Today I opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 205. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “quality.” No, that isn’t dirt on my finger. It’s a bruise from heaven knows where or how.
Quality by John W. Howell © 2026
“It’s the quality that counts.”
“To me, they all look the same.”
“Well, I can assure you they are not.”
“So what’s the difference?”
“For one, the outside needs to be blemish-free and uniform in color.”
“Okay, a nice uniform brown.”
“Yes.”
“What else?”
“They need to be fresh.”
“How can you tell?”
“You look to see that they are moving. You don’t want one that has passed.”
“I pretty much grab one without all this scrutiny. Never checked to see that they are moving.”
“Which gives rise to an old saying.”
“What’s that?”
“A saying that describes someone who is not very discerning.”
“Okay, I give. What’s the saying?”
“Like a duck on a junebug.”
“I resemble that.”
“No kidding. Like every Mallard on the planet.”
“You Muscovys are so stuck up.”
“Look, junebug.”
“I’m on it.”
Fiction Favorites 
I have so many questions about that saying. Mostly versions of ‘how does a duck stand on a junebug without crushing it?’
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You got me. I thought maybe you were picking a lobster.
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That would be a good one, too, Craig.
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Good one, John. Did not see that coming.
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I’m so happy. Thanks for letting me know, Dan. 😊
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This got my imagination going on ducks and junebugs, John.
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An old saying, Tim. Thanks.😊
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😊
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😊
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Once again, you surprised me with the direction the finger point was headed. Well done, John.
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I’m always glad when you enjoy the prompt, Monika. Thanks 😊
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They could have been watching humans picking out a cantaloupe at the farmers market. 😂
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I was thinking of the Japanese, who throw away any blemished fruit. But ducks on a june bug? Who’d a thunk?
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Who would have thought? Thanks, Noelle. 😀
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PS I hate june bugs!
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I do too. Especially when on a bike.
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Nasty when they hit your face or worse yet, your teeth!
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Or a mouth open throat gag.
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A duck on a junebug? Is that a bit like a human on a skateboard? Another great story, John. 😄
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Thank you, Gwen. 😀 If you ever saw a duck run after a junebug, you would know how quick both move. That is where the saying comes from.
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The animal was easier this time. No ducking the issue.
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Ha ha ha.
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You got me again, John. Very good.
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I’m so glad. Thank you, Esther.
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The first thing I saw was that bruise on your finger! Don’t you hate when you cannot explain it?
I then thought the brown thing moving would be a worm and the saying early bird gets the worm – but I should have known that would be too obvious for you!
Ya got me!
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I do hate unexplained bruises. Thanks, Dale. Love the gotcha.
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You’d think there would be something to remind you of what you did! I am constantly finding them.
🙂
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No clue sometimes. 😀
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😊
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Ducks arguing. Our dog Rollo would not be happy listening to that. (He is afraid of duck sounds).
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Ha ha ha. Don’t blame Rollo. Very annoying.
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Like a duck on a junebug is a new one for me. 😂
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File it away for one of those porch sitting stories when you want to describe fast, Lots of laughs guaranteed.
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I’ve heard this saying all my life but never fully understood it. Do ducks really eat junebugs?? I stand ready to be educated, my friend!
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I was thinking a couple picking produce so yep, ya got me! Ya got me good.
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My job here is done. 😀
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Hahahaha!
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😊
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Now the bruises, I get. but this sounds like an oxymoron to me… the ducks on a June bug! What would I have done without knowing this! 🥹🤣💕
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You would have remained in innocent bliss. 😊
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Hahaha not bad at times these days! 😅
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Nope. 😀
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I try to get in the “What would John do?” frame of mind, but I’m never right, lol!
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Ha ha ha. This makes me happy, Teri. Thanks for telling me.
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I love Teri’s comment. I also try to get into the Howell frame of mind when I start reading these, but I’m always surprised. 🙂
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Thank you, Jan. So glad I can keep you guessing. Thanks for letting me know.
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Well done, John!
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Thank you, Jennie.
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You’re welcome.
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This shows the importance of reading all the way to the end. If I had stopped after you described the color, then I would’ve sworn you were discussing kiwis. Live and learn or in this case, read and learn.
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Yes, the end is key. Thanks, Steve.
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