The coffee machine, as has become a familiar pattern, informs me of a malfunction. This time, the cappuccino operation is temporarily disabled for repairs. Since that was not on my mind this morning, the news has no impact on me. The coffee button starts the process. In checking the date for April 5th, 1925, the only thing going on is a tornado striking Dade County, Florida, causing damage of $300,000 ($5,000,000 in today’s dollars). Not wanting to be involved with a tornado, the decision is to relax with a cup of coffee and leave the clock for next week.
One sip and the doorbell goes off. The effect is like a klaxon horn in a submarine. The pups take up their battle stations and get ready to dive while barking in volumes that would cripple normal hearing. Before the windows shatter and the ears explode, a toss of a puppy treats into the soundproof room causes a mass exodus to grab one. A slam of the door ends the Hounds of Baskerville sound effects.
Before opening and addressing the visitor, the security system needs to be deactivated. Before that, though, the SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. The control panel makes the shutdown of the security system process simpler. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gattling guns disengaged, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, the IUDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The locks on the door are thrown. A look at the security camera shows a bird that looks very much like a road runner standing on the porch. Throwing open the door startles the bird, and with a “beep-beep,” it goes off down the driveway. There is an envelope left in the wake of the bird. It is from Linda Hill. Once opened, the message reads:
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “contains ‘pat.’” Find a word that contains “pat” or use the word “pat” as your prompt. Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2025/04/04/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-5-2025/
Pat by John W. Howell © 2025
“Boy you have that security system deactivation down pat.”
“I’ve been doing it for a while.”
“We didn’t get to see much of the roadrunner.”
“Roadrunner “look alike” you mean.”
“Uh, okay. The point is he didn’t hang around.”
“I think the door scared him.”
“It’s just a door.”
“But that recording of a ghoul scream left over from Halloween might have made the difference.”
“I didn’t hear it.”
“Was meant to be heard by kids only. I guess the bird was on that wave pattern.”
“That doorbell is a pain huh?”
“There is a sign under the bell not to ring it. Most people are good about it. I guess the bird can’t read.”
“Maybe the bird is apathetic to your desires.”
“Okay, you get a bonus point for that.”
“How about something else?”
“Like a Voo Doo Ranger?”
“You order an Uber.”
“Over there.”
Photo by Resa McConaghy
“That is a beauty.”
“I like that it says Uber 5000 on the bumper.”
“Let’s just hope it runs.”
“Looks substantial to me.”
“Let’s go then.”
Fiction Favorites 
I love the prologue.
My entry is only one line – https://artmater.com/socs-april-5-2025/
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A good one, too.
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The Uber sure has an original paint job. And good to see the SWAT team at work.
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Yes, the SWAT team is a good add. Thanks, GP.
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Oh, I love that Uber!!! Have fun and happy Saturday despite the madness around us 👋
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Thank you, Bee. I hope your Saturday is the best.
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Always 🌞
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😊
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Your intro reminded me of how much I respect the creator of moats. Back when talk of the wall started heating up here in the states, I made the argument that moats would be a much better idea. You can fill ’em with all manner of predators, who would NEVER go extinct on account of all the trespassers. Moats people! Moats!
As for your ability to disengage this rather complicated contraption? You deserve that Voodoo! AND that ride, which looks groovy man.
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Thank you, Pilgrim. You have a great idea on the moats. I’m sure they would be cheaper too. 😀
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I’m telling you, this idea is so unappreciated!
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Of course, some of the “Hands Off” folks would go apoplectic over the treatment of the alligators.
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Dammit you’re right!
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Ha ha ha
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It was a thought . . .
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😊
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Didn’t care to see the tornado up close? Can’t say as I blame you.
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Not my cup of tea for sure. Thanks, Dan.
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Really not sure what to make of that van. The paint job does look cool, but I’ve watched too many shows and movies to willingly get into it.
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It is like, who knows what will happen? There could be another world in there.
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A world with free candy?
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Twix? I’m in.
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That looks like quite the party van.
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It does. 😀
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That Uber looks really flash! We had some really brilliant Ubers last month wile we were on holiday in Cape Town.Not as flash as yours but really efficient and the drivers were great fun!
Have you turn the security system back on yet I thought I might pop in and show you some photos? 💜🤔🤔
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I’ll turn it off again. Would love to see some photos.
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lt was a great holiday !
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I’ll bet.
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This would be a wild ride for sure! Well done, John. Have a great weekend! 🌞
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Thank you, Gwen. Wishing you a super weekend as well.
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I like the inclusion of the recording of a ghoul’s scream. That alone would have me running from the door. Also, that’s a cool van. I imagine the Uber riders would be treated to some fun music, too. Maybe Jimmy Buffet?
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Good idea on the music, Dave.It would be very cool. 😎
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It was logical to avoid the tornado, John. Give yourself a pat on the back and some Voo Doo Rangers. 😊
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Thank you, Tim. I will do that.
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Love the security system, John, especially the alligator moat. I could use one here but I’m afraid the pathetic Spring weather we’ve been having would present a clear and present danger. Persistent rain and pop up snow showers would cause overflowing and allow the gators to easily escape.
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Also, the gaters would not like the cold. 😀
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Whew, thankfully. That’s one less worry😉
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Yes indeed.
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My mind went immediately to The Marvelettes and “Too Many Fish in the Sea.”
Uber 5000 is one cool artist. Have you seen his stuff?
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I have not seen Uber 5000’s stuff. I’ll look him up.
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https://www.uber5000.com/
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Thank you, Lois. I went there. Great stuff.
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John,
I really really enjoy your defense system. Love the new swat team. Keep them fed. Also your battle with your coffee maker. Anyway, I thought I’d say hi this morning.
Stay well.
Tom
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Thank you, Tom. So glad you stopped by. 😀
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Dear John
GREAT car! 👍
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I thought so, too, Klausbernd. 😊
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Now, how are you going to be able to top a SWAT team for your home security arsenal?
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Can’t top it, but is now a regular feature.
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😊
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Sadly, doorbells and dogs go together like vinegar and oil. They don’t mix…at least not if you expect to keep your hearing intact. 😉 Great job with the challenge, John.
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Thank you, Monika. Most everyone heeds the “Please don’t ring the doorbell sign.” There have been exceptions.
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You rose to the challenge well, and what a fab car!
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Clever uses of the prompt, John. At least the Uber ride is colorful. 🙂
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Great artwork on that Uber. Maybe the artist indulged in a few Voodoo Rangers before creating it? I loved the Hounds of Baskerville – an important part of your defense system.
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A fake Road Runner, eh?
There’s been one going around.
Does he look anything like this?
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Yes, he did. Just like that. 😀X
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I knew it!
He’s been lurking around the alleys with a fake bugs!
🐰X
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Ha ha ha. Way to go, super sleuth. 🕵️X
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Thanks! I got da pics! 🕵️X
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🐖 🐖 🐂 🐂
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🥇🥇
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👌🏻
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Great John.. that Uber certainly brightens up the day… love the security system… we have crows in the garden who tend to notify us of intrusions of postman, stray cats and the like… and if breakfast is late.. I fancy a couple of geese but that would really hack the neighbours off lol.. x
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I used to have geese, and they get a little unruly during nesting time.
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I can imagine lol.. xxx
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😊
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EGADS!
That sure came out tiny. 🙄X
I’m glad you didn’t go back in time to that storm. Enough of that in our regular time these days.
Love the Uber!!! Now, that’s the real deal, no fake ubering here and 5000 as well!
Thanks for using the pic, John!
🤗𝒳 🤗𝓧
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Thanks for sending the pic, Resa. 📸X
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Welcome John! Always fun & an honour to have a small bit on your blog! OX 0X
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😊X
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O🥦
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O🥦O🥦
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𝒪💪🏼 𝒪💪🏼
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O🏋🏻♀️
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😂 Do you get a goldfish at the end of the ride?
Thanks for the share, John. 🐠
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Yes, you do. Or cotton candy. 😀
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Could you imagine? 😄
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Daughter won a goldfish from the fair, and he was placed in a pond I had built in our backyard. He grew to be like a coy. His name was Goldie. He lived in the pond over ten years.
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Precious memories. 🧡
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Very precious
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Nothing wrong with your imagination. Enjoyed the dogs brief appearance.
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Thank you, Pat.
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Thanks for a great laugh-a-thon! I wanna ride in that Uber.
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I think I would, too. Uber 5000 is the artist. Here’s a link. http://www.uber5000.com/
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Wow!!
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Yup.
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