Summerabbacat

Keith's naïveté may find him getting into trouble. Accepting a drink from a stranger in a pub is a big no-no. Perhaps in a small local pub it may be OK, but if Keith ever ventures into a larger, louder, flashier nightclub, I hope he thinks twice about this. I guess it will be some time yet, if ever, that he ventures into such an establishment, and in all likelihood if he does it will not be alone. Ruby Slut, what a simply marvellous name for a drag queen. She sang "bawdy versions of well-known songs interspersed with even filthier dialogue". I don't think I have ever seen a drag queen perform who did not have an even pottier mouth than me (and I could make a sailor blush at times). "How did you meet other gay guys? There were dating websites, but Keith had a healthy distrust of technology, he wasn’t putting his personal business on a computer for any jack-harry to know and use. He wanted to meet people and chat." Keith is so like me in this respect; I do not use any social media and use my mobile phone for making telephone calls, sending texts, taking photographs of my cats (and occasionally other things), watching porn and sometimes reading stories on GA and Nifty. And jack-harry, is that a Leeds idiom, a variation on every Tom, Dick or Harry @Robert Hugill? Another feather in your cap Mr Hugill. This story has a charm all of its own already and you are only two chapters in. Well done yet again.

I felt the earth tremors all the way over here in Australia when Colin's balls not only dropped, but swung like a pendulum sweet and low and clobbered moralistic Miles, telling him in no uncertain terms to go fuck himself, he does not need his permission to be the person he is meant to be with whomever makes him happy. I am still circumspect regarding belligerent Bronwyn. I don't think she will be able to help herself if she comes to visit Colin; she will likely belittle and berate him. The only saving grace may be if moralistic Miles does not accompany them we may see the emergence of amazonian Annalisa who will take on her mother-in-law and tear shreds from her toxic tongue and domineering derriere. I doubt Owain will tolerate any of her nonsense either, so she would do well to be on her best behaviour. Jase and Monique appear to have an equally fun relationship as Colin and Owain. I really liked Monique's sense of humour.

“And you’re surely the guy to talk about extremes. You crazy little beautiful thing,” Hudson scolded his lover, “what was that all about?” “You mean, why did I want to be punished? It’s… I needed it. I need it.” “Why would you need such a thing? I bet you’ve never hurt a fly in your life.” “That is true. But I did hurt someone else.” I have previously speculated Otis may have lit the fire which killed his mother. I have to wonder again if perhaps he did. I also wonder if "Grandma" existed, or if Otis was placed into an institution for children who committed crimes or into foster care where he only survived by having an "invisible friend" whom he named Grandma. Otis' desire to be spanked and spanked hard did not surprise me and I am very glad he is exploring this desire with someone like Hudson, as opposed to someone like Angel, Watkins or Keres. Another provocative chapter @Laura S. Fox. Otis is a sexual dynamo and Hudson completely let his guard down professing his love for Otis and I believe him to have spoken the absolute truth, and it frightens the bejesus out of him.

As soon as I saw the chapter title I assumed the demise of Charlie and Drew's relationship was on the cards, although I thought Makani may be the one who was in flagrante delicto with Drew. I have felt there was something a little "shifty" about Drew from the get go, so was not at all surprised by the revelation of his "stepping out" on Charlie. Charlie showed just how seriously he takes his responsibility for Joey by indicating he would not allow Drew's apparently sudden interest in pot to risk remaining Joey's guardian. If one good thing has come from his discovery of Drew's "player" status it is he won't have to be concerned about this risk anymore. I just hope Drew is not the possessive vindictive type who does not take being dumped kindly. Methinks Charlie may not hear from Drew again, but I won't be surprised if Drew comes sniffing around Makani. I think there was an attraction there on Drew's part at least.

It appears more "Hugillistic" delights await with this new story @Robert Hugill. I was pondering on what the "magic" or "secret ingredient" is in your stories which charm so. I had reached a conclusion and was thinking how best to articulate it, when blow me down I read "Greg and Bart were in their late 30s and very much like any normal married couple except both were men. So far Keith's experience of gay men had been limited, and this was his first glimpse of people living a regular life who just happened to be gay". This expressed my thoughts succinctly and without fanfare. It is the very "ordinariness" of the gay characters in your three works that it is so appealing. Not one of the gay men has a 12 inch cock or even a 9 inch one, or if they do they are not bragging about it. Not one of them has perfectly styled hair, flawless skin, teeth which blind you when they open their moist and thick lips to dazzle you with a smile or a body without any of the bumps and imperfections that so many of we "ordinary" (read non-A gays) possess. Keith appears to be a somewhat smaller, younger and even more "sheltered" Colin. I have to ask, do electrician's have a "sparky's crack" similar to a builder's or plumber's crack? I very much liked the esteemed description of the older stone buildings etc in comparison to the derision of the new soulless "plastic boxes". And, the homes built for the footballers' wives would no doubt be tasteless and full of "big fuck-off washers, dryers and other appliances". Ostentatious and gaudy, perfectly suited to talon-like finger nails, trout pouts, surgically enhanced and aerodynamically challenging bosoms and skin so botoxed they appear to have been embalmed. One chapter and I am hooked already Mr Hugill.

Luiza come back into Diego's life and sort out the horrors that are Zoey, Jillian and Nina, and maybe you can be a love interest/fuck budette for Audrey and/or Gloria. Lance and Sean, who is the bigger queen. Each has had to battle to get to where he has, but I think Lance is the tougher and more resilient of the two. Sean has become a real little whiner.

"Upset or not, ADHD or not, your daughter or not, she needs to learn manners and respect". Audrey is the parent so many children need. Parents who think their child is the smartest, most beautiful little darling who can do no wrong are doing them no favours, particularly if they are anything butJ. Some children like Jillian and to a lesser extent Nina are horrible and should note be told otherwise. Jillian you could not give away, a horror just like her mother.

I grew up in rural Australia in the 1970's @drsawzall and both my mother and maternal grandmother grew rhubarb (we grew most of our own vegetables and a lot of fruit too) and I loved rhubarb and apple crumble or rhubarb and ice cream. I have not had rhubarb for years and don't recall it being available in shops either as many do not like it.

Ditto to everything @ObicanDecko said, particularly the moving discussion between Diego and Zander Panda and its outcome. Hopefully it may portend a reunification between Diego and Luiza. And on a lighter note, I know this story is complete (and I have not peeked at its ending), but I sure hope you had a particularly nasty plot line for the hideous Zoey, death or at least a severe maiming, maybe at the hands of Gloria, in self-defence of course, or an epic hair-pulling, dragging her around by the hair and repeatedly being bitch-slapped by the wonderful Audrey.

Diego can keep both Nina and Jillian. I would not swap my feline daughters for either of these horrid little bitches. I thought Nina had some saving graces (Jillian has none), but in this chapter she revealed herself to be a complete brat too. I could not tolerate either of them. Lance's reunion with his family (at least those who matter) was very moving. To an outsider he would appear to be an alien with little or nothing in common with them, but the sheer joy they experience in being with each other was beautiful to witness. Margaret needs to spend three minutes "in the ring" with Gloria. I would love to see Gloria grab her by the hair and swing her around and around. Nasty bitch needs to be put in her place. Jane was a hoot, especially when she realised and challenged Diego hitting on her.

Well that was a "fuck me" moment for quite a few of the "cast", none moreso than Ollie. He appeared to be OK with the "concept" of Sean (please not bloody Seano) and Diego sharing some intimate moments, but an affair which presumably involves more than mere sexual gratification, was a definite no no. Ollie's throwing of the silver wedding band into the dirt was the saddest moment in the entire chapter not involving the death of any of the non-human animals. I loved the names of the farm animals, particularly Moodonna. I was very pissed at Diego for this thought though "He could always get a new freaking cow and name it after some other washed up celebrity", moreso for downplaying the death of Moodonna rather than insulting Madonna (I am a big fan of her music still, but her "treatment" of her fans over the years has become increasingly disdainful at times). For those of us who love our non-human animals, a death of one can be just as traumatic as the death of a human animal for others, and don't you fucking dare dismiss it as lesser because you have not been fortunate or smart enough to experience the love of a non-human animal.

Given Joe's professed preference it is likely a girl and the name sounds more like one would give to a girl, but nowadays children's names often appear to be gender neutral, made up or an object e.g. Apple, Scout, Sir, Chicago, North. Perhaps @Robert Hugill you could have some British equivalents e.g. Pillock, Dolt, Stonehenge, Badger, Rhubarb and Persimmon.

Well that was a pleasant surprise for Owain (and a surprise for this reader at least) that Mhairi reacted positively to both Owain's suggestion regarding Joe. She is obviously a bit of a control-freak and likes to be consulted and at least think suggestions that are made are at least partially her idea or something she had also thought of. Going on a holiday, even if only by herself, will do her the world of good. From previous mention of Melanie and the latest disclosure regarding her behaviour I think Joe is well rid of her. Another charming chapter in the life of these most likeable of characters. I wonder though @Robert Hugill when moralistic Miles and belligerent Bronwyn are going to make another appearance and cause more trouble and angst, and if you throw in narcissistic Nathan into the mix, you could end up with a trio as troublesome as the three witches in Macbeth, without any of the charm, wit and beauty of the trio in the Witches of Eastwick.

Unlike the majority of those in the hospitality industry I believe they will too @chris191070. I imagine the hospitality industry worldwide is fairly consistent in its treatment of its workers, with many rogue corporations (especially the larger ones) underpaying their staff and providing them with little job security. These bastards were certainly exposed big time in Australia when COVID was at its worst, but I don't believe many were surprised with just how many unscrupulous employers treated their staff like shit, whilst weathering the storm personally quite nicely as paid for by the taxpayer's in Australia. Absolute scum of the earth. A very moving chapter @Andre Delport, vividly describing a time of upheaval, uncertainty and unwarranted deaths. Unfortunately, I don't think that we as a species have learned very much from it, memories are short and appalling behaviour on an international scale went largely unpunished.

The story title, its meaning and significance, has intrigued me from the very first chapter, but never has it seemed more important and potentially prophetic than in this chapter. Firstly, the word keeper. Is the keeper merely someone who works at Brother Wolf, a de-facto zookeeper for want of a better job description? Or is the keeper someone who has and continues to observe the rituals or someone who has maintained said rituals? And what are the rituals, is it reference to the rituals of the Native Americans or something completely different? If Martina is not the killer, and I am still not convinced she is not, then who is, and what was the motive? I have long assumed the murder was motivated by money and to frame Micco. But what if the motive was money and to protect Micco. Given the story title and this speculation the murderer was motivated to protect Micco, I am speculating Billie may have murdered Sam. Billie has not struck me as being particularly involved in the “politics” of his people, he appears more concerned with maintaining the "rituals" of his people, rituals he believes Micco is capable of “keeping” in the event of his death. Perhaps Martina approached Billie after the death of Jacob, thinking he may have some influence over those who made the decision not to provide her with any surviving spousal support. Perhaps Billie does not agree with this decision and believed the only way to gain any support for her receiving surviving spousal support was to embarrass the decision-makers. What better way to embarrass the decision-makers than to have the wolves and panthers escape due to lack of financial support for Brother Wolf. When plotting this course of action with Martina, Billie may have learned of a possible "threat" Sam poses to not only Brother Wolf receiving a bequest from his grandmother, but also to his beloved Micco. He may have thought Micco in danger of being sucked into Sam’s world of drugs and does not believe Sam was worthy of Micco’s affection. Of course, this still does not address the murder of Micco’s mother and sister, which I have long held somehow related to Sam’s murder or the appearance of Long Ears, although who better to throw in this “red herring” than someone who is aware of the legend. More, more, more @Libby Drew. Intrigue abounds and speculation is running rife. Martina’s pity party has not drawn much sympathy from your readers, and I have to say I am in full agreement with them. She appears to believe that she is “owed” for her altruism, but surely that altruism should have been freely given without the expectation of reward, to be considered at all noble. I still think she is a bitch and deserves whatever she has coming to her. And it appears you were correct @drpaladin. Elvis was not in "da house".

Toby has come a long way under the watchful, caring and loving eye of his father and step-father, but one thing neither has been able to achieve is assuage his insecurity regarding his mother, largely because it is beyond their control. I think Denise went some way to easing his insecurity in this chapter, let us just hope Deirdre does not renege on whatever "promise" she made to Denise. Denise's attitude to Brian and Gordon's evolving relationship with Russ was somewhat of a surprise. She appears to have adjusted herself to it with little or no moral judgment. Seemingly she is ever so pleased Brian is free of Deirdre and is happy with someone she obviously is impressed by; Russ is just a little extra flavour. I look forward to the wedding and Toby's 14th birthday @Robert Hugill. You have created a wonderful story with this one, with characters who continue to delight. Even Deirdre improved a little in this chapter, for once making a decision and sticking to it. May I suggest if she is having trouble with regularity she introduce some prunes or psyllium husks into her diet.

Thank you @Robert Hugill. I assumed it was a large washing machine, it was the description of such an appliance as a "fuck-off" one which puzzled me. Now that I know it to mean "fancier" I can "hear" Owain making such a comment to Colin.

I hope you are right @akascrubber as the depravity of Keres, Watkins and Angel seems to have no boundaries.

A part of me admires Billy for initially exposing the judge's obvious prejudice against him and by extension his client, but another part of me thinks him foolhardy as it is his client who has the most to lose and he should have kept his ego in check. I do not as a general rule have much respect for the judiciary, or the process that is used to review their impartiality and behaviour, and I cannot imagine the process in the USA is without reproach, particularly in red states (as a non-American the colour "scheme" is antithetical). I just hope when the matter is referred for judicial review the review of Judge Arthur's behaviour is fair and just and not just rubber-stamped. I agree with comments made by other readers that Steve should supervise Calvin's visits with Bryan and Caleb, not only for their protection and to strike fear in to Calvin's heart, but also to deny Calvin any opportunity to "needle" Diego about their past relationship and his alleged behaviour preventing Calvin from seeing his children. Steve has a very cool head, whereas Diego is easily provoked and/or angered and Calvin apparently knows how to push his buttons.

Norway, the birth nation of my beloved Frida from ABBA (my favourite member of ABBA). The trip to Norway is adding immeasurably to Colin's growing confidence and acceptance of his body. He and Owain share a number of interests and their separate interests seem to compliment each other well. Owain's suggestion to Colin to leave some of his clothing (including some of his "smalls") at Owain's place is a good one. A leisurely pace to possible cohabitation is a sensible one for both for various reasons. I have to say @Robert Hugill I find Owain and Colin's trip to Norway far more appealing than Brian, Gordon, Toby and "Mr Russ'" trip to France. And I have to ask what is a "big fuck-off washer"? I have wracked my brain to try and work out what this means, but have come up blank. Is this another local idiom or one very specific to Colin?

The mundane in life, particularly in a domestic situation, is the "true test" of a relationship. If the relationship between Chis and Andre is to not only survive, but to strengthen and grow, they have to be content to address the mundane together. After all life cannot be all parties, weekend trips to the Hunter Valley for wine tasting and cheese, and endless fucking. Perhaps this comment is indicative of my age and distrust of most humans, but I have to say I was alarmed when Chris disclosed his password for his personal and business accounts to Andre, and disclosed them over the telephone. I can understand a joint bank account for mortgage payments/rent and household expenses, but disclosing all his financial affairs to Andre this early in their relationship was to me very premature. And as for disclosing a password over the telephone, has he not heard of identity theft. I enjoyed this chapter immensely @Paladin. The only thing missing from Chris and Andre's life is a dog or a cat. As for babysitting William, let's hope Chris has a strong stomach and an endless well of patience. Some baby humans are relatively easy to care for, but some are a nightmare. I have a nearby neighbour whom I dislike intensely (she and her husband are universally loathed) and their first child as a baby was vile. I am not sure how old it is now, but another neighbour refers to it as Chucky. Suffice to say it, the mother and the father and even the dog, are all obnoxious.

What a shame Jillian and Zoey did not gate crash the "party" at Sean and Ollie's place; the rest of the party could have locked them out of the basement. I hope Sean, Ollie and Diego are able to save all the animals. Although I would not like sharing the basement with the chickens (I am terrified of most birds, chickens included and I do not like lice), I would not want to see them come to any harm either. Even Rachel was bearable in this chapter, but what is it worth Ollie calling Sean, Seano?

Lance isn't stupid, I think he will wake up to Danny's ulterior motive(s) sooner rather than later. He just cannot seem to get a break in either his personal or professional life. If I may be so bold as to give him a word of advice - ditch the red hair. I have no sympathy for Rachel, she is a cold-hearted self-centred bitch, but Ollie appears to be a genuinely nice man. Will he be upset Sean is stepping out on him? If anything, I suspect Ollie will be more upset with Sean on who it is he is stepping out with, rather than merely stepping out (I love that euphemism, I first heard it in a song sung by Dolly Parton in recent times). Another enjoyable chapter @AusGlitterati.

It's time for that bitch Zoey to pay her dues. Mamma Gloria and Mamma Pearl need to sort her out and quick smart. It seems very clear to me she deliberately got pregnant to Diego, viewing him as her meal ticket to a better life. He needs to get full custody of Julian and the monster Jillian, even if he has to put her up for adoption, and then cut off all support for Zoey. Let her go and live in a trailer park and get a job in Walmart to support herself.

I usually abhor violence, but I so want to see Audrey body slam Zoey, Gloria king hit Margaret and Julian throw Jillian through a table literally. I am in total agreement, the doctor's diagnosis of Jillian's disorder is just a fancy name and excuse for her being a total bitch. Perhaps she and her equally cuntish mother deserve each other. I hope Diego's statement regarding Julian was a genuine reflection of how he now feels. If genuine, then he has finally realised that his macho bullshit attitude was what made him boring, more than anything else. Ironic how he recognised the white trash who harassed Lance and yet his own behaviour was to certain extent only marginally better.