BlueWindBoy

Maine hunting shoes—CJ thought they were the perfect shoes for when he had to trudge through wet or snow-covered sidewalks on his walk to and from campus. -- WHAT??!! Owen hasn't forced him into a pair of Blundstones or Redbacks or Mongrels or Baxters? Where is his OZ self-respect? And JFC! When did Hudson Bay blankets get to be so goddamned expensive? $700 for a king size?! mood swings . . . He gets weepy, and the rest of the day he’s useless -- welcome to the world of rehabilitation, post-traumatic stress, and clinical depression. And good on Patrick for giving up the summer to spend with Brad. French Jesuits started the first permanent European settlement here. But the English burned it down. I’m glad the Brits didn’t pull the same shit with GU -- No the GU students burned down Catholic University when it was founded because graduate level theology was removed from the GU plate, and because it threatened GU's post-Civil War expansion.

Hendrick over ice with lime? You can't get Hoya/preppier than that. CJ's definitely FSO material. "I’ll fly to Argentina right after I meet my niece.” -- When ultrasound says it's a boy, it's a boy. When ultrasound says it's a girl, it's probably a girl, but not always. My brother and sister-in-law got caught out that way at the birth of my nephew and it took a couple days for them to think of what the boy's name would be. "I need a new pair of motorcycle-cop gloves too." -- As long as he can still tell the difference between Lola and a Taser. "I know for sure my brother’s gonna want it." -- Ritchie? A tattoo? At the AFA? Hmmmm. "This is why I hate drinking. I’m in pain. I need Advil.” -- Says the man who orders a shot followed by gin followed by martinis? Never get drunk unless you're willing to pay for it - the next day. "And I don’t know about man buns. Some guys look hot with them.” -- Yes, they do. Chipper could be one of them, along with Sean.

Absolutely, as long as we both know that's what's going on.

Just minutes before, Thiago is complaining about being away from Fabricio, and CJ and Squad are talking him down from the ledge. Then a phone call comes in and he's all about getting to CJ's house. I am, however, poking fun. And about those spinoffs, do you have a relative timeline for them, the order in which they should be read?

Of course Owen can get the El Dorado 25! For a mere $800 and a ten minute drive to Dupont Circle. https://drizly.com/liquor/rum/aged-rum/el-dorado-25-year-old-rum/p59816 Will the carseat work in the Tesla?

“Fuck you, homes. You’re nuts if you think I’m going home now. I’m coming with. I’ll call my mom and let her know what’s happening.” -- Thiago abandoning his newborn son so he can hang out with his friends. How the mighty have fallen! “Damn right it’s different. This isn’t fucking Clinton. This is Brad!” -- I'm glad to see CJ has his priorities right. “Bruh, there’s a gazillion flights. . . You have to pick an airline, though.” -- LOL! Good on Harley. With a 12 hour flight from Afghanistan (Brad's most likely location), CJ and company could be in Germany before Brad. But with injuries requiring evacuation, it could be awhile before anyone would be admitted to see Brad in hospital. I assume Tom, as dad, and Brett as former AF, can swing access to the base hospital. the very likely possibility of post-traumatic stress disorder. -- He was already showing signs of traumatic stress when he came for the wedding and even more for CJ's 21st. “Did anyone else survive?” -- Of course Brad asked about his buddies, that's how CJ raised him. store-bought legs? -- I think if CJ is involved, they will be anything but "store-bought." I'm thinking an upgrade from the Oz Pistorious version. "my right foot hurts like a bitch" -- Feeling pain is a good sign, it means his nervous system is working and beginning to adapt to the new reality. "it won’t be easy. Physical therapy will be excruciating. And his mental attitude will guide his progress. Too many of our wounded warriors lose the recovery battle when they find themselves struggling alone.” -- Sometimes that "alone" is finding it hard to ask for help, or refusing help because it feels "weak" to ask because it feels like pity or charity. And the Squad and Brad's family will need expert guidance on HOW to push and help so they can be actually helpful to Brad, not helping themselves feel good about their own good intentions. It's a HARD fight. For everyone.

"Like six weeks away.” -- 6 weeks premature, while a concern, is rarely a disaster. It gets increasingly dicey from 8 weeks early and earlier. So I'm glad FCB is gonna be AOK. CJ needs to find a new way to deal with the ghost of his mother. His resentment does nothing to her, and is eating him up. Untempered by Owen and others, it can metastisize into a low-grade misogyny that gay men can be at risk for. "Because if I start going with him to functions, someone’s bound to recognize me at some point." -- Oooof, Sean moved in some interesting circles in his previous life. That he's protecting Ethan speaks highly of him. Like I needed more reasons to like Sean. "They could find one of a million reasons to get rid of Ethan." -- Sean knows EXACTLY how law firms work. Canada geese -- There are no Canada geese, only velociraptors with wings in cognito. BTW, props for calling them Canada and not Canadian. “Danno’s selling Rogo’s.” -- Sad. Not unexpected, but sad to see Danno moving away, especially if Trip goes with. Trip would remain in Washington if Danno returned to Hawaii. -- because WaPo doesn't need a full-time Honolulu correspondent? It'll be a grief and a serious adjustment. But hey, who doesn't want to live in Hawai'i, especially if they have the cash? "Brad’s on the way to a hospital in Germany.” -- THAT'S been in the works for more than a YEAR already. It CAN'T be good. OTOH, he's alive, at least for now, and stable enough for evacuation, so that's in his favor. They're certainly on their way to Frankfort and Ramstein, and who will pick up Patrick in Boston? Gateway National Recreation Area is in New Jersey, not Brooklyn, between Sandy Hook Beach and Fort Hancock.

LOTS in this chapter! Did you go on WebMD? You can’t do that! -- NEVER google your symptoms! https://youtu.be/Vn_ZkI7-IZ4 "You think you could get me an appointment with your friend? You know, the Asian guy?” -- That's only slightly less racist than "my Asian tech guru." And orchitis, like herpes, doesn't get cured; it just goes dormant. Poor Carson! Shows how much he completely trusts CJ and Owen to show them what he didn't want to show to Student Health, even with the ribbing. “Considering you guys have been pulling money out of the market, this might be good. If stocks do crash the way you think they will, this could turn into something to tide us over until things get better.” -- It's 2019! Trump is the SAVIOR of America! The market will only go higher! Unless Trump loses, then the market will tank! Believe me! The fight for the White House began in state legislatures, and it was gratifying to have a Hoya in the Connecticut Senate. -- Not many know or understand that. Redistricting is everything! Not that Connecticut is a problem. He might look to his neighbors in Maryland and Virginia, and his home state of Florida, though. Since we’re flying into Vail -- haha! Good thing they've got Uber, though Lyft is better! bougie, a thin, flexible surgical instrument for exploring or dilating a passage of the body. -- I think you mean "Boujee" hip-hop slang for something "luxurious in lifestyle yet humble in character," Conrad Sewell? What happened to Tyson Hill? "We’ll try again as soon as I get back to Washington.” -- SOOOOOO sad! And this can really be deeply traumatic. I hope Gina doesn't try to tough it out, but asks for help. went for a run before my Sunday shift at the Smithsonian. -- Ritchie working the Smithsonian! I'll bet the Air and Space Museum, yes?

CJ retrieved a bandana from his back pocket -- again with the bandana! “On my sixteenth birthday!" -- Well, 16 isn't THAT young. The episode is a bit ironic given what's come out about Ellen's own bullying behavior. Ah, our heroes' feet of clay. BTW, I checked with the Trevor Project. The check must still be in the mail.

While Ritchie walked down the aisle toward the altar, CJ sat in the last pew and waited. -- This makes me sad. I understand CJ's anger and unbelief, and I'm happy that he's found tolerance for people who find comfort in religion. I hope that following what is right in sincerity of heart, he may find the way to God himself. As a Catholic, and CJ will always be Catholic, I hope he discovers NYC's own Dorothy Day. OT: I hope Ritchie is prepared for the aggressively evangelical proselytism at the Air Force Academy. They'll tolerate a Mass-going Catholic, but a non-believer will raise their hackles. “Bloody hell that’s the best piece of meat I’ve ever tasted." -- Owen thinks a piece of cow tastes better than CJ? Time to toss him in the river. “Las carnitas, por favor.” -- Can never go wrong with carnitas.

“I checked with everyone beforehand to ensure we didn’t have any vegetarians and settled on Colorado rack of lamb as the main." -- So often, it's New Zealand lamb, but nothing beats the high plains of Colorado for making amazing lamb. Excellent choice, CJ! Chocolate Bombe Alaska with hot chocolate sauce. -- BLECK. Bananas Foster would have been sooooo much better. And just as much fun on fire, even more with the sparking cinnamon and cardamon. L'chaim! -- https://youtu.be/Vvr8AjT0aD0

Billy Joel’s ‘New York State of Mind.’ -- Why not Miami 2017? “That’s it, folks. We’re done. Enjoy the ride. And if you get a chance, feel free to congratulate CJ on being legal.” -- What happened to "I'll be here the whole week. Tip your waitress. Try the veal. YOu've been a great audience goodnight everybody...." Colt was also in on it, waiving the usual fee for non-members. -- I'm surprised CJ and Oz don't have a membership just for the fun of it. “How often do I have to remind you I’m not into water sports?” Sean’s sotto voce “Yet…” earned him a punch in the arm. -- LOL!!! “Because you were a kid when I first met you. I’m not from Alabama.” -- Alabama? That's for straights. Florida is the place for gay pedos. typo alert: “It ain’t Chicago deep dish, but it’s pretty good.” Rod spoke to Mario and his girlfriend through a mouthful of pie. He and Taisha where about the same age as the New York couple and they gravitated towards each other. -- I think you mean were. The hardness he noticed in his friend’s eyes the last time he saw him appeared more pronounced. -- I'm sad to see it. I respect those who serve. I regret that their service damages them so deeply. There was no way the teens could pull off looking old enough to walk into a bar; -- They have to be 21 to even BE in a bar? Out here, you can be inside, just not get served. Unless this violates GA's TOS, for the ink, on a VERY desirable fellow! https://images.app.goo.gl/gU1jGUcCTzuzTxMk6 I think the one Billy Joel song that always makes me tear up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcnd55tLCv8

ARAA, the American Rifle Association of America!

His parole officer, perhaps. But they'd parted ways a couple of months ago. His complete cooperation with the police had gotten him a suspended sentence, tons of community service and parole for his various crimes and misdemeanors. -- A merciful disposition for Scott. He had to have really impressed the cops and the judge with his honesty and being forthcoming. "Dr. Abelló?" -- How is he related to Carlos? "Goodbye, Mother, Dad," -- Sad. Necessary. Still sad. Scott, an orphan while his parents are still alive. "She is taking me spear fishing next weekend. Perhaps you could join us?" -- LOL!!! And I'm glad Ellie wasn't the cause of Kenny's death. ----- All in all, a wonderfully engaging story of memorable characters. Best of all, however, is your continuing engagement with the story and with your readers. Thank you!

Would you be interested in the second spot on the ballot? -- Well, he didn't say no. vellichor -- that's, like, a word, right? It means something, in some language known only on the internet. “Hi, I’m Jeff.” -- Who is that with CJ? "But as usual, the NRA squashed any potential restrictions on firearms. I’m so tired of the bullshit, Oz.” -- NRA delenda est. One bore a dedication to Cory, the other one to his friend Efrain. -- I wonder if CJ's inscription included a mention of seeing them at the game? "They forget the need’s there 365 days. Hunger and homelessness don’t disappear after the New Year.” -- EXACTLY!!

So, you're a user. I thought you were better than that, Carlos.

“Are you gonna turn into a spook? I sure as shit hope not.” -- Once you work for the Company, you ALWAYS work for the Company. GINA's gonna be CJ's and Owen's surrogate? Hmmmm. “Fuck you! And fuck your money.” Ethan’s angry eruption surprised CJ. “I’m tired of you thinking you have to solve all your friends’ problems. Yeah we know you’re rich. But if you’re too stupid to realize some of us don’t give a shit about that…” -- BRAVO Ethan! Out CJ-ing CJ!

The REAL reason you had Ellie shoot Kenny: YOU're working for the Russians! "He followed Graham . . . to a worn looking green door." -- What's Behind the Green Door? The video? "Hey, Graham," Ellie's voice sounded shaky, "you left your speargun in my car." -- Many parts of the speargun are useful. YAY Ellie!! Miss Ellie, in the apartment, with the speargun! While Ellie is shooting the bad guy with Graham's speargun, let's talk about your family's insurance needs . . .

offspring -- Parents don't think of their children as "offspring." “I knew it!” CJ shook his head and tried to look hurt. “I knew you only married me for my connections.” -- Owen, the total user; really, old enough to be a predator, going after a high schooler while he was graduating college. “Admit it, CJ. What got you worried was the fact your husband was on the ground and there was a man on top of him.” -- LOL!!! as soon as he told friends he planned to study theology, Patrick was getting used to it. -- Theology at Boston UNIVERSITY?? He'd be soooo much better off at Boston COLLEGE with the Jebs. "Thiago looked sad and sounded defeated. “But it’s all up to her now. It’s her body and I wouldn’t dream of telling her what to do." -- All well and good, Thiago, but what do you WANT? And why were you playing pregnancy roulette anyway?

"When was the last time you met him?" Lovett again. "End of January, early February. It's been a while." -- But . . . but he just saw/heard Kenny on the boat? the small, dark hole in the middle of the forehead. -- Sad. Red got himself murdered. "His name was Teodor." -- was? The bearded face turned in his direction and broke into an expression of relief, mixed with equal parts concern and discomfort. Graham. -- Graham isn't abandoning Scott. Good on him. And good on Scott for telling the truth and nothing but the truth, and 2 out of 3 is an excellent start. This is hard. The police are not Scott's friends. Sure, they're looking for information on these dealers, but they won't hesitate to pin it all back on Scott if he's the only fish they catch. As for the prostitution biz that Scott was running . . . . And now he's on Marquez' AND the Russians' radar as a snitch. More than a lawyer (which he certainly needs) Scott needs protection. He is in SERIOUS danger of ending up just like Devin and Ted. But for the police it's just tying another piece of bait to a tree.

??? With all the technical problems and retrofits, I expect the F-35A to cycle out. Give me Cote de Pablo!

For a friend with an understanding heart is worth no less than a brother. -- I love it! Like rosy-fingered dawn over the wine-dark sea. Gal Gadot for Ritchie? She's 33, 17 years older than Ritchie! For Ritchie: Diamond DA20, a mere $200K. "syzygy" -- Oooooo, look at you! “If they turn out the way I think they will, we can frame one together with a picture of the rivet.” -- That does sound REALLY cool. YAY Owen! So Ritchie got his driving permit before going to Milwaukee, what about his solo flight? “Hey!” Ritchie looked aggrieved. “The Academy’s the real world too.” -- Yes, it is. I'm glad Ritchie gets that. “You drive by it?” -- Uh, how does a kid with a learner's permit get to drive a rental car? which Owen pointed out described death-by-falling too many damn times in too many different ways -- LOL!!! The Oshkosh Air Show is famous for its accidents.

He double checked the stateroom -- The stateroom? What is this, a Carnival cruise? If Marquez is the player he seems to be, and if Kenny came with the State Police, I'm not sure that Scott is safe in police custody.

"Please, Graham, just one chance to change. I can change, as long as you’re there. Help me, please. Say you'll give me that chance." -- "Spirit!" he cried, tight clutching at its robe, "hear me. I am not the man I was. I will not be the man I must have been but for this intercourse. Why show me this, if I am past all hope?" I hope neither Graham's place, nor the Research Center will be affected by the Piney Point phosphate collapse.

He deserved this. In fact, he deserved far worse. He knew how badly he had hurt dozens of people. He had directed his frustration and anger wrongly, and now the universe was paying him back. Again. -- More progress. Scott isn't blaming anyone other than himself. Guilt is a powerful motivator to look for one's heart and soul, to lean into the spiritual awakening and figure out what needs to change inside the self. He wished the great green wave had taken him in the storm. He watched the wake of the ship spread out from the rear of the ship, mesmerized. The sea seemed to speak to him, calling him with the many whispered voices of people whose lives he'd damaged. Perhaps it would be best if he simply fell off the stern of the Feigenbaum in the quiet pre-dawn hours, and never came back to the surface, he reflected. In the big picture of the world, his death wouldn't amount to much. -- Ah, yes, the desire for death. You stare into the abyss and the abyss stares into you. "Um. Scott? Can we talk?" -- Oh, God, THAT again? THOSE 4 words?