![](https://johnwhowell.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_2039.jpeg?w=640&h=435)
“Okay, Lucy. Now explain this again.”
“It’s the sun coming through the living room windows to the porch.”
“You know how crazy that sounds, right?”
“I guess, but it’s true.”
It is Friday again. Yahoo. We can all use a Friday. This was a short week given the holiday on Monday. So, here we are, ready for a weekend.
I’m so glad football season is finally here. Since I have a tough time getting the Steeler broadcasts here in Texas, I have to be satisfied with the college team broadcasts that come our way. So I hunt down Notre Dame, West Virginia University, Michigan State, and Baylor. Those are the places where we went or sent money. I guess I’m pretty lucky to have such a choice.
COVID cases are at the highest level since March. I’m wearing my mask and will be getting a booster as soon as I figure out where to go and when. The information on boosters is very sporadic. The White House set up some additional vaccination mandates covering areas that the Fed can control. In addition, businesses with 100 or more employees need to have all employees vaccinated or tested. OSHA will do the policing for the mandate. States are likely going to challenge the mandate as it relates to business requirements.
Here is a list and link to all the California wildfires. We have to keep praying for some relief. The good news is the Dixie, and Caldor fires are over 50 % contained but more needs to be done. Sadly a firefighter from the Dixie fire succumbed to illness. (no other details)
- Dixie Fire (Butte, Lassen, Plumas, Shasta, and Tehama counties)
- Caldor Fire (El Dorado County)
- Bridge Fire (Placer County)
- McFarland Fire (Trinity County)
- River Complex (Siskiyou County)
- Monument Fire (Trinity County)
- Antelope Fire (Siskiyou County)
- Beckwourth Complex (Plumas, Lassen counties)
- Tamarack Fire (Alpine County)
- Lava Fire (Siskiyou County)
The Taliban released a flight with about 30 Americans and 170 others on Thursday. This was the first release of stranded citizens and friends since August 31st. Let’s hope it is the beginning of 100% success for those who want to leave. Let’s also hope that this release came without paying a ransom.ย (no one is talking about that right now)
Today’s JohnKu talks about keeping positive. I hope you all have a great weekend.
Attitude by John W. Howell ยฉ 2021
Who controls your mood?
Directing positive or not . . .
Look in a mirror.
Great Haiku, John. Good news about the releases from Afghanistan. I hope the fires get dowsed soon. Have a good weekend ๐
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Harmony. ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful JohnKu, John. The media certainly doesn’t control my mood. I called my doctor last week and was able to get my third shot that same day. I did some research regarding my immunosuppressant medication and discovered that two doses of the vaccine didn’t give me adequate protection. I hope your doctor can assist you. Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good idea, Jill. I’ll give him a call. ๐ It’s funny but that is the last person I thought to contact.
LikeLike
I’m eight months out from my second dose and if I can get a booster, I will. This surge is worse than the others. Oh for the days when we were “normal.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m wondering why so far between shots? I’m with you on the normal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you get enough football to keep you smiling John. I’m sorry the Covid figures are still high and that there are still so many fires having to be fought. It’s a shame about the fireman. I’m pleased that the Taliban released some more people even though I know they’re trying to get Afghan money frozen by banks around the world, and this would be a reason .
Have a great weekend
Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is sad the world needs to rely on those thugs for the safety of its citizens. There will be more hijinks to come I’m guessing. Have a great weekend yourself, David.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All I can say is I hope the new federal mandates have the desired effect.
LikeLike
If so the loss of personal freedom will be worth it I think. Thanks, Liz
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, John. I agree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Liz
LikeLike
I really don’t think that doctors and nurses have been wearing masks all these years just to make a fashion statement – so I’m wearing mine. I go to a doctor associated with a medical group that specializes in seniors, so I leave the vaccine decisions to them – we were fully “shot up” in April, so I guess they’ll let us know when we’re ready for a booster.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree with you. GP.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Iโm waiting to hear about boosters. Since I got my shots through work, I assume thatโs where the boosters will come from.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds logical. ๐
LikeLike
I enjoy watching American football, too, the pro football teams. Tampa Bay squeeked by Dallas last night. Have a good weekend, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Any team that beats Dallas is okay by me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great haiku, John, and I love the exchange between the pups. Anymore, the four-legged creatures bring balance to the world’s imbalance. Have a wonderful weekend — hopefully with a good football game. ๐
LikeLike
Thank you, Gwen. Have a wonderful weekend as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent JohnKu and so very true, too!
I am always blown away but the number of fires burning all over. It’s so scary. Let us hope that they can contain and stop (wishful thinking, maybe) these fires altogether.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadly there is more lightening forecasted for California. Pretty much like throwing a match on gasoline.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ugh. No kidding. Mother Nature will have her way with the earth no matter what we do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
๐
LikeLike
Hubby can’t always get the Steelers games here in KY, but they usually put him in a bad mood anyway, lol. Have a great weekend, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Steelers are like that for sure. Thanks, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I lived out of state, I always had DIRECTV so I could get the Steelers and Penguins games. (Paid through the nose, but we got them.) Now I’m back in PA, and I’m less interested because of all the protesting at sporting events. Sigh. It would be nice to have something that’s supposed to be fun remain fun and un-politicized. Maybe that’s part of your “choosing to stay positive” message. Gosh, I’m tired. Sure doesn’t feel like a four-day week.
Have a great weekend, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes life comes at you fast. That mirror has to be an ally and not part of the issue. Thank you, Staci. I agree on the protests. I don’t think people know how to have a good time anymore.๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Troubling times for sure. Looking forward to a weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m with you. Thanks, Craig.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I looked in the mirror and I saw Typhoid Mary. She was looking for a date. I told her that Covid Charley does not live here. She left. Mood control levels remained stable. Tullamore Dew levels diminished by the predictable three fingers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keep an eye on that Tullamore Dew level. May be some evaporation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This may be your best JohnKu yet! It’s at least in the top ten. We cannot control what is around us, but we can control how we react. Great reminder! So glad there is some progress on the fires and Afghanistan. So much tragedy. Yes, to the booster!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the nice words, Jan ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
I, too, am glad for college football’s return (I just can’t help shuddering when I see those full stadiums, with people packed shoulder to shoulder!) Indoor stuff here requires a mask — policing the rule is harder though. Stay safe, John, and have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I shudder as well, Debbie. Too much for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Staying positive is hard these days.for sure. Fridays help!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes they do. Happy Friday, Jo.
LikeLike
That is a lot of fires John. Have a good weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is. Thanks, Guy. Have a good one too.
LikeLike
Two Graces & the Friday in sunshine! ๐ ๐ ๐ Have a nice week-end, dear John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m wishing you a nice weekend too Dear Maria. ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll be in line for my booster as soon as they become available.
It’s been a rough week in many ways. I’m looking forward to a relaxing weekend and football on Sunday. Have a good one, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think a lot of folks have had a rough one. I hope you enjoy the weekend. ๐
LikeLike
I am a huge sports fan, but football is my favorite sport, so I’m fired up too. I like both the pro and college games. Not a bad opener last night. I also will get the booster when the time comes. Quite naturally, not all of the information is clear about that yet. Thanks for pointing out all of our wildfire troubles. Trinity County is next to us here in Humboldt County. Last year, we set a record for acres burned in California, and we’re ahead of that pace this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stay safe, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy that you’re keeping safe, John. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Teagan. Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Also love the Haiku, John! Lets hope the wildfires will be stopped, and all will find a happy ending. Have a beautiful weekend, and please stay save. xx Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think things are slowing down. Have a great weekend as well Michael.
LikeLike
Itโs harder than ever to maintain a positive outlook, John, but I work at it. You have to ignore a lot of people, but itโs worth it,
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thnk the key is to be your own guide. Thanks, Dan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wise words! So, I looked in the mirror. I was terrified! Someone changed my face.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine too. Where did all those wrinkles come from?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hmm… possibly from the wrinkle factory! Unfortunately there is an elf/nymph type being, with supersonic wings. You can’t hear it come or go, but it enters your mirror and pastes up the wrinkles.
Then when you look, you have a wrinkly face.
I’m really great at ironing. I used to iron my sister’s disgustingly curly hair (0.50) per pressing.
….. just looking in the mirror…. thinking out loud!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your stream of thought. ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is very steamy! I find the mirror looks better that way. There’s no mirror emoji. I’ll have to use ๐ฅ.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes bourbon can stand in for a mirror anytime.
LikeLiked by 1 person
…Or a stiff bottle of wine! Why not? I particularly like the green wine bottles, when they are empty. I look quite lovely as a pickle head!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looking through a wine bottle is the best,
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Wrinkle Rack. It’s a new store that the mirror gremlins shop at!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hahahaha. Love it. ๐คฃ
LikeLiked by 2 people
๐
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wise words, John. It’s so hard to stay positive, but a better attitude benefits through the tough times. This new fire season is so scary. I’m beginning to dread summer and fall now, and that’s not good. It’s very sad and I hope it’s not too late for changes. On a happier note, I hope you’re enjoying your weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes we have no forests burning down so we are happy campers. Thanks, Lauren. Stay safe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The powers that be have lifted all the evacuation orders in our county due to the Caldor Fire and we’ve had now two days of clear skies. Thanks to the hard work the firefighters are doing. It’s so nice to be able to go outside again!!
He-Man finds the Steeler games online since he too has a hard time finding them on the T.V.
I hope your week-end is going well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I looked for the game today but couldn’t find it on line.
LikeLike
Lots going on in Texas right now, John? I am having my second jab today so don’t really want to hear about a booster yet [Sigh!] I enjoyed your haiku.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Robbie. ๐ Good to get that second one. You will be good for 8 months before the booster.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Only 8 months …. Eeek!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Only eight months.
LikeLiked by 1 person
โค
LikeLike
I am glad football is here to bring on some needed fun. John, did you go to WVU? I’m from Huntington, so a Marshall fan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I went to Notre Dame and Michigan State University. The Producer went to WVU.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah! Thanks, John.
LikeLiked by 2 people