Paladin

I agree that nearly all the Australian fireplaces in houses I've occupied were not operational, and the mantlepiece was a place for ornaments, and for some reason a mirror was often hung in the space above the mantlepiece. At one time we lived in a terrace which had three rooms with marble fireplaces; beautiful but all non operational. The only house I lived in with an operational fireplace was in Central West NSW. The only problem was that my cats were mesmerized by the flames and had to be prevented from getting too close.

A truly delightful story @Topher Lydon. I liked the shed: now a studio and potting space. The shed is shared just as they now share their lives and like in the shed they retain their individuality while occupying another shed called love.

I think the answer lies in one of Martin's notes in his journal. Corcoran tried it on with Rick (grabbed his balls and tried to kiss him). Rick rejected him. Rick suppressed the memory but it continued to fester with Corcoran.

Oh what a sheltered life you had @Summerabbacat. The shepherdesses complete with crooks standing guard on either side of the mantelpiece, and even without sheep there were always the flying ducks to watch over.

Does an uninsured jacket mean that there was minimum risk of losing it in winter?

I agree that Rick handled Casey's crush on him with openness, sensitivity and truthfulness. My gut feeling is that the Inspector being surprisingly open about Barrett and the Minister means that the inspector knows more about what's going on than he's revealing. I am still uncomfortable about the 'mood' and 'tension' in the squad room.

Another beautiful chapter. Granny's plan has worked and her two favourite cats are lovingly entwined forever. Like the ice and snow, even Tabby's father is thawing. All that's missing is Brian with a wedding cake. Thank you @Topher Lydon

I'm not sure about chill @Summerabbacat. I was thinking more of a Theo wanting to keep his human companions closer, protect them and accept being hot for them.

Well the "team building" has explosively happened and the three of them will face danger as a unit. I suspect we will be seeing a changed Theo.

Which Carter? Your Carter or the other one?

I love street art and we should always encourage the Arts.

And rapidly unload any shares you have in school chalk companies

Sometimes I think you do the strangest things.

I understand that chalkboards are a thing of the past and doubt any Gen Z or Gen Alpha would have experienced that teeth curdling sound.

Pleased to hear that this will be posted here.

And Brian? LOL

I have had family visiting over new year and the mornings have included the shrill excitement of a pre-school aged young girl. Alarm clocks optional!

What can I say @Topher Lydon? I've enjoyed seeing Brian shed cameo and take on a life of his own. And, dare I say, occasionally stick his Ninja Giraffe neck out.

Beautifully written. Thank you @Topher Lydon. Tabby sets off on this annual journey of renewal, something that is a community ritual, but this time with more reason in his heart to return. This time he misses more than his garden and pond. Alvin now understands the cycle of the seasons. He will be lonely over winter, but the doily dungeon won't be depressing. It will be filled with hope. A winter of love, loneliness, understanding and hope.

Things could have been worse for (Randy by name, randy by nature) Randy when the syndicate guys caught him. I hope there will be some "make up" activity with Jaysen after the payback time.

Tabby is afraid of becoming domesticated. He believes that will destroy their relationship, their love. He believes he has to go If I go... I stay me. I come back, and I'm fresh. I'm new. Like a tuber lying dormant underground in winter that sprouts anew in the warmth of spring. Alvin is afraid that Tabby won't return, so wants Tabby to carry part of him on the journey, so Tabby will remember him. Alvin is only now glimpsing Tabby's idea of renewal. Neither will forget the other! Of course next year Alvin will have satisfied the requirement in Granny's will to stay for a year in the house, so they could go South together. Granny's initial note mentioned cash that could go to the kitty shelter, and we heard she went to Florida for winter. She may have been richer than we realise. I can see a future with two young guys wintering in Florida.

Have family visiting. Quiet night. They took their kids out to look at local Christmas lights and 9.00 pm fireworks. Watched Sydney midnight fireworks on TV and went to bed. Summer here. Nice warm weather. HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Thanks for your comments @Summerabbacat. Staying power and consistency. I can live with that. 😸

Just like they needed each other to build the winning certrepiece they need each other to build a winning relationship around the doily house and garden. One step in that direction is for each of them to realise that what they did before doesn't cut it anymore and to take those shared moments of tenderness and joy one step further.

Corcoran escaped again. Rick is getting closer to him, but it also means that Corcoran is getting closer to Rick. Keeping Nick safe is now a priority. Mardi Gras parade is soon along with big crowds. Sounds like trouble.