
The desire for something different led to punching the Latte button instead of plain coffee. Had to stand back as the machine did its work. Much hissing and bubbling produced a tall glass of delightful milk foam and a layer of golden nectar. Someone called out my name, so I knew it was ready. While taking a big sip and noting the foam mustache, the Westminster chimes of the doorbell caused an instant eruption.
Twiggy and Tempeste were all about barking the intruder to St. Louis. Getting them settled was not easy. The question of what idiot would ring a doorbell when there is a sign to not do that is still unanswered.
Moving to the security system, the shutdown process begins.
The turret machine guns are set to stand by, the boiling oil cauldron tipping mechanism is turned off, and the automated arrow launching pods are unarmed. In addition, the Trebuchet, ballista, and falling rock device are switched to manual. The claymore mines are set to manual, the mote net rolled back, and the concertina wire retracted. The Iron gate is raised, and the bolts are thrown on the front door.
Standing there is a character who looks very much like Elmer Fudd. I ask what he wants, and he responds, “Have you seen a wabbit around here?”
“No, I have not seen a Wabbit.”
“If you do can you give me a call?”
“Might I ask what business you have with the Wabbit?”
“I want to shoot him. Here’s my card.”
“Okay Thanks. I’ll call if I see him.”
The guy turns around and heads off the porch. My mental note reads “No way Jose.” After dumping the card and touching the security activate switch the text tone causes me to check my phone. The text reads Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “i before e.” Find a word that has an “i” before an “e” even if there’s a letter between them, and use it for your prompt word. Have fun!
To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2024/09/27/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-28-2024/
I before e by John W. Howell © 2024
“I missed it.”
“What?”
“Your i before e word.”
“Yeah I snuck it in there.”
“Mind telling me where?”
“The first sentence.”
“For goodness sake. I believe you fooled us all.”
“I doubt that. There are efficient readers who will catch it right away.”
“Well I’m not one of them.”
“You are sharper at other science subjects.”
“Like what?”
“The benefits of a good VooDoo Ranger.”
“You said it not me.”
“Call Uber.”
“Already done. He’s over there.”

Photo by Dan Antion
“A 1965 Shelby Cobra. We are going to need two trips.”
“Yeah, but what a sweet ride.”
“Since you are the neediest, I’ll let you go first.”
“You are a mensch. Still buying, right?”
“Yes, I’m still buying.”
“See ya.”






















You can take the I before the E or the E before the I, just gimme that Uber ride after a Voodoo tonic por favor. And then me, Twiggy and Tempeste will meet you in St Louis.
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Ha ha ha. I like the sounds of that, Pilgrim. Got ear plugs for the ride?
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I’ll grab em.
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Good idea.
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Did you ever see the Wabbit?
(I’m not mentioning the Uber because I’m jealous)
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Never did. I think the Wabbit is smart enough to stay lost.
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This is a definite achIEvement, John. 😎 A ride in that Shelby Cobra would be great, even if you’re not behind the wheel.
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My neighbor on the Coast had one and you could hear him coming for ten minutes. It was a super machine.
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Your latte sounds terrific! And that uber… well, it’s gorgeous. 🙂 Happy Weekend, John!
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The Latte was delicious, Kymber and the ride divine. 😊
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That ‘I before e except after c’ rule seemed so true in elementary school. Then adulthood made things weird.
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Yes weird is a perfect example. 😁
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Good to see Elmer again, John. Sorry the wacky wabbit is always stays one step ahead of him. Good for Bugs, though.
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Yes indeed. It is better for his health. Thanks, Dan
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Sing with me, John…
Kill the wabbit, kill the WAAAbbit…
No? Well, that sticks in my head every time I hear or see Elmer Fudd.
Nice ride!
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No Mary. It is a nice ride for sure.
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Wait a minute. I think that’s the wabbit’s car.
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Ha ha ha
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My better half would love to take a car like that for a spin! Vroom vroom 🏎️ 🤣
Great post John!!
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Wouldn’t we all. Thanks, Jill.
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Thanks John for bringing back the characters and disarming the house. Funny bit on the coffee too. I am sure our friend Dan is smiling too. Thanks again.
Tom
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I figured we needed a dose. Thanks, Tom
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Woo hoo! A ride in a Cobra and Voodoo Ranger to boot. What’s that? I heard some sirens behind me!
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Yeah, just step on it. Top end is 180
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Very clever, John! And what a sweet ride!
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Thank you, Jan. It is sweet.
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I especially enjoyed the first story, like if Elmer Fudd had a little appearance in the “Home Alone” movie, but the house was much, much more menacing against intruders.
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Yes. I have a reputation for not wanting visitors. Thanks, Dave.
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I missed it as well. 😄 Well done, John! 🏆
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Thak you, Gwen. I like the trophy. 😁
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Excuse me sir, I apologize for the early intrusion…my name is Jose’ and I’m looking for my brother JoseB. Have you seen him🐳
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No way Jose. 🤣
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You had me at Elmer Fudd.
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Ha ha ha. I always liked Elmer.
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😁
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Terrific John but do you mind if I take the Cobra out for a spin.. very nice… hugsx
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You can take it for a spin if you have a helmet and ear plugs
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I do and will lol hugsx
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😊
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This is just hilarious. I am particularly fond of all the defensive (and offensive) weapons stockpiled at John’s abode. Tooo funny!
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Gotta keep the neighbors in their proper place.
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And many good ways to do so!
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😁
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I knew you’d put it in the intro, but I missed it the first read through so I went back and sure enough found it. Found the second one too. Nicely done, John.
Warner bros. would love your security features. 😂
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Thank you, Deborah. I appreciate your lovely comment.
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😊
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😁
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That willey wabbit can easily escape the likes of Fudd. Nice job with the challenge…to go with that awesome sweet ride!
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The ride is awesome. Thanks, Monika.
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I just want bark bark bark bark bark
EeeeEEEeEeeeee… jeez what was that?
Terrifying! Let me just wipe this tear of fear out of my eye and bark bark bark bark bark
EEEeeeEEEEE…
You see what I bark bark bark bark bark
EEEEeeeEEE mean?
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Ha ha ha. 😁X
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bark bark bark bark bark
OX OX OX OX
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OX OX OX OX🥦X
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🥦X …. O🥦
Both work! That is an X cellent broccoli emoji.
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One of the best 🥦X O🥦
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I love all your devices that you have to deactivate. Whew! Always good to see Elmer, and very good to see that cool Uber!
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It was very special too.
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Oh, yes!
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