Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Note.

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

 

While making a note of today’s destination, It is noticed that the coffee machine has not made a sound in over five minutes. This leads me to believe something is amiss. Looking closer, the plug is found lying on the counter. Knowing how difficult it is for machines to work while unplugged, the situation is corrected.

Soon, the aroma and sounds of a fresh cup of joe meet my senses. It’s time to grab the clock and set it for Paris, France, May 4, 1924, and a duration of two hours. The plunger is pulled, and we find ourselves on the opening day of the 1924 Olympics.

To quote the History Channel. “The 1924 Paris Olympics—held in the City of Lights as a tribute to Pierre, Baron de Coubertin, the retiring president of the International Olympic Committee—drew 44 participating countries, a big increase over the previous 29. Over 1,000 journalists worldwide covered the Games, in which 3,088 athletes competed in 126 events. This was the first Olympics that featured women’s fencing.”

Also, “The 1924 Paris Olympics—which ran May 4 to July 27—became famous in pop culture decades later as the subject of the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire. The movie is based on the true story of British runners Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams.”

As the opening ceremonies begin, the alarm signals our return to the living room couch without seeing an event. My text tone lets me know Linda Hill has sent the prompt text. The text reads. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “note.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

To see what other bloggers have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2024/05/03/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-4-2024/

Note by John W. Howell © 2024

“Why don’t you time these things so that we can see more?”

“I guess I get a little nervous about being in the past.”

“Why? It would be fun.”

“Yeah, and the potential of messing up something is high.”

“Like what?”

“What if someone in 1924 took my photo.”

“Yeah, so?”

“Well. I don’t belong in that time, and maybe the photo shows me from a different time with the clothes and everything.”

“Okay.”

“Then the guy would make a note of the fact.”

“Again, so?”

“And talk to his friends and maybe show them what I looked like.”

“This is getting boring. What’s the point?”

“Mabe, the guy would go on a quest to find me.”

“Hello. Conclusion needed.”

“Okay, let’s say the photographer is Alfred Stieglitz. Instead of all the beautiful photos of Georgia O’Keefe and donations to museums, he stopped his photography to search for me.”

“How do you get through doors with the size of your head.”

“This is not about me but a time traveler and someone who messed up the time continuum.”

“I still think it would be worth the risk. Can I change the subject?”

“Wouldn’t be VooDoo Range, would it?”

“Mind reader.”

“Oder an uber.”

“He is already here. Over there.”

Photo by Dan Antion

“Aw, come on.”

“Super discount. We do have to make one stop.”

“We do? What for?”

“We have to help the guy with one of his customers.”

“Oh, I just can’t wait. What customer is this?”

“The zoo.”

“The zoo. Where in the zoo?”

“The elephant house.”

“That’s it. I’m going to order my own Uber.”

“Don’t be a spoiled sport. You ever rooter an elephant house?”

“I’ve never rootered anything.”

“A first time for everything. Let’s go.”

“Why do I always follow your goofy ideas.”

“You are a happy man. Make a note of that.”

 

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

Today’s Good News story continues the good work being done on behalf of Big cats. I am grateful to GP of Pacific Paratrooper for sharing this story, which ran on Fox News.

Watch the video HERE

CPW’s Southwest Region said the rescue unfolded on Friday as officials were preparing to release water down the Vallecito Reservoir spillway outside of Durango.

“A release of water likely would have drowned the two lions,” it said, noting that the Pine River Irrigation District allowed its officers onto hydroelectric plant property to attempt the rescue.

Video released by CPW then showed one of its officers dangling a rope from atop a wall and lifting one of the animals up from the spillway far below.

A Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer is seen dangling a rope with a mountain lion clinging onto it on Friday, April 19, near the Vallecito Reservoir outside of Durango. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

“The first mountain lion held onto the rope all the way to the top of the spillway barrier and quickly ran off into the woods. The second lion, however, wouldn’t hold onto the rope and ran down the spillway all the way to where the Los Pinos River continues below the dam,” it said. “Unwilling to swim to reach the bank, the young lion continued to pace around at the water’s edge and moved into a corner of the spillway.”

Colorado mountain lions trapped in spillway

Both young mountain lions were rescued from the spillway, Colorado Parks and Wildlife says. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

CPW says one of its officers then went down into the spillway himself and managed to get the mountain lion interested in the rope.

“With the lion interested in the rope, CPW staff were also able to use a catch pole, and all together, we lifted the lion over the concrete wall and quickly released it. However, the lion decided to hide under a truck for a few minutes,” it said.

One of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers had to enter the spillway himself to complete the rescue. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

“After everyone backed off and it took time to regroup, the young lion ran off in the same direction as its sibling,” CPW added.

Today’s story again underscores the good news that people are willing to help animals in trouble. Today’s JohnKu offers thanks to these officers. I hope you have a super weekend.

Thanks by John W. Howell © 2024

Quick and decisive

Was the norm for this great day . . .

We all offer thanks.

 

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste On a Rainy Day

“Tempeste. What are you doing?”

“Looking for crumbs.”

“You have to believe there are none around here.”

“So I’m finding out. I’ll keep looking, though.”

“Suit yourself. Believe me, I’ve been over this place with a fine-toothed comb.”

“Fine-toothed comb? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’ve looked carefully, and there are no crumbs.”

“Shoot. There goes the morning.”

“Where you going?”

“Since It’s raining, maybe a nap would be good.”

“That does seem like a good idea.”

“Um. I’m not so sure. This bed is not very cozy.”

“May not be cozy, but it sure is soft.”

“Yeah, I can feel that. Maybe too soft.”

“How could a bed be too soft?”

“Sometimes, when I sleep wrong, I get a crick. I think it is from a soft bed.”

“I have never heard of sleeping wrong, let alone a crick.”

“You have to believe that it happens to me.”

“You kids these days. A crick, indeed. Follow me.”

“Where are we going?”

“To my nice Serta Perfect Sleeper dog bed. It is a no-crick zone.”

“You would let me use your bed?”

“We can’t have you going around with a crick.”

“You’re the best.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #430 by Keith Channing

In Keith’s words. “Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. 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. Thank you for taking part.

Here is a link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/04/29/kreative-kue-430/

The photo.

Mine by John W. Howell © 2024

“Hey, what are you doing?”

“I could ask you the same question.”

“You are in my pond.”

“And you are on my turf.”

“I’m not totally understanding what’s going on here.”

“Well, that makes two of us.”

“I got up this morning and decided to have a stroll.”

“Yeah, and I did the same.”

“How was I to know there would be an ugly mutt in my pond.”

“How do you think I feel knowing there is an ugly mutt on my land.”

“Your land? How can it be your land?”

“The same way you think this is your pond.”

“I’ve been here for years, and this pond has always been mine.”

“I’ve been here as long. Every morning, I look up, and that land has been there undisturbed.”

“I think you’ll agree something is wrong.”

“Darn right. You need to get off my land.”

“And you need to get out of my pond.”

“I’ll make you a deal.”

“What kind of deal?”

“You move away from the pond, and I’ll leave.”

“How do I know you’ll leave?”

“You can always check later.”

“Sounds fair. Okay, I’m off.”

“Goodbye. I’m off too.”

A question for the reader. What do you think is going to happen when the land Jack Russel comes back to check his pond? Yeah, this could go on forever.

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do on a Four-Hour Car Trip Alone

 

This post was published on March 26th, 2018. Since four-hour trips still happen, perhaps it will be useful.

* * *

Top Ten Things Not to Do on a Four-Hour Car Trip Alone

This list was inspired by my recent four-hour one-way trip to Galveston. I had to keep reminding myself to avoid these things, which I managed to do.

10 If you are alone on a long car trip, do not decide to set up a new playlist on Spotify while driving. If you do, at best, you’ll take a wrong turn. At worst, you’ll get pulled over by a small-town police officer who thinks you are texting and driving. (Lucky the officer is a Dead Head and let you go after a twice run-through of “Keep on Truckin,” huh, Dawud?)

9 If you are alone on a long car trip, do not pick up hitchhikers. If you do, at best, they will be a traveling preacher. At worst, you’ll pick up Tiny, the WWF champ, who has just jogged for ten miles and tells you he thinks he needs a shower. (What gave you a clue, Daylin? Maybe the steamed-up windows or the fact that your air freshener exploded?)

8 If you are alone on a long car trip, do not continue to update the GPS system looking for a shorter route.. If you do, at best, you’ll end up at a dead-end street. At worst, after four hours, the system will route you to a point where you realize you are one state over from your destination. (Best to keep your hands off the system, Dearborn. Maybe it is time to deal with those trust issues.)

7 If you are alone on a long car trip, do not think you must pass every car on the road. If you do, at best, you get stuck behind a slow-moving truck and pass through a speed trap ten miles under the limit. At worst, you’ll find yourself in the oncoming lane with someone at your side who has the same objective. (Is he actually wearing a death’s-head mask,  Declan? Maybe you better hit the brake and get back in your lane. I know, tough decision.)

6 If you are alone on a long car trip, do not decide to do e-mails on your phone. If you do, at best, you’ll trash the most important. At worst, you will get so engrossed that you miss the road closed sign. (Looks like you are buried in mud, Delany. Hope you have Triple-A.)

5 If you are alone on a long car trip, do not try to stay alert with copious amounts of caffeine. If you do, at best, there will be plenty of rest areas. At worst, you didn’t pay attention to the sign Last Rest Area for 100 Miles, and now you are sweating like an overworked racehorse. (Even the descriptor of racehorse brings up increased tension, Delmar. Why is all the land around you flat and lacking vegetation?)

4 If you are alone on a long car trip, do not start singing and using stage gestures along with the show tune on the radio. If you do, at best, those going the opposite way won’t call the State Police to report a crazy person behind the wheel. At worst, they will. (You passed the touch-nose test, Demitri. Now, let’s see how that straight-line walking goes.)

3 If you are alone on a long trip, do not think you are safe going nine miles an hour over the speed limit. If you do, at best, you won’t see any police. At worst, you will meet a friendly State Trooper who writes up everyone who is five miles per hour over the limit. (The nice part about being caught in a small town is the folks in jail are very friendly, Derby.)

2 If you are alone on a long trip, do not think you can drive and let your mind wander at the same time. If you do, at best, the rumble strips will pop you back to reality. At worst, you’ll have just solved that plot conundrum at the same time you end up in a ditch. (The sad thing is that solution flew out your very broken window when you rolled the car, Deron.)

1 If you are alone on a long trip or any trip, do not text and drive. If you do, at best, there will be no consequences. At worst, you might be in a position to regret your actions for the rest of your life, Derry.

 

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Earth Day Planting

In celebration of Earth Day last Monday, the Swim Center and the Department of Parks and Recreation of Lakeway held a planting event. Volunteers signed up to plant blooming plants throughout the center. So, we will step back in time and witness the event. We are catered by the 24 Diner of Austin, and our entertainment is The Beetles.

Menu

CHEDDAR BURGER Brioche bun, cheddar, pickles, red onion, roasted tomatoes, smoked aioli

BACON AVOCADO BURGER Brioche bun, bacon, avocado, charred poblanos, smoked aioli

24 BURGER
Brioche bun, swiss, house pickles, sauce gribiche, bibb lettuce, tomato

THE 24 VEGGIE BURGER Brioche bun, Havartii, vegan mayo, spicy pepper relish, avocado. Housemade veggie patty: beets , mushrooms, lentils, bread crumbs, rice, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds

WAGYU SLIDERS Blackening spice, bacon, caramelized onions, blue cheese

PATTY MELT Rye toast, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, smoked aioli

M’S GRILLED CHEESE Sourdough, cheddar, havarti, roasted tomato

THE B.L.T. Ciabatta, bacon, tomatoes, arugula, basil, oregano, roasted garlic, aioli

MEATLOAF SANDWICH Sourdough bread, pickles, mustard, ketchup, red onion

CHICKEN CLUB SANDWICH Ciabatta, avocado mash, bacon, tomatoes, bibb lettuce, tomato vinaigrette

BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERS Crispy chicken breast, house Buffalo sauce, pickles, blue cheese

FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH Brioche bun, apricot slaw, chipotle remoulade, choice of white or dark meat

BLACKENED TUNA SANDWICH Brioche bun, cabbage cucumber slaw, jalapeno remoulade

Picture of an old time school bus

Jump on the bus, and let’s go.

There is the entrance to the park.

The Parks and Recreation table so we know we are in the right place.

The plants were all laid out ahead of time. Here’s a hibiscus ready to be planted.

More plants are laid out in a bed.

More.

Here is a bed that has roses but is going to get company.

The volunteers get briefed.

And so to work. Hibiscus and lantana are being put in.

All ages are participating.

Lots of ground to cover.

The boss seems pleased.

The hibiscus we saw earlier is getting settled.

Everyone is pitching in.

It is time for us to enjoy the food and music. I know you’ve worked hard, and you need to relax. I hope you have a great week.

 

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Show

When will the brain-saving liquid show up? It has been an eternal minute since the process was engaged. It seems to me there might be a glitch in the brewing mechanism. No wait. There it is, the first few drops of Elixer slowly making their way to my cup. Finally complete, the first sip is a reminder to grab that clock. I set it for April 26th, 1924, with the location in London. The duration is two hours. When the plunger is pulled, we are immediately transported to Aeolian Hall in London.

Lucky us because we get to witness the first performance of Tzigane, a rhapsody for violin and orchestra by French composer Maurice Ravel. Tzigane, the title of which is derived from the generic European term for “gypsy,” was composed in a short time in 1924. The violinist performing is Jelly d’Arányi, who is of Hungarian descent. He is joined by Henri Gil-Marchex at the piano.

The premiere piece’s performance lasts eleven minutes, and the audience applause is deafening. Maurice is most famous for his Bolèro, which was written in 1928, so he clearly has a great career ahead of him.

Just as the champagne is served, the alarm goes off, and my usual high dive into the couch is accomplished with plenty of welcome barks from the resident pouches.

My text notification goes off, and it is Linda Hill, our prompt for this week. Here is the message: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “show.” Use it as a noun or a verb. Have fun!

To see what other bloggers have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2024/04/26/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-27-2024/

Show by John W. Howell © 2024

“Well, that was some show.”

“It was terrific.”

“How did you know to go there?”

“I Googled it.”

“I would say that worked ten.”

“Would you like to hear the music?”

“Um, you know I’m not big on classical.”

“Okay, then we will skip it.”

“Well, I don’t want to stand in your readers’ way. Maybe they would like to listen.”

“For those who would, here it is.”

“While they are busy, what say we hit the pub.?”

“Uber?”

“Over there.”

Photo by Resa McConaghy

“What on Earth?”

“Don’t be hasty.”

“It is a moving van.”

“With lots of room.”

“Okay, I’ll give you that.”

“Think of pulling up to the front of the pub in this.”

“Yeah. Quite a scene.”

“Maybe we could convince the pub mates to join us on a roadie.”

“Hold it right there.”

“What.”

“No roadies.”

“How about a parkie.”

“What’s that?”

“Where we just stay at the pub but invite everyone to sit inside the truck.”

“Redneck fun, I suppose.”

“Don’t you know it?”

“Okay, let’s go.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

Jem and Zoe, rescued from Tiger King Park – credit: Lions, Tigers, and Bears Animal Sanctuary

Today’s story comes from the Good News Network.

Two Big Cats from Infamous Tiger King Captivity Thriving in San Diego After Sanctuary Helps Save 69 Tigers

A San Diego wildlife sanctuary is proud to report that two of the 69 tigers rescued from the infamous collection of the ‘Tiger King’ Joe Exotic are thriving at their Alpine, CA location.

Participating in the rescue of the cats, Lions, Tigers, and Bears Animal Sanctuary took three years to help the pair of Bengal tigers, Jem and Zoe, put on normal weight and get back to their wild ways, but that perseverance has paid off.

Netflix introduced the world to the US tiger trade with a landmark docu-series, Tiger King, in 2021. The series centered around Joe Exotic’s private menagerie collection and his difficulties with a woman named Carole Baskin, the owner of Big Cat Rescue.

Exotic is now in prison, serving 21 years for conspiracy to commit murder after attempting to hire two hitmen to take Baskin out. Tiger King Park in Oklahoma was closed for ongoing violations of the Endangered Species Act.

An organized effort to relocate his 69 captive tigers to sanctuaries around the country saw Lions, Tigers, and Bears (LTB) take in two adults, Jem and Zoe.

“Their condition was dire, marked by severe malnutrition, emaciation, dull skin, and other issues,” LTB told Fox News 5 San Diego. “The trauma from long-term abuse led to the development of uncharacteristic behavior, such as not eating for days at a time.”

However, LTB’s efforts succeeded, and after three years, the pair are “living their best lives in their forever home.”

People can visit Zoe and Jem at the LTD Sanctuary by reservation only. Still, the sanctuary relies on visitors and contributions to perform life-saving rescues like those from Tiger King Park.

As their name implies, there are more than just tigers there. Visitors can see lions, bobcats, and leopards, along with other large animals beyond the Panthera (big cat) genus.

The good news in this article is over 69 tigers were saved from suffering in a deplorable situation and two of them are thriving. Also, here is a link to an article that will update you on how well the other tigers are doing (Hint: Real well) https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/60-minutes-shares-happened-rescued-144437817.html#:~:text=60%20Minutes%20did%20a%20short,really%20changed%20for%20these%20tigers.

Today’s JohnKu talks about shame. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Captive by John W. Howell © 2024

It made great TV,

Tigers and crazy keeper . . .

The shame of Netflix.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste in the Yard

“Why did Mom let us out in the yard?”

“So we can run and play together. Besides, she picked up all the leaves.”

“What is that fencing doing there?”

“That is to keep you from eating leaves on the other side.”

“How about a race.”

“Okay, I’ll race you to the other fence.”

“Hey, no fair. You are bigger and faster.”

“Also heavier, I might point out.”

“Okay, then I’ll race you back.”

“Hey, I didn’t even get a chance to run.”

“And you don’t get a chance either.”

“Okay, you win this one.”

“The panther and the puma sniff the ground looking for prey.”

“That is a nice story.”

“The panther decides to take out the puma.”

“I have to say the panther has a nice spring.”

“Time to give up Miss Puma.”

“You have not seen my secret move.”

“Come on. Show me the move.”

“Maybe when you get bigger.”

Aw, come on. Cough it up.”

“You are not old enough for my move.”

“I will keep bugging you until you show me the move.”

” I must say you are becoming very persuasive.”

“Whoa. What was that?”

“That dear heart was the move.”

“Can you show me again?”

“You have got to be kidding me.”

“No, I would like to see it again.”

“I think you should quit while you’re ahead.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #429 by Keith Channing

In Keith’s words. “Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. 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. Thank you for taking part.”

Here is a link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/04/22/kreative-kue-429/

The photo.

Professionalism by John W. Howell © 2024

“So, guys. As you know, this podcast is heard around the world. I want you all to enjoy the discussion but watch your language.  Although we are not FCC-regulated, our audience expects a high degree of professionalism. We will be live in one minute. Are there any questions?”

“Er, I have one.”

“Sure, Jerry, go ahead.”

“The subject today is the mating behavior of the yellow banana gnat.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

“When it comes time to talk about the actual act of reproduction, what words can we use.”

“Well, Jerry, as you know, our audience is made up of knowledgeable and sophisticated listeners. I would use the proper terms where necessary.”

“That is helpful. What about the terms for the gnat’s body functions?”

“Again, Jerry. I would stick to the terms that are recognized by professionals.”

“Thank you. I just don’t want to make any mistakes.”

“Jerry, you are a renowned Entomologist. You are one of the few who have studied the yellow banana gnat extensively. You have nothing to fear in terms of your knowledge and respect in the field. You are a special guest, and we are fortunate to have you on this broadcast today. There is no reason to be nervous. Whatever you say will be taken as gospel. So I hope you feel empowered to relax and share your knowledge.”

“I do, Ralph. Thank you.”

“All right, we are live in three, two, one. Good afternoon, listeners. Welcome to our podcast ‘You, Me, and the Insect Makes Three. Today, we are broadcasting in the open air from the village green and are especially pleased to have Jerry Manning, Chief Entomologist with the US Forest Service. You all know Jerry’s background, so without further ado, welcome Jerry.”

“Thank you, Ralph.”

“So tell us, Jerry. What makes the yellow banana gnat so special?”

“In a nutshell, Ralph, the yellow gnat is special in two areas.”

“Two areas. That is different. What are they?”

“The way it poops and the way it lays one on it’s mate.”

“Oh, I have just been informed that our transmitter has gone down. I’m sorry to say the broadcast has been canceled.”

“Was it something I said?”

“No, Jerry. Not at all. You were great.”