A precursor to a good day must be a cup of the steaming stuff. It not only sets the positive vibe, but also quells the steelworker hammering in my head. A touch of the two coffee selection on the machine set the curative process in motion. The aroma of the beginning streams into the cup is enough to awaken the will to live. One sip turns off the klaxon horn and sends the steelworkers home for the day. A second sip is accompanied by the much-too-loud Westminster chimes of the doorbell. That sound is joined by the crystal-cracking cacophony of Twiggy and Tempest as they try to warn me that a Tyrannosaurus Rex is trying to breach the security system. Two toys tossed into the soundproof room ensure that the slamming of the door will silence my faithful furry companions, who can’t resist chasing them.
Once done, a glance at the security monitor reveals the likeness of a creature that looks very much like Sylvester the Cat. A conversation ensues, predictably leading to the need to open the door. With a sigh, the security shut-down process begins.
The SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. Also, the flight of A-10 Warthogs must be diverted. Another call to the commander puts that worry to rest. The SEAL team needs to be called off, and a call to the leader makes that possible. The MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter hovering over the house is diverted. A call to the tow truck driver stops the deployment of an M1A1 Abrams Tank. The control panel simplifies the shutdown process of the security system. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the turret mortars disengaged, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gatling guns on safety, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, and the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The gamma ray beams covered. The high-powered maser guns switched to standby, and the nanorobots were chained in the basement. The Klingons are called back, and the Targ is caged. Robbie’s Bot is sent to the basement. The Tasmanian Devil is directed to the food in his cage, and the door drops. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.
“Sufferin succotash. You sure have a lot of security here. Here is an envelope, sign on the dotted line.” Taking the clipboard and envelope, I sign and return the clipboard to the cat. He holds out a paw in the classic way for a tip. “Oscar Wilde once said, ‘To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.'” The door is quietly closed with me behind it. The envelope is from Linda Hill, and the message inside says,
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “starts with ‘pre’.” Find a word that starts with “pre” and use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!
If you would like to see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2026/02/20/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-21-2026/
Starts With Pre by John W. Howell © 2026
“You couldn’t tip Sylvester?”
“Why? He’s worth millions. I figure a life tip would be more appreciated.”
“Why is it these cartoon characters show up at your door?”
“‘Cause folks like to read about who is there.”
“How about a movie star once in a while?”
“Who would you nominate?”
“Oh, I don’t know. How about Billy Bob Thornton?”
“I’m sure he is busy.”
“Maybe Ali Larter?”
“You on a Landman kick or something?”
“No, I just like those two.”
“We’ll see how it goes. I have to contact their agents and see if it is okay to feature them.”
“Sounds like Mission Impossible.”
“Hey, how about Tom Cruise?’
“If you thought the others would be a challenge, he would be a big one.”
“I think you are right. Let’s stick to what we can accomplish.”
“Like a visit to the pub.”
“Uber?”
“Over there.”
Photo by Dan Antion
“I’ll bet you got a good price on that.”
“Sure did, and only one catch.”
“Which is?”
“We have to deliver a set of specially selected silver sockets secretly to the science society at the school.”
“Sounds like a secret society.”
“Yes, it is.”
“Also, doesn’t sound too suspicious or time-consuming.”
“You game?”
“Let’s go.”
Fiction Favorites 
Yo Sheriff, I’m not nitpicking or anything (I am actually) but the pre can come anywhere in the word? Like appreciated? Or does it have to begin with pre? I know . . it’s early. I do this when it’s early to wake me up.
Sylvester got some Oscar Wilde for free. That’s a good day in my book.
As for these secret societies, how secret are they if everyone knows about them? I mean, if I started a secret society, the first rule is you do not talk about the secret society. That’s Tyler Durden 101!
Enjoy your morning
PS- Feels like a Martini night
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First off, the prompt says “starts” with pre. So what is a person to do? Secondly, I agree on the Wilde for free and a good day. You’re right about secret societies. The less said, the better. Finally, I’m out of olives, but I suppose I could go naked for the sake of that gin feeling. Thanks, Pilgrim. 😊
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I didn’t mean to get you riled up Boss. Okay, I mighta been trying to get you riled up. 😉
Wilde as a tip is genius.
The not so secret societies, what is up with that?
You got an assist from the Producer on that one. Nicely done!
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I wasn’t riled, I just didn’t want you to miss the genius of the second word in the story. 😁 The Producer came through when I whined about having to cheer with a naked glass of gin. “We can’t have that, my love,” she said (or something like that) The rest is history.
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I was messing with you Boss. I know full well you don’t get riled. It’s why you’re Boss.
Your genius goes without saying but Imma say it anyway.
Hahahaha!
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You can mess with me all day long, pilgrim. 😁
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As long as we gots us some adult beverages on the other side.
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Of course. We can even start with adult beverages on this side. 😊
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Boom!
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😁
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Suffering soccatash…can anyone get in on the adult beverages? Great job, John and Marc. Love the dialogue between the two of you.
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You are welcome anytime. What is your adult beverage of choice?
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Oooh, in that case, I’ll have a Makers Mark, neat. Thank you very much, sir.
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I’ll join you. Here’s three fingers.
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🥃 🥃 🥃 I’ll drink to that.
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😊
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The more the merrier!
We do enjoy our banter 😉
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😁
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I got up early to read your post only to find I’m second banana which is preferable to third turd. I laughed thru my Cheerios while getting through your security systems. Have a great day!
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Never heard of third turd. I’m going to use that one sometime. Thanks for letting me know you got a laugh, Steve. I hope you have a super weekend. 😁
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😎I never did either but it just popped in the nonsense compartment of my mind. I’ll look for your application in some future post. Yes, the laughing came as I pictured you creating that security system on paper, grinning like the Cheshire Cat as it got bigger and bigger. Have a great weekend yourself, John.
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Yes, you described my face as the thing grew like Topsy.
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😂
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😊
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Not even a few treats for the puddy-tat, John? I’m not sure that was a good move. I’ve had a lot of cats, and they can hold a grudge. Good job on the prompt though.
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Well, I was empty-handed and still in my PJs. All I could give was a tip on life. Let’s hope Sylvestor will get over it. Here’s to a super weekend.
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Secret societies really need to find better delivery options.
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Yeah, too many ears and eyes on it for sure.
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I have a love/hate relationship with cats. They seem to love me by trying to get close every time one is in the area, but I am very allergic, which I hate.
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Cats always know who is allergic, and yes, that’s who they go to first. Thanks, Don.
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It’s entertaining that Linda’s prompts are delivered by cartoon characters, John. I suppose it’s good that the barking girls are locked in the room so you can concentrate on the prompt delivery. Stopping at the school on the way to the pub shouldn’t be a bad delay.
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That stop ought to be quick for sure. Thanks, Tim. 😀
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Arguing which type of human actor would be best? Aye caramba.
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😁
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😁
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I thought I couldn’t hide anywhere when I drove a red station wagon. Tommy’s dad drove a MAC truck and it stayed on their driveway even when his dad wasn’t working. I am so his mom got so sick of people saying, ‘We saw your truck at **name that store**
Sylvester is pretty observant, isn’t he?
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Yes, Sylvester seems to be. A red truck is not a cherished item. Thanks, Lois.
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Your mind is an amazing thing, John.
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Thank you, Jacqui.
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I like the idea of movie stars delivering the word of the day. Maybe you could ‘dig up’ some old ones like Mae West or Errol Flinn, or Bogart and Bacall. Oh and I got the pre- cursor!
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Excellent. Some missed. Thanks, Noelle.
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What could go wrong at a mad science school that needs silver? Could put a whole different vibe on the term Voodoo Ranger.
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Look a lock of your hair. 😀
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Always an adventure!! Thanks, John.
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Let’s hope so. Glad you liked it, Jan.
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Nice alliteration run at the end!
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Couldn’t help myself. 😊
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😁
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😊
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If it breaks down on the way to pub with any luck it’ll have the tools you need to fix it inside. Fun story today.
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That is one good thing about this panel truck. Thanks, Deborah.
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Hmm, the Uber is too easy this week. I’m thinking the school with the “secret society” is in another city.
Have fun, though!
Next time Sylvester – ish shows up, send him over. Even if he’s not the real one, I’ve always wanted to meet him.
😹𝓧 😹𝓧
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I will tell him to head over to your place if he comes back. 😊x
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Deal! 🐂 🐂 🐂
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Deal 😁X
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You were at your best on the coffee today, John. A 10 on the laugh-o-meter. And that Uber delivery sounds very cool.
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Glad to hear you liked it. Thanks for letting me know. 😀
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My pleasure, John.
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😁
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