Summerabbacat

A deep and thought provoking tale of two men living somewhat shallow and unfulfilling lives in the military, men who meet by chance and soon realise they have found what they thought they never would - being seen by another, becoming important in the life of another, being a safe haven for another and mind-blowing, wholly satisfying, sex. A brilliant debut @Cap.

It's testament to the strength of a relationship if a couple can find joy in the tedium of domestic chores or the mundane of grocery shopping. It was interesting to observe how these tasks, which had previously incited dread or even fear in Brody and Parker, suddenly became something to celebrate and enjoy sharing. Absolutely marvellous story @Cap, one which I am pleased to observe now has a sequel.

One of the real joys of this story is the intergenerational friendship between Gran and Caleb. It is wholly believable, perhaps even moreso now they have had their first disagreement, with Caleb storming off and Gran now forlorn. I am sure it will all blow over quickly as both genuinely like each other and are inherently kind and respectful. Kilby has turned a corner. He is feeling guilty for lying to Edward about his former nocturnal profession. I don't believe Edward will be either shocked or disgusted when Kilby finally reveals all, in fact, his "slip up" in his conversation with Edward did not go unnoticed. Given Kilby's life with his mother, Edward may have contemplated Kilby turning tricks to survive. Peggy rules, but she needs a friend. Perhaps a kitten named Lee, Julie (London) or Doris (Day) or Clara (Bixby) an alias of Doris Day's.

My, you do cut a "fine figure" in your frock and cardigan @drsawzall. I am trying to work out what it is you have placed around your neck. Is it a tea towel or some other decorative accoutrement? And what is it that you place in your mouth ever so delicately? LOL. Certainly one of Massachusetts finest older "lady's" by the look of you.

3-5 TV channels you say @weinerdog; such variety. In my youth growing up in rural Australia we had 2 TV channels to choose from. TV's did not have a remote control to change the channel or volume, one actually got off one's arse, walked to the TV (often a in a "box" with a timber frame) and turned a knob to change the channel (mind out of the gutter now). TV stations did not run 24/7 and until 1974 (I was 10) programmes were in black and white. Expletives were not commonplace (I did not learn to swear from TV that is for sure); if there was any swearing it was as "offensive" as bloody or sometimes poofter; certainly no fuck, motherfucker, cocksucker, shit or any such "vulgarity". In my family (pre-divorce of the parents in 1977), one was allowed to watch certain programmes, but not others (nothing with sex), and preferably either Aussie or British produced (which I did not mind).

I have heard of a Rolodex @drsawzall, but I don't recall ever having seen one 'in the flesh' before. I wonder what the significance of the skull is? Was the "owner" of the skull perhaps murdered, and if so, will said owner inhabit Killian's body at some stage to do some "spirit talking"? Or will Professor Healy perhaps do so? I wonder if your speculation is indicative of your generation @weinerdog because I had the same response. Elyse referring to him as Quinn initially surprised me because she had previously indicated she was not personally fond of him, but this suggested if not a level of intimacy, certainly some degree of camaraderie. The fact she "corrected" herself quickly and referred to him as Professor Healy made me suspicious. I think we may be of a similar vintage @weinerdog, so our reaction may have been generational. I was not surprised when Elyse revealed Professor Healy was a chauvinist. I got that impression of him in his dealings with Lily. Her strong personality and no bullshit attitude would no doubt have rankled him even more. I think I may have speculated this previously, but I wonder if the copper beads found at the dig site resemble those found on the Thompson farm? @drsawzall appears correct, the red herrings are multiplying.

"Wow, dad really screwed up this time. His temper has gotten him close to trouble before, but this time... holy fuck." Steven confirmed what I suspected. His father is not very smart and has gotten him close to trouble before. With the police possibly, which may be why he was so hostile towards them when discussing Sam with Maureen before Sam returned home. I doubt he will be released from prison any time soon given the number and severity of the charges. Steven was very comforting to his brother. I wonder if Steven's gay friend is Alan, and Alan's gaydar pinged when he has met Sam? I Maureen's parents live in the same town/city it may be that she will move in with them if there is room. It would be a win/win scenario for all concerned. Her parents would get to see more of their grandchildren, all of whom appear well adjusted and well behaved, the children would see more of their grandparents, and financially all we be better off. This assumes Maureen's are still alive and pleasant. I daresay both Sam and Bobby will cop flak from some of their fellow classmates once it becomes common knowledge their father is in prison awaiting trial for attempted murder. Bobby may cop the worst of it being that he is the youngest. Well well well @Lee Wilson. The lives of the Lassiter family have certainly been turned upside down to put it mildly. Phil's temper has almost certainly cost him his marriage, and more than likely the respect of all three of his children and his virginity. Bubba awaits and he is very horny for daddy butt.

It must have been the calming effect of The Flooral Dance (Terry Wogan's version obviously, LOL) which set ablaze dopamine production and allowed you to relax @Gary L, or was it Mr Blobby?

The song was first recorded in 1912 by an Aussie bass/baritone singer, Peter Dawson. You might like this version better than Terry Wogan's:

An interesting pronunciation of floral as "flooral" @Robert Hugill. Do most Brits pronounce as "floral" or "flooral" or does it vary depending on where you reside in the UK?

Mine too @MastaMak, and I still say it too. For once I was trying to be more eloquent, because I usually swear like a fucking drunken sailor.

It's pretty awful, but it's a gem compared to the UK #1 Christmas song for 1993, surely one of the worst songs ever. I put it in the same category as the execrable Disco Duck.

A journey through the "bowels" of the castle, literally in some places it seemed, with the stench of "sludge" almost overpowering them at times. A journey not for the faint of heart or the weak of stomach. I found it interesting, and it may have been quite unintentional on your part @Mark Ponyboy Peters, that the knights referred to their young rescuers as urchins, whereas Prince Raemande referred to them as waifs, the only notable difference between the two being urchins are poorly or raggedly dressed, whereas waifs may not be so. This suggested to me Prince Raemande is perhaps more tender-hearted and sensitive to slighting the boys, whereas the knights are more rough and tumble. Dare I say Prince Raemande is a little more "woke", a word which I despise, primarily because it is used derogatorily by "humans" I despise, as I too "bristled" each time the boys were referred to as "urchins", even if by themselves or their own kind. As noted by several of the "ponyboy posse" this was a very suspenseful chapter, with several near misses for the waifs and their charges, including near misses with the fetid Dark Lord, Septimus, himself. Oh to see him drown in a deluge of shit, a very fitting ending, but one I fear will not occur.

No, no, no, once again I missed it. Too busy listening to The Floral Dance in my head. It is quite bizarre, but I only thought of that song recently and looked it up to see if it had an accompanying video. I cannot quite remember why I thought of it. It was perhaps when I was listening to the fabulous Chanson D'Amour by The Manhattan Transfer which was a #1 hit in your homeland in 1977 and a hit in Australia too. I hated it as a teenager, but now love it.

I don't think I could live on a canal boat, I get "sea sick" on a boat before it even leaves Sydney Harbour, on a calm clear day. I love the colours of the canal boat above, green with purple. It reminds me of my first Dyson vacuum cleaner, when they were still made in the UK and a great product. It lasted 12 years. The second one, industrial grey with a splash of red, made in Malaysia. One of the wheels fell off within 12 months. Flimsy crap, but still cost a fortune. Never again. Louis and Charlie delighted in helping (organising) Tom. I still wonder what is really going on with him. I don't think Charlie twigged when Joss referred to PJ that it is the same PJ who ordered the lacquered anniversary gift from him. I am almost certain PJ referred to himself as such when he bought the gift. A quirky little chapter @Robert Hugill, one which I enjoyed immensely. I must say though that the PS regarding the grandfather's axe has me somewhat confused. The mention of the brass band reminded me of a song which was a massive hit in your homeland in 1977 (#2). I was 13 at the time and the British pop charts always fascinated me with the numerous one-hit wonders, often with very un-pop pop songs, and this was certainly one. Not a hit at all in Australia. The video quality is crap, but the song still shines through.

He is a wonderful character @Laura S. Fox, so much in common with the equally courageous Otis.

Lord Gary Lysaght you say. I still think Gary Lysaght, Vizconde of Valencia sounds better. Very exotic.

Yes. Fortunately neither has remarried for a third time.

As my late maternal grandmother would have said, Gran is as cunning as an old coot or cunning as an outhouse rat (although she would have replaced outhouse with something more "colourful" - like grandmother like grandson). It took very little effort for Gran to loosen Bernice's tongue sufficiently to reveal Kilby worked as a rent boy. What Gran will do with this information is the unknown. Will she disclose it to Edward as she promised Bernice she would? I suspect she will, but what will Edward do with it? Is he obliged to inform Child Services of this? I imagine if Kilby was still involved in sex work the answer would likely be yes, but given he is no longer "on the game" I would hope the answer is no as it is no longer an "issue". I would like to think Bernice revealed this information to Gran because she wants to "help" Kilby, but I don't believe that, not even for a moment. I think she, Bernice, is as cunning as two old coots or two outhouse rats. I imagine she has revealed this to Gran, counting on Gran telling Edward so that Edward will return Kilby to a group home unwanted and unloved, so that she can have him back to help her score drugs and pay for them.

I remembered she had gone to Cambodia, but had forgotten she dumped all three children on Martin. He is an arsehole, unless it is convenient for her that he is not an arsehole, although he likely "resumes" being an arsehole when he is no longer required to perform such duties. She reminds me of one of my ex-sisters in law, a total bitch. Actually three of the four were, but she was the worst. Both of my brothers have "questionable" tastes in wives.

"He led the drill with the cold, terrifying efficiency of a master of his craft, but inside, he felt like an overgrown pouting toddler who had seen someone else playing with his favorite person. He knew his temper was getting the best of him and he needed to stop." Amongst all the testosterone and occasional piss takes, there were several very humorous moments in this chapter, including the one above. Not only is Brody's vulnerability appealing, but his self-examination is at times very disarming. I agree with @drsawzall and @VBlew, the bar scene, including the navy "put downs" was very entertaining. The absolute pinnacle though was: "The final "Whoa-oh" was a primal scream that rattled the pitchers on the tables. “That’s Britney for you bitches.” A change of pace @Cap. A brilliant chapter, one of bonding, with a real sense of family between Brody and his team, a team who are delighted with his new found joy and the source of this joy.

More like my inner Carrie White. Now if only I could make people self-combust.

"Dad, can we stay the night?" "How about your mother?" "She doesn't expect me home on Friday nights." That wasn't what Martin expected to hear but he trusted Benjamin to be honest." This response from Benjamin greatly surprised me too. This indifferent attitude from Nag-tasha appears inconsistent with the controlling and vindictive Nag-tasha, the one who refused to allow their children to go to their paternal grandmother's funeral. And whilst on the subject of the funeral, why did Benjamin not defy Nag-tasha and go to his grandmother's funeral if he so desired? I assume he is between 16 and 18 years of age and should therefore have had a choice whether to attend or not, or has Nag-tasha attempted to poison their children against their grandmother in addition to Martin? If so, it does not appear she has been successful in doing so to Benjamin as his relationship with Martin seems friendly. I also wonder if Nag-tasha is aware Benjamin is gay, and if not, what her response might be if, and when she finds out. I hope she does not try to use it against Martin and attempt to portray him as a predator who "turned" their son gay, especially if she finds out Martin has a gay cousin who is in a relationship with Martin's gay solicitor, both of whom swam naked with Benjamin in Martin's pool. My speculative juices exploded in this chapter @Paladin, almost drowning me. I am not a particularly trusting person, and I saw so many opportunities for Nag-tasha to seize to make Martin's life more difficult than she already has. Call me cynical, but I think she will exploit every opportunity she can to make Martin miserable. Will we learn more of what led to their divorce and why she has seemingly become so hostile?

I did not gloss over it, it just did not register. Perhaps I was also "a little slow". I had been working today (my paid employment) after a system upgrade and to say the upgrade once again downgraded the system's performance is me being polite, without any expletives added.

I am curious, why is that @centexhairysub?