Tuesday – A Little Personal – Finger Point Prompt –

May 5, 2026May 4, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

Today I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 259 and, with eyes closed, pointed to the page. My finger fell closest to the word “everyone.” This is our prompt today.

“All right, everyone, listen up.”

“Oh, here we go. Mr. Know-it-all is taking over.”

“He always takes over.”

“Yeah, and I think it’s a pain.”

“Well, I sure don’t want to do it. Do you?”

“That’s beside the point. It’s just so irritating that he thinks he should be in control.”

“Look at it this way. All we have to do is relax and follow everyone else.”

“That’s a good point. But old ‘I’m In Charge’ won’t let us just follow.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s got to go hup, hup, hup all the while.”

“I agree that does get old.”

“Why can’t we just go with the flow without all the marching crap?”

“You know, some people just have to believe we are better off with leadership.”

“That would be true if the leadership were competent, but just saying hup, hup, hup doesn’t accomplish anything.”

“Okay, people, time to go. Hup, hup, hup.”

“I think I’m going to stay here.”

“You can’t do that.”

“Why?”

“You are a Lemming.”

“Okay, true enough.”

“Besides, this is a one-time thing. Get over it.”

“You’re right. Let’s go.

Top Ten things Not to Do While Rome Burns in AD 64

May 4, 2026May 3, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

This post ran on September 10, 2018, and is part of the historical top ten things not to do lists. I hope you enjoy it.

10 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not practice your Lyre. If you do, at best, you might be mistaken for a leader. At worst, the number one Lyre player might think you are mocking him. (I see a few centurions at your gate, Finnobar. Time to move out.)

9 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not try to ignore Tiny the WWF champ when he yells instructions. If you do, at best, Tiny will only grab you and toss you over the wall. At worst, Tiny, who just graduated from Gladiator school, will take the opportunity to hone his skills. (Looks like you have the net and Trident Flynn. It might not be a match for the mace and double-edged sword. I would suggest begging.)

8 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not wear your I’m a Happy Christian t-shirt today. If you do, at best, no one will notice it. At worst, since the fire is being blamed on Christians, you may meet a lion up close and personal. (I think you need to do more than the “nice kitty” statement, Flannagain.)

7 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not try to get a refund on your Circus Maximus tickets. If you do, at best, no one will be at the ticket office. At worst, you will be last in a line of 10,000. (Not to worry, Flin. There is always a fire-check for the next show.)

6 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not walk around town with that torch. If you do, at best, people will think you are connected. At worst, someone will get the idea you had something to do with the fire. (Now it looks like you really have to leave town, Fonzell. Wonder what’s happening in Naples?)

5 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not show people in the pub the plans for Domus Aurea, Nero’s palace, to be built on the ruins. If you do, at best, no one in the pub will understand what you have. At worst, one of the customers is a senator. (Looks like you are on the hook as the source of the fire, Forba. I think you ought to ask for a little traveling music and move on.)

4 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not try to put out the flames if thugs are warning you not to do it. If you do, at best, you might get a black eye. At worst, you might need to answer to Nero as to why you tried to stop the fire. (Not known for his largess, Nero may have you on the next train to Lionsville, Fortino.)

3 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not set up a smores stand. If you do, at best, you’ll have a few customers. At worst, folks will take your cavalier attitude to heart. (Looks like a gang of residents heading this way has blood in their eyes, Franko. Maybe it’s time to pack up.)

2 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not wait to evacuate. If you do, at best, you might have to run for your life. At worst, you might get cut off and have to take a leap into the Tiber River. (Sad thing about that sundial, Frang. Shoulda checked to see if it was waterproof before making the leap.)

1 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not think your hotel still offers room service. If you do, at best, you’ll be disappointed. At worst, you’ll wait too long for service and forget to check out when your room starts burning. (Don’t think the bill will be overlooked, Frans. They will find you no matter how far and no matter how long.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Municipal Utility District Garden Planting and Plant Swap

May 3, 2026May 2, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

Today we are going to go to the Lakeway Municipal Utility District to see the garden planting and plant

swap. We are catered by Lutie’s of Austin, and our entertainment is Alan Jackson.

Beef Tartare, Romaine, Dandelion

Chickpea and Green Corn Salad

Roasted Lettuces, Avocado, Pumpkin Seed, Radish

Grilled and Marinated Beets, Black Garlic, Dill

Yonderway Pork, Pickled Cabbage, Creamer Peas

Delta Blues Rice, Market Fish, Smoked Trout Roe

Green Dish, Carrot.

Royal Red Shrimp, Daikon, Celery

Charcoal Grilled Chicken, Leeks, Hominy

Whole Roasted Black Sea Bass, Choi Sum, Mustard

Texas Beef, Radish, Marrow, Sweet Potato

Let’s get rolling

There is the Lakeway Municipal Utility District

Lake Travis Middle School National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) students are signing up for community service hours.

The garden plants are laid out ready for holes.

The swap plants are ready, too.

Lots of mulch.

Plenty of tools.

My kind of participation place.

The work begins.

Watch those cactus paddles.

Students and adults work side by side

That mulch pile is going down.

And here is Stephanie Threinen, CPC, Public Information Liaison for the Lakeway Municipal Utility District and the driving force behind various LMUD activities. She reports that over 80 native plants were planted by students and volunteers.

Time now for some food and entertainment. I hope you have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Neat” #SoCS

May 2, 2026May 1, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

The neat part of having a coffee robot is the availability of that soothing syrup, available night or day, 24/7. Having to wait for an extended brewing process for more than one minute might mean the difference between calmed neurons or a catastrophic brain bleed. The first sip stops the auto production line cacaphony of the caffeine addition screaming for relief. The second sip brings the dreaded doorbell Westminster chime and Cerberus duet, which threatens to break glass or cause eardrums to bleed. Two fresh Benny bones are tossed into the soundproof room, followed by the door slam, bringing golden silence to the room.

A check of the security monitor shows Smoky the Bear standing on the porch. He has an envelope and, of course, a clipboard. Rather than argue about leaving the delivery with a sign, the security shutdown process begins.

The SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. Also, the flight of A-10 Warthogs must be diverted. Another call to the commander puts that worry to rest. The SEAL team needs to be called off, and a call to the leader makes that possible. The MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter hovering over the house is diverted. A call to the tow truck driver stops the deployment of an M1A1 Abrams Tank. The control panel simplifies the security system’s shutdown process. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the turret mortars disengaged, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gatling guns on safety, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, and the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The gamma ray beams covered. The high-powered maser guns switched to standby, and the nanorobots were chained in the basement. The Klingons are called back, and the Targ is caged. Robbie’s Bot is sent to the basement. The Tasmanian Devil is directed to the food in his cage, and the door drops. The electronic jammer is kept active, given a situation with a robot not too long ago. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

The bear hands me the envelope and the clipboard. After signing and returning it, it’s obvious the bear is looking for a tip. “If what you have done yesterday still looks big to you, you haven’t done much today.” Mikhail Gorbachev said that, and that’s my tip as I slam the door.

The message in the envelope is from Linda Hill. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “neat.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2026/05/01/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-2-2026/

“Pretty neat the way you got rid of the bear.”

“I don’t think it was really Smoky.”

“What makes you think that?”

“He was wearing Nike running shoes.”

“Yeah, that would be a tip-off for sure.”

“Why do you suppose you get all these weird characters delivering your messages?”

“For one, folks like to see who will be doing it.”

“Okay.”

“For another, it makes an interesting counterbalance to the security shutdown process.”

“Why? What’s wrong with the shutdown process?”

“Might be a little stale.”

“So think of something else.”

“Easy to say.”

“What about the Voo Doo Ranger bit?”

“The car part is still fresh. Plus, I have a whole file of cars sent in by Dan Antion, Tom Okragly, and Resa McConaghy.”

“Does remind me.”

“Did you call Uber?”

“Right over there.”

“Well, that is something. Lots of room for sure. What’s the catch?”

“Nothing much. We have to pick up the boys and girls gymnastics team on the way to the pub.”

“How do we get home?”

“Oh, the driver will deliver the team and come back for us.”

“Okay, that doesn’t sound too bad. I still feel there’s more.”

“Full disclosure. It’s the 7th-grade team, and they will have had enough Gatorade to float Florida.”

“I’ll get my earplugs.”

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

May 1, 2026April 30, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

Today’s good news story comes from The Pulse and was sent to me by Noelle Granger.

Foxes were allowed into a solar farm, and they ended up turning the panels into part of their habitat

by Warren van der Sandt

April 25, 2026

in Energy

It wasn’t part of the plan.

Solar farms were built to generate clean energy, not to host wildlife. Large, fenced-off areas filled with panels don’t exactly look like a natural habitat.

But when a small, endangered fox was allowed into one of these sites, something unexpected happened.

Instead of struggling to survive, it adapted—quickly. And what researchers saw next began to change how these spaces are understood.

How solar farms started behaving like ecosystems

At first glance, solar farms seem simple. Rows of panels. Open land. Minimal human presence. But that last detail turned out to matter more than expected. Because once construction ends, these areas become relatively undisturbed. No heavy traffic. No constant noise. Limited human activity.

Over time, that creates stability. Vegetation begins to grow beneath the panels, often encouraged by design. Native plants take hold, insects follow, and small prey species begin to appear. It doesn’t happen overnight.

But slowly, these sites begin to resemble something else. Not just infrastructure—but a habitat. And for some species, that shift is enough to create an opportunity.

A species on the edge finds an unlikely refuge.

The San Joaquin kit fox has been struggling for decades. Native to California’s Central Valley, this small canid has lost more than 95% of its natural habitat due to agriculture and development. Survival has become increasingly difficult. It relies on space, cover, and access to prey. And it moves constantly, often using dozens of dens to avoid predators.

So when conservationists began exploring whether solar farms could support wildlife, the idea seemed uncertain. Could a human-made environment really replace what had been lost? The only way to know was to try. And when the foxes entered these sites, their behavior was closely monitored.

What researchers found wasn’t hesitation. It was an adaptation.

What actually happened inside the solar farms

The foxes didn’t just pass through these areas. They started using them. Solar farms provided something rare: protection and resources in the same place. The perimeter fencing, originally designed to secure the site, acted as a barrier against larger predators. Inside, the environment was rich with small animals—rodents and insects that thrive under the panels. That meant food was readily available.

The panels themselves created shade, helping regulate ground temperature and making conditions more stable during extreme heat. And perhaps most importantly, human disturbance was minimal. The foxes began establishing dens within the solar farms, using the land as part of their regular territory.

In some cases, according to the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, they returned repeatedly, treating these sites as reliable habitat. What was meant to be an energy facility had become something more.

Why this changes how we think about how energy and wildlife interact

For years, one of the biggest concerns about renewable energy projects has been land use. Building large-scale solar farms requires space—and that space often overlaps with natural habitats. But this example suggests a different possibility. With the right design and management, these sites don’t have to displace wildlife. They can support it. That doesn’t mean every solar farm will have the same effect. Conditions matter. Location matters. Planning matters. But the success of the San Joaquin kit fox shows that coexistence is possible. And in some cases, it may offer a second chance for species that are running out of options.

The idea is still evolving.

But one thing is becoming clear. What looks like a field of solar panels from the outside might be something very different on the inside—a place where technology and nature are starting to share the same ground.

The good news in this story is that conservation of resources does not have to come at the expense of native species. Today’s JohnKu talks about smart conservation. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Clean energy has,

Risks to the animal world . . .

That can be reduced.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Deal with Exhaustion

April 30, 2026April 29, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 94 Comments

“Twiggy. I’m exhausted.”

“What’s the matter?”

“Mom took me to Lowe’s, and I’m worn out.”

“Oh, poor you. You’ve got to go to Lowe’s.”

“I know. All those people adoring me and the treats.”

“Yes, the horror.”

“I’m starting to recover.”

“Oh, I would take the rest of the day. One can’t be too careful.”

“You might be right. I should take it easy.”

“Don’t want you pulling something or getting sick.”

“A good shake and I’m as good as new.”

“I think Dad caught you on that shake. Pretty funny.”

“Dad, did you take a photo of me shaking?”

“He’s not going to answer you and break the fourth wall.”

“Maybe mom can tell me.”

“Sorry, kiddo. You are on your own.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’m just going to do my yoga.”

“Now that you mention it. I should do mine, too.”

“I wouldn’t rush into anything. Remember what a trying day you’ve had.”

“I think you are right. Maybe I’ll find a cool spot.”

“There you go. Catch your breath.”

“This tile fits the bill. Thanks for the suggestion.”

“Anytime, little one. We don’t want you to overdo it for sure.”

“Are you being facetious?”

“Who me? Not at all. I just want to make sure your highness is comfortable.”

A New Book By Sally Cronin – Tales from the Irish Garden – The Missing Pieces

April 29, 2026April 28, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

I am pleased to help announce Sally Cronin’s newest book, Tales from the Irish Garden – The Missing Pieces. As you know, Sally is a large supporter of Indie authors and an author in her own right. So when she launches a book, it is an honor to help spread the word.

About the book

In the Irish Garden, there is fantasy, magic, friendship, and love to be found in this green and welcoming haven. For some of those who find their way to the garden, there is a renewal and an awakening of the spirit and special gifts lost through tragedy. For others, it is the end of a long and arduous journey to find their soulmate.

The Irish garden has been a sanctuary for centuries for those escaping persecution, invaders, and grief. Its guardian is the storyteller, a man who has lived for hundreds of years and who is part of a network of guardians around the world, offering a safe haven to those worthy of their protection.

It is not only humans who travel from afar to this garden, but also animals that are hurt or lost. One creature in particular has traveled across time following the elusive melody remembered from its time in an ancient civilization, a cat who has reached its ninth life.

You are welcome to join the storyteller, Finn, Lilah, Ramon, Michael, Bebechat, and Flaco in the garden to enjoy their company, discover their stories, and be amused at some of the antics they get up to as they finally find a peaceful home to call their own.

Head over to buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

An early review

Alex Craigie Goodreads 22nd April 2026

I’m writing this review in April 2026 at a time when the world feels increasingly perilous and beset by greed, violence and intolerance. Never has there been a better time for this book by Sally Cronin to appear – an antidote to the horror we see and hear on the news, and a celebration of the goodness that resides in the hearts of the majority of people.

The second Tales from an Irish Garden ended with the ancient storyteller saying goodbye to Queen Filigree and her royal court as they moved back to a warmer climate. This book picks up the threads 200 years later. The storyteller is feeling lonely and missing the lively company he had so enjoyed. He comes across Finn, an Irishman who has suffered a terrible tragedy and he brings him back to the garden where he becomes his friend and handyman. Soon, an injured crow joins the sanctuary and comes in useful spotting troubling things from afar.

Lilah, a young healer fleeing for her life, is brought to the sanctuary by a friend of the storyteller and she rescues an orphaned, maltreated young boy who moves in with her and her mystery cat Bebechat. This small group flourishes and helps the wider village beyond the magical sanctuary.

As time passes, others are welcomed into the Irish Garden and fall under its spell. All is not perfect beyond the boundary, however, and a decision is made to stand against a serious threat from outside.

I love this book. It’s filled with hope, love, gentle humour and an appreciation of the earth in which we live and all the living things that inhabit it. Each character is different, adding something precious to the mix. Those who arrive in fear and despair form part of a healing environment that enriches them all.

This woven tapestry of tales shows how we may not be able to prevent all the evils in the world, but we can all do our part to make life kinder and safer for those around us and have a positive effect that may carry further than we can imagine.

Highly recommended.

About Sally in Her Words

I have enjoyed a nomadic existence living in eight countries including Sri Lanka, Malta, South Africa, USA and Spain, before settling back here in Ireland. My work, and a desire to see some of the most beautiful parts of the world in the last forty years, has taken me to many more incredible destinations around Europe and Canada, and across the oceans to New Zealand and Hawaii. All those experiences and the people that I have met, provide a rich source of inspiration for my stories.

After a career in customer facing roles in the hospitality, retail, advertising and telecommunications industry, I wrote and published my first book in 1999 called Size Matters, about my weight loss journey, losing 154lbs in 18 months. This has been followed by 17 further fiction and non-fiction books, including a number of short story collections.

You can connect with her on her blog: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Twitter: @sgc58 – Facebook: Sally Cronin – LinkedIn: Sally Cronin – Bluesky: @sallycronin.bsky.social

Sally’s Books

Congratulations, Sally. Wishing you all the best.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – “Privacy”

April 28, 2026April 27, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

Today I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 225. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “privacy.” That is our prompt today.

“Could you please leave?”

“What’s the problem?”

“I just need some privacy.”

“I don’t get it.”

“What don’t you get?”

“We went to all those classes, and I’m your birthing partner.”

“Well, right now I can’t stand the sight of you.”

“What has changed?”

“You are the one who got me into this mess.”

“Oh, like you weren’t there?”

“This is no time to do the hurt feelings routine. Just go away.”

“What about the breathing exercises?”

“I can do that on my own.”

“I hate to see you like this.”

“Then you should go.”

“You sure you will be okay?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Go hang out with your friends.”

“They are all busy.”

“Go catch some fish then.”

“That’s a good idea. I’m sure you will be hungry after the pup gets here.”

“I swear. Of all the sealions in this world, I end up with Mr. Practical. Now go.”

“You still love me, right?”

“Of course. I just need you gone. Bye.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do During the 1849 California Gold Rush

April 27, 2026April 27, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

This edition continues the historical background on the Top Ten feature. I hope you like it. This post ran on September 1, 2018

Top Ten Things Not to Do During the 1849 California Gold Rush

10 If you are near the gold rush, do not sell everything to go mine for gold. If you do, at best, you will break even. At worst, you’ll find that you have blown your life savings chasing a dream. (Seems you could have found a better way to blow your money, Farquharson. You could try self-publishing.)

9 If you are near the gold rush, do not move that stake at the corner of Tiny the WWF champ’s claim. If you do, at best, Tiny will let you put it back. At worst, Tiny figures you are jumping his claim. (No use even putting up a fight, Farrin. I would just lie there. Tiny is bound to lose interest sooner or later.)

8 If you are near the gold rush, do not hide your gold under the straw mattress on your cot. If you do, at best, the lump will keep you awake. At worst, sadly, that’s the first place a thief will look. (Well, now you need to start over, Farrs. With any luck, you get that gold dust back in another six months of panning.)

7 If you are near the gold rush, do not describe someone to his face as a sourdough. If you do, at best, the person is too new to know that a sourdough is someone from Canada who has come to California in search of Gold. At worst, the person might take exception to being called dough. (Might as well take it back, Farson. Looks like he is mighty angry.)

6 If you are near the gold rush, do not wear your Amiri jeans to work. If you do, at best, you will attract many stares. At worst, the Levi-Strauss salesperson might decide a gunfight is in order. (I guess you didn’t realize that Levi’s are the official jeans of the gold rush, huh, Favian. No worries, just buy a pair and all will be forgotten.)

5 If you are near the gold rush, do not announce any discoveries of gold. If you do, at best, you’ll have more friends. At worst, the mob scene that will transpire is more than you can handle. (Your claim needs to be defended, Fedyenka. But do you really want to shoot someone?)

4 If you are near the gold rush, do not complain about the cost of food. If you do, at best, you’ll be told to go elsewhere. At worst, the cook may decide that serving you requires a higher reimbursement and raise his prices again. (Funny, Felix, but you are the only one paying more for everything.)

3 If you are near the gold rush, do not think you can set up a get-rich-quick wagon and tool rental business. If you do, at best, all your tools will be rented out, and you’ll need to get more. At worst, none of the devices will be brought back, and the rentals do not cover the cost. (This was not how it was supposed to work, Fergus.)

2 If you are near the gold rush, do not drink whatever is in that bottle in the saloon. If you do, at best, you won’t go blind. At worst, you might lose track of time and wake up three weeks from now broke and homeless. (Imagine if you’d had enough money to buy two bottles, Fiacre. You might not be with us right now.)

1 If you are near the gold rush, do not pan for gold. If you do, at best, you won’t find any. At worst, you might pull a couple of specks out of the sand, which will cause an extreme attack of gold fever. (Well, that does it, Fidelis. You are hooked. See you in a couple of years when your money runs out.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway’s Historic Liebelt Cabin

April 26, 2026April 25, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Today, we are visiting Lakeways historic Liebelt Cabin. We are catered by Crown and Anchor Pub of Austin. Our entertainment is The Foggy Mountain Boys.

Classic Hamburger & Fries – The tried-and-true original, 100% Fresh, Never Frozen Patty cooked to perfection. For those who don’t want to mess with a good thing!

Mushroom Swiss Burger & Fries – Topped with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese.

Cheeseburger & Fries – Our Classic Hamburger with American cheese.

Double Cheeseburger & Fries – Our Classic Hamburger, double patty with American cheese.

Jalapeño Cheeseburger & Fries – Cheeseburger topped with sliced jalapeños.

Bacon Cheeseburger & Fries – Add two strips of bacon to the cheeseburger.

Veggie Burger & Fries – Award-winning! A crispy veggie patty on a wheat bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, mayo, and mustard.

Hop on the bus and let’s go.