I should not have been dropping into Rumpee's, or is it Rumpie's today? Instead, I should be "helping" in the preparation for our annual New Year's party. Guests arriving in 90 minutes. But alas, we had to cancel, as my wife has gone down with something approaching the flu. First time we had to cancel hosting anything in the 38 years we have lived here. Luckily, our youngest daughter has taken up the slack and is now hosting. I might join them for an hour if my wife is well enough to be left at home.

Kat, I feel sorry for your neighbour. I know, like others here, what Alzheimer’s is like. It took 14 years to fully take my mother, not helped by the lack of support/care homes in the UK.

I wish everyone dropping by Rumpees a Happy New Year. 😊

Quote by 2bespanked

I'm feeling a little trapped by my screen/author name and am thinking of changing it to something less genre-specific. Any thoughts?

I can see why you're thinking this, and I did have another (now forgotten) screen name before I started writing. I chose something non-specific and actually meaningless. If/when I publish a book, I might change it again.

If you change it, 2bespanked, I would suggest (at least for a while) putting formally 2bespanked under your new author name. Where I have "having fun," as you do have a presence here at LushStories. 😊

Thank you for running this competition, Kimmi. 😊 I believe it is 74 words, all true, of course! 😜

Dry

“I’m not touching alcohol this January,” I confidently state.

“It’s my New Year’s resolution!”

My wife gives me a knowing smile.

At the pub, my wife, our friends, all drinking, having fun.

I sit there, watching, nursing my Yorkshire tea.  

Once home, my naked wife lies there, legs spread, inviting.

I climb between them, my ten-inch cock erect, primed.

She rolls to one side, legs closed, and giggles…

“I’m having a dry January too!”

Quote by KimmiBeGood

Morning, Rumpies Kimmi has a new year’s request for the Canadians in the bar… could you… would you… please… keep your arctic vortex shit to yourselves!

Thank you

I'm chuckling 🤣 no arctic vortexes over here, although it is turning colder. Maybe a lot colder next week. The good news for us is we're off at the end of that to the Caribbean for a couple of weeks... Never been before, so not sure what to expect... apart from warm weather. 😎 Loved the photo, Kimmi and the hat! 😊

A mug of Yorkshire Tea, please, Bear. Thank you.

Congratulations, Madeline... I remember this comp entry; it was excellent, and I said as much at the time. 😊

Quote by Piquet

Now that the competition's use-by date has been extended, please find some time to read and comment upon some of the wonderful Advent-tide stories that our talented and very naughty authors have come up with. I've noticed that we have quite a few first-time entrants this time around - well done to you. Let's give as much love and encouragement as possible to as many of our contributors as we can.

I couldn't agree more, Piquet... 😀 And I would just like to add, give every author a chance, read their stories and don't be put off by the standard they write to. There are some crackers in the list. A few that were very "unique" and at least a couple that had me laughing out loud. 😳🤣😊

Quote by Seeker4

Never understood the appeal of a sports team named after a warehouse for weapons.😁😋

(Kidding)

Actually, Seeker4, you are not far out. The football team originated in the 19th century at a huge ordnance factory in Woolwich, on the south side of the River Thames, near Greenwich. Just Google the Royal Arsenal. There is a lot of history. My father also did his engineering apprenticeship there. 😊

Quote by paddlingincognito

I love both! Granted, my beloved Packers are self-destructing. It’s kinda embarrassing. However, my other “football” club, Arsenal, is still at the top of the table. Granted, they’ve got a brutal three matches coming up over the next 12 days.

Another Arsenal supporter who loves football ⚽️ and enjoys American Football 🏈... I hope you feel better soon. A cup of Yorkshire Tea and a doughnut, please, Bear. 😊

I hope you all had a good Christmas and are enjoying the holiday season. 😊

This would have been our first one with none of our 3 adult children at home (they are all in their late 20s), so it was looking to be a quiet one. However, my wife organised it, and we have been travelling to see extended family, playing quizzes, and, according to her, stopping me from turning into a hermit, as I spend too long on the computer. 🙄😀

Anyway, I'm off to a music quiz this afternoon/evening, held in a brewery, so just a cup of Yorkshire Tea when you open up Bear, Fuzzy. 😊

I also want to wish all at Lush Towers (especially the moderators, who I know all live there) a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 😊 Enjoy the holidays; see you all in 2026! 😇❤️

Quote by KimmiBeGood

@Kat: I had an idea. Want me to post a review on her story saying she stole story from original author Techgoddess on Lushstories?

Just a quick question... Has it been checked that it is the whole book(s) that has been plagiarised?

Quite a while ago, an author I used to follow on another site had one of his books copied (badly, as there were a couple of pages missing) on SmashWords. They (or the imposter author) removed it quickly after the original author complained. Hopefully, the outcome will be the same here. I wish you good luck, Kat...

Separately... Merry Christmas, Kat!

Quote by techgoddess

Having a shitty day. I'd like a very large glass of Moscato.

I just spent time reporting that an author named Elaine Phillips stole and published Hot Wife Hotel and The Office Whore in October and November of 2020 on Amazon. I am so angry.

I'm so sorry to hear this, Kat.

Hopefully, Amazon will take the books down quickly, although I notice they are still there being sold on the Amazon UK site this morning. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you, and try not to let this spoil your Christmas. Hugs.

I didn't realise the Chiefs weren't in Kansas (the state), nor that the city of Kansas was split between two states. I just looked at a map!

BTW: If you want to read something wacky in a good way, try this story: Big It had me chuckling. 😊🤣

A mug of Yorkshire, please, Bear. Thank you.

PS: Hope your son recovers quickly, Kimmi and is with you soon. 😊

Quote by techgoddess

We had a wonderful family cruise. So many fabulous moments! I will treasure that time forever.

I'm back on dry land and still have my son's family with us until tomorrow morning.

I know I have several comp stories from Rumpies to read, and I will get to them in the next day or so.

Bear and Ape for sure... if there are others I missed, drop me a message.

I am not back to modding until tomorrow.

😘

Good to have you back, Kat, and I am pleased to hear the cruise went fabulously. 😊

Both Ape's and Bear's stories are really good. I enjoyed them and have said as much.

While I am here, Bear, a mug of Yorkshire Tea, please. Thank you. 😎

Good Morning/Afternoon, Rumpee's. I have just dropped in to say hi, as the bar seems lively. Cup of uncle Joe for me, please, Bear... Thank you. 😊 BTW... Mild but wet in the South of England at the moment.

Yesterday, I decided not to try and publish any more stories in 2025. And as I am away for the last 3 weeks of January, and the moderators (maybe) are taking a well-earned break from 25th Dec to the 5th Jan, then my next story will appear in February 2026. 🙄 Hopefully. 😊 Today I am just tidying up a few finished stories that will appear then.

It would be a lovely Christmas present if this minor but irritating issue were fixed. 🙄😊

The number of times I commented on a newer member's story, they like my comment, then like it again the next day, and the next... I then end up messaging them, letting them know it is a well-known issue. Does the same happen on SS?

Currently, I am writing more stories for my "Cash in Hand" series, although this will stop soon. My wife said, "I was turning into a hermit," 🙄 so she upped our Christmas social calendar. Then we are away on holiday for much of January.

It will probably be February before my next story appears. Then I will be writing a trans story and a supernatural story to complete my Opinium badge. I have four genres left to complete, but I have already written the medical and teen stories; they just need to be published. 😊

If you're looking for something fun and not too heavy to read over the Festive period, why not try my "Cash In Hand" series of stories? It contains 9 separate stories, following John and Janet Jones as they move through life. If nothing else, have read the comments (the series has been well-received).

He is the link to the first story: Cash In Hand 1 - "A Job Opening?" - Part 1 Of 2

Quote by sprite

just a little heads up for everyone here. the comp is closing on Dec 24th. get your submissions in. we are discussing closing down the queue from the 25th to Jan 5th to give the mods a breather and a chance to enjoy the holidays. it's pretty much going to happen. so make sure you get your stories in before then. or, if you want to be nice to us, wait for january. thanks! this is not official yet, and yes, i am very good to all of you, so feel free to appreciate me lol xxx

Thank you for the heads up, Sprite. 😊 Another here who appreciates what the moderators do. Enjoy the break, and of course, the holidays. 😀

I’m currently staying at my oldest daughter’s place but will catch up with the comp. stories tonight. 😊 A strong cup of coffee please, Bear. Thank you. 😃

Quote by Seeker4

Trigger pulled. Mods willing (I feel like I should sacrifice a goat or something when I say that), it should be up soon.

I am looking forward to reading it. 😊

Bear rejected? Must be for too many words, surely. 🙄 If it makes you feel any better, I once had an early microstory rejected for not being original enough. A very subjective call, I thought, but maybe the right one, as I went away and wrote something way better. 😜

I do recommend reading Carlton's story and Ape. It is time to push that submit button. You can only polish a story so much before you start wearing it out. 😜😊

A mug of Yorkshire Tea, please, Bear. Thank you, from an increasingly damp UK.

Quote by Piquet

You are certainly not alone, Dave, I'm averaging two stories a day with more on the weekend - and loving it. Well done all. Read, like, and comment and show our authors that all of their/our hard work is appreciated.

When you wake up from your down-under slumber, Piquet, you may find you need to up your daily reading quota, as we are into the sixties for comp entries now. 😳🤣🤣

I'm still enjoying reading and commenting on all the Advent competition stories. I believe I am not alone in doing this. 😊

There are a few crackers (not easy to do in 1500 words), and I have to say there are plenty of novel/clever ideas behind some of the stories. The current total of competition entries is 56. 😊

Congratulations, WW... as I said at the time, this is a wonderfully written story. 😊

Good morning, Bear... You're not going to start messaging us and saying you want to be paid in Lush coins? 😲🤣

It also sounds like the moths have eaten all the notes... I'm sure Rumpelstiltskin will understand, and if he doesn't, aren't you bigger than him? 😈

I have a mug of Yorkshire tea, please, Bear, thank you. 😊 Oh! Just put it on my tab. 😀

Quote by paddlingincognito

Yes. I get several likes and a handful of random messages. Most simply say “hi” or “hey”.

When I first joined, I sometimes responded. Most were looking for coin. When I told them I didn’t have any, they would usually ask me to buy some. Yeah, not happening. And sketchy AF.

The funny thing is that some of the women were members. And some had even published several stories.

I have had this too. Usually it is a like on my profile, followed by a "Hi", although I did once receive a phone number to phone. That one was blocked, but normally I just delete the message. I believe it has got worse since coins were introduced.

A cup of Yorkshire Tea, please, Bear. 😊 Thank you.

Stay in there, David... enjoy the coffee and the American football. I hope the Rams win. 😊

Christmas will be history soon, and we can look forward to the warmer, longer days of spring.

A manly hug from me (he says in a deep voice). 😉

Quote by Piquet

One of the great things about the competitions is that more people will read your work. Granted most of these will be other contestants but it's a start to developing friendships and building up a 'following'. It's so rewarding to read and have your work read and commented upon by friends, followers and orher Lushies. Participation is far more important to me than literally competing against others. Writers here, as everywhere, appreciate being read. For me, every time somebody reads and comments on a story of mine, it's better than winning any prize.

Piquet sums it up brilliantly here. 😊

Excluding poetry/micro comps, which I have only entered. I have entered, then read and commented on every story in the last 12 competitions. It is a way of getting to know/like/follow other authors. Above all, I just see competitions as a bit of fun, and I enjoy the badge that will appear on your profile wall when the competition closes. That is what I do. 🙄😀

Quote by CuriousAnnie

Evening all, hot and humid down under. Yes, James, of course I am referring to the weather. Apologies for being absent for a while, life is super busy with, well life and a four year old. I took a break from writing, but saddled up again and published this: Emma's Examinations and am working on Gooning for Godot for the competition (though tbh I am not sure I will get it done.) I hope everyone is good, Christmas is coming and the beach awaits,.

Good to hear from you again, Annie. 😊 Enjoy the beach, though it isn't getting dark in Sydney? 😜😈

I can highly recommend Annie's story; the scene-setting opening pulls you right in. Great characters.

A mug of Yorkshire Tea, please, Bear. 😊 Thank you.