Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Word that Starts with Q

~ John W. Howell

 

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

The quintessential Saturday would be a quiet cup of coffee, a book to read, and a mind soothing finish to a hectic week. Of course, this would require a machine that accepts the fact that it is a servant. Such a Saturday would also require peace and quiet without the jarring interruption that seems to be normal around here. A push of the coffee button produces a surprise. A cup of perfectly made coffee. Hmm there is something wrong here. Taking a sip knowing full well the Westminster chimes will rupture the peace. There is silence.

Taking another gulp of coffee gives the opportunity to grab the clock and set it for a time trip. The clock is set for July 27th.1925. The location is New York City and the time is 11:00. The duration is for an hour. When the plunger is pulled we are taken to Broadway where we are about to see the first autonomous automoble demonstration. And you thought driver less automobiles were a new thing.

The Houdina Radio Control Company, owned by Francis P. Houdina, is giving the first demonstration of a remote controlled automobile. Houdina equipped the driverless American Wonder, a 1926 Chandler car, with a radio antenna and a receiver.

With transmission from another car immediately behind the wonder, The Wonder is guided in New York City. The route goes up Broadway Street and, after a turn, back down Fifth Avenue. The tension rises as the remote controlled car narrowly misses several other vehicles before crashing into a sedan.

Not wanting to wait around for the aftermath the alarm is tripped and we return quickly to the couch. There is a text waiting from Linda Hill. It reads Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “starts with Q.” Think of a word that starts with the letter Q and write your post around it. 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/2025/07/25/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-26-2025/

Q Word by John W. Howell © 2025

“So you chose quintessential?”

“Yup. Worked well. I also tossed in quick.”

“I almost missed that. Weren’t you supposed to dedicate your post to the word you chose?”

“Yeah, but Linda knows I’m a bit of a rebel.”

“I’ll say. You are an inspiration.”

“Sound like satire to me.”

“I guess you caught me. I was very surprised driverless cars were being thought about back in 1925.”

“To tell the truth. I was as well.”

What do you say we get a driver and head for the Quench spot?”

“Quench spot?”

“Yeah the pub. Just trying to get in the spirit.”

“Uber?”

“Over there.”

“That is a 1927 Chandler. Like the one used in the demonstration.”

“Yes it is. We get to go to the pub in style.”

“Anything you failed to mention?”

“Nope. We just get in and go.”

“That is a treat.”

“One small thing I forgot.”

“I knew it.”

“The driver put a cooler with VooDoo Rngers in the back seat.”

“Pinch me. This could be the best Saturday yet.”

63 thoughts on “Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Word that Starts with Q”

  1. WOW! What a beauty 👍 dear John.
    We are amazed that a hundred years ago, they already experimented with driverless cars.
    Wishing you a great drive to the pub
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Good to see you pulling the plunger again, John. There were a lot of electric cars on the road then, too. Everything old is new again. Let’s hope we don’t revisit prohibition.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Well John I am amazed … There is always something to learn here and it always interesting!. What’s more it was peaceful …no barking and security system 😁 💜💜💜💜💜☕☕🤞

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I had no idea there were driverless cars that early in automotive history. And that Uber – I’m already in the driver’s seat. Hand me a Voodoo Ranger, please!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. It’s news to me that remote control cars were produced back in the 20s, John. It will be a nice ride to the pub if everything works well. I didn’t see a big antenna on it, so I think the driver has to be close.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. John, if “Jeff” was some kind of sports guy l would this kind of response. Similar to when you asked John Havlicek what his “dribbling average was”…oh man, that was classic JWH. I’ll give you a hint on this Jeff…

        Broken Arrow…Cochise🎟🎥🏹

        🐳

        Like

  19. Huh!

    A driverless car in 1925, not bad. Quite a quality quoncoction for its day.

    Okay… how you guys scored with that Uber today…Now that’s pure VOODOOOxOxOxOx!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

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