Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

April 30, 2021April 29, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

“Gonna miss that patio.”
“Come on Twiggy. We need the rain.”
“But why on Friday?”
“Just to torture you.”

Another week has flown by. It is Friday again, and time to prepare for the weekend. (YAY)

Before I forget, I have a post up on Story Empire today. I have listed the top ten books that have been banned or challenged in 2020. Also, there is a list of the banned or challenged books from the 100 most significant books written. Go HERE if you would like to visit.

The first 100 days of the Biden administration is now history. The scorecard on promises made vs. promises kept looks pretty good. I still wish the left and right would quit throwing insults at each other. It just doesn’t help anything.

The producer got her second shot, so after two weeks, it looks like we will have some immunity. We are still going to be careful on the three ways to protect oneself — wash hands, distance, wear a mask. We still don’t trust air travel, so we won’t be doing any of that.

I am very sorry for the outbreaks of COVID in India. Such a large population and so difficult to get every immunized quickly. The second outbreak comes after the first and is more severe. Lax preventive care such as masks and social distancing is being blamed on the current situation. I still feel COVID is going to be around a long time.

Today’s JohnKu talks about what is normal. I hope you. All have a great weekend.

Protecting one’s self,

Against an unknown outcome . . .

Is the best normal.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

April 23, 2021April 22, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

Twiggy looking up in the air — “Twiggy. What are you doing?”
“Catching a few rays before the snowstorm.”
“Very funny. It’s going to be in the 80s today.”
“You never know lately.”

Here it is, Friday already. I did not get half of what I wanted to accomplish this week accomplished. Well, maybe half is an exaggeration. I had to make a list of what I did accomplish to keep myself from thinking I wasted the week. No surprise, the list was gratifying. I think the problem is I have been stymied on the WIP, and so I haven’t produced the word count that I originally planned. These things do happen, so I’ll just shrug it off and try to do better next week. Besides, I have not gotten one call from the commercial editor at Simon and Shuster demanding the manuscript and threatening my million dollar advance. So why sweat it?

Yesterday was the official Earth Day. I will still be celebrating Earth Day on my post on Sunday. We have a Question Find It scavenger hunt going on, and we need to wrap it up. There are five more stops to go. Also, I have invited Kid Rock to join us. He’s going to do “All Summer Long while you eat the sumptuous brunch that will be served.

This week’s JohnKu talks about what to do when faced with not accomplishing what you set out to do. I hope you all have a great weekend.

When you start to feel,

Like you are falling behind . . .

Look at all you have done.

Friday John Ku – AKA- TGIF

April 16, 2021April 15, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 92 Comments

“You look for Friday over there. I’ll look over here.”
“How will I know it’s Friday?”
“Believe me you will know.”

It is Friday again. This week has flown for me and I can’t put my finger on why. I guess the why doesn’t matter anyway. The important thing is it was a good week. Well, I have to be very honest. At my age, every week is a good one. At least I have myself convinced of that which makes life much more enjoyable.

Looks like Texas is approaching 34% of the population has received at least one shot of the COVID Vaccine. 21.2% of all Texans are fully vaccinated. This is a change of about 7% for each category since April 2nd. There are reports that estimate at least 30% of Texans do not plan to get vaccinated at all. So the so-called herd immunity level; of 70% looks iffy right now.

People will “likely” need a third shot of the Pfizer vaccine as a booster within 12 months of being fully vaccinated, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said yesterday. Looks like the virus is here for a while.

The number of COVID cases across the US is beginning to rise given the lifting of restrictions by the states. My belief is the restrictions were lifted too early. This could be a very tense summer indeed.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the importance of a positive mental attitude. I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.

Have you ever asked,

Yourself the title question . . .

What is your answer?

If your answer sounds

Like there needs some improvement . . .

Attitude is first.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

April 9, 2021April 8, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. Look at these spots before my eyes”
“That’s dappled sunlight, Little One.”
“Who invented that?”
“The Big Dog over the Rainbow bridge.”

Hello, Friday you big beautiful thing you. It is so nice to see you again. Yes, indeed, it is Friday and close to the weekend.

This week has been pretty much a non-event. Yes, I worked on my WIP and am please about that. The new month started, and I can’t believe it is April already. Other than that not much to say

Today’s JohnKu talks about what to do when blogging news is scarce.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

When you have nothing,

New and ready to report . . .

Sign off gracefully.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

April 2, 2021April 1, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy — “We’ve looked high and low for Friday, Lucy and guess what?”
“What Little one?”
“It’s here. Look up.”

We made it to Friday. That is always a good thing. I hope you are looking forward to something interesting this weekend.

The Producer got her first shot this week, and today, I get my second. In Texas, 17% of the population has had both shots and 30% at least one. We are a long way from herd immunity. I will be resting easier after the series is finished in our house and way easier when 70 % of the population is fully immunized.

I don’t know about your town, but we still see random shortages at the grocery store. There is no rhyme or reason for them. For example, there were no limes except bagged. The producer and I will take up margarita drinking since we had to buy a bag when we needed one. Other items like selections of hamburger buns, kinds of breads, and reasonable sizes of half and half. Maybe it was the boat caught in the Suez Canal.

I have reverted back to my old discipline on my WIP. That being 1000 words a day before anything else. I don’t know why I thought I could handle doing my 1000 words in the afternoon after all the blogs had been visited, e-mails done, and my post of the day complete. I found I was too tired to put in a 1000 word sprint. Since I’m turning eighty in May,, I think mother nature tells me to put first things first. So I have begun reading comments on my blog with coffee. Writing on my WIP till I have 1000 words. Doing e-mails, visiting blogs, and my daily post. Hitting social media last. So I may be showing up at your place a little later. Anything that comes in after 6:00 may not get handled that day. So far it is working.

Today’s JohnKu talks about making adjustments when necessary. I hope you all have a great weekend.

When the schedule,

Is not producing results. . .

You know change is right.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

March 26, 2021March 25, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 150 Comments

“I think I’m going to take this lounge.”

“Go. ahead but notice there’s no pillow.”

“You’re right. What the heck?”

“Complaints don’t work around here.”

Friday has come. I can’t decide if the week’s been long or short. If you looked in yesterday you know Lucy went to the vet for a teeth cleaning. She is doing well, but needs medication twice a day. If you can picture Lucy sitting still for pills you have the wrong dog. She is great with chewable but needs a dose of peanut butter for everything else. We have two pills that are capsules and one chewable.

I woke up yesterday to the Classic editor being totally shut off. I thought WP was going to continue it for we premium subscribers. Well I was wrong. There was no warning and let me tell you my type of blog with tons of pictures is a real pain in Block editing. I used to be able to download masses photos and now must do it one at a time. On top of that, the captions don’t work well, and oh my goodness what a mess.

I have often threatened to go to the free version of WP if forced to use the Block editor. I’ll give it a bit and see what happens. I wish there was a soul that gave a crap about what we users think but I know such an individual doesn’t exist

Today’s JohnKu talks about being had. I hope you all are blessed with a terrific weekend

Gobsmacked by WordPress,

You would think my blog’s for free . . .

The way they treat me.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

March 19, 2021March 19, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

“Lucy you are it. Come chase me.”
“Hold on, Little One. I think I hear the roar of a cheese package.”
“I don’t hear it.”
“Maybe I’m having auditory hallucinations. Okay, start running.”

Here we are on Friday again. I guess we all are glad the weekend is here. I have to join Twiggy in her celebrations since every day is pretty much like the other. (being retired and all.)

Not much excitement around here. I have noticed on the news there is a little more action on the bar scene due to the state authorizing bars to open. The city of Austin is continuing the mandatory mask regulations, which I think is good. Unfortunately, the State is not so inclined, and the State Attorney General has issued a cease and desist order. I think the mayor of Austin will ignore it, so there will be some laughable legal maneuvers ahead. The governor and mayor do not see eye to eye on many matters.

We will probably see a percentage increase in Covid cases like other states who have opened up. The fact that 9% of Texans are fully vaccinated compared to 12% of the US population does not add comfort to a potential increase in cases. The next three weeks will tell the tale.

One more thing. Eternal Road – The final stop US Kindle edition will be on sale starting Sunday, March 21st at 3:00 AM Eastern time until Wednesday, March 24 at midnight. There are 26 lovely reviews for a 4.8 rating. If you have been waiting for the right price. This will be the time.

Today’s JohnKu looks forward to spring. I hope you have a lovely weekend.

The snow disappears,

Nourishing the ground below . . .

To herald the blooms.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

March 12, 2021March 12, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

“Lucy, want to play with my watermelon?”
“Catching 40 winks, Little one.”
“It’s Friday, and you are winking?”
“We have all day.”
“Promise?”
“Yup.”

Another Friday, and Texas is wide open. I wonder if two weeks from now, there will be a resultant spike in Rona. I guess we will see. I get my first shot today. I finally got an appointment on the Southside of Austin. A 45-minute drive. The local CVS is giving shots, but getting an appointment there is impossible. I will be getting the Pfizer two-shot dose. I keep hearing stories of line jumpers who actually lie about their eligibility. The only positive spin I can think of is that they will be protected and not infect others.

The COVID relief bill passed the house’s final vote. The President is ready to sign. Can any of us even imagine $1.9 Trillion with a T? Well, I did a little research, and if you stacked 1 trillion seven feet high, it would take up 2.2 acres or 96,768 square feet. Almost double for 1.9 Trillion. So say 14 feet high. (By the way, once you stack, it pray the wind doesn’t kick up.) Your cut will be $1,400 unless you make too much money. By too much, we are talking $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples. 8% of households make at least $150,000.

I also want to discuss the fact that I am falling behind on my productivity goals for the next book and feel I have to take some action. You may be aware that my Top Ten Things Not to Do post published on Monday involves a lot of research. The length of time it takes is usually three or more hours to put it to bed. I always felt the time was well spent since the post generally delivered on humor and education. Also, a few history buffs enjoyed the post, and I saw them as muses. Well, they have stopped visiting regularly, so I take this as a hint to revise my schedule. I will be posting a Top Ten list but will pull some of the best from the past. Also, if there is a special day (Like national Pizza Day), I will create new copy since very little research is needed to be ridiculous.

I do hope you understand. Today’s JohnKu talks about keeping an even keel. I hope you have a great weekend.

When the seas get rough,

The sails need an adjustment . . .

To weather the storm.

Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF

March 5, 2021March 4, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 115 Comments

“There is no wild animal there, Twiggy. Let’s play.”
“It never hurts to be careful.”
“Careful is another word for obsessed.”

It is Friday again, and time to get ready for the weekend. This week our governor announced that all businesses Can open up with 100% occupancy. In addition, facemasks are no longer mandatory.

Not sure what to make of all that. I think such a move is going to have a detrimental effect on the spread of the virus. There haven’t been enough vaccinations yet to say there is herd immunity. I believe only 7.5% of all Texans have received full protection.

I’m in priority group 1B and am now looking for a vaccine spot. I had originally thought I could wait until more of the vaccine is available. With the governor’s move, I definitely feel vulnerable. I will continue to wear a mask to my doctor visits. (The only time I go out) The available vaccine is in short supply, and it is challenging to find a place to get a shot.

We will see how packed bars, restaurants, and people wandering around with no masks plays out. I’m betting that, in hindsight, it will be a problem.

Today’s JohnKu talks about whose responsibility it is to protect oneself from the virus. I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.

When infection risk,

Is all around you today . . .

You must protect you.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

February 26, 2021February 25, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 113 Comments

“Where you going Little One?”
“Gonna find someone who will ruckus with me. It’s Friday.”
“I will.”
“You have to move to ruckus.”
“Good point.”

It is Friday, and what a difference in the neighborhood. Now that the power is back and the temperatures have gone from below freezing into the high 70s, I have to say I’m a happy camper.

The investigations into the cause of so many homes without power are underway. Six board members of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, the industry nonprofit that operates the grid that supplies power to 90 percent of the state, have resigned. The governor has stated that those resignations do not represent the end of the issue. He has asked the Stare legislature to conduct a full investigation of the root cause of the problem and develop solutions to prevent it from occurring again. He has also called upon the Travis County District Attorney to investigate any basis for criminal charges. This situation needs to be rectified, and it will.

Those most unsympathetic bloggers have used the unfortunate situation to rant about how Texas people should now be sorry they didn’t vote out elected officials and vote in their candidates last November. This is the most insulting shoulda, woulda, coulda imaginable. It’s like telling a flood victim that they should have known better than to live in a flood plain. Such comments directed at the Texas voting population are a disgusting example of political blindness and a total lack of knowledge of the true facts.

One needs to remind these know-it-alls (the most vicious live outside of Texas) that the deregulation of Texas energy in 2002 was supported by Texas’s citizens. They should also know that before this unprecedented weather, Texas’s energy system had been functioning very well under the stress of the extremely high temperatures so common here for most of the year. Although deregulation has not reduced the cost of energy, it has ensured its availability.

Texas tends to take care of its own, and as big a deal non-Texans want to make of Texas’s flaws, we will overcome this current problem. Also, for all those who continue to harp on Ted Cruz’s lack of judgment, let me say he is our problem, and we thank you for sharing your opinions. His future looks bleak and we will have to ride out his term in the Senate.

Today’s JohnKu is a reminder to be careful about criticism. I hope you have a super weekend.

It is so easy,

To criticize someone else . . .

Look at yourself first.