Summerabbacat

No, no, no. This will just not do @Gary L. Vernon Duke, an American born in Russia, wrote the jazz standard, Autumn In New York not Fall In New York, and Joseph Kosma, a Hungarian wrote Autumn Leaves not Fall Leaves with English lyrics by Johnny Mercer, an American. And I noticed you used the incorrect loath above, it should be loathe. I cannot be superior though as I thought they were alternate spellings and loathe as in hatred and loath as in reluctant were spelt loathe. Your error in spelling has revealed something I did not know.

Vince continues to surprise me too @centexhairysub, wonderfully so. As I have commented, somewhat facetiously, Margaret Hilda would be truly appalled by his behaviour. Heaven forbid, he may even be egalitarian. His fellow partners might draw the line at that. @Gary L, @pvtguy and @kajean, I suspect you may all be a little older than me, or perhaps it is because I have always lived in Australia, but I do not recall grammar and punctuation being discussed in much detail when I went to primary and high school in the 1970's. Spelling, reading and the basic concepts of what is a verb, noun and adjective, and when to use a comma and a semi colon (the latter of which I have almost completely forgotten), were the extent of my education. I don't ever recall being taught when to use me and when to use I, and as for participles, past participles and some of the rules you lads have mentioned in your comments, well it is all just Greek to me. I like to believe I am usually proficient in the only language I speak, read and write, but sometimes I am left wanting. I am very proficient with profanity, this proficiency increasing with age and practice, the latter of which has increased exponentially with the advent of technology, particularly mobile technology. I am like a broken record, but I have to say it again, @Robert Hugill's works are so delightfully English. His wit and whimsy frequently find me drawing comparison to his fellow Brit, the incomparable Kate Bush, whom I have raved about on a number of occasions. There is at times even a little Bowie in him, especially this past week with not one, but two, stories in the top 10 'Most Read General Fiction' for the month ending 07/2/25. Well done again @Robert Hugill. Who knows, you may end up getting a CBE like Kate.

Very different tastes. I am not big on most rap and hip-hop either, and I don't like classical music at all.

I have never seen ghoti before @Robert Hugill. Another appealing oddity. I also love words that have the same spelling, but have two different pronunciations to mean two very different things. I only really noticed this recently with a very common word, it may have even been in the Hugillverse. It had never struck me quite so before, and now I cannot remember what the word was. We could probably fill an exercise book with all the oddities of the English language. The silent 'l' in could, would, should; the words yacht, leopard, mold and mould, and the list goes on.

I did not even notice the mention of his family name as Caine (I read it too fast). I really only know the Joan Baez version because I have it on a CD compilation of hits from the 1970's in Australia. I was only 7 when it was a hit so was not really aware of pop music then. It was not until I was 10 I really started paying attention to pop music. American singer Suzi Quatro, who was massively popular in Australia, was one of the first to capture my attention. I have heard Cheeseburger In Paradise, once again courtesy of Casey Kasem's American Top 40. It is not really the type of music which appeals to me. It is pleasant to listen to, but don't find it appealing enough to purchase. Our musical tastes are very different as I really don't like heavy rock music, but love disco and old-school soul music, and ABBA of course. I know I will horrify you when I say I cannot stand Journey. I have read Virgil's story on Nifty and enjoyed it.

I had never heard or seen the word Scandiwegian before either @pvtguy. I assumed it was a portmanteau of Scandinavia and Norwegian, and it seems I am correct, although when I first looked it up a couple of hours ago all I found was beautiful decorative glass items. I did not even notice the principle misspell, which as you state is common. @Robert Hugill rarely makes such faux pas so I am sure it was deliberate on his part to see who was paying attention. I have found there and their, and where and were, are often shown as spelling errors when I use them and the spellcheck is ALWAYS incorrect. It only seems to happen when I am in GA though so I do not understand why. As a non-American I find the misspelling of colour and centre most annoying, particularly when I see these words misspelt in the Americanised form in Australian print media. I love the oddities of the English language, they are its greatest charms. Silent letters in words like knife, knee, ptarmigan, haemoglobin, paediatric, honesty, honorific, are amongst its most appealing.

Virgil, what a great name. It made me think of Joan Baez's The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (I am not familiar with the original version by The Band, only with Joan's version, which I really like). Homophobiaville, LOL. This made me think of Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. He was not at all popular in Australia; I only know the song from having heard it on Casey Kasem's American Top 40 which was played on my local radio station in rural Australia in the 1970's and 1980's. There seems to be more "seamen" in this story than in the Village People's In The Navy @Lee Wilson. As you can see from my comments, this chapter referenced many songs for me. Aunt Linda and Uncle Roger appear to have a good relationship with their gay son and his boyfriend. Clearly they have minds of their own and they are prepared to use them.

Dammit, I used "whom" incorrectly on this occasion @Gary L. You may have to administer a thrashing. Bottom of the class on this occasion.

I forgot to mention, disputatious. Never have I seen this word before that I can recall @Robert Hugill. A wonderful word, a timely word, with so many heads of various governments encouraging division in their nations, bullying and punishing those whom oppose them.

A little revelation here, a little revelation there. I do so love the "onion peel" effect you employ to such great effect @Robert Hugill. Never one to rush with revealing all the secrets of your protagonists at once. It makes them infinitely more appealing too, one has to "stick" with the story to learn of their idiosyncrasies. Margaret Hilda would definitely not approve of Vince. Not only does he do pro-bono work for the homeless at the Horniman Centre (just love the name of the Centre), but he volunteers there as well. How does he expect he is going to become wealthy, arrogant and totally self-absorbed if he continues with this altruism. Freddie was a pleasant surprise, but I would be careful if I was Graham. The Hugillverse delights again @Gary L.

I think Wollongong's favourite "Auntie" needs to pay a visit to Stinky Shane and frighten the bejesus out of him @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

Or perhaps "Neil Starts Down The Road To Recovery and Lucas Down The Highway To Hell". It certainly appears Lucas has run away and one cannot blame him. Who will believe him if he discloses what Uncle Franklin has been doing to him. If Uncle Franklin has been fucking him and I assume he has, Lucas may have tears and injuries but how will he prove it was Uncle Franklin who did it. Although he is so thoroughly unlikeable, I cannot wish such torture on him. And @Flip-Flop may be right, maybe Granny is not the sweet little old lady she appears to be. It certainly appears Brenda has done a very good job with raising the children, but I was ropable reading Brian and Dwight had married the previous year. Neil at least should have been allowed to go to his father's wedding if he so desired. Neil's current problems are challenging and he is very unhappy at present, but I believe at least one good thing will emerge. The planned family discussion when Emily and Brett will be told their father is gay AND married to Dwight cannot happen soon enough. Another terrific chapter @Ronyx.

Richard is definitely Richard, Rich or perhaps Rick, but definitely not Dick. As noted by several of my fellow @Mark Ponyboy Peters fans, he has made remarkable progress; the grin, the hug and the words of pride in Grayson were heartfelt and sincere. Bryan and Chase. Will they just go home and fuck like rabbits or will something more eventuate (after they have gone home and fucked like rabbits). I suspect beneath Chase's fun-loving, camp and extroverted persona, there may lay a heart of a true romantic, just waiting for the "right man to come along". He may love those "need a man blues" songs which Billie Holiday sang with such conviction (am I projecting, well just a little). I believe Mike has gone into hiding as he knows only too well what Stinky Shane is capable of. I don't believe, at this point in time, Stinky is capable of murder, but he is very unpredictable so anything is possible. Both Grayson and Rafael expressed a desire to learn more about each other to develop their relationship. Well boys, just follow George's sage advice.

Dare I say @Robert Hugill, this story has even presented an educational opportunity for the author himself. Kate has a great song on her magnum opus Hounds Of Love titled Waking The Witch. Perhaps we can rename it Waking The Besom or for Peter's delight Waking The Bezem.

The prodigiously talented Purple One gave great advice in this song, advice Matthew and Rick should follow, and follow now.

Me either. I don't know how to and refuse to do so. I hope you like Kate. I know I have raved about her many times when commenting on your stories, and I probably assume ALL Brits admire her because she is so quintessentially British and soooooooooo wonderful.

No one is safe from the orange haired one.

@Robert Hugill given your apparent proficiency in locating and publishing photographs of buildings, both residential and commercial, and artworks you both admire and despise, I am hoping you will publish some photographs of Brian and Gordon's wedding attire at least. A photograph of Toby and Russ, and Evie and Drew would be lovely to see too, and If the wedding takes place at Drew and Evie's place it would be great to see a photograph of that too, even if you have to rely upon AI to do so. And although completely "inappropriate" I would love to have Kate Bush's The Wedding List as part of the "wedding songs" selection. I think Kate's black sense of humour may appeal to Brian, Gordon, Evie and Drew at least. It is what one might refer to as macabre, a murderous wedding and post-wedding song. I attach it for your listening pleasure if you have never had the pleasure of hearing it before.

Poor Don, the second shortest boy in his age group, the smallest penis, pretty stocky (fat) and seemingly the most socially awkward. These may all be "issues" for him, but he should remember, at least he does not have ORANGE HAIR. It is quite some time since I was 14 and the mind does tend to play little tricks at times (OK it completely short circuits resulting in chaos), but I do not recall ever having such a close relationship with my brother who is 3 years younger than me at that age or my father (at any age). Domenico's sadness on Stefano's first birthday since his death will likely ease as time passes and may eventually become more melancholy. The Jerk-Off Club has added two more members, one seemingly more enthusiastic than the other. Character growth, a sign of a good story. Character growth abounds in this story.

Broom = witch = unpleasant woman?

The implication of this comment @Mark Ponyboy Peters is that unfortunately when we "see" Stinky Shane next it will not be the last occasion and he will not been in a "box" (I cannot be nice all the time @Paladin, I have to let my inner "violent vegetarian" escape sometimes). It appears the hardcore liberal is agreeing with the hardcore conservative again @Al Norris. I think the repair of the relationship between Richard and Bryan was one of the most important events in this chapter. It will I believe have far reaching positive effects not only on the two of them, but on the family as a whole. I imagine Pamela will be thrilled to have her brother actively involved in her life again, and as many have stated, Grayson having Bryan as a confidant as he transitions from an inexperienced gay boy to one entering into his first serious relationship will be of great benefit, even if things are smooth sailing at present. 'Interludes like these last two chapters are the harbinger of conflict'. Unfortunately, I fear you are correct again @Al Norris; the proverbial calm before the storm.

If I am reading your comment correctly @Gary L, you are back too, back in the "mother" country. Perhaps the council/shire took the road signs to Parborough down in anticipation of your visit, believing you might strangle Deirdre if you got the chance. Deirdre's character and attitude appeared to improve a little in this chapter, but she is still rather lacklustre as a mother. @Robert Hugill you have a real talent for creating odious mothers. Colin's mother Connie, Damian's mother Jackie and the delightful Deirdre. Perhaps next time she and Jasper visit Spain you can arrange for them to visit Gary in Valencia, and Gary can arrange for there to be devastating flash floods again, but only in the vicinity of Deidre and Jasper's accommodation such that they are swept away with all the other detritus. Brian not unkindly indicated to Toby that his mother is trying, and to cut her some slack. I agree she is very trying. I was pleasantly surprised she agreed to meet Toby for a weekend away without Jasper. I suspect Jasper liked the idea as much as Toby and it is for this reason only she agreed to spend time with Toby alone. "Ruddy marvellous. Beach all day for me and water sports to keep Jasper happy. Dancing all night." For a brief moment my mind reeled with the repulsive thought of Deidre and Jasper engaging in mutual golden showers so as to keep Jasper happy. "Nosey besom". Another Hugillism; I have a vague recollection you may have used it before @Robert Hugill, but it is certainly not a word I have come across often. I am intrigued by the reference to Toby's relationship with Noah being "called into question". I look forward to reading what that is all about, as well as the rest of the story too.

A very intriguing chapter @Paladin. Each revelation about Adam's parents paints them in an increasingly poorer light. They sold his car (and no doubt kept the proceeds) and did not come and collect any of his possessions. It appears to me as if they have chosen to erase his memory, to deny his existence. I won't be at all surprised if this is in fact what they have done, purged all evidence of him from their home and forbidden Joshua to mention his name. And why might they do this? I won't be at all surprised if they are homophobes. There are likely other plausible explanations for their callous behaviour towards the memory of their deceased son and their remaining son, but this is my speculation for now. Joshua of course would refuse to obey their command to never speak of Adam again because he adored his brother, so they have either kicked him out or he has left home voluntarily. The first thing Jordan and Cameron need to do after Joshua tells them everything that has happened is apply for guardianship of him, and if necessary get his parents to surrender their parental rights. If they have harmed Joshua in any way, get them prosecuted and if necessary, imprisoned. If they have harmed Joshua in any way but they cannot be prosecuted, once Jordan and Cameron have obtained guardianship of Joshua, they should ruin his parents financially. I loved the selection of the hibiscus as the flowers to drop into the water. I have them growing on the terrace off my bedroom and they are flourishing at the moment in the current warmer weather, with regular watering. I have always loved them from the time I was a child as they were a favourite of my maternal grandmother's, along with fuchsias and gardenias, both of which I also have growing on the terrace. Bring on the villains @Paladin and let them suffer the consequences of their disrespect and hatred (I wanted to say and off with their heads, but I am trying so hard to be nicer of late).

I Ran by A Flock Of Seagulls, The Hanging Garden by the Cure, No More Chain Gang by Boney. M, Help by The Beatles (but I prefer the version by Bananarama featuring Lananneeneenoonoo), Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap by AC/DC or Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, The Greatest Performance Of My Life by Dame Shirley Bassey, Tragedy by the Bee Gees.

I can think of a number, all with varying degrees of suitability lyrically (more metaphorical rather than literal) or maybe just the title: Octopus' Garden by The Beatles Backfired by Deborah Harry Why'd Ya Do It by Marianne Faithfull (rather timely this one considering her recent death) Why Don't You All Get Fucked by Skyhooks I'm Fucked by Nobody's (I have never heard this one) The most likely though is 45 by Shinedown (I have never heard this one either), with the first line in the chorus being: And I'm staring down the barrel of a 45 (45) Some more may occur to me at 3.00am, a time I often awake with a sudden inspiration.