Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

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

Lucy and Twiggy — “What does the word ‘Friday’ mean Lucy?”
“That the workweek is over I guess.”
“Or that the ruckus week is just beginning.”
“That too. You are it.”

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.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

July 2, 2021July 1, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Before we begin I just want you to know I have a story published on Vocal Media. It is titled The Last Hum – Before the end. If you visit and like the story you can hit “like.” Here is the link https://vocal.media/fiction/the-last-hum

Yes, it is Friday again. Always nice to see it. I think everyone is looking forward to the Fourth of July holiday. Makes for a nice long weekend.

The City of Lakeway has reinstated the Fourth of July parade, so I’ll be there. It is being held on Saturday, so I will bring it to you on Views of the Neighborhood on Sunday. I always enjoy a Fourth of July parade. So I hope you will stop by.

Today’s JohnKu talks about our Country’s birthday. I hope you all enjoy the weekend.

One more year older,

The Democracy cradle . . .

Happy day to you.

Friday JohnKu – AKA TGIF

June 25, 2021June 24, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 93 Comments

Photo of Lucy and Twiggy — “I can’t hear you Little One. You are too far away.”
“It’s okay Lucy. I was just saying what a lovely Friday this is. Plenty of shade with a little dappled sun. So peaceful.”
“What?”

Another Friday is upon us, and it does seem like the week passed quickly. Well, I hope that is a good thing for you. I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, it is nice to get to the weekend. But, on the other hand, at my age, to feel the weeks fly can be disconcerting. Such a condition can be compared to riding in a driverless car’s back seat, watching the speedometer climb past the speed limit. Who do you call?

As we ease COVID restrictions here in the US, some sobering numbers are being registered in the rest of the world. The WHO reported the official worldwide death tool in 2020 of 1,813,188. So far this year, more than 2,000,000 people worldwide have died. These statistics point out a disparity in the ability of vaccines in the poorer countries. In the US, 53% of the population is fully vaccinated. A bit short of the herd immunity goal of 70% but enough to drastically cut the number of cases reported. Also, the number of deaths has declined significantly. Let’s hope the rest of the world can get the vaccines before another outbreak causes more hardship.

Still plugging along on my WIP. My characters just finished a scene with Lucifer (No, he hasn’t changed. Still evil.)and are now in California in 1849 to see what the Gold Rush was all about. I wish them well there since the place is loaded with ruffians. Certainly not like today.

Today’s John Ku talks about the pandemic. I hope you all have a super weekend.

It seems to be over,

For the richest of countries . . .

What about the poor ones?

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

June 18, 2021June 17, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

“So what are we doing today, Little one?”
“Friday? Lovely sunshine? 98 degrees? Absolutely nothing but relax and stay cool..”
“I can handle that.”

Here we are on a Friday again. It is so nice to head into a weekend. I hope your week wasn’t too stressful. If it was, then you are only eight hours until relief.

I went to the dentist today. My teeth had not been cleaned since October of 2019. I was scheduled for one in April of 2020, but we all know what happened. I was rescheduled for September 2020 but canceled. I finally showed up today, and it was fine. The good news was the hygienist and dentist were surprised I hadn’t been cleaned for 21 months—the power of wine.

There has been a lot of talk about employers wanting employees to return to the office. But are employees ready to return?

NBC News has reported, and I quote, “a survey released in April by the American Psychological Association found that 49 percent of adults feel uneasy about returning to in-person interactions once the pandemic is over. Vaccination status did not affect that: 48 percent of those who have already been vaccinated say they, too, feel uncomfortable with in-person interactions.”

So this means folks would like to take more time at home, and hopefully, companies will be able to accommodate them. FlexJobs, which surveyed more than 2,100 people who have been working remotely during the pandemic, found that 58 % would quit if they were forced to return to the office. This has to be a wake-up call for companies.

The suggestion is companies take a slow approach and keep alternatives open for those who aren’t ready to return. How about you? Any desire to return to the office?

Today’s JohnKu talks about a return to the status quo. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.

Pandemic concerns,

Are in the rearview mirror . . .

What is your normal?

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

June 11, 2021June 10, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

Another Friday and another fast week. I love the refrain, “I just don’t know where the time goes.” It speaks so well for the current situation. But, of course, it is a refrain spoken mostly by the senior members of the population. I have to plead guilty as being included in that body of folks. But, just the same, I would like to have time to slow down a bit.

Our first summer is officially here in Central Texas. We have 90 degree days.

We just finished the Noad’s Ark phase of the seasons in Texas. Here is a chart giving you an idea of all the Texas seasons.

Chart courtesy of Joan Hall

When we move into Hell’s Front Porch, the temps will get into the 100’s. We always look forward to that time of year. Today’s JohnKu talks about talking about the weather. I hope you all have a delightful weekend.

If we have nothing,

Real worthy of discussion . . .

There’s always weather.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

June 4, 2021June 3, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

Friday is here again. It seems like a very short week. But, wait, that’s because it was. Memorial Day took 20% of the week. Well, that explains it.

Our part of Texas is getting a lot of rain. It looks like it will continue through the weekend. This is totally fine with me since we need it. I did not enjoy the teeth-rattling thunder last night, though. We had a spectacular lightning show to go with the thunder.

The Texas legislature concluded its session for this year. The next time they will meet will be in 2023. After that, they meet starting the first Tuesday in January for 140 days. The governor can call special sessions, but by and large, that’s it for the next 18 months. We like this kind of legislative agenda.

This week’s JohnKu talks about the best kind of government. I hope you have a super weekend.

Government is best,

When those governed don’t feel it . . .

Only in heaven.

FridayJohnKu – AKA – TGIF

May 28, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

Photo of Twiggy and Lucy — “Lucy. Why are you so fuzzy?”
“Cause the Boss hasn’t figured out depth of field yet.”
“Glad it’s not you.”

It is Friday again, and time to be thinking about the weekend. For those who work, it promises to be a long weekend.

Not much to report today. This week seemed pretty slow. Kept the pressure on my WIP. Had to do some research which tends to slow things down a bit. I make a promise it will be out before the turn of the century. (A little writer humor. Very little.)

I was pleased to be informed that Eternal Road – The final stop took a finalist award in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (NGIBA). Always feels good to get recognized for work. I will be putting the award on the sidebar when the artwork is available.

I see more bloggers getting worked up over states passing legislation on the voter process. I hope most of them take the time to really look at the laws passed and not just take someone else’s word that evil is afoot. I wish we all would look more closely at situations before firing off a rant, but that is just me.

Today’s JohnKu talks about rants. I hope you all have a great weekend and thoughtful Memorial Day.

We still owe ourselves,

A disciplined fact checks step. . .

Before writing rants.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

May 21, 2021May 20, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

Ah, Friday at last Little One.”
“Feels good, Lucy.”
“Yes it does.”

Friday again so soon? WTH. Okay, enough of the “Is life moving too fast? rant.” Of course, it is. We haven’t seen anything yet. Wait until everything opens up, and we all jump on the gerbil wheel.

The political wags are making a big deal out of certain states cutting short the unemployment pandemic bonus payments of 300 dollars a week. The real facts are 1. The number of unemployment claims is at the lowest level since the pandemic started. 2. Businesses are trying to attract workers, but with the prospect of earning that $300 by not working, there are staffing shortages everywhere. There is another lesson here. Some business sectors need to raise their wages to get the workers they need. I’m just saying.

We finally got three inches of rain here at the house. We needed it badly, and more is on the way. The folks in Louisana did not need the rain they got, so now there are emergency situations. It would be nice if there was an even allocation of the weather.

Had a great time on Fresh Ink Group’s Voice of Indie Podcast last night. Thanks to Beem Weeks and Stephen Geez for having me on. Here’s the link https://t.co/W0RkRhUm6Z?amp=1

If you haven’t seen the post on my review of Andrew Joyce’s Yellowhair, I hope you do. I have a lot of respect for his work.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the situation in the Middle East with the prospects of a cease-fire set for today. Let’s hope it is in place for a long time.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

I am killing you,

You are killing me as well . . .

Let’s stop this madness.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

May 14, 2021May 14, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

“Hey everyone. Dad put the wrong headline on this post which is now corrected. Also, it is Friday and I couldn’t be happier.”
“Well done, Twiggy. He also posted this photo yesterday.”
“Cut the guy some slack, Lucy. he needed a quick one.”
“Happy Friday.”

Another fast-flying week. I have to wonder if it is just me,, or is the calendar out of control? Reminds me of those old movies where the pages fly off a calendar to show time passing. I personally would like time to take a break and not be in such a hurry to pass us by. Too much to do and too little time.

Inflation worries had the stock market in a tissy on Tuesday and Wednesday. Looks like investors think the latest cost of living numbers will trigger a Federal Reserve increase in interest rates. Given that the Colonial pipeline hack pretty much disrupted transportation for the Eastern half of the country might have driven prices up. Most analysts still maintain that a little correction is a good thing.

The housing market is going nuts. If you are thinking about selling a house,, now is the time. Of course, I always miss the seller’s market when selling and the buyer’s market when buying. My motto is to buy high,, sell low. Right now, I’m not needing to sell. I’ll wait for a housing collapse before listing my place.

Still working on my WIP. James and Sam still haven’t been able to find Ryan and Eddie (Two missing spirits) They looked for them at an aerodrome in World War I, at Gettysburg in the Civil War, and they just left Hiroshima. The Hiroshima trip was courtesy of Lucifer so you know it was not meant to be uplifting.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the economy. I hope you all have a super weekend.

Economic cycle,

Could also be called roulette . . .

The ball needs to drop.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

May 7, 2021May 6, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

Photo of Twiggy trotting by Lucy — “Where you going kiddo?”
“I thought I heard Friday on the patio.”
“You are right Friday is here.”

It is Friday again, and I think I must spend part of the week in a state of unconsciousness. That would be the only reason the week passes so quickly. Well, here we are on the eve of the weekend.

It has been a week of finally getting past the block on my WIP. I still can’t figure out what the problem was, but managed to move on. I have been able to score one thousand words a day which is my goal.

On Sunday, we will be visiting the Enchanted Forest again. There are some interesting things done with the trees so we will concentrate on those. I hope you can make it.

This week’s JohnKu talks about peace and quiet. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

When all is quiet,

Do not suspect something’s wrong . . .

Sound of peace working.