“Tempest, come here.” “What’s the problem?” “That deer came right up to the window.” “Well, it is telling mom to get the carrots.” “I’d say that’s a little pushy, wouldn’t you?” “You know how it is when handouts are free. They are expected.” “I suppose. It just took me by surprise.” “I can understand that.” […]
Today I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 145 and, with my eyes closed, pointed to the page. The word nearest my finger is “system.” That is our prompt today. System by John W. Howell © 2026 “How do I get out of this?” “I don’t think you can.” “Why not?” “You have […]
This post continues the Top Ten Not to Do list with a historical background. This post ran originally in November of 2018. Pretend you were there, and here is a list that will keep you out of trouble. Top Ten Things Not to Do in the Great Flood of 2348 BC. 10 In […]
Today, we are cruising the neighborhood in search of 4th of July decorations. We are catered by Cipolina of West Austin. Our entertainment is Brooks and Dunn. Menu TAGLIATELLE ALFREDO – crimini mushrooms, garlic, shallots, arugula GNOCCHI – tomatoes, spinach, white wine, chevre SHRIMP SCAMPI – linguini noodles, shrimp stock, butter, herbs, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, […]
Imagine my pique when I approach the coffee machine and see these words on the touchscreen. Of course, the action taken was as any red-blooded person would take. The touchscreen was cleared, and the two coffee buttons engaged. The coffee machine growled to life and delivered the elixir that would put to rest the hammer-meets-anvil […]
Today’s good news story comes from Mongabay.com and was sent to me by my correspondent Noelle Granger. Thank you, Noelle. Former poachers guard Cabo Verde’s endangered sea turtles by Sonam Lama Hyolmo Former sea turtle hunters in Cabo Verde, off the coast of West Africa, have shifted to loggerhead turtle conservation work along the archipelago […]
Hey, Tempeste. You have a guest.” “Who is it?” “Come and see for yourself.” “Well, look at that. It’s Hello Kitty.” “Yes. Dad just dropped her here.” “Hmmm. Not sure playing with a kitty is a good thing.” “Oh, come on. It’s just a stuffed toy.” “What makes you think it’s not haunted or something?” […]
Today, I opened Eternal Road – The final stop randomly to page 143 and, with eyes closed, pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “direct.” This is our prompt today. Direct by John W. Howell, © 2026 “You could be less direct, you know.” “I don’t know. What do you mean?” […]
This post continues the Top Ten Things Not to Do with history as a backdrop. Harvard College, the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1636. This post was published on October 28, 2018. The Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Founding of Harvard […]
Today, we are going to the Lakeway Municipal Utility District (LMUD) for a class on all things bees. We are catered by Canje Caribbean Restaurant in Austin, featuring their appetizer menu. Our entertainment is Jimmy Rogers. Menu Plantain Chips – Mango Calypso, Epis Aioli Coco Buns – Toasted Coconut, Thyme Butter Smoked Avocado Choka – […]



















