Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “i before e”

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

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.”

 

58 comments

  1. Sorryless's avatar

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. I like the sounds of that, Pilgrim. Got ear plugs for the ride?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        I’ll grab em.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. GP's avatar

    Did you ever see the Wabbit?
    (I’m not mentioning the Uber because I’m jealous)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Never did. I think the Wabbit is smart enough to stay lost.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    This is a definite achIEvement, John. 😎 A ride in that Shelby Cobra would be great, even if you’re not behind the wheel.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      My neighbor on the Coast had one and you could hear him coming for ten minutes. It was a super machine.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

    Your latte sounds terrific! And that uber… well, it’s gorgeous. 🙂 Happy Weekend, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The Latte was delicious, Kymber and the ride divine. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    That ‘I before e except after c’ rule seemed so true in elementary school. Then adulthood made things weird.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes weird is a perfect example. 😁

      Like

  6. Dan Antion's avatar

    Good to see Elmer again, John. Sorry the wacky wabbit is always stays one step ahead of him. Good for Bugs, though.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes indeed. It is better for his health. Thanks, Dan

      Liked by 1 person

  7. bikerchick57's avatar

    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!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      No Mary. It is a nice ride for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Wait a minute. I think that’s the wabbit’s car.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. J-Dub's avatar

    My better half would love to take a car like that for a spin! Vroom vroom 🏎️ 🤣

    Great post John!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Wouldn’t we all. Thanks, Jill.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. tokragly's avatar

    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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I figured we needed a dose. Thanks, Tom

      Like

  11. noelleg44's avatar

    Woo hoo! A ride in a Cobra and Voodoo Ranger to boot. What’s that? I heard some sirens behind me!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yeah, just step on it. Top end is 180

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Very clever, John! And what a sweet ride!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jan. It is sweet.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Dave Williams's avatar

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. I have a reputation for not wanting visitors. Thanks, Dave.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    I missed it as well. 😄 Well done, John! 🏆

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thak you, Gwen. I like the trophy. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  15. JFRSr's avatar

    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🐳

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      No way Jose. 🤣

      Like

  16. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    You had me at Elmer Fudd.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. I always liked Elmer.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.'s avatar

    Terrific John but do you mind if I take the Cobra out for a spin.. very nice… hugsx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You can take it for a spin if you have a helmet and ear plugs

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Luanne's avatar

    This is just hilarious. I am particularly fond of all the defensive (and offensive) weapons stockpiled at John’s abode. Tooo funny!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Gotta keep the neighbors in their proper place.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Luanne's avatar

        And many good ways to do so!

        Liked by 1 person

  19. circadianreflections's avatar

    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. 😂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Deborah. I appreciate your lovely comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    That willey wabbit can easily escape the likes of Fudd. Nice job with the challenge…to go with that awesome sweet ride!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The ride is awesome. Thanks, Monika.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Resa's avatar

    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?

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Resa's avatar

    bark bark bark bark bark

    OX OX OX OX

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      OX OX OX OX🥦X

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        🥦X …. O🥦
        Both work! That is an X cellent broccoli emoji.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          One of the best 🥦X O🥦

          Like

  23. Jennie's avatar

    I love all your devices that you have to deactivate. Whew! Always good to see Elmer, and very good to see that cool Uber!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It was very special too.

      Liked by 1 person