Summerabbacat

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.

The loss of wildlife is what affected me the most @Foggybear. I shall refrain from commenting on "our" PM for fear of raising my blood pressure.

The sad emoticon is because "the end is nigh" (which will no doubt mean more bloody tears @Wombat Bill).

@ReaderPaul I hope one of the possibilities you raise regarding the teaser for the next chapter prove to be true. I had not thought of either. My immediate thoughts were Justin making a call on whether to forgive Edward and attempt to repair his relationship with him. This is a ploy on the part of our author, with a few choice words he elicits so many different responses and viewpoints from his readers. He is a clever one that @Wombat Bill.

Mmmmmmm, the departure went a little too smoothly to be wholly believable @Wombat Bill, or have we CWB groupies become so cynical regarding the behaviour and motives of Jack and Candy that it has tainted our objectivity. I did not expect under any circumstances anything Jack and/or Candy could do or say would move me to tears (murder maybe, but not tears). Reading of the gift of the framed picture of Francesco and his parents, I burst into tears. Call me old fashioned and sentimental (at your peril), but what a beautiful heartfelt gift. Francesco's reaction to the gift was almost the wonderment of a child “Yes, me and M..m..mummy and Daddy” (this also moved me tears, even writing the comment is moving me to tears). Maybe I am again observing things which are not happening, but I sensed Francesco's departure left him feeling a little uncertain or was it perhaps the fear of entering a world which he knows little of on a permanent basis. His voyage may not be as "smooth sailing" as he hopes. Hannah annoyed me in this chapter, silencing James' comment regarding the welfare of the animals. Perhaps it was "disrespectful", but as James rightly pointed out, what about the respect for the animals. Candy was very skilful, flattering Hannah and Julia with her "luvvies" (bogan extraordinaire). She managed to derail Julia's enquiries “As may be, but they are still entitled to know how much you deduct for tax, any other deductions and their superannuation entitlements”; I would lay odds the employees are underpaid, have no tax deducted and certainly no superannuation paid. A great chapter again @Wombat Bill. My "voyage" in this chapter was another delight, almost as good as the "voyage" I took last night on numerous occasions with Abba (I am taking the same "voyage" with them as I write these comments). The teaser for the next chapter is, I think, the most foreboding teaser you have ever teased we readers with. It may signify hope or the end of hope, I hope it is the latter, but fear it will be the former (which will mean more bloody tears, I would not mind so much, but one NEVER loses weight no matter how many tears are shed).

“James, I’ve stayed in quite a few motels over the years when travelling around to defend clients in regional areas, and to date I’ve never been in a room with a bed vibrator. Always had to take my own”. Hannah's quick wit comes to the fore again; it is easy to see where Alex and James get their senses of humour from. I have to agree @Wombat Bill, a burger is not a burger without beetroot, although I could not eat one with meat of course. The nicest burger I have eaten in my life was from a cafe, Cafe Brontosaurus, in Erskineville, which was run by a lesbian couple. The burger had delicious fried tofu with satay sauce, beetroot and lots of salad. It was served with equally delicious home made fries, big hand-cut ones. I loved the regional names you gave the burger and the steak sandwich. It prompted me to give thought to naming another burger after a famous local, who as a member of the LNP coalition was quite moderate from what I can remember (I was very young when he left politics @Wombat Bill so you will have to correct me if I have erred in my assessment of him). I am speaking of course of Doug Anthony. I have for your consideration the Doug Anthony All Star Burger (plagiarised a little I know). The burger features a healthy bun baked at Murwillumbah with fat juicy prawns (trawled in Ballina, home of The Big Prawn), grilled pineapple (from the Sunshine Coast, home of The Big Pineapple, which is not that far away from those northern rivers towns), avocado from Duranbah (the home of The Big Avocado, which I had never heard of) and tomato (no Big equivalent, apart from the hideous mug of Barnaby Joyce). "The evening performance had just begun as they arrived, so they all went to Francesco’s van. James figured he didn’t need to knock, so he went straight into the van while his mothers waited outside." For a fleeting moment you had me worried Francesco may be "entertaining" one of his un-gentlemenly callers. It seems the relationship between Francesco and James may be a little more than a "teenage crush". A very light chapter @Wombat Bill, not one the CWB groupies can readily analyse, discuss and debate. There was no behaviour by any of the cast that said groupies can praise or berate them for. A chapter to be enjoyed for the skill of the wordsmith above all else.

Your observations of late @chris191070 have been nothing short of remarkable. Maybe Craig should have referred Justin to see you to resolve his issues. I think you may well be right that Justin has been hanging onto his troubles for far longer than it appears; the episode with Edward may have been the "final straw", the fire which lit the meltdown if you will.

Craig, always the voice of reason and moderation. At times this has annoyed me in the past; I felt he was unsympathetic, emotionally detached and somewhat condescending. Now however, this behaviour is just what is needed. Justin must, even if only for himself, pull his head out of his own arse and wake up to himself. The staff at Poppy's should not have to put up with his surly attitude, and Gran and Caleb certainly should not have to take any attitude or rudeness from him. If he does not implement Craig's recommendation, he could find his relationship with Craig in jeopardy. And, he will only have himself to blame. I suspect Romel's mmm to the suggestion of Edward ravishing him may have had a hidden meaning behind it. I am not sure what the possible implications of removal of the prostate are, and I don't want to research it for fear of what the implications may be (loss of sexual function, urinary incontinence to name but a few). Has Edward been advised by the doctor he saw of the possible implications of removal of the prostate? If not and he is told, will he still want to proceed with the procedure? Caleb scored innumerable "brownie points" with me due to his concern over unnecessary plastic packaging for the C&G biscuits. I also liked his idea to engage Lucas as a taste-tester. If as the saying goes "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach", Caleb's business venture with Gran may reap more rewards than just financial ones. Another splendid chapter from your "literary pouch" @Wombat Bill.

In addition to my critique above, did Justin bother to inform any of the others that Edward had apologised, or did he merely rage against him to their mutual friends/acquaintances? Justin has only added "fuel to the fire" by airing his grievances in such a public manner. He appears to be enjoying playing the victim, the martyr, wallowing in the alleged misery Edward's novel has brought into his life. Is Edward's ego any bigger than Justin's? I don't think so.

I felt an overwhelming sadness approaching as the Edward storyline progressed @Wombat Bill, especially after the remark "Drinking all alone, I don’t have any friends”. But with "Edward laughed, for the first time in weeks" I lost it completely. I am writing these comments through a veil of tears. How has it come to this? Was Edward's behaviour so reprehensible that he deserves this treatment? My response is an emphatic no. I understand Craig wanting to support Justin, even though Justin is behaving somewhat like a petulant child, but as for the rest of those "spineless bitches", really? I am in agreement with my fellow CWB groupie @quttzik, everyone is overreacting. I am very disappointed in all "the cast". Edward has so often offered them all support and encouragement, and in return they have erased his friendship. Justin's "replacement" for scumbag is perhaps the most apt description for all of them, other than Craig and Romel. Caleb and Gran. Caleb and Lucas. The latter has a "nice ring to it" too @Wombat Bill. If "love is in the air" I think Gran will be the first to see it and the first to offer congratulations. She and Caleb were the only joy in an otherwise sad and melancholic chapter.

Stories portraying the lives of mature gay men, particularly those who are coupled, well-adjusted, happy and non-predatory, are few and far between. This is one of those "few and far between" stories, and quite possibly the most beautiful, heartwarming and delightful story of its type I have ever had the pleasure of reading. My fellow reader @chris191070 refers to Max and Charles in his review as elderly gentlemen, I shall refer to them merely as gentlemen (I am not suggesting you are ageist Chris). They are an inspirational couple, witty and whimsical, full of entertaining stories. They have retained such a zest for life, and more surprisingly perhaps, for each other. Their relationship displays none of the toxicity so often found in couples who have been together for a lengthy period; they rejoice in each other's company, complimenting each other without being cloying. The first of @Wombat Bill's stories I had the pleasure of reading. The writing skills he displayed in this story were a promise of things to come, although I don't believe he has ever written two more authentic and endearing characters than Max and Charles (perhaps Edward from Catering With Benefits comes close). From an historical perspective this story is an important milestone as it introduced we fortunate readers to Craig and Justin, the driving force behind Catering With Benefits. One could perhaps argue that Max and Charles were the catalyst for what was to follow, but this simple and charming story rightfully stands proudly on its own. An experience like no other, beguiling from beginning to end. A+++++

Gardening and gossiping, do they precede a gin and tonic @Wombat Bill? Perhaps you could change Gran's preferred drink to gin and ginger beer or ginger ale. This would satisfy @ReaderPaul's appetite for alliteration. Gran and her grandson enjoy gardening and gossiping, followed by a gargantuan gin and ginger beer guaranteed to gratify. Gran has got it all worked out. Just when one thinks she could not possibly be any more delightful, she proves one wrong yet again. The conclusion of her conversation with Caleb “Sort of like a date?” “Gran, do you ever stop flirting?” sheer delight. Deadly treadly and occy straps. Music to my ears, words I have not heard since my late teens. Growing up on the north coast of NSW, much of my "gadding about" as a teenager was done on my pushbike. I still have some occy straps, they must be at least 40+ years old. Francesco confessed to having "entertained" numerous circus men since puberty. There is still something about this which puzzles me. Surely Jack and/or Candy must have had some idea what was going on under their noses, although it does appear they paid little or no attention to Francesco other than when he was performing. I have to wonder if he was given any sex education, or was his education solely derived from "on the job training". Another delightful chapter @Wombat Bill. I neglected to mention in my comments on the previous chapter, Ruby, the perfect name for a theatrical agent. For me, the name invokes an image of theatricality and excess, a passion for life and drama.

I had not until now @Wombat Bill. I swear Dante and perhaps even Justin may be amongst those I saw online just now. Very impressive. Imagine the hunks she will command come January 17 next year when she has her 100th birthday. Bugger a message from the Queen (which I know she won't get anyway), a bevy of hun(g)ks would be far more rewarding (not to mention stimulating). I neglected to comment above on the image created by "Julia was wrestling with uncooperative dough, James was crushing tomatoes with gusto, Hannah was grating cheese while imagining it was Jack’s face and Francesco was let loose with a knife, a stack of very nervous vegetables and a couple of rashers of bacon." I laughed when I had an image of James dancing barefoot in a barrel of tomatoes, and guffawed at the image of Hannah grating Jack's face. Whomever said revenge is sweet was spot on.

Gotta love the 'Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence'. Very witty and clever. The "blessing of the Teflon coated Pell" whilst amusing, is also very sad because it is true. A judicial travesty; the smug bastard has never, and will never, admit he is culpable in any way for what happened to children whom he could have spared from abuse if he had the moral courage to do so. A man who embodies everything that is poisonous and rotten to the core within the "church" in which he held such a high position.

No no no. Sounding is one thing, but this practice must surely be very dangerous. I doubt even Jared would have attempted this practice.

I echo your assessment of Jack and Candy @haines87. It appears all the CWB groupies are in agreement regarding the characters of Jack and Candy. He cannot be trusted and she is I believe somewhat devious. Your comment that until now Francesco has had nobody to advocate for him struck a chord with me. He has been deprived in so many ways, financially, emotionally and intellectually. It is testament to his self-reliance and resilience that he is as well adjusted as he is. I believe you are on the mark@ReaderPaul; Hannah likely has multiple plans up her sleeve to ensure Jack does the right thing by Francesco, and if he does not, he will not know what hit him. I think he would be very unwise to piss off Julia, and even moreso, Hannah. Neither will hesitate to take action if he does not hold up his end of the bargain. The teaser for the next chapter presents any number of possibilities for Gran and Caleb. If it were not for "the virus", I could have said they were off to Sleaze Ball or a night of clubbing, where Gran would "hold court" surrounded by a bevy of well muscled and tanned gay men, all of whom were at her beck and call to fetch her a G&T. Alas "the virus" restricts Gran and Caleb's social possibilities; perhaps an evening of open air cinema at Centennial Park, or an evening to see Tristan perform in a ballet, or an evening at Divas (although this would be somewhat awkward). Whatever the event, I can only but imagine it will strengthen the bonds between these two "unlikely friends". A really "feel good" chapter @Wombat Bill. Hannah and Julia have Jack by the balls and he knows it. I also believe Candy is on guard too, she recognises a formidable woman (or two) when she meets them, even if she is completely clueless regarding their lesbianism.

Jack revealed more of his traits in this chapter, none of which any reasonable person could consider attractive. I did not comment in a prior chapter when Davo, the roustabout, suddenly quit. If Jack's behaviour in this chapter is at all typical, it is a wonder he has any employees left to help run his sorry excuse for entertainment. His threat to fire Alex breaches any number of industrial laws, laws which Jack likely thinks his "business" above because it is a "family business". Well guess what arsehole, you have two formidable lesbians up against you now so best you shut the fuck up and play nice. Seemingly, Candy and Wanda, are the only staff who are able to get Jack to see sense. I believe Hannah and Julia will support Francesco if he returns to the circus for a "farewell tour" (for his sake hopefully not one similar to the Elton John and Cher farewell tours, which seem to have been going on for most of this millennium). I believe between the two of them they will have Jack well and truly "stitched up" if he fucks with Francesco. I hope they also ask him to provide proof of Francesco's alleged trust fund, which Jack alleges he has paid Francesco's wages into. I will be very pleasantly surprised if such a trust fund exists, or if it does, that Jack has been paying Francesco's wages into it. It is time for Jack to face facts, circuses are a relic of yesteryear, and no longer find favour with the general public. To quote Justin (not verbatim) "best you just fuck off out of our life". A superbly written and executed chapter @Wombat Bill. It satisfied this reader on so many levels. Francesco's heartfelt statements “But since meeting James and visiting you... that is, this family... I’m no longer happy at the circus” and “I want a real family that loves me and treats me as person, not just a circus act” moved me to tears. Again you have excelled, a few simple words provoking a storm of emotions. Brilliant. Even better though, the imminent collapse of Jack's little world. It so satisfied the "vengeful bitch" in me, it could not have happened to someone more deserving. I am having a "Justin moment", although I don't wish death on Jack (yet). As speculated by @ReaderPaul, the teaser for the next chapter could signify a multitude of events. It could well represent some redemption of Jack's character, but unlike @quttzik, I will not feel bad for lacerating Jack (I am nowhere near as reasonable, kind or forgiving as you @quttzik).

A very pleasing turn of events @Wombat Bill. I am in agreement with my fellow CWB groupies who have already posted their critiques of this chapter, Francesco's departure from the circus is not at all surprising. Meeting James and being introduced to the "real world" is almost like Francesco's rumspringa; I doubt very much he will want to return. It has been mentioned in at least one prior chapter and it struck me at the time, but I failed to comment (how unlike me to not throw in my "two bobs worth"). Alex has exchanged one unpleasant job (working in a chicken shop) for another. I have a friend who worked in a chicken shop who ate chicken before doing so. After working in that environment for some time, understandably he could no longer eat chicken. Alex is certainly being exposed to the mistreatment of non-human animals by humans on a regular basis. Perhaps he will have a change of heart and have more respect for James' beliefs after working in his current job. "They just miss each other by inches as they run around like a choreographed ballet, weaving in and out among the trucks and floats and stacks of equipment". What an exquisite analogy @Wombat Bill. The contrast of comparing something so utilitarian with something of such beauty, made the analogy even more powerful. A very, very clever ploy.

After two days of feeling a little sorry for myself (not unusual in winter), I returned to "the fold" and almost immediately had a really good chuckle “Yeah they are a pair on antagonists. We call it the war of the unpronounceables at home”. Very very clever @Wombat Bill. Prior to the onset of "the virus", I had never taken the time to learn Gladys' family name (I don't watch TV and rarely read "the news" online). I saw a wonderful placard displayed in the window of a home in inner-city Redfern some years ago which referred to her as Gladys Berejokelian, thus I referred to her as this thereafter too. Perhaps her name should now be Gladys Berecrooklian. As for her nemesis from the north, her family name is certainly not phonetic (not uncommon I think for Polish family names). For the benefit of @ReaderPaul, @chris191070, @quttzikand @haines87, Anastasia's family name is pronounced as Palashay. Alex's joining the circus, albeit temporarily, did come as somewhat of a surprise. I have to agree with @ReaderPaul, the desire to join the circus was definitely genitally-motivated. I have to wonder if as Alex joins, Francesco is giving serious consideration to leaving. A couple of his comments certainly gave me this impression. If so, Jack may not be so keen to retain Alex as a "roustabout" as Hannah and James will likely get the blame for Francesco's "defection".

The Catholic Church's judgment on what is a sin holds absolutely NO WEIGHT with this reader @haines87. Until such time as it properly acknowledges and properly apologises for the worldwide abuse of children by pedophile priests, offers restitution for the abuse, and divests itself of some of its enormous wealth to help the poor in countries where its nonsense has "poisoned" its parishioners and contributes to overpopulation e.g. the Phillipines, its edicts on morality are at best warped. Please note I have nothing against Catholics (unless they are fundamentalists), just the hierarchy of their church.

You have been "on a roll" with your comments for the last two chapters @chris191070. Your comments on this chapter have had me in stitches. First the comment about spanking a naughty Justin, and now the boys throwing their toys out of the playpen. The funniest thing though is, I suspect you have unwittingly been funny. Your dry English sense of humour is shining through.