spyke

Pine pollen storm yesterday. Every time the wind blew there was so much pollen that it got foggy outside. More of the same today. Last year wasn't as bad but spring started at the end of January and didn't really let up until mid May. This year it's kicking my tail.

I'm sorry for your loss Fae. Take care of yourself.

First Date. Yep, that's exactly what this was, a First Date. No, not in the traditional sense of the term, but nothing about our world has been "traditional" for a very long time. You and Kevin got to experience a small bit of normalcy and you so deserve that. Thanks for sharing. It made me smile and gave me a glimmer of hope that we're on the path that will lead us out of this nightmare.

This doesn't read all that well. LOL

Was that just a breeze that I felt or was it a @Mrsgnomiemonkey wrench flying through the air? 🤣 Methinks there's drama ahead.....

I don't think that it was a deliberate snub, but rather that @Mark Arbour must start preparing for La fête du quatorze juillet very early on since it is such an important and all consuming yearly event. He simply overlooked it. 🤣

Adorable but also very telling. And I think they told Seamus a lot.

You brought Tonto back to us even if only in spirit. Thank you. She was one of my favorite characters. Will has certainly taken a major leap forward in maturity gauging by his measured reactions to Cecil and the way he handled things. But it's nice that the old Will is still there smoking weed and sucking face with a new guy. LOL. I'm thinking a 3-way is coming soon. Thanks for the great chapter Mark.

We're twinning molly! I got my first vaccine last Thursday too. Other than a little soreness in my arm that was gone by the next morning, no other side effects.

That just sucks. By all reports that I've seen, it's really difficult to get vaccinated in FL. Hearing stories like this make me realize how blessed I was to be an only child. I did what I thought was best for my parents and that was that. I wish you peace and calm over the next few days.

My thoughts exactly. But I would think that Seamus would have to tread very carefully given that he's the owner and Matt's an employee. That could be a lawsuit waiting to happen. I'm really enjoying this story @Mrsgnomie. 2 chapters and I'm already hooked!

Oz is overrated and Raleigh is much closer to you. We also have kick ass barbecue, beautiful beaches and stunning mountains in NC.

Non-practicing/participating Catholic here, but there are some things that are just part of my being; fish on Fridays is one of them. But, I like fish and eat it at least 2x a week, so it really isn't any sort of "sacrifice" for me. @Mikiesboy--Those are some mouthwatering macaroons that you've made and the mitered blanket looks amazing. Can't wait to see yours when it's done.

I have my dad's carving knife. It's very long and thin and is about 1 1/2 inches in height. If you're patient, you can cut paper thin slices of ham. YUM!! Oh and kbois, why do you have a crackpot in your house? Don't you have enough of them at work? 🤣

Kitchen Aid stand mixer born in 1987. It has never failed and you can get a good arm workout just by lifting it. I can tell when dough is ready simply by the sound that it makes when the dough hook throws it against the metal bowl. If I move, it moves with me. Instant Pot is a runner up, but that's saying a lot.

Thanks for the update Mark. No apologies necessary. I'm glad you've recovered and I hope for a speedy and complete recovery for Peter.

Ain't that the truth!

Your sister is wrong and you are right. There I said it. I'm sure that you've heard that old expression of catching more flies with honey rather than vinegar right? I'm sure that @kbois will back me up when I say that if you act like a jerk to repair folks, you get put at the bottom of the list the next time you need something. But if you treat vendors with respect and kindness, they remember and go out of their way when you need them. I did property management years ago and I called my HVAC vendor on an emergency because one of my tenants who was elderly had no heat and it was freezing outside. That vendor left his Sunday church service to go and get her heat fixed. Guess who I called when I needed to have my home systems and ductwork replaced? Yep, he got the job. Sounds like your sister might be a bit misguided in her thought process.

This decision is easier than you think. The first one who can handle and permanently get rid of your crazy "open the pool at dawn for me" resident gets the job. Let them have at it. 🤣

And just what exactly is the down side to this? 🤣

Future in-law drama...UGGH!! These boys need to go ahead and fly to Vegas and hit the Elvis wedding chapel. That would certainly take care of all the parental interference and most definitely frost some nuts. LOL! Another great chapter @Laura S. Fox

I think your writer's instinct led you in the right direction with the way you approached this chapter. Too much detail would have just been jarring and almost like it would have been meant to be another book. Now, I'm not saying that another book featuring Mamma G's back story and the year and a half of Lee's working for her would be a bad thing (hint, hint). And Avery becoming a trucker?? You just won't do Mr. Gray, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks for another amazing addition to the Camp Refuge story.

If you do a couple of Reddi-wip shots, you don't get a hangover from wine. 🤣

@Story Reader-- Hate that you're going through all of this. Family dynamics can be difficult and at times they just downright suck. Take care of yourself and know that we're here for you when you need a shoulder.

I will proudly stand right next to you and admit my own guilt to this heinous behavior. 🤣 Seamus reminds me of someone with his squigglies sticking up off his head... Oh yeah, looks like me in the morning! LOL I'd purchase both of them if you put them on Etsy.