Introduction: Angie has arrived at Aviano Air Base in northern Italy. Needless to say, Fred was surprised; however, not in a bad way. Things don't go nearly as well with her first meeting with her squadron commander. Can things get any worse? Just how easy or difficult is it going to be for Angie to be accepted? Also, there is this thing about the whole reason Angie was at Aviano in the first place. Angie has her check ride. Let's see what happens.

The other novels in this Saga in the order they were written are: The Heart of the Beholder, The Narragansett Fork, Musetta's Waltz, Who is Sylvia, Five Love Stories en Brochette, The Redhead and the PM, and St. George and the Dragon.

Introduction: They finally get into the swing of things, not to say that it gets any easier. Matt begins to emerge as a leader who makes few wrong decisions. Matt's strengths seem to really piss off Cadet Caldwell. A rape does take place in this part. I've tried to handle it with the least bit of violence as possible. No one gets away with anything.

The other novels in this story in the order they were written are: The Heart of the Beholder, The Narragansett Fork, Musetta's Waltz, Who is Sylvia, Five Love Stories en Brochette, The Redhead and the PM, and St. George and the Dragon.

Introduction: From the seven stories preceding this one in the California Saga we know quite a bit about the O'Donnell family, the Essegians and all of their friends (and enemies). One person has been missing in these stories. Well not exactly missing; however, his story has been pretty much overlooked, not that it should have been. What do we know about Matthew (Matt) O'Donnell? We know that he is the youngest son of Mike and Jo O'Donnell. We know that he married the youngest daughter of George and Mindy Essegian. And we know from something his father said shortly after the death of his mother that he was a hero.

Well, how did Matt O'Donnell become a hero? This is that story. This is also a story about two childhood friends who dreamed of going to the Air Force Academy, becoming fighter pilots, and enjoying all the adventures that fighter pilots are known to have. There is a problem though, and if that problem ever becomes known, one of the friend's dreams of flying in the Air Force will come crashing to earth.

This story roughly parallels The Redhead and the PM as far as the time frame is concerned. Real life is a slow process for most of us, and this story is no exception. Yes, someone transitions, but it doesn't happen overnight. This is a love story. One couple knew about their love early on. The first few chapters explore how that love developed and grew. As for the other couple, their love remains hidden. One party has known about it for a long time. As far as the other party is concerned - well, I guess you're just going to have to read the story to find out.

This story is dedicated to the memories of Sgt. John L. Levitow, USAF, Medal of Honor recipient whose actions inspired part of this story, all the other Medals of Honor recipients who gave so much, and 1Lt Stephen Craig Moreland whose C-130 was shot down in Kham Duc Special Forces Camp (A-105), Quang, South Viet Nam on May 12, 1968 while attempting to rescue embattled soldiers. His remains and those of his fellow crew members were not recovered for nearly 30 years. Steve was a classmate of mine in junior and senior high school.

This story is also dedicated to Holly Hart whose proofing and editorial skills definitely helped me be a better writer. I know I learned quite a bit from her over these last few years, and I'm pretty sure she helped me become a better writer. Thank you, Holly

The other novels in this story in the order they were written are: The Heart of the Beholder, The Narragansett Fork, Musetta's Waltz, Who is Sylvia, Five Love Stories en Brochette, The Redhead and the PM, and St. George and the Dragon.

Hi
This is the exact letter I wrote to my wife. After over 20 years together she walked in while I was on the toilet wearing bright pink silk panties. She had left for work and returned fast to tell me something. When she walked in I pulled my pants up as high as I could to hide my panties. She asked what was going on and I said nothing. She did not ask again but I knew she would. I so much wanted to be honest with her. That day I wrote this letter and gave it to her (we work at the same company). She read it and gave it back.

Here is my letter to her exactly as written:

This is my mothers response to the letter I sent her.

Well! Reading your last e-mail was a shock to say the least. Here is my answer---I don’t care if you are a man or woman or stick or rock or barbarian!!! I just care if you are a good person!!! That’s the bottom line—the kind of living human being you are. Love, Mom

I started crying. I don't normally cry, but I did.

Introduction: We know the ending of this story. At least we know a bit of it as it addresses two of the secondary characters in The Heart of the Beholder: George Essegian and Mindy Alexander (nee Rudolph). George was brought up in an Armenian-American household where his mother, the matriarch, refuses to give up the old ways. You don't cross Katia Essegian! Mindy was brought up in a fundamentalist Christian environment that became only more intolerant when her mother married Richard O'Donnell. If you've read the other stories in the series, you know all about him. If you haven't, you're about to find out.

Some may wonder about the intersex label on this story as no characters are obviously intersexed; however, this is the driving force behind Richard O'Donnell's obsession with Jo Beebe who probably wasn't truly intersexed in the first place. She just had a birth defect that didn't fit most of the medical definitions of intersex.

This story roughly parallels The Heart of the Beholder as far as the time frame is concerned, and there is some duplication of dialog - important dialog, especially in the last third of the story. The important thing is the journey that our protagonists take, a journey that we have had only hints of in previous stories. Above all, this is a love story.

George and Mindy both know it. They are in love. Now it's just a matter of seeing how things are going to end up. But we know that, don't we.

Introduction: We know the ending of this story. At least we know a bit of it as it addresses two of the secondary characters in The Heart of the Beholder: George Essegian and Mindy Alexander (nee Rudolph). George was brought up in an Armenian-American household where his mother, the matriarch, refuses to give up the old ways. You don't cross Katia Essegian! Mindy was brought up in a fundamentalist Christian environment that became only more intolerant when her mother married Richard O'Donnell. If you've read the other stories in the series, you know all about him. If you haven't, you're about to find out.

Some may wonder about the intersex label on this story as no characters are obviously intersexed; however, this is the driving force behind Richard O'Donnell's obsession with Jo Beebe who probably wasn't truly intersexed in the first place. She just had a birth defect that didn't fit most of the medical definitions of intersex.

This story roughly parallels The Heart of the Beholder as far as the time frame is concerned, and there is some duplication of dialog - important dialog, especially in the last third of the story. The important thing is the journey that our protagonists take, a journey that we have had only hints of in previous stories. Above all, this is a love story.

Mindy's life is turned upside down. Her husband, stepfather, and their cronies are in jail for murder and attempted murder. Mindy has trouble accepting any of what's going on; however, her mother convinces her that they must take action and file for divorce. The horrible guilt that Mindy had felt years before and had been able to suppress surfaces again. And, this time it threatens to destroy her. She can see only one thing to do. Seek out the woman whose life she tried to destroy, and beg for her forgiveness. This will not be easy.

As many of you will recognize, this posting is a bit of a rehash of a previous story. There is considerable duplication of dialog. The framing is different in that it is presented from Mindy's point of view.

Introduction: We know the ending of this story. At least we know a bit of it as it addresses two of the secondary characters in The Heart of the Beholder: George Essegian and Mindy Alexander (nee Rudolph). George was brought up in an Armenian-American household where his mother, the matriarch, refuses to give up the old ways. You don't cross Katia Essegian! Mindy was brought up in a fundamentalist Christian environment that became only more intolerant when her mother married Richard O'Donnell. If you've read the other stories in the series, you know all about him. If you haven't, you're about to find out.

Some may wonder about the intersex label on this story as no characters are obviously intersexed; however, this is the driving force behind Richard O'Donnell's obsession with Jo Beebe who probably wasn't truly intersexed in the first place. She just had a birth defect that didn't fit most of the medical definitions of intersex.

This story roughly parallels The Heart of the Beholder as far as the time frame is concerned, and there is some duplication of dialog - important dialog, especially in the last third of the story. The important thing is the journey that our protagonists take, a journey that we have had only hints of in previous stories. Above all, this is a love story.

The excitement has receded a bit after the adventure in Passau. George goes home where once again his sister is able to discover his secrets. She is horrified to discover he killed someone. On returning to Germany, George says goodbye to Carolyn and her husband as they head off to their new assignments in the US. Sometimes things happen more quickly than one expects. He needs to buy some things at the BX where a young cashier catches his attention. Of course, they fall in love. There is only one problem. She is not Armenian.

Introduction: We know the ending of this story. At least we know a bit of it as it addresses two of the secondary characters in The Heart of the Beholder: George Essegian and Mindy Alexander (nee Rudolph). George was brought up in an Armenian-American household where his mother, the matriarch, refuses to give up the old ways. You don't cross Katia Essegian! Mindy was brought up in a fundamentalist Christian environment that became only more intolerant when her mother married Richard O'Donnell. If you've read the other stories in the series, you know all about him. If you haven't, you're about to find out.

Some may wonder about the intersex label on this story as no characters are obviously intersexed; however, this is the driving force behind Richard O'Donnell's obsession with Jo Beebe who probably wasn't truly intersexed in the first place. She just had a birth defect that didn't fit most of the medical definitions of intersex.

This story roughly parallels The Heart of the Beholder as far as the time frame is concerned, and there is some duplication of dialog - important dialog, especially in the last third of the story. The important thing is the journey that our protagonists take, a journey that we have had only hints of in previous stories. Above all, this is a love story.

George's career in the Air Force starts out slowly as no one is quite sure what to do with him. It turns out George is very good at his job, in spite of his inexperience. After many ordinary cases and busts, he finally gets a chance to prove himself. He probably never anticipated what would happen.

Introduction: We know the ending of this story. At least we know a bit of it as it addresses two of the secondary characters in The Heart of the Beholder: George Essegian and Mindy Alexander (nee Rudolph). George was brought up in an Armenian-American household where his mother, the matriarch, refuses to give up the old ways. You don't cross Katia Essegian! Mindy was brought up in a fundamentalist Christian environment that became only more intolerant when her mother married Richard O'Donnell. If you've read the other stories in the California Saga series, you know all about him. If you haven't, you're about to find out.

Some may wonder about the intersex label on this story as no characters are obviously intersexed; however, this is the driving force behind Richard O'Donnell's obsession with Jo Beebe who probably wasn't truly intersexed in the first place. She just had a birth defect that didn't fit most of the medical definitions of intersex.

This story roughly parallels The Heart of the Beholder as far as the time frame is concerned, and there is some duplication of dialog - important dialog, especially in the last third of the story. The important thing is the journey that our protagonists take, a journey that we have had only hints of in previous stories. Above all, this is a love story.

Chapter 38, 39 & 40:

I was going to wait until later to post this, but then I said the heck with it. So here it is. Obviously, this is a serious situation. Sir John correctly assumes that there is a large bomb on the lorry down the street. Victoria has killed three of the guards. George has warned some of the families on the street to flee, but it is not enough. The Farnsworthy’s and cats have retreated to the tunnel, and survive the explosion. Unfortunately, many do not. Who would mount such a horrible attack against Sir John, his family, and Great Britain?

Hopefully, this entire mess will be straightened out by the time we reach Chapter 40, because that’s the end of this story.

Chapter 34 & 35:

Political changes put the current ruling party in a precarious position. The Farnsworthy Family takes time out for a vacation in California, some wine purchasing, fishing, and a wedding. Then it’s back to the UK and a continuing to deteriorate political situation. Parliament fails to support a major piece of legislation backed by the Prime Minister. He does not survive the no-confidence vote and Parliament is dissolved. There will be new elections. Sir John has been the head of his party for a while, and suddenly it happens, his party has more seats than any other in the House of Commons, but not a majority. It’s a ‘hung Parliament’. A coalition government is formed, and Sir John becomes Prime Minister. He has reached his dream. He is the most powerful man in the UK. Kate is going to have to face reality. She is the de facto wife of the Prime Minister.

Chapter 30 & 31:

The family spends more and more time together. Sir John has a friend who has an estate on the River Itchen in Berkshire. They love to spend the weekends there trout fishing and communing with nature. After returning home one weekend, they get the word no one ever expected. Musetta is seriously ill, and there is no hope for her recovery. The family visits her in California, and Kate and John return later. Some subject matter may be disturbing to some. It bothered me, and I wrote it. A major handkerchief/tissue warning is being issued. Be warned.

Chapter 26 & 27:

John and Kate are very happy with their decision. John starts thinking about the future and that he would like to see either George or John take over the family business. Kate asks what about Fiona or Sinead, and John realizes he has made a big mistake. He is quick to learn from his mistake. He is going to have to adjust. The revelation of the family relationship and their location has created some security concerns. Ed Stephens may be getting old, but in spite of his failing body, his mind is as sharp as a tack. He is concerned about the Farnsworthy’s security. He makes some suggestions about contacting a knowledgeable security firm for upgrading the security in both houses. John agrees. The modifications are expensive, but probably worth it. They are finally able to travel as a family unit and after a pleasant trip to South America they are amazed to find that Esmeralda has rescued four feral kittens. Young John makes the first advances, and the kittens are quickly tamed. Esmeralda is very pleased with herself.

Chapter 22 & 23:

Chapter 22: The next few weeks are pretty quiet. Jo is doing Kate’s concert dates, Fanny is looking after Kate and working on her music, and Musetta is entertaining the children and doing a lot of what she likes to do in London. Things get scary though when the baby develops problems and Kate is rushed to the hospital for an emergency C-section. Fortunately, things go well and the mother and baby return home in a few days. Sean and Helga are visiting, and a chance remark puts Kate into a tail spin. Fanny is able to save the day and a lot more.

Chapter 23: The years pass, it’s been two since John’s birth. Fiona has been corresponding with Grandma Jo to practice her handwriting. The girls are pretty sharp cookies, and it doesn’t take long before they realize that ‘Uncle’ John is most likely their father. The fact that Fiona’s friends are starting to ask how they can afford to live like they are gets them thinking about it even more. Kate and John realize they are going to have to come clean, not only with the children, but with the public.

Chapter 18 & 19:

It had been a traumatic day, but Kate feels a great sense of relief. Sylvia Returns with Phil a few days later. They are obviously extremely happy. Kate soon returns to England and the concert tour in Europe. She returns briefly to California with her children for Sylvia’s wedding that summer. A year later, Richard O’Donnell passes away. She and Sean return for the funeral, but both have to return to Europe for their respective concert tours. Then for the last time she finds herself in bed with her brother and his ‘wife’. It hadn’t been planned, but too much vodka after a concert in St. Petersburg where they played on the same bill, broke down any barriers she had established. Three weeks later, she realizes she is pregnant. This portends disaster.

We are now just at the halfway point in this tale. It has a long way to go before we reach the point that we already know about from Five Love Stories en Brochette.

Chapter 14 & 15:

Kate returns home with little Fiona in arms. John is ecstatic as a new father, but realizes Kate’s flat will soon be too small. They visit his parents in Majorca. John’s mother is pleased to be a grandmother, but is not happy that the two are not married. John surprises, to say the least, Kate with a new house. Now it’s up to them to make it a home.

Chapter 10 & 11:

Kate celebrates her 26th birthday by taking a short holiday to Sicily, where she acquires a bit of a Mediterranean tan, i.e. sans top. Too soon, it’s back to London and the concert tour. It’s at an after concert cocktail party when her life changes forever. Remember her comment about not having children or getting involved with anyone. In a matter of minutes that whole idea is gone forever. She meets John Farnsworthy, a recently elected Member of Parliament, whose family and business supports the arts and many environmental causes. The attraction is instantaneous for both. The next morning she asks him what church he wants their children to be raised in! There are complications, as we will find out

Chapter 6 & 7:

Kate’s concertizing takes off, and she is playing with some of the world’s great orchestra’s. She also meets her brother in Dresden. Old habits die hard. Sean has a lover, and she is expecting their first child.

Chapter 3 & 4:

The flat is everything that Kate wanted. Now she has to see about Esmeralda and a piano, in that order. Without really trying, Kate makes more friends.

Introduction: Katherine O’Donnell has been an enigma to many. She is an immensely talented musician whose beauty only makes her that much more desirable as a classical musician. She is harboring a secret that she is never quite able to get away from. It’s a secret that some in her family are very aware of. It’s a secret that had a tremendous impact on her younger sister, Sylvia. The secret drives Kate to a self imposed exile in London, England where she hopes she can avoid the guilt that only she feels. For those of you who have read Who Is Sylvia, the secret is obvious. We learned about it from Sylvia’s point of view, and now we learn a bit about it from Kate’s point of view.

This story starts a few years before the start of Who Is Sylvia. It also parallels the later years of Musetta’s Waltz. Musetta makes an appearance several times, and each time, we learn a bit more about her life that we didn’t know before. Being transgendered is not the main focus of this story. In fact, it’s hardly mentioned at all. Yes, Musetta at one time was transgendered, but that was corrected with her surgery. For this story, she is a mother and grandmother.

Today's posting is the next to the last for Musetta's Waltz. This is the first of the new material - the material that had been removed before publishing the first edition. The primary reason for not publishing this chapter was because it revealed the tunnel between the two houses. That was an still an important secret. When you read The Redhead and the PM, it will become obvious the reason they can now talk about it. The next and last posting is two chapters and they reveal something that wasn't even hinted at in the first edition. They reveal a slightly different Musetta.