While getting ready for a library book appearance this afternoon, there was an envelope on the kitchen counter which had been overlooked. It left from yesterday’s mail delivery. Since it was from my dental insurance provider, opening it seemed to be a good idea. It was from the head of client services, and she wanted to let me know that if I do nothing, my coverage will continue on January 1, 2022.
I felt all warm inside until I saw the date of the letter was October 15. I had to wonder why there was such a delay. This caused me to read further and come to a section that detailed that my premium was not going to change next year. Well, that’s good, was my thought. Then looking at the premium amount, a surprise jumped out. The amount listed was $11.00 more than I thought. With my finger resting on the word ‘premium,’ my other hand went to the web. Sure enough, the amounts were the same.
A further look at payment history showed the price of my premium went up by $11.00 back in May of 2019. “Where the hell have you been?” This was a question that seemed to have no answer. A call to customer service confirmed the increase and the fact that my autopay took care of it.
Disconnecting in a state of stun, the wondering mind turned to all the other autopay accounts, and then the doorbell rang. The first action was getting Twiggy off the ceiling. The second was to look at the ring camera mage, which showed a guy standing there waving an envelope. I spoke to him through the intercom. “Just drop it.” “No can do.” Finally came the reply, “Special delivery.”
I picked up Twiggy and went to open the door. She is visible through the glass doing her Tasmanian devil impersonation while throwing foam left and right. The guy must have had a second thought since he threw down the envelope and broke the Olympic record covering the 100 yards to his truck.
Putting Twiggy back down, making sure she was breathing normally, I retrieved the envelope. Here is what was inside.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “close eyes and point.” Grab the closest printed material to you when you sit down to write your post, open it up (if it’s a book, flyer, etc.), close your eyes, and point. Whatever your finger lands on, use that as your prompt. Have fun!
If you would like to have, fun visit Linda’s blog and see how easy it is. Here is the link.
/https://lindaghill.com/2021/11/05/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-6-2021/
Premium by John W. Howell © 2021
“Look at you.”
“What?”
“Put your finger on the word premium. You know what you can do with that?”
“I think it’s done.”
“Aw, Naw. You’re not gonna let that story stand as your contribution.”
“I think I am.”
“Come on. You can do a ton of things.”
“Why don’t you write one.”
“What?”
“I said —”
“I know what you said. You must be crazy.”
“Why”
“I don’t write. I review. You know the old adage?”
“Tell me.”
“If you can’t do, review.”
“Please, I heard it a different way.”
“Anyway, I’m a beer expert, not a wordsmith.”
“So get on with your expertise.”
“Premium or lite?”
“Very funny.”
“Maybe I could write.”
“Stick with your strength.”
Fiction Favorites 
[…] your John Howell’s Special, David and your Corona, Dan. Please tell me that was the end of your version of […]
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Well done and appropriate to the season, John. “No premium increase…today, while you’re paying attention.” Maybe Twiggy should guard your accounts. Autopay is great, until it becomes aiding and abetting. I hope you have a nice quiet weekend.
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Now, there’s an idea–have Twiggy guard John’s accounts!
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😊
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Thank you, Dan. Off to an author even this PM. Not too quiet I hope. 😁
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I hope not 😏
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Ha ha! Brilliantly done!
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Thank you, Pamela. 😁
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Lol! Hilarious, John! I’m glad your first reaction was to rescue Twiggy.😉Happy Saturday!
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Thank you, Jill. Happy Saturday to you * sung to the tune of Betty Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes
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A premium story for the prompt, John!
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Thank you, GP. 😁
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This is a fun story, John. There’s a Tasmanian devil in my neighborhood but thankfully, he loves me, and always wants my hugs. Enjoy your weekend — and your beer. 😊
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Who wouldn’t love you, Gwen. Of course, he does. Thanks. 😁
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I was impressed when you picked the dog up. I don’t think I could lift one of mine, and Frankie wiggles too much.
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Twiggy weighs 25 pounds which is amazing to me since she is so small. I can’t imagine you picking up your dogs.
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Frankie is the small one. She’s 55lbs
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Not surprising 😁
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Twiggy does come in handy when you don’t want to deal with people at the door! Excellent take on the prompt and I wish you a fabulous author’s thing this evening! Lots of people, lots of sales…
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Thank you Dale. I’m back and it was great. I have the photo on our Views of the Neighborhood tomorrow.
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Well done, John. 🙂 “If you can’t do, review.” I’ve heard that one, but a bit different.
Those that can, do. Those that can’t teach.
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Yes I heard that too but didn’t want to offend the teachers out there. 😳
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You’re right, John, but musicians can get pretty snobby. 🙂
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😁
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Another well done piece, John. The Twiggy scene had me laughing. I can only imagine her response to the doorbell. 🙂 Happy Weekend!
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This is why we have a sign above the bell “Please do not ring the doorbell.”
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“If you can’t do, review”. That’s a new one, but I need to remember it. Nicely done.
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Thank you, Charles.
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I agree you have to keep on top of all insurance, we review and change to the best deal yearly!
Have a beer on me, premium of course 💜
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I’d need a strong premium after seeing that increase! I think Twiggy should be guarding your accounts in addition to the door. 😀
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Yes. I could see her biting the CFO of the insurance company.
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😂😂
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😁
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Haha! Well done, John. Someday we should see Twiggy as the Tasmanian Devil…well maybe not.
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Not a pretty picture. Thanks, Jennie.
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That’s so funny!
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🤣 Twiggy earns the Oscar for her Tasmanian Devil impression.
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Yes it is amazing too. Thanks, Pete.
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I’m gonna have to figure out how to work in if you can’t do, review. Classic!
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Good around the zoom meeting if the boss isn’t in attendence. Tends to describe HR.
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Insurers have a habit of doing this, John, and the debit orders allow for the annual increases. I wish you’d posted a picture of Twiggy doing her Tasmanian devil impersonation – I’ve never seen one.
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Lots of paw failing, barking, and foam. Not a pretty picture. (She hates the doorbell)
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When it comes to beer, I tend to side with that famous beer expert Ben Franklin. Always choose Premium, and thank God on the other side of the toast you make.
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Yes, the thanks is very important. Thanks, Pilgrim
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Muy.
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😁
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LOL, I can’t get over you getting Twiggy off the ceiling.
The the Tasmanian Devil part had me LMAO. I knew we had something in common (Twiggy and I, not me & you).
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Shucks.
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Well, yeah…but Twiggy & Lucy are just so darned cute!! Perhaps you could get some cute tips from them?
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Not sure getting cute tips will work. 😁
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Well, then perhaps you can switch to their diet? I’m sure it’s tasty, and could be their secret to cuteness. 😂
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🤢
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Twiggy’s green ball!!!!!!
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Hahahaha. Good one.
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😀
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This is great, John, and I laughed at Twiggy’s reaction to the doorbell. Copper acts the same way, only barks loud enough to shake the roof.
Hope you enjoyed that beer!
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I’ll bet. Thanks, Lauren
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This was funny, John 🙂 nice to have Twiggy’s protection!
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Yes indeed. 😁
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Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks for the share, Michael.
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Always with a great pleasure, John! Sorry, sometimes i am really late. xx
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Beautiful! xx Michael
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Thank you, Michael.
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:-)) xx
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