“The Puma spots the unsuspecting water buffalo.”
“The water buffalo plays possum by pretending not to notice the foolish puma. Bring it on big cat.”
“Did you just say ‘cat?”‘
Another Friday and it is my guess that this week seemed long because last Friday was part of the weekend due to the holiday. Happy Friday. (woo woo)
Today starts at least seven days of above 100 degree temperatures. It seems a big ole high-pressure area is moving in from the west coast (where everything is high) and is going to be sitting over Texas for at least a week. For you non-weathercasters, what this means is no clouds, no rain, just pure sun hitting the Earth broadside. Being in the South, it just means HOT. There is no heat like Texas heat. With humidity, a hundred degrees feels like one hundred and ten. Egg fry on sidewalk time.
I just finished formatting my paper edition of Eternal Road – The last stop. Moving to the e-book edition next. Not sure when the cover concepts will arrive, but I have given the artist all the info to start the creative process. I am looking forward to the first concepts.
Texas is in a nosedive virus wise. People love to get together and swap droplets at their favorite bar or cookout. Some idiots have taken to not wearing masks and then being jerks to those who do. I have to wonder about some folks. As for me, I’m wearing mine when I go out. (Just to be clear I go out only when necessary)
Today’s John Ku talks about politics a bit. I hope you all have a safe and healthy weekend.
The mask by John W. Howell © 2020
We know masks can help,
Keep the folks at risk safer . . .
So what’s the problem?
Fiction Favorites 
Meanwhile, here in the north of England, the week has been more like late autumn than mid-summer, with temperatures in the low teens celcius (50-60 in the old scale) – and enough rain to trigger my security camera at night. Apparently it has been hot in the area of France we left a year ago. We, too, go out only to walk the dogs and the occasional trip to the pharmacy to pick up repeat prescriptions. Stay safe, John.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I even cut out the parmacy. I do all mail order. I see the pharmacy as the potential breeding ground. I wish we culd have your rain. Have a great weekend, Keith. Stay safe as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our local pharmacy is only fifteen minutes’ walk away and I have never seen more than two people waiting (6 feet apart, of course). On my last two visits there has only been one person in front of me. Speaking of delivery, it’s fish and chips for us this evening!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh man. The last time I had real fish and chips was in London in 1995. Found this little shop and had a feast. Enjoy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Friday, John. I hope all in your family are safe. It’s a most disconcerting time for sure, and masks have become a way of life for sure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I keep wondering why all the fuss about masks. Seems like an easy way to keep one’s germs to oneself. Have a good weekend, Gwen.
LikeLike
It’s been wet and cooler in the south of England too, but we’re told to expect warmer temps from Sunday … not that I’ll be leaving the bounds of my garden. Tourist season has hit Cornwall, and it’s packed. Hubby is back to work, and he says that almost nobody is wearing masks out and about … crazy. I know they’re not the most comfortable of things to wear, but still … they can save lives.
Great Haiku, John. Have a great upcoming weekend 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Harmony. I hope you have a good weekend as well. Stay safe. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your JohnKu is perfect, John. I couldn’t agree more. It’s been pea soup here in North Carolina. Stay cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will give it my best shot at cool. I would welcome some pea soup here. Have a super Friday.😁
LikeLike
Good luck avoiding the heat and the jerks. Seeing a lot of the second threat going viral lately. I mean, the Internet viral and not the other one.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m seeing the same viral, Charles. I don’t understand folks sometimes. Stay safe.
LikeLike
Same here. People are confusing.
LikeLike
So the puma remains on the prowl even the heat. Then again a natural instinct. Damn hot in Cincinnati … and to think you’re hotter. Oh boy. Meanwhile, people seem to be a bigger problem than the virus.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re right that the people are a bigger problem than the virus.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Amazing how this has turned into a politic football.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m still finding it hard to believe. Denying the science of epidemiology in the 21st century is like insisting that the Earth is flat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think for some it is about as flat as their heads.
LikeLike
People = politics = asshats
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think people are just another virus, Frank. Have a super weekend and stay safe. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was thinking about the Puma just yesterday. Good to see her put in an appearance. We’re in a heat wave here in the Granite State, ’90s and high humidity, but still, nothing like when I lived in Florida. Kudos on finishing the formatting of the paper edition of Eternal Road!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Liz. Texas has to be the epicenter of hot. I always wonder what the pioneers did in the summer without A/C.
LikeLike
A great JohnKu, John. The heat you mention is beyond anything we experience in the relatively medium cool part of Eastern England. That means AC is running non-stop and it’s better to stay indoors? Glad to see that you stay away from the morons, the behaviour of those idiots has made the news to us as well.
Wishing you all the best for “Eternal Road”.
Stay safe and keep cool,
Dina & co
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Dina. Yes A/C runs non stop. We have lived in Texas for 20 years so we are quite used to the high temps. When it does get to 103 (39.4 C) we have to take care. Unfortunately the morons are everywhere. Have a great weekend Fab Four.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good one John. A doctor said it is a lot easier to put on and take off a mask than it is a ventilator. How about – If you are dead set against being made to wear a mask why aren’t you dead set against making someone else wear a ventilator ? Have a good weekend John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good point, Frank. Have a good weekend as well. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
This really is going to be very hot summer, isn’t it?!! 😡
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed. Stay sage and cool. ( I think it is possible to do both)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I sure don’t envy you with that heat, John. I’m not a hot weather fan. Our governor announced yesterday that starting at 5pm today, everyone will be required to wear a mask in public (except small children and those with medical reasons) in places where they can’t maintain social distance. So basically all businesses, grocery stores, etc. I’m so glad!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah we have the same order here, but still the objectors refuse to comply. Have a safe weekend, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It would appear Texas is a lot more like Florida than I ever imagined, except for the alligators. Oh, wait. You have them, too, here and there. Okay. Well, we have more swamps and palm trees, anyway. But OMG the heat! We have been climbing steadily toward 100 for a few weeks, and will soon be there, too, but we’ve had our mid-summer afternoon thunderstorms cooling things down for a few hours each day. (To a bone-chilling 85 or so!) 😀
And in another striking similarity, Florida is also filled with non-mask wearing morons who’ve been partying it up on the beaches, etc, to such an extent, we are now first in the nation with current COVID cases. Just as my doctor was telling me I could start going out again–with a mask, and careful consideration as to where I’d go–this happens. Now I’m back to not going anywhere, if I can help it, even with a mask.
And I’d like a t-shirt made with today’s John Ku on it! And a hat. And maybe printed on a mask. What IS the problem, indeed? Ya gotta wonder.
Happy Friday, John! Give the dogs a pat from me! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marcia. I don’t understand the problem either. Maybe someday someone will be able to explain it to me. Have a super weekend Marcia. 😀 Stay safe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re in the 100s here in Florida too, John. It can be brutal to go out which I have not.
I’m high risk. Home is my best place to be. I feel sorry for those who fuss about
quarantine and masks. It’s a time for calming down. A time to enjoy our homes, spouses
while learning to know ourselves. Have a safe and peaceful weekend.
Isador a 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m high risk as well and old. (Such a burden 😀) Going out is not one of my favorite things. Have a safe and peaceful weekend as well. Thank you so much for the visit and good message, Isadora. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would add old to my reasons too but I’d rather forget about age (73 – this month)
Your very welcome. I think we can always use a positive vibe or two. ~~~ : – )
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think so too. (on the positive vib or two)
LikeLiked by 1 person
😎
LikeLike
Those sweaty droplets sure do fly faster at the bars in the heat. Great JohnKu.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thak you, Jennie. Stay safe and cool and out of bars. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good advice, John. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a question I ask myself all the time, John. What’s the big deal. It just seems that folks are anxious for a fight about something – anything. Stay cool and keep the babies cool!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jan. Good advice. Stay healthy and cool.
LikeLike
Seems like a good time of year for the puma and water buffalo to become nocturnal. Maybe for the humans, too.
LikeLike
I’ve discovered more ways to pay for things online that I realized were available. They’ve lengthened our lockdown to the end of July now. The arrival of the monsoon has cooled things down here a bit. Have a great weekend, John. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLike
Yes, I hate this heat and humidity! I’ve been going for my walks around 6:00 AM to at least beat the direct sunlight. It’s already hot, though! Great John Ku; some people are sure hard to figure. What are they thinking (or are they)?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The are hard to figure, Becky. Stay cool and safe. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have isolated incidents of the R rate rising, mainly Leicester in the Midlands for some reason the news isn’t clear on how it has picked up there out of the blue.
I’ve always worn a mask in areas I can’t keep 2m distance too much respect for my lungs to take risks.
Keep safe and well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, you need those lungs for sure. Stay well and healthy, Charlotte. Goes for George too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are expecting triple-digit temps here in Southern Cal also, John. The grandkids are coming Sat and Sun and will spend most of the weekend in the pool. Putting in that in-ground pool was the smartest thing we did when we bought this house in 2910. Like you, I am masked whenever I go to the store, but not in the pool! 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
The pool is a godsend. Good for you. (Especially with the two little ones.) Have a great weekend
LikeLike
I thought Texas was one of the states that had shut down bars and restaurants again … guess not, huh? I am whining about temps in the 90s … I cannot imagine 100+, especially for a week or more! How do you breathe? Keep safe and as cool as you can, my friend. Have a decent weekend!
LikeLike
Sorry a heat wave is coming, John. Watch your step with those eggs on the sidewalks. 🙂 Even in the bay area, heat waves are more frequent now and without a/c, our house inside has reached 90 degrees. Miserable, but we survive! As to the masks, I agree with you and am so frustrated with those who aren’t responsible or feel their freedom to do what they want deems more important than the safety of those around them. Don’t get me going. 🙂 Anyway, your JohnKu is perfect for the times. Stay cool and have a good weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lauren. I hope you stay cool and safe too. No A/C in Northern California is something I am familar with for sure. I hope this heat passes quickly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent JohnKu – and honestly. what the hell is up with people? FFS already. Wear the damn mask when you go out and shut the f*** up. It’s not complicated. It’ll help control this pandemic until the vaccine arrives. It’s never going to go away, we know that. But till there is one, do your part. Sigh. I get so fed up with stupid people.
As for Quebec, I swear it is in its tryout to compete with Texas. It has been swelteringly hot (I can’t believe I have to work in this crap). Thankfully there is supposed to be a break come tomorrow but frankly, they’ve been predicting thundershowers for weeks and on Wednesday it broke. For 15 minutes. Then the humidity was higher than ever. Ugh. I can promise you today, unless really necessary – oh hell, I need to go get beer – I am not going out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you. Get that beer and stay inside.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tonight we’re doing Martinis first 😉
Sent my son, or rather, used my son who was going out, to buy me some.
Cool shower instead of dunk in the pool for me today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There you go. Love martinis. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know you do! Mine’s gin, his is vodka 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tanqueray for me. How was movie night?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know it! I had the Hendrick’s Summer Solstice. Thought it might be too floral but turned out fab. Must go get another bottle as it is limited edition!
We watched WASP Network. Based on a true story and was pretty good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds good. (Movie and gin)
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got that right!
Great company, too
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLike
We usually don’t hit triple digits at our elevation but the 90s do me in. I’m excited to hear your book is getting close to a release. The mask issue drives me crazy. Such a simple thing to do. Our UPS driver came to our door unmasked and I had to do an exchange with him. Actually I didn’t know he was there was going to water…it was unexpected and unwelcomed. The optimistic me hopes the virus will burn itself out, but the other side of me is worried. Have a great weekend John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I told a FedEx driver to drop the package in the driveway since he was unmasked. He did Have a great weekend, Denise.
LikeLike
We’ve been having that awful heat and humidity, too. Beastly, I say! Thank Heaven for air conditioning. Seems as good a time as any to stay indoors, especially when so many are determined to spread their germs around. Happy weekend, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good point, Debbie. Stay indoors indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s mid-winter here in Oz. It’s been raining now for three days, but after the horrific bush-fire season the caused such devastation here at the beginning of this horrendous year we more than welcome the rain. It’s currently 4 degrees and positively balmy after all the below zero readings of the last few weeks. As for the second-wave of COVID 19 caused by some people NOT acting responsibly! Don’t get me started … There’s no cure for stupidity. Stay safe and well, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Soooz. You need to stay safe as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m giving it my best shot, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tip to you and the girls! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those peeps are never going to get it, unless they get it (the virus).
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Home’s the best place to be at a time like this, John. Your grass is looking very green.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a green as it looks in the photo. It responded well to the fertilizer. Thanks, Guy.
LikeLike
I’m sorry to hear about those jerks. Selfish folks everywhere, it seems. There are some up here who are protesting the masks. On another subject, that heat wave has reached the North here, as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You poor folks. You are not used to this and I feel for you. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, we have our supply of them, believe me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t understand not wearing them, John and I can’t imagine what level of stupid you have to be to start a fight over being asked/required to wear one.
Stay safe. Try to stay cool. The heat can’t last forever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Only 45 more days. Thanks, Dan
LikeLiked by 1 person
The photo made me ponder, dear John…so,finally, today on Sunday it has occured to me that it means as follows: Lucy & Twiggy are welcoming Friday at the Twiggy Resort. Hurray Happy Day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes you’ve got it, Maria.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hurray!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person