Wombat Bill

“Is that Mrs Jessica Haynes?” “Yes, who’s calling?” “This is Patrick Aboud, Governor of Long Bay Prison. Is your husband Brendan Haynes?” “Yes, Mr Aboud, what has he done now?” “Mrs Haynes, I am calling to check on your residential address. Are you still resident at 1902 Bunnerong Rd. Pagewood?” “Yes, but what is this about?” “Mrs Haynes, an officer from Maroubra Police Station will be at your address shortly. Will you please stay there until the officer arrives?”

Just for you @Summerabbacat, I don't think I'm giving too much away if I tell you there is a kitchen sink in chapter 19. That reminds me of one of my favourite Irish jokes. Yes, I am of Irish decent, so I'm allowed to tell these jokes. Why did the leprechaun have to give up tap dancing? He kept falling in the sink.

@ReaderPaul, Yes, the story is set in Sydney New South Wales. Regarding marriage celebrants, traditionally religious celebrants were registered with state offices of Births, Death and Marriages. As in the US, our states existed and had their own laws before federation in 1900. Since then the federal government has legislated national laws and occasionally these overlap state responsibilities. The marriage act is one of those, so now non-religious celebrants(a comparatively new concept here ) are licensed by the federal govt. Although the training course referred to in the story and run by TAFE (Technical and Further Education) is a state college, not a university and traditionally ran trade course, but in recent years has branched out into more academic subjects. When I started writing I was aware of the historical and cultural differences and realised most of my audience would probably be from northern hemisphere English speaking countries. Australians are "educated" in other western cultures through movies and TV, and of course we absorb some of that, but it has been pretty much a one-way street. That being my view I made a conscious decision to write naturally Australian,without being too colonial about it. I am pleased that is has translated and that I can slowly share my culture with foreign cousins. Thank you for your kind words and always welcome comments.

@Jondon, your typo has me wondering what you really meant. The word as mis-typed is more like another word than what I think it's meant to be - remind @Summerabbacat, The problem here is - sometimes I think a particular chapter is funny, but readers do not & vice versa. Then If I tell you it's funny, with the warning, then you won't think it is, when warned. You'll just have to wait till after dinner to read. @ReaderPaul,I have been trying to get @Summerabbacat to try writing, because, as you say, he writes so well and so voluminously. So let's start a movement #summerabbacattowrite The downside of this may be that he won't have time to write such wonderful comments. @chris191070, we understand and wish you well.

Finally, I've got you stumped. But before the night (here) is over I'm sure one of your fellow commentators will have some ideas. Whether they be right or wrong is another matter.

As Thomas walked down the hallway of their home he heard Jared on the phone say “I’ve got to go now, my partner’s home. I’ll call again.” “No need to cut your call short, for me.” “That’s ok, I was finished anyway.” “Didn’t sound like that.” “I said I was finished. Leave it, will you.” “Ok, no need to be so touchy. Got another man, have you?” “NO! And stop quizzing me.” demanded Jared. “Ouch.” “Sorry, give me a kiss.” “That’s better.” After their emb

As Edward opened the door he heard music, looked around the door frame and saw Juanito lip syncing to ‘Summer Time Love’. When Juanito saw him, the singing stopped even though the music continued. “Hi Edward.” He said as he approached the CD player to stop the music. “I wasn’t expecting you home so early.” “That’s ok, you can play your music, but who was that singing?” “It was me.” “On the CD.” “No, I was singing to my ‘Minus One’ music discs. I brought them from Manila,

I don't think so @NimirRaj, you have accurately described Jonathan in the previous sentence. I think his entry into politics is because he is kind & understanding, but his other traits of demanding, controlling, and manipulative may better suit his role in politics. You think there may be skeletons in the closet with Jonathan? This has been referenced a few times, so your the answer to your question may well be, yes, but it is unlikely she will ever express it directly. @chris191070, it's good you have still found time to relax and do the usual things. Important in times of stress.

SPOILER ALERT! One of your scenarios is correct @Summerabbacat.

The following morning Virginia invited Thomas to morning coffee to sort things out. “How was your trip away Mrs P?” Thomas asked. “It was very enjoyable, but I must say I wasn’t expecting you to book us into an apartment instead of a hotel.” “Some of those small towns don’t have good hotels and often the apartments are more comfortable than the hotels. I hope you found it so.” “I did, it was a new experience. Do you know we went to a supermarket, the fish market and Desmond

OUCH! I suspect that subconsciously, I allow my characters to say what I would like say. The bitch is back! Ah, you've seen the politician in him.

At the Labor Party conference, Price failed to get pre-selected for a chance to stand at the next federal election. Virginia was still on her trip with Desmond so Price sought out company to listen to his tail of rejection, and called Jared, who was still taking time off. “Is Mrs P back already Jonathan?” “No, but I need you here.” “Mrs P told me to have the week off.” “Maybe, but you’re still being paid and you’re still the personal trainer here, so you need to get back to y

Coming maybe - cliffhangers & melodrama but aliens from outer space? I can't write aliens and such, but I have a friend who writes about aliens but can't write about human emotions. The world is back in balance. @ReaderPaul & @chris191070, yes it is a bit domestic at present, setting everyone up for the future. I hope it's not too contrived.

@ReaderPaul, then we must give Ed Weiner some more practice. @Summerabbacat, Another Diva reference to come, but not like you are expecting. @chris191070, I'm quite enjoying working with Brett.

When Jonathan told Virginia he was going to a Labor Party conference, she rolled her eyes and said “If you die of boredom, I’ll remember you fondly.” “Nia, I have to show my genuine interest in the party’s policies and rub shoulders with those who can put me up for pre-selection, to be able to stand for a seat in the next election.” “I’m sure you understand what you’re talking about and as fascinating as it may be to some, it’s not to me. So enjoy your conference and shoulder rubbing.”

About a month after taking over the restaurant, the boys planned a celebration party and that gave them the opportunity to try out the new dishes Charlie had designed, before introducing any of them into the regular menu. They hired the function room from Prentice, set up tables of six and invited all their friends as well as a few significant people that they thought could help promote their business. That included the local Mayor as well as the State and Federal members of parliament. The

French is the second official language of Belgium. About 40% of the population speaks French, which of course is related to France’s location to the bottom left of Belgium,

Flanders Fields is a name given to the battlegrounds of the Great War located in the medieval County of Flanders, across southern Belgium going through to north-west France. ... Today, the region still bears witness to the Great War's history with many monuments, museums, cemeteries and individual stories.

Most of their friends turned up to their celebratory drinks and were all full of excitement and congratulations for Justin and Craig. Edward & Romel were first to arrive, with Juanito. Andy and Dean came with Thomas, because Jared was working. When Raj arrived he gave all his friends a hug but it was obvious he did not have one to share with Juanito. As usual Jeremy and Brett were the latecomers. “Is this all that is expected?” Edward asked. “I think so.” replied Justin

See some of @Summerabbacat's feline kids trying to help daddy, on my YouTube channel.

For @Summerabbacat & @chris191070, let's not turn this into a competition. @ReaderPaul, please tell me you don't have cats also.

“Good day, is that Craig Simpson?” “Yes.” “I’m Prentice, I was given your number by that male nurse who was looking after me in hospital.” “That would be Romel.” “Probably, now he tells me you may be interested in my business.” “Yes, we are looking to expand our business and in need of a commercial kitchen.” “Well, we’re not just a kitchen.” “Oh, I realise that Mr Prentice. What I meant is, it’s the need for a commercial kitchen that first interested us in your

Craig was merely being cautious and not offering a job that may not exist.

@ReaderPaul, the third image is the prison at Goulburn, in which Snowy's father was incarcerated. It also has the Supermax prison that "hosts" the most notorious serial killers and terrorists. In CWB part one, when Jared and Thomas go to Southpine, there is mention of a real serial killer Ivan Milat. He was in the supermax until his recent death. My neighbour is a prison guard there. Goulburn is also our nearest town for shopping etc. The Big Merino is one the biggest of the 'Big Things" Australian small towns have a passion for building as tourist attractions. Usually connected with the town's history or industry. In this case the area has long been a wool growing area. We don't have Stonehenges or Mt Rushmores. If you look closely at the pic you will see a car parked at the hoof of the merino. That will give you some idea of the size. It houses a gift shop and you can climb to the top and look out the eyes. There are three parking spaces at the rear of the animal and these are always occupied as they give the closest view of the animal's balls. Also a favourite photo op for tourists. I will let @Summerabbacat explain about the other big things. Among the various animals and vegetables there is also the town of Dunedoo's attempt to be put on the map. Happy browsing guys.