Summerabbacat

It seems that my less than serious Australian sense of humour has been misunderstood. I was not advocating for the murder of Miles or even the maiming of him, merely pointing out that his behaviour was such that he deserved neutering. A good swift kick to the balls or something similar may be enough to ensure he cannot reproduce any more. Having said this, there are some actions of some humans which I would not be sorry to see them "ended" for.

My given name is David @Anton_Cloche and my Ukrainian Jewish female friend, Olga, would often refer to me as Davidka. She would often say "you cannot teach stupid" when referring to those whose religious convictions were such that they beggared belief, denied any commonsense or evidence (she was secular). In this instance, the reference to "stupid" was those of our fellow species who persist in their beliefs that homosexuality and paedophilia are virtually one and the same, even though there exists ample and irrefutable evidence to the contrary.

Annalisa leaving Miles and taking the children with her would be some payback for Miles @Cane23, but I have no doubt Miles and his mother would blame Annalisa completely, she would be branded a "good for nothing harlot" or something akin to this. Who knows, with their warped perception of reality, they may even find Colin, and by extension Owain, to somehow be responsible for such a calamitous event. After all, everyone knows how powerful "the gays" are, the harbinger's of natural disasters of all kinds because of "God's wrath". Puhlease.

What a gamut of emotions experienced by Colin and Owain in this chapter (and by this reader too). Colin understandably was pleasantly surprised by his workers' reaction to the revelation he is gay. Whilst mostly positive, they like so many others demonstrated their ignorance with the often uttered statement that as long he is not a "kiddie fiddler" they had no issue with him. Paedophilia and homosexuality are very different and yet so many still seem to think they are intrinsically linked. As a friend of mine has often said, "You cannot teach stupid Davidka" (said with a very heavy Ukrainian accent and the conviction of the stereotypical Jewish mother). Colin was understandably livid with his mother and his bully of a brother. Whilst I abhor American gun laws there are times one could see a use for a firearm. In this instance a gun capable of neutering Miles could have served Owain well. Colin should definitely turn his back on both his mother and brother until such time as both apologise to him and Miles apologises to Owain. And to the beautifully emotional part of the chapter, the part that had me weeping profusely with joy and delight. Colin's acknowledgment and obvious appreciation of why a visit to the church service at the Minster is so important to Owain, to honour Lily. Great chapter @Robert Hugill. I look forward to more, with the trip to Italy being a highlight to come I am sure. Perhaps you could arrange an accident for Miles and his mother whilst Colin and Owain are in Italy, such that both Miles and mother are laid to rest in the Garden of Rest, but certainly not at the Minster. The Brethren sounds more suited to their beliefs.

The "Big Orange Pieces" and the "Big Blue Pieces" sound hideous, but I suspect I would probably like them as I like colour. The banter between Gordon and Drew was comical, they have a very healthy relationship built on a mutual "disrespect" and cynicism for each other's profession of choice, Gordon's utilitarian career and Drew's artistic and chaotic career. Underneath the disrespect is a genuine fondness for each other. Drew's comment "I take it that means that Gordon's exclamation there was literal as well as metaphorical. Bloody hell." had me guffawing too. He clearly has no problem at all with Gordon's sexuality. I am not sure I believe Russ' statement that he did not know Drew was Gordon's father. He is slowly inserting himself into their lives (as well as into their pants), but I don't think, as I first did, that he has any sinister motive. I think he might be attracted to their unconventional family and be genuinely enjoying the companionship it offers (as well as a bit of cock from time to time). He struck me again in this chapter as someone filling the void of loneliness with business and acquiring wealth. Another very enjoyable chapter @Robert Hugill. Still no appearance from Deirdre and Jasper, perhaps they have gone to visit Colin's mother and Miles. I imagine they would all get along famously. Jasper and Miles could bemoan the state of the nation with "all these bloody queers" getting recognition for their unnatural lifestyles. Jimmy could join in the conversation and bitch about that "shirt lifter" Owain.

Colin and his "floozy" are building a solid friendship, one which is beneficial to both as neither appears to have much in the way of other friends. Colin's mother and Miles responded to his outing himself with predictability. His mother had to make it all about herself of course, and Miles chose to make himself look like the narrow-minded bigot he so obviously is. Perhaps Owain can introduce him to Nathan, they can commiserate the woes of being a WASP male in a world being overrun by "the gays". Maybe it is time Annalise kicked him to the kerb. My heart bleeds for them @Robert Hugill. NOT.

Steve is the key to the unity of the household. He is somewhat divorced from the drama unfolding between Diego, Bryan and Caleb having not been around when most of what is dividing them went down. He is also more emotionally intelligent than Diego, what I mean by this is he is able to detach himself whereas Diego is more volatile and more easily enraged and upset, which although not a bad thing, is not ideal in situations such as the family now finds itself. Steve's interaction with Caleb at the end of the chapter a perfect illustration of this. @John Henry an upsetting chapter, but one which needed to happen for the story to remain realistic. I am "praying" for Calvin to fuck up soon and expose himself to be the fraudster we know him to be. When he is taken down, I just hope he takes at least Thomas Walker with him.

Calhoun is determined to find Micco guilty of Sam's murder; is he somehow tied to the murder of Micco's mother and sister. Micco had just called Martina, his call went unanswered and Calhoun arrives to arrest him. Coincidence, probably, but maybe not. Martina is involved in the murder or at least in framing Micco for it, of this I am convinced. Why? I have no idea. "Chase tipped my chin up with his finger. “Stop making it sound like a disease.” “It’s weird,” I hissed. No matter what Billie said about being touched by the spirits, I hated being different. “Micco.” The pressure on my chin grew insistent, so I raised my gaze to his. “It’s not weird. It’s amazing.” I am in agreement with Chase, it's amazing. I may have made this comment before I think, but I have to wonder if Micco's gift of communication with his non-human friends makes him more vulnerable in his dealing with humans, more prone to anxiety, given the intensity of his feelings? Chase loved Micco and clearly still does. The animals will reunite them. Powerfully and beautifully written chapter @Libby Drew. I found myself weeping profusely (again) for Micco, Chase and at the end for the animals. I chose the sad emoticon as I fear for the safety of the wolves and panthers with the approaching hurricane.

Such gaiety, even in the morning. Brian and Gordon are a wonderful example for Toby and Noah. Noah only has his parents whom he rarely interacts with and his apparently pious grandmother whom he does not particularly want to interact with, so having adults who enjoy his company and have a kinship with him, must be a joy to experience. Toby is most fortunate to have parents like Brian and Gordon, although Martina and Val are by no means cruel or neglectful, they just rarely have time for Noah. Another enjoyable chapter to delight and once again amuse @Robert Hugill. If this were the Grammy's or the Golden Globes or something similar, you would have to be a nominee (at least) for the best new artist/newcomer.

I was actually only thinking of Room With A View (which I am not ashamed to say I love). I had forgotten about Tea With Mussolini which I also loved. I have them both on DVD and watch them from time to time. I thought Cher was exceptionally good in the latter, more than held her own against the Grand Dames of British cinema (Joan Plowright was terrific too as well as was Lily Tomlin). A friend of mine thought Cher really was Jewish after seeing the movie. Perhaps an afternoon of blazing passion with Gabriel and Lorenzo might be enjoyable for all (including we readers).

An afternoon of listening to Dean Martin crooning could inflame their passions @Robert Hugill.

A trip to Italy. How delightful. Wonderful regional cuisine, attractive men and lots of amore. Perhaps they might run into Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, or better still Brian and Gordon. @Robert Hugill you have a real talent for making the ordinary or commonplace appear enchanting and beautiful. As stated by @Cane23, neither Colin nor Owain are Men's Health models (Colin would probably be very popular in Bear and/or Daddy porn), which I believe only increases their appeal. I also find Owain's whimsical sense of humour very attractive. His whimsy is the perfect antidote to Colin's more reserved behaviour.

The ugly and vitriolic "Miss Fussypants" was the first one to break the law when she said "That proves he's gay". You cannot say that word in Florida Miss Fussypants as you may be promoting depravity. I think @Dan South got it right when he said she could use a toy or two to loosen her up a bit. She is so uptight, little Miss Republican buybull thumper. Marjorie and Lauren would be proud of you Debbie. Only one good Debbie has ever originated from Florida, the incomparable Deborah Harry, and she got the hell out of there and moved to New York (her birth name was Angela and she was adopted by a couple from New Jersey, but that does not "fit in" with this story). It is easy to make light of this scenario and dismiss Debbie as a delusional lunatic, but to an outsider (I am an Australian) this type of right-wing fringe crusader hellbent on exposing the "gays" appears to be an increasing minority in the USA. You only have to read about such extremist groups as Moms For Liberty to realise the USA is full of very dangerous, well organised, well funded and in many cases well armed, right-wing haters. Anita Bryant had nothing on these bitches.

I was pleasantly surprised Denise was even more broad-minded than I thought she was. I wonder if she will share the nude photograph(s) of Brian and Gordon with her friend Vera (gotta love that name @Robert Hugill, makes me think of Auntie Mame's actress friend Vera Charles and Vera Collins, a fashionista and clairvoyant from the Australian adult-soapie from the 1970's Number 96). I have a nasty feeling something unsavoury or newsworthy is going to happen at one of Russ Kahn's parties which will be leaked to the press, something which Deirdre will seize upon, encouraged by the odious Jasper, to make life at least uncomfortable for Brian and Gordon. Of course it will not occur to her, or if it does she will not care as it is all about her, that Toby may be unsettled or unhappy as a result.

You are being the voice of reason and taking a conciliatory approach @drsawzall. You are no fun at all, being nice to poor little Mhairi (LOL). Half the fun of many of the stories on GA is being an unreasonable bitch and lacerating "cast members" who piss you off for one reason or another. I hate to acknowledge this because I want to enjoy being unreasonable, but you have made some good points, although I do think Mhairi behaved ungraciously if nothing else. I hope she at least has the decency to apologise for insinuating Owain made a choice in leaving home. I have to wonder if she is secretly jealous that he had the courage to leave, albeit under duress, and stay away, whilst she stuck around and became increasingly resentful.

I have to agree with you @CincyKris, Mhairi retains some of the more irrational and restrictive points of view of her parents. My favourite of many songs from the Commodores that I liked @CincyKris, before Lionel assumed control and their output was primarily restricted to saccharine ballads (although I do love 'Still'). Reminiscing of the Commodores 'Brick House' brought back memories of Joe Tex's thoroughly offensive and un-pc (by today's standards) 'Aint Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman' which I loved and which had a great video clip of the song as sung on Soul Train, and Carl Carlton's 'She's A Bad Mama Mama (She's Built, She's Stacked)'.

Oh dear, the e-mail was not well received. Unless Owain wants to maintain a relationship with his nephew, my response to Mhairi would be one of two choices, both short and sweet. FUCK YOU or ?. What is her problem, does she have a "moral" objection to her son wanting to do some acting ? Does she think acting will "turn him gay" or he will be caught up in a web of drugs and promiscuity. Get a life Mhairi. I like the way Owain and Colin's relationship is developing @Robert Hugill. Yes it is slow, but they are not 16. It is a natural easy progression with no pressure to behave in a certain way or conform to certain beliefs. Must be a relief for Colin in particular after the relentless expectations of the battle axe and his brother. Perspicacity, almost as good as kibosh. Now you just have to find a way to insert concomitant into a sentence in a forthcoming chapter @Robert Hugill. Being an Australian who grew up in the 60's and 70's I was exposed to a lot of British TV shows and British slang and British idioms were commonplace. I am unsure if this idiom is of British origin, but "built like a brick shit house" was and still is very popular in Australia. It is so expressive and offensive (to some). I for one think it is marvellous.

This was my immediate thought too @weinerdog. Between them, Clarke and the odious Thomas Walker must surely know a judge who would at least be sympathetic to their cause, preferably (for them) a homophobe. I can understand Billy's annoyance with Diego's apparent omission of the many telephone calls/messages he received from Calvin to which he did not respond, but he, Billy that is, needs to keep his ego in check. His comment “You lied to me, and I was caught off guard" could be interpreted in two ways - your lie could damage our case or your lie made me look bad. In Billy's case it could be a little of both. I look forward to the arguments and counter arguments the case will rely upon. I daresay more will come out about Calvin's less than stellar parenting performance. A well written chapter @John Henry which seemed very realistic. I don't know if it is admissible in an American family law dispute, but I hope if it is, that Bryan at least has the opportunity to provide feedback on Calvin's treatment of him and Caleb in the past.

@Robert Hugill it appears several of your "Huggilites", myself included, may have been a little hasty in our assessment of Russ based on his apparent wealth and status. I get the impression now he may be a little lonely for genuine friends of a similar ilk and the company of those with no hidden agenda to impress. His apparent amusement with Toby's enthusiasm in particular was refreshingly laid back. I recall in the late 1980's when Kevin Williams appeared in William Higgins "Hot Rods 2: The Young & The Hung 2" and caused quite a stir when he was double-penetrated on a lazy susan. Now it is as commonplace as the tattoos which seem to be almost compulsory for gay or gay-for-pay porn stars to have. I can see Noah becoming very comfortable with and fond of Brian and Gordon.

The jury is in and it has delivered its verdict @Karl Anders. The consensus of opinion is "an impressive opening chapter", an opinion I share wholeheartedly. I like the relationship between Charlie and Joey. I have a sense that beneath Charlie's polite and calm demeanour there may well be someone you should not fuck with (or is it just wishful thinking on my part). If so, he will need persistence and diplomacy in spades to deal with Debbie from DCS. As pointed about by the good doctor (@drsawzall) she needs an attitude adjustment. She is ill-mannered “I’ll be there at 10 PM. Be home.” and seemingly devoid of any sympathy for the situation Charlie and Joey find themselves in. I realise in her role she likely deals with obnoxious, appallingly behaved and potentially violent people much of the time, but this is NOT a case of reported neglect or cruelty. Get over it sister and leave the bitch pills at home.

I suspect numerous @Ronyx fans would like to see a sequel to many of his stories @Cane23, just like you, @raven1, @weinerdog and me. His stories have a great impact on many of us.

The saddest of all his tales with the murder of Myles. I had an image of him resembling either Sylvester or EJ Johnson, both fabulous African American "divas". I have to agree though @raven1, a sequel would be wonderful.

My fellow @Ronyx-ers have all made some very good comments on this chapter. Whilst I might not agree with them all, they certainly are well expressed and thought provoking. I lost what little respect I had for Jim after the comments he made in this chapter. His comment about his ex-wife having let Seth "get by with too much" incensed me. I was so hoping Seth would respond with "how would you know, you were never around". If Jim had ever bothered to take the time to get to know Seth he would have realised he did not need to be "warned" about acting "inappropriately" in front of Emily. And as for him doing something inappropriate in his bedroom and Emily observing this, my response to Jim would have been that she should not barge in to his bedroom uninvited. Jim clearly had no real desire to get to know Seth; his invitation for him to stay was payback to Julie. I know it is not her fault and I am being completely unreasonable, but I don't like Emily at all. Precious little fucking millennial princess. And who eats dinner at 6.00pm? I still loathe Stacy. And as for her fellow skank aka Maggie, the question I have is why was she not also in trouble for the assault on Seth. She grabbed him by the arm and started the altercation. Imagine if Seth had punched her in the face. He would have been in trouble, but frankly she deserved it. Some of Stacy's anti-social behaviour can be attributed to Maggie as Stacy followed her blindly thinking Maggie was "cool". Maggie would be best described as something else beginning with the letter c, something entirely different to cool. Unlike most of my fellow @Ronyx-ers I don't think Seth's life has changed immeasurably for the better, but then I am a realist (some would say pessimist). On a positive note (to a certain extent), although disappointing for Seth, he at least had the opportunity to re-connect with his father, albeit for a brief period. If anything good came of this it is that Seth realised his father was not his "knight in shining armour", in fact, he was far from it. I wonder if Jim will make any effort to contact Seth now he has returned to live with Mommie Dearest. I have to say I think it very unlikely and after his treatment of Seth it may be for the best. There may be some improvement in Seth's relationship with his mother, but I doubt that his relationship with Stacy will ever be anything other than fractious. It will take a miracle for her to become a reasonable and pleasant human being, And now in deference to @weinerdog; thank you for mentioning @Ronyx's Brittle As A Bird. For me this is his magnum opus. And in deference to @Cane23, I have to agree that A Bridge To Yesterday was a wonderful sequel. Now if only @Ronyx would write a sequel to another classic (for me anyway), Down A Darkened Path.

I am looking forward to learning if the Bruno of No Going Back shares a similar sexual appetite to the Bruno of Brian: Taking Courage. Jimmie was soooooo predictable with his comment in response to Colin's reprimand. Kudos to Colin for addressing his unprofessional behaviour. And kudos to you @Robert Hugill for using the word kibosh. Like Jimmie, the behaviour of Colin's mother when he visited her was soooooo predictable. She is a miserable, whining, nagging bitch. Perhaps he should have dug a hole in her garden and told her to get in. The "star" of this chapter must be Owain's talented tongue. Whatta man. My kind of man. Yum.

I thought this may have been the case. I often find with music I "discover" a vocalist who has been around for some time when I purchase a current release. If I enjoy them I will often visit their back catalogue and invariably find, much to my delight, that their earlier work is just as enjoyable, sometimes even moreso, than the current release I "discovered" them with. Of course, this is often costly as I am not one to "stream" music. I have expensive hi-fi equipment which I have had for many years (e.g. my turntable, amplifier and one set of speakers are 40 years old and still going strong) on which vinyl and most CD's sounds vastly superior to the crappy quality of streamed music.