Author: John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

Views of the Neighborhood – In Search of Stucco Houses

July 18, 2021July 18, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 109 Comments

As you can see form the headline we are going out to find stucco houses. You may ask the question, “What’s so special about stucco houses?” The answer is Stucco houses are very much in the minority here in central Texas. Most of the homes are built of brick and stone. The style is most commonly called Hill Country Architecture. Stucco houses on the other hand come in many styles, so today we are going to have a look at a few. Of course, will need to have brunch which will be catered from Forthright Cafe in Austin. Our entertainment is Bette Midler.

AMERICAN BREAKFAST
two fried eggs, sourdough toast with jam, hash-browns & choice of bacon or sausage
BREAKFAST SANDWICH scrambled eggs, cheddar, ham, sriracha aioli
served on brioche Texas toast
sub gluten-free toast
PORK BELLY CHILAQUILES corn tortillas tossed in salsa Roja, two sunny eggs, crispy
pork belly, pickled onion, queso cotija
7-DAY PASTRAMI REUBEN SANDWICH JNL Barbecue smoked pastrami, caraway sauerkraut, gruyere cheese & Russian dressing served on marbled rye with a side of fries
add fried egg
CHICKEN & WAFFLES boneless fried chicken thigh, maple bourbon butter,
pecans, maple syrup & powdered sugar
PASTRAMI HASH shredded pastrami, potatoes, onions, peppers with
sunny side up eggs, queso & salsa doña
FORTHRIGHT BENEDICT pork belly, poached eggs with cherry tomato confit,
arugula and hollandaise served on English muffins
BRUNCH BURGER double 3oz patties, fried egg, bacon, American cheese,
caramelized onion, hash-brown, pickles & hollandaise
on challah bun

Top Shelf drinks from the bar

So let’s get going.

This first house is one The Producer would love to have. It is run down a little but looks like it has great bones. All stucco Hacienda style.

This house we have seen before. I decided to include it as an example of Modern style with stucco and stone. Also, the paint color is always a hoot.

Another Hacienda style.

This one is interesting and it can be a “your guess” as to style for this all stucco home.

Hacienda style again with modern touches.

A classic Hacienda style.

I couldn’t help myself on this one. No stucco, no stone, and quite unusual. This house is being renovated. Notice the LED lights. We wonder about the color choices. The two bump-outs are just sides and not painted yet. We are betting they are going with the gutter color.

A classic Hacienda style.

An example of the Italian Renaissance Revival.

Contemporary style

Mediterranean style with large Magnolia in front.

Hacienda style.

Hacienda compound.

Contemporary style.

Mid Century Modern.

Well, that completes the tour. Have some food and listen to the music. I hope you have a great week.

Steam of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Least Favorite Word.

July 17, 2021July 16, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

I was sitting on the front porch this morning enjoying the sun and the long-running chatter of the mockingbird. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I detected some movement. Sure enough, a large truck turned into the cul-de-sac and stopped in front of my house. The driver blew his air horn which, in addition to stopping my heart, cleared the surrounding block of all manner of wildlife. Finally, the driver dismounted from the behemoth and slowly walked up to the porch. Toothpick in the way I barely understood his question. Then I caught on; he was asking if I was me. I told him I was, and he shoved a clipboard under my nose with a command to sign where marked.

Not knowing what else to do, I signed. He then turned tail and went to the rear of the huge trailer. The clanking of doors, hum of tailgate lowering, and grunt of the driver led me to believe there was something heavy now on the street. After much difficulty turning around, the truck pulled away, leaving a large box. I walked up to the box and was stunned that it was taller than me. You would think the driver could have helped move it closer to the house. While scratching my head, I looked at the other side and discovered this portrait.

I think there is more to the box story. While thinking what it could be, I discovered an envelope with a single sheet of paper and this message. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “least-favorite word.” Use your least-favorite word in your post. If you can’t decide on one, use a word that just really bugs you. Enjoy! I thought immediately of the word Awesome. If you would like to enjoy this kind of prompt, visit Linda Hill’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2021/07/16/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-17-2021/

“How’s it going?”

“Awesome. I have this week’s prompt.”

“Oh, that’s awesome. What is it.”

“My least favorite word. Isn’t that awesome?’

“Yes, awesome. What is your least favorite word.”

“It’s awesome.”

“I know it’s awesome that you have a prompt. What is your least favorite word?”

“My least favorite word is awesome.”

“Being awesome, it must be some word. What is it?”

“The word is awesome.”

“I’m sure it is. Now, if you would only tell me this awesome word.”

“Listen, Bud. I told you it is awesome.”

“I think we are in a dew loop here. So let me go out on a limb. Is the word awesome?”

“Yes. Now you are awesome; you got it.”

“Me awesome? Got what?”

“Awesome. The prompt.”

“OMG, the prompt is awesome. If that is your least favorite word, why do you use it?”

“That is the whole idea to use your least favorite word. How awesome is that?”

“Totally awesome.”

“You putting me on?”

“A little.”

“The beer is on you then.”

“Awesome sauce.”

“Gad.”

“I know, right? Let’s go.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

July 16, 2021July 15, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy — “How about a game of tag.”
“Sounds good. It’s Friday after all.”
“I’ll give you to the count of three.”
“Make it five and you have a deal.”

Another Friday is in the history book. This has been an unusual week.

We saw space tourists, riots in South Africa and Cuba. Flooding in Germany. More fires in California and a big brouhaha over the wearing of masks when the kids go back to school.

The Surfside Flordia Condo collapse toll rose to 95, and the rescue efforts have turned to recovery. A little prayer for those who lost loved ones.

The Texas State Democratic representatives walked out of the special legislative session and flew to Washington on a chartered airplane. They are attempting to halt election reform legislation. Unfortunately, they have also stopped other bills whose intent is to serve the people of Texas. The only comment I have is that if you are an elected member of the legislative branch, you should be willing to serve and not just bug out when things don’t go your way.

COVID cases are on the rise. 11,000 last week, 25,000 this week. Deaths are still stable but are expected to rise along with the new cases. As long as people refuse to get vaccinated, this will be the norm after every holiday.

The news has not done much with the story, but BLM leadership on their official Twitter account has condemned the US for its economic sanctions against Cuba. It also came out in support of the Communist regime in Cuba even as folks are dying who oppose the government there. Gotta think something is wrong with that stance.

As I mentioned quite a week. Today’s JohnKu talks about the news. I hope you all have a great weekend.

It all can’t be good,

But when bad it is awful. . .

Have to move forward.

Thursday – A Little Personal – The Birthday Tree Arrives

July 15, 2021July 14, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 141 Comments

“Lucy. Do you see what I see?”

“I do, Little One. Looks like a monster truck to me.”

“You are right. What the heck is it doing here?”

“Looks like they are going to plant the Boss’s birthday tree.”

“It is about time. Do they know what they are doing?”

“Yup. Mom went out there and gave them their instructions.”

“Why are they digging so much. The hole was already done.”

“The tree needed to have the best side out. That means making a diagonal hole out of a square.”

“Come see this, Lucy.”

“Coming.”

“It looks great, doesn’t it?”

“It sure does.”

“I have to wonder where those guys went.”

“Why? You think they’ll come back, Lucy?”

“You never know. Sometimes they do.”

“Why would they come back?”

“What if they dropped off the wrong tree.”

“You think Mom would allow that?”

“I suppose you are right. Looks like this may be here a while.”

“So we can relax and enjoy the tree?”

“I would say that is the perfect thing to do. After all, it marks the Boss’s eightieth birthday.”

“How much is that in dog years?”

“About eleven.”

“Woo wee. He’s got some mileage.”

“Keep that on the down-low, Little One.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

July 14, 2021July 13, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy. — “Lucy. I think I hear Friday coming.”
“It’s the mail person, Twiggy.”
“That’s too bad. Sure sounds like Friday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were there when Larry decided to call Cortez and arrange a talk. Also, another sniper has been deployed to take advantage of the possibility of taking a shot at Cortez and his crew. The plan is for Larry to drive the FBI sedan into the drive and then go inside to talk with Cortez. This sounds super dangerous. Larry has pulled the car into the drive and got out with his hands in the air. I can see someone in the house waving him to come inside. We better get there, so we don’t miss a thing.

“You got any weapons?”
“No, you can search me if you want.”
“Yeah. Hold still and keep your arms out away from your body. There that should do it. Looks like you’re clean. Here you can keep your phone.”
“Told you. Thanks.”
“Can’t be too careful.”
“Where’s Cortez?”
“In the next room. Follow me.”
“Ah, Larry, my good friend. Come in have a seat. Would you like anything to drink?”
“I could use a water, Joachim.”
“Of course. Anything for you. Juan, get him a water.”
“Okay, Joachim. How did you get yourself into this mess.”
“You know I’ve been asking myself the same question. These guys just showed up here with the hostages and pretty much forced their way into my house.”
“You allowed that? The most powerful man in North America. Check that. The most powerful man in North and South America.”
“It’s funny, but I thought I could get these lunkheads on their way before you guys got wise. But, unfortunately, you were too fast.”
“It was that Escalade out there. Do you know one of your guys killed an old lady to get a hold of that?”
“Yes, one told me, and I’m truly sorry. It wasn’t my idea to take that car. How did you track it anyway?”
“Long story short. Your boys got some carryout, and we traced the bill to the restaurant and picked up the car on surveillance video.”
“I’ll be damned. Shows you just can’t be too careful.”
“I’m here to make a deal.”
“Yeah? What kind of deal?”
“We need you to turn yourself in along with your henchmen. I think we can convince the DA to wave the kidnapping charges as long as you co-operate.”
“You know Larry. I like you because you remind me of my uncle Charlie. But you have to face facts.”
“What facts?”
“Number one. I run the biggest drug operation this side of Jersey City. Two. I have my hands on everything illegal in both North and South America. Three all these hostages are insurance that there are no witnesses against me. Till I get to a point of safety. I’ll let ‘em go then. Well, all except for Popović. He’s a traitor and needs pay for that.”
“Since you are in the confessing mood, let me ask about Sandusky.”
“Yeah, what about him?”
“You kill him?”
“Let’s just say I know a guy who knows a guy who put that lamp out.”
“On your orders.”
“When someone gets too greedy, it is time to put your foot down. Sandusky thought he could take my money and then cut me out of the action. That never works well.”
“So, he wanted his invention for himself.”
“I would say that is about the size of it.”
“What about Alexis Rafferty?”
“His death stunned me.”
“Did you do it?”
“You have got to be kidding. His wife and her lover Ned what’s his name ?”
“Dixon.”
“That’s it. Ned Dixon and Janice Rafferty figured out a way to get rid of Alexis so they could continue to play house. Pissed me off too. Alexis was a good man.”
“You didn’t need to get revenge?”
“Oh hell no. That was their business, not mine. Yeah, I missed having Alexis worked for me, but I got over it.”
“How did you know they did it?”
“Janis came to me, and after some pretty good love, making told me the whole story. She wanted me to get rid of Ned.”
“And?”
“How do the Italians say it? He’s swimming with the fishes.”
“What about Janice?”
“I figure she owes me. As I said, good lovemaking. I’ll give her a call someday.”
“So, what do we do now?”
“I would say you get your butt back out with your federales friends. Then y’all stand down while I take the two cars to the airport.”
“Can’t let you do that, Joachim.”
“Then you’re going to force me to take you hostage, as well.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #320 by Keith Channing

July 13, 2021July 12, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

“Would you look at that?”

“What?”

“That Heffer Louise.”

“Yeah, she looks like she has put on a few pounds.”

“She has a lot of nerve showing up here.”

“Oh, do tell.”

“You mean you don’t know?”

“I’m the last to know everything. Come on, spill the beans.”

“Okay, but you didn’t hear this from me. Promise?”

“Hoofie swear.”

“Ernestine started going out with that gorgeous Brahma Bull.”

“I think I heard that part.”

“Then all of a sudden ole Louise starts strutting her stuff.”

“Men are such fools. What happened next.”

“I think you guessed it. The Brahma makes a play for Louise and drops Ernestine.”

“That hussy.”

“I hear tell Ernestine had a calf.”

“No, really?”

“Well, we think it was put up for adoption cause no one’s seen it. That’s not the best part, though.”

“It’s pretty good, though.”

“Get this. The Brahma wants to get hitched to Louise, and she drops him like a hot potato.”

“Whaaaatttttt?”

“I know, right? Now both Brahma and Ernestine and miserable all because of Louise. Shush, here she comes.”

“Morning, ladies.”

“Oh, good morning Louise. My, you look radiant today.”

“Why, thank you. You two were in such a focused discussion I thought you might have some gossip to share.”

“Oh, no. We were just talking about the weather. How about you?”

“The same. Well, I think I’ll go over to the hay buffet and see if anything is interesting. Have a nice day.”

“You too, Louise. Bye.”

“She has lots of nerve.”

“I’ll say. In addition to nerve, she should also take a pass on the buffet.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Fair

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

This post originally ran on July 13, 2015. It seemed like good advice then. If you haven’t read it, I hope you enjoy it.

Since it is summer, and there are many fairs and carnivals, I thought it would be a good idea to provide a list of things not to do if you plan on visiting one or more. The inspiration for this list is some fair visits and watching several people do what should not be done. Hope you enjoy

Top Ten Things Not to do at the Fair.

10 If you go to the fair and take a shuttle from the parking lot, do not start singing the Trolley Song from Meet me in St Louis. If you do, at best, the crowd will groan at the cliché. At worst, you will forget the words beyond “clang clang clang went the trolley” and look like an idiot. (Hint its “ding ding ding went the bell”)

9 If you go to the fair, do not put your kids on leashes as if they were pets. If you do, at best, you will find folks tripping over the lines. At worst, the kids may decide to play as dogs and lift a leg at an inopportune time.

8 If you go to the fair, do not walk around while stuffing your face with fair goodies. If you do, at best, you might not notice the ketchup running down your arm and alarm others who think you’ve been wounded. At worst, you’ll resemble some of the exhibits in the swine barn. (The plus side you might win a ribbon)

7 If you go to the fair, do not fall for the deep-fried novelties booth. If you do, at best, you will hate yourself in the morning. At worst, you will jeopardize your expensive dental work on the deep-fried Snickers bar. (On second thought, it might be worth it)

6 If you go to the fair, do not pay money to have someone guess your weight. If you do, at best, even if the guesser is wrong, the world now knows how much you weigh. At worst, the guesser will get your weight exactly right and, unfortunately, will announce to the crowd that he wasn’t sure, so he added ten pounds to his guess. (And you did not get a Cupie doll)

5 If you go to the fair, do not ride the ride where everyone is screaming. If you do, at best, you will get a sore throat from your own screaming. At worst, you will make a complete fool out of yourself, crying and begging the operator to let you off. (And this is before the ride starts)

4 If you go to the fair, do not think the house of fun is fun. If you do, at best you will be surprised at all the screaming and find it is you. At worst, you will have trouble holding onto that 32-ounce big gulp you just finished. (And it’s not the cup we are talking about)

3 If you go to the fair, do not think you will win many stuffed animals at the midway. If you do, at best, you will finally figure out the games are not winnable by ordinary people. At worst, you will spend way more than the value of the animal you eventually win. (Of course, you can always keep trying and invest enough that you could have used to buy a car)

2 If you go to the fair, do not announce how stinky you think the barns smell in a loud voice. If you do, at best, you might get a few frowns. At worst, you might be invited outside for a chat by Daniel Yoder, the national tractor throwing champ. (He will want to find out what part of cow poop you don’t like)

1 If you go to the fair and hear the word “stampede,” do not stand there and wonder what it means. If you do, at best, the herd will take the next aisle. At worst, you will be faced with a bunch of panicked cows or horses who will be more than happy to continue the same course whether you are in the way or not. (Those hooves are hard)

Views of the Neighborhood – Explore a New House

July 11, 2021July 11, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

Don’t you find it hard to resist going into a new house to have a look around? Sometimes you want to look but don’t want to get caught. Well, today, you can look all you want and have no fear. No one is going to catch you. So, yup, our trip today is to a new house in the neighborhood, and we are going to have a look. Many thanks to The Producer for the idea. She saved my bacon again.

We are being catered today by The Magnolia in Austin. Our entertainment is Orleans.

The Economical
Two eggs* any style and Two Breakfast Sides (Home Fries, Black Beans, Fruit, Toast, English Muffin)
Bacon Sausage Ham

Love Migas
Eggs or tofu scrambled in spicy LOVE butter (fresh garlic and serrano) with tomato, onion, bell pepper, tortilla chips, and jack cheese. Served with black beans and choice of flour or corn tortillas.

Chicken and the Egg
A cornmeal jalapeno pancake topped with ancho chicken, mixed cheddar/jack cheese, and two eggs over medium. Served with black beans, avocado, pico de gallo, sour cream, and lettuce on the side.

Huevos Rancheros
A grilled corn tortilla topped with two eggs, Arbol sauce, and mixed cheddar/jack cheese. Served with rice, beans, and tortillas on the side.

Eggs Zapatino
Scrambled eggs on a toasted English muffin, smothered in our legendary queso. Served with home fries.
Bacon Sausage Ham Avocado

Eggscape
Two eggs* over medium served on a mini-mountain of seasoned home fries and sausage, topped with cheddar/jack cheese.
Toast or English Muffin 2.00

Order from the top shelf bar selection

Hop on the bus, and let’s go.

The first photo takes us back in time to 2019. The lot is for sale.

The next photo moves us up a bit. Although a little difficult to see, this is an aerial shot of the lot and the foundation. The house is situated to the rear of the lot (Left-hand side of the photo). Does anyone know how to land this thing?

Here we are at the new build. The first thing to notice is it is a flat-roofed house. Also, I have to confess I don’t have any specifications on the house so I can’t give you square feet, numbers of bedrooms and baths.

The entrance is going to be pretty impressive. We have a close-up photo below of the right side.

A three-car garage.

Looking back toward the street. Those rocks will be put to good use.

Here is a view of the part of the air handling system. I also think there is going to be a fireplace. This photo is at the entrance on the right side.

This is the view from the main floor. The house has two floors. This one could be called the ground floor.

A little confusing, but this is a shot of the kitchen island. That whole section will be the kitchen. To the left are a pantry and a laundry room. That view of the lake is to the right of the photo.

The same view but gives you an idea of where the kitchen is in relation to the entrance.

We are now in the lower level, looking toward the lake from the primary bedroom.

The primary bedroom looking from the walk-in closet through the bathroom. The bath has a walk-in shower plus a soaking tub.

This is the swimming pool on the lower level. It will be connected to the house.

Another bedroom on the lower level. Someone left a window open in the recent rain.

Last photo on the lower level. Here is the main double vanity sink layout. The walk-in closet is to the left. There is also a large area that looks like it will be a family room on the lower level. The photo I took did not come out for some reason. Oh well, maybe we’ll come back when the house is nearer to being complete.

A closer look at the laundry room. You can see the water and dryer vent roughed in.

A last look out toward the lake. The kitchen is on the left. There is another bedroom on the right of the photo.

Well, that’s our look around. I hope you liked it. Now sit back and enjoy the music. I hope you all have a great week.

Saturday Stream of Consciousness – Prompt – Hope

July 10, 2021July 9, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

I was lounging in the backyard, thinking pure thoughts about the world at large. All of a sudden, I heard what sounded like a police whistle, and a guy who looked like the McDonald’s Hamburgerler jumped over the fence and landed flat-footed in front of me. “May I help you?” I said. His eyes tightened, and I could see him turn red behind the mask. “You have a gun?” he responded. I told him I didn’t have a gun, but he could borrow my shovel. He burst out laughing and handed me an envelope. He then jumped back over the fence, and I heard more noise, then silence.

I opened the envelope, and here is what was inside written on the back of a canceled cashier’s check.

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “hope.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

The check was for a million dollars and since it was canceled, all hope for the Bentley Turbo Convertable went out the window.

If you would like to have fun go to Linda Hill’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2021/07/09/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-10-2021/

“Hey bud, what’s going on?”

“Saturday prompt.”

“Ah, another stumper?”

“No, this one is easy.”

“Like the bartender asked the horse, why the long face?”

“It is a word that can describe optimism or pessimism depending on how it is used.”

“Humm sounds like when my beer glass is empty.”

“I’m serious. I have a tough time choosing which.”

“Why not both? Then you can call whatever this is a treatise.”

“That is a good idea. The word is hope.”

“OMG, something you need a lot of for sure.”

“Uh..okay. Anyway, the word hope can mean looking forward with the optimism that things will get better.”

“Or?”

“When someone declares there is no hope, it pretty much means things will stay the same or get worse.”

“So you going to give an example of each?”

“Humm. How about I’m out of money, and very thirsty.”

“I don’t get it.”

“I hope some nice guy will stand me to a beer.”

“Yeah, I hope you are right.”

“Wait a minute that was your cue.”

“I don’t want you to lose hope, but I have no money either.”

“A perfect storm and example of no hope.”

“Wait, there is hope yet. I can put the beer on my tab at the Purple Octopus.”

“Gosh I hate that place.”

“But it offers us hope to quench our thirst.”

“Better hope than no hope I guess. Let’s go.”

“By the way. Don’t use their glasses.”

“This gets better and better.”

“Order a bottle and don’t take any of the bar nuts.”

“My hope for a happy ending is now fading.”

“Don’t touch your face until we get hand sanitizer.”

“Hope is gone.”

“Maybe but still there’s beer.”

“There is that.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

July 9, 2021July 8, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 102 Comments

Friday came just in time for me. I have pushed myself so hard since the 5th of July I need another weekend off. I hope you know that I’m kidding. I think I’ve been reading too many Twitter trending tweets.

I saw an article that stated in June, 100% of the COVID deaths in Maryland were among those who were not vaccinated. So I can imagine that would be some wake-up news for those who are still not there. But, of course, some are opposed to being vaccinated, and maybe the news won’t wake anything.

Our county has reached 70% of the population receiving one shot. Looking forward to the time where 70% of the population has had two shots. I have real fear for those not vaccinated as the new variants are beginning to take hold. Also, it will be interesting to see where the case count goes after the Fourth of July weekend. That will be in another week.

Today’s JohnKu talks about getting vaccinated and why not. I hope you all have a safe and restful weekend.

Is it politics?

Maybe a religious fear . . .

Why not? A puzzle.