Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

“Ah, Friday in the sun. Pretty great huh, Twiggy?”
“What did the DOW do today?”

 

Another week almost finished. It has been one lollapalooza too. I wonder if the news could get any worse. ( I suppose if we hang around long enough it will get worse) I think with all that’s going on it is time to count blessings. I don’t think any good can come from continuing to dwell on all that is going south.

Let me see.

I’m sitting on the patio writing this post and I can smell the scent of the mountain laurel.

The crossvines have started to bloom.

The cardinals are all singing at once.

The pups are enjoying the weather.

The temperature is 74 degrees with a high of 79 today.

There will be a meatloaf sandwich for lunch with potato chips.

I still have the mental capacity to write.

I’m still working on my WIP. (Back from the editor.)

Got word the landscaper is going to replace all the sod. (If he’s still in business after the financial meltdown. Oops there I go not thinking positively again.)The sod didn’t do well. Had a case of cinch bugs when installed.

Going to watch a recorded episode of NCIS tonight.

Got some new bottle brush topiary style potted shrubs

The new pots (for the bushes) arrive today along with a new hose.

I feel better already. Todays’ JohnKu talks about where to focus when things seem out of control. I hope you have a great weekend.

Focus by John W. Howell © 2020

When it seems doubtful,

That living can be normal . . .

Think of your blessings.

 

Mountain laurel in full bloom

Crossvines beginning to bloom

84 comments

  1. This is exactly what we needed, John. Thank you! Your photos are beautiful, too. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thak you , Jill. Have a great time with mom.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. We did…thanks, John. ❤

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Hope you’re doing okay there.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh yeah. Everything’s just fine. Thanks, Charles.

      Like

  3. A good way to start Friday. Hooray to new sod! … But hey, when things go array – stay positive …. After all, everyone knows the financial meltdown AND the coronavirus are Obama’s fault.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Where is Obama anyway? He needs to explain himself.

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      1. But it’s his fault that he doesn’t.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Liz.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Brilliant Firday, dear John! The sun is shining! Gods are smiling! Spring…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Maria. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Thx for the dose of positivity, John. Unsettling times to be sure. Must focus on the good stuff…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think so. Almost feels like the sky is falling sometimes. Thanks, Lori.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Good post John. We have to focus on the good. Gratitude can only bring more good things into our lives.
    Have a great weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That is so true, Drew. (Hmmm, unfortunate alliteration there.)

      Liked by 1 person

  7. I am fully on board with this message, John, albeit totally jealous of “a meatloaf sandwich for lunch with potato chips.” I suppose that’s payback for those breakfast pictures I’ve been known to post.

    Thanks for the nudge in the right direction. I hope you all enjoy the weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That sandwich is on white bread with mayo. I could throw in some french onion dip for the chips too. Have a good weekend, Dan

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Stop it! I love meatloaf, and I think I love meatloaf sandwiches even more.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Anonymous · ·

    I feel better too. Thanks for the cheer, John! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Cheer central. 😁

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  9. I am a huge believer in counting blessings, John, and I appreciate opening up my inbox to your post this morning. It is more like 0 degrees C. around here which is also nice, fresh, crisp air. I will need to investigate JohnKu. Now, I am craving a meatloaf sandwich for lunch. 🙂 I do mental gratitudes every day. You remind me how it is good to also write down what we are Thankful for. Thank you! Erica

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    1. Thank you, Erica. I hope you get that meatloaf sandwich. Don’t forget the potato chip. All part of the deal. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Gwen M. Plano · ·

    Gratitude is the way…I love your Haiku. ♥

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Gwen. Gotta think in positive terms. ❤️

      Like

  11. when you describe it so… it sounds very tranquil :))

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Have to make tranquil for sure. Thank you Victoria Ray. Have a great weekend.

      Like

  12. Mountain laurel AND a meatloaf sandwich? My envy knows no bounds! Happy day!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That sandwich is to be served on the gummiest whitebread possible with mayo. Thanks, Linda.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. What a perfectly well-timed post John. You are absolutely right. We must all concentrate on the positive aspects of our lives. If not, we will all succumb to melancholy…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Or gin. Thank you, Lynne. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  14. This post is a ray of sunshine on a pretty dismal week – thanks so much, John! And now I’m craving a meatloaf sandwich. Count me in for lunch.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Glad to have you. Sweet tea with that?

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Wasn’t there a portion of vitamin W somewhere with that sandwich or watching NCIS ? Some burbon or scotch to wash down the gratefulness ? Good one John !

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, John. The bourbon is always a nice relief.I call it soothin’ syrup.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. What a profoundly beautiful piece inside a time where such things are truly needed.

    You take care of yourself out there, Sheriff.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You too, Marc. Wash everything to two stanzas of Happy Birthday.

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      1. You got it.

        Liked by 1 person

  17. Perfection, John. I was still trying to catch up on earlier posts but Marc directed me here so I put this to the front of the line. What a good decision. Yes, focus on the good. Enjoy the scents, the pups, your lunch and of course The Producer. The rest? It’ll eventually pass.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hopefully it all will pass. Thanks, Dale.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. I think meatloaf sandwiches make everything better. I like the positive focus here today.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Peole need to look toward the horizon and get there eyes off the hood ornament. Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Good idea! There’s always a bright spot … sometimes you just have to look for it! Have a great weekend, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. YUP. Thaks, Jill.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. So nice to see pictures that spring is finally coming.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It is HERE!!!! YAY

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  21. Amen to counting one’s blessings, John! Golly, what a week, huh? And here, everybody was so looking forward to 2020’s arrival.

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    1. What a week indeed. Especially for you. Hugs ❤️

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      1. Thanks for remembering, John.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Hard to forget.

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  22. Cinch bugs love the south. They really do damage to the roots and that’s when you see the brown patches. Cinch bug killer best be put down before your new sod. I can’t believe at first sight of them, the landscaper didn’t know how to kill them and stop the spreading.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yeah we were surprised as well. We kept sayinf something was wrong. He finally sent a guy who treated them but it was too late.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    So true, John esoecially after this week.. My husband and I are doing a grateful jar where we add one thing we are grateful for a day. Its filling up nicely.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wow. What a great idea, Denise. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  24. A very inspiring Johnku today, and I completely agree. I loved the pictures, too! Your backyard is beautiful. Have a safe and happy weekend! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Vashti. ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  25. We all needed that dose of hope, John! I feel inspired and hopeful. Attitude is everything. The mountain laurel is gorgeous! Cheers for life.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Cheers for life indeed, Jo. Thank you and take care of yourself.

      Like

  26. I feel better just reading your post, John. Such wonderful, uplifting positive thoughts!
    Thank you and have a great weekend!

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    1. I’m so glad, Mae. Also i left a comment on Raven’s interview at Tori’s place but don’t know if it will go through.

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      1. Raven and I saw it, John (she’s curled up next to me as I’m typing). We both send our thanks! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  27. Plenty of positives then, John. Cardinals are great. If only you guys had sent us cardinals instead of grey squirrels and American crayfish.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think you guys perloined those. But who knows. On the other side there is Five Guys.

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  28. The mountain laurel is magnificent, John. How nice the dogs finally got out to enjoy the sun. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Suzanne. It ws a super nice day yesterday. 😁

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  29. Perfect, John! Love your photos, too 🙂 Today we took a break from the usual humdrum of a Saturday morning and went for a walk in a nearby park and then browsed and bought a couple of books at an independent bookstore. Maybe not exciting, but the park was lovely with all kinds of blossoms and the staff in the bookstore were friendly. It was a nice respite and I’m grateful for it. Hope you have a great rest of the weekend 🙂

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    1. Sounds lovely.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. […] how important it is that we think of our blessings during difficult times. You can read about it here. I’m doing my best, John. Nature is full of blessings for me, as are these […]

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  31. Thank you, John. I think we all need a ‘breather’ and a change of perspective.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We weill need it more in the coming days. For example with your borders closed how am I going to get some Molson’s. 😁

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  32. What is the male equivalent of, “You go, girl”? This is fabulous, John, just what everybody needs. There are so many things right at this moment that are wonderful and make us smile. Perhaps it’s time to resurrect “Count your blessings.”

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    1. Thank you, Jennie. “You go boy” used to be the equivalent. Don’t know if it still is.

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      1. Really? I didn’t know. So I can now say, “You go, boy.” 🙂

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      2. Kinda depends on who you say it to.

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      3. Yup, it does. 🙂

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      4. in fact I would limit it to any male under 13

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      5. That is so funny, and definitely true! 😀

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