Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Something That Opens”

July 5, 2025July 4, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

Woke to the sound of rain, so a coffee will be quite welcome. A message on the touchscreen leads me to believe the AI inside is seeking entertainment. The message reads, I’m thinking of something that opens. How great is it to have a machine that wants to play games when the low caffeine warning klaxon horn is ready to split the skull. Give up? is the next message. Nodding my head, the machine responds with An application.

I’m not sure if laughing or crying is the correct response, so a smile is all I can offer. The touchscreen comes to life, and the two coffee buttons are quickly pressed. The cup is delivered, and the doorbell delivers a Westminster melody. The hounds of Baskerville want me to know the world is coming to an end. Lucky for me and the glass windows, a knuckle bone is near and tossed into the soundproof room. As the quiet descends, a glance at the security monitor shows someone looking very much like Yogi Bear standing on the porch. Calling out through the intercom verifies that whatever is to be delivered needs a signature.

With a sigh, the security system shutdown process has begun. 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 control panel simplifies the shutdown process of the security system. 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, the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

“A pic a nic basket for Howell. Sign here.”

“A big surprise you didn’t keep it.”

“Don’t think I didn’t think about that. BooBoo kept me honest.”

Looking in the basket, there is a note in sight. It is from Linda Hill. It reads Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “something that opens.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

“Take this basket as a tip.” The bear smiles, and he and the basket disappear down the driveway.

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. https://lindaghill.com/2025/07/04/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-5-2025/

“That machine is going to be the death of you.”

“Tell me.”

“You know, we could have fun with that prompt.”

“How so?”

“I know of something that opens.”

“Let me guess. VooDoo Ranger bottles.”

“Well, there is that. But I had something else in mind.”

“I find it hard to believe you have anything else in mind.”

“I guess it could be associated with VooDoo Rangers.”

“The pub door?”

“Now that is a good one, but no.”

“My wallet.”

“Ha ha ha. I like that one. No again.”

“Okay, I’m giving up now.”

“Think hard.”

“Still nothing.”

“The Uber car door.”

“Oh my gosh. How did I not think of that? You’re a pain, you know that?”

“He’s right over there.”

“Wait a minute. The something that opens is not that car. Look at the rope holding the passenger door closed.”

“It’s tied with a bow. All you have to do is pull it and untie.”

“Will it get us there?”

“Of course. There is one thing, though.”

“Why is there always one thing?”

“It used to be a chicken coop.”

“What?”

“Yeah, we have to help clean out the back.”

“Why can’t we get a normal car?”

“And pay full price? Here, put on these overalls and gloves. The guy said we could keep the eggs.”

“Be still, my beating heart.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News – Happy Birthday America

July 4, 2025July 3, 2025 ~ John W. Howell

Today is the celebration of independence here in the United States. Wishing all of you a very Happy 4th of July.

JohnKu for the 4th

A celebration,

And remembrance of . . .

All who kept us free.

Comments are off, and I hope you enjoy the day.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempest Outside.

July 3, 2025July 1, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 96 Comments

Well, Twiggy. Looks like a good day to be outside.”

“Yeah. I looked out the front and no wind.”

“There’s no wind in the back either.”

“Dear reader. Do I even need to respond?”

“So what do you say to a game of tug-o-war?”

“I think that would be fun.”

“You know to play, you have to put a part of this in your mouth.”

“I’ve been playing tug-of-war before you were born. Bring that thing closer.”

“Says the queen. Now I’m totally exhausted from lugging it.”

“Oh, quit faking. It wasn’t that far or that heavy.”

“Okay then. Grab one of the legs and I’ll grab another.”

“Hmm. I thought this had gone through the wash.”

“You know washing out toys destroys the eau du dog. Where are you going?”

“I’m going to step over there a little. That eau du dog is a bit ripe.”

“While you do that, I’m going to hunt for some leaves.”

“You know leaves are verboten.”

“Hey Twiggy. There are absolutely no tasty leaves to be had in this entire yard.”

“You can thank our diligent parents for that. Are we going to play or not?”

“I think I want to check out the leaf yard first.”

“The leaf yard? Where is that?”

“Right here in the South Forty. There are tons of possibilities.”

“You know you are not supposed to eat leaves.”

“Oh, I know. I don’t eat them. I just let them lie in my mouth.”

“I’ve heard it all now. It looks like you are eating those Crape Myrtle leaves to me.”

“Naw, just tasting them.”

“You know the rents have a security camera covering this area.”

“Well, all it will show is me lying on the ground licking my paws.”

“Another of the seven deadly sins. You are doomed.”

“Then I’d better enjoy these leaves.”

“You are going to be so grounded you’ll look like this flat toy here.”

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

July 1, 2025June 30, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

Today I randomly opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 201. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page, and the word nearest my finger was planet. Planet is our prompt today.

“What planet are you on?”

“Whatya mean?”

“I mean, are you crazy?”

“What makes you ask that?”

“The way you are looking at that plant.”

“I just think it looks terrific, is all.”

“That is not the look I see.”

“Okay, smart one. What do you see?”

“I see someone who is coveting something that he has no business coveting.”

“Covet? What does that mean?”

“Means you have designs on making something that doesn’t belong to you, yours.”

“Wow. You are deep into psychology today, aren’t you?”

“I just know you. When you get that look, you’ll move Heaven and Earth to get what you want.”

“I always admire that in myself.”

“That may well be, but that plant does not belong to you.”

“I think I would be a better steward. Look at those leaves. They look wilted to me.”

“They are not wilted. You are just making that up. Besides, that plant is way too big for you to carry.”

“Oh, come on. Where there is a will, there is a way.”

“Is that the secret to your success?”

“No. I think my secret is high hopes. High apple pie in the sky hopes.”

“So you are going to take that rubber tree plant?”

“Hold my beer.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at a Corporate Team Building Event

June 30, 2025June 29, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

This post was published on October 20, 2014. Since corporation are still holding these events it might be useful.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at a Corporate Team Building Event

10 If your company is having a team building event, do not think your team relationships will last. If you do, at best, you will be seen as weak and someone to avoid. At worst, the next promotion will go to your new friend who explained to the boss how needy you are.

9 If your company has a team building event, do not fall for the old trust building exercise. If you do, at best, your trust will not be reciprocated. At worst, you will place your trust in someone who in the end wants to see you dead.

8 If your company has a team building event, do not get paired with the boss. If you do, at best, you will get low grades for being too subservient. At worst, your boss will think you are not made of the stuff originally thought and will introduce you to the meaning of the phrase persona non grata.

7 If your company has a team building event, do not believe the idea is to have fun. If you do, at best, you will be the only one. At worst, the note taker will immediately label you as someone who does not take work seriously.

6 If your company has a team building event, do not believe the wearing apparel instructions. If you do, at best, you and the company psychologist will be the only ones dressed in jeans and sweatshirt. At worst, the biggest boss on the planet will drop by the exercise to see how it is going and will inquire of your boss, “who’s the other psychologist?”

5 If your company has a team building event, do not try to be the best player in the skill competition. If you are, at best, your boss will believe you have too much time on your hands. At worst, your boss will appoint you as team leader for the next team building event.

4 If your company has a team building event, do not think the free food and drinks are on an all you can eat buffet. If you do, at best, you will be seen as someone who is obviously lacking self-control. At worst, your boss will wonder if you always take advantage of the company expense account and inform finance to conduct an audit of your expenses.

3 If your company has a team building event, do not think the truth hour is for telling the truth. If you do, at best, you and the company psychologist will become simpatico. At worst, your boss will be counting the moments until you and they will be alone so that the longer term franchise you were counting on can be terminated.

2 If your company has a team building event, do not try to bring any new ideas during creative hour. If you do, at best, your peers will poke enough holes in your idea to kill it. At worst, thinking outside the box will only convince your boss that perhaps your belongings should be in a similar container and both of you escorted out by security.

1 If your company has a team building event do not sing along when the psychologist puts the Queen CD in the player and “We Are the Champions”starts playing. If you do, at best, your co-workers will think you are a throwback to the 80s. At worst, your boss loves “We Are the Champions” and your off note singing is making the neck hair stand up which will be a reminder to ask HR to have you transferred to Guam before the next team building event.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Farmer’s Market

June 29, 2025June 28, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

Today, we are going to check out the Lakeway Farmers Market, which is a once-a-week happening during the summer. We are catered by Acre 41 of Austin. Our entertainment is Annie Ross

Eggs Your Way – bacon or sausage, breakfast potatoes, toast

Spinach & Mushroom Egg White Omelet – havarti, breakfast potatoes, toast

Smoked Ham & Pinmento Cheese Omelet – house pimento cheese, breakfast potatoes, toast

Tres Leches French Toast – strawberries, powdered sugar, whipped cream

Wagyu Flat Iron & Eggs – eggs your way, breakfast potatoes

Huevos Rancheros – sunny egg, crispy tortilla, black bean, avocado, jalapeno, queso fresco

Sausage & Egg Burrito – chicken sausage, queso chihuahua, pepperjack, salsa roja

Thick Bacon Benedict t – hollandaise, english muffin, asparagus, poached eggs

Salmon Poke Bowl l – maitake, edamame, cucumber, avocado, ponzu, sushi rice

14 oz Prime Rib – natural beef jus, horseradish cream, fries

We are taking the minibus today. Don’t worry, there is plenty of room. Let’s go.

This shot gives you an idea of the layout.

Jewelry and other stuff.

These guys sell meat.

Amy’s art glass.

Music to spend money by.

Yum. Fresh bagels.

Authentic Mexican baked goods. (No, she is not selling Dios)

Authentic Mexican salsas.

A 3D printed collectables stand.

Asian Dumplings of all kinds.

Homemade pet treats.

Puzzle candles.

Forever jewelry. A concept I’m still struggling to understand.

Eggs, raw milk, and candy.

A 1937 Pontiac Special Delux.

Hand-dipped incense.

Fresh bread.

And finally, some healthy vegetables and melons.

Time now to relax with the food and music. I hope you have a terrific week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Plug”

June 28, 2025June 27, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

My need for a direct infusion of caffeine was met with a cold, dark touchscreen on the coffee machine. Puzzled, the haze-filled investigation began. Hitting reset-no help. Checking the line trip – no help. Calling the electric company – no help. Sitting on hold at the manufacturer – no help. Finally, speaking with a customer service representative who asked the definitive question, “Did you check the plug?” The plug? Does this person think they are talking to a moron? The plug? How flipping insulting can one get? Reminds me of talking to a WordPress Happiness Engineer. The plug? For crying out loud, of course I checked . . .the . . .plug. “Thank you for your help, customer Service person. I’ve got it from here.”

WHO UNPLUGGED THE COFFEE MACHINE? was the question heard round the block. Of course, there was no answer. Once plugged in, my 8-oz crema-topped brew was available for the inhaling. The first sip was also accompanied by the reverberations of the Westminster chime from the front doorbell. These were instantly joined by the baying of Egor’s hounds, also known as Twiggy and Tempeste. The toss of a knuckle bone into the soundproof room and a door slam brought the sound of silence to this tortured space. Looking at the front door camera, I see something that looks like an Empire Stormtrooper. “State your business,” was the order through the intercom. “Package for Howell,” came the reply. “Just drop it there.” “Sorry, sir, but it needs a signature.”

With a sigh, the security system shutdown process has begun. 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 control panel makes the shutdown of the security system process simpler. 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, the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

“What is a Stormtrooper doing delivering packages?”

“A side hustle. Sign here.”

With formalities finished, the stormtrooper jumps on what looks like a motorcycle with no wheels and is gone. The package has a note from Linda Hill and a package of Sweetarts. The note reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “plug.” Use it as a noun, use it as a verb, use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda Hill’s post. Here’s the link. https://lindaghill.com/2025/06/27/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-june-28-2025/

“A stormtrooper?”

“Yeah, what about it?”

“Oh, I don’t know. People like cartoon characters.”

“Well, there wasn’t one there. Your plug for the readers is admirable.”

“I suppose it is funny in a way.”

“Can you imagine seeing one on your porch?”

“Didn’t stay long.”

“You know how those delivery people are. No time for social interaction.”

“I would tell Linda Hill to stop requesting a signature.”

“Maybe some day.”

“We going to the pub?”

“Duh. What do we do every Saturday? Uber?”

“Right over there.”

“Hey, now we are talking.”

“We can put the top down, but there is just one thing.”

“As usual. What is it?”

“We have to go along on a cross-country road race.”

“Road race to where?”

“Not far.”

“How far?”

“Connecticut.”

“We need a different car.”

“Oh, come on. How many road races have you been on?”

“None.”

“Well, it’s time to plug into the sport. Here’s your helmet. Let’s go.”

“It’ll take us a week.”

“Yup, that’s why I have this cooler of VooDoo Rangers. About a week’s supply, I figure.”

“Unless I decide to drink enough to end my misery.”

“I don’t think there are enough VooDoo Rangerson the planet to do that.”

“Alright, I’m in.”

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

June 27, 2025June 26, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

Experimental farm uses innovative method to save over a billion gallons of water: ‘If we can do it here, we can do it anywhere’

Today’s good news story comes from the TCD newsletter and was sent to me by Noelle Granger

Experimental farm uses innovative method to save over a billion gallons of water: ‘If we can do it here, we can do it anywhere’

Rick Kazmer

A cutting-edge farming technique being implemented on an experimental ranch in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert has already saved a billion gallons of water over five years, according to Civil Eats, a news site covering America’s food system.

The water conservation is impressive considering the region was experiencing well over 100 degree heat in spring along with a drought. The National Park Service reported that the average temperature during the three summer months has increased 4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1950 because of the overheating planet.

On the 665-acre Oatman Flats Ranch, the team is using special techniques to sustain wheat, barley, and other crops despite the brutal conditions.

“I joke that this farm is a little better than Death Valley, but I’m not really joking,” farm director Yadi Wang said.

The ranch is implementing regenerative organic farming in answer to drying rivers and arid, nutrient-poor dirt. The goal is to improve soil health and biodiversity as well as to limit water use and capture planet-warming carbon with vegetation. Started in 2021, the project has earned accolades and is considered a learning site by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, per Civil Eats.

Regenerative farming uses a mix of strategies, including Indigenous methods dating back thousands of years, to better manage farmland. They include crop rotation, vegetative cover, rotational grazing, and eliminating toxic pesticides and fertilizers, according to the alliance.

Natural fertilizers, for example, have already proved successful at providing bountiful harvests as part of other projects, including tomato research in Italy.

In the Arizona desert, farmers are also dealing with unprecedented droughts. NASA and other experts have linked planetary warming, caused largely by burning fossil fuels, to increased risks for water shortages and extreme weather events.

That’s on top of the poor soil quality, resulting from decades of neglect and conventional farming practices. As a result, the Oatman team is rebuilding irrigation systems, clearing invasive trees, and using other regenerative practices.

Water-conserving crops were added to combat drought and overdraw from nearby farms that grow acres of alfalfa and corn for feed and fuels. The land also got a healthy dose of manure, all according to Civil Eats.

Sheep are natural mowers that also leave fertilizing droppings. Other species that have long been absent are returning, including dragonflies. Wang said the insects are proof of the advancements in water conservation.

“If we’re going to hold on to farmland, we need a significant change in how we farm and what we farm,” ranch owner Dax Hansen added.

The effort is paying off. In addition to the water gains, the team has doubled healthy organic matter in the dirt.

It’s a mindset that can be applied in any environment at nearly any scale. At home, you can cultivate a sustainable backyard by letting nature take over. Natural lawns with native blooming plants can also boost local pollinator health. Government experts say that 35% of the world’s food supply is reliant on struggling pollinators.

In Arizona, the ranchers also have them in mind. They spent $100,000 on native hedgerows that also help to retain soil and provide habitat for bees, birds, and other species, according to Civil Eats.

The team intends to continue restoring farmland in the extreme conditions. The project has been bolstered by government funds, but the goal is for a sustainable, “financially viable” system, per Civil Eats.

“You’ve seen what the land looks like in five years; imagine it in 10,” Hansen said. “If we can do it here, we can do it anywhere.”

The good news in this story is that regenerative farming methods work. Today’s JohnKu talks about taking care of nature. I hope you have a lovely week.

Nature has a way,

To reward good stewardship . . .

She gives back in spades.

A Beautiful Review of Detour on the Eternal Road by Teri Polen

June 26, 2025 ~ John W. Howell

You may know Teri Polen for her Bad Moon Rising feature each October. You undoubtedly know that she is an accomplished author of Young Adult Novels. Today, she has posted a beautiful review of Detour on the Eternal Road. I don’t normally like to post twice on the same day, but I am so grateful to Teri that an exception is in order. A visit to her post with let you know more about Teri. Here is a link to her review.

A bit about Teri

Teri Polen reads and watches horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. The Walking Dead, Harry Potter, and anything Marvel-related are likely to cause fangirl delirium. She lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband, sons, and black cat. Sarah, her debut novel, was named a horror finalist in the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Teri has authored five books and participated in three anthologies.

Her latest is The Power of Three, a cannot put down Mystery. (Click cover for Amazon.