Summerabbacat

Vaughan's mother is delightful, a mixture of propriety and reserve, with just enough sauciness and sassiness to make her more interesting and believable. ,The conversations between Vaughan, Dante and Vaughan's mother were for the most part hilarious and interesting, particularly the one referred to by @Cane23 above. But below the surface of all that hilarity I detected a sense of sadness associated with the death of Titus at age 7; sadness which apparently was never discussed with Vaughan's father and which haunted him to his death; and sadness which has only been discussed superficially between Vaughan and his mother. Is this a case of that old cliche about the English, the stiff upper lip even in times of adversity? Perhaps Dante's Nonna should have a word, but limit the rosary beads and wailing. And by the way @Robert Hugill, we fans cannot keep referring to Vaughan's mother as mother even though this is what he refers to her as. She must have a given name. She has a friend name Edna, who has a friend name Julie. May I be so bold as to suggest Phyllis, Barbara, Peggy, Jacqueline (and not bloody Jackie) or Valerie. Dante charmed Phyllis with his gardening and cooking talents. Although Vaughan was highly embarrassed, I think it wonderful Phyllis has taken an interest in Dante. Vaughan should think himself fortunate Phyllis is selfless enough to discount any "concerns" she may have about him being gay to accept he is and take an interest in his happiness and welfare. Imagine how such a mother would have made a difference to the lives of fan favourites Owain and Colin. The best chapter of this book yet @Robert Hugill. Phyllis has added much additional information to what is known of Vaughan. She simply MUST be invited to stay the weekend. Perhaps she could be introduced to Dante's Nonna, Mirabella (or is it Patrizia, Antonietta, Luciana or Serafina?).

Making a phone call is much easier on the fingers and the eyes. In years to come humans will look more like ET with long extended fingers from texting and bulging eyes from reading information written with the tiniest of fonts. They will also not be able to perform even the simplest of tasks without any "app" telling them how to do it.

Me too. I only use mine for making calls, sending texts and taking photos. I refuse to do internet banking or anything like that on it as it is too bloody small. I cannot read stories on GA on it as I cannot get rid of all the other crap on the screen (it is an I-phone 6).

I got my first mobile in March 2020 when I had to start working from home. It is handy, but I can "live" without it.

I hope those chair legs are in poor condition too @Anton_Cloche, rotting with splinters aplenty. I have to agree with @VBlew that Luke's reaction to Matt's disclosure was completely selfish. He did not once attempt to put himself in Matt's position and ask Matt how he was feeling after a major development in his life. Perhaps subconsciously Luke's careless foray in the park's public toilet was the action of someone wanting to "out" themselves but be able to blame it on someone else. I envisage Matt will be the "bigger man" and only have concern for Luke's physical condition, which I assume will warrant a trip to hospital and an interview by the police. Now as for the walrus, the ring leader of the gay bashers, I hope he is publicly named and shamed at the very least. My memory does not serve me will with the "finer details" of this story @Mark Ponyboy Peters and I know the story was completed many years ago, but I do hope that DJ is not always "the bridesmaid and never the bride".

I did not make this statement when commenting before, but what a remarkably loving, caring and thoughtful boyfriend Matt is proving himself to be, what with the surprise birthday guests he arranged to attend and the gift with the engraved message. Are you sure he is only 18 @Mark Ponyboy Peters? He has also embraced his recently realised sexuality with an acceptance which belies his age and circumstances. This acceptance on his part bodes well for the future of his relationship with Luke, which will no doubt face challenges, particularly from their fathers' if their words of late are a reliable indication of their attitude towards gay men. "I thought I caught the beginnings of a smile on his face, but then, in an instant he was gone." I suspect the smile is an indication that DJ and Hoss may also be gay and in a relationship and will welcome the camaraderie another gay couple will bring to their lives. And those pesky seagulls which annoy so many made their presence felt at the beach. I confess to being annoyed by them at times when at the beach, but when examined from afar they really are a very beautiful looking bird (and I am not a fan of birds, being somewhat afraid of them all). Their "manners" are certainly vastly superior to the "bin chickens" which in recent years seem to have exploded in numbers in urban environments.

A happy and delightful ending to a week that has been anything but. Thank you @Laura S. Fox for adding that cheer. Otis is selfless, kind and loving to a fault. Zeus recognised it straight away and they have bonded immediately. For Hudson, life could not be any better, the two most important men in his life have met and it is as if they have always known each other. For Otis, life has come full circle; his happiness assured from such a simple pleasure, but one so difficult to obtain and retain “You’ve already done that.” Otis cuddled against his chest and pressed his head against it. “I will be happy forever, here with you.”

Your health must come first @John Henry. This chapter was once again very amusing, particularly after Mr Clarke gave up cross-examining any of Billy's witnesses. It is time for Judge Crusty Pants to finish this farce. I have to wonder if Caleb has been picked on by the spawn of one of the flat-earther's who protested outside the court house on the first day. Such parents seem to have no conscience when it comes to using their own children against the children of "the enemy" to further their agenda. I just hope Caleb is not injured as I cannot imagine him actively fighting, especially if attacked by a mindless bully.

I remembered far less of this chapter than chapter 1 @Mark Ponyboy Peters. Just like @Al Norris I had forgotten Chris' father's revelation. He could well be a source of support for Luke and Matt later on, if so, I hope he finds a "love" interest of his own, although it does not sound as if his son would be supportive of this. I recalled both Luke and Matt's fathers being somewhat suspicious of their sons, motivated apparently by gossip on the golf course, proving that gossip is not the sole domain of women. It appears James Bower's father is somewhat mouthy, just like Julie, the mouth from the south. It struck me that Luke's first sexual experience was a very positive one, and with someone he is genuinely attracted to. I wonder how many of us had such a great first time experience? I know I certainly did not, but I have only myself to blame for that.

I just had to read this chapter again @Mark Ponyboy Peters so the story "flows" properly to the newly instated "real" chapter 2. The second reading reinforced that Julie is exactly as Luke described her, a snooty bitch. I envisage she will make trouble if she discovers the real reason Matt is no longer interested in her. I have a sense she is a spiteful nasty young woman who will not take rejection easily, hence the pouting (I had an instant image of one of my ex-sisters-in-law, my least favourite of four, and it was not pleasant). The second reading brought back memories of my Year 12 formal (I hired a burgundy coloured suit - yuck). Suffice to say I had as much interest in girls as I did in cars. I don't think I got my driver's licence until I finished Year 12 and had to be parentally pushed to do say. I used it very little and have not driven a car since January 1985, and have not even once regretted I have zero interest in cars or in driving them. I was a bloody awful driver, with no patience and limited peripheral vision (which has been reduced to zero by a head injury in 2010).

Dare I suggest Stanley's father is the one who needs to be placed into "foster care" @Paladin. His mother does not apparently have an issue with him being gay, just his behaviour of late, which one could attribute to being a teenager and having a father who is from all reports a bully. Perhaps Stanley's mother needs to show her husband the door unless he can change his attitude to his son and tone down the testosterone. Better still, divorce the prick. The hypocrisy of Jason's mother at least was not surprising. Often those who preach sexual abstinence unless in a heterosexual marriage apply a different standard to their own behaviour and if caught beg for God's forgiveness (remember a certain American preacher who is a Pentecostal televangelist who has been busted not once but twice using the services of a prostitute). If Colin and Jason form a lasting relationship perhaps they can move in with Phil into his home. I think such an arrangement would be beneficial for all parties.

I "emerged" into the "gay world" in the mid to late 80's @Al Norris, and lived through and survived the plague that many did not. I believe I had a greater knowledge and appreciation of what those who came before me went through who paved the way to make things a little easier than what younger gay men do, although I suspect this is not restricted to younger gay men only. If you are an "old fuddy-duddy" then I am a slightly less older "fuddy-duddy" as I find I have little patience with millennials and their "me me me" attitude and technology-based condescension.

@weinerdog and @pvtguy captured my thoughts on this chapter beautifully and succinctly. Although elder abuse occurs in the type of care Phil is in, I think he would have been more susceptible to elder abuse had he been in Roger's care, unless Roger's spouse does not agree with his attitude towards Phil. I too think Phil and/or Colin should check to ensure no papers were signed by Phil under duress which may have given Roger access to his bank account(s). There has been much debate in the last two chapters regarding Phil's marriage to Eloise and the fact it was entered into under "false pretences" by Phil. I have to wonder though if Eloise did not have at least some suspicion of Phil's true nature. Unless Phil is lying, it does not appear Eloise bore him any malice for having "deceived" her either. Their relationship appears to have lasted beyond their divorce, particularly if as Phil stated she rang him to disclose her cervical cancer and told him she still loved him. It started out as a friendship and they appear to have similar ideals, so who is to say that post-divorce their relationship did not return to one as it was before marriage. It appears to me Roger needs to pull his head out of his arse, get over his childish behaviour, act like an adult and recognise his parents' relationship for what it was, an enduring friendship. The premise of this story is so relevant in today's world @Ronyx, with people living longer and often being put into "care" by their family members. Your execution of this story to date is unfortunately all too realistic. A master at work again.

Apart from the grotesque description of shooting ducks etc (I am a vegetarian after all @Robert Hugill) I got more laughs in this chapter than any other for quite some time. When Thomas was describing the "castle" and its environs I immediately thought of Four Weddings And A Funeral, and at any moment half-expected little Kristin Scott Thomas, Hugh Grant, James Fleet or Simon Callow to appear, the latter providing a cutting commentary of the aristocrats who may at one time have owned and/or occupied it. Alas it was not to be, with the appearance of "two young women" who"walked past, long blond, expensively glossy, bleached hair, heavy make-up, dresses so short you could almost see tomorrow’s washing". I almost unseated myself from the dining chair laughing at this as I had never heard this maxim before, only being familiar with "dresses so short you could almost see what they had for breakfast", but it only got funnier with Thomas' witty and caustic remark "Welcome to Leeds on holiday!”. I have little knowledge of Leeds, although I do recall At Home With The Braithwaites was set there and was a TV show I found quite amusing, back when I used to watch TV. Poor Leeds, does it deserve such a reputation @Robert Hugill, awash with the nouveau riche and social climbers with all arse and no class? Alison proved herself an amusing travel companion and clearly enjoys taking the piss out of others too. Both she and Thomas helped Keith a little further out of his shell in this chapter, giving him the confidence to experience new things he has not previously been exposed to. This story, much like No Going Back, is another "slow burner" @Robert Hugill, extending its joy beyond the first few chapters, and although quintessentially English in its location, style and characters, has universal appeal. It is a sheer pleasure to read such wonderful stories replete with such likeable characters.

Indeed @Cane23. His siblings may have been poisoned by their toxic viperous bitch and odious uncles, but to actively hate Peter is unforgivable. Perhaps a strategically placed earthquake can take them all out or at least leave them lamenting they were not kinder to Peter (hint hint @Al Norris). Peter is so good and kind he would probably risk his life still to save them from a fire. I would not, I would say "pass me the petrol".

The adoption was a fait accompli (for me at least) after the comments made about Uncle George (and now Dad) visiting the court house in the prior chapter. I have to wonder if Peter's biological father held similar views to his brother George or were his views more aligned to those of his conservative wife Mary. Once again I underestimated what a c..t she is; her "farewell" comment to her son just above her signature testament to how totally undeserving of the word mother she is (unless combined with another word to form a word far less "flattering") and what a worthless person she is. I hope you have something dastardly prepared for her demise @Al Norris or at least something planned which is going to cause unbearable pain and heartbreak. Like the good doctor @drpaladin I strongly suspect Jordan Turner may be funding Dr Danbury's escape from prosecution. Hopefully both will get their comeuppance at the hands of George.

It has been brought to Mark's attention @Rarity2 and he is going to attempt to fix it this evening.

Mark is currently posting After We Danced @Mark Ponyboy Peters fans and it is a gem, the first of the Thompson River Tales I think @Marty and @Al Norris.

Obviously Mitch's rimming skills were not as memorable for me as they were for Peter @Al Norris, or maybe my usually good memory has been reduced by too much stress of late.

There would be no "Keeping Up With ..." or the "Real Housewives Of ...." reality TV shows for a start @drpaladin (and I do not and have not ever watched such trash, but I have a good friend, a straight male, who loves such trash and likes to sing their praises). Mitch is either extraordinarily arrogant, insensitive or stupid, or perhaps a combination of all three. If he has managed to bed a number of his fellow teenagers it does not appear that he did so by turning on the charm. Perhaps he is extraordinarily gifted at rimming, which if I recall correctly, he offered to Peter on their one night together. I wonder if Glenn and Dorothy will have a talk with their son. I wonder if Uncle George's visit to the court house may have something to do with formally adopting Peter, thereby granting Peter his wish. Given all the melees Peter has been involved in, albeit through no fault of his own, it may be advantageous for both Peter and Uncle George to formalise an adoption. I assume his former sister-in-law (is this her correct relationship status with George given she is widowed rather than divorced?) would have to surrender parental rights, which she may have already done (I cannot remember if this is the case). Jimmy and Peter will I believe build a strong friendship as they seem to have much in common, apart from one having a great mother and the other a ho. They appear to be well matched intellectually and neither has much experience with the carnal pleasures in life. Another enjoyable chapter @Al Norris. Your characters are well-rounded and interesting.

"Manny held back, and resisted yelling, "No, what?" Rocky obviously didn't get much discipline from his parents. He looked at Manny, confused. "No, I don't want to try for three?" Manny's temper rose another notch. Rather than explode, he used this as a learning opportunity. "When you're basically told, you did something wrong, you need to respond with respect and apologize, so 'no sir, I'm sorry' would have been the proper response." I was pleasantly surprised Manny recognised that Rocky's rudeness is quite possibly due to lack of discipline on the part of his parents. This has been quite apparent from other revelations from both Rocky and Bass, in fact, I think Bass may have alluded to this in an earlier chapter. This combined with the fact that Rocky appears to be a very intelligent boy, has not necessarily done him any favours as far as social interactions with other people, more particularly adults. I get the impression that Rocky has had little to do with other children, apart from fellow school children. I was pleased Bass' cock was not in proportion with to extraordinary height. I thought he may have a gargantuan appendage ala John Holmes or Chad Douglas. I recall my first sexual encounter was with a heterosexual policeman who was 201cm tall to my 173cm. His height may have been impressive, but the rest of him, both physically and emotionally, was very much less so. Suffice to say it did not result in a repeat encounter (mostly because he was a liar and a thoroughly unpleasant person). I am enjoying the character development in this story very much @Lee Wilson.

You are clever wordsmith @Robert Hugill, such that sometimes I think you are having an “each way bet” in the description of cast characteristics. “Both women, Suki and Valentina, were a certain age, well preserved glamour. Suki was very stylish, simple shift-dress, heels to die for, little make-up. Valentina had a halo of fluffy dark hair and was all rich flowing fabrics and bangles; but all very expensive.” At first I thought this comment from Vaughan was very bitchy and I found it very amusing. I assumed he was commenting on how obsessed Suki and Valentina were with appearances and how shallow they were. Subsequent comments about Suki though made me think that perhaps it was genuine admiration Vaughan expressed, for Suki at least (nowhere near as amusing if it was genuine admiration though). “A dinner lecture series, people come, mingle with a drink, there is a talk by an expert then dinner, at some exclusive venues with good food.” She stared at me. “These are not adult education classes; my friends expect experts in their field who can be entertaining. The events are exclusive”, the second time she had used the word, “and not cheap. But all profits go to charity.” This observation by Vaughan had to be a comment on Suki’s shallowness though surely. Mae shrugged, “She is canny too. And all the money goes to Francis Heyward’s pet charity.” I got very excited when I initially when read this, and my opinion of Francis Heyward increased significantly. Alas I soon realised the “pet” charity was not a charity with the aim of rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned and abused domestic “pets”, it was a favoured charity, at least I think this is what it likely meant. I have liked Dante from the get-go, but it has taken me longer to warm to Vaughan. I think in this chapter he showed he takes himself far less seriously than what I first thought. I don’t think he necessarily is the pretentious art-snob that I first thought he was.

I remember the bone-handled cutlery as my grandmother had it too. Grotesque when one thinks of it now as I vaguely recall the handles may have been made from ivory. Thank you for your kindness.

Keith and Thomas continue to delight. Keith's naïveté and propensity to be easily shocked and embarrassed is charming. I admire both he and Thomas for disclosing their "sparse" experience in the ways of gay sex and for not being embarrassed or ashamed of this. I recall as a younger man when I was more inclined to go clubbing "on the scene" many judged you harshly if you were not out fucking someone different frequently, just as they judged you harshly if you were not well muscled, with a perfect tan, perfect skin and teeth, and very butch. I was none of these things. It appears Gran may have known far more about young Keith than what she let on, and equally that what she did know did not change her love for him. No wonder he treasures her so, the one person from his young life who was worthy of his affection. Sheffield, formerly well known in Australia for making knives and quality cutlery if my memory serves me correctly, and the origin of two of my favourite bands from the 1980's, ABC (fantastic band) and The Human League (loved them too, but not quite as much as ABC). A delightful chapter once again @Robert Hugill, one which I sorely needed after a particularly sad day. Thank you.

You have been in fine form of late @weinerdog with a number of humorous comments on other works too. Perhaps calling someone the "town bike" has its origins in the UK or Australia @Paladin. I have certainly heard this expression on many an occasion and can remember it being used in such a scenario in my teen years in the late 70's. I am feeling somewhat "left out" @Lee Wilson with all the references to "hiding the salami" or "hiding the sausage". As a long-term vegetarian I demand "equal rights". I guess I will have to be satisfied with "hide the zucchini" or "hide the cucumber". I am warming towards Manny and more particularly Rocky with each chapter. I found Rocky's statement to Manny "Mom used to say stuff like that to Dad all the time. He liked men and women. Mom didn't want him 'fucking the whole Elk's club." hilarious.