Wombat Bill

Bad wombat! Confession time - I have been completely ignorant of the source of this expression for 74 years. It was commonly used in my family when I was young and as I never saw it written, I assumed it was "creases". It would not surprise me if many others have made the same mistake and believe it is spelled creases.

Thank you @ReaderPaul, all sorted then? @Summerabbacat doesn't need me to explain. However, I will take credit for the wombatism. Before Scott Morrison entered politics he was a marketing executive for Tourism Australia and is sometimes referred to as Scotty from marketing, and is more of a spin merchant than a leader. I have to agree with @quttzik and @chris191070, Brett does seem to have quickly become unpopular in this forum.

“Definitely not!” Jeremy said. “But it could be fun, they seem like an adventurous couple” replied Brett. “If you want adventure go on a mountain trek” “OK adventure might be the wrong word, but it sounds like they’ve done it before so they know what they’re doing” “Yes, I was in the room and could hardly miss your interrogative conversation” “Just wanted to know what I was signing up for” “You’re not signing up for anything like that” “If you’re not interested

Ah yes, an Italian name, Just a coincidence. There's a common prediction here. He seems to be on the right track.

Yes, not too much drama in this chapter. Lots of feel good stuff, which we all now now and then. Next chapter teasers are meant to challenge you and get your predictive minds working overtime. Still no takers on predicting Lachlan's plans, Hey! That reminds me, I went to my library yesterday, I go regularly to get DVDs and a strange thing, did you ever notice all librarians are female. BUT yesterday was served by a young man, first time ever in our local library. His name is Lachlan.

Wanda called Alex to tell him her father was ok with James coming to see the animals provided he was prepared to attend a safety lecture and someone remained with him all the time. “Wow! my very own private viewing of the circus animals. You’re not such a bad brother after all” “Oh, was that a compliment? Anyway there are rules and Wanda’s dad is not the type to be disobeyed, understand?” “Sure, I’ll be an absolute saint” “Yeah, well we’re going on Sunday, that’s the performe

Caleb came for his second visit a week later and wasted no time arguing or trying to be smart, like his first visit. He immediately pinned down Justin and said “I want a body like yours, where do we start?” “Well I started when I was seven, doing gymnastics, so you’ve got a lot to catch up on. How about we start with crunches, that will get your abs working and soon that flat stomach will be rippling. Also those are exercises you can do back at the refuge or anywhere, like in the park”

With lockdown over Edward took some time off writing to get some bookings for Divas and get past his writer’s block. Because large gatherings were prevented during lockdown, many couples planning weddings put off their plans. It was no surprise then that bookings flooded in for weddings at Divas. Also popular were birthday parties celebrating significant age related milestones. These mostly filled the diary for Fridays and weekends. To recover lost revenue, what Edward really needed w

I'm not one to quote the bible, but thought you might find some of the following interesting. The Bible says that God blessed Caleb because he had a different spirit Caleb is a Hebrew name that means “faithful,” “whole-hearted,” “bold,” or “brave.” This being a spirit of faith, a faith knowing that together we can conquer the Giants of polarization, taxes, homelessness, poverty, and the list goes on. When people hear the name Caleb, they perceive you as someone who is strong and powerful. The raw power you radiate to others makes you look confident and intimidating at the same time.

Oh no, have you lost your collective nerve guys. No predictions for Lachlan's plan. NO! he was the one who liked beheading wives as a quick method of divorce. One could say he used axes to create exes. The words of the week. Use them generously. Now we all do, hey?

The following morning Caleb had to be woken for breakfast and staggered to the breakfast table in just his shorts. “Morning guys, do you always get up so early?” he asked “Eight o’clock is not early, can’t spend your whole day in bed. There’s a big wide world out there waiting for you” answered Justin “Well, aren’t you the bright one this morning? There’s not really much in my world to bother getting up for. Usually it’s school, homework, chores at the refuge, an argument or two and th

Sassy, what an interesting word. Not one I have ever used, but I like it. Although quoted her by a Brit, to me it has undertones of the Southern USA. Glad you like Caleb, a bit cheeky but lovable. Hey, maybe that's the definition of sassy. @ReaderPaul, Yes, having trouble weaving a wily, whiskered, wet walrus into my writing, or even a wary wombat.

With lockdown totally lifted and all Flinders street businesses back in full operating mode, Andy thought it was time to resume Wednesday night drinks at Dean’s Bar. He spoke to all those on site and messaged the rest of their friends, including Thomas and asked him to pass on the invitation to his friends at Crystalline. <> “As the new landlord, do you think I’ll get free drinks?” Jonathan asked Thomas when he passed on the invitation. “That’s not my call, but I’m sure the

@ReaderPaul & @quttzik, yes, a new character. Yeah, even straights deserve a good date, especially given how rare the characters are in this story. Yes, @Summerabbacat, Arnotts Family Assorted are still available and all Arnotts biscuits are still manufactured n Australia, the only brand that is. For instance, some Nabisco is now made in China, despite being a USA company. However, Arnotts is no longer Australian owned. Candy is certainly well named. She did not charm or amuse me though as she did my fellow critics. Interesting how characters appeal differently to different readers. As a writer, one never knows how characters will be received and makes my job more challenging, as I don't wish to dictate to readers. It's more important, readers have their own perceptions.

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Now that would, make an interesting threesome. @chris191070 & @ReaderPaul, you do seem to like the older characters making an appearance. It's hard to get everyone into this story, there are now so many characters. But they'll all make an appearance, even if just a cameo. The only exceptions are Max and Charles, who are the stars of a new (partly autobiographical) project.

It seems to be a unanimous decision as to what the girls did after dark. Now my dilemma is - should I disappoint you or reward you for your predictions. It seems @ReaderPaul has been passing his crystal ball freely around the field. First to @chris191070, who passed it to @quttzik, who then punted it to @Summerabbacat. I shall put it this way - wait till chapter 30. NO!, I just can't do it. I could not write that scene. The words are not in me. Pleeeease refrain from such suggestions.

When Alex announced his date to the family, his mothers were happy for him and James saw an opportunity also, but did not want to appear too keen so he waited. “So she works in the circus?” asked Julia “Yes, we met last weekend and I think she likes me” “Well, she must have some interest if she’s willing to go on a date with you. What have you planned?” “We’ll meet at the circus lot. It’s her day off so she’s going to show me around the circus. Then I’ll take her out for lunc

While making preparations for Alex’s eighteenth birthday the family originally planned just a small affair, because lockdown rules prohibited more than five visitors to a home and restaurants were still closed. It was a relief when lockdown was lifted just one week before Alex’s celebration. The family hastily put new plans together to have a big party at home. A few days before the party, Justin saw an advert for a circus, and thought it was a great opportunity to take his cousins out for

“Oh my, it’s so good to see you” Virginia said “I know, I feel the same. I’ve missed our lunches together” replied Thomas “Then we must remedy that and have lunch regularly, for a catch up” “You remember what we called it” “Of course I do, I remember the quiet times we shared together, like mother and son and the secrets we shared, plus the odd tear of two between sips of Champagne” “Oh speaking of which, look what I found in the cellar” “I thought you weren’t going

Further to a recent comment by @Summerabbacat, regarding keeping track of characters' names, I have published a blog entry of most character names. There may be a few casuals missing, but I will add then as they come to mind. My layout did not translate too well to GA format, so I will try to fix that. In the mean time, it may help if you forget who a certain character is. I will also add an alphabetical list for easy reference. https://gayauthors.org/blogs/entry/19899-catering-with-benefits-characters/

JUSTIN'S FAMILY NAME RELATIONSHIP Justin Haynes Self Brendan Haynes Father Jessica Mother Barry Grandfather Mary Grandmother Julia Haynes (Roberta) Aunt & sister of Justin's father Hannah Wilson Partner of aunt Alex Nephew James Nephew Narelle Friend of Jessica Jared Haynes (Miller) Justin's adopted out half/brother Patricia & Nate, Miller Adoptive parents Fran, Jade and Sandy Girls on beach Sam Hiscock School gardener Brother Francis Principal St. Patrick's George Edwards Principal Blacktown high CRAIG'S FAMILY NAME RELATIONSHIP Craig Simpson Self Harry Simpson Father - Accountant Cathy Mother - Prac manager Nigel Simpson Grandfather - Retired Farmer Alice - Gran Grandmother PRICE GROUP NAME RELATIONSHIP Prices home Crystalline Jonathan Price Jewellery co. Owner Virginia Price Wife of Jonathan Price Thomas Steadman PA to Virginia Price Carol Housemaid Cook Cook Alma Price's Concierge Brenda Alma's partner Andy Murphy Jewellery designer Prism Price's secretary Smidmore Solicitor Bernard Johnson Price's Driver Watson Human resources Marcel Virginia Price's stud Dante Gardener FRIENDS Romel Campos Nurse Edward Williamson IT & partner of Romel Juanito Villiar Romel's cousin Max & Charles old couple at Cocktales Raj Chandra Cook in parents' rest. Rani Raj's sister Daniel Rani's partner Flight attendant Tristan Coyle Dancer Snowy (Erik Andersson) Tristan's boyfriend Dale Spender SDC choreographer Grant Franks SDC studio director Angie Wilde SDC creative director OTHERS Cynthia Broderick Head of doctor's wives group Dean waiter in bar Oliver Car dealer Chris Music cataloguer at 2GAY Damien Underwood SBS researcher Colin Wishmore G & L rights lobby Simon Pool attendant Cairns Ryan - Waiter Uluru DANCERS Isa, Duncan, Richard, STINGERS Frank, Mark (Walrus) Pig, Tim Shand Journo FLINDERS STREET Poppy's Restaurant Dean's Bar Bar owned by Andy & Dean Divas Function room owned by Edward Dare to Bare Waxing Studio owned by Brett & Jeremy Brett Waxer & partner of Jeremy Jeremy Waxer and partner of Brett Alfred Prentice Flinders St. property owner Jacob Asst bar manager at Dean's Warwick Hall Poppy's Rest asst Mgr Ben Bar attendant @ Dean's CIRCUS Jack and Candy Gibson Circus owners Wanda Daughter of Jack and Candy Francesco Circus contortionist

It was expected to be a quiet night at the bar, so Andy stayed at home to work on some jewellery designs and Dean opened the bar on his own. Around 8.00pm, Andy got a call from Alma. “Hi Alma, it’s great to hear from you” “I hope it is” “Why, is there a problem?” “Yes, a very big problem” “I’m sorry to hear that, is there anything I can do to help?” “I hope so, that’s why I’m calling” “So what’s the problem?” “The problem is, you left Prices without giving

The following morning, Carol did her early morning towel delivery to the above-garage flat. She charged straight at the door, planning to open it and catch Dante and whoever. But the door was locked and her momentum caused her to slam face first into the door. “Bloody hell!” she screamed and awakened Dante and Thomas. “That sounds like Carol” said Dante “Go into the bathroom and shut the door” “Why should I hide from Carol, what hold does she have over you?” asked Thomas “It’s not

My comment was meant to be humour, but while on the subject. Andy would know better then most other characters how a relationship can be ruined by playing around. He was, as you say, Jonathan's playmate but wanted more. He had to pick up the pieces when Jared dumped Thomas and the aftermath of Jared's death. Andy is one of the good guys and while I don't like to say never, I think it unlikely Andy, or Dean for that matter, would stray.