Rigby Taylor

Twenty years of failure had not diminished my grandparents’ hopes of biblical fruitfulness, evidenced by the rosary-wrapped box on top of the fridge containing a photo of the Pope, a tear-splashed prayer, and a plastic box containing a syringe, needles and a dozen vials of a substance guaranteed to produce iron hard erections in even the most recalcitrant penis. Unfortunately, the makers of this wondrous potion were unable to also guarantee conception, so by the age of forty-two, husband and wif

Genetic manipulation could have unforeseen consequences.

And I thank you for reading and commenting so intelligently. As you say - the agony was worth it - no pain, no gain. 😍

Oh dear!!!! mea culpa... indeed she works - hard! 10,000 apologies to every stay-at-home hard-working mother. That was my mother and I still feel it is the reason I am such a well-balanced, happy, successful person [smiles modestly] Seriously, it is the best thing any child can have - to arrive home from school - or anywhere - to a clean, organised house with a mother waiting who is interested in her offspring's day, and offering a biscuit and glass of milk. My intentions were honourable, your Honour; I meant not a mother who works outside the home for someone else to make money because her partner's wages are so low they can't exist unless she does.. that sort of thing. Yes, Peter and Jon are a devious pair.

I suggest you stop worrying - it's ageing.

Your giffs didn't appear. I love Lida so am pleased you like them too. btw... Did you know that 'hopefully' is an adverb? [off topic]I've just learned that Jeff Bezoz makes over eleven million dollars per hour, while his lowest aid worker makes twelve. Capitalism - ain't it great?

... I'm a teacher at heart and see one function of the creative enterprise known as 'Art', to leave the reader/viewer/listener not only entertained, but also better armed to cope with the vicissitudes of life. Life is short. Humans are not that complicated. Foolish beliefs, irrational moral precepts, irrelevant customs and conventions, a rigid adherence to ideas about what one can and cannot say to others.... so many things prevent honest discourse. While I agree with your statement - "People with good intentions and flawed behaviors should probably aim to find a partner with a similar number of flaws, and practice patience with them in exchange for patience in return." The serious flaw in that idea is that very, very few people are aware of their own behavioural flaws, partly because it is considered impolite to tell them, and child psychologists insist that every child is an individual masterpiece, not to be constrained by petty conformity. I suspect the reason so many 'literary' masterpieces revolve around unresolved character flaws is because the writers are unable to come up with an interesting plot. Personal problems are serious and one should never simply say, "Get over it!" but....... and as usual I'm raving.

I travelled a fair bit and holidayed in France before London, but didn't go to live there until after the Camp Schools in Scotland.

Yes - it's so important to be absolutely sure of where you stand in a relationship; ignorance is not bliss - it's insecurity - the opposite of what a good loving relationship should provide. I've noticed that some women like to keep their men guessing. It may work for heterosexuals, but is lethal for M/M relationships.

Whadaya mean? About as productive as you could have hoped? Are you insinuating my young men are useless? It's OK for you to have a cool and analytical mind when sitting on the sidelines but I bet you'd just scream in an emergency... The young men can be very charmingly persuasive - I'm sure they'll get the JP to assist again...

Mmmm... Scumble's down, but not yet out, I fear.

A very fine analysis, NimiRaj. Thanks.

Surely Peter will attempt to save him? After all they have drunk each other's blood - so there's an obligation.

Your fears are not groundless.... but surely they won't do anything silly?

Light romances? You? Never! You are far too sensible and worldly wise. Hang on to your paranoia - it's your inbuilt survival kit - but never let it paralyze you.😎

Yes, in-laws are always a problem - not that the Alconas are really in-laws, nor are Peter and Jon married - but the situation's the same - will my family and friends like my boy/girlfriend and what will I do if they don't?. Troubles press in indeed! Perhaps they should just give up.

Thanks for appreciating the repartee - Do you have a third eye? You see danger everywhere - surely they'll be safe with Hank? You can't think.... shock horror!

I don't recall Patrick getting shot - must be getting old. If we all got what we deserve then it might be even worse - depending on who's judging. We have poisonous snakes and a nasty bush/tree that stings and kills if you're not careful. Getting lost and dying of thirst is the most common problem in forests and the outback.

But Miss, he didn't realise the pleasant man was nasty. He's too innocent for this world. Why is it always the rich that gets the gravy and the poor that take the blame?😥

How indeed? thanks for allowing yourself to become involved in these questions - makes me feel good - even though predicted rain hasn't fallen. Guess I shouldn't have cleaned the gutters and tank filters. Be unprepared - that seems to be the trigger for something good to happen - the 'gods' love to disappoint.

Some of his childhood programming - yes, that's the word - 'some' - most of it we can never free ourselves from - a good thing if we have good parents - not good if we don't.

You like Frances? Trust her? How interesting. I was an Art teacher for years - constantly astonished at the bizarre justifications for presenting infantile pap as deeply meaningful responses to current sociologically psychological mindless......etc... 😎

Oh very droll! Surely they will just settle down and live happily ever after - what can go wrong now?

Thanks for your kind words. Yes, Jon's a beaut.

Me straightforward? How can you doubt it?