Summerabbacat

One on which he could take a joyride?

Levi has broken his expletive virginity, with the "brown" word being his first ever time. Methinks now he is learning to drive it won't be the last time he uses colourful language, he might even resort to the "f" word, and I don't mean fag, a word Casey seemed to be very comfortable using, a little too comfortable for my liking. If Casey wasn't a Thompson I would likely think him a friendly lad, one who is attempting to welcome Levi into a new environment, but he is a Thompson and for that reason alone he is tainted and cannot be trusted. It is quite likely he has an ulterior motive, whether to harm or humiliate Levi himself, or to set him up for harm or humiliation by a Thompson family member or members. Another WMP chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters, one with a mix of amusement, the calm and steady demeanour of Matt as driving instructor (for the moment) and possible trepidation on the part of both Levi and Matt. I seem to recall Matt's beloved black Commodore has not been named before, but Aaron's ute was, she was known as Bessie if I remember correctly.

Hot dam @drsawzall, if that is you rocking the sleeveless denim top you won't need your Volvo to attract the moths to the flame. Show 'em your guns "Daddy" and they will be queuing for miles. And watching that video again I was reminded of how funny Burt Reynolds was and how young Willie was.

In the absence of known names for Mannly’s three assailants, I am going to refer to them as Chunk (the father, who if I recall correctly, was of solid build), Punk (possibly the older son) and Skunk (the acrid-smelling drunk at the bar). If they all stink, then the youngest one can be referred to as Drunk, and all three with the family name Skunk i.e. Chunk Skunk, Punk Skunk and Drunk Skunk. The chances are high all three stink, therefore Skunk is likely an apt family name. If Mannly’s assailants are locals then surely someone must know them: I find I hard to believe everyone in the town would stink, and being known for being smelly would make for being memorable. It will be interesting to see who Kidd is. Given Bass has referred to him as if Kidd is his family name, I doubt he will be a kid, more likely an adult, possibly a partner/lover. Another easy to read chapter @Vcs, rolling off the tongue like honey. It’s 12.41am and I should be in bed as illness has flared up AGAIN.

You are like Secretariat, binge reading @Paladin stories, "moving like a tremendous machine". Part 2 is a much longer story so it may take you a number of days at least to read it.

A thoroughly delightful and beautifully written tale of rarely explored intergenerational love between a teenage boy and his great, great maternal aunt. He is sent to stay with his aunt for summer holidays and he is not a happy camper. What transpires is a lifetime of joy and wonderful experiences for both until the aunt’s passing, an event which brings with it great sadness and a surprise you will not guess. Highly recommended.

Agreed @Gary L. A delightful story of intergenerational love and respect between a teenager and his surprisingly “hip” great, great aunt. Her passing brought him a mix of grief and guilt combined with an inheritance and a discovery of her private life to which none had been privy. Aunt Millie rocked.

Who needs enemies when you have a close friend like Ambrosia. LOL. The guarantee of privacy was the only reason for Julian undertaking research in the bathroom multiple times a day for extended periods. A delightful short story.

My youngest cat, Missy, enjoys "reading" stories on GA over my shoulder. She particularly likes "reading" the comments, even those posted by @weinerdog because she likes dogs. My ex-next door neighbours had a very small Chihuahua Jack Russell cross whom she adored. Missy only weighs about 3kg (she is the smallest cat I have ever had) and she was bigger than Peggy (the dog).

Who knew a birth certificate could provoke such emotions. @Mark Ponyboy Peters certainly did, and I have now experienced it myself. A pivotal moment in Matt and Levi's, father and son's, relationship.

You are a human dynamo. Father to 13 cats, husband, chef and avid reader and commenter on GA. How do you find the time to do all what having a feline family, husband and job entails, and what is your secret for maintaining such a busy schedule and having the energy to do so?

Your brevity is awesome @chris191070.

He may have gotten into trouble from his grandfather for incorrect usage of the word 'sick'. I don't think it would have been considered an expletive, but then again one never knows what zealots may think. I remember getting into trouble from my father as a pre-teen for using the word damn, which he considered an expletive. By the age of 13 my parents had divorced so he did not witness my usage of far stronger expletives subsequently @weinerdog. I do recall some years ago my father expressing his disgust at the lyrical content i.e. expletives on the music his 3 sons from his 2nd marriage listened to e.g. Eminem. I remember thinking I would not have been permitted to listen to such music at their age. He has mellowed somewhat, or given up, after having 5 sons after me.

By my calculations, invariably incorrect, we have another 20 chapters of enjoyment awaiting us @Mark Ponyboy Peters. With twice weekly postings. that is another 10 weeks, which takes us through until 5 October 2026 for the posting of chapter 39, just prior to @Summerabbacat's birthday. What a wonderful way to celebrate it. Perhaps Matt and the rest of the gang may wish to buy @Summerabbacat a birthday gift. If so, he would be happy to provide them with a list of suggestions.

I noticed you binge reading Andre & Chris and then this marvellous story. I am not sure if you have read What Brings Us Together (Pt 1) and (Pt 2) yet @dboggs9700, the latter in which Nathan makes an appearance. If not, I recommend them highly too. Both have some very moving plots, so have tissues on standby.

Given how quiet and private he is he may have already kissed; perhaps a a fellow “churchie”. The old saying “it’s the quiet ones you have to watch” may apply, although I suspect not in Levi’s case. I just hope it is not Casey who tricks Levi into it and then lies about it at school.

So not true. LOL. I have only made positive comments about Father Costas in this story and in Traditions; it’s the other fire and brimstone variety I have criticised.

Closer to BS.

I take little interest in her and the muppet she is married to, but they both strike me as incredibly self-centred, entitled, ungrateful and rather boring.

OMG what horrid images @Mark Ponyboy Peters; I shall need therapy to erase them from my memory. That is two pairs of “boobies” no one would want to see.

It appears Father Costas’ words of wisdom are having an impact on Levi; he is allowing himself greater reign to follow his heart, and not unsurprisingly is challenging what he was instructed to believe.

Someone will not be getting a knighthood now will he. A “consolation prize”, afternoon tea with Camilla and Meghan.

Levi may have had to repeat Year 9 due to extended absences looking after Julie or missed a lot of school when they lived in Sydney.

Something politicians, used car salesmen and real estate agents have a gift for @Ivor Slipper.

I have to ask @Mark Ponyboy Peters, were we eligible to get our learner’s permit at 16, or was it 17 when we were teenagers? I certainly don’t remember getting mine in Year 10 and had to be really pushed to get it. I had no interest in learning to drive. I have not had a driver’s licence for at least 30 years I think, and nit driven a car since January 1985.