Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #424 by Keith Channing

In Keith’s words: Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem—anything, really. Either post your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.

Here is a link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/03/18/kreative-kue-424/

The photo:

Visitors by John W. Howell © 2024

“I don’t know about this fire. We might be out of propane.”

“I think we have bigger problems.”

“What do you mean?’

“I’m recording something that looks a bit strange. Do you see it, my dear?”

“The sun is in my eyes a little, but I see it too. ”

“What do you suppose it is?”

“Without propane, we won’t have lunch. What could be more important than that?”

“You want to explain it to him, my love?”

“Sidney. Forget about lunch. Keith is right. This is a big deal.”

“I can’t get my camera focused, you two. Tell Sidney what you are seeing.”

“Go ahead, Keith. Tell him.”

“Yes, my dear. I can’t be certain, but it looks like giant ants are heading this way.”

“Giant ants? You’ve got to be kidding.”

“No, have a look for yourself.”

“OMG. It never fails. Try to have lunch outdoors, and these unwelcome visitors show up. I’ll go get the ant powder.”

“Sid, it’s going to take more than powder. They look to be the size of busses.”

“Okay, then we’ll just let them have the steak.”

“I don’t think that will be enough.”

“What then?”

“I think we’d better make a run for it.”

 

 

71 comments

  1. Keith Edgar Channing's avatar

    Hmm. Make a run for giant ants? I don’t think chicken wire will hold them in. Oh – you didn’t mean like a chicken run (although running could be seen as chicken). Did either of those puns survive the transatlantic trip?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes they made it through. The pun jabs were off duty I think. Good job though. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  2. joylennick's avatar

    “My God, what is it?I can’t believe we only have one decent set of binoculars between us! ‘Give them to me, Jo…’ Jo reluctantly handed them over to her husband…After studying the unusual scene for a few seconds, he said, collapsing in tears of laughter, and quickly dropping them: ‘You daft lot, half a dozen ants have invaded the other side of the lens!! ‘ Joy Lennick

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Terrific, Joy. Great job.

      Like

  3. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    I remember an old computer game involving giant ants invading a town. Forgot the name, but it was fun.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good to know it was fun.

      Like

  4. coldhandboyack's avatar

    I got an idea, Merle. Hold my beer…

    Liked by 1 person

  5. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Oh my, it’s Them! 😒 I don’t think the steak will be enough for them either.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I could not think of the name of that old movie. Of course, Them. Thanks, Tim

      Liked by 1 person

  6. GP's avatar

    Making a run for it sounds like an excellent idea!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I thought so too. Thanks, GP.

      Like

  7. Mae Clair's avatar

    Yikes! I’d get out of there too. The alternative sounds like a sci-fi movie in the making!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, do not stay around giant ants.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. circadianreflections's avatar

    I was thinking Sci-fi again! Starship Troopers came to my mind. Heinlein and bugs! It’s always bugs!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is bugs or snakes. Why is it always bugs or snakes?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. circadianreflections's avatar

        Maybe because they out number us? 😲

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Good answer. 🤣

          Liked by 1 person

  9. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

    This creeped me out. I’ve had a thing about giant ants ever since I peeked at a giant ant movie my mom was watching when I was a child. lol I’ve been waiting for them to take over the world. lol

    Actually, I loved this, especially how the one character was more worried about lunch. haha 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Look behind you. I think there is one on the living room couch. Thanks, Kymber. I’m glad you liked it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

        OMG! LOLOLOL 😱😂🤣 I just had a chill go down my neck. lol 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Sorryless's avatar

    Yeah, when the ants are the size of buses, it’s time to bid adieu to wherever you might be standing and find some other place, far from all that. Preferably the location you find sells ant spray the size of taxi cabs . . .

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Great idea. Wear a mask though.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Dan Antion's avatar

    “I’ll go get the ant powder.” Meanwhile she’s thinking, “I only have to be faster than you three.”

    Good one, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I love that old joke about the camper putting on tennis shoes when the bear is heading for the camp. “You’ll never outrun that bear.” “True. I’m only worried about outrunnng you.”

      Liked by 1 person

  12. lois's avatar

    haha! This is such a great picture and your story was a riot. Giant ants! Sid, you should have eaten breakfast like we told you to. Lunch might be delayed.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Of course, if he’s not careful, Sid will be the guest at lunch.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. lois's avatar

        Reminds me of that line from Silence of the Lambs: “I’m having an old friend for dinner.” 😨

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ha ha ha. Loved that line.

          Liked by 1 person

  13. Mar's avatar

    Great little story, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Mar. I’m so glad you liked it.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    It’s always interesting to see what direction you are going to take these prompts, John. Good one! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jan. I appreciate your comment. 😁

      Like

  15. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Ha ha ha, I love the return of the ants, this time in giant form!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ants are always on my mind. Thanks, Liz.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  16. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    Ants near our home are to abide by a standing agreement we will not interfere in each other’s business. They are also aware if they cross over into our home, the ramifications will be far-reaching. Now if they’re giant ants…I may have to rethink this a bit…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      A rethink would be in order. I’m glad you have made peace with your resident ants.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. quiall's avatar

    Ha ha ha! It gives a whole new perspective to ant traps.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Can you imagine the size needed?

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister's avatar

    Giggle. The image screams, “Which way is the eclipse?” To fun, giant ants…fire ants. Texas! Run.

    Like

  19. House of Heart's avatar

    They don’t mind crashing an outdoor BBQ that’s for sure. I guess it’s true what they say about Texas. 🐜🐜

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it is true. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. House of Heart's avatar

        I knew it! Great take in the Kue John. 🐂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ha ha ha. Don’t forget Texans Tell big stories too. 🐂

          Liked by 1 person

        2. House of Heart's avatar

          Hmmm… hahaha, I’ll keep
          That in mind.

          Liked by 1 person

  20. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Ants the size of busses—now that would give me nightmares.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Take a lot of sugar water to convince them to leave you alone.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Luanne's avatar

    I hate it when the giant ant come into town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Me too, Luanne. Thanks

      Liked by 1 person

  22. jilldennison's avatar

    Well … you never know … they might actually be nicer than some humans! 😁

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Great take on the photo! I think they are likely safe…they’re out of wine and most visitors leave once the wine is gone. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yeah, good point.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Debbie's avatar

    Giants ants??? Yikes! I’d be heading for the car … fast!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’d be right behind you.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. rabirius's avatar

    Wonderful dialogue. Fits the image very well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Rabirus

      Like

  26. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

    We had a picnic in Jasper National Park one year and noticed everyone staring at something over our shoulders. We turned to see a big herd of elk meandering through the trees straight for us, lol. The lunch was forgotten 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Sounds like a great sight. I would say the lunch would be forgotten.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    great take, John, I’d be running too❣️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I would only hope you didn’t pass me as we run down the path. 🤣

      Like

  28. Unknown's avatar

    […] Visitors by John W. Howell © 2024 […]

    Like