Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First French Settlement in 1608

August 3, 2026August 2, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

Quebec flag

The anniversary of the first French settlement in Quebec, in 1608, by Samuel de Champlain, is in July. It might be fun to go there, but there are some things we need to be careful about. Take this list, and maybe you will avoid an international incident or a tear in the time continuum.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First French Settlement in 1608

10 If you are at the settlement, do not think everyone should speak English. If you do, at best, no one will talk to you. At worst, you might be called a Britanique and tossed out into the snow. (These French take their language seriously, Issac. Best not mess with them.)

9 If you are at the settlement, do not mess with Tiny the WWF champ’s Molson Ale supply. If you do, at best, you’ll get a hand slap. At worst, you won’t have the use of your right arm for a few weeks. (Don’t be concerned, Ivan. The feeling should return. After all, no bones were broken.)

8 If you are at the settlement, do not ask for an order of Poutine (Cheese curds, French fries, and brown gravy). If you do, at best, you’ll get some strange looks. At worst, you’ll describe the dish, and everyone will rush to leave the room. (Any wonder you scared them, Isaiah? Although the plate was developed in Quebec, it did not become popular until the 1950s.)

7 If you are at the settlement, do not ask for pancakes and maple syrup. If you do, at best, you’ll get strange looks. At worst, your description of extracting sap and refining it into syrup will get you a few minutes in the dunk tank. (You have to remember, Ignacio. The giant Quebec maple syrup reserves are a modern development.)

6 If you are at the settlement, do not ask for a bag of milk. If you do, at best, you’ll be led to a cow. At worst, once you describe your request, you will convince the locals that you need to be given a foot warming on the stake. (You keep getting the modern confused with the ancient, Irving. If you keep it up, you may never get out of there.)

5 If you are at the settlement, do not ask for directions to the nearest Tim Hortons. If you do, at best, you’ll get a vague finger point meaning, “Out there, Eh?” At worst, when you describe Tim Hortons, you will have the entire settlement up in arms over a donut. (They are looking to you to deliver, Ira. Best get cracking on a donut-and-coffee delivery. That one guy looks particularly anxious. Yeah, the one with the musket.)

4 If you are at the settlement, do not wish out loud for a box of KD. If you do, at best, no one will hear you. At worst, a few will overhear your mutterings and want some too. (Now you have gone and done it, Isiah. You have created a demand for Kraft Dinner long before the product is available. Well, hopefully, they will all forget about it by the time it is introduced in 1937.)

3 If you are at the settlement, do not correct the spelling of certain words. If you do, at best, they will be changed back. At worst, the speller will become angry with your attempts. (Even though you may think it is okay to correct the spelling to American usage, Ingmar. I would fetch your own coffee if I were you.)

2 If you are at the settlement, do not attempt to describe Justin Bieber. If you do, at best, people will think you are joking. At worst, the elders will pass a resolution to hunt down anyone named Bieber. (You have made a time continuum mistake, Immanuel. Lucky, the elders also agree to deport any Biebers to America, where they will flourish for some unknown reason.)

1 If you are at the settlement, do not refer to a monetary coin as a loonie. If you do, at best, you’ll get a laugh. At worst, the population will wonder where you came from and, as a result, will need to have an inquisition. (The fact that the Canadian one-dollar “loonie’ was introduced in 1987 is not going to help you, Ida. I think you’re going to enjoy your time in the stocks. Better pray your butt holds out.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Movie at the Lakeway Park.

August 2, 2026August 1, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

Today, we are going to the movies. The Lakeway Parks and Recreation Movie Night was on Friday. Through the mircle of toime travel we can go today. We are catered by Moonshine Grill of Austin. Our entertainment is Shakeria.

FULLMOONPLATTER – two eggs any style, bacon, home fries, toast

STEAK&EGGS.- charcoal bistro filet, two eggs any style, grit cake, salsa verde, toast

MIGAS – egg scramble, tortilla chips, pico de gallo, ranchero sauce, cheddar

SMOKEDSALMON & JOHNNYCAKES – poached eggs, dilled hollandaise, pickled red onion, home fries

PULLEDPORK & JOHNNYCAKES. – poached eggs, green chile salsa, home fries

Let’s get on the bus.

There is the poster for the event

Today’s showing is Zootopia 2

The corn dog truck is here.

Parks and Recreation have a display of the prizes for the cornhole tournamant coming in October

There is popcorn and flavors to put on it.

A table for the little ones to color and that grey thing is a monitor for displaying the art.

There is always new learning opportunities for the environmenrt.

Here is the new learning table

This is a close-up of a floodwater simulation. By adding water to the display the effects of flooeding can be seen.

The sponsor of Movie night.

The big screen.

Folks starting to arrive with their children.

It is now time to enjoy the food and entertainment. I hope you have a grand week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt- Draw

August 1, 2026July 31, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

The coffee machine is ready for me. A finger on the touchscreen is enough to draw a steaming 8-oz cup of soothin’ syrup. The first sip served to quell the shipyard riveting hammer noise in my head from the lack of caffeine. The second (as we know) is accompanied by the cacaphony of Twiggy and Tempest and their St. Louis-bound barking volume and the Westminster chime of the doorbell.

A sweet treat tossed into the soundproof room, and the slamming of the door brings the peace train back into the station. A look at the security monitor identifies the idiot who can’t read. It is none other than the wolf from the story of ” The Little Red Riding Hood. He is holding a clipboard, an envelope, and a handwritten sign. The sign reads “Open the door, or I’ll huff, and I’ll puff and blow your house down. ” My thought is fat chance, but with a sign, the security shutdown process is begun.

The B-2 bomber squadron and the F-35 escort must be called off. One call does it. The tank corps and gunboats are told to stand by. The Apache helicopters are rerouted. The electric shock fence is turned off. The drawbridge over the quicksand is lowered. The robot attack dogs returned to their charging station. The laser-guided machine guns on the roof are set to caution. The nest filled with rattlesnakes put away. The bucket filled with 1000 marbles is locked down. The tear gas canisters shut off. The electrified welcome mat set to off. The fall-away sidewalk into the pit filled with spikes is locked. The hornet’s nest closed. The water cannons are set to safety. Bear traps are set to off. Peregrine Falcons perched on the roof above front door fed. The vat of boiling oil set to warm. The front door is opened.

The wolf looks pleased and hands over the clipboard and envelope. The board is returned with a signature and a fiver clipped to the top. The wolf curls his lip, so a good word has to be shared before slamming the door. The words given to the wolf were by Victor Hugo: “Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise.”

The envelope is from Linda Hill with a message inside. It reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “draw.” 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’s post. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2026/07/31/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-august-1-2026/

“Did you do the prompt?”

“Of course. It’s in the second line above.”

“That is very obscure.”

“Well, that is half the fun.”

“For you maybe.”

“I suppose you are right. What kind of Uber do we have today?”

“Today is a lucky draw. Look over there.”

“What is that?”

“Tom says a 1910 Otto Speedster.”

“I see it has plenty of room for us.”

“All we need are goggles and a duster. Here’s yours.”

“Why do I need goggles and a duster?”

“You are sitting in the back.”

“Why’s that?”

“‘Cause I have to navigate from the front.”

“Navigate? It’s not that hard to find the pub.”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you. We have to compete in the classic Grand Prix at the Austin Circuit of the Americas racecourse.”

“How long will that take?”

“We do just one lab. No more than three hours.”

“Three hours for one lap?”

“We are only doing 30 miles an hour.”

“I give up. Let’s go.”

“It will be fun.”

“They said.”

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF – Fri Yay/Good News

July 31, 2026July 30, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 80 Comments

Today’s Good News story comes from the India Times and was sent to me by Noelle Granger . Thank you, Noelle

Japan does not cut down centuries-old trees for development. Instead, experts spend months preparing their roots and relocating them

When roads, railways, or new buildings are planned, centuries-old trees are often among the first casualties of development. In Japan, however, some of the country’s most valuable trees are given a second chance. Rather than cutting them down, arborists and horticultural experts sometimes relocate them using a painstaking process that can take months or even more than a year. Before a tree is moved, specialists carefully prepare its root system to improve its chances of surviving in a new location. The technique, known as nemawashi, combines centuries of horticultural knowledge with modern engineering and reflects Japan’s long-standing respect for nature and cultural heritage. Its continued use highlights a conservation philosophy that values preserving living history, proving that development and environmental stewardship can sometimes exist side by side. The remarkable practice has attracted global attention as a model for balancing infrastructure expansion with the protection of irreplaceable natural landmarks. As cities worldwide grapple with rapid urbanization, Japan’s approach demonstrates that thoughtful planning can preserve both cultural identity and ecologically significant trees for future generations

Why Japan relocates some centuries-old trees instead of cutting them down

Not every tree standing in the path of development is relocated. The practice is generally reserved for trees with exceptional historical, cultural, or ecological value. Many of these trees are found in temple grounds, shrines, traditional gardens, parks, or historic neighborhoods, where they have stood for generations and are considered part of local heritage, often holding deep spiritual, emotional, and community significance for nearby residents and visitors alike. In some cases, moving a mature tree also helps preserve biodiversity and the character of a landscape while allowing infrastructure projects to continue. Because the process is expensive and technically demanding, authorities carefully evaluate whether relocation is practical before deciding against removal.

The months-long preparation hidden beneath the ground

The most remarkable part of the relocation process happens long before cranes arrive. Months before transplantation, specialists begin carefully pruning the tree’s roots. Instead of uprooting the entire root system at once, they gradually trim selected roots around the tree. This encourages the growth of new, fine feeder roots closer to the trunk. These feeder roots are essential because they absorb most of the water and nutrients needed for survival. By allowing them to develop before relocation, experts significantly reduce transplant shock and improve the tree’s chances of adapting to its new environment. Depending on the size and species, this preparation may take anywhere from six months to over a year.

What is nemawashi, and why does it matter?

The root-preparation process is known in Japan as nemawashi, a term that literally means “going around the roots.”Originally a horticultural practice, nemawashi has become a widely used term in Japanese business and politics, referring to quietly laying the groundwork before introducing major changes. The metaphor comes directly from tree transplantation: careful preparation before taking decisive action leads to better outcomes. In gardening, the principle remains the same. Preparing the roots first greatly increases the likelihood that a mature tree will survive the move.

How Japan moves giant trees

Once the root system is ready, the relocation begins. Workers excavate around the tree to preserve as much of the prepared root ball as possible. The roots are wrapped in protective materials such as burlap, while the trunk and branches may also be secured to prevent damage during transport. Depending on the tree’s size, cranes, hydraulic lifting equipment, or specially designed transport vehicles are used to move it to its new location. There, it is replanted in a carefully prepared pit, supported by stabilizing structures, and monitored closely through regular watering and maintenance until it establishes new growth.

Does every relocated tree survive?

Even with months of preparation, relocating a mature tree is never guaranteed to succeed. Larger trees experience significant stress because part of their root system is inevitably lost during transplantation. Success depends on factors including the species, age, health of the tree, timing of the move, and the quality of aftercare. For this reason, Japanese arborists reserve the technique for trees whose cultural, historical, or environmental value justifies the considerable cost and effort involved.

A lesson in balancing development and conservation

Japan’s approach demonstrates that urban development and environmental conservation do not always have to be opposing goals. Although relocating centuries-old trees requires careful planning, specialized expertise, and significant investment, it allows some of the country’s most treasured natural landmarks to survive for future generations. Rather than viewing ancient trees as obstacles, the practice treats them as living heritage worthy of preservation, even as cities continue to grow. A horticultural practice so precise and patient that it became a metaphor for introducing change carefully in business and politics is carrying more meaning than most agricultural techniques do. Nemawashi works on trees because you cannot rush root development, and it works as a concept in organizations for exactly the same reason: the preparation is the work, not a delay before the work begins.

The good news in this story is that people care for ancient trees when they have to be moved. Today’s JohnKu talks about caring for nature. I hope you have a terrific weekend.

Nature needs our help,

Her welfare should be thought one. . .

When building is done.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempest on the Back Porch

July 30, 2026July 28, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

“So Twiggy. What’s going on?”

“Just starting my nap. How about you?”

“Been out hunting bears.”

“Ah, okay. Did you catch any?”

“No. You should see how cool it is under the couch.”

“What do you mean, cool?”

“Just what I said. The temperature is much cooler.”

“I don’t see how that can be. The fans overhead make things cooler.”

“Well, I’m just saying. It’s like a little oasis.”

“I think you are imagining things. There is no sun on the porch, so it should be cooler up here.”

“Hey, you guys. I think I got her.”

“For heaven’s sake. You know what dad said about that fourth wall.”

“You are not going to tell, are you?”

“Of course not. I’m not a snitch.”

“Snitch is a great word. Right up there with stool pigeon.”

“Well, no matter how you describe it, I won’t tell.”

“You are the best. Want to play something?”

“Sure. How about we play hide-and-seek? You’re it.”

“Okay, I’m going to count to 100. You go hide.”

“You have to shut your eyes.”

“I will. You can trust me.”

“Says the one who always jumps on me from behind.”

“That’s a different game. Now go. One. . .”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt –

July 28, 2026July 27, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Today I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 97. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “Bearings.” This is our prompt today.

“Are we lost?”

“No, dear. I just have to get my bearings”

“Everyone else is gone, and we are alone.”

“I told you before we stopped to eat that the group decided to continue on.”

“It is lonely without them.”

“That’s true. We’ll catch up to them when they decide to take a break.”

“So you know where they are headed?”

“Of course. We all agreed on the route. Now let me look at the landscape to make sure we are on the right heading.”

“Please tell me we are.”

“Yes, we are. There is no way to miss the Santa Monica pier.”

“Oh yes, there it is with all the bright lights. It is beautiful.”

“So we will proceed south, and I’ll bet everyone is resting near the Monterey Peninsula.”

“You are so smart to be able to navigate like this.”

“Aw, shucks, honey. It’s not my first migration, you know.”

“When will we get to the Baja Peninsula?”

“It is still going to be a couple of days. We are very lucky, though.”

“How so?”

“In the old days, our ancestors had to run a gauntlet of whalers to migrate. A lot didn’t make it.”

“That is a blessing for sure. Oh, look, I see some spouts.”

“Yup. Thair she blows. We found ’em.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Storming the Bastille in 1789

July 27, 2026July 26, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Since July marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille in 1789, I thought it would be a good idea to lay out some things not to do if you can go there and join in the fun. As you know, the Bastille was a prison that the government of the time used to incarcerate and torture political prisoners. The day is called “Bastille Day” in English (la Fête Nationale in French) and is widely recognized as the beginning of the French Revolution. If you are going, take this list. Who knows, it might just save your head. This post first ran on July 15th 2019

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Storming the Bastille in 1789

10 If you are storming the Bastille, do not continue to carry your Vive Le Roi banner. If you do, at best, someone will take it from you. At worst, you will be associated with royalty and may become a guest of the third estate at the next guillotine party. (Why on Earth didn’t you know this was a demonstration against Louis XVI, Ike. Too many vin rouges, eh?)

9 If you are storming the Bastille, do not get in front of Tiny, the WWF champ. If you do, at best, you’ll fall down, and Tiny will run over you. At worst, Tiny just left the rally where the beer was free and is anxious to grab the royal flag. (The sad thing is, Tiny is focused on getting through the locked door and is now using you like a battering ram. It should be over in a few minutes, Iggy one way or another.)

8 If you are storming the Bastille, do not count on trading stories with the Marquis de Sade, a prisoner there. If you do, at best, you’ll accept that he left ten days before. At worst, you’ll try to organize a group to storm the insane asylum where he was transferred. (You have to admit, not many want to help you, Ilias. Maybe that should give you a clue.)

7 If you are storming the Bastille, do not insist on a foie gras lunch. If you do, at best, you’ll be ignored. At worst, the average person has no idea what a foie gras is and will think you a royalist. (Now we are back to the original invitation to the head loss party after the storming is done, Inigo. I would think you could learn something in all this.)

6 If you are storming the Bastille, do not get caught with your “Go Camera recording the whole thing. If you do, at best, you can tell them it’s a new kind of bomb, and they’ll believe you. At worst, your explanation will fall on deaf ears. (So now you are in line for the dunking chair, which is designed to get the truth out of witches. Just tell them you are a witch, Isaak. Maybe they’ll go easy on you.)

5 If you are storming the Bastille, do not say to the mob that red, white, and blue are not your colors. If you do, at best you’ll get a sympathetic colorist. At worst, you would be confessing to a bloodthirsty peasant your disdain for the tri-color, the symbol of the revolution. (Yes, his eyes are red, Isah. No, I don’t think he has allergies. I believe he is mad at you. Yeah, running may not be the answer.)

4 If you are storming the Bastille, do not stop for a café au lait and croissant. If you do, at best, you won’t be late for the storming. At worst, you’ll arrive after the storming is over and be accused of dereliction of duty. (I’ll bet you can guess what the punishment is for dereliction of duty, Iman. You got it. The big falling blade and close haircut.)

3 If you are storming the Bastille, do not try to yell “Liberté, égalité, fraternité” in French. If you do, at best, the noise will be too loud, and no one will hear you. At worst, you will be heard, and your American accent will give you away. (You wonder why everyone is so angry, Iain? They want their revolution to be theirs without interference from Americans. If you continue to try to help, you will. only to be despised later)

2 If you are storming the Bastille, do not suggest that it would make a beautiful condo after the storming. If you do, at best, folks will think you are shell-shocked. At worst, Maximilien Robespierre will overhear your idea. (You may wonder why ole Max gave you a card with the number one printed on it, Idi. You have been honored to be the first to give up your head for the revolution. There’s the guillotine line right over there. You just march right to the front. It’s your right.)

1 If you are storming the Bastille, do not throw away that stale baguette. If you do, at best, you will still have a sword. At worst, that baguette would have made an excellent weapon, and now you are defenseless. (Everyone knows that a day-old baguette can be used to drive nails, Ignace. Think of what a beautiful club it would have made.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Lake Travis in Lakeway

July 26, 2026July 25, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Today, we are visiting Lake Travis in Lakeway. Since the heavy rain last week, the lake is completely full. I thought it would be fun to take a look at the lake at its lowest point and then see how it looks today at its highest. We are catered by ATX Cocina Restaurant in Austin. Our entertainment is David Bowie.

BRUNCH MENU
SMOKED PORK FLAUTAS – salsa taquera, buttered onions, epazote, crema, queso cotija
CHILAQUILES- heirloom corn tortillas, carne guisada, farm eggs, salsa morita, crema, queso fresco
BULEVAR BREAKFAST BURRITO – farm eggs, applewood smoked bacon, smoked bean, queso, pickled jalapeño, salsa morita
HUEVOS RANCHEROS – farm eggs, heirloom corn tortillas, chicken verde guisado, smoked bean, black garlic macha, avocado purée
ATX COCINA FRUTA Y GRANOLA – agave-citrus yogurt, seasonal fruit preserves, house seed and nut granola
TOSTADA DE AGUACHILE VERDE – shrimp, cucumber-jalapeño broth, avocado, smoked trout roe pico, radish

Kiack launch area in 2020

The kiack launch area today

Looking across in 2022.

Today

Looking across the lake in 2022.

Looking across today.

Two boat houses in 2022.

The two boat houses today.

Another look in 2022.

The same look today.

High and dry in 2022.

Full and happy today.

Just a river in 2022.

Full lake today

A view of the lake today.

The police don’t want folks parking near the lake since it is still rising.

Well, that’s it. Time for some food and music. I hope you have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Wind”

July 25, 2026July 24, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Saturday mornings are the best. There is a light wind, so the 100-degree temperatures outside don’t feel like a blowtorch. The weather person last night bemoaned the lack of twenty-mile-an-hour winds since there would be no cooling effect. He must live in another country, since the wind, along with the high temperatures, usually makes it feel even hotter unless you are wrapped in a water-soaked towel.

The coffee machine is ready for me, and touching the two coffee icon on the touchscreen starts the process that will stop the metal boat construction-like noise in my head. The coffee is ready, and the aroma begins its work. The first sip stops the riveter. We know, of course, that the second sip will bring on a combination of noises approaching earbleed. And so it goes. The second sip is accompanied by the Westminster chime/St. Louis barking combo that could be used to get terrorists to talk. A quick toss of a bone into the soundproof room and a door slam bring back the peace reminiscent of the song “Peace in the Valley.”

A glance at the security monitor tells me the dope who can’t read the “Do Not Ring the Doorbell” sign is a character who looks very much like Goofy, holding an envelope and a clipboard. Knowing dialogue regarding leaving the envelope will be useless; the security shutdown has begun.

Goofy hands me the clipboard and envelope and gives me the universal sign for a tip. The signed clipboard is passed back with a fiver attached. To make Goofy’s experience most rewarding, as the front door is shut, the following words come through the security sound system. “Find something you love, and be great at it. No one quits something they’re good at.”

The envelope contains a message from Linda Hill. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “wind.” Use it as a noun, use it as a verb, 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/2026/07/24/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-25-2026/

“Somehow, the word ‘Wind’ makes me think of something else.”

“Don’t even go there.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“I can always count on you to somehow take us off the rails.”

“Well, you have to admit it makes life interesting.”

“Yes, it does, and sometimes dangerous.”

“When were you ever in danger?”

“How about every Saturday riding in one of your crazy Ubers?”

“Okay, I’ll give it to you. There were times. Speaking of Uber, it’s over there.”

“Wow that is a little underwhelming.”

“Look at all the room. It has four doors.”

“Yeah I suppost that would be the half full view. There has to be a catch.”

“No real catch.”

“What do you mean ‘real catch?'”

“Just a quick stop at the body shop to get an estimate.”

“Just an estimate?”

“Well maybe a little bump out.”

“I thought so. Let’s take a cab.”

“Hold on. Okay there is no bump out.”

“You sure?”

“Pretty sure.”

“Well, let’s go and if it is more than an estimate we’ll call a cab.”

“Good plan.”

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

July 24, 2026July 22, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Today’s good news story comes from YouTube and was sent to me by Maria Olimpieva. Thanks Maria.

Beloved teacher says goodbye after 50 years at St. Margaret School in Narbirth Pennsylvania

For fifty years, Dolores Lopresti greeted generations of second graders at St. Margaret’s School with a smile, a lesson, and a heart full of love. Standing before students, parents, and former classmates on the day of her retirement, she admitted a surprising truth: during her first year of teaching, she cried every day and nearly quit. Fresh out of college, she felt overwhelmed. But with the encouragement of fellow teachers, she discovered her calling—and never looked back.

Mrs. Lopresti believed learning should be joyful. Whether she was dressing up as the unforgettable “Mrs. Pepperoni” to teach math or preparing children for their First Communion, she filled every lesson with laughter, patience, and kindness. To her, the students were never just pupils; they were family.

All the children wore Miss Lopresti buttons

Over the decades, she taught not only children, but eventually their children as well. Former students returned to thank her for changing their lives, inspiring careers, and giving them confidence when they needed it most. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom.

Flowers for the teacher

Although retirement marked the end of her full-time teaching career, Mrs. Lopresti knew her mission would continue. “Every day is a new day,” she reminded everyone. “Don’t give up. Be kind. Be loving. It’s not how you start—it’s how you finish. And once I’m your teacher, I’m always your teacher.”