), as an apology to you." Now that that's hopefully cleared up, and we know what happened to U.S. East coast (guessing similar obliteration of west coast), on to the next chapter and arrival in Nunavut? FYI, while this story is Fiction, it's important to bear in mind certain things. Radioactive Fallout tends to follow prevailing winds (in Northern Hemisphere including U.S.) generally, but not always, follow West to East until it falls to earth affecting flora, fauna, water supply etc, both 'at level' (rivers, lakes, streams, fields etc) and ground source (water wells, aquifers etc). This is especially important to those, like Torn's indigenous people, who live 'off the land'. (NOT a political statement)

Glad to hearJon's grandparents Ephraim and Emily Smithers are not only safe, but also well-prepared with Grandpa's mountain shelter. Also glad Ollie decided to stay and be a brother for Jon. Now up Rte 3 to International Peace Garden entry to Manitoba Canada (See - Eh, En - Eh, Dee - Eh) for Paul, Tom and their savior / RV driver 'Sir'. On the fictional road again.

That's assuming Jon's grandparents are still alive. Many people forget that both Dakota's had a huge number of missile silos, not just the MM-II (MinuteMan II) that were Offensive & Defensively by design. In fact, "North Dakota holds enough nuclear power / missiles in hidden underground silos to be considered one of the most powerful places in the world". This is why the Dakota's large farms were considered both primary and secondary targets (for what potentially lay beneath the corn fields etc) along with Detroit, Chicago, etc.

Hmm. Kevin Rosetti vs Covid? Don't think he would blame his father (because he never knew), but his feelings towards his mum and grandparents for the cover up? That's a BIG ask.

Ahhh. Relief that comes from a story taking a proper turn. Now that you've lead us down this path, let's see if it goes straight on, or hits a fork in the road. Nice to see Sam and Emma Davidson will be around "for a few weeks" of transition from BBH to BBL, but Andrew (via Paul) will have to make a clean break from the past to a new future for the Lodge. Looking forward to the next chapters. Stay Safe. Tony

Ooh. This Prologue seems unfortunately to be a prelude to places we don't want to go or be. Where evil begets evil. One only hopes salvation and/or redemption survives, even if only a faint ember.

Nelson Muntz? (couldn't resist)

Worse than a gift-wrapped box with nothing inside. Hopefully back soon.

Bill, another great chapter! Grandpa Josh doing what he's always done.. making sure the boys (in this case TJ) get home safe and sound. TJ is coming in to a family full of love and everyone willing and eager to help (Wyatt especially so, but very patient as I think he recognizes how fragile TJ is). Keep up the great story-telling. You're very much like the First Nations / Native American / Aboriginals tradition of Oral History tellers. Hope your health is improving (or at least not getting worse). Stay Safe. Socially Distant (a long handled broom length) and please #WearTheMask. Don't forget to VOTE. Best regards Tony

Marvelous first chapter Andre ! Looking forward to what's next.

Marvelous first chapter Andre. Starts in present day, steps back in time to catch up on where it all began for Andrew and Ryan; the unfortunate death of Andrew's parents (setting the financial stage), and has the young men head back to South Africa. Obviously the comforting words "Strong Love" by Sister Katerina to Ryan as he sees Andrew off at the airport, stays in his mind when he reunites with Andrew. After all their sailing yacht is named the Belle Catherine. Andre, as for you turning 30 chapters into 2 books? As an editor, the word count/length of this chapter is just right for an easy read. If the remaining chapters are about the same length, breaking it into Book I and Book II could work if there's a 'natural break'. A trip to Canada in chapter 15 or 16 could provide that. Speaking of their trip to experience the Rockies and Banff, many in the travel and tourism industry (including yacht operators) make that a research trip. If that chapter hasn't been 'put to bed' / finalized, perhaps you'll have Andrew and Ryan take the overnight FPW Rocky Mountaineer* train to Banff? (First Passage West -Vancouver to Banff) * www.rockymountaineer.com Although I have cousins in Cape Town, Joburg and Durban I've yet to visit South Africa. Once C-19 is resolved and travel is opened up? In the meantime, Stay Safe, 2m Distant (7 empty Lanzerac Cab Sauv & Viognier bottles laid on side ) and #WearTheMask. Take Care Tony

Thank you. Pictures 1 and 2 (2 having removed 'sample' piece), very closely resembles my late Mom's 'Lattice Work' pie recipe. Dough strips usually about 1/2" apart, gives you 8 strips across in both directions. BUT, as these pictures correctly show, dough strips MUST BE INTERWOVEN. (Unlike many cooks today that simply lay flat on top. Remember, a feast for the eyes is a feast for your tongue). Interwoven crust takes skill, patience, and a little more time. That allows for juices to bubble up without blowing out the sealed edge. Pie crust also worked for Mom's award winning 'Seasonal Pies' including: Strawberry-Rhubarb, Wild Blueberry (smaller berries with more INTENSE flavour), and my all-time favourite Peach Cream Pie... Oh My! Just remember, the most important ingredient is the LOVE baked in! Wrong way. Correct Way

Well baked chapter. Some 'secret ingredients' revealed (Sasha's background). Tasty! Now, can we see a picture of Billy's Apple Pie? Hasn't been visible (on any platform).

Once again CL you're all over the map. In other words, you're: (a) confounding; (b) misdirecting; (c) beyond vague; (d) all the above. Pick 1 that works. Cap & Bob are "firm mates" in Florida college, despite 7-year age gap. Cap's a gazillionaire pilot / Pirate / private caribbean island owner based on 8 previous generations ancestor who "had amassed a fortune of 120 Million dollars... in the 1600's". Considering most of that 'booty' was likely in Gold and silver coins or bullion, that's equivalent to Billion$ today. Cap 'apparently' has no 'home' on his island, but uses original 1600's pirate ship as home, albeit retrofitted over the 400+ years. His 'concern' about Bob checking out the island, including under water, leads me to believe there are (like Barbados and neighboring islands) underwater access to 'hidden caves, grottos etc, some of which could be 'homes' ala Batcave. Cap has no living relatives (really?) OR, is he a 'daywalker' who has lived for generations (like Lestat)? Welcome to (nee nee, nee nee music) a Twilight Zone. Bob and merman Vic. Could be a nice innocent hookup cooked up by Cap? Let's sea what's next.

Wow! It seems like Jason's put himself between a rock and a hard place. Joanna's like a harpy siren that used to call sailors to disaster. But rather than luring her own seaman Paul back to her depths, she's out trawling for bigger fish, and she seems to have set her hooks on Jason's 8 (pack). Can't imagine Paul's reaction to her hooped nipples (if she gets them pierced). This isn't some 'star kissed' romance, and somebody will be 'Colleen' out for help, with no safety nets. It's a reel interesting tail. (All puns intended, hook, line and sink her).

ewe half to love predictions spelling apes almond as much as spelt czech. (Monday humour) NRN (No Reply Needed)

If you keep on writing like this you might have me running out of superlatives. But wait* Donnie and Denny's history with dumpster diving to find food, before Jin found and saved them, will always be with them. That's what drew Donnie to feed the little brother, sister and their father, while giving them a job during the fare* so it doesn't feel so much like charity to their dad. (A father needs a little pride). Having Andre return will help Jim over time. * But wait? I've noticed some recurring spelling errors. Most notably (and frequently) using 'fare' when you mean 'fair. This is something that most editing and spell check Apps miss, since that words are correctly spelled but the context is incorrect. Older, more experienced 'print' editors tend to find these errors faster, whereas 'Millennial' editors who use more 'txt' shortcuts due to technospeak are more likely to not 'see' them at all. This by the way is NOT criticism. It's observation (and hopefully 'a learning moment'). M'eh