Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste and Contemplation

October 31, 2024 · by John W. Howell · in A Little Personal · 119 Comments

“Okay, girls. The sun will be up soon. What’s on the agenda today?”

“Gee, Dad. We just got here. We need some time to contemplate.”

“What has gotten into him?”

“Beats me. I guess we better put our thinking caps on.”

“Our what? What the heck is a thinking cap?”

“It’s an expression for getting focused on a problem.”

“So, what does your thinking cap say to you?”

“It says we should figure out what to do today.”

“How about playing with some toys?”

“Yeah, here is a bumble bee. Might be fun to play keep away.”

“You usually win that game. How about another?”

“look at all those toys. Surely, we can find one that we both would enjoy.”

You are correct, but don’t call me Shirley.”

“We haven’t played with Mr. Crab for a while.”

“Please don’t make me play with Mr. Crab. We just did that yesterday.”

“Okay. You can stop the tantrum. What do you want to play with?”

“Why do I always have to decide?”

“You know, I may use you as a toy in one minute.”

“Hey. That sounds like a good idea.”

“Well, I’m licking my chops at the prospect.”

“The panther fakes being hurt to lure the puma closer.”

“The puma isn’t going to fall for it and prepares for the death strike.”

“This is great.”

“Who needs toys anyway.”

Tags: A little personal, author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, Eternal Road - The final stop, fiction favorites, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, My GRL, Our Justice, Tempeste, The Contract with Gwen Plano, The Last Drive, Twiggy

119 comments

OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · October 31, 2024 - 4:55 am ·

A very funny couple. Let’s have them fun beside the trouble outside. 😉 Happy Halloween, John! As you had shown last Sunday, Lakeway is best prepared for this celebrations. Best wishes, Michael

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 6:51 am ·
  
  Thank you, Michael. Happy Halloween to you. 🎃
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · October 31, 2024 - 7:00 am ·
    
    Thank you, John! 🙂 xx Michael
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 7:07 am ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLike
2. ✨Avinight✨ · November 4, 2024 - 12:09 am ·
  
  Ha! Your dogs are so cute 🥰!!!!! And confusing Shirley and Surely was surely great!!! 😊 🤣
  Loved this post!!!
  
  LikeLike
  1. John W. Howell · November 4, 2024 - 6:50 am ·
    
    Thank you. So gald you enjoyed the post.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. ✨Avinight✨ · November 4, 2024 - 11:58 pm ·
      
      😊 oh, and if you could check my blog and comment some suggestions or feedback, it would be great! Anyways thank you for replying to my comment.
      
      LikeLike
Dan Antion · October 31, 2024 - 5:11 am ·

“Don’t call me Shirley.” I love it 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 6:52 am ·
  
  One of my go to slapstick movies
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Charles Yallowitz · October 31, 2024 - 5:31 am ·

Love the default game of puma vs panther.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 6:52 am ·
  
  Thank you, Charles. They never seem to tire of that one.
  
  LikeLike
srbottch · October 31, 2024 - 5:53 am ·

We have toys scattered about and Lucy always goes to her favorite, shakes it, then brings it to us for more active play. Your pups get along so well.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 6:53 am ·
  
  Twiggy does the same shake routine. Tempeste hasn’t learned the engage the folks method yet.
  
  LikeLike
coldhandboyack · October 31, 2024 - 6:01 am ·

Just like kids, pile of toys and nothing to play with.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 6:54 am ·
  
  So true. At least they have each other.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
GP · October 31, 2024 - 6:01 am ·

The girls know how to entertain themselves!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 6:54 am ·
  
  Yes they do. Then they both fall out for a snooze. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections · October 31, 2024 - 6:18 am ·

Decisions, decisions, decisions = rough life. Does Panther ever get the best of the Puma?

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 6:56 am ·
  
  Panther is so flexible that puma can pretty much get out of every hold. Puma does have the gravity advantage to what I call the pin.
  
  LikeLike
Dave Williams · October 31, 2024 - 6:20 am ·

The strategy of the panther faking being hurt is brilliant. As is the one who sees through that ruse. Your dogs are like little generals on a battlefield.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 7:06 am ·
  
  they tend to get into strategy more than actual combat so I thing your observation is correct. Thanks, Dave.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Joan Hall · October 31, 2024 - 6:21 am ·

Happy Halloween to Twiggy and Tempeste! I’m sure they’ll find some sort of antics to get into. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 7:07 am ·
  
  Thank you, Joan. Happy Halloween to you. 🎃
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
quiall · October 31, 2024 - 7:44 am ·

Sometimes the best toys are the mates we get to share them with.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 9:56 am ·
  
  I agree, Thanks, Pam.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Teri Polen · October 31, 2024 - 8:01 am ·

If they were cats, you’d just need to set out a box. Preferably one that’s too small for them. Then it becomes a challenge – for Bond, anyway.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 9:56 am ·
  
  these two love boxes as well. They help unpack every delivery.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
T. W. Dittmer · October 31, 2024 - 8:14 am ·

It’s wonderful to see the girls playing, John. Shirley, they will have a great time. 😃

LikeLike
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 9:57 am ·
  
  They seem to be able to find fun. Tim. Thanks,
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Anonymous · October 31, 2024 - 8:19 am ·

Puma and Panther game is a hard one to beat.

Their faces in the first image got me. They looked so serious!

LikeLike
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 9:59 am ·
  
  They do get serious sometimes. Especially when Mom or Day says something.
  
  LikeLike
lois · October 31, 2024 - 8:28 am ·

The first three photos…those little minds just ticking away. “And don’t call me Shirley”…great line, pups. I try to use that one whenever I can.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 10:02 am ·
  
  I love that line too. Thanks, Lois.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Staci Troilo · October 31, 2024 - 8:34 am ·

Imagination is almost always better than toys. And I loved the Airplane! reference.

Happy Halloween to the whole Howell family. Sending the girls belly rubs. Thanks for the Thursday smiles.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 10:02 am ·
  
  Thank you, Staci. Happy Halloween to you and yours. 🎃
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Annette Rochelle Aben · October 31, 2024 - 8:55 am ·

That’s right ladies… who needs to play with toys, when you can toy and play with each other! xx

LikeLike
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 10:03 am ·
  
  You got it, Miss Annette. We love to play together.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
noelleg44 · October 31, 2024 - 9:00 am ·

That first picture was a great portrait! So did the puma make the death strike? What a pair!

Happy Halloween to the whole family!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 10:04 am ·
  
  No, the Puma let the little one go.
  
  LikeLike
  1. noelleg44 · October 31, 2024 - 2:23 pm ·
    
    Wise puma!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 4:33 pm ·
      
      Indeed.
      
      LikeLike
Gwen M. Plano · October 31, 2024 - 9:17 am ·

I can hear the Halloween doorbells and the girls’ response. It will be a fun night in the Howell home. 🦇🎃🦇

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 10:05 am ·
  
  I dug a deeper moat and put some alligators in it. I doubt anyone will ring the doorbell. Thanks, Gwen. Happy Halloween to you. 🎃
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Laura · October 31, 2024 - 9:38 am ·

Omg they are so incredibly adorable! ☺️ I love these dogs, such big personalities! Happy Halloween! 🎃 👻

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 10:06 am ·
  
  Thank you, Laura. Happy Halloween to you. 🎃
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Jacqui Murray · October 31, 2024 - 9:46 am ·

A dog’s life! I saw the funniest meme, about an older dog reminiscing about how as a pup, all he had was a stick and a ball. Ha!

LikeLike
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 10:11 am ·
  
  That is very funny. Thanks, Jacqui
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Jacqui Murray · October 31, 2024 - 4:19 pm ·
    
    Your doggy toybox made me think of that. My pup has one of those, too!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 9:19 pm ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
shoreacres · October 31, 2024 - 10:04 am ·

I love that profile shot of Tempeste in the second photo. Such dignity!

LikeLike
Liz Gauffreau · October 31, 2024 - 10:26 am ·

They ended up at just the right place in the end! Imaginative play is the best!! Love the Leslie Neilson reference.

LikeLike
Esther Chilton · October 31, 2024 - 11:53 am ·

I love the first two photos of Tempeste. Such poise!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 1:55 pm ·
  
  She is pretty composed most of the time. Thanks, Esther.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Author Jan Sikes · October 31, 2024 - 12:29 pm ·

Right! Who needs toys when you have a live play partner. Love these!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 1:54 pm ·
  
  They do prefer a live session for sure.
  
  LikeLike
Debbie · October 31, 2024 - 12:33 pm ·

HaHa! It’s like buying your kid a fancy toy, only to have him prefer spending time with the box it came in! Never a dull moment with these two.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 1:53 pm ·
  
  They do love the boxes too. Thanks, Debbie. 🎃
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Susannah Bianchi · October 31, 2024 - 1:03 pm ·

These are such great pictures. I love in the beginning how they’re contemplating. A nice way of saying…hold your horses dad, we girls are thinking. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 1:52 pm ·
  
  Yes they seem to say that to me a lot. Thanks, Susannah.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Susannah Bianchi · October 31, 2024 - 1:54 pm ·
    
    French girls. What are ya gonna do John?
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 1:57 pm ·
      
      They play that part very well. I wish I could have taken a photo of the two of them staring at me for something. Twenty questions later I still didn’t get it right.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. Susannah Bianchi · October 31, 2024 - 2:03 pm ·
      
      Have you ever wondered how dogs think? Like babies who stare and gurgle before breaking into a laugh. They must have a thought process of some kind.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 4:34 pm ·
      
      I think they do have a thought process. It may not be hugely complex but it is there.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    4. Susannah Bianchi · November 1, 2024 - 3:27 am ·
      
      Agreed!!!
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    5. John W. Howell · November 1, 2024 - 6:49 am ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Sue Dreamwalker · October 31, 2024 - 1:14 pm ·

Oh it is so tough this THINKING lark…. Much better to just roll over and play xx
Happy Halloween John x 🎃

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 1:52 pm ·
  
  Playing beats thinking every time. Thank yu, Sue. Happy Halloween 🎃
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Sue Dreamwalker · October 31, 2024 - 4:27 pm ·
    
    🤗
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
The Coastal Crone · October 31, 2024 - 4:17 pm ·

I am with the girls, wait until the sun is up before you make plans for the day. But they figured it out pretty fast.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 4:31 pm ·
  
  Yes they did. Thanks you , Jo.
  
  LikeLike
Pit · October 31, 2024 - 5:01 pm ·

Well, maybe they should just lie down and snooze. That would be MY choice of beginning the day. 😉

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 9:24 pm ·
  
  I think they would agree with you, Pit. 😁
  
  LikeLike
Tails Around the Ranch · October 31, 2024 - 5:16 pm ·

Yeah, who needs stuffed toys when you have each other!

I laughed out loud at the “You are correct, but don’t call me Shirley” comment. Way too funny-thanks for the smiles, both for the Shirley comment and the kids playing with each other. 😁

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 9:25 pm ·
  
  I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Monika. Love to hear that.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. · October 31, 2024 - 5:40 pm ·

Wonderful John… I keep getting called shortly and that is almost as bad as Shirley… enjoy your weekend with the girls.. hugs

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 9:27 pm ·
  
  I thin you are right. Especially when you ask when the tea will be ready and they respond with “It is on the boil and will be ready, Shortly.”
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. · November 1, 2024 - 2:25 am ·
    
    lol..hugsx
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · November 1, 2024 - 6:48 am ·
      
      🤣
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
House of Heart · October 31, 2024 - 7:36 pm ·

How cute are they they?!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 9:28 pm ·
  
  I guess we could say they are cute. Thank you, Holly.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. House of Heart · November 1, 2024 - 1:11 am ·
    
    Soooo cute!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · November 1, 2024 - 6:47 am ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. House of Heart · November 1, 2024 - 8:53 am ·
      
      🐶🐾🐾
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · November 1, 2024 - 9:38 am ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLike
petespringerauthor · October 31, 2024 - 8:32 pm ·

Like the Shirley reference from the movie Airplane.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2024 - 9:28 pm ·
  
  One of my favorites. Thanks, Pete.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Michele Lee · October 31, 2024 - 10:16 pm ·

With their imaginations they’ve got all they need! 😊

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · November 1, 2024 - 6:46 am ·
  
  So true, Michele. Thank you.😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Michele Lee · November 1, 2024 - 9:12 am ·
    
    You’re welcome, John and a happy Friday to you!😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · November 1, 2024 - 9:39 am ·
      
      And to you. 😊
      
      LikeLike
Ankur Mithal · November 1, 2024 - 5:36 am ·

Wonder who will be the first to develop a smartphone game for pets…

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · November 1, 2024 - 7:00 am ·
  
  I think you should get started. The field is open.😁
  
  LikeLike
  1. Ankur Mithal · November 1, 2024 - 11:07 am ·
    
    Thanks! Never too late 🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · November 1, 2024 - 3:46 pm ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLike
Resa · November 1, 2024 - 12:50 pm ·

Hello Twiggy and Tempeste!

Is it my imagination, or is the panther getting tall?

Anyway you 2 might know, but if not could you please ask dad what kind of dog this os? OX OX

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · November 1, 2024 - 3:48 pm ·
  
  Dad says it looks like a Rottweiler, Miss Resa. OX OX
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Resa · November 2, 2024 - 8:58 pm ·
    
    Okay, thanks!
    
    OX OX OX
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · November 2, 2024 - 9:22 pm ·
      
      OX OX OX OX
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
thomasstigwikman · November 1, 2024 - 2:46 pm ·

That was fun reading and I love the photos. They are hilarious together. Tempest and Twiggy are very photogenic.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · November 1, 2024 - 3:53 pm ·
  
  Thank you Thomas. I’m glad you liked it.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
kethuprofumo · November 1, 2024 - 5:39 pm ·

What a wonderful set of soft friends, dear John! Do these toys make sound? Twiggy & Tempeste are impressive! Long life the Twiggy Tempeste Volcano Resort!🎃🍤🍤🍤🍻🥳

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · November 1, 2024 - 7:00 pm ·
  
  Each toy has a squeaker. These two don’t try to get them out. They just let them squeak. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
kethuprofumo · November 1, 2024 - 7:03 pm ·

😂😂😂Don’t tell them, dear John! Thry must never learn the truth!😂

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · November 1, 2024 - 7:56 pm ·
  
  Yes cause a swallowed squeaker is not a good thing.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Teagan Riordain Geneviene · November 1, 2024 - 9:55 pm ·

These two are always good for a smile. Thanks for letting us visit with them again, John. Hugs.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · November 2, 2024 - 7:19 am ·
  
  The girls are always glad to see you, Teagan.
  
  LikeLike
Cindy Georgakas · November 2, 2024 - 3:06 pm ·

This reminds me of how the box is almost always more fun than the toy for the kids. Lot’s of toys but they’re happier with each other. Too cute💕

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · November 2, 2024 - 4:09 pm ·
  
  That is a good comparison, Cindy. So true.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Cindy Georgakas · November 2, 2024 - 4:34 pm ·
    
    Thanks, John.. I think it applies the cats and dogs too but the dogs eat the box.. ugh. ❣️
    
    LikeLike
Jennie · November 2, 2024 - 8:45 pm ·

No toys needed in their great play.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · November 2, 2024 - 9:26 pm ·
  
  Nope they seem to be able to keep themselves entertained. Thanks, Jennie.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Jennie · November 3, 2024 - 7:48 am ·
    
    😀
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · November 3, 2024 - 8:20 am ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorryless · November 3, 2024 - 5:12 pm ·

Twigs has the right idea here. Contemplate BEFORE you celebrate. And then it just gets funner from there. And uh, maybe I have to contemplate how to spell. But funner . . it’s just, well . . funner to say!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · November 3, 2024 - 7:59 pm ·
  
  Funner is the best word. Who cares about spelling?
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Sorryless · November 4, 2024 - 5:42 am ·
    
    Not I!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · November 4, 2024 - 6:57 am ·
      
      Yep.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
robertawrites235681907 · November 4, 2024 - 10:46 am ·

HI John, this is such a cute post. They are just like small children.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · November 4, 2024 - 2:36 pm ·
  
  They are. Thank you, Robbie
  
  LikeLike

← Tuesday – Anything Possible – Prompt – Position

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – FriYay/Goodnews →