Views of the Neighborhood – Rockers and Swings

Since this is pre-Fourth of July, The Producer and I thought we might like some Fourth of July decoration photos. Unfortunately, the folks in the neighborhood did not agree since none of the decorations are up. So we had to switch gears and bring you the next best thing. (wait for it) Porch swings and rocking chairs. (I have O2 on the bus for anyone whose breath has been taken away.)  At least it is a nice summer day for an outing. We are being catered by Kome of Austin. Our entertainment is Kid Rock.

Menu

sushi a-go-go classic rolls

Austin – krab salad, avocado, tuna, eel sauce, sesame seeds

crunchy dynamite –  spicy tuna, avocado, tempura crunch, sesame seeds

Earth, wind & fire – avocado, cucumber, carrot, spinach, candied jalapeño, tomato, sunflower seeds

Fat samurai – salmon, yellowtail, tuna, shrimp, krab salad, avocado, cucumber, spinach, carrot

Go-go – bbq eel, cream cheese, avocado, go-go sauce, eel sauce, sesame seeds

Koko – inari, cucumber, avocado, sesame seeds

Chef’s signature rolls

Midnight sun  (tempura fried) – smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, candied jalapeño, topped with sunflower seeds and go-go sauce

Endo in NY  (rice paper) – salmon, striped bass, cucumber, cilantro, carrot, spinach, topped with gold tobiko, side of Thai chili fish sauce

Superstar – tuna, shrimp, squid, umè, daikon, cucumber, gold tobiko

Tarantula – shrimp tempura, softshell crab, avocado, carrot, spinach, sesame seeds, topped with black tobiko, go-go sauce, tx green sauce

Alone together – tuna, salmon, yellowtail, topped with bbq eel, go-go sauce, eel sauce, tempura crunch

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go.

So here we have a rocker grill combo.

Secluded swing.

Rockers and spitoon. (just kidding. It’s an ashtray.)

Lovely swing.

Classic rockers and fountain.

Treehouse swing.

Rockers and flags.

Classic swing.

Good ole Texas rockers.

Rockers, lantern, and a bong.

Rocker for two.

Sweet porch swing.

Moma, babies, and rockers.

We hope you enjoyed the tour and wish you a super week. Now relax, have some food and listen to the music.

 

111 comments

  1. Writer Lori's avatar

    Is there anything more relaxing than rocking on the porch on a quiet summer afternoon? Love the vibe, John. Hope you and the Producer have a lovely holiday weekend!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Lori. I hope you have a relaxing holiday as well.

      Like

  2. Darlene's avatar

    Greta photos. Put a whole new spin on ‘old rockers’! I do love Kid Rock and that video certainly took me back. (I won’t say how long) to when we would party at the lake.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Nothing better than a party near the water. Thanks, Darlene.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. GP's avatar

    After all my raving about your neighborhood, they rejected patriotism on July 4th weekend? I’m very disappointed in them.
    Great photos on your part, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      No, I’m just too early.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Priscilla Bettis's avatar

    I love to read in a rocker in pleasant weather with a little breeze to keep the mosquitoes away.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Sounds like heaven. Thanks for creating the scene, Vera.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. shoreacres's avatar

    I spent weeks in the summer reading on the swing on my grandparents’ front porch. Good times!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’ll bet it was. Thanks for sharing, Linda.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    I’m sad to see the lack of patriotism, but maybe the neighbors are running behind. I’ve always loved rocking chairs. Great shots, John! Stay cool.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I was a bit early, Jill. The decorations are starting to come out. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Dan Antion's avatar

    Great places to sit a spell, John. I’ll nibble on an Earth, wind & fire.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good choice, Dan. Happy Fourth.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    All of those look really relaxing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They do. Thanks, Charles.

      Like

  9. Gwen M. Plano's avatar

    Rockers on the porch … so many lovely memories. Thanks for sharing, John. I loved the journey.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for coming along, Gwen.

      Like

  10. Maggie's avatar

    One of the biggest disappointments in our choice of a retirement home is that we did not get a porch and a porch swing. I am enjoying this tour around the neighborhood.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Maggie. There is something magical about a swing. Sorry you don’t have one. (I don’t either.)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Maggie's avatar

        Maybe when we move to a one story home I will get one.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          There you go.

          Liked by 1 person

  11. Dale's avatar

    Here are all these rockers on porches and I don’t even own one! I’m feeling remiss. I love the swings. My dream: Wrap-around porch with a swing placed in just the right spot. Sigh.
    And… a grill on the front porch? That is so very bizarre!
    That was some good eats and tune! Happy Sunday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dale.I thought the grill was bizarre as well. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        Hey yo! Everyone! Look at me, the BBQ King! 😁

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          😁 My grill’s bigger than yours.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          Haha! It is Texas, after all 😉

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes it is. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

  12. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    There’s something quite iconic about a porch swing or rocker. They just ooze Americana.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Monika. Thanks for the thought.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. noelleg44's avatar

    Do people sit out on their front porches? When it’s nice weather here (temps below 85) we have a lot of sitters. Hard to take a walk without stopping for a talk! And I’ll take that krab salad, please! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Around here you have to sit at night. Daytime is just too hot.

      Like

      1. noelleg44's avatar

        Temp with humidity 112 today! I think I’ll stay inside!

        Liked by 1 person

  14. srbottch's avatar

    Fantastic swings. Nice menu. But I really enjoyed the video, especially the visuals. HOLY MACKERAL! I enjoyed it even without the music…but the music was good. I need to hear more Kid Rock.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      He’s a Detroit native as am I so I’m fond of his music.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. srbottch's avatar

        Have you seen his mansion in Nashville? He’s done well. Ted Nugent is another rocker from Detroit area. I visited his small store on a sales trip in Detroit. As I’m sure you know, he’s an avid hunter, bow/arrow, I believe. The store was all hunting paraphernalia.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I have not seen his place in Nashville. Bob Seger is another Detroit native.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. srbottch's avatar

          I saw him interviewed on Tucker Carlson. Huge house. Quite a character.

          Liked by 1 person

        3. srbottch's avatar

          Really like Bob Seger. Plenty of recording artists came out of Detroit.

          Liked by 1 person

  15. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Rocking chairs, and swings… reminds me of when I lived in Marshall, Mi! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I love Marshall Michigan. The houses are so beautiful. Loved Win Schuler’s restaurant.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tom's avatar

        Loved the cheese spread.

        Liked by 2 people

  16. circadianreflections's avatar

    I’ll have my lunch on one of those nice porches with a rocker if I may please?

    I’ve always wanted a front porch, but right now I’m happy with my back patio/porch. Happy Independence Week-end, John! 🧨🎆🎆

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You have those fabulous views too. Happy Fourth, Deborah.

      Like

      1. circadianreflections's avatar

        Happy 4th to you too! 🧨🎆

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Thank you, Deborah.

          Liked by 1 person

  17. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    I can’t help but notice how empty the porch swings are. No fool would want to be out in your heat right now. Stay cool, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true. I don’t know for sure but I think they are used more in the spring and fall or at night.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Roberta Eaton Cheadle's avatar
    Roberta Eaton Cheadle · ·

    Hi John, there are some lovely houses in your area.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes there are for sure. Thanks, Robbie.

      Like

  19. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    creative and fun times ahead. Enjoy John!❤️🇺🇸

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Cindy. You as well.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

        You’re so welcome.. Thanks a lot! 💗

        Liked by 1 person

  20. John Hric's avatar

    Happy 4th John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, John. Happy Fourth to you.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Tom's avatar

    John,
    I must take issue with the swing for two. It sure looks like a swing for one to me 😂😂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Rocker for one? A big one.

      Like

  22. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    John, this is actually one of your most satisfying tours. That menu sounds scrumptious — perfect for this hot weather. All the porches and swings looked so relaxing and inviting. I love the idea of that stone house with the swing on the balcony. It must be a splendid house. Have a relaxing Sunday. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Aw. You are so kind, Teagan. Thank you so much. Glad you liked the tour.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Debbie's avatar

    There’s something so relaxing about sitting in a rocking chair and feeling the rhythmic motion of moving it. But I’ve never fully understood rockers for two. It just feels counter-productive to rock at somebody else’s pace!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think you are right Debbie. Does seem counter relaxing having another galoot on board the rocker.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Porch swings and rockers are the best! Gliders are wonderful, too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I remember when a neighbor got a steel glider. It was something in the 50s.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        My grandparents had one on the screened-in summer cottage at Cape Elizabeth. It had lots of cushions for comfy reading and daydreaming.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Sounds wonderful.

          Liked by 1 person

  25. Book Club Mom's avatar

    A nice selection of seats, John. There’s something about sitting outside and contemplating…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Very true, Barbara.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    This was a peaceful and satisfying tour – good switch and one of your better ones. Perfect for summer. I’ll take the house with the spitoon or the moma and babies. We have two weathered rockers on the patio but would love a swing too. Summer calls…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yup. Summer is here. Thanks, Jo.

      Like

  27. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    They all look comfy, but I’m a big partial to porch swings. Thanks for sharing! Happy 4th!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Happy 4th to you as well, Jan.

      Like

  28. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Nice, John, and great music for the rockers! I played some Duke Ellington for the swings. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good idea, Tim. I can almost hear the A-Train now.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

        The A Train? Okay, “Let’s Ride,” and tell the conductor “Drop Me Off in Harlem!” 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          You go ahead. I’m going to go to the end of the line.

          Liked by 1 person

  29. Resa's avatar

    Wow, lotsa rockers where you live.
    Lotsa rockers here, too, but they’re not the relaxing kind.

    LOVE porch swings. I haven’t seen one in a long time. Of course I haven’t been out of the city’s centre for a long time.
    Good food on this trip; nice and light for eating in the heat.

    Speaking of heat, I keep hearing reports of Texas and how dangerous the heat is.
    I’m sure you are staying safe, and keeping Twiggy inside.

    Odd, but cool song! Speaking of cool, the herd needs some!

    🧊🐂🐂🐂🐂🧊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We have has temps above 100 for the last 11 days. Today is only 91 so we are feeling cool now. Here is some nice cool water for the herd 🚰🐂🐂🐂🐂🚰

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        Uch!
        91 is cool…. right! Is that with the humidity feels like index? I’ll bet it’s like 100 there.
        Thanks for the H2 Oxen!
        🚿🐂🐂🐂🐂🚿

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Feels like 97 but it is better than feels like 114. 🛁 🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂 🛁

          Like

  30. Sorryless's avatar

    I love those Texas rockers. And did you happen to notice the rocker for two blends in with the blinds from that window?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Funny how that happens. Also it’s on rocks. Lotta crunching going on.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        Haha! Yeah I think I’d pass on that one thanks. Gimme the Texas rockers, a cool breeze and a frosty adult beverage and I’m good.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Me too. Except I would like to do that in a place like Pennsylvania where a hot day is still livable. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Sorryless's avatar

          Man, it sounds rough in your neck of the woods right now. I talked to my daughter who’s settling in at her new place in Vermont . . . temps in the sixties. Nice.

          Liked by 1 person

  31. Jennie's avatar

    People! It’s our country’s birthday! Sorry, just sad that you had a hard time finding July 4th decorations. Hubby and I had a new American flag made from a wood carver. I’ll post it on the 4th. Best to you, John. Enjoy the 4th!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I have my flag up.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        Good to know! And, of course you do. Apologies for sounding ‘kinda awful’ about the neighborhood.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I can only imagine because the fourth is on Tuesday that everyone is delayed. (I have to do my post on Saturdays for obvious reasons) The city had a problem with the flags they normally put out and had to pick them all up. I normally do a feature on those but could not this year. You weren’t awful. I felt the same. 🤗

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Jennie's avatar

          You make some good points. Thank you, John. 🙂 🇺🇸

          Liked by 1 person

  32. coldhandboyack's avatar

    That is a great collection of photos. I’ve never seen someone make a collection about porch rockers. You might be onto the next great coffee table book.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thanks, Craig

      Liked by 1 person

  33. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    Big fan of porch sitting. Thanks for the tour 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for coming along, Denise.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Teri Polen's avatar

    We’ve got rockers, but never had a place for a swing. Love that one attached to the tree.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It does look terrific in person too.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. dgkaye's avatar

    Loved the porch chairs and the sushi. Happy 4th! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Debby.

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Unknown's avatar

    […] Views of the Neighborhood – Rockers and Swings […]

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for sharing my post

      Like

  37. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Oh, sweet summer days! The blue chicken people are crazy for umbrellas right on their balconies. It looks weird…thank you for a romantic stroll, dear John!🙂🌷🍨🍤🍤🍤🍻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m sure it does look weird. I guess they are afraid of their blue chicken getting sunburn.

      Liked by 1 person