Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill

Excellent

Thank you for letting me laugh instead of cry. Gert is a addlepated twit. Stick foot in mouth, stir twice.********************
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Karen

 Comment Written 17-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 17-Aug-2023

Gert is a follower. She can't make up her own mind so she listens to any and everyone. Thank you for this. Gretchen

reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 17-Aug-2023

Well you certainly have well constructed characters. I know each of them, except for Amanda. But that is probably because Claire thinks of her as more of a unpaid slave than a sister. She doesn't notice her much or include her in anything. Claire is a self-absorbed waste of space. She loves Finn , but more in the " look what I did all by myself!" mode. And she pulls him out occasionally, to give him attention if she is not too busy. I love how deftly you drew them. You really excell there. I am sooo jealous.
Karen

reply by the author on 17-Aug-2023

I feel like these are real people. None of my characters are just characters. I'm glad you find them convincing. Gretchen

reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 17-Aug-2023

They are real. Karen

Comment from John Ciarmello

Excellent

Well, I must say that Gert certainly did believe all the lies around town. I believe Iris thought that Gert getting it right would be in Jameson'e best interest after Iris was gone. (That made the telling Gert off) that much more satisfying. Best, JohnC

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2023

Gert is a bona fide sheep. She believes everything she hears. Lol. Thank you for this, John. Fun review. Gretchen

Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

Huh! If May be short but it said quite a bit! I could picture the entire chapter as if I were watching it on TV.

I was getting angry at Gert for not knowing better. I think she's a gossip-meister herself!

Nicely done and at a good point.

John

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 31-Jul-2023

Thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Gretchen

Comment from Jay Squires

Exceptional

Oh, God! That was good, Gretchen. And much too short. Not really; it's just that when I have so much enjoyment of the power of words and the breath they breathe into strong characters ... I want more!
Jay

 Comment Written 30-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 31-Jul-2023

This one still has a ways to go. Terry Joe is about finished. Then I take a break and jump into Miranda II. Thanks so much for this awesome review and the excellent rating. Gretchen

Comment from Rachelle Allen

Exceptional

My favorite line:

Most friendships would have ended after a dressing down like the one I gave her. But old birds like us, we just flap our wings and squawk a bit.

You hit the nail squarely on the head. And you also highlighted one of the (few) perks of growing old: you can put things into perspective. Words/schmerds; in the big picture --especially when it's the kind of finite it is at their ages-- what matters is the decades' worth of friendship.

The chapters don't have to be long to have an impact, Gretchen. This one was fabulous and memorable. xo

 Comment Written 30-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 30-Jul-2023

Thanks so much. I heard an old lady at a rest home say the wing flapping line while enjoying two other geriatrics arguing. Let em squawk a bit. Thanks so much for the awesome stars. Gretchen

reply by Rachelle Allen on 30-Jul-2023

Always, ALWAYS my pleasure. xo

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I am glad Iris gave Gert a dressing down. She deserves it. Some people...but that's small-town America. Common sense is not so common anymore. I enjoyed reading and smiled as I read.

 Comment Written 30-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 30-Jul-2023

Thanks, Barbara. Gossip is a huge pastime everywhere. I appreciate the review. Gretchen

Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)

Excellent

It may be short, but it is a truly excellent offering, and the length is perfectly adapted to the content. I enjoyed this episode very much indeed. kay

 Comment Written 30-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 30-Jul-2023

Thanks so much, Kay. I'm happy you enjoyed it. Gretchen

Comment from JSD

Excellent

Aww. I just love this relationship. So great that friendship can blossom regardless of age. You're making such a good point about society's view of age.

John

 Comment Written 30-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 30-Jul-2023

Thank you, John. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Gretchen

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Excellent

Still an excellent one, Gretchen! I feel myself getting mad on Iris' part. The dialogue here is so cleverly expressive as usual. Iris' mind can still drift into humour and maybe a bit of wishful thinking, despite the coughing:) Thanks for sharing. Debbie

 Comment Written 30-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 30-Jul-2023

Thanks so much. I'm glad you liked it. Gretcben

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Exceptional

Short and to the point, Gretchen. Gossip can hurt, and result in some tragic outcomes. What you've written here, is just spot on. Those who believe the gossip and pass it on to the 'victim' whom they have known for years, are just as bad. Not once did she query what Iris told her about her heart shutting down and that she didn't have much longer to live. Instead, she leapt in with what she believed was the reason why, which was as good as saying she believed what the gossipers had been saying. I'm glad Iris could see the funny side of it. Well done, my friend, another excellent chapter. :) Sandra xxx

 Comment Written 30-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 30-Jul-2023

Thanks so much, Sandra. Iris sure didn't pull any punches with Gertrude. I am humbled by this review. Gretchen