Summerabbacat

I sense Dale's gaydar is pinging already, hence the "accidental" knee brushing and thigh touching with his pinky finger. Hunter's naivety is endearing, and he seems to be totally unaffected by his prowess on the sporting field. I daresay this will make him even more attractive to Dale. Mayson is an arsehole and needs to be "smacked into the middle of next week". Perhaps Hunter needs to adopt a little stereotypical jock behaviour and slug him.

A As an adult trips to Melbourne have primarily been for work conferences, with one weekend trip with friends. I looked up the T'Gallant wine you mentioned and the different varieties had good reviews. There was one which was $110.00 per bottle, which I would not pay, but the others all seemed very reasonably priced. I have spent upwards of $13,000.00 on my eldest three cats in the last 6-9 months, so expenditure on pets is something I do not begrudge, particularly if you save their life (as treatment of my third eldest did in August last year).

I have found no evidence of copyright infringement to date "W. Armistead Wombat"; what I have observed you have in common with your American "cousin" is the obvious joy of storytelling, and the love you have for the characters you paint (even the less likeable ones). I have long felt that Edward perceived himself as the "Fairy Godmother" of this motley little group. Although he has not always behaved admirably, I have long regarded him as such, and not just because of the age difference between he and the remainder of "the group". Beneath the veneer of the "bitchy old queen" persona is someone who cares deeply about the rest of "the group" as is so strongly evident in this chapter. Although his personal circumstances and character bear little resemblance to Maupin's most extraordinary of characters, the wonderful Anna Madrigal, I feel Edward and Anna share this "Fairy Godmother" role. Again, it is perhaps because they are significantly older than the rest of their respective family groups, but I don't think it is limited to this. The attribute I think you share most with your American "cousin" though is the conversational style of your writing. I am not sure if this clearly expresses how if affects me, but I can hear the conversations between the characters, and it is not just the words that are spoken. On many occasions the experience is surreal, almost as if I am present in the situation the characters find themselves in. I don't think my sanity is slipping, I think it is because the characters are just so "real", one can identify with many of them to varying degrees.

@Wombat Bill your CWB groupies have spoken, the verdict is unanimous - this chapter is peerless, it defies superlatives. In my haste to write my comments yesterday (I was the first "cab off the rank" for the first time ever I think, not that I am the competitive type), I failed to appreciate the "teaser" at the end of the chapter. Of course, if I had appreciated it, I would not have made the gaffe suggesting this might be the perfect place to end the "second book". Clearly that is not your intention otherwise the "teaser" would not appear; unless of course you are being very naughty and really teasing your faithful readers. I often have an idea of what the "teaser" signifies, but am more often than not wrong. I particularly like this though as the reality is most often superior to what my imagination has limited it to. I also neglected to mention the budding relationship between Andy and Dean in my comments yesterday. Fortunately @NimirRaj has noted it in his comments, thus prompting me to acknowledge it now. I for one am very pleased this has occurred as I sense Andy is somewhat lonely and insecure, but ultimately is a very likeable character. Although you have revealed little of Dean's character to date, I have a sense he will be a good match for Andy, and I look forward to him making a contribution to the "group" and getting a "bigger gig" in this wonderful tale. @ReaderPaul's comment" I don't think Jared will be in any hurry to get back in bed with Thomas. Too much activity with Thomas could impair his ability to "get it up" for Mrs. P by giving him mixed feelings" stimulated my "little grey cells". Whilst I agree with his comments regarding Jared's capacity to pleasure Virginia, my "crystal ball" predicts that Virginia is going to seek her pleasure elsewhere e.g. a reunification, with a greater degree of permanency, with Desmond, whom I believe could well be her "great love". Her desire for Jared's "intimate services" would no longer be, although he may be retained as her personal trainer. This would "free him up" to devote his carnal talents to Thomas, although I am still in two minds as to whether he deserves Thomas. @Wombat BillI look forward, with much "an-tic-i-pation" to your dissection of the comments made by your CWB groupies on this chapter.

Well that is the first BIG shock of this increasingly twisted tale of greed, deceit, manipulation and criminality. I assumed the adult involved in the threesome depicted in the Prologue was either Richard or Bernie Hudson. I was just soooooooooo wrong. I did not see that one coming at all @grahamsealby.It makes me doubt some of my other assumptions now. Clever, clever, writing. Looking forward to more of this suspenseful tale.

Well @grahamsealby I got the identify of Zumba wrong. I thought Zumba was the criminal or criminal organisation that was laundering its money through Shepherd Ministries, and Cynthia its contact. I was right about the drug trafficking from Asia, although I must admit I did not think the criminal was of Vietnamese descent. The only "positive" from this chapter was Lan's thought he would rather murder Cynthia than her son. I have no doubt she and Bernie are just as expendable as Paul, and I would not lose any sleep if both she and Bernie, but more particularly Cynthia, found themselves the victim of their "master's" evil.

The plot thickens; Shepherd Ministries is laundering money for Zumba (identity unknown, but I have my suspicions as to who Zumba is/are). I strongly suspect some of their dirty money is from the opium den Paul visits. I envisage they are also involved in the importation of illegal drugs from Asia, trafficking underage girls (and maybe boys) from Asia for sale to pedophiles and to work in illegal brothels, illegal gambling and possibly wildlife smuggling. Cynthia is pure evil, a modern day Medea; Bernie a eunuch; and Paul, not surprisingly, severely disturbed. I don't care what happens to either Cynthia or Bernie, other than it renders them both facing death head on with no resources at their disposal. Paul has redeemed himself somewhat in this chapter, but he has essentially "dug his own grave" by allowing himself to be cajoled by his viperous mother into the money laundering racket. Jaimee should run a mile unless he wants to become embroiled in the turmoil ahead.

I have previously expressed an opinion that Cynthia is a viper or a runt with a capital C. I was wrong, she is the spawn of Satan. Paul's revelation that she "can't stand either dogs or cats" is testament to the type of person she is. If she has any involvement, either directly or indirectly, in the murder of the dog revealed in the Prologue, then no amount of pain and suffering is enough for her to have to bear. I still do not trust Paul. His remark "‘Bloody hell! Fifteen hundred bucks! For a dog." was I believe his real feelings on Jaimee's impending expenditure on Mickey's dental work. His quick follow up remark "I’d really love to have a dog though; I can see how much Mickey means to you. I’m sorta jealous.’ was about as believable as anything spouted by Donald Trump. I think Paul is very shrewd and calculating, and will do anything to get what he wants, which at the moment is Jaimee. Jaimee appears to be starstruck by Paul at the moment, not a good basis for the relationship with Paul that appears to be "in the cards" for him. @grahamsealby your assessment of Mount Martha appears to have been true, if anything, perhaps underestimated. I viewed it on the 'net and it looks very picturesque and a great location. The beach boxes only add to its appeal. I have been to Melbourne on a number of occasions, but do not recall ever having ventured further afield than Avalon Airport (and then only by necessity). I have read of the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula on many occasions, and it certainly rings true for Mount Martha if the 'net is any guide.

@Wombat Bill I think you have surpassed yourself with this chapter. Beautifully written and awash with so much emotion, much of it centred around Edward. Melancholic Edward reminiscence of the formation of the "group" had me reaching for a sleeve to wipe the tears. Witty Edward came to the fore with the nippleware competition and his comedic judging thereof. Romantic Edward rejoiced in his observations of the growing attraction between Raj and Juanito, and the apparent reigniting of the attraction between Thomas and Jared. Prophetic (perhaps) and protective Edward awakened to the striking resemblance between Justin and Jared, and in a moment of "parental" love, realised they were the sons he would be so proud to have. I don't know your intentions for the future of this tale with timeless appeal @Wombat Bill, but I think this could be the perfect end to the "second book", with the "third book" to take up where this one has left off. I am constantly reminded in reading this wonderful work of the marvellous Tales Of The City series written by your American "cousin", Armistead Maupin. Much like the characters in his novels, the characters you have painted have become like "family" to this reader at least. The "emoji rating system" is totally inadequate for this chapter, so a rating of 'Love' will have to suffice.

It looks fairly innocuous @Wombat Bill. It is hard to believe it is made from suet.

I remember eating this once as a child @chris191070 and it was OK. I would not dream of eating it now given that it contains suet. It is one of a number of traditional dishes from the UK with quirky names. I have also eaten 'toad in the hole' once (did not like it), 'bubble and squeak' many times (horrid), 'jam roly-poly' several times (it was OK), but have never eaten 'faggot' (I refused to eat offal even as a child growing up in rural Australia, and I particularly disliked pork when I was forced to eat meat). It is funny how our tastes change as we get older. I quite liked custard as a child, even custard tarts; now the thought of eating custard makes me gag, same with jam roly-poly.

Another very enjoyable chapter @Andre Delport with my favourite cheeky little character, Rascal, making a few appearances and "stealing the show" each time he does. I must say all the "cast" seem to eat an enormous amount of food. I like the fact that you include a significant amount of local cuisine in the story too; it makes for interesting reading and, encourages me to do a little research on South African cuisine. Although I am vegetarian, I do like some of the exotic names for the various meat/fish featured. I was glad to see the inclusion of some vegetarian cuisine at the New Year's Eve banquet at The Cameron. I researched the lentil and butternut bootie online, and apart from the eggs, it sounds absolutely delicious. I agree with @drsawzall, Joan and Dan appear to be delightful and very down-to-earth for a couple who must have more money than they know what to do with. I was particularly impressed with Dan's concern for the welfare of his employees in the factory fire.

@Wombat Bill Perhaps Justin and Craig, with assistance from Cynthia and her team and/or Virginia Price, could hold a major charity event to fund raise for Fire Rescue NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service for essential equipment and anything else needed, given our useless fucking Federal Government were apparently unable to afford to assist. Of course, they were far too busy donating taxpayer dollars to the likes of Hillsong Church if the latest reports are to be believed (and excuse me for the terrible and in this case tasteless pun, but where there is smoke there is usually fire).

Why thank you @ReaderPaul. Your comments were posted whilst I was preparing mine and I did not read them until I had posted mine. I am now editing my comments accordingly. I invariably take a long time to write my comments as I edit, spellcheck, delete and rewrite until I am satisfied. I think my comments on this occasion are quite tame compared to the usual nonsense I write. I do like some of your plot suggestions for our beloved author. I particularly like the idea of incorporating the bushfires of late 2019/early 2020 into the story in future. They were truly horrendous, with a catastrophic loss of animal life. If @Wombat Bill is to incorporate into the story, it would have to be with great care as I don't think it is something that could be used for the sake of humour, which is one of our author's greatest writing gifts. Outstanding chapter @Wombat Bill. I think Rani handled the situation with Jeremy and Brett very poorly, however, it worked to their advantage. The mobile service for beauty treatments is a superb idea; I am sure it will be a winner. I have a home visit vet for my brood and she is rewarded with an enormous amount of business for this service (and not just from me). 'Cocktales' sounds like it will not only be a fun-filled event, but could help bridge a gap that is, and always has been, very wide in the gay community. I was certainly guilty of ageism when I was in my 20's and early 30's, but now in my late 50's realise the youth-obsession that many gay men have is not only very unhealthy, it can also deprive them of many potentially wonderful experiences with older gay men (and not all of them sexual). The event could be educational for all those who attend. I am also very glad to see Max and Charles make another appearance. I am guessing that 'Cocktales' will be the event where the two become closer to Craig and Justin and form a friendship, a friendship which led to their eventual wedding as so beautifully portrayed in Max and Charles, my first exposure to the enjoyment to be gained from your writing talents @Wombat Bill.

Depression, desperation and heroin, not a good combination. No wonder Paul has the tremors. Time will tell if he has been emotionally poisoned by the viperous Cynthia and the ineffective Bernard. Certainly his intellect appears healthy, although I am not sure I completely trust his motives yet; he may be as manipulative as his mother, although there are indications that this is not the case. @grahamsealby I like the way you are building this story; it is almost like peeling an onion, you are taking off the outer layers to reveal what lies at the heart within.

This is not a criticism, but I feel like I have read this story many times before. However, if this chapter is any indication of the plot line, this story has a crucial, and ultimately more interesting difference, it appears to reverse the usual stereotypes i.e. it does NOT appear to be the story of an obnoxious closeted jock who is paired with, and initially bullies, an angst-ridden gay nerd in an attempt to retain his sporting scholarship, and subsequently finds himself falling in love/lust with said gay nerd. In addition, this story is much better written. @FrankD you are off to a very good start with this story. I look forward to reading more, particularly if the ensuing chapters are as enjoyable as this first one.

I do not doubt the sincerity of your wish @ReaderPaul; I happen to share the sentiment. Unfortunately, I think there is as much chance of this happening as there is of the human animal universally recognising the worth of non-human animals and ceasing to eat them, wear them, experiment on them, use them for entertainment or any other hideous use thereof.

The word viper or runt with a capital C comes to mind with the description of Cynthia. She certainly appears to be the "driving force" behind the desire for Shepherd Ministries to succeed at all costs. I wonder if she has some "dirt" on her husband which could ruin his reputation if he were to be exposed, hence his acquiescence to her "running the show". I also have to wonder if he is Paul's biological father given their disparate physical appearances. The "drama queen' in me thinks that Bernard is gay and Cynthia is his beard; she either had an extra-marital affair or was pregnant with Paul before she married Bernard. A lavender marriage would suit them both well if this were the case. Paul I am a little ambivalent about at present. Certainly his conscience seems to have been pricked by the financial malfeasance of the corporation (for Shepherd Ministries can certainly be viewed as such); however, I think there maybe something just a little bit sleazy about him too, which would hardly be surprising given those charged with his upbringing. Keep up the good work and the suspense @grahamsealby.

Oh what a tangled web you weave @Wombat Bill. The revelation at last; it has already piqued the interest of @chris191070 and @NimirRaj. I expect @ReaderPaul will likely form a view too. Not to be outdone, I will put "my two bobs worth in too". I suspect that Jared and Justin are in fact half-brothers, Jared having been sired by Brendan with a former girlfriend. Perhaps the result of a high school romance between two teenagers with devout parents who forced the girlfriend to give the baby up for adoption, as a child born out of wedlock (cruelly referred to as illegitimate or a bastard) would bring shame to the family. How deliciously ironic if Brendan is Jared's sperm donor; conservative homophobe Brendan the father of one bisexual son and one gay son. I trust you will reveal all in due course @Wombat Bill (there WILL be consequences if you don't). Now another snippet of information for your international readers regarding the Australian Marriage Equality plebiscite. Not only did 61.6% of registered voters support marriage equality, but 79.5% of registered voters took the time to complete the survey. In Australia it is compulsory to vote in government elections at both the state and federal level, whereas voting was not compulsory on this issue. For a nation renowned for apathy (whether this is true or not is debatable), "voter turnout" of 79.5% is, I think, quite impressive. @Wombat Bill the image chosen for this chapter moved me to tears, much as the result did back in 2017. Although it has had no impact on me to date (being the eternally single creature that I am), it was an almost spiritual moment with the majority of our fellow Australian's supporting marriage equality, particularly after the nasty and divisive campaign run by its opponents. I who generally have little faith in our species, was for once, proud of my fellow humans (or at least those who voted 'Yes'). And what about the "teaser" for the next chapter @Wombat Bill. Could you be referring to birth certificates? OMG it is almost like waiting for the next episode of Dallas or Dynasty.

The scent of piety mixed with a whiff or more of corruption often produces a powerful stench; one which Shepherd Ministries appears to be well acquainted with. Richard and Bernard Hudson bear a striking resemblance to the proprietors (and I use this word deliberately) of a well-known charismatic church which started here in Australia in more recent times. One former member of that church, a female, referred to it as "toxic Christianity". An apt description of Shepherd Ministries this would also appear to be. A haven for those desperately seeking the meaning of life in a world of make believe and greed, where the leaders rape and pillage (sometimes literally) for the "good" of the followers. @grahamsealby the scene in the opium den and the perverse threesome painted an even stronger picture of the depravity of Shepherd Ministries than what Jaimee found in his online search. The most disturbing thing about this story so far is that it is not in the least bit shocking, in so far as, it rings true due to the expose of many organised religious institutions in recent years. A very powerful start to this story which in some respects, I dread unfolding.

Thank you for the warning @grahamsealby. Although horrifying to read, it alerts the reader to the sheer evil of the person(s) who performed this act. I hope you have an equally, at least, painful ongoing existence or death in mind for them.

Any sympathy I may have had for Brendan after the revelation of his childhood abuse, evaporated when he shouted "and I'd do it again if I needed to", and when he made the rude gesture towards his wife and son when being led from the courtroom. Clearly, Brendan has no remorse for what he did, regardless of whether the murder was premeditated or not. I am intrigued as to why he changed his plea to "guilty". If he did so to receive a lesser sentence, I would suggest his outburst may have closed that door. Gran is fast becoming a favourite for all who meet her. She demonstrated a great sense of humour in this chapter, and proved her acceptance of "rainbow families" is not limited to those with whom she has a familial connection i.e. her beloved Craig and Justin. Craig redeemed himself further with his welcoming words to the party attendees. If anything good has come from the murder it is the strengthening of the relationship between Justin and Craig, and Justin and his mother; and, the forging of new relationships between Jessica and the various members of the Simpson family. @Wombat Bill another fine chapter with more revelations to build the story upon. I am disappointed that Brendan had few, if any, redeeming qualities, but I think the picture you have painted of him is likely a very realistic and common one for people in similar situations.

I think you may be right @chris191070. Alice strikes me as being very astute, intuitive and observational. I think she is naturally curious, with an appreciation for learning and challenges. She is also a very compassionate and thoughtful woman. She has taken Jessica "under her wing", providing her with much needed female companionship, and the wisdom of an older woman. Virginia's comment to Desmond may signify that she was pregnant with his child and had an abortion; however, I am more inclined to think it is the statement of a woman expressing regret for not having left Mr Price when Desmond first broached the subject with her. This latest statement to Desmond, and her recent discussion with Thomas' when she referred to him being the "son she never had", are I think, the hallmark of a woman who is becoming increasingly introspective. Her new "relationship" with Jared may have added further "fuel to the fire", forcing her to acknowledge to herself that her life has been shallow and self-indulgent. Another insightful chapter from the pen of our author. More delights ahead I am sure @Wombat Bill.

@Paqman thank you for this information. This is not the first time @Wombat Bill has raised an issue which has prompted research. Dare I say, this is another aspect of his story telling that keeps us, his readers, on our toes and entertained.

It certainly has been used, but to what extent it has been used successfully I don't know. Some states in Australia are traditionally more conservative than others, although having said that, NSW, the largest and traditionally the least conservative state, had several electorates with the highest 'No' vote in the marriage equality plebiscite. These electorates have a high population of migrants from countries where religious fanaticism thrives and being gay is likely to result in execution, or at least a life of misery. Of course, this was denied at the time, for fear of offending anyone.