Summerabbacat

We Sydneysiders are used to overpriced real estate. When I read the reference to the property selling in Marion Street for $905,000 my instant ruction was that if in Marion Street, Leichhardt, it is either a minuscule Victorian workmen's cottage or a "renovate or detonate job". If neither, then it was a bargain at the price paid. I am looking forward to you introducing us to the relevance of Jared to the story. Perhaps he will become the lover of Thomas whom you have introduced in the next chapter.

Another of your classic one-liner's Wombat Bill: "A woman can do it digitally". "What with a computer?”. I could not stop laughing. This humorously illustrates how a word can change its meaning over time; although in this case, the most prevalent use of the word 'digital' currently has I believe rendered its other meaning redundant. I suspect many of our fellow humans born after 1990 are only aware of one use of the word digital in this 'digital age' we live in, where we are considered eccentric at best (or a fucking loser at worst) if we don't wish to interact digitally to the exclusion of all other forms of communication.

Another of your classic one-liner's Wombat Bill: "A woman can do it digitally". "What with a computer?”. I could not stop laughing. This humorously illustrates how a word can change its meaning over time; although in this case, the most prevalent current use of the word 'digital' has I believe rendered its other meaning redundant. I suspect many of our fellow humans born after 1990 are only aware of one use of the word digital in this 'digital age' we live in, where we are considered eccentric at best (or a fucking loser at worst), if we don't wish to wish to interact digitally to the exclusion of all other forms of communication.

Your kind words are appreciated Wombat Bill, but I am way too verbose and sentimental to be taken seriously; and, am drawn to melancholy and sadness too easily. Writing as you do celebrating joy is a pleasure to read. I grew up in the 70's and have always loved Donna and Abba. Disco is still my favourite genre of music. As i have matured I have come to appreciate jazz (primarily vocal jazz rather than instrumental jazz), easy listening (albums by Shirley Bassey, Julie London, Peggy Lee and Doris Day are treasured gems) and even some country, primarily Emmylou Harris whom I adore, not only for her music, but also for her animal rights activism; and, the irrepressible Dolly Parton whom I adore for being Dolly. The only musical genres I have no appreciation for at all are heavy metal and classical. If the latter makes a philistine (which some bitchy queens I knew once inferred), then so be it.

This "family of men" is coming together beautifully. Christmas is a time when such families are invariably needed the most, with many "family" members separated from their birth families for one reason or another. A trip to Forster should be a joyous occasion for the boys. I have visited the town many times myself, having lived most of my youth in a nearby town.

OMG hotpants Wombat Bill. I remember them well. Torn hotpants with one butt cheek exposed were very popular on a number of K-Tel vinyl compilations in the 1970's (Ripper, Ripper '76, and Ripper '77 to name but a few). I don't recall them being a "fashion" trend that lasted very long, although in reality the design with a slight variation probably became known as something else (a bit like disco which fortunately has never died). I hope this is not the last we see of Oliver. I am thinking he needs to be the target of Edward's rapier-like wit, a few acid-tongued put downs from a retired drag queen would serve him well.

I am loving these musical numbers referenced. "Love To Love You Baby' was, is and always shall be remembered for Donna's orgasmic interludes. The full album version is an erotic masterpiece, although it did little to demonstrate Donna's vocal prowess. As you may have conjectured from my profile name, Donna, like Abba, is held in great esteem by me. Also loved, and still do, Gloria Gaynor's superb remake of the Jackson 5's 'Never Can Say Goodbye' (the first album I ever purchased on vinyl). Many have covered it since, but Gloria's version will always be my favourite. Now to the storytelling itself; it is your usual high standard Wombat Bill. Each chapter is a vignette; a piece of a puzzle which when combined, will reveal a picture of distinct beauty. I hear the "dulcet tones" of Simone Troy or Trixie Lamont when reading Anna's comic banter with the audience. The latter in particular, was quite "mean" to lesbians in her audience, particularly those who one would not accuse of being "lipstick lesbians". Keep the joy flowing Wombat Bill.

A short and sweet chapter, with Justin demonstrating a keen sense of romance, which given his family background is perhaps a surprise. i sense an untapped well of love and affection resides in the heart of Justin, and Craig may well possess the gift to release the tap. This story is proceeding at a leisurely and very entertaining pace. Terrific job so far Wombat Bill.

Given what an arsehole Justin's father is, I am surprised he "allowed" his wife to retain what I assume is her family name. I am a little disappointed she not stand up to him; however, given his apparent history of violence it was probably a better, certainly a safer outcome, that Justin went to live with his aunts. I don't recall if Justin has any siblings, if he does not, Jessica should defintely divorce Brendan. Now for my soap box comments - Brother Francis, what an appalling attitude. He seemingly had no regard for Justin's safety, his only concern was the reputation of the school. Although Justin may have been a willing party in the tryst with Sam, the matter should have at least been investigated further. Brother Francis' behaviour is unfortunately not surprising, thus Is it any wonder that church attendance in Australia continues to decline. As a taxpayer I resent these institutions getting any taxpayer funding, particularly when they are exempt from some anti-discrimination laws that the rest of society must obey. I will finish my rant by simply stating that I am really enjoying the direction this story is taking. The character development is a natural progression, the characters believable and, for the most part, likeable. This story contains my favourite line from any story in a long long time "He was not of the nature that alcohol could calm". Brilliant Wombat Bill.

A great start to this new story. The chapter titles are wonderful and, add immensely to the quirkiness of your story telling. As a fellow Sydney-sider I find the familiarity of the landmarks and locations strangely comforting (perhaps its the "COVID isolation effect"). Looking forward to more of your entertaining story telling, in particular a glimpse, at least, into Justin's history (I sense there is perhaps a tragic story there).

Nat King Cole was born on 17/03/1919, but I strongly doubt this is of any relevance. You write very well Wombat Bill, with very few spelling and grammatical errors. I find well written stories easier to read than those with numerous mistakes as the mistakes are somewhat distracting. Well written, intriguing and entertaining. What more can we ask for from freely available craft.

I finally registered so that I could comment on this story, particularly this chapter. A beautifully written moving chapter. As a fellow Aussie, although somewhat younger than Max and Charles, I grew up in Abba's prime years. A most befitting song choice for their first dance as a married couple, given Australia's love affair with those fabulous Swedes. A tear or two has been shed reading this story, particularly this chapter. I look forward to more of this story, which as written about older gay men, is something of a rarity. Well done Wombat Bill.