Thursday – A Little Personal – Another Hole.

July 8, 2021 · by John W. Howell · in A Little Personal · 98 Comments

“Every time I turn around, somebody’s doing something.”

“What’s wrong, Twiggy?”

“There’s a big old hole here in the yard. I knew this would happen.”

“What do you mean, ‘I knew this would happen?'”

“I tried to bark those guys to St Louis, and Mom put me inside.”

“What guys?”

“The guys with shovels and a jackhammer. Those guys.”

“You better be careful and not fall in that hole.”

“Twiggy? Where are you? Did you fall in?”

“No, I’m over here.”

“I don’t see you. Where is over here?”

“You have to be kidding. I’m on the porch.”

“Why does your voice sound like it’s coming from that hole?”

“Okay, I’m coming over there, so the old lady doesn’t have a stroke.”

“Here’s Dad. He can explain the hole.”

“I can, Twiggy. That is for my Birthday present.”

“Why the hole Boss?”

“Because, Lucy, my present is a Magnolia tree, and it needs a hole to live in.”

“Well, that explains that. Come on, Twiggy. Let’s play.”

“A tree lives in a hole?”

“You can see how it works next week.”

“Story of my life, Dad.”

Tags: author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, Eternal Road - The final stop, fiction favorites, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, Lucy, My GRL, Our Justice, The Contract with Gwen Plano, Twiggy

98 comments

Keith Edgar Channing · July 8, 2021 - 4:35 am ·

No wonder the dogs are confused. I was thinking you were constructing a nest complex for Burrowing Owls or Ground Squirrels or maybe even Prairie Dogs.

LikeLiked by 3 people
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:10 am ·
  
  Hahahahaha. Thanks, Keith.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
davidprosser · July 8, 2021 - 4:46 am ·

I bet the magnolia will look superb there. I hope the girls don’t become too familiar with it once the mystery of how it lives in a hole is solved.
Hugs

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:11 am ·
  
  Thank you, David.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · July 8, 2021 - 4:54 am ·

Reblogged this on NEW OPENED BLOG > https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.

LikeLike
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:11 am ·
  
  Thank you, Michael.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · July 8, 2021 - 1:47 pm ·
    
    😁
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · July 8, 2021 - 4:58 am ·

I’m sure, until the magnolia tree is planted they will both have a very busy time. Lol A good example for “stay ground”. 😉 Thank you for sharing this enjoyment, John! Have a nice day! xx Michael

LikeLiked by 4 people
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:13 am ·
  
  Thank you, Michael. Have a super day as well. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · July 8, 2021 - 1:47 pm ·
    
    😁😁 Thank you very much, John! I hope you will enjoy the day as well, and have a nice Friday! xx Michael
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 3:03 pm ·
    
    😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Writer Lori · July 8, 2021 - 5:24 am ·

Lots of exciting changes in your backyard, John. Bet a magnolia will be stunning.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:15 am ·
  
  Thank you, Lori. It has been planted and does look stunning. For the sake of the story I put off that fact till next week. (don’t tell anyone) 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
GP · July 8, 2021 - 5:26 am ·

Most people that have dogs are complaining about all the holes they dig in the yard – You on the other hand, dig holes For them! 🤪🙄

LikeLiked by 4 people
1. Liz Gauffreau · July 8, 2021 - 5:35 am ·
  
  Good one, GP! 😀
  
  LikeLiked by 3 people
  1. GP · July 8, 2021 - 5:52 am ·
    
    Thanks, Liz.
    
    LikeLiked by 2 people
  2. Liz Gauffreau · July 8, 2021 - 6:47 am ·
    
    You’re welcome, GP.
    
    LikeLiked by 2 people
  3. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:17 am ·
    
    I agree, Liz.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  4. Liz Gauffreau · July 9, 2021 - 6:52 am ·
    
    😀
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
2. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:16 am ·
  
  Crazy right? Good one, GP. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Liz Gauffreau · July 8, 2021 - 5:39 am ·

I feel for Twiggy. I remember a time when the answer to many of my questions to my mother was “You’ll find out when you’re a grown-up.” Most unsatisfactory.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:18 am ·
  
  So true, Liz. She does feel that way at times. Of course, then she is off to something else.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Liz Gauffreau · July 9, 2021 - 6:55 am ·
    
    😀
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill Weatherholt · July 8, 2021 - 5:45 am ·

I love the opening line! I can relate.😉

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:18 am ·
  
  Hahahaha. Thanks, Jill. 😂
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Staci Troilo · July 8, 2021 - 5:47 am ·

Poor things. That’s a lot of waiting! I’m sure they’ll love the shade, though. Give them belly rubs from me.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:19 am ·
  
  I will, Staci. Thank you.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Joan Hall · July 8, 2021 - 5:52 am ·

Hey, Twiggy tried to warn them off! I look forward to seeing the tree!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:19 am ·
  
  Thank you, Joan. 😁 Yes she did.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections · July 8, 2021 - 6:07 am ·

Twiggy is going to have a restless week.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:20 am ·
  
  Yes she is. Thanks, Frank.
  
  LikeLike
Charles Yallowitz · July 8, 2021 - 6:08 am ·

That’s a really cool birthday present.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:21 am ·
  
  I can’t think of a better 80th birthday present. Thanks, Charles
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Dan Antion · July 8, 2021 - 6:52 am ·

Maddie would go bonkers if someone dug a hole in the yard. That’s a neat birthday present (Happy Birthday, by the way). Magnolia trees are so pretty, especially when they are in bloom.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:22 am ·
  
  Yes they are. Thanks, Dan. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Dale · July 8, 2021 - 7:15 am ·

Magnolia! My favourite and now I am super jealous. I’m still trying to figure out where I could put on in my yard. The girls live in such an exciting place 😉 Always something going on…

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 7:26 am ·
  
  Wait until the new turf shows up. They will be apoplectic. (At least Twiggy will be)
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Dale · July 8, 2021 - 7:39 am ·
    
    Haha! No kidding! 🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 3:10 pm ·
    
    😁
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Mae Clair · July 8, 2021 - 7:28 am ·

I’m so excited about the magnolia tree. That’s awesome, John.
But the poor girls have so much disruption going on. Or is it excitement? Methinks perhaps a bit of the latter 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 3:13 pm ·
  
  They kind of like the excitement I think. Thanks, Mae.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan Sikes · July 8, 2021 - 7:29 am ·

Congrats on getting close to having your birthday tree planted, John! These two are so great. Twiggy’s curiosity is uplifting. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 3:13 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Jan. She is a very curious dog. She gets her nose in the middle of every project. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Gwen M. Plano · July 8, 2021 - 7:34 am ·

I’ve been waiting for the Magnolia tree to show up since you told us it was your BD present. It’s one of my favorites – the blossoms, the delicacy. Beautiful. Masterful story — and great characters. 😊

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 3:11 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Gwen. Coming soon. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Teri Polen · July 8, 2021 - 7:34 am ·

Glad Twiggy didn’t fall in. A magnolia tree will be beautiful there.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 3:11 pm ·
  
  I think so too. Thanks, Teri.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
coldhandboyack · July 8, 2021 - 7:36 am ·

Sounds like Twiggy likes a routine and wants to point out disruptions. She’ll get used to it in no time.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 3:10 pm ·
  
  I’m sure she will. Thanks, Craig.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
quiall · July 8, 2021 - 7:46 am ·

So I guess the contractor didn’t check with the architects. Risky move.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 3:10 pm ·
  
  Yeah. People lose feet doing that.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
noelleg44 · July 8, 2021 - 8:33 am ·

I thought a small hot tub for the girls! I loved ‘so the old lady doesn’t have a stroke.” Such hubris!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 3:09 pm ·
  
  I know right? Twiggy is so irreverent. Thanks, Noelle.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
D.L. Finn, Author · July 8, 2021 - 11:09 am ·

I cant wait to see the tree planted!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 3:04 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Denise.
  
  LikeLike
The Coastal Crone · July 8, 2021 - 1:17 pm ·

I was as curious as the girls and imagined some odd plumbing problem. It seems a great spot for a magnolia tree and a great birthday present What can you get an 80 year old that has everything! Looking forward to seeing it when it is planted.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 3:03 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Jo. I thought it was the perfect gift. 😁
  
  LikeLike
D. Wallace Peach · July 8, 2021 - 2:37 pm ·

“A tree lives in a hole?”
That line cracked me up. The magnolia will be beautiful, John. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 3:01 pm ·
  
  Glad you got a laugh
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
kethuprofumo · July 8, 2021 - 5:09 pm ·

Dog inspection on duty! 😁😁😁Looking forward to see the Magnolia tree, dear John. Long live Magnolia & The Twiggy Resort! 🎉✨🎉🥤🥤🥤

LikeLike
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 5:47 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Maria 🍸🍸🍸🌹🤗
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
petespringerauthor · July 8, 2021 - 9:15 pm ·

Nice birthday present. Wishing you a great birthday!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2021 - 9:44 pm ·
  
  It was great. Thanks, Pete
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
John Hric · July 8, 2021 - 10:14 pm ·

So let me get this strait you are turning your yard into Brooklyn… eventually. The girls will be excited….

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 9, 2021 - 6:48 am ·
  
  I like that. Brooklyn in my back yard. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
jilldennison · July 8, 2021 - 10:35 pm ·

Happy Birthday! 🎈 Enjoy the Magnolia tree. And, I’m with Twiggy … a hole suddenly appearing in the yard is offputting! Trees live in holes? I thought they lived in the ground … y’know … dirt ‘n such. 🙄 All this is too much for me to keep up with! I’ll just go back to me food dish now.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 9, 2021 - 6:49 am ·
  
  Enjoy. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Jane Sturgeon · July 9, 2021 - 6:05 am ·

A magnolia tree; how wonderful. Much ❤ to you and your girls, John. xXx

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 9, 2021 - 7:13 am ·
  
  Thank you, Jane. Love back to you. ❤️
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Debbie · July 9, 2021 - 10:06 am ·

What a great present! You must be very patient to wait all that time (what is it? six weeks?) for your gift to arrive. And the girls don’t know it yet, but they’ll have a lovely new shady place to snooze!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 9, 2021 - 1:34 pm ·
  
  They will find out. Thanks, Debbie.
  
  LikeLike
Baydreamer · July 9, 2021 - 11:00 am ·

I had a hunch that hole was for your birthday Magnolia tree, John. Cute story and looking forward to photos!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 9, 2021 - 1:28 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Lauren.
  
  LikeLike
Resa · July 9, 2021 - 12:00 pm ·

Dear Lucy and Twiggy,
I wished I lived near you, so I could come and play.
I would bring some very interesting things for you to mull over.
Have a lovely weekend!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 9, 2021 - 1:22 pm ·
  
  We wish you lived nearer too, Miss Resa. We know from our boss that you have many interesting things going on in your life and it would be a treat to mull them over. Twiggy and I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well. Thank you for the note. 🐾
  
  LikeLike
  1. Resa · July 9, 2021 - 3:47 pm ·
    
    ❦🐾🐾 ❦ Pass my regards onto the people who live in your house!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · July 9, 2021 - 4:26 pm ·
    
    Thank you, Resa. 😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
robertawrites235681907 · July 9, 2021 - 12:32 pm ·

Hi John, I have a magnolia tree and it is amazing. It blossoms twice a year with the most beautiful flowers. What a lovely gift. I look forward to seeing your pictures in due course.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 9, 2021 - 1:38 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Robbie. Next Thursday. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Vashti Q · July 9, 2021 - 4:09 pm ·

Yay! Magnolia trees are gorgeous! You’re going to love your birthday gift. A week is like an eternity for doggies. 😉

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 9, 2021 - 4:24 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Vashti. Yes for dogs it is like seven weeks. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Vashti Q · July 9, 2021 - 4:35 pm ·
    
    Ha, ha!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · July 9, 2021 - 4:38 pm ·
    
    😁
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
circadianreflections · July 9, 2021 - 5:09 pm ·

😀 Good choice on the tree. The flowers are so pretty. I hope the girls like it once it’s in and the hole is gone.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 9, 2021 - 5:39 pm ·
  
  I’m sure they will. Thanks, Deborah.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Ankur Mithal · July 9, 2021 - 11:53 pm ·

A life full of surprises and anticipation. Jealous!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 10, 2021 - 7:15 am ·
  
  There are many surprises for these guys. Thanks, Ankur. 😊
  
  LikeLike
Jennie · July 10, 2021 - 7:43 am ·

How exciting for the girls to find that big hole! Magnolia trees are lovely, John. Looking forward to pics.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 10, 2021 - 9:25 am ·
  
  Next Thursday, Jennie. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Jennie · July 10, 2021 - 3:46 pm ·
    
    Hooray!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · July 10, 2021 - 4:36 pm ·
    
    😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorryless · July 10, 2021 - 9:13 am ·

Twiggy has so much to learn, but she has earnestness and that counts for so much.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 10, 2021 - 9:28 am ·
  
  Yes indeed, Marc. Should have give her a middle name of Earnist. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Sorryless · July 11, 2021 - 8:02 am ·
    
    Haha!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · July 11, 2021 - 2:53 pm ·
    
    😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
markbierman · July 21, 2021 - 5:38 am ·

Nice birthday gift!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 21, 2021 - 7:12 am ·
  
  Yes it is. A Bentley would have been nice but the tree is terrific.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. markbierman · July 21, 2021 - 9:16 am ·
    
    🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person

← Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF →