Mancunian

The best part of their good fortune is the friendships and bonds that are being formed, something that money cannot buy.

There are hopes for this venue to re-open in the new year. 🤞

Most shelters for homeless people do their best to help and support people in finding accommodation and employment and importantly regain their pride and dreams. As I was once told - give a man a fish he will feed his family for a day, give him a fishing rod and teach him to fish and he will feed his family for life.' There is a lot of truth to be found in that phrase.

You're right Doc, good fortune is smiling down on them in many ways. Of course, it will take hard work, but then it is worth it and you will always value something more if you have to work for it. The show isn't too far away, but it's not tomorrow either, lol.

A lot has changed in Manchester over the years, but it is also fair to say that a lot is still the same. It all depends on just where you are and your perspective. The City Centre has undergone the biggest change and it is set to change again. Despite the changes, I hope that you are enjoying the story and the occasional trip down memory lane.

I think we need some recipes. 😀

I'm praying that Charlie and Michael's streak of luck holds out. The New Boot is trying to continue with the same values as its predecessor, so far other stories tell us they are. There are a lot of good caring people about, Stacy and Co showcase this well, but we can always use more.

We don't have too long to wait and find out. I wonder if Michael will meet all of the family at his interview.

I love the picture and the way all of the boys are looking up to the guitarist. I hadn't noticed they are all blonde until you pointed it out, is AI developing a preference?

I love this comment. I would like to add my thanks to those who do what they can to help homeless people, whether it be by giving time or money and in some cases both. I would ask that if you can do so, please give them a 'hand up' too, you could change a life for the better.

🤞

I love the comments and speculations. Now keep that tape where it is.

Michael is doing his best to grab opportunities when they arise, his 'on stage' confidence will hopefully help him gain more confidence. I'm hoping the interview with Mr Ian and Mr Kevin goes well, Benjamin already senses something, so let's hope they sense it too.

Brad and Charlie are at a good starting point, I don't want either of them to rush the other and spoil it, but will they listen to me? 🤞Charlie's decision to quit smoking makes sense, finances have prevented him from smoking and the break from it now makes it distasteful to him. I think Brad's decision is based on his infatuation with Charlie so I wish him success in giving up. Michael is making sensible decisions, I'm sure that Gramps and his new friends have been a good influence there and I'm happy that readers are wishing him success. Harry is still recovering and has a long way to go. If he paces himself without rushing he should be good, I think Charlie and Michael will keep an eye on him. I think Brad and Harry's conversation was good for both of them and I hope helps them both heal. Fair and fireworks do sound like good fun, I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully, we will find out more about Adele and Sue in future chapters.

I had a lot of fun writing Brad and Charlie's scene, it feels natural to me so I'm glad that you enjoyed it too. It's great to see so many readers rooting for Michael with his job application, no experience is sometimes a great asset. Thank you for the picture @Albert1434, I love it.

Charlie and Michael will grow and gain more confidence over time, How much time no one can answer as it is different for everyone. As you rightly say good friends can help them to overcome their insecurities by standing by them. 🤞 I've still got my fingers crossed for Charlie and Brad, I hope they don't try rushing things. Michael is showing his talent, could he make a living from it? Will his interview work out? The answers are in the future. Like most in their situation, they would benefit more from a 'hand-up' rather than a 'handout'.

Looking up, and on the way up. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it remains that way. 🤞

Thank you my friend, as always your support is appreciated.

Kenny's uncle and aunt stooped to a low that no one should stoop to. I think Kenny's interests will be looked after as best as possible given the circumstances. The Major's PTSD is from his military service and is clearly exacerbated by his drinking. It is possible that there could other hidden consequences and he does need professional help and support. Jeff is qualified and may take on that role to help The Major.

My guess is Kenny's speech was fine until he lost his parents, his uncle and aunt do not sound like good people to me, somebody needs to look into matters, and quickly. Becky and Jim have good appetites and Becky is eating for two, lol. But my guess is the breakfast was smaller than it sounds. The single red rose is symbolic and touching and considering the budget they would have to live on I think it was a romantic gesture by Jim.

'Prison Justice' as it is known is not the same as justice in the courts and is sometimes carried out without concern for a person's past, it is frowned upon and always investigated not always with any success. Now we will never know about the two men's past. It is a welcome surprise for The Major, I'd guess that his mental health was the main reason for not knowing of it. He will look after those he feels are deserving, but he is no easy touch which is good or he could be taken advantage of.

Thank you for the kind comments. I'm happy that you find it easy to read and enjoy. I enjoyed writing it and found that some parts were easy to write and flowed easily, some parts were difficult to write for various reasons but the writing was still a pleasure. The Major is one of those characters that stands out, once seen never forgotten. He has an 'air' about him which could be a trait from his military days, but he was always a gentleman no matter how bad things got. William Matthews and his cohort will be dealt with, but it may surprise you.

I'm off to my regular Tuesday appointment now so I'll catch up with comments later.

If we had rock spiders in the UK I'm sure that someone would find a way to introduce them to some prison inmates. Graham Peterson gets pushed to one side in this story as other events overshadow him. But we can hope that he meets Bubba, lol. Many arguments are stupid, and this one definitely was. I think it will all work out in the end. I love meat and could never give it up, but I do enjoy the occasional veggie meal, they can be very tasty. Gammon is another variant on pork as is ham and bacon, not to everyones taste but popular with a lot of meat eaters.

Thank you @JohnnyC for clearing that up. It is probably the appearance of characters in multiple stories that caused the confusion. Merry Christmas to you too and to all of my readers.