Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF

May 8, 2020May 7, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 97 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “Come on, Lucy let’s celebrate Friday.”
“Right behind you, Little One.

It is Friday again, and most of the states have had some kind of easing of the restrictions connected with COVID-19. I guess we all with wait with bated breath to see if folks who bunch up together will cause an increase in the number of cases. As for Texas, the governor eased the restrictions and opened pools and hair salons. In watching the news, it looks like opening the lakes and parks with the idea of social distancing is not working. Party coves on the lakes are jammed and the walkways at parks crowded. So we will see how all this turns out.

There’s not much more going on. I’m planning to start another WIP, but I am trying to decide between two different arcs. No hurry here. Given the pandemic, time seems to be a less important asset. Today’s JohnKu talks about the new timelines. I hope you have a great weekend.

Not sure you agree,

But time seems to be less rushed. . .

Maybe it is me.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

May 1, 2020April 30, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 93 Comments

“I think you are right Little One. It is Friday.”
“Oh, Goodie.”

Another Friday has arrived, and we are not too sure what that means anymore. Well, for one thing, it means that whatever annoyance we had to go through with our work at home situation will be over in about eight hours. It also means that this is the first day of a new month. That always gives us hope for a new beginning.

Here in Texas, the governor has opened up individual businesses. He has set a limit of 25% occupancy, which means most restaurants will not open due to the high cost of start-up versus the return. Most will still offer carry out and delivery.

Also, the governor indicated that the take out and mixed drink accommodation may become permanent. Once that cat is out of the bag, it is tough to get it back in. On a survey here (very unofficial) by the local TV station, 75% of those polled responded that they had taken advantage of the take-home or delivery of mixed drinks. I guess this could cut down on the drinking and driving at least.

I have to share an agent rejection that I had this week. I submitted my material last Sunday evening at about 5:30 PM. This was done on the agency form and included a query letter, a bio, and the first five pages of the manuscript. I got an answer back at 8:30 PM. So on a Sunday, the agent was standing by the computer to “carefully evaluate” my submission. You gotta say that is one dedicated agent. Hahaha.

Today’s John Ku talks about continuing with your goals, no matter the obstacles like automated submission forms with automated responses. I hope you have a great weekend.

It’s your goal after all,

No matter the obstacle. . .

Your own choice to quit.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

April 24, 2020April 23, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

“You know I’m going to miss this old grass.”
“Please. The new is so much better.”
“We have a lot of memories together.”
“You’re killing me.”

Here we are rounding third base heading for home on the week. The weekend is almost upon us. It might be a good time to change into something more comfortable and relax. (Hahahaha. quarantine humor ) I don’t know about you, but I’m having a difficult time selecting something to wear. It doesn’t make sense to spend time on putting on something no one, but your cellmate will see. So the choices boil down to shorts and a t-shirt. I do get a different color for each day. I know, I know a bit OCD of me. Let’s put it this way; if I didn’t select a different color each day after a week, I would have to burn what I wore the last seven days. So my color choices are a rotation device. How did I get on this subject anyway?

If you have stopped by on Thursday, you know that the new grass installation has begun. We are replacing St. Augustine with Zorro Zoysia. We need a lawn that will stand up to the thundering paws of Lucy and Twiggy. We also need some shade tolerance and grass that can sustain a certain level of minimum watering. St Augustine is none of the things. We had counted on our landscaper to install something to meet our needs, but he chose the wrong grass. He is replacing the severely damaged part, but we are buying the new sod needed to complete the yard. It didn’t make sense to have two types of grass or fair to make him pay for the part that is somewhat okay.

I still have concerns about opening the economy too soon. I can understand the need to get the country back to work, but I hope folks have learned a self-protection process and will follow it. There is so little we know about the spread of COVID-19, and no widespread testing available, I think it will be up to the individual to stay safe. Today’s JohnKu talks about individual responsibility. I hope you all have a super weekend.

We need protection,
From those supposed leaders . . .
Make our own choices.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

April 17, 2020April 16, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

“Its Friday, Lucy.”
“It sure is beautiful Little One.”
“I agree.”

Well, here we are on a Friday. It seems like it was yesterday (or maybe last year) that it was Friday. The days do take on some kind of similarity. Hmmm, maybe I better check to see if it is Friday. Yeah, it’s Friday for sure.

We got word from the landscaper that the new sod is going to be installed this weekend. If you notice in the photo above, you can see that the lawn is pretty sparse. We were supposed to have the sod replaced a month ago, but due to COVID-19, all construction around here was halted. (including landscaping) That restriction was lifted, and so our project moved forward. Of course, if we get rain, then there will be a delay. You just know it’s going to rain, right?

Our governor is trying to figure out how to open some businesses. As for me, I don’t trust that the virus is anywhere near contained, so I’m going to continue to practice safe living no matter what those guys in government intend to try. I saw a report where a bunch of folks in Michigan were demonstrating at the capital to open the state. They should talk to the Detroit ME, who is still trying to find places to house those who have succumbed to the virus. I think big mistakes are going to be made in this realm.

Today’s JohnKu talks about individual freedom. I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.

One person’s freedom,

Can jeopardize other’s health. . .

Let’s all be careful.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

April 10, 2020April 9, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

It is Friday for sure. You can count on me. I looked at the calendar to verify. I just thought about all of the workers who used to go to the workplace. This whole individual isolation thing has given you a shot of what we permanently at home types have been facing for years. Take Friday, for instance. I’m sure it meant some kind of marker that made you feel good to be facing a weekend. Right now, that marker is pretty blurred. Maybe Friday used to be pizza night. Well, no need for that right now. Whatever Friday used to mean, I have faith that sooner or later, it’s meaning will return. Look on the bright side. These days your commute from the bedroom to your workspace is the same even though it’s Friday. On the plus side, you don’t have to sit in traffic looking at someone ahead of you who is towing a boat, obviously heading for a fun weekend on the lake. Yes, there is that.

My WIP (The Eternal Road – The Final Stop) came back from the editor, and I have been working on the synopsis. This requires taking 85,000 plus words and distilling them down to 800. Yeah just shoot me.

I will begin the query process next week. As I’ve said before, I’m not going to take a long time at the query but will give it a shot. The story is very different so who knows.

Today’s JohnKu discusses the idea of nothing ventured nothing gained. I hope you all have a good weekend and that you and your families stay healthy.

We all want something,

That takes a degree of risk . . .

Go for the first step.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

April 3, 2020April 2, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

“You’re it. Lucy.”
“I’ll give you to the count of three cause it’s Friday.”

Another Friday in isolation. It’s no surprise that the number of cases is going up. Not sure everyone takes the warnings seriously. I read about those 70 some odd kids going on spring break to Cabo San Lucas after the CDC advised against travel. Well, we have 44 darlings all tanned and self-satisfied, fanning out in the population with the virus. These kids ought to have their butts kicked after their parents get the same treatment.

I wonder how you are all doing? I hope you are able to cope with the continuing shortages at the store and the long hours with the family. I have to admit there have been some pretty funny memes going around. I guess when times get tough a little humor is the best thing. I liked this one.

Friday

Today’s JohnKu talks about going the distance. I hope you have a super weekend.

We are in a race,

To beat the virus hands down …

Hang in, don’t give up.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

March 27, 2020March 26, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

“What makes Friday a bath day, Mom.”
“I don’t want to hear the answer Little One.”

Another Friday here in Shelter in Place Land. The eve of the weekend doesn’t seem so special except for all of you work at homers who come Saturday can finally bake cookies, wash the car, and mow the lawn without guilt. Nothing worse than having that lawnmower noise in the background when the boss calls at 2:00 PM to see how you are doing.

One beautiful thing is when the meeting planner decides to do a face time meeting, all you need is a shirt. You can keep the bottom jammies out of sight.

A question. Is it my imagination or does the FedEx guy stare at the bunny slippers when you answer the door?

So I’ve been working at home since 2012 and have a few tips for those of you who would normally go into work each day.

Get dressed. It doesn’t matter what you wear just get dressed in something different than what you wore to bed.
Comb whatever hair you have.
Shave at least every other day if you would normally do that daily.
Go outside for at least a half-hour.
Do not watch TV during the day time.
Eat three meals a day, not just one long meal.
Separate work hours from leisure hours.
Talk to your family before work hours and after work hours. (one bonus is meeting them for lunch which you could rarely do)
Don’t tell your boss how much you love working from home.
Do some facetime with work cohorts. It will keep you informed.

Today’s JohnKu talks about our situation, not being unique. There is some comfort in that idea. I hope you all have a great weekend and stay healthy.

The boat is the same,

Everywhere throughout the world. . .

We are together.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

March 20, 2020March 19, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 93 Comments

“Okay, Lucy. It’s Friday ruckus time.”
“Whisper Little One, Whisper.”

With all the news of social distancing and the crazy swings of the stock market, this week seemed like a never-ending stream of bad news. Well, now we are eight hours to at least some time to take it easy. You may be at home working all week, and now is the time to pitch all that and head for the patio, backyard, or even a walk around the block. If spring has not arrived in your area, then maybe it’s time to play some board games or even binge-watch something you have always wanted to see. Yeah, you could also read a book. 😁 The point is to separate your weekend self from your working self. You’ve earned it.

This week I made the decision to stop going out. I’m in the high-risk age group (At the upper end) and have underlying medical issues. I have had a compromised immune system for the last ten years and have been able to stay healthy. I learned to wash my hands and be very careful. Unfortunately, I have seen some folks totally disregard the CDC warnings, and I can no longer trust that my efforts will be enough to stay healthy.

Instead of working out at the gym, I am now riding my bike. Our daughter has decided to stop coming for Sunday dinner since she believes it too risky. I have to respect her mature attitude, but I can’t say it is a pleasant prospect. I know she will miss visiting and can’t help but be proud of her choice.

Today’s JohnKu contemplates the new realities of life. I hope you all have a great weekend and will keep yourself safe.

Stay six feet apart,

No more than ten in a group . . .

Sanitize those hands.

Cover that pesky sneeze,

Don’t forget the Clorox wipes . . .

All this, too, shall pass.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

March 13, 2020March 12, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

“Ah, Friday in the sun. Pretty great huh, Twiggy?”
“What did the DOW do today?”

Another week almost finished. It has been one lollapalooza too. I wonder if the news could get any worse. ( I suppose if we hang around long enough it will get worse) I think with all that’s going on it is time to count blessings. I don’t think any good can come from continuing to dwell on all that is going south.

Let me see.

I’m sitting on the patio writing this post and I can smell the scent of the mountain laurel.

The crossvines have started to bloom.

The cardinals are all singing at once.

The pups are enjoying the weather.

The temperature is 74 degrees with a high of 79 today.

There will be a meatloaf sandwich for lunch with potato chips.

I still have the mental capacity to write.

I’m still working on my WIP. (Back from the editor.)

Got word the landscaper is going to replace all the sod. (If he’s still in business after the financial meltdown. Oops there I go not thinking positively again.)The sod didn’t do well. Had a case of cinch bugs when installed.

Going to watch a recorded episode of NCIS tonight.

Got some new bottle brush topiary style potted shrubs

The new pots (for the bushes) arrive today along with a new hose.

I feel better already. Todays’ JohnKu talks about where to focus when things seem out of control. I hope you have a great weekend.

When it seems doubtful,

That living can be normal . . .

Think of your blessings.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

March 6, 2020March 5, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Here we are another week in the history books. The week was marked with some unexpected results in the Democratic Super Tuesday primary. Also, the Federal Reserve cut the interest rate on Fed funds by half a point. This was the first such cut since 2008.

No matter the results of the primary and the low cost of borrowing the Coronavirus keeps on coming. As long as it remains a mystery of containment the financial markets are going to continue to be uncertain. An old sage once said to me, “Don’t worry about the value of a portfolio unless you are planning to sell.”

I take comfort in that advice since I have no plans to sell anything. Hopefully when I do have plans to sell things like Coronavirus will be long forgotten. In the meantime, keep calm and wash your hands.

Today’s JohnKu takes another look at fear with the idea of putting it into perspective. I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend.

The news is not good,

Markets falling, deaths rising . . .

Control your own space.

Avoid larger groups,

Continue to wash your hands . . .

Don’t look at your stocks.

You have no control,

Over markets and disease . . .

You can control panic.