Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Clear”

May 21, 2022May 20, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Back home after a week of family and fun, looking forward to sipping the hot frothy beverage that has been hailed through the centuries as one of the pillars of life. The machine finally presents me with ten ounces of heaven, and a stroll in the garden is top on the list.

Disengaging the security system, flipping the machine gun tower switch to stand by, powering back the concertina wire, and disarming the claymore mines renders the backyard clear for a walk.

Passing the array of flowers gives new meaning to the word “home.” It is clear that rest is a welcome thing after a journey of a thousand gins. While admiring a particularly gorgeous rose, a sense of not being alone comes over me. A quick turn brings me face to face with a Cheshire Cat smoking a hookah while drifting about three feet off of terra firma.

“You, John?” A funny question coming from a cat. The short reply, “yes,” seems to satisfy its curiosity since its smile becomes more extensive. The cat takes a drag of the hookah pipe and hands me an envelope. A Thanks to the cat is met by a nod and puff of smoke. Once the air is clear, that cat is nowhere to be found.

I open the envelope, and inside is a message from Linda Hill, which reads, Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “clear.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

If you would like to enjoy this frivolity, visit Linda Hill’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link, https://lindaghill.com/2022/05/20/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-21-2022

“Clear.”

“What are you doing?”

“Getting ready to start my airplane engine. You always yell out the window to ensure everyone knows to stay away from the propeller.”

“I don’t see an airplane.”

“I know. It’s my imagination.”

“Like that Cheshire Cat?”

“Exactly.”

“I’m starting to worry about you. It’s clear you are having some kind of event.”

“I’m just making sure I have the prompt covered.”

“I think you are in the clear on that.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“It wasn’t a compliment. You have me concerned.”

“Why?”

“Those tales about machine guns and concertina wire. I think you have some kind of bout with paranoia.”

“You wouldn’t think that if you had to put up with the characters that come a calling on Saturday.”

“Delusional.”

“Huh?”

“Another issue getting harder to bear.”

“Sounds good.”

“What?”

“A beer.”

“I said bear.”

“Where?”

“Just shoot me. Okay, I give. Who’s buying?”

“Whoever said beer first.”

“You.”

“Okay, I’ll need to raise some cash. Know anyone who wants to buy a slightly used Cheshire Cat?”

“Never mind. I’ll buy.”

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

May 20, 2022May 19, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

Today’s story is lifted directly from the Good News Network. I hope you enjoy it.

Anonymous Donor Pays Off Student Debt for Entire 2022 College Class in Texas

Students at a Texas College graduated last week not only with their diplomas but with their balances cleared suddenly by an anonymous donor.

More than 100 students assembled for the 133rd graduation ceremony at Wiley College and were shocked to hear President & CEO Dr. Herman J. Felton, Jr. announce that their balances had been paid off.

The recent pandemic had exacerbated some students’ ability to pay their debts, so some graduates and parents in the audience in Marshall, Texas, were especially thrilled to hear the news.

“Our commitment to our students goes beyond their time while they are enrolled,” said Felton. “We are grateful for this anonymous donor who will assist the students in paying off their balances.”

The estimated total owed by the class of 2022 in the historically Black college was $300,000.

“As Wiley College closes the academic semester and prepares for its Sesquicentennial Celebrations beginning in July, this is a great way to start the celebration of 150 years of the College’s contributions to the world.”

Wiley College, with its focus on social good and leadership, has reduced its tuition in the past years to $17,500 to cover fees, room, and board.

Now the school’s motto is even more appropriate: “Go forth Inspired.”

The Good news here is someone thought enough of these students to give what he felt necessary to give them a great start. Today’s JohnKu talks about giving. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Generosity by John W. Howell

Whenever it comes,

Generosity is love . . .

We need more of it.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy in Full

May 19, 2022May 18, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

“Do you realize we have a full episode today?”

“Did Dad get his Mac back?”

“No, he is still without the Mac. They had no parts to repair it, so he told them to send it back.”

“So why is there a full episode?”

“He figured out how to get photos on the site from his Dell laptop. The photos aren’t as good but better than nothing. I thought I heard something.”

“For an old guy like him, that’s something. I hear he’s back from his break.”

“Yup, he is back with a vengeance. Man, this is something.”

“What are you finding over there?”

“Hard to say. Seems different, though.”

“Hold on, I’m coming. I don’t want to miss a thing.”

“You can have whatever it is. I’m going to the patio.”

“I think you may be losing it. There is nothing here.”

“There was something there. Did you lose it?”

“Seriously, Lucy. I couldn’t find a thing.”

“For heaven’s sake. I track down a perfectly good puma, and you let it get away.”

“Puma? You’re kidding, of course. I don’t see a puma anywhere.”

“I would say it’s too bad cause now it’s gone.”

“I’m going to tell dad you are teasing me.”

“I would do that. On top of the fact he has no Mac, I’m sure he’ll appreciate you whining about a missing puma.”

“Maybe I’ll just lay on the porch.”

“Good choice. I’ll join you.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #358 by Keith Channing

May 10, 2022May 9, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Before we get started on this prompt, I want to remind everyone that I will be taking a break from May 11th (Tomorrow) to May 19th.

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 on 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 time.”

The photo.

Detente by John W.Howell 2022

“Did you ever hear the story about stepping on a crack?”

“No. Can’t say I have.”

“Step on a crack, break your mother’s back.”

“That’s harsh. Anyway, these are lines.”

“Break your mother’s spine.”

“Come off it. We are not here to discuss fairy tales.”

“Doesn’t matter anyway cause these are shadows.”

“If I may get to the point.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“We need to figure out boundaries.”

“Boundaries?”

“Yes. I’m tired of you wandering into my space as if it is your own.”

“What do you mean ‘your space.'”

“I was adopted first, so my space is what I choose.”

“That’s a laugh, small stuff. Where do you get this attitude anyway?”

“Around the folks, I have to be nice. Out here, I can be myself, which is someone tired of sharing the land.”

“Do you see all the space here?”

“Yeah, so?”

“Okay, what part do you want?”

“All of it. I need you to move to those hills over there.”

“And if I don’t?”

“You know what? I never thought you would refuse.”

“Well, I refuse.”

“Darn it. I’m used to getting my way. So what do we do now?”

“I didn’t start this, but if you want my advice, we come to a position of mutual tolerance.”

“Detente?”

“Exactly.”

“What do I get out of that?”

“The absence of nasty wounds.”

“Makes sense. Shake on it.”

“How about a wag instead?”

“Done.”

Top Ten Things Not to do When the Stock Market Goes Nuts.

May 9, 2022May 8, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

Before we get into the Top Ten list, I want to let you know that I will be attending my oldest grandaughter’s college graduation in Indiana and taking a log break from Wednesday, May 11th until Thursday, May 19th. I will be monitoring e-mails but not posting and probably not visiting blogs. I have not taken a break since I started blogging in 2013. The inspiration for this break comes from my Mac is still in repair, and my Dell PC weighs more than me, so it is staying home. I’m really lousy at communicating on the iPhone, so I decided it was break time. I’m letting you know because at my age, when I stop blogging, most figure I died, and that is not the case. I will send another reminder with each post until Wednesday.

This post was originally published in August of 2015. Since the stock market has had a wild ride this month I figure it is still good advice.

* * *

The inspiration for this list is last week’s volatility in the price of stocks. Although I was tempted to do almost all of them, I refrained and kept myself under control. Hopefully, I will keep the list handy for the next time since I have a feeling there will be many more thrill rides this year.

Top Ten Things Not to do When the Stock Market Goes Nuts.

10 When the stock market goes nuts, do not go near an open window. If you do, at best, you will think about jumping out. At worst, you will take a jump and then realize the window is on the ground floor. (Pretty embarrassing dropping thirty-six inches)

9 When the stock market goes nuts, do not call your broker. If you do, at best, they will talk you into calming down. At worst, you and your broker will be calm as you lose 20% of your 401K. (Now, don’t you feel better after the call?)

8 When the stock market goes nuts, do not panic. If you do, at best, you will embarrass yourself in front of co-workers and family. At worst, you will need to seek a specialist on hair replacement when the panic is over. (That bare spot on the side definitely needs attention)

7 When the stock market goes nuts, do not sell anything. If you do, at best, you will feel in control but poorer. At worst, you will incur losses that will take years to replace, and now you waited too long to get back in, and the prices are already too high. (I know it’s complicated)

6 When the stock market goes nuts, do not listen to the analysts’ advice. If you do, at best, you will make a sudden move, and you will be already too late to save money. At worst, you will listen to the wrong analysis and do the opposite of the right thing. (After all, no two analysts have the same advice)

5 When the stock market goes nuts, do not let others know how bad things look. If you do, at best, you will have to deal with their concerns and advice and the problem of lost value. At worst, you will be compelled to make an unwarranted move to convince others you are in control. (This is true if you are the custodian of others’ funds)

4 When the stock market goes nuts, do not check your accounts. If you do, at best, you will be tempted to make a sudden ill-advised move. At worst, you will focus on the negative reports to the point where you will need shock therapy to make a comeback. (Positive reports are not valuable in the current situation.)

3 When the stock market goes nuts, do not read the financial news. If you do, At best, you will be convinced the world is coming to an end. At worst, you will need to have a cardiologist on speed dial to handle your recurring symptoms of heart failure. (Makes you want to be a trained EMS tech so you can self-administer defibrillation. Of course, you can take those paddles yourself, right?)

2 When the stock market goes nuts, do not go into the local pub. If you do, at best, the problem will still be there tomorrow, along with that gigantic throbbing head sharing your bed. At worst, you will get it into your mind to have it out once and for all with the stock seller person, and the police intercept you before you get to where they live. (Don’t worry about the DUI. As bad as it is, it’s easier to handle than what you were thinking about doing last night.)

1 When the stock market goes nuts, do not forget why you invested in stocks in the first place. If you do, at best, you’ll neglect your long-range financial goals. At worst, you will put all your money into a box under the bed with the possibility that it will be worth much less in the future or a burglar will find it. (Not to mention you arguing with the firefighters about getting back into your burning house.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Ribbon Cutting for Refurbished Liebelt Cabin

May 8, 2022May 7, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

Today we are going to Lakeway to celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished Lebolt cabin. This is a structure that was built just after the civil war and is one of Lakeway’s heritage treasures. There are also busses leaving the cabin sight to tour Lakeway’s twenty-two heritage sites of interest. Unfortunately, we won’t be going on the tour since we did that two years ago. We are being catered by Verbena in Austin. Our entertainment is Alanis Morissette.

Egg Sandwich – scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, brioche bun
Classic Ricotta Pancakes – maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, sausage
Verbena Brunch – two eggs, toasted sourdough, crispy potatoes, salsa verde, bacon, or breakfast sausage
Breakfast Tacos – scrambled eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, fire-roasted salsa, crispy potatoes
Short Rib Hash – crispy short rib, potatoes, cheddar cheese, green onion, fried egg
Crispy Potato Mille-Feuille – over easy egg, farm green salad, mustard vinaigrette
Verbena Burger two 4oz wagyu patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, dijonaise, white onion, pickles, fries
Roasted Salmon – brown butter couscous, toasted pistachio, preserved lemon, pea tendrils
Steak Frites – hanger steak, parsley salsa verde, crispy french fries, grilled lemon

So let’s hop on the bus and get going

Here is the welcome sign, so we know we are in the right place.

The mayor Tom Kilgore on the right, is explaining the agenda.

You can expand this pictorial which tells the story of moving the cabin to its present location.

One view of the cabin shows the new sealing caulk between the logs.

Kay Andrews in period dress, the Mayor Pro-tem Louis Mastrangelo (center), and volunteer.

Another view of the cabin.

Gotta have some sweets.

Vicky Taylor, The Heritage Committee Chair, and Mayor Tom Kilgore do the ribbon-cutting honors.

A free book on the history of Lakeway for everyone who takes the heritage tour.

A view of the cabin from the city hall. The tents are to shelter organizers of the heritage tour.

Attendees getting ready for the Heritage tour.

This is where we take to the bus, listen to some music, and enjoy the food. I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “a phrase you grew up with.”

May 7, 2022May 6, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

Sitting with a cup of coffee and staring at the PC causes the overwhelming feeling of wanting to get a hammer. No, not just a hammer but a big sledgehammer. A transition to a MAC pro back in 2015 caused the mind to relocate all Microsoftknowledge into that dark space of the brain reserved for things that go bump in the night. Now that the MAC has gone to the hospital to carry on, the PC must once again be worshiped.

Yes, the single keystrokes and immaculate interfaces with all things Apple have been displaced with the clunky stagger around in the dark until the answer is found system that is the legacy of Bill Gates. When you have to sign those user license agreements that often accompany a Microsoft product, the fine print has a clause that no one reads. We all promise to be Bill Gate’s cabana person if called upon. We also promise that no matter how difficult the program is to execute, we will keep at it until our hair falls out.

So staring at the 100-pound laptop that gives off enough heat to warm St. Louis will do nothing in helping to write this post. As the parents always said. “A journey starts with the first step.” My first step will be to the front door since the Ring camera just announced a delivery. It is a hope that nothing of the cartoon nature will pop out of some obscure place. As luck would have it, a package sits on the driveway totally flat and covered with the marks of a supersized tire. The thought of it being my MAC Pro drove the hysterical reaction of going through the security protocols like a madman to reach my baby.

A gentle lift while the tears build to overflowing signaled a lightness of the package that could not be the MAC. Ripping the flap, there was only a message inside. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “a phrase you grew up with.” Include in your post a phrase your mom/dad/grandparent/sibling used all the time when you were growing up, or just write whatever inspires you based on that phrase. Enjoy!

If you would like to enjoy, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link

https://lindaghill.com/2022/05/06/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-7-2022/

“Lost your MAC, huh?”

“Not lost. Just being repaired.”

“You MAC nerds drive me crazy.”

“Why’s that?”

“All the whining when you have to use real computers.”

“You mean Microsoft operating systems?”

“Yeah. Takes raw courage to stick with ’em.”

“Seems like you would want to live life easier.”

“Like you said, “A journey starts with the first step.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Living with Microsoft is a journey.”

“And the step part?”

“One at a time. Soon it doesn’t seem so bad.”

“Great way to live.”

“Besides.”

“Besides what?”

“PCs are much cheaper.”

“For good reason. Are you going to continue pitching for Bill Gates or want a beer?”

“Beer, please.”

“Good choice. Let’s go.”

“I’m buying.”

“Even better.”

“When’s your MAC coming back?”

“Don’t want to talk about it.”

“That soon, huh?”

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

May 6, 2022May 5, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network

One-eyed Cat Missing For 5 Years Shows Up on Offshore Oil Rig Baffling Owners
By Andy Corbley -Apr 28, 2022

A five-year odyssey for a cat named Dexter seems to have finally come to an end after a long, covert stay at a prison was interrupted by his arrival onboard an offshore oil rig, which finally resulted in a call to animal services.

The cat was a regular “well-loved” hang about at Her Majesty’s Prison Grampian in Peterhead, Scotland, where staff used to “fuss over” him and even gave him the nickname One-eyed Joe.

Then a most unexplainable thing happened: One-eyed Joe somehow ended up in a shipping container a mile-and-a-half away at the town’s port before being shipped onto an offshore oil rig, where workers “ran away frightened” after the all-black cat jumped out of the container.

After filling out an incident card, (which must have been humorous) the staff aboard the rig took to Joe most kindly, who was now quite comfortable with living alongside the rig workers. According to The National Scot Newspaper, he was “spoiled rotten” during his time there.

Eventually, though, someone called the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Aberdeen, who retrieved Joe after the cat had been flown off the rig on a helicopter—a remarkable feat considering how hard it is normally just to get a cat into a carrier.

“We were alerted to an incident of a cat being found in a shipping container offshore,” Aimee Findlay, a Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer, said in a statement. “We’ve no idea how the cat ended up there but attended the heliport to collect him.”

One-eyed Joe was microchipped, and upon scanning the staff learned his name was actually Dexter, and that his owner had lost the cat five years ago.

“We are so glad that he was well looked after for the time he was missing but we’re even more delighted to be able to reunite him with his original owner, thanks to his microchip being up to date,” Findlay said.

The good news here is Deter was well taken care of and eventually united with his family. This week’s JohnKu talks about not giving up.

If a loved one is lost,

Have faith that they will return . . .

Remember Dexter.

Thursday – A Little Personal

May 5, 2022May 4, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

“What is going on, Lucy?”

“Well, little one, it seems the Boss’ MAC went down.”

“So, what does that mean?”

“He has a limited way to post photos. So we will have to be content with just a few.”

“But I wanted to show the new plants and the nice potting area.

“I’m afraid it will have to wait. We can only do so much with a Boss who is so Apple-centric.”

“You would think he would maybe remember his days behind a PC at his age.”

“Old dogs forget old tricks, Little One.”

“How about this tomato plant. We can show that, right?”

“I would be quick about it. You see, the Boss normally has a way to reduce the pixels on photos.”

“What can that have to do with a tomato?”

“He is off his game in pixel reduction so it takes more memory hence fewer photos.”

So the pixel problem comes to roost on us?”

“Yup. But hey, it’s not so bad. We can still have fun.”

“That no one will know about.”

“But we have each other and that is what really counts.”

“You are right Lucy. Also, you are it for tag.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 358 by Keith Channing

May 3, 2022May 2, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 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 on 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 time.”

The Photo.