Summerabbacat

Adam is displaying more of a sense of humour than in earlier chapters, and it is a sense of humour with a degree of "sauciness" which I find most attractive. His appreciation of the gossip from his neighbours and their little interruptions to his ordered life appear to be loosening his rigidity (but he still won't use a damn dishwasher). I also like his conversations with Arya, particularly the fact he treats her as if she understands, which I am sure she does to some extent at least. Companion animals are wonderful confidantes, I should know I did have 6 of them, which in recent years has dwindled to 2. They added immeasurably to my life.

One of Arya's bones (presumably) under the couch. Good, very very good. It proves Adam is not as anal as he first portrayed himself to be. I was initially surprised he adopted a dog as they will make a mess. That he is able to accept this as a fait accompli is wonderful. She will also damage his beautiful furniture and likely his rugs; seemingly he is able to recognise these are just "things", albeit most likely very beautiful and expensive things, but ultimately just "things". The menorah was an attractive addition to the sideboard in the dining room. It is most amusing that both Adam and Kai are impatient for their letters to arrive, but only Kai satisfies his "lust for letters" immediately.

Neither Adam nor Kai are afraid to express strong feelings in a letter, will that same strength transcend to expression in person. It is easy to self-censor the written word, not so much the spoken word. They are finding much in common which will hopefully mean a smooth meeting in person. Adam, Adam, Adam. Feeding Arya waffles. No, no, no. Although I am a cat person like @centexhairysub, there is something very socialising about dogs. I am more inclined to be reserved when I meet new people, but found when walking my neighbour's dog on occasion that people tend to stop to chat and I found myself comfortable doing so too. I thought there may be restrictions on visitors as I assume Kai is convalescing in a military hospital. And for their first night together in Adam's home may I suggest Julie London's marvellous rendition of You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To @Andr0gene, the perfect fire-side companion piece, with a racy follow-up, also from the smoke-infused vocals of Julie, Nice Girls Don't Stay For Breakfast.

This is very true @Al Norris, but I have to confess I invariably think the worst of my own species. You appear to be far more generous in your assessment of our fellow humans than I.

Kai's revelations regarding his natural inclination to undertake the tasks invariably associated with a male inspired another musical moment for me @Andr0gene. On this occasion it was a song titled It's So Nice To Have A Man Around The House from Peggy Lee's 1959 album I Like Men. Both Kai and Adam appear very self-aware. It will be interesting to observe how closely their self-perception mirrors the observations of the other when they finally meet.

Until this chapter I thought your worries were a little excessive for want of a better term @weinerdog as Phil's mental faculties do not appear to have been reduced by his stroke. I am not so confident now that said faculties were not impacted temporarily when he first had his stroke and am only hoping you have worried needlessly. Given Phil's request to Colin and expression of his concerns about what he signed in the immediate aftermath of his stroke your fears may well be warranted. If it emerges Roger has connived to have Phil sign ownership of his home to him, then all bets are off. Any thought of a possible reconciliation with Roger should be the furthest thing from Phil's mind in such circumstances, and he should go for the jugular and if necessary tear Roger a new one. The best-case scenario is that Roger is at least an honourable homophobe who has not taken advantage of Phil's health crisis, and Phil is able to provide accommodation, even if only temporarily, for Susan and Stanley. His determination appears to be returning and a return to his home with assistance from Susan and Stanley would speed up his recovery significantly I believe. I too thought the young teen could well be an apparition of what Phil believes his great grandson may look like. Phil's desire to volunteer to assist young LGBTQI teens may be something needed very close to home. It may emerge Phil's great grandson is gay, and Phil may hold the key to turning his life around if he is struggling with his sexuality, especially if his grandfather has poisoned his mind with his homophobic rhetoric. In doing so Phil may develop a relationship with his grandson Allen and perhaps a truce with Roger (unless he has connived to steal Phil's home). The irony of such a speculation proving to be true would not surprise in a @Ronyx story. Another well-written and entertaining chapter @Ronyx with the angst stakes having been raised significantly.

The Court should appoint Sawzall, Sawzall & Associates, headed by one @drsawzall as the sole trustee. He could be relied upon to ensure that neither Calvin nor Miss Diesel Tailpipe get their hands on any monies they are not entitled to, not even enough for a packet of cigarettes.

The showdown at the school is why this story remains the #1 comedy. Although the reason for the showdown is anything but hilarious, the showdown itself was. I have only ever seen a handful of episodes of Boston Legal @John Henry, but Billy's "inner Alan Shore" exploded during the showdown. The man has a razor sharp mind and an even sharper wit. Any doubts I may have had that he is the right man to represent the extended Padilla family (I include Kenny in this) were crushed in this chapter. The truth emerged as to the real reason Calvin wants his boys. As much as I dislike Miss Diesel Tailpipe it is possible given Calvin's history of lies to the women he has conned, that she is unaware of the reason. He has sponged off her financially and may have used her in an effort to present a "wholesome family image", but then again she may be the c*#t many of us think she is. Bryan's plea to Kenny appears to have fallen on deaf ears, but I have to wonder for how long. There have been many sad events in this story to date, but I cannot recall one sadder than this. I suspect it is the cold weather here in Australia and my extensive use of heating, but I found my eyes matching those of Kenny and Bryan. And finally @John Henry, I sincerely hope when this story concludes the Thomas trash, and there is certainly plenty of it, is disposed of in the least expensive and most environmentally friendly manner possible.

I had forgotten Nan's cigars (crappy short-term memory).

A number of my fellow readers have commented on this chapter that they are visualising the story as a book or as a movie, surely a good indication of its impact. For me though it is a song or songs which I have heard as is so often the case with a story I like. For obvious reasons, in this chapter I heard the Rupert Holmes penned Letters That Cross In The Mail as sung by Barbra Streisand on her Lazy Afternoon album from 1975. Of course it could have been the more popular Please Mr Postman by the Carpenters whom I do like, but I don't particularly like that song. I just hope the impending relationship between Adam and Kai has a better chance of success than the doomed relationship between the two lovers in Letters That Cross In The Mail. I was amused when I read the significance of the room names. I thought when viewing the floor plan the rooms must have all been painted in shades of green - garden, pine, apple and forest or blue - lake. I love green as a colour but would struggle to have so many rooms in different shades of green. I too had never encountered a doubter bed before. I assumed it was a spelling error, that it should have read double bed, but was not detected by spell check because doubter is a real word. I just viewed one online and they don't look much bigger than a single bed. Adam's quirks are charming @Andr0gene, although the appeal of cigars appears incongruous with his overall desire for order and cleanliness.

If nothing else, Adam and Kai certainly have the same correspondence etiquette. Although it appears "quaint" or "old fashioned" now, a hand-written letter did have a certain charm which an e-mail and more especially a text completely lack. Such a "novelty" now would be nigh impossible for many as they would have to learn to spell, punctuate and construct sentences. No doubt a "useless boomer skill" according to millennials. A meeting between Adam and the Commander is a must @Andr0gene. Let us hope when it happens neither is disappointed.

Beautiful, just beautiful @drsawzall. Eryk (Zippy) and Mikey are fortunate to have such loving parents, including the formidable Aunt Sally. Although he was not that tall (as far as I know) and his character was not a drag queen until his "performance" at the end of the film, for some reason I had an image of Aunt Sally very much like Robert Preston as Toddy in my favourite film Victor/Victoria. I think it was Aunt Sally's care, protection and love for someone who desperately needed it which made the resemblance "real" for me. I strongly suspect Aunt Sally's "story" of a long-departed lover having given her the silver/platinum necklaces was just that, a story. She certainly had a heart of gold and woe betide any one who pissed her off or harmed her beloved, Mikey. And the title, I Love A Rainy Night. I remember the song well and found it very likeable. It was a top 10 hit in 1981 in Australia, not as popular here as in the USA, but then country music does not have a big market here, although Dolly always does quite well. I look forward to the next instalment in the Volvo Tales. Volvo, the second best "export" to emerge from Sweden.

I echo the universal sentiment expressed regarding this opening chapter, captivating @Andr0gene. Adam's habits are mostly endearing, I particularly liked his appreciation for taking his time to do things, although his refusal to use a dishwasher and vacuuming daily would soon wear very thin with me. His fastidiousness would certainly not accommodate having any feline companion(s) in his home. His fascination with Kai, someone whom he has never met, may be a little quixotic, but he at least appears to be well acquainted with the rocky road many relationships take.

I assumed it was a one-eyed wink @drsawzall, the eye without the pupil.

Peter disappointed AGAIN until Scott essentially told him to pull his head in. His behaviour in this chapter was not the behaviour of someone who will welcome the news Justin will eventually disclose to him. I have the feeling when it is disclosed he will react as if Scott and Justin have set him up and he will blame Scott for "turning" Justin gay. I do not recall him being such an arrogant and ignorant blokeish SOB when I read this story many years ago. Perhaps Jenny can slap the bejesus out of him, unless he is violent. Sally will be beside herself with joy if Scott and Justin do form a relationship. She may well prove to be an ally too, especially with the likes of Mrs Johnson and any other small-minded people in town who know Scott. I assume he is well known being a long-time resident and having been with the caravan park all his life. "Justin looked up at me and smiled. For the first time he actually looked happy. And for the very first time I truly knew how I felt about this boy." My eyes leaked profusely reading this @Mark Ponyboy Peters, not even my beloved Bananarama whom I am listening to as I read this chapter could prevent this from happening. Simply beautiful and very moving statement. And on a side note I noticed another top 10 placing for After We Danced in the General Fiction category on GA for the start of the new financial year. I expect The Rip will be "rocketing up the charts" and occupying a similar top 10 position soon too. Molly Meldrum would be proud.

With your vivid description of Pete's Bar & Grill @drsawzall, I easily recalled the thickness and stench of cigarette smoke in bars and nightclubs when it was legal to smoke in such establishments and I was a smoker myself. Disgusting, filthy, very unhealthy and now very expensive habit. It prompted me to research smoking rates in Australia which have dropped from 24% of the population over 14 smoking in 1991 to 8.3% in 2022. The USA has reportedly seen a similar decline in cigarette smoking in the last 15 years. Conversely, at least in Australia, alcohol consumption has not declined, with 33% of the population over the age of 14 consuming alcohol in quantities which endanger their health in 2022-2023 and alcohol-related rehab treatment accounting for 43% of those seeking such treatment in the same period. A delightful short with rich characterisation and the ever-present "sawzallian" sense of humour which has amused me on many an occasion. Uncle Pete, Mikey and Zippy, such likeable characters; Tommy Johnson the only thoroughly unlikeable character (apart from Ronald Reagan and Oliver North). Although not specifically stated, I am guessing Uncle Pete may be gay too or at least is gay-friendly.

Another of the more amusing chapters in this story @Robert Hugill. I had a great chuckle with "..... Jack, one of the contract staff, was getting something out of his bag, bent over, winking at me. Not unpleasant, gave me unprofessional thoughts; it was definitely time to get home." Brandon gave me a good laugh too, a straight married male who appeared to have few qualms being surrounded by gay men, with some becoming very friendly. He treated such events as a bit of a lark, such a refreshing attitude from a "bloke". Francis Heyward is still an enigma. What is he really like? What is his real interest in Dante and Vaughan? At times his interests seem purely carnal but when the subject turns to "art" he appears all-consumed.

At first I thought Alex's perception of his father's contempt for him was likely exaggerated, but Joshua's disdain for him was so blatant in this chapter. Joshua really is an arsehole, complete with the annoying trophy girlfriend. Alex's snark was in full flight with his comments about New York and its attractions “Like the giant rats,” Alex said. “They outnumber humans over there,” Alex continued. “You’ll finally reunite with your people.” Bored, Alex started up again. “And the crack-” I found these comments very amusing as were his comments about turning Matt's bedroom into his own personal art studio. I strongly suspect Alex is much smarter than what his school grades would suggest; acting less intelligent is his form of rebellion to annoy his father, but ultimately it will harm himself more than anyone else. Blair's disregard for his physical well-being is concerning. In the last chapter he mentioned taking painkillers to help with sleeping, in this chapter he revealed frequent headaches and copious consumption of caffeine. Poor diet will not help his intellectual performance at all. Harrie must continue to "hound him" for this. Now Alex and Blair are at least speaking again I suspect their spat will soon be forgotten and things will return to normal, or will they?

A wise woman that Caroline @drsawzall, without a hint of smugness, piety or judgment. I do like her and she has taken quite a liking to young Keith. Seemingly both she and Nate are happy Thomas has met Keith and that their relationship is becoming closer and stronger as time goes by. Thomas' father's abuse was apparently solely verbal whereas Keith's was a mix of verbal and physical. Although both have been damaged to a degree, neither seem to be bitter. Although it may not be a good basis for a relationship, it is proving something that each can help the other address as each has suffered at the hand of their father's. Archbishop Embolism, how deliciously cruel, and seemingly very suitable given his bigotry. I have an image of him as florid-faced, foaming at the mouth about the wickedness of the sins of the flesh, whilst having "impure" thoughts of carnal pleasures with multiple Sapphic sisters. Your usual high standard of writing @Robert Hugill. I think I read earlier this week this story was no. 2 on the 'General Fiction' hit parade for the past month. You may catch up to Cliff Richard yet.

How disappointing to learn the Black patriarch is apparently not the caring and reasonable person he initially portrayed himself to be, instead he is a knuckle-dragging drongo who believes all "poofters are worthless". The vitriol of his homophobia appears to be a little uncharacteristic though; I wonder if there is a reason for this other than just blatant bigotry. I suspect the Black matriarch may realise or at least suspect Justin is gay and is either protecting him or herself. I suppose there is a chance Peter's pleasantness for the most part is a complete sham; perhaps he is abusive to her too. If Peter is a complete c#*t it does not augur well for any possible relationship between Scott and Justin other than just friendship, and even that could be in jeopardy if Peter concludes Scott "made" his son gay by exposing him to the "evils" of worthless poofters at the age of 9. Sally is very perceptive. Her support for both Scott and Justin may be crucial if it emerges Peter is a complete c#*t. If his bigotry is all consuming who knows what damage he could cause, especially if he plies himself with any alcohol beforehand. A very powerful chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters. Justin's despair and almost clinical description of the death he was contemplating were frighteningly realistic. I originally chose the 'angry' emoticon to express my reaction to this chapter but changed it to 'sad' as there was so much more to this chapter than Peter's blatant bigotry.

The gallery was bare save for the fabric-covered walls onto which was projected a mashup of Lawrence of Arabia and Raging Stallion's Arabesque, 4.5 hours of Peter O'Toole with 6 hours of Francois Sagat and other prodigiously endowed gay porn stars. I wonder if the "soundtrack" was a mix of Maurice Jarre and some exotic, heavily accented "fuck me Daddy" and "eat that arse". "The house was illuminated; the pillars of the portico and the rather anaemic pilasters that dotted the façade were picked out in a combination of mauve and taupe. Undoubtedly dramatic, but bilious in a Blackpool-illuminations sort of way." Thank goodness for Dr Google. Being the philistine I am from the Antipodes I was unsure of what "Blackpool illuminations" meant. I assumed it was sickening for some reason, but not sure why it was sickening. I was not aware Blackpool held an annual lights festival. It seems Francis Heyward is not the stalwart of good taste he projects, or at the very least he enlists the services of others whose taste is questionable, at least in the World According to Vaughan, although Dante does seem to have agreed with him. Now for the identity of the "mystery party guests". Perhaps Suki, Paola T and Tony or Ercole. A rather "racy" chapter on this occasion @Robert Hugill, one @Cane23 may refer to as smutty.

I had a great laugh at the image of the two near-nude muscle bears making out and heavily grinding in front of the odious Debra Thomas. Unfortunately, the image quickly turned vomitorious as I imagined the pious bitch getting seriously turned on and doing a little "grinding" of her own. Methinks the "lady" doth protest a little too much. Take a look in her closet and one may be surprised by what one finds (the "Doc Johnson Jeff Stryker Signature Cock 10" Realistic Dildo" for starters?). Deputy Padilla is an oaf. It appears he is on an ego trip in his attempt to "scare Bryan straight". His chastising Bryan for being friendly towards James whilst he was setting up the room and cleaning the restrooms was unnecessary I thought as it appeared Bryan was completing the task he was requested to do. The Bryan-Kenny break up is still raw for Bryan. I thought Diego handled comforting Bryan very well. Another chapter well done @John Henry.

Add to this Peter's visible distress and relief when Scott saved Justin from drowning when they first became acquainted. I agree Peter's behaviour on this occasion was irrational and inflammatory, but I am prepared to cut him some slack. He and Justin's mother have lived on tenterhooks for the past 4 years watching Justin's path to self-destruction which would not be easy. Add to this Justin's refusal to disclose any reason for his suicide attempt and I think both Peter and Jenny are entitled to feel a wide range of emotions, including exasperation. I also have to wonder if perhaps Peter had a slight twinge of jealousy, his son seemingly more inclined to confide in someone other than either himself or his spouse. And what of Justin. Methinks it likely Justin has generalised anxiety disorder and taking drugs of any kind, will exacerbate the symptoms exponentially. He may have turned a corner by flushing the E down the toilet but time will tell. And to Sally and Mrs Johnson. The former has good intentions and is very observant whilst the latter is just a little too intense. Another exhilarating chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters. Scott is another of your very likeable characters, a hybrid of Matt and Luke dare I say. I see a little of each in him, with a smattering of his now unique "Scottness".

Congratulations.

The little foil packet, possibly heroin. Justin is reportedly a cigarette smoker so he could heat the foil with his cigarette lighter and smoke the heroin through a straw (I found this out on Google). This could account for his shivering and sweating too. Whatever the drug, the question remains what is troubling him so. I speculated after the last chapter it may be a feeling of worthlessness if he thinks his brother is the favoured son. Tonight a new speculation. His suicide attempt occurred at the age of approximately 14, an age when puberty may have really started having a significant impact on him physically and mentally. Peter, his father, indicated that is when the family stopped coming to the caravan park for holidays, but what if it was Justin who expressed the desire not to come to the caravan park anymore. I wonder if Justin is secretly in love with Scott and the feelings were so overwhelming at 14 that he was unable to cope, and he has been on a downhill trajectory ever since. I love a good speculation @Mark Ponyboy Peters. This chapter has certainly stirred the pot of we readers creative juices with speculations aplenty. Much of the chapter was very sad, with a sense of happiness lost for both Scott and Justin. The only 'light" relief Sally's arrival at the conclusion of the chapter and her own little speculation.