Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

~ John W. Howell
“Hey, Dad. You need any help?”
“No thanks. I think I can handle it.”
“When’s dinner then?”

 

Another Friday is here, and we can all give thanks. We can look forward to a weekend of rest.

This was a busy week all around. I am glad to report I have made some headway on my WIP. The one additional day of not blogging has opened up some valuable time, and I have put it to good use. When my book is finished, I will be returning to Wednesday Story Day because, quite frankly, I miss the characters that come out of such an endeavor. So stand by since one day it will happen.

It is very hard not to comment on the developments in Afghanistan. The latest polls show the President’s handling of the pullout not meeting favor with the public. I noticed the German government has promised the Taliban hundreds of millions in aid to allow its citizens to leave. This starts a journey on a very slippery slope in which the Taliban can begin to auction off groups of people that a country might see as vital. Of course, Biden was asked by the German’s to extend the date, and so far, he has refused. This sets up the possibility for the Taliban to do what it does best; hold hostages for ransom. Since I don’t want to get political, I’ll leave it there. I just believe Americans expected much more than the humiliation we see in Afghanistan. Now that there has been one bomb explosion at the Kabul airport, I hope it doesn’t get worse.

It was good to see the FDA give final approval to the Pfizer vaccine. Now maybe some holdouts will feel more comfortable getting a jab. It is hard to believe the number of cases of COVID that are being reported. School districts here in Texas are closing for up to ten days. Gotta hope for some relief.

Today’s JohnKu talks about looking on the bright side of things to cope with too much bad news. I hope you have a super weekend.

The News. by John W. Howell © 2021

When the news seems dark,

Think of the bright side of it . . .

We are all still here.

68 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF”

  1. Congratulations on your progress John. At this rate you’ll soon be finished. Wednesday story day is something for us to look forward to.

    You’re right that the German’s have started down a slippery slope offering aid in exchange for the safe return of it’s Nationals. It’s a perfect excuse to delay things andak for ‘Aid’ from everyone. I do worry about the fate of the Afdghanis who worked with the allied forces but who haven’t been airlifted to safety.I worry because of the new, younger militant group who think the Taliban are too soft and who are happy to use suicide bombers indiscriminately. I hope for a happy out come for all the refugees.

    I agree with you about Pfizer, maybe FDA approval will persuade others that bthe vaccies are safe to btake and protect themselves and others.

    Have a Brilliant Weekend.
    Hugs

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Dear John,
    we absolutely agree with you. We are really privileged to live in relatively secure surroundings.
    It’s shocking that so much money is spend for military and they can’t even secure an airport.
    Well …
    Wishing you a great weekend
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. The decisions that Biden made regarding the airport (not allowing a perimeter of safety) makes it impossible to defend against suicide bombers. The bombing will now be an excuse to get out quickly which will leave thousands in jeopardy. All the tough talk by Biden now is nothing but pathetic in light of his continued weak stance against that group of uneducated thugs. They know they have won and will now be a threat to the world.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Dark and sad times indeed. Over here, COVID cases are even rising in the double-vaccinated. But, for certain, jabs help reduce the severity of infection. I’m glad the FDA has approved Pfizer now.

    John, your Haiku today is wonderful and on the mark. I love it.

    Have a wonderful weekend, everyone. Hugs x 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  6. I don’t know what it will take for some people to see the wisdom in getting a vaccine. Too many so-called “experts” and “conspiracy theorists” keep stirring the pot. Our local hospitals reached a record high for COVID hospitalizations yesterday. Doctors and nurses are stressed to the max and are in danger of burnout. Sad situation.

    Congrats on your WIP. I seriously need to get back to writing.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Searching for the bright side has been my avocation throughout my life, John. It’s hard to find one in Afghanistan, but I’ll keep looking.

    I’m glad the extra day is helping you move forward. That’s a bright side we can all agree on. Have a great weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Congrats on getting more work done on the WIP, John! Our governor announced the second highest number of cases this week since the pandemic began. Hoping the CDC approval will convince more folks to get vaccinated. Have a great weekend!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Having worked closely with Marine vets for a decade, I’m deeply disturbed by what is happening in Afghanistan. Tears flow easily for these brave young men and for all who suffer the failure of our government. I stand with their families and with those pleading for help. May God have mercy on us all. 💙

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Congratulations on making progress on your WIP, John. I imagine that free day from blogging goes a long way in helping as you said.

    I fear that COVID, like the flu, is something we will be living with for many years to come. I saw a news report about a group of doctors and nurses in Florida who staged a walkout from their hospital (I don’t think it was a long one) to protest the influx of people who are not vaccinated. Their ICU is full and they’re at breaking point. So very sad.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Congratulations on WIP progress, John! I thought it was good news that the FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine. It’s so crazy. I have friends and family on both sides of the fence and it’s frustrating, to say the least. As for Afghanistan, I think about all the soldiers who gave their lives or returned home with missing limbs emotionally scarred, and how they must feel as if it was all in vain. So sad. But, as you say in your JohnKu, I am thankful for today and that I’m still breathing!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. I live in a high anti vax area so at least this has been consistent and not related to COVID. But does put us at the top of high cases in CA. But you are right at least we are here.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. John, I applaud your move to work on your WIP on that “story day.” Good for you, using your time wisely! And I’m excited to hear you’re making good headway with it! Have a wonderful weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Until the last two days, we’ve never had more than two people die in our county in one day. Yesterday it was three; Today it was six. We need some hope.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Congrats on your progress, John. That has to feel good. I’m waiting for the final confirmation on my book, then it will be available hopefully on 9/1. It’s taken longer than I had planned but finally coming together. A blog post is on the horizon. 🙂
    And your words are perfect for current times. Have a good weekend and Happy writing!

    Like

      1. Thanks so much, John. I appreciate that, and because the process has been slower, I haven’t even thought that far. 🙂 But I’ll let you know when it’s up and running.

        Liked by 1 person

        2. Thanks for the advice, John. Maybe I’ll send out an email…but I’ll wait until I get confirmation. Hopefully, that will be tomorrow. I’ll do the same for your new book too, so keep me posted. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  25. …. well, I’m glad this 20 year part of Afgstn is over.
    Next… who knows?

    Lol… yes, we are still here, most of the 7.7 billion of us that haven’t died from Covid or war!

    I’m happy to be here. Still I can’t help but think – Hold on! It’s going to be a bumpy ride! (a twist on Bette’s line in All about Eve)

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.