Summerabbacat

I have now read this part of the chapter several times after viewing the comments of @chris191070 and your response @Wombat Bill, and am willing to admit I may have completely missed something. I did not link the telephone discussion between Jared and the unknown party to his missed call from "Fixer". I assumed Jared's telephone call, which Thomas overheard the completion of, was with someone other than "Fixer". In retrospect, I have to ask myself however, what would be the purpose of even mentioning a missed call from "Fixer", if he was not the unknown party on the other end of the telephone line with Jared. The mystery call remains just that to me. I have seen a couple of cinematic explorations of the practice of sounding (OK porn), and have been amazed that such a practice, as with fisting and double (or even triple) penetration, is physically possible. Whilst I have been fortunate enough (so far) not to have suffered with kidney stones or prostate cancer, I have had a number of urinary tract infections in the last 10 years (including several which laid me low for a couple of weeks at a time ), and I just cannot imagine putting anything into my urethra after having peed razor blades. @ReaderPaul I foolishly assumed our beloved author had completely fictionalised the marriage celebrant requirements. I should have known better than to make such a wild assumption. I have briefly researched on the internet and am flabbergasted that such qualifications can be obtained from TAFE, and can be recognised at both the state and federal level. I must now apologise to you as I cannot help but take a swipe at the current state government in NSW. I am astonished that it is even possible to undertake such a course at TAFE in NSW as the Liberal/National Party coalition has "ripped the guts" out of the TAFE system in recent years. This was I confess, the major reason I gave little credence to our beloved author's detail of the said requirements. Edward's pending retirement is looking like anything but retirement. Marriage celebrant, writer, drag queen auteur/stage mother and producer; he will be as busy as Barbra is songwriting, acting, directing and producing. @Wombat Bill another thoroughly enjoyable chapter with a little mystery, a little raunch/kink, a splash of humour, some more TLC and filmic reference to a Busby Berkeley extravaganza, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes or Can't Stop The Music (yes @ReaderPaul it is complete trash, but we Aussies, myself included, loved it; both the film and the soundtrack were amongst the most popular of the year in Australia in 1980). The only thing missing was the proverbial kitchen sink (although I suppose one can assume that such a thing is in place in Dean's). Now repeat after me @Wombat Bill, @ReaderPaul and @chris191070, your mantra is,@Summerabbacat no more, enough is enough!.

You are too effusive in your praise @ReaderPaul, but I am just eating it up. Thank you. I have now learned something from you. I have never come across the word emoticons before. As you may have noted (and if so were far too polite to point out), I have erroneously referred to them as emojis in comments on prior chapters. That's two new words this week I have been exposed to as a result of being a CWB groupie - vignerons and emoticons. Now @Wombat Bill surely you cannot seriously suggest I deny myself the combined pleasure of food and laughter. You know my level of patience cannot even entertain such a deprivation. I write like I speak, although my written word is usually heavily edited to remove much of the profanity that often peppers my spoken word (particularly if I am discussing animal cruelty, environmental vandalism or a certain coalition of political parties in Australia). Suggesting I write voluminously could just as easily be a criticism, although I don't think it is the intent here, however, it should have been. I remember well writing essays for English in high school in Year 8, especially critiques of novels I liked such as the masterpiece Wuthering Heights, and my teacher commenting on my verbosity. Perhaps subliminally I am showing off, but I really do write like I speak, which is why I so admire my fellow CWB groupies, @chris191070 and @ReaderPaul, who can express so much with such an economy of words. Brevity is something I struggle with obviously.

@Wombat Bill on this occasion I think she came very close to admitting this. On prior occasions I felt it was an almost off-the-cuff remark made without any real conviction. On this occasion I heard the remark said in a wistful tone of voice, and it was witnessed not just by Thomas, but by Jared and Jonathan too. I did not truly believe her on prior occasions, but this time I did, particularly when you added "she replied and laughed nervously".

@Wombat Bill you need to put a health warning at the beginning of any chapter that is particularly funny. EATING WHILST READING THIS CHAPTER COULD CAUSE A BOUT OF HICCOUGHS OR CHOKING. I almost choked on a slice of roasted zucchini and frightened the bejesus out of Bassey when I read "I mean, what’s a gay wedding without a drag queen MC? No wait...how about a drag queen celebrant. How wild would that be?” “Wild maybe, but would it be respectful to the sanctity of the marriage ceremony?” “In Las Vegas you can be married by Elvis.” I did not think you could top the hilarity of the previous chapter, but once again I underestimated you. I think what made this particularly funny is that it is true, no embellishment required to make it any funnier. I am very pleased Edward is toying with the idea of a career change. I have always thought he may have some interesting tales to tell; and, in doing so, may reveal more of what has shaped as the person he is. Even if he does not ultimately become a published author or a writer of some note, any written revelations will no doubt be interesting and entertaining at least. And you spoilt your readers with one of the simplest, most intimate and tender remarks I can recall from any of the cast, “Edward, it’s no wonder I love you so much. You not only genuinely care, but you’re on the verge of genius status.” What a beautiful thing for Romel to say, heartfelt and unreserved. A joyous moment amongst all the hilarity. I look forward to Juanita's debut. Juanito is finally becoming far more than the one-dimensional character he initially portrayed himself as. He appears at times to be surprisingly naive given his prior sex-work experience. I think Edward has had a very positive effect on Juanito, and pleasingly, Juanito has finally realised and acknowledged this. A revealing chapter which I feel may pave the way for some momentous events to come.

@ReaderPaul it has just "hit me like a bolt out of the blue". I think Edward is the most likely candidate to be the "another writer". He has already demonstrated his capability as an interviewer for the radio programme he hosted. If I recall correctly he penned the questions himself, although he may have had some input from Romel. Edward also has more life experience than the rest of our main cast (if you discount Craig's beloved Gran), and no doubt would have some fascinating, and dare I say ribald, tales to tell from his time as a professional drag queen. We don't really know a great deal about his life as a younger man, so perhaps @Wombat Bill has an "ace up his sleeve", to reveal more about the young Edward in a published or publicly available work penned by Edward. I for one would be interested to know more of his past as I feel there is likely to have been much sadness or loneliness in the life of the younger Edward, which has moulded him into the caring person he is. It also likely led to his veneer of bitchiness which I have always regarded as self-protection from more hurt or unhappiness. Edward is also at an age I think where he could experience a "mid life crisis", questioning much of what he does to seek fulfilment, although I don't envisage this will involve scrutiny of his relationship with Romel, which to me, appears to be one of great joy and comfort to both. Perhaps his working life is not fulfilling, and he may have the luxury of being able to afford a career change. All will no doubt be revealed by our author on the next occasion or shortly thereafter.

@Wombat Bill we your readers demand an emoji for intrigued. It could so often be applied to your work and Wow just does not "cut it". Perhaps you could have Edward or better still Ed Wiener, "raise" this request with the administrators of the site.

I agree @ReaderPaul, the teaser for the next chapter opens up many fascinating possibilities I think, at least with respect to the appearance of another diva. One possible scenario. We have already seen Brett display a number of "diva like" characteristics on occasion. Will he assume a "bigger" role within this motley group of friends with a diva-esque display of epic proportions, challenging Edward's role as the premiere diva, motivating Edward to become an even bigger diva perhaps. Another possible scenario. Juanito you may recall showed a more than passing interest in Ed Wiener's gowns after she performed at the official party for the opening of the restaurant, particularly after Ed Wiener hinted at retirement and giving the gowns away. I wonder if Juanito may have a yet to be revealed desire to "frock up". His diminutive size, likely complexion and lack of body hair, would serve him well if he does decide to "dip his toes" in drag. Or the worst possible "diva scenario". The return appearance of the ghastly Prudence, hellbent on revenge at having been exposed as a lecherous rapist with the morals of an alley cat (no disrespect meant to alley cats). If i recall correctly she was Amazonian in stature, so could no doubt wreak havoc if it is her intent to do so. Another writer has me truly baffled; and, my crystal ball is still proving difficult to repair.

Mmmmmmm the realist (some would say pessimist) in me thinks that all went just a little too well. The change in employment was not unexpected, but the change in the relationship between Virginia and both Thomas and Jared (at least in Virginia's mind) to something more familiar, left me feeling a little uneasy, more so for Virginia. I hope for her sake she does not expect too much of both Thomas and Jared, or if she does that they treat it seriously, and not just placate her for the sake of doing so. “It’s only fitting, unless you’d like to call me Mum.” she replied and laughed nervously. This remark displays a facet of Virginia's character, which hitherto has only been hinted at on occasion, and then without much apparent conviction. A vulnerable Virginia, her mask of assuredness thrown aside. Does she have some degree of regret about never having experienced the birth and rearing of a child? Another of your "building" chapters @Wombat Bill. I was not surprised at Virginia's reaction to the revelation of Jared's bisexuality, or her ready acceptance of the relationship between Thomas and Jared. She is in essence a kind and loving woman who has empathy for others. These traits unfortunately do not appear to have "rubbed off" on Jonathan, he remains steadfastly focussed on "Team Jonathan" to the exclusion of all else.

Damn @Wombat Bill. @chris191070 prepared and published his comments while I was pfaffing around writing and editing mine. I will therefore, take this opportunity to express my surprise Virginia does not have a clue about Thomas and Jared. Clearly they are more discreet about their private lives than what they are in sharing those of Virginia and Jonathan.

I don’t believe it @Wombat Bill! More hilarity, in fact, the whole chapter was steeped in humour of the very best, (read British), kind. “How was the trip, Nia?” “Very educational and a little expensive.” “Yes, I can see all your shopping.” “Oh those, that’s just petty cash.” My laughter began here with a chuckle, and quickly built to gut-wrenching guffawing with an exchange worthy of Victor and Margaret Meldrew, “Well, it just may be on again, can you handle that?” “I’ll have to think about that.” “Well, while you’re thinking, give this to Smidmore and secure the house for me.” Your binge-watching of One Foot In The Grave has served you well. The conversation between Virginia and Jonathan was like verbal ping-pong, with one barb after another (mostly with little or no sting in their tail), backwards and forwards, Margaret and Victor. By no means anything infringing copyright; just original, brilliant, witty and very clever dialogue, delivered at a fast and furious pace. The finest of repartee, and not one fuck, motherfucker, bitch or ho to be found. How do you do it? I will be very interested to see the comments of @chris191070 and @ReaderPaul on this one @Wombat Bill

I think we may all be in for some surprises regarding the lives of the Prices' @ReaderPauland @chris191070. This is after all, one of the many charms of our author's story telling. I do not think Virginia is going to put up with any nonsense from Jonathan. She indicated she is happy to be a handbag when needed, otherwise she will continue to live as she always has, or at least has done since married to Jonathan. I hope Virginia thinks long and hard before resuming a relationship with Desmond, if that is what she ultimately chooses. He strikes me as no fool though, with a strength to resist her charms if she is not genuine. I am not convinced Jonathan's interest in politics is at all altruistic. Part of me thinks he may have become a little bored with random sex (or perhaps his libido is on the wane), and a political career may be his new "ego-stroker". I do not recall him having previously displayed any philanthropy, so methinks he may become bored very quickly, particularly when he realises he may not be able to buy his pre-selection and, may have to mix with people "beneath" him socially. Perhaps I judge him too harshly, he is after all a product of his upbringing. A most amusing chapter @Wombat Bill. My favourite line, and I think one of your best yet "Virginia was impressed with her salmon, and her only disappointment was, they did not stock her favourite champagne so she settled for a domestic variety". She is clueless and snobby, but honest about it, which one has to admire. You also snuck a word in the following paragraph which I don't recall ever having seen before, vignerons. Amusing and educational; you are spoiling us, and we appreciate it.

You were right @Wombat Bill. Donna's 'The Queen Is Back' is the perfect song choice to herald Ed Wiener's return from "drag wilderness"". I had a vision of her something akin to Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond when she returns to the set in 'Sunset Boulevard', except in this case, the star was wanted for more than her ageing motor vehicle. The dialogue was witty and delivered with just the right amount of "acid". I could hear her delivering the lines and the crowd lapping it up (memories of drag shows from yesteryear came to the fore). Not content with reference to one fabulous diva, you gave us a second one, the majestic Dame from Tiger Bay, Ms Bassey herself (and as you know my male cat is named after her, he has a beautiful voice, although he is nowhere near as camp as she). 'Big Spender' was another very appropriate song choice too. I can think of none better, except perhaps for one of Abba's many masterpieces 'Money, Money, Money', however, it lacks the campness of 'Big Spender'. Not content with reference to two fabulous divas, I thought reference to a third fabulous diva was was "on the cards", when in negotiations with Prentice Brett remarked "Oh I was trying to be nice and butter you up before the rent negotiations start. Now you’ve got me all nervous and distraught..... ". When reading the comment in bold I heard Barbra in concert utter "now you've gone and got me all verklempt". I can imagine Brett delivering such a line with conviction. He is Edward in waiting. Similarly to what Clive James said about Australia providing the world with not one, but two Minogue sisters, you have provided us with not one, but two witty drag queens or drag queens in waiting. Absofuckinglutely fabulous. In honour of @ReaderPaulbeing American and the first one to comment on this chapter (and I loved his comments), you "hit this one out of the ballpark" young Wombat. I read this chapter upon finishing work for the day, and would just love to have done so with a few old friends and a bottle (or five) of champagne. Alas that was not to be, but you invoked the images, which is almost as enjoyable. A ✴️✴️✴️✴️✴️ effort.

@chris191070 we both misunderstood the previous chapter; Justin and Craig only bought the restaurant. That has been an education for me as I assumed if they were in the same premises you bought the lot. I agree with you and our fellow CWB groupie, @ReaderPaul, this "third course" of CWB is progressing at a leisurely and realistic pace. Although lacking cliffhangers, melodrama and aliens from outer-space, I find the story just as compelling and enjoyable without such events. Our beloved author @Wombat Bill really knows how to "spin a good yarn".

@ReaderPaulthe "movie" starring my feline's is somewhat misleading (no fault of our beloved author's) in that many of the photographs were taken in my former home (a house), and taken when I allowed Ava, Bassey, Kiki and the late Rupert, to go outside on the weekend during the day whilst I supervised them. They have not been outside, other than to sit on the terrace of my apartment from which they cannot leave, for 11 and 1/2 years. I stopped allowing them to go outside in my former home when I got to having 6 of them. The three youngest, Frida and Zelda, who are 11 year old sisters, and Missy who is 8, have never been outside, other than on the terrace. Do you have dogs @ReaderPaul? I cannot imagine a home without pets.

@Wombat BillI could not possibly compete with @chris191070's awesomeness now, I have neither the living space nor the financial wherewithal to do so, particularly as my eldest three face ongoing health challenges. If I am to be honest, I don't think I would have the patience in my current home either.

OMG @chris191070you have just rocketed to the top of the charts with a bullet performance. 13 cats, how wonderful. I had a baker's dozen myself at one time when I lived in a house, 5 were my "own" cats and 8 were foster cats for the rescue organisation I belong to. I now have 6, 5 of whom are 11+, 3 of whom are 14+, and 2 of whom have chronic kidney disease due to ageing. I adore them all, all have their own distinctive personality, a mystery to non-cat people, but something you are no doubt familiar with. I will finish my comments now otherwise I won't know when to stop (I have 500+ photos of my cats and am only too happy to talk about them endlessly, much like others talk about their children, which frankly bores me shitless). @Wombat Bill I have discovered the "real" reason for @chris191070 brevity. He does not have time to write a tome like I do. He has 13 cats, which I can attest to, would take a significant amount of his time to tend to: feeding, cleaning litter trays, shopping for food and other necessities, entertaining, supervising if any squabbles break out etc etc etc. Mundane things mostly, but to a cat person, performed with joy (well mostly).

I think you are correct @chris191070. Prentice indicated to Craig the business could be split into restaurant, bar and function room, and the small retail shop on the other side of the building. Justin also remarks they can invite their friends for a drink at the restaurant bar and a meal afterwards. And I also agree with you, a great chapter indeed. @Wombat Billanother very enjoyable, and also informative chapter. I was however, saddened and angry by the thought of what likely happened to the stray cats before the Chinese restaurant closed, primarily because such events are commonly known to occur. I am very pleased Craig continues to engage Justin in the "serious" side of the business. Justin continues to demonstrate he is more than just a "pretty face".

I thought as much @Wombat Bill. I was perhaps "stirring the pot" again, trouble making bitch that I am.

@Wombat Bill and @ReaderPaul I took little notice of the third image, captivated as I was by the sight of 'The Big Merino' (LOL). In passing I assumed the third image was a church of some description. Church, prison, mmmm no further comment. @ReaderPaul, my "disappointment" in you and @chris191070 was certainly expressed in jest; an invitation for one of you to question either @Wombat Bill or me (or is it I?). The other referenced 'Big Things' are similar to 'The Big Merino' in that they symbolise a plant or non-plant locally grown for human consumption, for which the town in question is, or was at the time the 'Big Thing' was built, renowned. 'The Big Banana' is at Coffs Harbour, 'The Big Prawn' is at Ballina and 'The Big Oyster' is at Taree, all of which are towns on the North Coast of NSW. I feel quite comfortable lampooning the 'Big Things' as I grew up in one of these towns (not Goulburn which is neither coastal nor north), although the 'Big Thing' was built in my hometown subsequent to my departure therefrom. I think Coffs Harbour is still strongly identified with 'The Big Banana', but the other two perhaps not so much with their respective 'Big Thing'. For me at least, Ballina is now known for being a town which did have one of the last surviving natural habitats for koalas in northern NSW, until it was almost wiped out before the bushfires, during the bushfires, and now has been after the bushfires because of indiscriminate building of homes for humans. It is a seaside town where many baby boomers have retired, and has thus grown significantly with apparently little regard for the environment and non-human animals. I would like to hold the fucking state Liberal/National Party coalition solely responsible for this, but I fear that would be quite dishonest of me to do so.

@Wombat Bill I am a little disappointed that neither @ReaderPaulor @chris191070enquired about 'The Big Merino' featured in the chapter image. I was so looking forward to either you or I regaling them with a history of 'The Big Merino', 'The Big Banana', 'The Big Oyster' and 'The Big Prawn', all "star attractions" in their own right. I am somewhat puzzled by Craig's obvious reluctance to consider offering any work to Snowy. Perhaps I don't need my crystal ball after all; there may be an attraction there on Craig's part which he is not willing to risk inflaming with close contact. Or perhaps I am just full of it and "noticing" things which do not even exist. Tristan's production sounds very ambitious. I wonder if there is some way it could be incorporated in its complete form, or part thereof, into one of Cynthia's fund-raising events. I apprehend at least some of the bored and wealthy doctors' wives who attend these functions may be subscribers to the Sydney Dance Company; and, may be of use in helping to obtain funding or bringing Tristan's production to a wider audience. They would also no doubt appreciate a good perv on an all male cast in tights (or am I projecting). I was intrigued by the chapter title as always. I could not have imagined the derivation of 'Is it a Lesbian Thing'. The fact that Charlie appears to have posed this question with all the innocent naïveté of a child, made it even funnier. @Wombat BillI liken An Appetite for More to the peeling of an onion or the pulling apart of a lettuce; the removal of the skin or the outer less edible leaves, revealing the heart which lies within.

Unapologetically so too, which for this reader is a big part of his charm. He may be a little gauche at times, but he is generally thoughtful, caring and kind-hearted, all admirable qualities, unlike pretentiousness. His ability to cut thought bullshit is very appealing. Thank you, thank you, thank you @Wombat Bill I was concerned I may be accused by someone of being racist or a philistine if I commented negatively on French food, which apart from ratatouille, I do not like at all. Heavy sauces with way too much butter, eggs and meat in the diet (none of which I eat of course). I am not fond of their cheeses or wines either, the former are too salty and the latter inferior to what we produce in Australia. And don't get me started on the nonsense of their ownership of the name "champagne". Puhlease. Italian food however, is a completely different kettle of fish. Lots of options for vegetarians and a reliance on quality produce. Truly magnifico, delizioso.

A very amusing chapter. Justin is in fine form, his comments and questions the perfect antidote to the pretentiousness of the staff and their service at Poppy's. Apart from the reference to the grotesque foie gras (achieved via horrendous cruelty to the duck), I had a hearty laugh at Justin's comments with regard to some of the other dishes, especially the ratatouille. Is there trouble ahead for Craig and Justin in their personal life though? Has our author foreshadowed this with Craig's comments regarding Snowy's physique and Justin's muted response? My crystal ball is currently in for repairs, so we shall have to wait for our beloved author to reveal all (or nothing as the case may be). @Wombat Billa light hearted chapter with the introduction of another new character, Charlie, whom I think may be set to play a big part in the boys lives. Whilst the food held no appeal (apart from the ratatouille), the wonderful display of sassiness from Justin kept me giggling like a schoolgirl to the end.

I am sure he will have something unique to bring to the "family". Early signs are he is a humble man who may benefit financially and emotionally from having a close knit "family" to encourage and support him.

A delightful and heart-warming chapter. Craig and Justin are at long last a great team professionally, with an ethical attitude towards their employees, viewing them as assets to help the business grow, not expendable commodities to use and abuse at their whim. Like @chris191070 I too foresee the purchase of the Prentice restaurant business as the new base for CWB. I only hope, and I believe my hope will be fulfilled, the boys retain the existing employees and treat them with the same care and respect as they do their current "family member" employees. It will be hard work for the boys, but they seem to relish the opportunities. This reader looks forward to a triumphal march by the boys when the new venture is a resounding success. It appears with encouragement from "mother" Edward, Juanito has realised that sex-work, whilst lucrative now, may not have the same long-term prospects as more "conventional" employment. I am looking forward to the integration of Snowy into the "family" if that is the intention of our beloved author. @Wombat BillI enjoyed this chapter immensely. There were no startling revelations or dramatic turn of events, all was quite mundane really; and yet, with clever writing you made the read as entertaining and compelling as always. I don't know how you do it, but you just keep on doing it. I feel Craig has now truly realised what an asset Justin is to the business, and is treating him accordingly. He has regained my respect and admiration after having lost it somewhat for some time now. I am so pleased it appears the business will expand with the purchase of the Prentice restaurant. It will please this reader no end if that comes to fruition; a business being purchased by residents with a social ethos, rather than non-resident corporate vultures who care nought for their employees or their other obligations as a business e.g. paying tax and observing environmental laws. 😍😍😍

@Wombat BillI was only referring to Labor PM's and the Labor Premier of our own fair state. We have previously referenced the Liberal PM in Second Course who was also widely believed to be gay. Methinks the lads are too polite to call me out, or perhaps agree with me, or perhaps rolled their eyes like my cats frequently do (with the unspoken "OMG she's on about shit again").