If a deity is in charge of coffee, then it would be a good idea to offer thanks. The dark, steamy liquid waits for my approving sigh. There it is, the first sip and then the crashing reminder of that box on the back patio. Yelling, “What a curse,” does no good for poor Twiggy’s nerves. She can only react to the volume level of the expression.
Once Twiggy is off the ceiling, finding out what is in the box must be addressed. Another ear placed against the box produces the same result as last time, namely, no sound. A crowbar comes in handy to remove the top. Peering over the edge gives no information since whatever is in there is surrounded by packing material.
Pulling out each piece of material gets me down to another box. The top is quick work, and inside is a clock. It appears to be an old-fashioned alarm clock with two large bells on the top. On the back is a key to wind for the clock and one to wind for the alarm. There is also a third key that is unmarked. The thought goes through my mind that this is a strange gift from the CEO of Warner Brothers. Instructions for the clock are in the box as well. When there’s time, they should be read.
While holding and inspecting the clock, my attention goes to a sudden movement beside the box. It is a carrier pigeon with a message attached to its leg. The message when unrolled reads Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “material.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun! Obviously, it is from Linda Hill. If you would like to read other responses to the prompt, visit Linda’s blog at https://lindaghill.com/2023/10/20/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-21-2023/
Material by John W. Howell © 2023
“You sure Linda doesn’t set up these prompts for you?”
“Of course, I’m sure. Very coincidental, I would say.”
“I mean, having a box filled with packing material is very suspect.”
“I can assure you she doesn’t play favorites.”
“What is with the clock?”
“I wish I knew.”
“Who’s running this blog anyway?
“I wish I knew that too.”
“You are hopeless. You would think you controlled your own material.”
“Look at you with the prompt word.”
“Slipped out. Didn’t do it on purpose.”
“Sure.”
“You ready for the pub.”
“You order Über?”
“Right over there.”
“I don’t see a haywagon.”
“No, right there.”
image by Dan Antion
“Oh, that 88 corvette?”
“That’s the one.”
“How are we both going to fit.”
“You’ll sit on my lap.”
“Oh, brother. Why can’t we get normal Über drivers?”
“We save the equivalent of two Voo Doo Rangers this way.”
“Say no more. Let’s go.”
Fiction Favorites 
A fun post, John 🎃
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Thank you, Robbie. 😊
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This was fun to read! Happy Saturday, John!
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Thank you, Barbara. Glad you liked it.
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I’ve never taken an Uber but this one sounds interesting. Good story, John! Enjoy your Saturday.
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Thank you, JIll. Happy Saturday to you * Sung to the tune of Let’s Think About Livin’ by Bob Luman
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My mother and I love that song! 🙂
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Me too.
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Nice ride this time. Surprised there isn’t a coffee deity.
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I think maybe there is.
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‘Once Twiggy is off the ceiling…’ great line, John, and fun story. 😄
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Thank you, Gwen. So glad you enjoyed it.
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Hmmm…. you’ve another week to (maybe) figure out the what’s what with the clock!
That’s a nice old ‘Vette. My dad had a canary yellow one back in the late 70’s. Bummer I wasn’t old enough to have my license!
Happy Saturday and we shall Cheers later!
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Thanks, Dale. I have an idea about the clock which I didn’t explain. There is a third set of hands on the face with some numbers. (The key on the back that was not labeled winds those up.) Cheers tonight.
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Most interesting…
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Yeah, I think you’ll like it.
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Looking forward to it!
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😊
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Good one, John! 🙂 Sitting on somebody’s lap in a ’88 Corvette hard-top could be a head bumper, but the two Voo Doo Rangers might make a few knots on your head feel better. The alarm clock with instructions tells me more is coming. 😀
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Yup more is coming on that item. Head bumper is right.
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Poor Twiggy! Did you let the pigeon go? or was it stuffed?
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The pigeon went back home. 😁
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Undoubtedly to bring another message sometime.
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Yes, indeed.
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Poor Twiggy. Probably wishes you had gone to that wedding this weekend…
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I’m sure. Yelling is not her favorite thing. 😊
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I enjoyed reading this post. I wouldn’t enjoy the Uber ride.
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No the Über ride would be a little cramped
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Thanks for the grins and giggles on this rainy Saturday morning!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it Liz.
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Saving up for an extra beer is always a good plan.
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No matter what it costs. Thank you, Craig.
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Poor Twiggy, never fun being on the ceiling. Love the Uber ride!
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Especially with her trimmed nails. Thanks, Denise,
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Great use of the prompt, John. And that 88 vette was not made for passengers. 🙂
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No it was not. Hence the fare savings.
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Ha ha ha! You have so much fun writing these posts! And we have so much fun reading them.
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I do, Pam. Thank you. I’m glad you like them
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You have me curious about that third key and those extra hands, John. What did you do to the CEO of Warner Brothers?
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I did pitch a story involving a clock. Maybe it will come to life
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I find clocks fascinating.
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Me too.
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Too many Voo Doo Rangers and you’ll be whistling ‘Material Girl’. That Voo Doo kick will help anyone whistle.
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The third key is very intriguing. Well done on the prompt, John.
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Thank you, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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It’s all about the Voodoo, so yes, they made the right choice.
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They did.
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Love that Corvette. Corvettes are my fave cars of all time.
I’ll bet the seat material is great!
Have a VooDoo on me!
Still in a fog… OXen went missing in the last comment.
I found them here!
🐂🐂
🐂
🐂. ,….. 🐂
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They do wander off at times. Need a cowboy. 🐎 🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂
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Yeehaw!
Round ’em up Rawhide!
🐎 🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂 🐎
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Ye haw.🐎 🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂 🐎 🦬
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LOL
🐑 🐎 🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂 🐎 🦬
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We now have a menagerie
🐑 🐎 🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂 🐎 🦬 🐖
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Sounds like you’re play pass the parcel with all that wrapping material. As to the alarm clock are you sure that there is nothing strapped to it??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣
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You mean like these red sticks with all the wires?
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Yes indeed…..step away…. Put it down gently and step away 💜💜💜
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I’ll take your advice.
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Good 👍
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Well, before I go there’s this plunger sticking up in the air. I’ll just push it down and be on my way. 😁
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Nooooooooo! ….
🎆🎆
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😁
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😁😁😁
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