Summerabbacat

Another entertaining chapter @Robert Hugill, one which was particularly welcome this evening. I was in a foul mood when I commenced reading it (having just finished work and having repeatedly had to restrain myself throughout the day from hurling the cheap and useless work laptop from the top floor of my apartment), but within moments I felt myself relaxing and finding much of the chapter whimsical and humorous. When I am tired I often find myself thinking the oddest things and so it was with this chapter. "Luckily a large sign said Wentworth Ladies Club, and following it to the rear of the building, getting wafts of whatever the kitchen was cooking for supper, Keith and Thomas found themselves in a handsome room seemingly full of middle-aged and elderly women, most of them clutching a glass of wine." I imagined the women, desperate for some entertainment for the evening and having consumed a few glasses of wine, eyeing Keith and Thomas and thinking "Thank God the strippers have arrived". "She was around Keith’s age and had a rather breathy, eager manner; it turned out that her interest was the British Pop Artists of the 1960s, rather than Atkinson in particular". For a fleeting moment I thought how wonderful, Charlotte may be interested in Dusty Springfield, Shirley Bassey, Petula Clark and Sandie Shaw, but alas I quickly realised I had had a blonde moment and she was referring to artists who shared something in common with Andy Warhol. "One woman rather sharply asked whether it wouldn’t better for it to be looked at by experts (she didn’t say, rather than by a mere electrician but it was implied)". The only negative response Keith received to his presentation was from prissy Primrose, the bitch who thought herself a little better than he (her girdle was way too tight and her sensible knickers were giving her a wedgie). I loved the comments from the school governor, Frances "that she’d never look down on her son’s obsession with Meccano again" and "the good ladies of Yorkshire are rather scary en masse aren’t they.” I liked her sense of humour. Keith proved to be such a hit that Isobel Bonner stated she would be in touch. Alison stated Isobel is rather fond of him. I suspect he charmed quite a few of the women and part of that charm is the fact he does not realise he possesses it.

I remember the shock of reading Justin's revelation the first time I read this story. A handsome young man with apparently everything to live for who is profoundly saddened and/or disturbed by something. I would like to say I recall all, but I don't. Even if I did I would not reveal it as to do so would spoil the story for others who have not read it. You write characters with such authenticity @Mark Ponyboy Peters. I like the emotional depth you infuse your major characters with, and even the minor characters like Mrs J seem familiar. Perhaps it is because we are of a similar age and both grew up in regional NSW, but I can recognise people I have met in the course of my life who resemble many of your characters. I remember spending several school holidays at caravan parks at Old Bar, Blackhead and Forster as a teenager. I loved the sun and the beach so have fond memories of all such holidays.

I remember going to an NRL game once @Mark Ponyboy Peters with my father and brother when we were visiting the paternal grandparents in Sydney. I think it may have been in 1974 and I remember Easts were playing Manly. I followed Easts, although I have no idea why. I even remember some of their players by name like Artie Beetson, Ron Coote, John Brass, Mark Harris, Russell Fairfax and Ian Schubert (I think he was from Wauchope). I remember Easts thrashed Manly and my father and brother were not too happy because I who knew nothing about the actual game had picked the winner. It's funny what one remembers, but I distinctly remember a drunken male member of the crowd who was not far from where we were (standing I seem to recall) yelling out at Bob Fulton "aarrgghh Fulton ya poofter". My father who is very religious tried to shield my brother and I from the "foul language". I don't think I even knew what a poofter was then (I would have been 10).

I have little interest in football @Mark Ponyboy Peters, especially the NRL, but I was surprised when I read earlier this week about the then unnamed Cronulla player who had been given an ultimatum to remove two offensive tattoos from his legs, one of which says "eat shit faggot". Being the cynic I am I wondered if this and the other tattoo were only considered offensive because they apparently can be easily seen and would reflect poorly on the team's image if seen on TV. I personally find the word "faggot" far more offensive than "poofter" even though they mean the same thing. Perhaps it is a "cultural" thing, if you are going to abuse me at least do so with a non-American word. I also remember a relatively well known Sydney gay activist recounting a story about being abused once and called "poofter" to which he responded "that's Miss Poofter to you" thus reclaiming the word. He was a well-built guy who was no shrinking violet. I also recall back in the day Ian Roberts being abused and called "poofter" by unruly members of the crowd. It would be a very foolish person to call him that face-to-face unless they were armed. I vaguely recall it was well known by other players he was gay and few if any had a problem with it, or if they did they were smart enough to keep their opinions to themselves. He got into quite a few brawls on the field and was not one to shy away from a brawl. I don't have first hand knowledge of any of this, it is only what I have read. I did see him once at the Capitol Theatre and he was a very imposing figure, one you would not want to challenge in a fight.

Further proof Jeff Stryker, Rick "Humungous" Donovan and Chad Douglas are the exceptions rather than the norm. I have heard of the film The Outsiders but have never seen it. It certainly had an attractive cast, most of whom are a similar age to us now @Mark Ponyboy Peters, apart from C Thomas Howell who is 3 years younger. All have aged well, apart from Leif Garrett and of course, Patrick Swayze. I checked out its contemporaries and found very few films released that year which I saw then or at some time since, and only two of which are "must haves", Yentl and Careful He Might Hear You. The latter is an Australian film which was very successful in Australia and I believe had some success in the USA too. One of my favourite Australian films of all time, with a stellar cast led by the late, great Wendy Hughes and Robyn Nevin.

The baseball analogy was somewhat lost on me when the discussion turned to innings. I do like an early gay porn film about "baseball" directed by William Higgins titled These Bases Are Loaded though. Some very fine "acting" in that early classic. The veracity of your second statement above is so obvious @John Henry, yet it is one which has completely gobsmacked me. Bryan was the protector of both Kenny and Caleb, as the latter attested to most recently when he confessed his feelings of worthlessness after being assaulted. Now Bryan is "under attack" from the onslaught of Calvin's frivolous application to the Court and he is not equipped to protect either himself or Caleb in a tactical manner, hence his outbursts which have cost him dearly. His "tough guy" persona has slipped further and further as the story has progressed and he is incapable of seeking help as he does not know how too, and is understandably reluctant to rely upon anyone for fear of abandonment. Even moreso than Diego, I think Steve holds the key to Bryan's acceptance that he needs help and a willingness to accept it graciously when offered. I like @weinerdog believe (or is it merely hope) Bryan and Kenny will reunite when the case is over. I eagerly await the arrival of Calvin Sr, Billy's final nail in Calvin's coffin (and whilst you are it, can you please arrange for Miss Diesel Tailpipe to be placed into the same coffin as Calvin @John Henry). I liken his arrival to that of Joan Collins aka Alexis Morel Carrington at the end of the first season of Dynasty (or Oil as it was then imaginatively titled), without the large hat, dark glasses and latest fashion (or perhaps with, being the biggest surprise of them all). Excellent writing again @John Henry. Another top 10 placement coming up for you at the end of this month I should think.

I like @Al Norris have read this story before many years ago. I have to confess I did not remember the shower scene, I did remember the rescue scene but not its aftermath, with presumably Justin's brother making the unnecessary remark. Happy to see this story "resurrected" @Mark Ponyboy Peters. For those who have not read it, if I recall correctly, they are in for a real treat again. Most likely it was the setting of the story, but I had Surf & Mull & Sex & Fun by Mental As Anything playing on loop in my head reading this. I am not usually a fan of this type of music, but the Mentals were an exception.

I wracked my brain last night for the name of the painter who was renowned for his paintings of "kartrashianesque" women and all I could think of was Boticelli. I have just remembered him name, Rubens with his Rubenesque women. I have seen them referred to as voluptuous or plus size. Appreciation of beauty like fashion changes as does what is considered healthy and what is not (and what is healthy to eat and what is not). I have viewed a few of Rubens paintings and I think referring to the women as voluptuous or plus size is being very kind.

As an "art philistine" it appears to me you write of art with at least an appreciation for it, if not quite some knowledge @Robert Hugill. I don't know of the artistic merit of the Castlevecchio above, but the natural materials which form it appeal to me if nothing else. Reading of Herr Heyward's generous "donation" brought to mind the speculations of Dr Sherlock Sawzall aka @drsawzall in the last chapter. His suspicious mind may be a lot closer to the truth than even Holmes, Poirot or Miss Marple could have deduced. I don't think I would have appreciated the big-breasted women either. The USA's first family of trash sprang to mind, large bosoms and other body parts augmented by implants manufactured from any number of foreign materials. Grotesque.

I am not surprised 'Crackhouse Chrissie' appears to be a small time drug dealer, and I won't be surprised if it emerges her "boss" is the drug dealer who lived in the apartment in which her late husband was murdered, allegedly in a case of mistaken identity. Once the drug squad is finished with her the homicide squad should be taking a closer look at her too. It may have been very "convenient" for her that her late husband was murdered. I am also very suspicious now of her connection with the recently jailed "boyfriend". Is he perhaps mixed up in the drug trade too or was she paid handsomely for "supplying" him with her son for his pleasure. Logan's description of her as "flaky" may be vastly understated. Whatever the extent of her involvement in illegal activities I hope she is never allowed back into Ollie's life. She was merely his birthing vessel. Beau certainly knows how to treat his workers well, something I assume he has learnt from Lachlan. Ollie's impending birthday will surely be an emotional time for him. I am in two minds as to whether Ollie should be told of his mother's latest fuckup. Another very enjoyable chapter @Paladin. Marjorie and Harold have the right idea.

I assumed Highlands was another "made up" university @Paladin. I honed in on Walcha primarily because it was not that far across country from Lake Cathie as you get on the Oxley Highway and drive from Walcha right through to Wauchope and cross over the Pacific Highway where the boys would swing a right and head down to Lake Cathie.

I could not help myself @Paladin. You left yourself wide open. I blame @Cane23 as he made the comment about how he enjoyed the "dash of smut" in this chapter. It must be those randy royal tenants he has.

We were fortunate in Australia at the time the USA was being "led" by Bonzo's on-screen parent and his spouse's astrologist. We had a health minister who was gay, although he was married at the time and did not come out as gay until after he left politics, whose response was relatively swift and practical. We had the "grim reaper" campaign, with very confronting ads frequently shown on prime-time TV, featuring a group of people of varying ages and genders being knocked over by a bowling ball delivered by the grim reaper. The strong message the ad presented visually and in the spoken word was that it was not just gays and IV drug users who were dying from AIDS. There was certainly religious intolerance in the wider community, but it did not stop the government addressing what it considered a public health issue for ALL citizens, not just gays and IV drug users. Of course more could have and should have been done, but in comparison to countries like the USA, we "had it good". I had suspected Dwight died from AIDS when Phil looked thought the window previously and saw the emaciated figure of his husband. This suspicion did not prepare me though from having a weep when I read it in print. It appears Phil has managed to avoid contracting the virus. I, like many of my fellow readers, believe Phil may be thinking of offering his home to Susan and Stanley to live in. This may also present an opportunity for him to return to his home and share it with Susan and Stanley, particularly if his health is improving as Jason believes it is. @Paladin speculated Phil's adult grandson, Allan, may hold the key to reuniting Phil with his son Roger, a very valid speculation. If Susan and Stanley were to live with Phil in his home, this might also strengthen any argument Allan presents to Roger. And finally, I thought Phil was way too hard on himself when he likened his behaviour towards Eloise and Roger to the behaviour of Randy towards Susan and Stanley. As far as we know Phil did not beat up Eloise or Roger. He did not reject them for being who they were or expect them to be someone different. He was fair in the divorce settlement. His marriage was a lie and the divorce gave both he and Eloise the opportunity to explore a relationship with someone who loved them wholly, an opportunity which Eloise also took advantage of. A wonderfully written chapter @Ronyx which has received resounding praise, and rightfully so. Thought provoking and profoundly sad, and yet a glimmer of hope appeared like the sun breaking through heavy cloud after a storm.

I was thinking Matt and Luke may have lived somewhere like Walcha.

But what about your marmalade?

Their first misunderstanding and Bart's sage advice proved to be Keith's catalyst for courage. Keith so hesitant to speak to Thomas and frightened of the potential outcome, Thomas so forthright and sensitive to Keith's worries. Beautifully written @Robert Hugill. These two lads have grown on me so, I now think of them as fondly as I did of Owain and Colin. And the appearance of another of these young, handsome and randy young Italian men. Delizioso.

She is blonde and I have mentioned her given name only in comments before @Cane23. She is dangerous, a menace and wilfully stupid. Ms Alaska is a brain surgeon in comparison.

@Zuri's comments about the motivation for Manny and Bass' marriage had me pondering, how many people marry for love as their sole or primary motivation and how many marry for any number of other reasons, without love even entering the equation? If, as speculated in Western countries at least, the majority of people marry for love as their only or primary motivation, then the divorce rates in Western countries would suggest the majority of those who marry are fools or at least overly-optimistic. If this story was steeped in reality, I doubt Manny and Bass would have been able to adopt Rocky with such ease. Given the wealth of the Tanner family, such an adoption may well have come to the attention of vultures like 'Moms For Liberty' and/or the 'Southern Baptist Convention', and if there is one thing the bitches from the former and the nutters from the latter do well, it is spread lies and hate about the "evil of the gays". They would have mobilised protests, made hate speeches and created all kinds of mayhem and hysteria to stop such an "abomination" taking place (thus raising their own profile and cash reserves, purely with honourable intentions of course). A certain Republican representative from Georgia who shall remain nameless for the sake of @Cane23 would be all over something like this like flies on a cow pat (a much more appropriate analogy for her). I have to say any opportunity to erase these people from reality is a welcome respite, and that is not meant to diss @Zuri in any way (and I am not even an American @Zuri, but the aforementioned are purely evil, a blight on humanity). This is my first exposure to the literary talents of @Lee Wilson and I have to say I have enjoyed the exposure. I have also been overjoyed to read many of the comments made by the faithful (and there is definitely no religious connotation to this comment), and have found much comfort in the humour of many. With the death of two of my beloved felines in the past three months, stories and comments thereon on GA have brought some degree of comfort to me at times of overwhelming sadness, and for that I am thankful. And, finally I must point out a spelling error in this chapter @Lee Wilson, perhaps the greatest Freudian slip ever, and I insist you do NOT correct it: “This website says, we need two witnesses, Bass.” “Let’s have four. We’ll let Rocky stay home tomorrow and we’ll all go.” “Really? Tomorrow?” Ass smiled, “Why not? “Why not, indeed.”

I see that Elvis and Fine Young Cannibals have been hard at work with you again @drsawzall. Your Suspicion Mind(s) has/have come to the fore again. I wondered about the legitimacy of Paola T, but did not think of the money laundering aspect. Your first suspicion though is the most impressive.

Tangelo and lime. Now you are talking my language @Paladin. I imagine that combination would be quite tart and thus would appeal to my taste buds greatly.

I "borrowed" (stole) it from Peggy Lee @Doha. On her album The Man I Love she included a song entitled Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe. I like the song and thought the title quite clever (and corny too, but it was recorded in 1957). I thought it leant itself well to being "borrowed" for this delightful chapter.

Brilliant deduction @CincyKris. It makes perfect sense, but the question remains, for me at least, have the dodgy dealings ceased or are they more cleverly hidden now?

The purpose of a seduction crossed my mind too @Cane23, but I failed to think of the most obvious commodity for smuggling as you have so cleverly speculated. Maybe one or more of your randy tenants may like to make such a purchase.

One of your best physical descriptions of a character yet @Robert Hugill with Paolo described as "she was well-upholstered, to put it mildly. Chignon, severe yet elegant dress with sleek lines that probably owed something to firm corsetry." Mutton dressed as lamb perhaps, albeit very expensively dressed, not something you would find in WalMart or its Italian equivalent. And Vaughan's description of Tony's "crinkly grey hair, not unlike a Brillo pad" reminded me of Joanna Lumley's description of a former US president's hair as like an "orange Brillo pad". Dante is very observant, vocational hazard I would think, but it is something which may be useful for Vaughan too. His comment about Paola and Tony's dear friends more likely being a "renta crowd" was very amusing and was supported by Vaughan's skepticism that the non-arty crowd were genuine friends. The intrigue of shady business dealings concluded the evening for Dante and Vaughan with the former dismissing any possible drug-related shenanigans. Drugs aside what else could it be? Human trafficking from Eastern Europe, arms smuggling, art forgeries? All shall be revealed, if there is in fact anything to be revealed, in the fullness of time.

Even to a dispassionate outsider, Blair's excuse appeared feeble at best and disingenuous at worst. Add to the mix a teenage mind conflicted and confused by his changing feelings for his best friend Blair and waaaaaaaayyyyyyy too much alcohol, and you have one very traumatised Alex. In Blair's defence, I perceive a teenager with anxiety issues of his own, particularly his insecurity about his new school environment, and a mind also conflicted and confused by his changing feelings for his best friend Alex. Add the two together, stir and shake, and you have one fucked up situation. In some respects I believe Alex's reaction is exactly what was needed for both boys to address the elephant in the room. Far better he be brutally honest, otherwise the trouble between the two festers and neither knows where they stand, and voila you have a Bold And The Beautiful scenario where for the next 10 years they dance around each other, too scared to know what the other is really thinking as it might destroy their friendship/relationship. I have to say I do not recall finding Matt obnoxious in the first "draft" of this story @matcha, but on this occasion I am finding him just a little annoying and somewhat condescending. Wes appears larger than life again and James delightfully nerdy again. The "Country Club" sounded bloody awful.