with John W. Howell
Tempeste wishes she could pose under the Christmas tree, but we don’t have one this year because she is obsessed with pulling off the ornaments.
Twiggy is glad we removed the tree since the constant “Tempeste no!” drove her crazy.
A warm wish for a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah from our house to yours.
I have closed comments and will be offline until Thursday.
This post ran on December 19th, 2016. Boarding pets is a way of life, so I hope you enjoy it.
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This list was inspired by the fact that many people are traveling for the holidays. Not every pet is comfortable going along, so many owners place their pets in a boarding facility. Here are a few hints to keep the outside world from thinking you have clearly lost your mind. Yes, parting with your pet into the care of others is traumatic, but we need to exercise some dignity when surrendering the fur baby.
Top Ten Things Not to Do When Boarding Your Pet
10 If you are boarding your pet, do not deliver them dressed in an outrageous costume. If you do, at best, it may get lost. At worst, your pet will be marked as belonging to a crazy old person who thinks their pet is a child. ( Did you ever wonder why your pet is depressed when you return. Huh Ferd?)
9 If you are boarding your pet, do not ask to meet all the other pets to see if there are any undesirables in the group. If you do, at best, the staff will be too busy to accommodate you. At worst, you will see some characters that will give you nightmares. (This isn’t a country club, Bunky. Your pet has to face the reality of the real world)
8 If you are boarding your pet, do not try to make friends with other pets by passing out treats. If you do, at best, the staff will ask you to stop. At worst, one of the pets getting a treat is allergic to everything. (Looks like Tiny, the WWF champion, is heading your way after helping Brutus get rid of the treat. Hope that the automatic door is working)
7 If you are boarding your pet, do not hand the staff a long list of things they need to do to make your pet happy. If you do, at best, the list will hit the basket the moment you leave. At worst, the staff will realize that taking in your pet may be a monumental liability they cannot accept. (Now you have nowhere else to go, Buster, since you’ve been banned from every other kennel.)
6 If you are boarding your pet, do not overstate the ability of your pet to get along well with others. If you do, at best, your pet will be quarantined from playtime. At worst, you will be called back from your trip to answer a summons relating to your unfriendly pet. (Maybe you can explain to the court that, to your knowledge, your Great Dane never had a taste for Dashound.)
5 If you are boarding your pet, do not insist on leaving a picture of the family to keep it company. If you do, at best, the staff will lose the image. At worst, your pet will not appreciate having to share the cramped space with the photo. (Wonder how it got so wet Buford?)
4 If you are boarding your pet, do not think that by paying extra for a live video feed, you have the right to call the facility at all hours of the night. If you do, at best, your calls will go to voicemail. At worst, you will be banned from this facility and asked to come get your pet. (This is the last one in town, Raymond. What are you going to do now?)
3 If you are boarding your pet, do not spend an inordinate amount of time saying goodbye. If you do, at best, the staff will need to get your pet settled and may tell you to go. At worst, your pet will wonder what is going on and may have an anxiety attack. (Not a pretty picture of you and your pet sobbing on the floor of the reception area.)
2. If you are boarding your pet, do not include all their favorite toys. If you do, at best, your pet will not play with most. At worst, other pets will find the toys more enjoyable and be lost to the pack forever. (It makes you wonder how the toys got out into the general population. Right, Slick?).
1 If you are boarding your pet, do not forget to have all the immunizations up to date. If you do, at best, the facility has a resident vet who can take care of that for you. At worst, you will cancel your trip since no facility will allow you entry. (Well, too bad those tickets are not refundable)
We are going to tour the neighborhood and check out some of the holiday decorations. We are catered by Caroline of Austin. Our entertainment is Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton.
Menu
Bacon, Egg & Cheese – two eggs over hard, aged cheddar, cheddar sauce
Sausage & Egg Burrito – chicken sausage, chihuahua & pepperjack cheese, salsa roja
Brush Creek Brunch Burger – wagyu beef, fried egg, peppered bacon, aged cheddar, chipotle ranch
Biscuits & Gravy – buttermilk biscuits, sausage gravy, fried eggs
Spinach & Feta Egg White Omelet – grilled red onion, cherry tomato, breakfast potatoes, choice of toast
Ham & Cheddar Omelet – smoked ham, aged cheddar, breakfast potatoes, choice of toast
Eggs Your Way – choice of chicken sausage or peppered bacon, breakfast potatoes, choice of toast
Whipped Ricotta Pancakes – syrup, whipped butter, powdered sugar
Crispy Chicken & Waffles – maple syrup, honey butter
Sweet Corn Cake Benedict – jalapeño cheddar corn cake, avocado, tomato & corn salsa
Huevos Rancheros – sunny eggs, crispy tortilla, black bean, jalapeño, avocado, queso fresco
Green Chili & Chicken Enchiladas – fried egg, yogurt crema, cilantro, avocado, lime
Let’s get on the bus
A cute fella.
The Grinch.
Penguin.
Santa wind display.
Abominable Snow Monster.
Santa and his tree.
French bulldog. (no, not in my yard)
An odd one. Santa with a unicorn and T-Rex.
Cute wooden bear.
Santa, Frosty, and Snoopy.
The Turtle Elf.
The Viking mailbox topper decked out for the holiday.
A hologram-like deer.
Our old friend, the Armadillo.
The Grinch and his Skeleton crew.
Santa and his longhorn.
Well, I think we have seen enough. It is time for entertainment and music. I hope you have a great week and A very happy holiday.
Linda Hill’s prompt today is ‘wish.’ Here is what she says about it. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “wish.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy! If you want to see other posts on this prompt, go to Linda’s blog. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2024/12/20/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-21-2024/
I can only think of one way to use this prompt. Here it is.
Wish by John W. Howell © 2024
“That was an oldie.”
“I wanted to play the Jimminy Cricket solo, but Disney won’t allow it.”
“What do you mean?”
“The video owner won’t allow playing it on other venues.”
“Well, at least you got the song.”
“Yeah. When You Wish Upon A Star was a boyhood favorite.”
“It’s from the movie Pinocchio.”
“That was released a long time ago.”
“1940.”
“Before you were born?”
“Not long before. I was born in 1941. The movie played when I was a kid. I suppose it was a re-release.”
“It is a beautiful song. Makes me think of a wish.”
“Don’t even tell me, or it may not come true. Did you order Uber?”
“Yup. He’s right over there.”
“I see he some trees.”
“I think they are going with us to the pub.”
“Now that is festive.”
“Notice it has a back seat.”
“I’m so pleased. It will even be a warm ride.”
“Well, we must watch out for you oldsters after all.”
Today’s Good News comes from the Good News Network.
A public-private partnership in Mexico just announced that the population of thick-billed parrots is approximately 2,500 individuals—at least 10% higher than that recorded 12 years ago.
The number was determined in a recent population survey in a protected area in the state of Chihuahua, where this charismatic species once roamed north into the United States.
The thick-billed parrot is an emblematic species of the temperate forests of the Sierra Madre Occidental, once found in Arizona and New Mexico.
Since 1995, this species, listed in danger of extinction by the Mexican government, has been the subject of numerous studies and actions for protection and management, while the mountain forests on which it depends have been the focus of extensive reforestation.
These efforts, led by the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) and the civil organization Organización Vida Silvestre (OVIS), along with the participation of local communities and other organizations in the US and Mexico, are yielding encouraging results as demonstrated by the increase in population, a statement from OVIS details.
“This emerging success story reflects the importance of collaboration between society and government and a vision of healthy ecosystems and sustainable communities, which is in line with the policies and practices that CONANP will strengthen in the following years,” said the head of CONANP, Pedro Álvarez-Icaza.
The census data suggests that the population of thick-billed parrots will continue to increase as the region’s communities consolidate sustainable forestry management practices.
Sergio Jiménez, OVIS’s executive director, thanked the various institutions’ support.
“This multi-institutional effort led by Ernesto Enkerlin Hoeflich, scientific director of OVIS, is bearing fruit after three decades, which gives us hope for other species at risk and points to the need for cooperation, persistence, and long-term planning to produce results and effective conservation.”
A significant effort was undertaken in the 1980s to restore populations of this parrot among the sky islands of Arizona. These dramatic, short, squat mountain chains amid the scorching lowlands were perceived as perfect havens for the reintroduction. Still, the problem was that predatory species like the American goshawk had already returned in large numbers to these hills, and their take of the parrots proved unsustainable.
In October 2020, it was announced that a higher elevation among the sky islands, including the Chiricahua mountains, would be sought to form the basis for a new reintroduction attempt.
If populations recover substantially enough in Mexico, the bird may recolonize its former haunts in the Southwestern US without the need for scientists’ intervention.
The good news in this story is that species on the verge of extinction can recover with concerted effort. Today’s JohnKu talks about efforts. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Recovery by John W. Howell © 2024
Even the hopeless,
Can benefit from our help. . .
The key is hard work.
“Tempeste I think nap time is over.”
“I was just having a nice dream.”
“There is always more time for dreaming. It’s time for play.”
“I hear something from the garage.”
“That’s silly. There is nothing in the garage. Mom is at the store.”
“Could she be back already? I still hear it. I’m afraid. Could you go and check?”
“For heaven’s sake. Sure, I’ll check, but I’m telling you it’s nothing.”
“I will feel better if you do that.”
“Okay I’ve checked. It’s the washing machine. ”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Come check and see for yourself.”
“Okay, as long as it is safe. “Whew, that rainbow could use a wash.”
“What did I say?”
“I just needed to see for myself. Yes, It’s the washing machine.
“Now that we have settled that. How about a game with Rainbow?”
“I’m not too sure about Rainbow. Seems a little funky to me.”
“Whoa. I think Rainbow has been a little overplayed.”
“That is my thought as well.”
“What now?”
“I’m still hurting from that delivery last week. You know, the one we didn’t hear.”
I talked to mom about that. That package was delivered early in the morning before we were all up, and she brought it in later.”
“So we are not losing our skills?”
“Heavens no. It was a fluke, and you should forget about it.”
“I guess that is good advice. I would hate to think barking some delivery person to St. Louis would be a thing of the past.”
“Trust me. Not going to happen.”
“Okay, then let’s go out back and run a ball nuts.”
“Perfect. I’ll call for the doorman.”
Today, I opened My GRL randomly to page 85 and pointed to the page with my eyes closed. The word closest to my finger was ‘paths,’ which is the prompt.
Paths by John W. Howell © 2024
“Why are we walking this way.”
“It is what they call the path of least resistance.”
“You said that about the other one, too.”
“Okay, then make it the paths of least resistance.”
“It seems difficult.”
“Think of trying to climb up this hill without this path.”
“yeah, that would be tough.”
“You would be clawing your way to the top and fighting gravity.”
“Sounds awful.”
“You might even slip and fall.”
“That would be painful.”
“So you see, this way is easier, even though it is challenging.”
“I see that now. Thanks for showing me the way.”
“My pleasure.”
“I do have a couple of questions, though.”
“Okay, shoot.”
“Why are we walking up to the top of this hill?”
“So we can look over the valley.”
“Why do we need to look over the valley?”
“Do you ever get hungry?”
“Yes. In fact, I could use something to eat right now.”
“Exactly. We must look over the valley to see if some food is available.”
“And we are walking instead of flying?”
“Yes. I read somewhere that walking is good exercise.”
“What about flying? It’s good exercise.”
“For the wings, yes. Not got the legs.”
“I miss riding the thermals and looking to see if some hapless creature is lying dead on the road.”
“You’ll be able to do that too. Today, we are hiking.”
“I just hope none of the other vultures see us.”
“Why’s that?”
“We will be the laughingstock of the flock.”
“Oh yeah? How about I remind them of when they circled that rug thinking it was a sheep.”
“They never lived that down.”
“Right. Keep walking.”
“I feel better.”
“Good. Maybe there is a skunk in it for us today.”
This list ran on October 16th, 2017. Since folks still get bored, it may come in handy.
* * *
This list was inspired by a daydreaming session during which I wondered what it would be like to be bored and then make some bad choices as a result. I hope you like it.
10 If you are bored, do not attend a city council meeting. If you do at best, you’ll get a needed nap. At worst, you will attempt to liven things up with an outrageous proposal. ( You didn’t think the idea of a five-year-old taking over the mayor’s job would gain traction, did you, Dylan? You make being the laughing stock look like a legitimate profession.)
9 If you are bored, do not go to the grocery store. If you do, at best, you will hope the paper goods section has been moved, but only to find it hasn’t. At worst, you will fill your cart and jump into the ten items or less line manned by Tiny, the WWF champ. Tiny was just told by the manager that he is too soft when demanding compliance with the ten-or-under rule. (You did hold your own for a while there, Drake.)
8 If you are bored, do not go to the park to watch a chess match. If you do, at best, one of the players will move a piece. At worst, you will be lucky to observe two well-matched players for what turns into a ten-hour match. (I’m unsure what you were expecting, Douglass, but this is not a contact sport.)
7 If you are bored, do not turn on reruns of the 90’s show “Cop Rock.” If you do, at best, you’ll fall into a deep sleep. At worst, about mid-episode, you will suddenly realize watching paint dry is better than this. ( Thinking that you like music and cop shows, you thought this would be a winner, right, Dean?)
6 If you are bored, do not take up a hobby that has been identified as most boring. If you do, at best, you’ll snap out of it. At worst, your family will set up an intervention to stop your traffic cone collection activities. (Just because the living room is filled with traffic cones, you didn’t see the hospitalization coming, did you, Dexter?)
5 If you are bored, do not take up a hobby like bungee jumping. If you do, at best, you’ll chicken out before the first jump. At worst, you’ll make a jump and then have to buy numerous copies of the video where you are screaming like a baby. (Oops. You missed the one that went viral on YouTube, Duke.)
4 If you are bored, do not go to Las Vegas for some excitement. If you do, at best, your first thousand-dollar loss will cure you. At worst, you put your life savings on the black spot at the roulette wheel just for kicks. (Retirement is now put off until you are eighty-two, Drew?) Editor’s note – Unfortunate alliteration.
3 If you are bored, do not plan to visit North Dakota. If you do, at best, you’ll go in the summer. At worst, you’ll be caught in the snow and can look forward to playing solitaire until May. (Hopefully, you’ll have a deck of fifty-two, Dalton.)
2 If you are bored, do not organize something. If you do, at best, it will be a half-hearted effort. At worst, you will get so wrapped up in the organization that you’ll take on signs of a classic OCD attack. (Just put that paper anywhere, Darren. You’ll never look at it again anyway.)
1 If you are bored, do not look up a list of what to do if you are bored. If you do, at best, the list may be extensive. At worst, you might do one of the items like “download the Bitmoji app. Make your personalized emoji, and then send all your friends fun cartoon texts.”* (Wonder where your friends went, Dane?)
*From 96 Things to Do When You’re Bored by Katie Sweeney. An excellent list of things to do.
Last Friday was movie night in Lakeway. By the miracle of a time freeze, we can still attend. The event is at the Activity Center in Lakeway. The movie is A Christmas Story. We are catered again by Craigos Pizza and DonutsNV. Our entertainment is Pistol Annies.
Menu
Pizza, Donuts, Hot Cholate, and Smores. (There will be a defibrillator available)
There’s the sign
Looks like the Activity Center is ready for us.
A box outside the Activity Center for Santa letters.
Reindeer at the Activity Center.
More atmosphere.
An outside tree.
Welcome.
The lamp and Ralphie in his new PJs.
Still, it’s time to write letters to Santa.
A festive tree in the Activity Center.
Santa says, “Give me Smores, or someone gets hurt.”
Beautiful Hibiscus plants.
Pick up your Smore kit,
Roast those marshmallows over an open fire.
Here’s the donuts.
And the pizza.
It is time to relax and enjoy the movie, food, and music. I hope you have a great week.
After putting the food for breakfast into Twiggy and Tempeste’s bowls, it is time for coffee. Thinking a change would be good, the coffee machine was ordered to brew a Latte instead of the standard straight 10-ounce cup. The button is pushed, and nothing. The machine stares back at me as if a big mistake is about to happen. The touchpad asks, “You sure?” Once more, the order is confirmed, and the sounds begin almost like the machine shrugs what could pass for shoulders. Steamed milk followed by a shot of espresso and then foam.
Grabbing the finished product and taking a sip turns the mind to the clock. Today, the clock is set for December 14, 1924. The location is Fairfield, Montana, and the duration is thirty minutes. The plunger is pulled, and we arrive in Fairfield in time to see a record being set.
The town of Fairfield, Montana, set a weather record for most significant drop of temperature in a 12-hour period, from 63 °F (17.2 °C) at noon to −21 °F (−29.4 °C) at midnight. It is now midnight, and my cheeks are starting to crack in the cold. Being caught in twenty-one degrees below zero temperature in PJs is not the most comfortable thing in the world. Just as my Lattee begins to freeze, the alarm goes off, and we are back on the warm, comfy couch.
Linda Hill sent a text. It reads, “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “food.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2024/12/13/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-14-2024/
Food by John W. Howell © 2024
“Well, you had no trouble with the food prompt.”
“No, it seemed to flow with the morning routine.”
“How was that Latte anyway?”
“It was great in liquid and popsicle form.”
“Hard to believe that big of a temperature swing in twelve hours.”
“Yeah, I can tell you that the temperature below zero was cold. I heard some guy say it was a dry cold. It was cold, cold.”
“Don’t you think next time you should wear something more substantial than PJs?’
“Yeah, I didn’t think that one through.”
“Did anyone want to loan you a jacket or anything?”
“No. An old guy asked if I needed any food, but that was it.”
“Lucky you weren’t put in a mental hospital.”
“I suppose. Never gave that a thought either.”
“I have a thought.”
“Bubbles, amber liquid, thought of a food in some parts of the world?”
“I think you are on to me.”
“Call Uber.”
“He’s right over there.”
“I see we are going first class.”
“At least there is a backseat.”
“I’ll give you that. But not much more.”
