Daddydavek

As always, thanks for my Granger fix! Somehow I get the feeling that Mark dislikes the 'cesspool of London politics' almost as much as his character George.

A whole chapter from Wade's POV and not a thought or mention about Ethan expressed by Wade. Wade realizing he may have to deal with continuing to be separated from Riley based on the school he picks was a concern he noted. And it seems he has decided that if he has to deal with being separated from his child that he could not be bothered with having to worry about coordinating his school choice with Matt. I see his point. If they truly love each other, they will make it. Brad and Robbie went to separate schools, didn't they?

Another provocative chapter. I love all the long comments in support of Matt. He's still on the team and wants to go back to where he and Wade were six months ago. For Wade that's not an option. It seems Wade needs a little space too. Will has his own problems and seems to be working on them. Now that Mark has everyone so worked up and involved, I'm hoping that however he finishes 9.11 that he transitions us neatly into his next book with little or no break in the timeline.

Will is a complicated set of experiences which have had their effect. He has had to deal with a lot for a large part of his life. I don't think anyone thinks he had an easy childhood. Judging him by conventional standards misses much of who he is becoming. Hopefully he finds some direction and purpose as I think he could go far.

RIP Pete! His contributions included anthems including "If I had a hammer!" which is one of my favorites. I picked a video of him from 1963 singing it in Australia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5G4YPNGnVE

It's about damn time! You do know that we missed you! The opening was a good hook and as usual I'll be following.

The trip to the spa was a huge success for both Alex and Kei! What a wonderful chapter. It almost makes me worried about what terrible thing is waiting in the wings....

I think this book will end dramatically. I haven't peeked at the posting done in the Yahoo group but I suspect there will be an attempt on Granger or his family's life and then end . In that case, I expect the next book to be called "A dish best served cold!" Or "Revenge: A dish best served cold." After all, George will be in a position of influence and has a vast network of influential friends so that he could really dish up something spectacular. Just my not so good intuition.....

Talk about a long-term commitment to a movie project. Wow!

With the weather this winter, you got it right the first time....

Chapter 69 is up and makes not one single reference to 69. Mark never goes for the obvious. As I mentioned in my review, Zach's insight into dealing with pain and sharing that with Will actually seemed to resonate with Will and perhaps give him some basis for dealing with his own. If he brings it up in counseling, that may validate it. The chance meeting of Val and the later events in the restaurant was truly written well. That Brad and crew were provided an earful was funny. Then Chris arrives and Will reminds Zach he owes him fifty and that was too funny. While I somehow doubt that Chris ends up being quite the distraction that Zach has been for Will, it could get interesting.

Life has its serendipitous moments and so does the CAP saga. Meeting Val on the bus tour and what followed was certainly one. Zach's insight into dealing with pain and sharing it with Will was timely and it seemed to strike a nerve in a way that might actually make a difference. Another review indicated that Will has had problems with rage ever since Paternity and I guess he has forgotten that Will has had much to deal with including being raped....So while I would never say that Will doesn't have issues and plenty of reasons for them, I would say that at least he has the insight to try to deal with them and seek help. Chris is sexy, knows it, and of course Brad has him pegged as a player. It will be interesting to see how far Brad lets him go with that. Nice chapter, (but no 69? I know that point was already raised.)

Doesn't Zombie's cell phone take video?

With the above nod to an old American pop song. Here is an instrumental released in 1960 by the UK group the Shadows:

Here's a real oldie from the Fifties! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7fZf4wzcEs

Our trio is advancing in many spheres. I hope they make it to their safe place in time....

Y_B, on 24 Jan 2014 - 10:56 AM, said: Me either.

Staying as busy and involved as you can is a necessity, just don't over-exhaust yourself! Sounds like a fun week-end and you certainly deserve one! You have a great group of people pulling for you.

I'm hoping that Peyton can put together another great game and that the game conditions are NOT adversely effected by the weather. (Mother Nature has been a real bitch this winter so far!) On the other hand, I did see him lose against the Colts earlier this year in another big emotional game..... Sherman is a Stanford grad and as such makes a great case for Mark Arbour to move the post-graduate focus of his saga away from that school for Wade, et al. And Sherman made me hope the Bronco's shut him down so that we won't have the distinct displeasure of having to listen to him saying "I told you so...."

Isn't weird better than bored out of your mind? Like JoAnn I think you should go with the flow and while you worry about your friends, ultimately they have to take personal responsibility for their own work. Cold here this morning--I imagine it's worse up in Iowa. Stay warm!

I mentioned in my review I thought that Brad's decision to spend the weekend at the condo was surprising and Mark replied that perhaps Brad thought it would be good for Will. As it seemed to work out I guess it was ok as Zach sure seemed to provide more than enough distractions. But Will is still processing and dealing with his grief and I'm sure he has some survivor's guilt associated with the loss of his mother, Hank and Robbie. That isn't something that resolves easily or ever really goes away. While Will hasn't mentioned it, his sudden crying jags and other emotional outburst are surely consistent with it. It was a good catch about the team bus and our honorable author took full responsibility. Kitt's observation above was spot on and true to life as well.... Zach is being shown as a private person who doesn't open up very much and if he plans to live his life in the closet while pursuing a football career it is a skill he will need to hone.

My youngest brother who was working for Boeing at the time was out there on a business trip when it hit and I remember he was really shaken up by it. He wasn't in any immediate danger but he was amazed at how long it seemed to go on and was worried it was going to get much worse as in the "Big One" that is in the back of the mind of most people out there. Every time there is any news about a temblor his experience comes to his mind and he has to comment on it so it left a pretty lasting impression.

Most of the others have mentioned it but here is the quote: “So, you’re the one who talked my son into quitting the Army.” Now we have no idea whether dad likes or hates that idea. However, after his son is deployed and he has to worry about if he comes back, he may either like the idea more or at least understand where our hero is coming from. Good job and you do know how to end a chapter on a good line.....

Nice job letting Zach spell it out for Will. Loved the "bro-code" reference. I was surprised to see Brad suggest that they spend the weekend in the condo. Loved the chapter! More please.

The timeline doesn't have to be continuous. The story could be taken up after a year or so of desk jobs when George gets another and larger ship....