Summerabbacat

A devastating start to your latest work @quokkawith the death of Austin's Gran. Thankfully she was his maternal grandmother and not his paternal grandmother. Had she been the latter, I have little doubt the hitherto unlikeable Aunt Kitty and Uncle Frank would have mounted a legal challenge to the will. If, as Austin believes, Aunt Kitty and Uncle Frank dislike him solely because of his attendance at a public school, I suspect they are social-climbing, nouveau riche snobs. However, I think the reason for their dislike of Austin may be something more than what he believes to be the case. I suspect they may have disliked his mother, for reasons yet to be revealed (could it have something to do with the title of the story?). Whatever the reason for their dislike of Austin, I hope you have something dastardly in mind for them (hint hint - caught embezzling funds and sent to prison, or reduced to limited circumstances due to bankruptcy). I agree with several of my fellow commentators, I hope Oscar has not been influenced by Aunt Kitty and Uncle Frank's twisted views. I also hope he is allowed to attend the funeral of his and Austin's Gran.

I agree @chris191070, Juanita was a delight. Had she stayed for any length of time I could have seen her blending in well with the group of friends, and not just because she was Juanito's cousin. She was a charming mix of naïveté and flirtatiousness. I found her fascination with Aussie humour endearing, and her acceptance of gay men refreshing. Trough Man is a legend. I doubt there would be many gay men in Sydney who have been to Mardi Gras or Sleaze Ball in the 1980's, who would not have had the opportunity to pee on him at least once. I certainly recall seeing him lying in a trough on more than one occasion at one of the aforementioned parties.

An enjoyable start to the new book @Andre Delport with more adventures for the Devlin-Major family. I was very pleased my favourite character, Rascal, featured prominently in all the storylines. I was particularly pleased he was not denied entry on aeroplanes or into hotels. I have been told by friends who used to travel frequently (pre-COVID) that this is the norm in Europe and North America. Unfortunately this is not the case in Australia, although there has been some improvements in recent years. I was a little wary of reading this chapter when it was mentioned the family would be attending a stampede. I was not sure what "attractions" would be featured as "entertainment" for the human audience. I suspected a calf-roping might be one of them. This is no criticism of your writing @Andre Delport as I believe it an accurate depiction of such an event, but the appeasement offered by the cowboy to Elizabeth and Cameron was a blatant lie. I did not much care for either child in the first book, primarily because I don't really like children, but their upset at this event won them many "brownie points" with this reader. Andrew and Ryan are doing a great job in raising them to be kind and caring children, as evidenced by their reaction.

There is now @Jondon.

Well @Wombat Bill you have "rocketed out of the starting gates" with this new 'side salad'. Is there no end to Gran's fabulosity. The mention of poppies brought back wonderful childhood memories growing up on the mid north coast of NSW. Both my mother and my wonderful maternal grandmother always grew poppies in spring when I was a pre-teen, along with pansies, sweet peas (gorgeous, but so delicate), snapdragons and carnations (my mother still loves these). Apart from pansies, the other flowers mentioned no longer seem to be "in vogue". Gran's flirtatiousness was once again amusing and innocent (or is it). If she keeps on delighting we readers like she has been of late, she will have her own fan club. I like Juanita already. She seems smart, funny, gracious and affable. Miss Snit (Rani) could learn a few things from Juanita if she could get her head out of her own arse. Perhaps Daniel may find her attractive and decide Rani is not worth the effort. It would serve her right if he did. Most enjoyable start to this new literary adventure @Wombat Bill. I look forward to witnessing the story develop. I sense Juanita is going to charm all who meet her.

They are back, most of the cast, apart from the deceased, from Catering With Benefits books 1-3. With the addition of some new characters (the "new generation") and a more prominent role for some of the prior books "incidental" characters, there is more fun, joy, sadness and a little romance to celebrate once again. The star of the show though, who consistently steals every scene in which she appears, is Gran. Gran is Craig's grandmother, and although her age is not specifically stated, one can assume she is in her late 60's or 70's. She is filled with the joy of life and living, funny, caring, delightful and wise. For this reader, the most satisfying, and if I am to be completely honest, the most surprising storyline in this book, is the relationship which builds, without any artifice, between Gran and Caleb, a 16 year old boy whom Craig and Justin foster after he is thrown out of home for being gay. Another outstanding storyline is the realisation by one of the characters featured in all the prior books, that the gender they were assigned at birth, is not the gender with which they identify or are comfortable with. This storyline is handled with great care by the author, the authenticity with which he writes this storyline is truly remarkable. Once again our author @Wombat Bill, entertains, challenges, provokes (in a good way) and at times, educates those of us who have been fortunate enough to witness his literary talents.

I vaguely remember receiving an e-mail from PETA regarding the death knell for circuses in Australia, but thought it was in 2020. I was of course, ecstatic. As is the case in most years, there were not many good news stories for animals in 2021, this was one as was the decision by Mexico to become the first country in North America to ban the testing of cosmetics on animals. Time to smarten up Canada, you have very liberal refugee policies, and yet you do not extend similar kindness to non-human animals (typical fucking speciesism). I had hopes when Justin Trudeau became Prime Minister, but he has dashed those hopes time and time again. As for the USA, well I will say no more (sorry @ReaderPaul). We in Australia cannot hold our heads up either; the barbaric live trade export, the senseless slaughter of kangaroos and sharks, shark nets which kill dolphins and other marine life, the wanton destruction of wildlife habitat (even after the 2020 bushfires), and an appalling, but not at all surprising to me, 53% increase in animal cruelty cases as reported by the NSW RSPCA since the onset of the Chinese virus. The Chinese unleashed this non-human virus onto the world, but much of the human population is little better than a virus. Given the "circus storyline" was one of the most featured in this book @Wombat Bill, I like my fellow CWB groupie @chris191070, felt this chapter a fitting end to this book. Thank you once again for entertaining us, challenging us, sometimes "firing us up" and at times, educating us. On the latter point, I was remiss in not commenting in the previous chapter on you naming some of the prominent summertime flora, particularly the dietes. I had of course seen them on many occasions, but did not know their name. They seem to grow prolifically and have an attractive flower.

Many, many moments of mirth in this chapter @Wombat Bill, with Gran once again stealing the show with “Sure, but give me a hand up, these bloody old garden chairs have a bad case of saggy bottom, somewhat like me. My bum’s almost on the ground”. She is becoming a serious challenger to Edward as my favourite cast member. I was at first confused when Caleb was presented with his gift. The tag read ‘To Caleb, from your new family’. I interpreted this as meaning from Harry and Cathy only. When Craig replaced the tag with ‘To Caleb, from your other family’ noting the original tag negated his real family, I assumed Craig meant from Justin, Gran and himself. It finally twigged Craig meant his biological family when he referred to his "real family". I could blame the "blonde moment" on too much Christmas food, champagne and vodka, but that would be dishonest. The real reason is, I believe, because Caleb has transitioned and settled into his new home so well and is so loved by all, I had forgotten all about his biological family. This is testament to the power of your words too @Wombat Bill. I was very pleased to see how quickly Caleb, James and Francesco settled into their new friendship. I think another new friend will be particularly beneficial for Francesco. The cliffhanger @Wombat Bill is an extraordinary one, almost like who shot JR?. Thank goodness we wont't have to wait until the new season to find out what happens (we won't have to wait will we William). Hopefully Mummy is not intent on causing trouble. If she is, this could be an opportunity for Gran to exhibit yet another of her talents, battle-hardened and battle-scarred warrior queen who will take no hostages. If Caleb's mother is here to cause trouble she will regret messing with Gran I think.

Your dry wit again @chris191070. Alex is young, heterosexual and horny. Wanda is young, heterosexual and horny. I seriously doubt there would be anything Julia might say which would dissuade Alex from his seeking his nocturnal pleasures first and foremost. Julia will just have to "wait her turn".

What a colourful chapter @Wombat Bill, a riotous mix of humour and a little "seriousness". I had a few good laughs, none more so than "While they were out they heard carol singing and at first assumed they were ......". At first I thought you had forgotten to capitalise Carol (as in horny Carol from Crystalline), before realising Christmas carols (I have had a few of these "blonde moments" of late). I also had a good laugh after misreading “Were any of them in relationships before they...changed?”“Some were...” Edward paused because he didn’t want to finish the sentence.“Go on, what happened to their relationship?”“Sadly, I don’t remember any that survived a full transition. That’s not what you want to hear is it?”. I thought when first reading this the transitionees (yes a made up word, but I think everyone will understand its meaning given the context) had all died, but then realised the only death was the death of the relationship. The laughter which ensued was more from relief the transitionees had not died, and my realisation I had somehow, again, overlooked a crucial part of the conversation (a bit like your skilfully constructed double-entendre discussions in recent chapters @Wombat Bill). Edward gave wise counsel to Juanito regarding his impending discussion with Raj. A glimmer of hope, which I did not think existed after Juanito's initial reaction to Raj's "news". Juanito has undergone a transition, or perhaps transformation would be a better word, of his own in the time he has been in the lives of Edward and Romel. His transformation has been written very well @Wombat Bill, a gradual change from the selfish narcissist to the mostly kind and thoughtful person he has become. Gran once again regaled Caleb and the boys with an historical tidbit relevant to the time. 'Johny nine toes' had me in stitches. I doubt you could call someone that nowadays, it would likely be considered offensive and demeaning.

Another of those feel good chapters you do sooooooo well @Wombat Bill. Heartwarming without being sappy, syrupy, saccharine or super sentimental. Francesco is so child-like and innocent when exposed to new things. James is the perfect introduction for him into society, encouraging and non-judgmental, although at times he may be a little too excitable for Francesco, but Hannah and Julia seem to be successful in "reigning him in". Gran is the ultimate GODDESS. Another chapter and another delve into the delights of her past. Her reminiscences of Christmas with Craig as a child had the bloody tears flowing AGAIN @Wombat Bill, but they were tears of joy (mostly). She and Caleb have such an easy-going, joyful friendship. Caleb could not have found himself in a better home than the Simpson-Haynes-Simpson household. I look forward to the Christmas party, particularly the introduction of Caleb, James and Francesco. All three seem well-adjusted teenagers, so hopefully a friendship will develop that will be mutually beneficial for all three.

@ReaderPaul it appears you can take the lady out of Crystalline, but you cannot take Crystalline out of the lady. I don't think Virginia is even aware she still treats Desmond, at times, like an employee. Is this worse or better than treating him as such with full knowledge she is doing so, I will leave this for others, like your good self, to ponder. I have been prepared to overlook Desmond's borderline homophobic comments in the past, but this time he, at first, appeared to be making comments he perhaps thought clever and amusing, but which some would perceive as homophobic. I certainly drew this conclusion, but then he confounded me with his apparent delight Justin and Craig are fostering Caleb. He is perhaps more complex than I have given him credit. I believe Gran and Caleb spent the evening preparing special C&G 'Christmas Edition' biscuits, adding alcohol (a choice of Tia Maria or Kahlua) to their traditional recipe. They also made a batch of special alcohol-laced fruit mince pies under the 'Wombat' label for select friends and customers of Poppy's. When questioned by Caleb as to the origin of the 'Wombat' label, Gran replied her favourite gin is Wild Wombat Gin, one she discovered as a younger girl with her friend, Lilac Le Circe, who coincidentally was dating a man whose nickname was Wombat. Strega sounds interesting @Wombat Bill, but at $80.00 per bottle I don't think I will be making a purchase any time soon. A very entertaining chapter @Wombat Bill, one which at last, I had no cause to shed any tears over. Mirth rather than melancholy was on the menu in this chapter.

No, no, no. It is definitely not 'pick on Gran day'. Gran has firmly established herself as a fan (CWB groupie) favourite. She has shown a degree of sauciness and mischief in her interactions with Caleb of late. She had already shown herself to be a "modern girl" in her acceptance of Justin as Craig's partner, and Caleb seems to have added even further zing to the "uber-cool old lady". The elfin behaviour I attributed to her is not likely, but I can imagine her playing a harmless practical joke, and more importantly getting away with it because of her friendly nature.

The understatement of the year @chris191070. I had a hearty chuckle when I read this, hence my 'ha ha' emoticon for your comment. Justin went a long way to redeeming himself with his actions in this chapter, even when they were somewhat delayed e.g. agreeing with Craig to offer Raj a home, albeit temporarily. I even found his comments regarding Poppy's patrons amusing, until he said "Oh don’t concern yourself Ms Vegan, I’m sure chef doesn’t fry the tofu in the same pan as the steak.". Justin may think this petty, but I have been known to ask this question myself to ensure anything used to chop, prepare or cook meat is not used to chop, prepare or cook my non-meat food. I admit I probably would be none the wiser if it had, but I like to make the effort. Edward and Craig were the "stars" again in this chapter. Raj is fortunate to have both of them in "his corner" as he commences his journey to womanhood. I have deliberately used the masculine rather than the feminine pronoun to describe Raj, so as to reinforce the extent of his journey and the courage he has displayed thus far in embracing his true self. The teasers for the next chapter open a multitude of scenarios. I am going to showcase the most bizarre or the least likely: * a disappointment for Caleb - a customer at Poppy's chokes on one of the C&G biscuits and lodges a complaint with NSW Fair Trading; as a result of the complaint, C&G biscuits are ordered to make changes to their biscuit recipe or face prosecution; Caleb is disappointed and he and Gran decide it is all too much and disband their short-lived business venture * Cook and Carol come to the party - Lachlan has decided to cater the party at Crystalline, thus Cook and Carol are party guests rather than employees preparing food for or waiting on the party guests; both are "hot to trot" and ready for action (they are hoping for Dante to attend with some hot Italian stallions); however, something very peculiar happens, maybe as a result of the consumption of a little too much domestic champagne (I refuse to call it pinot noir chardonnay to appease the French); Cook and Carol both discover their "inner lesbian" and are swept off their feet by the luscious lipstick lesbians, Alma and Brenda, and become swept-up in a symphony of sensual Sapphic satisfaction * a naughty Christmas elf - this just has to be Gran; Christmas morning has arrived at the home of Craig and Justin; Gran (after imbibing a few G&T's the night before, along with the Christmas cake and lemonade (which she laced with vodka) left out for Santa) has been very naughty; during the night she swapped the gift cards for most of the presents so that there may be a few surprises (and a few of the Simpson family with red-faces); Craig's present for his mother was a tasteful piece of jewellery, however, Gran swapped it with Craig's gift for Justin and when Craig's mother opens her gift it is a diamante-encrusted cock ring; Justin's present for Craig was a vintage, unused, priceless Jeff Stryker dildo, encased in a hand-carved box, however, naughty Gran swapped the gift card for Craig's father, well you can imagine Mr Simpson's face when he opened this gift (not to mention poor Justin's face); all those present soon realise that Gran, who played a Christmas elf in many a nativity play as a child, has been at work during the night; Gran manages to get away with it though as she is an "uber-cool old lady" as Caleb likes to remind them (even though he received some sexy Bluebella women's undergarments as his Christmas gift from Craig's mother) What Craig and Justin did not know was that Lilac Le Circe, the proprietor of Pleasure Plus, the sex shop where they purchased their gifts for each other, is an old school friend of Gran’s. In school she was known by her birth name, Kevin Smith, but changed it when she transitioned in the 1960’s. Lilac mentioned to Gran one day when they met at Vintage Cellars that Craig and Justin had been in the shop to buy each other some rather "naughty" Christmas gifts. The mischievous child in Gran discovered the hiding place for these gifts and the rest is history. * Jonathan makes an announcement - Jonathan calls for everyone's attention during the party at Crystalline; he announces that he and Lachlan have purchased the property next door to Crystalline and are going to turn it into a safe-house for homeless or endangered LGBTQI youth; the safe-house will also offer a business opportunity for the youth who can acquire numerous skills in running a circus (which will not feature any non-human animals as "entertainment"); the circus will abide by all its legal obligations, including taxation obligations, under the guidance of a newly-reformed Jack and Candy I am exhausted; I have taxed my imagination a little too much. Well @Wombat Bill, I thought I was going to get away with a "tear-free" chapter, but no, you threw a "saddy" in near the end of the chapter. “All except one, who is badly in need of some family love”. Will Edward ever cease to amaze and enthrall; I sincerely hope not.

I agree. She is genuinely hostile and self-righteous. He is not necessarily uncaring, he merely lacks tact and a filter. He is what I would refer to as a "professional queen" (a la Perez Hilton); everything revolves around him being gay and gossip, especially celebrity gossip. This can be very amusing for a while, but does wear thin eventually.

Not your usual clever and witty alliteration @ReaderPaul, but some very funny and vivid images painted nevertheless, hence the 'ha ha' emoticon. Your stroke may have had some negative impacts, but it has not dimmed your sense of humour. I am also very pleased to read some comments, especially those about Rani, which could almost pass as scathing. I often wonder what you must (really) think of how judgmental we CWB groupies are at times (especially me). It is reassuring (to me at least) that even you have your limits. Rani is vile.

Another chapter and more bloody tears @Wombat Bill. Words of wisdom from Craig and Romel to Raj on how to commence the transition process. I am pleased it was Nurse Romel present without any religious baggage. Brett - game, set and match; it's over. You are the narcissistic, shallow, indifferent prick I have always thought you to be. There is the door; please don't let it hit you on the arse as you leave for good. Justin - I believe he is trying to return to the man he was before he was manipulated by Jared. His confession to Craig regarding the murder of Brendan may have been "good for his soul", but now leaves Craig in a quandary too. I will not attempt to predict what Craig will do with this knowledge, if anything. Juanito - I want to hate and berate him for his insensitivity to Raj, but alas I cannot. He is, I believe, rightfully hurt Raj did not discuss his desire to transition with him before disclosing it to their mutual friends. However, given Juanito's statement "I don’t know if I want a relationship with a....” and his reluctance to even say "trans person", I strongly doubt it would have made any difference. He may surprise and have a change of heart, but I won't hold my breath waiting. And, to be fair to him, not everyone falls in love with someone regardless of their gender, in fact, I doubt many people do. Raj - proceed at your own pace. If ultimately your relationship with Juanito fails, you still have the loving support of Edward, Craig and Romel, and perhaps your mother. As for your sister, BITCH. You probably look waaaaaaaay better in a sari than what she does. @Wombat Bill sensitivity plus again my good man. I waited (patiently) for this story line to emerge. Now that it has, I must say it was well worth the wait (much like waiting 40 years for ABBA's Voyage). @ReaderPaul has stated on a number of occasions, he wanted to use more than one emoticon to rate the chapter. I want an exclusive GA emoticon for use solely on this and the previous chapter as the standard emoticons are insufficient, they just don't "cut the mustard".

That is incomprehensible @ReaderPaul. I guess many people have some beliefs, particularly moral or ethical beliefs, which seem totally out-of-character in comparison to their other beliefs. I read of an American politician recently, Jolene Unsoeld, who was a strong environmentalist, feminist and early supporter of gay rights. Nothing surprising there you may say (admirable I would say), but what she became best known for was her opposition to gun control. This struck me as a paradox of the highest order. I must confess I only read about her because of her name; I thought it was a name which Dolly made up, but it was certainly around before 1974 as Ms Unsoeld was born in 1931.

I doubt Rani will accept Raj as her sister instead of her brother @chris191070. She appears to me to be more her father's daughter than her mother's daughter. It has been my observation that some of the most rabid opponents of transgender women are cisgender women. TERF's in the USA have worked closely with radical conservatives to make the lives of transgender women a misery emotionally, socially and legally. I often read the "gay press" online, and it saddens and sickens me the number of transgender women, especially transgender women of colour, who are murdered in the USA and South America especially, each year. I have no proof of this, but I suspect much of this anti-trans hysteria is rooted in religious beliefs. Of course, it does not help the plight of transgender women when you have "leaders" of the calibre of Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro.

Raj may not fully transition @ReaderPaul, but if she does, I foreshadow trouble for the relationship, which one cannot really hold against Juanito in all fairness I don't think. Your former transphobic female work colleague sounds a lot like the former Australian, now British (and they can keep the fucking cow) feminist Germaine Greer. She has made many horrible and insensitive comments about transgender women. She is an expert on everything. I once saw an interview where she railed against gay male pornography, stating that it was misogynistic as one of the men "always takes the woman's submissive role". She makes my blood boil. Edward and Craig have already demonstrated their acceptance. I am not so sure about Romel. Although he is a nurse, he is also a strong Catholic (did Edward refer to him previously as a "professional Catholic" or something similar?). Rani is trash. Neither Raj nor Daniel need her in their lives. She can return to fucking Harris Park and stay there.

Well well well. I think this is the most beautifully written chapter you have ever graced us with @Wombat Bill. I feel as if I have been rewarded for a kind and/or good deed. I shall try to remain calm and rational as I compile my comments, but the tears are flowing freely. Some of the cast I will try to refrain from waxing lyrical about, others it will be easy to comment upon with but a few words, starting with: Rani - BITCH. Daniel - a revelation. “That’s so sad...well I mean, I feel sad for you having to pretend all those years” demonstrated his desire to understand and empathise with Raj for what he is going through. A genuine heartfelt comment. He may well wish he was dating Raj instead of Rani. He can do much better than uptight little Miss Mumbai. Romel - was being a little Miss Snit in his conversation with Edward "So, you’ve only got eleven friends left now, it seems”. I immediately thought of Rani. Craig - never have I admired him so much for his calm and accepting demeanour "Of course, you don’t even need to ask. Have a chat to Jennifer, she’ll tell you where to get the appropriate black and whites”. For all his aloofness and lack of emotional warmth at times, he is underneath a true and supportive friend. He shone, almost as brightly as: Edward - OMG the tears started with the expression of his fondness for Max and Charles, but they reached volcanic proportion with "Raj looked hurt, but it was only Edward who noticed and understood. He said “Quiet Juanito! Raj, come and sit next to mother... Where’s the lady’s drink?” he demanded of Juanito." The sensitivity with which you wrote this scene astonished me @Wombat Bill. I knew you were capable of doing it, but this exceeded all my expectations. I don't think even Armistead could have written it with any more empathy, beauty and authenticity. A truly wonderful achievement which you should be very, very, very proud of.

Well that was a little awkward. @ReaderPaul, @chris191070 and @quttzikare any of you "into" dream analysis or have any knowledge of it? I have to agree with my fellow CWB groupies that Caleb needs to "up" his flirting skills. I don't think he is intentionally playing it too cool, he is just at an awkward stage in life. Perhaps his beloved Gran can give him some tips on flirting for success. @Wombat Bill the "ha ha" was the most suitable emoticon for this chapter, which seemed to be heading in a somewhat "dark" direction only to have it revealed as another "Bobby Ewing" moment. Unlike @ReaderPaul (who has the advantage of access to that very accurate crystal ball), I had no idea it was a dream. Even with Craig waking Caleb it took me a moment to realise the implication of this (I have been feeling a little "vague" all day, well that is my story and I am sticking to it).

This book has introduced a "new generation" of gay characters in Francesco, Caleb and perhaps Lucas (he has acknowledged he is gay, but it remains to be seen if he becomes a regular "cast member" or will be limited to "guest appearances"), and raised the profile of a previously introduced character in James. I suspect @ReaderPaul that our author is adding this new "young blood" in anticipation of a "spin off series" prominently featuring the "new generation" with occasional appearances by the current regular cast. Let us hope it is a little more successful thanThe Colbys which was a spin-off of Dynasty; I cannot imagine the pen of @Wombat Bill writing such a travesty (I loved Dynasty, but The Colbys was not so great).

When writing my comments above I recalled one of the CWB groupies speculating Justin's anger towards Edward may be partially due to guilt over his infidelity with Jared, but I could not remember if it was you @quttzik or @chris191070. It would appear you too have borrowed @ReaderPaul's crystal ball, or developed astute observational skills like @chris191070. I recall both Craig and Thomas being suspicious of what their respective partners were up to, firstly when said partners went to Cairns and secondly when they went to Alice Springs/Uluru. If I recall correctly, Jared and to a lesser extent Justin, went to great lengths in Cairns to appear to be "roughing it" in the Daintree Forest, but Craig's suspicions were raised even then. I recall Thomas was not fooled either. I have to agree with you that Jared was a master manipulator. I have often wondered if he was as manipulative before he joined the SAS and his time spent therein perfected these "skills", or if he acquired these "skills" whilst working for the SAS. I think it more likely he was manipulative before joining the SAS. He was, I think, the most complex of all the characters @Wombat Bill has introduced us to in the journey through the CWB saga. Jared initially appeared to be a most wonderful partner for Thomas, kind, considerate, caring and loving (with just a little touch of kink). Soon however, he revealed a much darker and less appealing side of himself, which I suspect we only saw the surface of. I remember thinking at the time, although I don't think I articulated it, that his rape of Justin was almost surreal, as if he, Jared, was only there in body, but not in mind. We shall never know, unless @Wombat Bill has a few more literary surprises for us. He does have a habit of surprising us at times, keeping us on our toes if you will.

I will air the "complaint" first @Wombat Bill, before the "praise the lord" moments. Bloody Tristan started the visit from Justin with “You’re just gonna love this new smoothie recipe I’ve got for raspberries”, but he did not disclose the recipe. I frequently make myself fresh or frozen raspberry smoothies and was looking forward to any new ideas Tristan might share. Greedy bastard. Now for the "praise the lord" moments. Tristan is a good friend to Justin. “So chew my ear as much as you like” Justin then jokingly, lightly bit Tristan’s ear and they both rolled around the sofa laughing" had me laughing and shedding a tear at the same time (must be the bloody hormones). Their friendship appears to be one of those rare friendships where neither party expects anything from the other, where the friendship is seamlessly renewed even after an extended period of limited or no contact, and where the affection is genuine and freely given. Justin's compliment “Tris, for a bloke that earns his living with his feet, you sure have a good head on your shoulders” offered us a glimpse of the "old Justin", the more innocent man before Jared "broadened his horizons". Justin is still in there, he just needs to find his way back. He acknowledged he did not want to hate anyone; he seemingly does not know how to undo what has already been done. CWB groupies, we will have to wait patiently for our resident wombat to further develop this storyline, to a point where it is clear the friendship between Justin and Edward is either repaired or is beyond repair (I hope for the former, but fear the latter). I loved this chapter @Wombat Bill. You reminded us that Justin is a good man, he has just lost his way (only temporarily I hope). I am happy (for now) to wait patiently for the outcome of the friendship. I am however, losing patience regarding the appearance of CWB's first known transgender character (unless you have tricked us and he or she has already appeared). I am particularly interested in the appearance of this character as I am curious to witness how the cast will react, but perhaps even moreso, to observe how you will write such a character. I have said it before, but I think you will write such a character with a minimum of fuss, which to me equates with respect and empathy.