Summerabbacat

OMG Francesco has led a life not unlike the life the Amish are portrayed as living (apart from his sexual freedom). Everyday things most of us take for granted are totally alien to him. I sense he has had little, if any, love from his foster parents, if in fact they are his foster parents in an official capacity. James, Hannah and Julia have noble intentions to assist Francesco (and I would have the same intentions if I were in their shoes), however, I hope it does not backfire on them resulting in Francesco becoming homeless, particularly if he is not officially being fostered by Jack and Candy, under which circumstances they would not likely be receiving any payments for his care. An enlightening chapter @Wombat Bill. One cannot imagine the life of deprivation Francesco has led, and yet he appears to be a remarkably happy and content young man. I daresay that says more about me than it does about him. I compare it to reports I have read regarding the "human happiness index" (commissioned and reported by whom I cannot remember), in which it is often the case that those with less and lower expectations are generally happier than those of us with more and higher expectations.

Hannah and Julia - wonderful in their support of James' desire to help the circus animals and Francesco. Alex - he just doesn't get it does he. He was outraged at the treatment of Francesco, but annoyed at James' for his animal rights activism, for no other reason than it could "cock block" him with Wanda. His speciesism irritated me severely. I love Hannah's take charge attitude to the plight of Francesco. Her suggestion of contacting PETA to help the circus animals was a good one too. A most enjoyable chapter @Wombat Bill. Hannah and Julia both impressed me with their support of James and their desire to help Francesco. Alex is the "odd man out". I can see him behaving like a petulant child if his "relationship" with Wanda does not get off the ground. James' actions will be convenient for him to blame for the failure.

A somewhat "troubling" chapter for me @Wombat Bill. I am very pleased James has not softened his stance on the issue of animal rights in the circus; and, am also very pleased he has seen the parallel between the treatment of the animals and the treatment of Francesco. James is a very perceptive and sensitive young man, but I sense trouble ahead if he tries to improve life for either Francesco or the animals. Francesco's gratitude to Jack and Candy for having assumed the role of his deceased parents, appears to be too strong to allow him to recognise they have taken advantage of him, perhaps not intentionally, but they have certainly benefited greatly from his talent. I very much doubt James will be able to liberate Francesco or the animals from their captivity though. He may be able to highlight their treatment, but unless Jack and Candy are doing something illegal, his chances of success are limited at best. I am very keen for the introduction of the first (known) transgender character into the story (assuming this is going to happen at some point). For this reason I am perhaps seeing things which are not really there at all. I fleetingly wondered if perhaps Candy may be transgender, but then realised I was guilty of stereotyping because of James' observation of her masculinity and Francesco's revelation that she had a strongwoman act. I also realised I am guilty of assuming the transgender character will be a transwoman, when in fact the character may be a transman. Whatever the case may be, I am confident @Wombat Bill you will write the character in such a way that his or her transgenderism is incidental. I don't like Candy or Wanda, and I doubt I would like Jack either. His "appearances" have been so limited to date, so I shall give him the benefit of the doubt. Hannah displayed a very appealing sense of humour I did not know she possessed. Well written as usual @Wombat Bill. I am liking James more and more, each time he makes an appearance he earns more "brownie points" from me. I hope his sensitive nature is not going to see him too crushed when his "circus relationship" ends, as I believe it inevitably will.

I had raised the possibility of Jason and Nathan being fraternal twins in comments I made on chapter 41. With all the drama in the story since I had completely forgotten this, but am not surprised at the revelation in this chapter. Unless Nathan's mother is a very good actress (and a really manipulative horrible person), I think Nathan's father is telling the truth, the boys are twins. I am a little disappointed in Jason's father and his comments that he will no longer be welcome if he persists with his relationship with Nathan. He may come around when he has time to think about it, it was a shock after all for he and Jason's mother too. I agree with my fellow critics @drsawzall and @bottomguy there are further lies told by Nathan's father which are yet to be exposed, the identity of Annie's father and the circumstances of Nathan's arrest, but two. A riveting chapter @Filzmoos, with more drama yet I sense.

I had never heard the expression at all @Wombat Bill. I consulted Google to see what it might be and found what it was. Your ignorance was only partial, whereas mine was complete. The only expression I had ever heard which resembled this is "He's as rich as Rockerfeller". There is no such thing as a bad wombat, only one which is less industrious than its fellow wombats.

OMG @ReaderPaul it was in the next paragraph when James affixed his posters to the light poles. I will blame this "oversight" of mine on fatigue. Yesterday was a long day at work, and only my second day back after having been sick for the previous 8 days with a severe infection. My intrigue when reading the chapter was the content of the posters, by the time I finished reading though I had clearly forgotten this. I am highly embarrassed. The Religious Discrimination Bill is appalling. The GLBTQ community is one of the usual targets , but anyone "different" could be affected. I received a petition to sign, which illustrated a number of examples of a 'statement of belief' which will be legal under the bill. The example I found the most disturbing, is that it will be legal for a health professional to tell someone with a disability e.g. someone with cerebral palsy, that they have the devil in them and this is what has caused the disability, if this is their religious belief. One would have to wonder why such a person would be practising as a health professional, but it is possible. The content of this bill is not what I expect from anyone living in Australia, it is the kind of lunacy I associate with the likes of Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Goetz, Ron De Santis or Donald Trump Jr. I am very concerned that this rise in religious conservatism, if left unchecked and unchallenged, could lead Australia in a similar direction to Poland, Russia or most of the Middle East. I would hate to live in a nation where it is legal to blame all the ills of the country from natural disasters to economic hardships on the "gays and the Jews"; where it is believed it is god's punishment for allowing such people to exist.

They are clearly located somewhere in his genitals, which Dante alluded to were underwhelming at best.

“I don’t care how you try to Morrison it, I’m not buying”. Absolutely brilliant @Wombat BillI immediately knew exactly what Jeremy was implying. Is this a Wombatism or have you seen this written elsewhere? "He’s as rich as creases". Should this have read as "He's as rich as Croesus" and the annoying auto-correct thought it knew better than you? If so, how dare it assume to correct you, doesn't it know who you are. Why the bloody cheek of it. Brett is such a stereotype, however, like most stereotypes, there is a great deal of "truth" in his portrayal. I have certainly known a few people over the years who are as shallow and unappealing as he is. Francesco has certainly had an unfortunate life. I doubt he and James will ever have much in common and a "deep connection" seems unlikely. If they are both having fun though it surely does not matter. I am intrigued as to what was concealed in James' yoga mat, or did I miss something. The fostering of Caleb on a permanent basis was a forgone conclusion from the moment he met Gran and Justin revealed his abs. I think he will make a great addition to the Haynes/Simpson household. Gran will certainly be very happy. Great chapter @Wombat Bill, the highlight of which was “I don’t care how you try to Morrison it, I’m not buying”. I thought I was aware of how low he was prepared to sink until this evening when I read more about the Religious Discrimination Bill, especially the 'statement(s) of belief'. Clearly it is he, and not those he believes it is acceptable to refer to as the "work of the devil" under the guise of a religious belief, who is the "work of the devil". C u next Tuesday indeed.

When I saw the chapter title @Wombat BillI thought perhaps Dante's as yet unnamed brother might be making his debut appearance. I found it ironic Francesco remarked the other circus performers "like to think they are one big family, but really they are just insular. I don’t mix with them much as I have no wish to be involved in their petty quarrels and competitive behaviour”, and yet he was so very reluctant to leave the confines of what is apparently the only home he has ever known, to venture forth with James. His description of Wanda as demanding and difficult to please is one I formed after her initial appearance in a prior chapter. Alex is so desperate for sex though I think he will do anything to please/impress her. Certainly the circus is proving sexually stimulating for both James and Alex, I just hope the former does not lose sight of his real reason for showing an interest in it. Lachlan's plans for Crystalline's neighbouring property have not been mentioned by any of your CWB groupies yet @Wombat Bill as you have lamented. Perhaps we have been so consumed by and enamoured with the "new arrivals", Caleb, Wanda, Candy and Jack, and the reappearance of the beloved Gran, to have turned our minds to consider what those plans might be once those pesky blackberry bushes have been removed. Whatever the plans, I sense Lachlan wants to make a grand success of the venture to prove his worth to Jonathan as an equal partner in business, and not just a pretty top/bottom. I have not been able to arrange a time to borrow @ReaderPaul's crystal ball, but I predict he plans to turn the property into a a GLBT B 'N' B/sex club/upmarket resort.

The banter may have been light hearted, but its intent was serious. Caleb is learning more about Gran because he wants to fit into the Haynes/Simpson household as quickly and smoothly as possible, and is genuinely enchanted by her. Once again Gran's wisdom shone through, providing sage advice not only to Caleb, but also to Craig. What is Raj up to? Is he looking for pointers to impress his father, or does he want a job at Poppy's so as to be closer to Juanito, or is his motive something far more secretive? Brett is not very professional, although on this occasion it may have worked to his advantage. @Wombat Bill a most enjoyable, "frothy" (another wonderfully exotic word) little chapter with much to like. Caleb is not difficult to like, although the drinking from the juice bottle, and wiping it afterwards with a used dishcloth, is hardly hygienic. I must confess I drink from the bottle myself, but there is only me to share the germs with.

I am usually struck more by the inconsistencies and improbabilities of what is written in the bible than anything else @Wombat Bill. The blessing of Caleb appears to be one of its less violent and controversial stories. I wonder if different spirit is anything like "two spirit" which I have read many Native Americans admire. The Hebrew meanings of Caleb make it sound a perfect name for a cat with much in common with my beautiful Bassey. If I were to ever have another cat with even a modicum of his love and adoration, I would be truly blessed.

I think Dante has better taste @chris191070. I also think he was "underwhelmed" with Brett's size. Is Dante a size queen? Perhaps. He is made of muscles himself and expressed his admiration for Cook due to her larger than average "assets". Brett on the other hand had everything to gain. Frankly I don't know why Jeremy tolerates him. When he made his first appearance I thought he was going to be clever, witty and amusing; an apprentice-in-waiting to Edward. His appearances have been limited, but he has not lived up to any of his early promise.

I don't like Brett; I find him neither amusing nor witty. Edward is witty, Brett is merely sleazy and lecherous, somewhat reminiscent of Oliver. Dante certainly put him in his place with consummate ease. Brett's ego is apparently in direct contrast to his endowment; was Dante's “Looking at you, I assume you’re a grower..." a subtle put-down or merely a remark to steer Brett away from making any advances. Whatever the motive, it went completely over Brett's head, forcing Dante to abandon subtlety altogether. The "spat" between Dante and Thomas had me thinking "here we go again", a sense of deja vu. I seem to recall Jared and Thomas having a similar disagreement early in their relationship about one or the other's possessiveness. Is moving in together at such an early stage the solution; they really know very little about each other. Methinks, it does not augur well for the future, or am I the one being melodramatic. I daresay time and @Wombat Bill's literary penmanship will deliver the verdict. I pondered when reading a prior chapter that Raj may be the character who at least explores the possibility of gender reassignment surgery. A few more remarks made in this chapter have made me confident enough to verbally speculate this now, without fear of offence. He has not previously, as far as I can recall, expressed any confusion or discomfort with his gender assigned at birth, but a few comments made in this chapter have me thinking. Admittedly the comments made were banal at best, but the synopsis for the book does mention transgender as one of the "themes" of the book (I am not sure if this is the correct term). If, and it is a mighty if, Raj is beginning to question his gender, I sense he will have no greater supporter than Edward. Although Edward is apparently very comfortable being a male, he may well have friends who have transitioned, or at least considered doing so, with whom he could consult or encourage to share with Raj. Excellent chapter @Wombat Bill. I sense you are going to be tackling some more serious issues in coming chapters. I have no doubt you will do so with your usual sensitivity and aplomb. I look forward to reading what @ReaderPaul(I just got the message he has published his critique) and @chris191070 think.

"Saucy" and "Sassy", Gran and Caleb, a most unlikely pair. Gran's untimely appearance in the back garden could not have been more timely had it been planned. Replete with caprice (thank you @ReaderPaul for reminding me of this wonderfully vibrant word which I just love the "sound" of), good humour and wisdom; I had forgotten how "saucy" she can be, even more so than the "full breasted chicken", Cook of Crystalline. And young "sassy" Caleb, immediately charmed and enchanted by someone of an age so unlikely to appeal, but just what the doctor ordered. He has gone overnight from being an unloved lonely boy, to a boy with at least three people in his corner. He responded so positively to encouragement and appreciation, apparently he is a well adjusted boy, one whose needs are not insurmountable. I hope @ReaderPaul's "communal crystal ball", which @quttzik and @chris191070 seem to have borrowed of late, is spot on and Caleb does become a permanent part of the Simpson/Haynes household. An epic chapter @Wombat Bill, truly uplifting. My favourite chapter to date in the current book. Gran showed us again why she is so beloved. Her wry sense of humour (her Queen Mother comments were hilarious) had me "in stitches"; her suggestion to Caleb that he “.... should give her the benefit of the doubt for now, and when circumstances permit you make contact with her”, moved me to tears. Although quite different from my own grandmother, she reminded me of the special connection one can have with a beloved grandmother.

Methinks Caleb is understandably wary of Craig and Justin's intentions, deliberately baiting them to challenge their reactions. They should remain calm for as long as possible to demonstrate their home might be a long term solution. He is no doubt sceptical and frightened after having been tossed aside like garbage by those who should have cared for him until adulthood. I think Craig maybe needs to chill a little, and stop referring to Caleb as "young man" as this is a bit patronising, particularly given Craig himself is a young man. I agree with @chris191070, Caleb and James might be a good match, even if only for friendship. Hopefully the planned barbecue includes James and Alex, but particularly the former, as attendees. I am very pleased to witness the return of the alt-@ReaderPaul, the literary leviathan, littering his look-see with lashings of loquacious levity. The teaser for the next chapter is awash with numerous possibilities, too numerous to even contemplate. I, like @quttzik, am particularly concerned with abdication and Alzheimer's. The former could mean any number of things from Ed Wiener retiring permanently and One Eata assuming her crown, to Cynthia stepping down as the "charity empress". Alzheimer's most logically may rear its ugly head for Craig's Gran or Max or Charles, but it may be about to affect someone entirely different. A very "rewarding" chapter @Wombat Bill. Although Caleb is not a cat, this reader is very pleased to witness the emergence of foster caring as a storyline. Although I am (hopefully) some years away from adopting another cat, Caleb is a name I have in mind for a male cat.

Max and Charles deserve another story of their own, if for no reason other than they were the catalyst which started the CWB saga rolling.

I would like to offer a different possibility @ReaderPaul. Back to business may well indicate Poppy's, Dean's Bar (I cannot remember if this is its business name), Divas and Dare to Bare all becoming fully operational again. The new kid on the block may be a child who comes into part-time foster care with Craig and Justin, part of which time is likely to be spent at Poppy's and meeting the proprietors of the other three businesses which share the lease of the building. Candy is certainly well named. She did not charm or amuse me though as she did my fellow critics. Arnott's Family Assorted brought back memories of my childhood @Wombat Bill. Do you know if they are still manufactured, and if so, are they manufactured in Australia? I avoid the biscuit aisle in the supermarket as I don't have the willpower to resist Mint Slice or anything else with dark chocolate.

After reading the chapter title, it was with some trepidation I embarked upon reading it. After doing so, I am compelled to be the proverbial "fly in the ointment". I have to disagree vehemently, but hopefully respectfully, with my fellow CWB groupies, @ReaderPaul and @chris191070. James was not loud enough; he should have walked out, but not before compiling evidence of the mistreatment of the animals. There is no place in a civilised society for circuses with animals, marine parks with seals or dolphins performing tricks, greyhound racing or any other "entertainment" for humans which causes distress to the non-human involuntary participants. I have NEVER been to a circus and never will. Unfortunately there are no national or state bans on circuses in Australia, but many councils have "seen the light" and banned them. I have read there is widespread community support for a total ban, which is why many councils have taken such action. There are some activities which are so heinous and unnecessary, that a compromise is out of the question. I have to admire Craig for considering and persuading Justin as to the merit of the "fostering" role they are likely to embark upon. I have to wonder if Justin's "difficult" childhood may prove to be invaluable in understanding and helping children from unhappy or unsafe situations. @Wombat Billa brilliantly written and very confronting chapter which made me very fucking angry. The contrast between Alex's disinterest and Justin's apathy towards the treatment of the circus animals with James' outrage , was a very clever construct. If this had been a debate, it would surely have resulted in James being declared the victor. I don't think any chapter of any of the books has incited such passion for justice in me as this one. James is a beacon of hope and I look forward to him playing a big role going forward. Alex is cock-driven, normal for someone his age I know, but in this chapter I found him to be redundant at best. Justin made my blood boil, he found James to be a "problem" because of his support for animal rights, and yet he readily agrees to taking in a foster child. Is he fucking blind, children and animals are so often the victims of neglect or abuse at the hands of adult humans. Some readers may think me hypocritical because I have expressed the fact I don't like children, and I don't; however, I abhor those who neglect or abuse them. I shall stop preaching now as I can feel my blood pressure has gone up, which is the last thing I need at the moment.

Even before Thomas remarked “What have you done with the real Desmond? When did he become your servant?” I felt like I was witnessing a "conversation" between Hyacinth and Richard (from a British TV comedy Keeping Up Appearances, @ReaderPaul). Although Virginia is not a social climber hellbent on impressing all the "right people", she appeared to be oblivious to Desmond's apparent subservience. I thought after Thomas' remark she was making an effort, but then she utters, “I’ve told you before Des, don’t call it a soup kitchen, that downgrades what we do there”. I was ready to wring her neck after this comment. In Virginia's defence, Desmond was in her employ for a long time, but she needs to try harder to make him feel as if he is an equal. His positive responses to Dante's interest in his role at the soup kitchen demonstrated he can converse if one only takes the time to listen. I think he should go with the boys when they travel to Mallacoota as it will make him feel useful. He is clearly a man who is purpose driven, his purpose being to assist others in whatever capacity he can. Renaming a soup kitchen a meal centre to "upgrade" its function had me laughing, until I realised I can well imagine someone making such a remark and believing it to be of such significant importance. It reminds me of an article I came across a few years ago now where the author declared it demeaning to dogs to label them as a cross breed e.g. Jack Russell/Kelpie cross. He/she demanded such dogs should be known as a blend e.g. Jack Russell/Kelpie blend. My response (internally of course) was a dog would not give a fuck what breed you called him/her, he/she was more commenced with being cared for, fed, played with and loved. I have seen a similar argument for "outlawing" the word desexed as it applies to cats and dogs. I had a similar response (again internally of course), also believing desexing should be extended compulsorily to numerous humans, starting with the language police like the pretentious twits who spouted such trite nonsense. A very intriguing chapter @Wombat Bill. The interest for me lay as much in what was left unspoken as what was spoken. The reference to the "mother son" relationship between Virginia and Thomas left Thomas feeling decidely uncomfortable. I don't recall you have ever revealed anything of Thomas' family or his formative years. Has this been an oversight, an omission because it is not important, or has it been by design because it is essential to a yet to be revealed storyline. As @ReaderPaul has remarked on occasion, we shall have to wait for you to reveal the truth (or words to that effect).

@chris191070 this was my immediate suspicion too. It seemed getting the boys drunk was the intention of Alma and Brenda, and it was almost too convenient the boys had to sleep in separate rooms. Unlike you though Chris, I imagined the girls helping themselves direct from the source not by hand, but by riding them cowboy style as this, I have read, maximises the success rate of "the swimmers". I must state upfront before making my next comment that I am fully in favour of same sex couples having children, whether biological or adopted. However, which ever of the girls responded with “The child would have two mothers” to Andy's question “Is that fair to the child?” really pissed me off. If the child wanted a relationship with its father and the father is known to the mothers, surely the mothers would want to foster such a relationship. The response shows that neither Alma nor Brenda have given any thought to the child's possible desires, only their own. I do not like children, which is one of the reasons why I refused a similar request from a lesbian couple I knew many years ago. I pointed out to them that if the child wanted to meet me I would have no desire for this to happen, which would be very unfair to the child and may be hurtful and/or damaging to it. They understood perfectly and thanked me for my honesty. There is also the legal and financial implications of being a remote father or known sperm donor. What happens if Alma and Brenda separate, would the birth mother seek child support from the biological father? Certainly a contract could be executed absolving the biological father of all legal and financial obligations, but would such a contract hold up in court. I somehow doubt it. At least Thomas and Dante should not have to worry about Virginia making a similar request of either of them at the forthcoming dinner. I just hope Desmond is as "thrilled" by his dinner companions as Virginia believes he will be. @Wombat Bill Your wit excelled in this chapter. Andy's misunderstanding of the true nature of Alma and Brenda's request was very cleverly written. I immediately suspected what Alma was going to propose, but I had the benefit of the content of the conversation between Alma and Brenda before the dinner took place. I recall my grandmother making something called Lemon Delicious when I was child (back in the Palaeolithic era). It was very aptly named as it was both very tart and contained either chunky pieces of lemon rind or shavings of lemon rind, if I remember correctly. My "award" for the wittiest remark to date in this current book, goes to Andy, “That’s fine, I probably wasn’t looking forward to measuring for intimate jewellery”. He is generally such a quiet man who draws little attention to himself, which made this remark all the more amusing.

@James Carnarvon after having been laid low with a severe infection and fever for the past four days, I was looking forward to revisiting Ravello, even if for the last time. I find illness always increases my natural inclination to melancholy, the reading of this concluding chapter was no exception. Joy mixed with a dose of sadness is the best way to describe how I felt after reading this chapter. Joy that both Daniele and Giacomo survived their ordeal intact; sadness that Marco had partially contributed to the trouble and that a reconciliation between he and Giacomo did not take place. I am going to choose to believe a reconciliation will take place, and the original trio of friends expands to become a quartet. Perhaps Marco's affections may even shift to a "target" who is more receptive to such affections, particularly if he, the target, gets to know Marco a little better. I believe Daniele's forgiveness of Marco will happen with minimal effort on Marco's part; Daniele has shown on so many occasions extraordinary empathy, remarkable in one so young. I have to confess I am not fond of children and was sceptical when I read the synopsis for the story. I only started to read it because you were the author and the enjoyment I had experienced in reading the previous books in the Ravello stories. I am now very glad I chose to do so; this book was in some ways even more enjoyable than its predecessors. It may be a return visit to the earlier books is on the cards when time permits. I find one often experiences something additional or completely different when reading a literary work on a subsequent occasion, much as one does when listening to music. I will write a review of this story when my health returns to normal. At the moment I don't believe I can do it justice (just writing these comments has "worn me out" such that I am going to go back to bed).

Words can be very powerful, particularly when used economically as is your wont. @Wombat Bill, another GA whose works I admire greatly, is quite similar in this respect. You are both capable of evoking powerful emotions in this reader at least (and seemingly many of the others who have commented), with a few words or a powerful image, rarely relying on over-the-top melodrama. This is a skill I can only hope to one day acquire (as you can see from my ramblings on this and other stories published on GA, I am not a man of few words). If this makes you a master manipulator, I say go forth and manipulate. With your intention for one story only, clearly the characters in the Ravello stories have had a positive impact on your life as well. If nothing else, treat these delightful tales as a litmus test for the novel you aspire to write. I am glad you have at least entertained the prospect of "never say never again".

@James Carnarvon it is character development which has held this reader's attention, just as it did with the previous Ravello stories. The intimate scene between Daniele and Giacomo had me in tears (I am an avid weeper), not just because Daniele revealed his attraction to Giacomo but also because of Giacomo's response. This response, and the real reason for his involvement in the protection racket, revealed he is a far more sensitive boy than he had previously let on. I had to laugh when he revealed the real reason for his involvement; the simplest reason of all was the truth, but many of your readers, myself included, were looking for and in some instances thought they had found, why he was involved. The truth so often is the simplest explanation. Regardless of the outcome of Toto and Michele's counterattacks, I sincerely hope Marco is "brought back into the fold of friendship". I sense he would blossom with attention; and perhaps a friendship of sorts with Toto and Michele would be beneficial, just as it was for Daniele. The only criticism I can level at you is that the story will conclude with chapter 12. The majority of the characters in all the Ravello stories delight and charm with consummate ease. I hope the level of interest in this story may encourage a continuation of the lives of the Ravello inhabitants (hint hint). We your readers, are not greedy, we just love the tales you tell.

I hope Jonathan enjoyed his bukkake session with the lads. I daresay with all attendees "dressed" in their finest rings, the output should have been prodigious. Lachlan has certainly expanded Jonathan's horizons, far more so than I think Desmond will have expanded Virginia's or she his. I am glad to observe Virginia has delivered on her resolution to volunteer to assist those less fortunate than herself. I feared it may have been similar to a New Year's resolution, but it would appear she has followed through. In her new environ in Potts Point she won't have to travel far to find those less fortunate than herself. Carol may need to purchase pleasure online and invest in some batteries to satisfy her immediate carnal desires. Pickings are slim at Crystalline for a woman with her proclivities. She may even have a better chance with the "full breasted chicken" than any of the "roosters" in residence. "Some domestic flights resumed but the international borders were still closed, except to the rich and famous or sporting teams, who mostly flew in and out on charter flights or on Middle Eastern airlines, whose owners didn’t seem to be aware there was a worldwide pandemic." Sadly true @Wombat Bill and the cause of much criticism levelled from the general public, criticism which has frankly been well deserved, particularly to the north of NSW. Edward may be straying into waters that will be too close for comfort for Justin, and may well "force his hand". Once again @Wombat Bill your economy with words is remarkable. The teaser for the next chapter promises more salacious excitement (I hope).

I forgot to mention how much I enjoy the descriptions of the food being consumed by the "cast". Italian is my favourite cuisine for many reasons, not least of which it offers so many options for vegetarians. The simple meal of pasta, tomatoes and aubergines had my mouth watering. Delizioso.