Summerabbacat

Rock spiders are generally very unpopular in prison and sometimes their prison sentence is reduced by death (murder or suicide). Graham Peterson if convicted could well find himself in grave physical danger or he may become Bubba's bitch. Ian and Kevin were foolish to argue, but The Major was even more foolish to leave. What will it take to get through that thick skull of his (thickened by pride and obstinance) that the boys want/need him to complete their family. Stubborn old bastard I recall Kevin referring to him as, a very apt description it seems. I don't think I have ever heard of gammon before @Mancunian. I had no idea what it was, thinking it may be some kind of game due its name. I was forced to eat meat until I left home a the age of 18, although increasingly less so in my teens as I started to resist and rebel, and was exposed to all sorts of disgusting food (steak and kidney pie, lamb's fry and bacon, corned beef or as some call it silverside, and brains to name but a few). To this day the smell of lamb or pork (especially bacon and eggs) cooking is enough to make me have to close all doors and windows to try and block out the smell.

The Major may be a little bit of curmudgeon (although I suspect some of this is bluff), but he definitely has a "softer" side to him too. His naughtiness was all forgiven, and understandably so, when he stated “Thank you boys you have made this old man happy, it feels good to be home.” How this acceptance of their love must have warmed the hearts of Ian and Kevin. So Jason an JJ are one and the same. I expect Danny and he will reconnect, and I know they do of course as I am reading What Happened To The Baxter Boys. Speaking of the latter, I think what drew me to read it was its similar title to the British TV comedy of the early 70's Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads. I am almost certain I saw at least some of this show on the ABC (Australia's equivalent to the BBC). My family used to watch a lot of shows on the ABC and British comedies were always a favourite. Perhaps someone will lace Bill's lunch with crack cocaine (is there a rapper in the vicinity of The Boot?)

I am very pleased to see veggie burgers were on offer for the guests at The Boot @Mancunian as I am a 100% vegetarian (and often vegan). I got a "fright" with the appearance of Adele and Sue. When I first read it my immediate thought was that "the" Adele was present and I shuddered. I love me some divas, including British divas (Shirley, Dusty and Sara and Keren from Bananarama in particular), but bloody Adele is definitely NOT one of them. If Michael can successfully cover Bridge Over Troubled Water then he is doing well as it is not an easy song to sing. Many have covered it, but I think the original by Simon and Garfunkel is still my favourite, although I am very fond of Roberta Flack's and Dame Shirley Bassey's versions too. Missy is still a favourite of mine. Every time she makes an appearance I look at "my Missy" who is surprisingly sedate at the moment (I don't think she is enjoying the 35C+ temperatures and 90%+ humidity we are currently experiencing in Sydney, Australia, unlike Papa who is loving it). The coyness of Brad and Charlie was soooooooo cute. How wonderful of you to write two younger gay men who are hesitant and did not start fucking immediately. And love that word "snogging". It always reminds me of Jennifer Saunders as Edina and Joanna Lumley as Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous, my favourite of all British comedies. Keep the joy coming @Mancunian.

He was I imagine a fastidious and elegant dresser (as much as he could be in the military) before his homelessness. Would that elegance have extended itself to Halston, Gucci and Fiorucci? Perhaps not, but in yesteryear who is to say he may not have been "The Greatest Dancer".

Unless he is a good actor, I think "Mr Russ" is genuine in his desire for friendship (with benefits if possible) with Brian and Gordon and Toby is an added bonus whom he is clearly fond of. He has I dare say brought it on himself to have been treated as a sugar daddy in prior relationships and old habits die hard. Now that Brian and Gordon have clearly told him they are uncomfortable with lavish gifts because of the differences in their income to his, he will hopefully ease off. His arrival with two bottles of champagne to celebrate the impending nuptials was a perfectly acceptable act of friendship and was accordingly well received. Toby's compromise to settle for non-organic locally made cheese was a very good one from an economic and an environmental stance. Well done lad. I don't find it odd at all that Russ does not have a car. I have never owned a car in my life and have not driven one since January 1985. I am fortunate to have relatively good public transport where I live and also walk frequently, sometimes for up to 1.5 hours to from point A to point B. If I was retired I would be happy to walk even further, but time constraints prevent this at present. I vacillate between Brian: Taking Courage and No Going Back being my favourite of your published works @Robert Hugill. Each has its own charms and each has characters I can relate to an admire and characters that it is fun to detest and revile. Overall I think this is my favourite of the two stories.

Bill must have laced Jason/JJ's coffee with Rohypnol or something similar. One can only hope that he meets his match sooner rather than later. Perhaps Manny could foster Jason/JJ. It was mentioned he was childless, so he may be a suitable candidate. I think The Major needs a visit from Kathy Sledge and her sisters, apart from Joni who passed away in 2017. Gurrrls would put him in his place. He may even learn a few dance moves.

Kevin and Ian need to have a recording of Ward Sister Judy dressing down The Major and every time he misbehaves they just press play. I suspect (or perhaps it is more wishful thinking) that Kevin's unexpected outburst may have had an impact on The Major. He needs to pull his head out of his arse now and ACCEPT the motivation for Ian and Kevin's altruism for what it is - genuine affection and caring. Steve will I am sure, ably supported by Kate, find out what happened to Danny and why, and if they face roadblocks they may have to call in the "big guns", The Major and/or Sister Judy Evans. What a formidable combination they would be.

I can well see The Major taking Danny "under his wing" just as he has Ian and Kevin. His treatment of Beccy was as she described it, gentlemanly. Bill, the weasel, seems to have been a prick for quite some time. Has he ever bothered to contribute anything to The Boot other than his bitching and sniping. He should be told to live and not bother returning In Australia we also refer to car boots and the footpath or pavement. A trunk is what elephants have and a sidewalk, it sounds best suited to some specific type of walk to me.

The world needs more Jim's and Jason's, people capable of fixing appliances rather than having them put into landfill. Mobile phones are amongst the worst offenders. I have long proposed that tech companies should have to pay an environmental cleanup tax (which they are not allowed to pass onto their customers). Some people in my workplace laugh when I tell them my Apple Mac is 11 years old and still going strong and I have an I-Phone 6 (which I only got to work from home in March 2020, before that I did not have one and I was able to live perfectly comfortably without one). Now what is stashed in The Major's "special" and when will it be revealed?

Manny and Danny, two new characters from very different backgrounds and living very different lives. What do they have in common apart from rhyming names, they are both endearing. Kate and Steve are model foster parents. No doubt their experiences at The Boot will have opened their eyes, eyes that were willing to open, ears that were willing to listen, and hands that were willing to do. The financial reward - $0.00. The emotional reward - a life of purpose. Still enjoying this book @Mancunian, although I may have to retire for the evening soon. One of my cats has been unwell today, the likely cause the dramatic increase in temperature. I have relished the 35C plus temperature and the humidity of 90% plus, but my beloved Kiki (who is approaching 17 years of age) is finding her stomach greatly upset. She never complains and I refrain from ever chastising her for this as it is entirely NOT her fault.

I surmise Jason was sexually abused by a family member which resulted in him leaving home or was sexually abused since living on the streets after having been kicked out of home for being gay. I suspect the former as it appears he may have only been on the streets for a short period of time as he is not wise to the ways of the street. I suspect an infatuation with John/Christian. I hope to learn more of Beccy and Jim's back story @Mancunian, after all they are going to be parents. Hopefully Christian can find employment for Jim and a place for them both to live. Maybe Jason could live with them and help out too.

Somehow I managed to omit making a comment on chapter 3, but incorporated the surprise pregnancy as part of my chapter 4 comment. And it is only early in the evening (9.12pm in Sydney, Australia, and I have just finished dinner whilst listening to another English-Australian, the mega-successful, mega-fabulous, Olivia Newton-John).

Sister Judy Evans reminded me of Matron Maggie Sloane in the very successful Australian drama series A Country Practice which ran from 1981-1994. She was portrayed by an English-Australian actress, Joan Sydney, who was simply marvellous in the role. The Major is really a very naughty boy who is used to getting his own way. This combined with his alcohol abuse and homelessness has resulted in him becoming a bit of a curmudgeon. Fortunately he has a kind streak as exhibited by his "rescue" of Ian and Kevin and he appears beloved by many of the homeless guests at The Boot. I hope he can swallow his pride and cohabit with Ian and Kevin. Will John/Christian perform some sort of miracle for the newly pregnant Beccy and baby daddy Jim? I am enjoying the pacing of this story @Mancunian.

I normally like chapters with a little more bulk @Mancunian, but I am finding these leaner chapters to my liking given the "difficult" story lines and the fact I am reading this story some 4.5 years after it was published. I have never been homeless, but for many years I fostered cats rescued from the streets or from the euphemistically (deceitfully) named "animal shelters". The joy I derived in returning a cat to full health and seeing him or her re-homed is the single achievement in life I am most proud of. Some may find it offensive that I dare to compare the plight of homeless non-human animals to homeless humans. My response is several expletives to such a person. I hope The Major can be persuaded to see sense and accept Ian and Kevin's offer of a home. What he does not seem to realise is that his presence in their home will be a joy to them. They clearly regard him as a father figure, something both seem to sorely miss and need. Another rewarding read @Mancunian.

An action-packed start to the second instalment of The Boot. It appears the Major has pneumonia, not good for anyone at any age, but I am assuming he is an older man whose immune system is likely compromised from his drinking and more recently his homelessness. Like my fellow readers I hope he has the strength to pull through. It is great to see Ian and Kevin having committed themselves to volunteering at The Boot, passing forward the kindness that was bestowed on them. I have a feeling I am going to enjoy this book @Mancunian.

Delightful yet again @Robert Hugill. I cannot but help think of Room With A View and to a lesser extent Tea With Mussolini when I think of a holiday in Italy for British citizens especially. With such thoughts Dames Judi and Maggie always make a welcome appearance, and Helena (whom I consider grossly underrated) pops into my mind on occasion too. Mhairi proved she has a sense of humour, even if it brought back unpleasant or unwanted memories. Her mimic of presumably her father admonishing her with "Come on girl, no time for that, we have God's work to do!" (said in a voice similar to that of Jim Carter in Downton Abbey) gave me a good chuckle. What tiresome and tedious parents her pious father and mother must have been. Just like Toby in Brian: Taking Courage, I feel Joe is going to benefit greatly from an inclusion, albeit to a much lesser extent, in the lives of his Uncle and "Step-Uncle". They are already having a positive effective on him, being good role models (something he certainly has not been given by his sperm-donor, Nathan), and with Owain being instrumental in getting him admitted into the summer acting course.

A glimpse into a world-wide problem, one which continues to worsen wit the gap between the "have and have-nots" widening. Sensitively written @Mancunian. I look forward to reading more of the "back catalogue" of The Boot series.

Missy's intuition regarding Harry's wellbeing and her desire to provide him comfort reminded me so much of my all-time favourite cat, my beloved Bassey (and yes he was named after the Dame from Tiger Bay). He would always sense when I was upset about something and come and put his front paws over my shoulder and rest his head against my shoulder or face and look up at me. He passed away on 23 June 2021 and not a day goes by when I don't think of him and his "sister", Ava, who passed away on 19 July 2021. I adopted them together and they adored each other.😭😭😭😭

You will soon become aware (like now) @Mancunian that any story which features a non-human animal as an integral "cast member" is a story which greatly appeals to me. Missy showed a great deal of promise in the prior chapter, but in this chapter she took a starring role (for me anyway). "As Harry sat, Missy raised herself and put her front paws on the arm of the chair. After receiving fuss and attention from Harry, she gave him gentle 'doggy kisses' to welcome him home. Her gentleness told of her understanding of Harry's poor health. Reassured that her friend and master was home, she sat on the floor beside Harry's feet and gently rested her head on his knee" had me weeping profusely and laughing at the same time. My youngest of now only four cats is named Missy. She will celebrate her 11th birthday in the Christmas/New Year break. She like Harry's Missy is very affectionate and is always happy to see me (and anyone else if truth be told, I am not that special). I was comparing Harry's Missy to my Missy (very favourably I might add) until I got to the "..... friend and master was home". The old proverb "dogs have masters and cats have servants" has survived because it is essentially true. No matter how cross I may get at times with my cats (mainly Missy for teasing her "sisters" Kiki, Zelda and Frida, or Frida for occasionally having a less than stellar aim when peeing in the litter tray), I am always ready to forgive and willingly serve to please. They are the greatest of all species. Mark Twain said it best "If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat." A lovely chapter as even the humans are appealing in this story. The relationship between Harry and Michael and Charlie will I think (hope hint hint) continue to blossom and provide a contentment and joy to each that can be derived from no other. Harry's generous gift of his son's guitar to Michael growing testament to the joy each has brought the other. After reading this chapter @Mancunian I have been inspired to commence reading "The Boot" books from the very beginning. It may take me some time to do so, but it will fill in some gaps.

Wow! Just wow! This chapter was 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I could almost hear the sound of flesh slapping against flesh and smell the pheromones saturating Otis' bedroom as Hudson and Otis had Otis' first "lesson" on the joys of fucking. I was surprised (and if truth be told a little jealous) when Otis revealed he had to buy XXL condoms to accommodate Hudson's impressive cock. No wonder Otis swooned. It is remarkable he did not have an attack of "the vapours". Hudson sprawled out naked on the lounge in front of a roaring fire, Zeus curled up at his feet, Otis also naked wandering in from the bedroom carrying Hudson's slippers and two mugs of steaming hot chocolate. Otis with a smile on his face wider than Texas and Hudson with a look of contentment and insatiable lust on his face. The things dreams are made of.

I have to keep reminding myself that Toby is only 14 years of age. He is remarkably mature. He is certainly awake to what Deirdre is really like as evidenced by "I think it's an ace idea. After all we all live here in Gordon's flat." He stared at his Father, "You think that Mum'll cause problems on Wednesday?" He is also remarkably comfortable with the knowledge Brian and Gordon are having some fun with "Mr Russ", no doubt this is due in no small part to the fact he likes "Mr Russ" whom I believe is also genuinely fond of of Toby. I won't be at all surprised if Deirdre surrenders her parental rights, quite possibly at the "insistence" of Jasper. I just hope she is not still of child-bearing age and decides to try and have a child with Jasper. That will be a recipe for disaster for sure. Another entertaining chapter @Robert Hugill. I don't expect you will be able to maintain your current frenetic pace with postings for one or the other of your stories almost daily. After all, you have a wedding to plan, even if it is only going to be small.

Beautiful words and sentiment @drsawzall which I believe could prove to be true, to the advantage of all parties.

I am new to the joys of your story-telling @Mancunian, although we have at times commented on the same story from the pen of another. The tissue-warning had me fearful of the impending death of either Harry or Missy, particularly when Michael went to visit Harry in the afternoon and found that "Harry appeared to be having a nap when they entered the ward". Fortunately, this was not the case. I am finding the developing friendship between Harry and Michael in particular, and Harry and his other "adoptive grandsons" to a lesser extent, to be one of the highlights of this story. Relationships between grandchildren and grandparents or their equivalent are so rarely explored in print, but when they are and they are as authentically written as in this work, they are a joy to witness. Whilst I am old enough to be a grandparent, I am not, and am in most ways glad that this is so as I would have made a lousy parent to human children. To feline children I am a different being altogether, but felines are my favourite of all the species in the animal kingdom (including my own species). Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler. I loved Beaches, but at the time hated the song, primarily because it was played to death. I also much prefer Bette's raunchier material ala Otto Titsling, camp material ala My Knight In Black Leather or 60's girl group tributes ala her superb version of the Dixie Cups Chapel Of Love. I have come to like the song now, although I have to say I prefer the song as sung by the Empress of Soul, Miss Gladys Knight (she soars like a bird in a gospel-tinged version). Some may laugh, but I also have a version of the song sung by the much-maligned, but in my opinion vastly underrated, Sheena Easton. Her version borders on country-pop but is easy on the ears and interesting because she sings it (love the various songs she did with Prince, when she upped the vampish, sex-kitten look). Any diva worth her weight in diamonds, could include this song in her repertoire and bring down the house. Max and Stacy are a charmingly mismatched pair on the surface, brought together and solidified by their kindness, acceptance and fiercely protective natures. I hope for the sake of all the boys and for Harry, the relationship between all becomes the norm, rather than the "novelty" it currently is. I do not use the word "novelty" in any way to diminish what is transpiring, I use it in its "purest" sense i.e. freshness, newness or unfamiliarity. I think all parties have much to gain from the friendship. And congratulations to you @raven1 for doing a fine job as editor.

Well what can one say, but Mhairi is rapidly, and somewhat surprisingly to me at least, redeeming herself. It is so pleasing to witness the "real" Mhairi, one not saddled by an odious husband or father, or a subservient (at best) mother. Her conversation with Colin was like a breath of fresh air @Robert Hugill, replete with wonderfully English words such as "blimey" and "wanker" and phrases such as "you heard about the barney". You are excused (just) for writing such a short chapter because it was such an enjoyable one.

Some very astute observations and interesting speculations espoused by my fellow "Drewophiles". I have long speculated the murder of Micco's mother and sister is somehow related to the murder of Sam @weinerdog. After "witnessing" Micco's partial recollection of the earlier event my belief they are somehow connected has grown stronger. I also have to wonder why Micco was seemingly left unscathed by his mother and sister's murderers or was he? To date we are relying solely on his recollection of the event. What if he has blocked out the part of the attack where he was subjected to harm, physical and/or mental. Perhaps the trauma suffered which affects him still was not confined to witnessing what happened to his mother and sister. Or perhaps their killers recognised or somehow knew of Micco's gift of communication and for that reason left him alone, fearing some kind of reprisal from "beyond the grave". Like @Clancy59 I think Calhoun may in fact believe Micco is not the killer and is using him to draw out the real killer, the person who likely gave Calhoun the anonymous tipoff and who "planted" evidence in the trunk of Micco's motor vehicle. And finally, my admiration for Micco strengthens with each chapter. Regardless of the threat to his own personal safety now and for the foreseeable future, he was equally or more concerned for the safety of the wolves and panthers, such that he was prepared to surrender his rights to have a tribal representative or attorney present at his interview. Perhaps foolhardy again @drsawzall, but I cannot help but admire his principles. Splendid writing again @Libby Drew. We "Drewophiles" are once again most fortunate to enjoy the fruits of your literary labour, even if there were a few more of those red herrings which @drsawzall so loves, thrown in for good measure.