Views of the Neighborhood – Artist Guy Burchak

January 26, 2025January 25, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Today, we are visiting Lakeway City Hall to view some art pieces by artist Guy Burchak. We are catered by Aba of Austin. Our entertainment is Bruce Springsteen.

BLACKBERRY DROP BISCUIT – blackberry compote, whipped cream

AVOCADO TOAST – pomegranate, preserved lemon, mint

KHACHAPURI – baked egg, cremini mushroom, graviera, green onion

AÇAÍ BOWL – blueberry, banana, pomegranate, dukkah, coconut, mint

SHORT RIB SHAKSHUKA – local eggs, spicy harissa, graviera, roasted potato

KEFTA & EGGS – lamb & beef kefta, fried eggs, tzatziki, lemon dill rice

SHAWARMA-SPICED SKIRT STEAK & EGG – fried eggs, crispy potato, tzatziki

JERUSALEM BAGEL & SMOKED SALMON SPREAD – sumac red onion, tomato, caper, labneh,

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get on the bus.

About the artist in Guy’s words.

“My corporate art experience began due to my love of travel which led me to aviation art, creating art for the US and the Saudi military while living in Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield/Storm and the Iraq War. My Aviation art is in the US Air Force and Saudi Air Force Art Collections as well as held by the Saudi Royal Family and private collectors.

Living in Dubai, 2003-07, I created and installed trade show displays, traveling out of Dubai, throughout the middle east and parts of Europe until retiring from corporate work in 2012.

Throughout my life I have created and sold my art internationally thru government, corporate and public sales both privately and thru public exhibitions.

I have been living comfortably within multinational cultures throughout my life which brings to me a natural faith in humanity. After a lifetime of traveling this world, I have landed in Austin, Texas, where I am focused on creating art that illuminates the world that we are experiencing, a world that I believe is evolving through necessary chaos, guiding us towards order, compassion, brighter times.”

You can learn more by visiting Guy’s website: https://guy-burchak.pixels.com/

Art on display at Lakeway City Hall

The gallery with Guy’s work

The pieces are not titled, and there are five of them. They are scenes around Lake Travis where the drought has lowered the lake level.

Now it is time to listen to the music and enjoy the food. Since we do these features in my hometown, I think Bruce Springsteen’s version of My Home Town is perfect. I hope you have a terrific week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt –

January 25, 2025January 24, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

One of the more difficult tasks here at the house is keeping the coffee machine in line. Although it is not alive there are suspicions that deep within it’s bowls rests an alien being. It coud be simply AI instaled at the Swiss facory but knowing the Swiss there would be a warning displayed somewhere on the machine.

Keeping it in line is a simple operation. A yank of the plug sets everything to rights again should the little devil decide some nafarious activity.Now that my cup is ready it is time to take a little trip. The clock is set for January 24, 1925. The location is Chicago and duration one hour. A pull of the plunger lands us on State street in time to hear the news.

Chicago Outfit gangster Johnny Torrio survived an assassination attempt when Hymie Weiss and Bugs Moran jumped him as he and his wife were returning to their apartment from a shopping trip. Torrio was shot multiple times, but Moran’s gun clicked empty when he tried to deliver a coup de grâce to Torrio’s head. Johnny did survive but turned ober control of the Chicago Outfit to Al Capone. He moved to New York and then to Italy.

Trying to stay warm in the freezing cold the alarm goes off and the cozy couch saves the day. My text tone let’s me know a text has arrived. It is from Linda Hill. It reads:

Your prompt for #JusJoJan the 25th and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “in line.” Use it any way you’d like! Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda Hill’s post. Here is the link

“That was some story.”

“The way gangsters kept each other in line was pretty brutal.”

“So that was the end of Johnny Torrio?”

“Nope he returned from Italy to eventually establish the National Crime Syndicate with Lucky Luciano, Longy Zwillman, Joe Adonis, Frank Costello, and Meyer Lansky. He stayed active until he was jailed for tax evasion. He lived quietly after his release in 1941 until his death in 1957.”

“I can’t believe he lived that long.”

“He was in charge of activities that netted over a billion dollars a year in today’s money. I’m sure he saved a little for his old age.”

“Just a shock that in his case crime paid.”

“You just never know. Maybe he wasn’t very happy.”

“I know what would make me happy.”

“Did you order an Uber?”

“Right over there.”

“That looks like a Ford Taurus from the 80s.”

“A classis.”

“Don’t vclassic me. Does it run?”

“Of course. How else did it get here?”

“A tow truck maye. Well at least there is a back seat.”

“Uh.”

“Uh what?”

“Two milk crates back there.”

“Of course there are two milk crates. Why am I not surprosed.”

“Shall we go?”

“I’ll bet five bucks he won’t be able to start it.”

“Ha. Got you there. It’s already running.”

“I give up. Let’s go.”

“Adventure ho.”

Friday JohnKu – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good/News – A visit with Sally Cronin

January 24, 2025January 23, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 2 Comments

This header should look familiar. It belongs to Sally G Cronin, who has a very successful blog built on helping other Indie authors be more successful. Sally is an Indie author herself, and she has 18 books published.

Today, she features my latest book, Detour on the Eternal Road. I am so grateful for her support and hope you take a moment to visit her. Here is the link.

https://wp.me/p3ZnNr-MFU

A little about Sally

Sally Cronin is the author of eighteen books, including her memoir Size Matters: Especially when you weigh 330lb, first published in 2001 which followed her weight loss of 150 lbs and the program she designed to achieve a healthy weight and regain her health. A program she shared with her clients over her 26-year career as a nutritional therapist and on her blog. This has been followed by another seventeen books, both fiction and non-fiction, including multi-genre collections of short stories and poetry.

Her latest book, Size Always Matters, is an extended and updated version of her original book. It now includes the nutritional element of losing weight and some recipes with ingredients that provide the nutrients necessary for healthy weight loss and continued good health.

As an author, she understands how important it is to have support in marketing books and offers a number of FREE promotional opportunities in the Café and Bookstore on her blog and across her social media. Sally does more for Indie Authors, and visiting her blog will show you the extent of her support.

After leading a nomadic existence and exploring the world, she now lives with her husband on the coast of Southern Ireland, enjoying the seasonal fluctuations in the temperature of the rain.

Visit Sally’s Amazon page for more information on her books.

I have turned off comments and would appreciate them on Sally’s post.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste in the Snow

January 23, 2025January 21, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 149 Comments

“Look at this stuff, Twiggy.”

“It’s snow, Tempeste.”

“Where has it been my whole life?”

“It only falls every few years here.”

“Look, you can pick up the chunks and eat it.”

“That makes it fun. Low calorie, too.”

“Well, some of us who are sleek and in fighting condition don’t have to worry.”

“You calling me fat?”

“Never. Big-boned, maybe.”

“Very funny. We are examples of different body styles.”

“Okay. I’m going to grab more of these pieces.”

“This tent is nice for keeping the snow off the turf.”

“Yeah, but it is much more fun out in it.”

“Makes my paws cold.”

“Oh, come on. Don’t be a wimp.”

“Okay, you go ahead. I’ll be right behind you.”

“Watch my leap. When do you think we can use the whole yard?”

“When you stop eating leaves and acorns.”

“I’m working on that. Yipee, look at me.”

“You are a sight for sure.”

“I love this stuff.”

“You can continue, but I must warm up a little.”

“Okay, Grandma. You just rest on the porch.”

“I’ll just do that, youngster.”

“I do think it might be time to go in.”

“This water bottle is frozen. It is definitely time to go in.”

“Maybe some hot cocoa.”

“Dogs don’t drink cocoa. It is bad for us.”

“Maybe just a smell then.”

“Ask Mom.”

Resa McConaghy – Costume Designer – Honors Detour on the Eternal Road

January 22, 2025January 24, 2025 ~ John W. Howell

Resa McConaghy had a decades-long career designing costumes in over 50 movies for stars like Kim Cattrall and Helen Mirren. When the film industry ground to a halt during Covid, she started upcycling old fabric into elaborate couture. Today, she honored me by designing Cloud Wear for Sam Tourneau, a protagonist in Detour on the Eternal Road.

I am very grateful for Resa’s talent; she felt she could serve Sam by giving her a lovely wardrobe to wear in the afterlife. Here is the link to La post. While there, take time to look around at the beautiful photos and gowns Resa has created.

More about Resa in her words.

“My name is Resa McConaghy. I’m a semi-retired Costume Designer for film and television.

My first Art Gown “Strawberry Kisses” was to create some beauty in my life after mom died. It was a hit with people, so I continued to make and post more “Art Gowns”.

At some point, I began upcycling, repurposing, and, in general, making the gowns out of any fabric or notions that were not new goods. I was using up anything headed for landfills. All the gowns are hand-sown so that machines do not use energy.

The Art Gowns are available to borrow or rent (situation dependant) for Gala’s, photo shoots and film production.

A few more beautiful gowns from Resa’s collection.

I have turned off comments so you can leave them with Resa.

Tuesday Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt –

January 21, 2025January 20, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Today, I randomly opened my latest Detour on the Eternal Road (Now available on Amazon) to page 205. With my eyes closed, I pointed to the page, and the word closest to my finger was “Thinking.”

“I was thinking.”

“A new activity for you.”

“Very funny. I’m serious.”

“What were you thinking?”

“About what we are supposed to do with our lives.”

“Good grief. As if there aren’t enough complications in living, you gotta come up with one more.”

“It’s not a complication. It’s just a question, is all.”

“What brought this on?”

“We live our lives each day and go through all the normal things, right?”

“Right.”

“Do we ever ask ourselves if just living is enough?”

“Enough for who?”

“Enough to be fulfilled.”

“Fulfilled? Where did you get that notion?”

“I hate to say it, but it was over breakfast this morning.”

“You have to explain that one.”

” I was out hunting as usual.”

“Yeah. So was I.”

“And I spotted this thing moving quickly from one place to another.”

“We see that all the time.”

“I know, I know, but this time, there was something different about the way the thing was moving.”

“Different, how?”

“Kinda jerky like it didn’t know where it was going.”

“So what did you do?”

“Lika, any good hunter. I swooped in and grabbed him with my talons.”

“Okay, then what?”

“I flew up to a tree and ate him.”

“So where was the big epiphany on being fulfilled?”

“Turns out it was a mouse, and it was something he said when I swooped down.”

“Tell me.”

“He said, ‘Is that all there is?'”

“Why I listen to you is beyond me. Que the Peggy Lee Video.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do in the Snow in the South

January 20, 2025February 6, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 92 Comments

This idea was initially posted in December 2017. At the time, it was because it snowed in South Texas for the first time in many years. With the latest Arctic cold front moving lower in the US, there are forecasts of snow in the South once again. So here is a revised list of what not to do in the snow in the South.

Top Ten Things Not to Do in the Snow in the South

10 If you live in the South and it snows, do not think you can drive to the store. If you do, at best, you may find yourself in a ditch. At worst, your erratic driving may cause a pile-up on the beach road, which won’t clear till spring. (Twenty miles an hour was a bit too fast for conditions, huh, Cyrek?)

9. If you live in the South and it snows, do not throw snowballs at strangers. If you do, at best, you’ll hit one, and they will laugh. At worst, you will hit Tiny, the WWF champ, right after he left his respect support group meeting. (It looks like Tiny took the snowball in the face as a sign of disrespect. I think you should begin running now, Cyril.)

8 If you live in the South and it snows, do not think you can wear flip-flops as usual. If you do, at best, your feet will turn blue. At worst, you will find your condition being discussed by a group of interns at the local ER. (Do the words frostbite and amputation bother you, Cyrano?)

7 If you live in the South and it snows, do not think the rest of the world wants to hear about it. If you do, at best, you’ll get a lot of disconnects. At worst, you’ll describe the beauty and unusual snow to your cousin in Fargo, North Dakota, who hasn’t been out of the house for six weeks due to the snow. (Wonder why he’s calling you all those names? It’s cabin fever, Cyan.)

6 If you live in the South and it snows, do not think you have to rush to the store to clean the shelves of bread, milk, water, and bathroom tissue. If you do, at best, you’ll get the moniker of the village idiot. At worst, you will be just checking out when you notice the snow has all melted, making your hour trip to the store and your massive horde unnecessary. (Did you check the weather report, Crespin? Why are those people pointing and laughing?)

5 If you live in the South and it snows, do not demand your 7:00 am tee time. If you do, at best, the pro will not let you play. At worst, you’ll set the course record for the most lost balls and the highest score. (White on white is a difficult thing to see. Right, Courtney. When you do see them, frozen shots don’t go that far, do they?)

4 If you are in the South and it snows, do not continue with your plans for a beach party. If you do, at best, everyone will stay home. At worst, those that do come will end up not at the beach but in your house. (Ever try to roast hot dogs and do smores in the fireplace, Corwin?)

3 If you are in the South and it snows, do not think you can drive without cleaning your windshield and rear window glass. If you do, at best, the snow might blow off. At worst, you won’t be able to see well and might hit someone. (The policeman you ran into is lecturing you loudly about how dangerous it is to drive without being able to see while he is writing the ticket. He is about finished, Conell.)

2 If you are in the South and it snows, do not think you have to plan a dinner like you live in the Antarctic. If you do, at best, the snow will leave before you start cooking. At worst, you’ll serve the Hoosh, Pemmican, Sledging biscuits, Marmite, and hot coffee meal as the temperature reaches seventy degrees. (I never saw folks sweat so much while they ate, did you, Cnute?)

1. If you are in the South and it snows, Do not think you can wait to make a snowman. If you do, at best, there will be a little snow left to work. At worst, you and the kids will be all bundled up, only to find nothing but water. (It’s Hard to make a water person, isn’t it, Clifton?)

Views of the Neighborhood – Ready for the Cold

January 19, 2025January 19, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 104 Comments

We expect the Arctic cold to hit this week, so I thought it would be a good idea to cruise the neighborhood to see if folks are prepared. Our temps will drop at night to below freezing, so plants will need covers. We are catered by 24 Diner of Austin. Our entertainment is Simon and Garfunkel.

CHEDDAR BURGER Brioche bun, cheddar, pickles, red onion, roasted tomatoes, smoked aioli

BACON AVOCADO BURGER Brioche bun, bacon, avocado, charred poblanos, smoked aioli

24 BURGER
Brioche bun, swiss, house pickles, sauce gribiche, bibb lettuce, tomato

THE 24 VEGGIE BURGER Brioche bun, Havarti, vegan mayo, spicy pepper relish, avocado. Housemade veggie patty: beets, mushrooms, lentils, bread crumbs, rice, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds

WAGYU SLIDERS Blackening spice, bacon, caramelized onions, blue cheese dressing

PATTY MELT Rye toast, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, smoked aioli

M’S GRILLED CHEESE Sourdough, cheddar, havarti, roasted tomato

BLACKENED TUNA SANDWICH Brioche bun, cabbage cucumber slaw, jalapeno remoulade

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s go

Color-matched covers.

A massive cover for a large plant.

Now we’re talking. Blue tarps everywhere.

Petty sky and subtle coverings.

The University of Texas flag looks windblown. The plants look embarrassed.

The oleander will be comfy, but the bed does not have a quilt.

Half is better than nothing.

Three fugitives from Halloween.

Grandma spent months making that cover.

No fooling around here. The straight stuff.

I hope you enjoyed the tour. Stay warm this week and enjoy the music and food.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Pack/Peck/Pick/Pock/Puck

January 18, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Waking up to WordPress’s elimination of the Classic editor made a cup of coffee more vital than ever. The machine didn’t disappoint, and the first cup was thrown back like a shot of cheap whiskey. The second cup brought to mind a workaround.

I found that clicking on the notification bell before opening a blank post still gave me the choice of which editor to use. Being sure this situation won’t last long, it is to be enjoyed while still here. This post was done in the Classic editor.

Now that the editor problem is solved, for the time being, the coffee gave me a brain teaser. “Peter Puck and Paul Peck used a pick on a mountain pock and found only a used hockey puck.”

My text notification goes off, and it is Linda Hill. It reads:

Your prompt for #JusJoJan the 18th and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “pack/peck/pick/pock/puck.” Use one or use ’em all for bonus points—it’s up to you! Enjoy!

Go to Linda’s post to see what others have done with the prompt. Here’s the link. https://lindaghill.com/2025/01/17/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2025-daily-prompt-for-jan-18th/

“What the heck?”

“What?”

“You didn’t do a security dismantle or time trip.”

“Faced with the editor challenge, I didn’t have time.”

“And that brain teaser?”

“Only thing I could think of.”

“This is going to be a rough day for sure.”

“No kidding. I don’t know anything about the other editor, and I have a tour coming up.”

“Now is the time to teach an old dog new tricks.”

“Easy for you young folks to say.”

“Come on, pops, you can do it.”

“I suppose. Did you call Uber?”

“Man, I’m the one usually bringing up the pub.”

“Well, I’m needy.”

“He’s right over there.”

“Aw, come on.”

“Pack your troubles in an old kit bag.”

“Not helping.”

“We love you a bushel and a peck.”

“A pock on you.”

“Pick yourself up.”

“Puck you.”

“The last one on the van is a weenie.”

“Childhood, here we come.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – FriYay/Good News

January 17, 2025January 15, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 96 Comments

Fairbanks Airport Police and Fire Department

Today’s good news comes from The News Tribune in Tacoma, Washington.

A bald eagle was found ‘frozen’ and unable to fly. See the rescue with the ‘best ending ever.’

Story by Sara Schilling

First responders in Alaska had an unusual overnight guest: a juvenile bald eagle needing help.

A good Samaritan came across the “quite frozen” eagle that couldn’t fly on the evening of Jan. 11 and waved over a Fairbanks International Airport police officer, the Fairbanks Airport Police and Fire Department wrote in a Facebook post.

According to the post, after checking with the Alaska Raptor Center, first responders put the eagle in a patrol car to keep it out of the cold.

A quote from the Facebook post “Dispatch, we’ve got one detained…

While we normally wouldn’t release the name of those we take into protected custody, we figured this time it would be ok!

One of our officers was flagged down this evening by a Good Samaritan who found a juvenile bald eagle who was quite frozen and unable to fly. After consulting with representatives of the Alaska Raptor Center, the decision was made to secure the little guy or gal in the backseat of the patrol car till it could thaw out and get dry. It’s now resting peacefully in a dark, quiet corner of the station until tomorrow when representatives from Alaska Fish & Game and the US Fish & Wildlife Service help us release it back to the wild as long as it’s not showing signs of illness or injury. (Hint…keep an eye our page tomorrow)

“

The eagle spent the night munching on fatty steak and salmon and “resting peacefully in a dark, quiet corner of the station,” officials said.

Officials said the eagle was assessed with help from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and it was determined to be in great shape.

The Fairbanks Airport Police and Fire Department said in a follow-up Facebook post on Jan. 12 that the bird was released back into the wild, declaring it “the best ending ever.”

Here is that post, which you need to log into Facebook to view. https://www.facebook.com/fairbanksairportpoliceandfire/videos/2081709672272277

The post included a video.

“Oh yeah, he soars,” someone said as the eagle fled.

Another person said, “He’s super strong. That’s wonderful.”

In the follow-up Facebook post, officials thanked “everyone who showed concern, especially the Good Samaritan who called in the frozen bird and helped (rescue) it. We wish every day could be as exciting as this one was!”

The good news in this story is that someone cared enough to report a bird in distress, and as a result, it was saved. Today’s JohnKu talks about involvement. I hope you have a great weekend.

Heroes can’t explain,

Why they jumped into action. . .

Involvement is key.