Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

December 7, 2018December 6, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

“And who’s bright idea was this?”
“Looks like a Twiggy repellent device to me.”

The week has flown by. I’m not sure if it is because I don’t have my Christmas shopping started yet, or just a busy week. I always get a sense of panic when I don’t have my shopping done. This year is unusual in that I don’t even have an idea of the items to shop for as yet. Usually, I am ahead of the curve, but with all that’s been going on, I haven’t had the mental capacity to really concentrate.

Bailey takes a good deal of attention and time. She needs to go out every two hours which makes for a regulated day. On top of that, her medications and general care eat up some time as well. It isn’t the amount of time but the frequency of delivery.

We found out last week that the chemo treatments were causing some increased heart stress. So, for the second time, the cancer treatment was creating life-threatening problems. We have now stopped the chemotherapy. We know that in the end, this will shorten Bailey’s life. We also know that Bailey feels better without the treatment and so we are defaulting to quality vs. quantity. We tried everything, and now the objective is to make sure she is comfortable and loved for as long as she has.

Today’s JohnKu talks about hard decisions. I hope you all have a peaceful and fun weekend.

Decisions by John W. Howell © 2108

Some are easier,

Others are extremely tough. . .

All need to be made.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Setting Up the Tree

December 6, 2018December 5, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

“Twiggy. I don’t think you are supposed to pull that snowman out of the tote.”

“Yes, Bailey’s right. I feel a yell coming up real soon.”

“Okay, you two can relax. I’ll play with this toy.”

“I’ll keep an eye on her, Lucy.”

“Hey, dad. I’m glad you showed up. Bailey and Lucy say I can’t help with the decorations.”

“Well, you have to be careful. There are some things that could hurt puppies.”

“So what can I do to help?”

“Follow me. I’ll show you something you can do.”

“You want me to stand on this tore cover?”

“Yes, I need you to keep it from moving away.”

“Moving away? Aw, dad, this does not really help. You made this up.”

“As long as you stand there, I know it won’t move.”

“How about something meaningful? Like taking these boxes off the ornaments?

“Would be nice, Little Potato but you have no thumbs.”

“Thumbs? You know teeth and jaws were made long before thumbs.”

“That is what concerns me, sweetheart. Come over to the tree and get in the photo.”

“Okay, all of you smile.”

“Is it just me or does mom have a treat in her hand?”

“I think she is trying to get us to stay still, Lucy.”

“Well, it certainly is working. I’ll count to three, and we’ll rush her.”

“Okay Girls, thank you.”

“Twiggy. Get out from under that tree.”

“In a minute, Dad. This material is sumptuous.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

December 5, 2018December 5, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

“Is it Friday yet?”
“Only Wednesday Little one.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we were in Micki’s shop when Gloria gave us the news that Louis was not Sandusky’s murderer. She did advise Larry to look for a money angle. Also, Andrew missed the whole thing since he was under some kind of spell. Micki did offer to serve Andrew some tea if he would like to stay. (I think the tea was a metaphor) Well, Andrew turned her down, and he and Larry went back to police headquarters. Let’s join them there.

“So, Larry. What the heck went on back there?”

“Between you and Micki? I have no earthly idea.”

“No, you dolt. What happened during the séance?”

“Gloria made a brief appearance and declared Louis to be innocent.”

“Damn. You don’t say. This puts us back to square one.”

“Wait a minute. Do you believe in what Gloria says?”

“I have no other choice. You and I aren’t doing too well on collecting evidence.”

“That’s true but why all of a sudden are you accepting Gloria’s word with no reservations.”

“The mere fact I have no recall of the séance is enough to convince me. I wasn’t asleep, and I wasn’t awake. That was the work of spirits.”

“Well, whatever it takes. I’m glad you have come around fully.”

“It was my idea to consult Gloria this time around.”

“I thought you were just humoring me.”

“I plead guilty. Now I’m a convert. So what else did she say”?

“In so many words, chercher de l’argent.”

“Search for the money?”

“Yeah. That was it. Then she left.”

“So, you and I have to figure out what money she is talking about.”

“Which brings to mind that banker guy. What was his name.”

“Dixon, I think. Wait, I wrote his name down. Here it is, Ned Dixon.”

“Since he is a banker and banks have money, I think we should start with Ned.”

“That does make some sense, I guess. What will we ask him?”

“I think we start off with him explaining everything he knows about Sandusky and the business. Then as we get into it, we wait for him to make some mistake or another.”

“Mistake? What kind of mistake?”

“Oh, I don’t know. An inconsistency perhaps. Some facts that change. We’ll have him explain things several times to see how his story holds up.”

“What reason are you going to give for the questions.”

“I think I’ll just say we are investigating Sandusky’s death and that any information Dixon knows that might help would be appreciated.”

“You know if he has something to do with the killing, he’s going to bolt.”

“Yeah, but that will tell us something. I’m going to call him and get an appointment.”

“So, you’re doing an in-person interview?”

“Yup. The best way to be able to tell if the guy is hiding something.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #199 by Keith Channing

December 4, 2018December 3, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

In Keith’s words now that he is back. “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, with links to your own blog or web site, on Monday.”

The photo.

“Okay this is part 24B so why doesn’t it fit in slot 24?”

“You sure you read the instructions right?”

“I did. The next step is to fit part 24B into slot 24.”

“Why is the part so short then? Slot 24 is a foot bigger.”

“Yeah, that has me puzzled as well.”

“I have never seen such a confused mess in my whole life.”

“What do you mean ‘confused mess?'”

“Just look at this thing. Half the parts are not the right size, and it seems some are missing.”

“I checked all the parts before I began and they were all here.”

“Then why do you seem to have run out of material?”

“If I knew that I would have this conundrum solved. I called you for help not for stating the obvious.”

“Okay. I get it. Let me look at the plan.”

“It’s over there under the coffee cups.”

“Let me see. I just love these Ikea directions. I have a mechanical engineering degree and feel underqualified.”

“So what do you think?”

“For starters did you look at the picture?”

“No. Can’t say I did.”

“If you had you would realize this is supposed to be a square.”

“A square? I didn’t buy a square. I bought a rectangle. The foundation is for a rectangle.”

“You better look at your order then. You have a square. Did you get this at the Ikea store?”

“No, I ordered it online.”

“I think you better return it. You will never have enough material to finish a rectangle.”

“Look at my order. It clearly says the measurements are a rectangle.”

“All the better. It is their fault then. Wait what is this message in red?”

“Please check your order carefully before you begin assembly. No refunds or returns once assembly has begun.”

“Looks like you are screwed.”

“What if I order another square?”

“Humm let me see. If I measure the sides and multiply by two. Yes, that will work.”

“I’m going to do it right now.”

“Just your luck you will get a rectangle.”

“That will work too.”

“Just think of the money you saved by ordering online.”

“Dark sarcasm in the classroom.”

“Yeah, sorry.”

Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – Buy a Book for Christmas #Mystery #Thriller #Series N.A. Granger, John W. Howell, Don Massenzio

December 3, 2018December 3, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 7 Comments

I am honored to be featured on Sally Cronin’s “Buy a Book for Christmas,” post. Sally is very supportive of indie authors. She has a number of ways to feature writers so visit her blog and find out how she can help you all year long.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at Napoleon’s Emperor Crowning Ceremony in 1804

December 3, 2018December 2, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

This post continues the Top Ten things not to do with a historical backdrop. On December 2, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte himself Emperor of France. If you were there here are at least ten things that I hope you did not do. I hope you enjoy this list.

10 At Napoleon’s crowning, do not boo when he takes the crown from the pope and puts it on his head. If you do, at best do it quietly. At worst, you will be the new Emperor’s first guest at the guillotine. (This didn’t turn out the way you planned huh, Guy? Who would have thought the Emperor had no sense of humor? Hello, like everyone knew that, idiot.)

9 At Napoleon’s crowning, do not rush up to congratulate the new Emperor. If you do, at best, too many will be ahead of you. At worst, Tiny the WWF champ has been given the job of the Emperor’s bodyguard. (It is just your luck, Georgio that Tiny reacts to motion as opposed to intellect. Maybe the court doctor can reset those bones. In the meantime, drink more Champaign.)

8 At Napoleon’s crowning, do not think your old buddy is the same good guy as before becoming Emperor. If you do, at best, your hug of congratulations will be forgiven. At worst, you will wake up in the dungeon facing an assault charge. (For as many times as you and Boney partied together this comes as a complete surprise right, Garrett? Don’t worry I’m sure your buddy will reconsider. I would not hold your breath waiting though.)

7 At Napoleon’s crowning, do not wear your “Bring Back Louis XVI,” t-shirt. If you do, at best it will be taken as a joke. At worst, you will be the second guillotine guest of the Emperor. ( Whatever were you thinking when you decided to wear that shirt, Gunther? Sure it was your color but come on. )

6 At Napoleon’s crowning, do not overdo the champagne toasts. If you do, at best you have a terrible headache tomorrow. At worst, although you meant to say only complimentary comments in your last toast somehow it didn’t come out the way you planned. (Congratulations, Gallagher you are now a field marshal in charge of the Siberian front. Don’t forget your long underwear.)

5 At Napoleon’s crowning, do not ask Josephine to dance. If you do, at best she’ll say no thank you. At worst the full effect of the tap on the shoulder for a cut in by the Emperor will be realized. (What you didn’t know is the Emperor is a very jealous man. That tap signaled the home guard to drop you off in Spain, Garson. Hope you enjoy paella.)

4 At Napoleon’s crowning, do not fail to laugh at the Emperor’s jokes. If you do, at best you can feign a cough. At worst, even though the Emperor tells the lousiest jokes the laughing guards will see you out. (Maybe a lesson learned, Garcia. I’ll bet you are hoping these laughing guards are going to see you home safely. That dungeon straight ahead might mean otherwise.)

3 At Napoleon’s crowning, do not make comments about the Emperors New Clothes. If you do, at best every one read the story. At worst, Napoleon who has not read the story will believe he is naked. (You know what they say about the messenger, Giuseppe. Sayonara.)

2 At Napoleon’s crowning, do not do karaoke. If you do, at best your song will be Happy Days Are Here Again. At worst, your song will be The Bohemian Rhapsody. (Good luck with the Freddy Mercury part, Grover. Just your luck the Emperor is a big fan of Queen.)

1 At Napoleon’s crowning, do not offer to fire the cannon in salute. If you do, at best the wick will go out. At worst, your cannon is not aimed well, and you just took out the Emperor’s bedroom. (You could offer your place for sleeping, Gebek or maybe better, just start running.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Holiday Parade

December 2, 2018December 1, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

There was a parade yesterday in Port Aransas. It was the annual holiday parade to benefit the EMS toy roundup. There were so many who came to participate that to take photo’s of the parade itself would have made selecting which carts to show here an impossible task. So I went to the staging area and took some shots. Hopefully, you’ll get an idea of the festive nature of this parade.

Santa in an Aloha shirt

Folks decorate their golf carts and make a voluntary donation to the EMS toy roundup. Here is a number of carts arriving at the staging area.

The staging area is getting quite crowded.

Love the nose.

Gifts under the Christmas Palm tree

Quite a decorating job.

The kids love it.

The dogs love it.

Santa’s elves

EMS will lead the parade

Holiday dog.

A common sentiment here.

A jeep to enforce the Don’t mess with Texas mantra.

Tree on a cart.

Snowmen on a cart.

Old faithful.

Merry participants.

More participants.

Boat float.

Santa on a cart.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ma.”

December 1, 2018November 30, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

Mama just killed a man. Put my gun against his head pulled the trigger now he’s dead. Well, it is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is “ma.” Linda Hill says we can use “ma” or any word containing “ma.” Also, there are bonus points for starting the post with “ma.” Now you see why I did a riff on Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.

If you would like to slowly lose your grip on reality, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to do. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/11/30/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-1-18/

Ma by John W. Howell © 2108

“You would not believe the dream I had last night. It was a real nightmare.”

“You know dreams are only imaginary?”

“I know that, and I don’t normally pay attention to them.”

“Was this one that dramatic that it has you upset?”

“How’s this sound. David Letterman is the chairman of our company.”

“Well, that doesn’t sound so bad. In real life that would be immaterial.”

“Yes, but I had to give a presentation to him on filmmaking. I don’t know squat about the subject.”

“So what did you do? Make up some facts?”

“I walked in and he was sitting behind this giant desk with a margarita in his hand.”

“Okay, this sounds like it is getting funny. I imagine he was pretty friendly.”

“Quite the opposite. He called my presentation the benchmark of mediocrity.”

“Oh, that’s harsh. Maybe he was drunk.”

“The whole thing ended up with him demanding my resignation.”

“What did you do with that malicious request?”

“I took it as a mandate to find another job.”

“So did you find another job and leave that dismal place?”

“I’ve been busy this morning. I need to go to Monster Dot Com on my MAC.”

“You sure you’re not being premature. After all, it was a dream. What were you doing all morning?”

“Working on my resume. Oh yes. I sent my marvelous letter of resignation.”

“You gotta be kidding me. Because of a dream, you formally resigned?”

“You had to have been there. Besides, I hate filmmaking and I think to try to succeed would be too much drama.”

“Your company makes computers. You work for a manufacturer not a filmmaker.”

“I think I have post-traumatic dream disorder. I’ll write to the boss and tell him it was a big mistake.”

“Good luck with that. Use your personal magnetism.”

” I wish I hadn’t opened the letter with ‘Dear Demanding Asshole.'”

“Yeah, that might take a little touch of diplomacy to fix.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF

November 30, 2018November 29, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

Lucy, Bailey and Twiggy — “Hey, Lucy. It’s Friday. Let’s get ready to rumble.”

Friday is here and time to get ready for the weekend. This week was pretty productive. The edits are pretty much finished on the next book. Gwen Plano and I have written the sequel to The Contract and now we are trying to get to a name. The manuscript is due to the editor in January and hopefully, we will have a name by then.

Bailey is doing quite well. She is eating (Knock on wood) and appears to be comfortable.

Today’s JohnKu is about adaptability. I hope you have a great weekend.

When you think all’s well,

The unexpected rises. . .

Alter and adapt.