“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.
Fiction Favorites 
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
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, David. Have a lovely weekend too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Harmony. Yes, we are still here and yes, we have each other to lean upon. Have a lovely weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your progress, John. I’m inching along myself. My prayers are with those families who lost loved ones yesterday. We can never lose hope.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish we had a leader who wasn’t so focused on his political agenda. He is now costing lives by his mistakes. You are right we can never lose hope.
LikeLike
I don’t think I want to watch the news this morning . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me either. Thanks, Liz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are having so much fun with reading and reviews. Maybe this is what you need right now. Writing can wait. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true, John. After releasing two books in the spring, I needed a break.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You deserve it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheers to your writing progress! Some of the hesitant are getting the vaccine now that it is approved. Others who were waiting have a new excuse for not getting it. On to the weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know of an excuse that makes dying worthwhile. As foe me I keep my distance and mask. Thanks, Frank.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree it’s hard to find a bright spot in the Afghan situation. If anyone can find one you can. Thanks, Dan. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to be a downer today, John, but there 13 of us who aren’t around.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Exactly. Thanks to the decisions of the Commander and Chief.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too on the vaccine. Have a great weekend. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gotta look for the bright side of things. It’s been a terrible week.
Glad to hear you’re making progress on your WIP.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thaks, Staci. Finally figured out where the stupid this was headed
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s at least half the battle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
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. 💙
LikeLiked by 1 person
And help Biden see the error of his ways, although it is probably too late. Thanks, Gwen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadly, I’ve already seen people change their argument in the face of FDA approval. They simply don’t want the shot. Many are more scared of it than the disease.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. Seems very weird.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is sad. Would love to know where all this is going. Thanks, Mae.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are 12 Marines not so fortunate
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you stay safe, Denise.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Debbie. Have a wonderful weekend as well
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the Johnku and the update on your WIP. Have a restful weekend … you deserve it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You as well, Marie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are such scary times. Good thing we have our fur kids.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed. Thanks, Luanne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Folks need to take this seriously. The unvaccinated are dying. The vaccinated mostly just sick. Masks and separation is the key.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLike
Looking forward to your book, Lauren. I would love to help with the launch by running a post too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You ought to put out a call for volunteers and then do a couple of posts to send to those who step up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like you’ve made some good decisions. Glad your current project is moving forward, and I’m sure the Wednesday story will start up eventually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True enough. In the meantime, I sure like that free time though. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, we have lots to be thankful for. Have a good week-end, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You as well, Deborah
LikeLiked by 1 person
No matter my late 55th comment, dear John, let it be a true peanut Friday for the Twiggy Resort. Hurrah! 😁😁😁🎉🎉🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s to the peanuts. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
…. 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)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Hang on for dear life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m installing guard rails, as we speak!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really like your JohnKu after such a difficult week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Puts us all in direct control. Thanks, Jennie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like the close door button on the elevator.
LikeLiked by 2 people
😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
🤣
LikeLiked by 2 people
Excellent poem, John. Where there’s life, there’s hope.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Or the otherway too.
LikeLiked by 2 people