Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Anyway”

~ John W. Howell

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCS

Anyway. It seems like a long wait for the machine to build that delicious, frothy, steaming cup of soothing syrup. Other activities can occur while hoping for a total lack of technical hick-up that delays delivery. Shopping online can go uninterrupted while the snorts and creaks of the machine verify continued operation. Finally, the aroma of the liquid fills the air as the cursed AI master delivers the goods.

Grabbing the cup and the first sip reminds me of the continued worry in the backyard. Pepe has been working for a week on setting up the ballista to launch the rocket out of the yard. Then, last week, the comments section produced Resa’s suggestion that the Trebuchet could launch the skunk after the missile is gone.

Such a possibility will bring welcome relief to my sanity and olfactories. The only flea in the ointment is devising a plan to get Pepe to sit in the Trebuchet for a moment before release. Also, a consideration must be made for Pepe’s safety since he will fall at a velocity that could produce injuries. A parachute of some kind would do the trick. So, the next problem will be getting Pepe to put on the chute before sitting on the Trebuchet.

As the furrows in my brow threaten my vision, the warm scent of Pepe fills the living room air. “Pardon, Monsieur, but the ballista is loaded and ready for take-off.” Trying to keep as much distance from Pepe as possible, I nod. He places an envelope on an end table and raises his eyebrows. “Let me read this. and then we will go out to inspect the ballista. Holding my breath and moving slowly, the envelope is scooped off the table. Once opened, it reveals a message from Linda Hill. It reads. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “start your post or one paragraph with the word ‘anyway.'” Bonus points if you start your post with “anyway” and regular points if you use it in a paragraph somewhere else in your post. Enjoy!

If you would like to participate in this exercise of fantasy, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/12/16/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-17-2022/

Anyway by John W. Howell © 2023

“Anyway, you did get the bonus points.”

“Yes indeed. Nailed that sucker.”

“So what are you going to do about the skunk?”

“As you read, I have a plan.”

“That skunk will empty his stink tanks on you if you try to put him in a parachute.”

“I know. So, there has to be a way to trick him.”

“You know your neighbor has a black and white cat.”

“Yeah?”

“Why don’t you outfit it with a parachute and then convince Pepe that they could go skydiving together.”

“Hmm. Not a bad plan. How do we keep the cat calm?”

“Sheesh, what am I? The military joint chiefs? That’s your problem.”

“Yeah, okay. Just thought you had an idea.”

“Give it some beer. I don’t know.”

“Wait a minute. How about some catnip?”

“Now you’re talking. Drug the cat.”

“It is not like drugs. They just love it, that is all. All Pepe has to see is the cat in the chute. The catnip will keep her happy.”

“And distracted from the chute.”

“Exactly.”

“Speaking of distracted, isn’t it time for the Pub run?”

“You want to stay here. I just got a twelve-pack of VooDoo Ranger Imperial.”

“Not sure twelve will be enough.”

“Trust me, it will.”

“How do you know?”

“Imperial is 9% Alcohol. Six for you is more than enough.”

“I’ll take your word. Got snacks?”

“Goldfish and peanuts.”

“Perfect.”

“And the price is right.”

“Even better.”

 

65 thoughts on “Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Anyway””

  3. Maybe if you rub the parachute with catnip and place it on the ground, Pepe will get tangled in it.

    Then again, six of those VooDoos and you’re going to need the parachute, John. Good job!

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Oh, my, John, I haven’t been here in awhile, and horrified to see you have that pesky skunk hanging around. Pew! I hope your plan works, but perhaps it would be easier to call animal control? What do you think?

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Anyway, Every time I make coffee, I think of you.

    Okay, in case you don’t want to launch a cat with Pepe; being the fab designer I am, I have made this stunning black silk bathrobe (out of old silks from my tickle trunk).
    Notice Pepe’s name embroidered on the back, in white!
    Pepe will love it. Tell him it’s a thank you gift from me, and that I love all the bath bombs he sent me. (Between you and me they had maliferous odeur upon arrival)
    The robe’s silk is fussed and tucked into a unique Haute Couture design, that deploys as a parachute upon being airborne.
    I hope this gift reaches you in time for the launch!
    Sincere regards, Resa.
    🐂🦨🐂🦨🐂🦨🐂

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Lol! Sounds like a workable solution. Getting the cat to cooperate might be a bit more difficult than it seems. They are known for being independent and uncooperative. Maybe a bit of tuna on the parachute. 🙂 Another entertaining Saturday post, John!

    Liked by 1 person

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