Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 372 by Keith Channing

August 9, 2022August 8, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next time.”

The photo.

“Why are you so slow?”

“I’m not slow. I just don’t have long legs like you.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“I need to take three or four steps just to match your one.”

“You sound like a cry baby.”

“I’m just stating facts, is all. You asked why I was so slow.”

“Yeah, and all I get is excuses. Come on, man up, and let’s get going. There is a whole meadow to explore.”

“Man up, you say? I wish I could do that, and then I would walk your socks off.”

“Well, that’s not going to happen, at least in this life.”

“I have to wonder why you keep me around when doing so is so annoying to you.”

“Oh, here we go with the psych 101.”

“I’m serious. You and I are so different.”

“Sounds like you want to break up.”

“No, not at all. But you always seem so grumpy. I’m just wondering if it is me.”

“No, my precious, it is not you. I have a lot on my mind, is all.”

“Like what?”

“Like the upright farmer wanting to spray for ants.”

“What? I never heard that.”

“I heard him talking to his mate, so it worries me.”

“You worried? How about me? If he sprays, I’m a goner.”

“Don’t say that. We can figure something out.”

“Why I let you talk me into a relationship, I’ll never know. If it weren’t for you, I would be out in that field on a hill of my own. ‘Come live with me,’ you said. ‘It will be fun, you said.'”

“Hasn’t it been fun?”

“You know it has.”

“We can go away. Start a new life.”

“An ant and a dog? How far do you think we would get until someone decides we don’t belong together?”

“There’s no laws against an ant and a dog.”

“Yet.”

“Come on. Hop up here, and let’s make some time.”

“You are the best.”

“For you I am.”

“Silver-tongued devil.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at an Auto Show.

August 8, 2022August 7, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

This post originally ran on October 6th, 2016. It still looks like good advice. I hope you enjoy it.

* * *

The inspiration for this list came as I walked around the Mustangfest on Saturday. I swear all of these are made up, and I did not use actual personal experiences to compile this list. Hope you enjoy it.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at an Auto Show.

10 If you attend an auto show, do not touch the cars. If you do, at best, you will be reminded not to do it. At worst, that tall guy with the polish cloth heading in your direction has orders to use his knuckles if necessary to keep people back from the cars. (Just your luck, his T-shirt has “Punch First, Ask Second” silk-screened on the front)

9 If you attend an auto show, do not ask the owner how much was spent on the restoration. If you do, at best, you’ll get a vague answer like “too much.” At worst, you will get an actual number that is said within earshot of the owner’s spouse, followed by a round of bickering. (You can’t escape this one and find yourself on the receiving end of blows from both.)

8 If you attend an auto show, do not insist on a ride in one of the cars. If you do, at best, the owner will try to ignore you. At worst, the owner will call security to have you escorted out. (Security just happens to be handled by the Oakland, California chapter of the Hell Angles. Yes, Tiny is President and happy to help you out.)

7 If you attend an auto show, do not take pictures of cars and people without permission. If you do, at best, you’ll be kindly asked to stop. At worst, you can reclaim your camera in stall one of the men’s room. (It is amazing how low the tolerance level was when you snapped that flash into the face of the big guy asking you to stop.)

6 If you attend an auto show, do not set a beverage container on a car. If you do, at best, you will be asked to leave. At worst, you will cause an apoplectic reaction from the owner that will require an EMS intervention. (I’ll bet you never saw that shade of red on a human face before, did you? Oh, by the way, Tiny was asking around for you.)

5 If you attend an auto show, do not point out flaws in the car to the owner. If you do, at best, the owner will walk away. At worst, you will have said enough to trigger the set point for past anger issues, and the consequences will be noisy at best. (You never knew you could run that fast, primarily through crowds of people. How did you know this was the owner’s first day out of the institution?)

4 If you attend an auto show, do not open anything on the car that isn’t already open. If you do, at best, you will be asked kindly to leave the vehicle alone. At worst, you will open the door, lid, or hatch to a potentially embarrassing situation. (How did you know seven days of laundry was in that trunk?)

3 If you attend an auto show, do not let the children run free. If you do, at best, they will behave as you have taught them. At worst, that all-day sucker that is missing will show up inside the award-winning convertible. (The sad part is your child cries out, “Hey, that’s my sucker,” as the man tries to remove it from his white leather seat. The crowd now turns to you.)

2 If you attend an auto show, do not ask the car owner’s spouse about the family participation in the hobby. If you do, at best, you will get a short reply that broadcasts resentment. At worst, you’ll get an invitation to have a drink that will turn into a four-hour complaint session resulting in a slurred outburst against the whole idea. (Another fine fix you are in, hey, Bunkie. You are lucky not to be named a co-respondent in the divorce.)

1 If you attend an auto show, do not attempt to impress the muscle car owner with the performance attributes of your Prius. If you do, at best, the scoff gives you a hint to move on. At worst, the owner will call a few friends over so that there will be an audience to witness the put-down. (What ever made you think muscle car love had anything to do with fuel economy?)

Views of the Neighborhood – Drought and Preview

August 7, 2022August 6, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 123 Comments

Today, we will visit Lake Travis in Lakeway to assess the effects of the drought and the 22 days straight of above 100-degree F (37.7 C) temperatures. Also, there will be a new scavenger hunt next week, but I think previewing it while we are at the lake would be fun. We are being catered by 5000 Burnet, a food truck. Our entertainment is Train.

Menu for 5000 Burnet

Appetizers

Soups – Choose a spice level: Mild, Medium, Spicy, Very Spicy. Choose a protein: Chicken, Tofu.

Curry – Choose your protein. Choose a spice level: Mild, Medium, Spicy, Very Spicy.

Noodles – Choose your protein. Choose a noodle: Rice Noodle, Clear Noodle.

Our first stop is to take a general look at the lake level. Where you see green is where the level is at regular times. That dock lying on the ground is usually floating.

Here is a closer look at the green. You can also see a ramp to the right that used to be a way to the water. Now it is a way to the green.

A close-up of what used to be waterfront property. The stairs led to the floating dock to the right. The dock to the left has been grounded with two kyacks.

Another view of floating docks that are high and dry. Notice the sailboat to the left.

Another shot of the sailboat but looking further toward the main lake.

In the distance are the few remaining boat slips still in the water.

The following photos are four of the 26 stops for the Shark Scavenger Hunt that we will start next week. Each stop has a shark whose name begins with a letter of the alphabet. I’m not sure what the numbers mean, but I think it is a way to register finds for the hunt.

Here we have a D and dogfish shark.

S for small-spotted catshark

N for nurse shark.

And finally Z for zebra shark. So next week, we will hunt these down. But, for now, enjoy the food and the music.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Wallpaper

August 6, 2022August 6, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

A leisurely wait for the magic restorative brew to be finished causes the mind to wander. A quick thought on the subject of redecorating raised by The Producer reminds me to pay attention to the task at hand. The very idea of hanging wallpaper turns the spine into an ice-filled waterfall.

The coffee is ready, and just as a sip is completed, my phone alerts me to another interloper out front. Since it is Saturday, the only assumption that may be valid is a prompt delivery from Linda Hill. Checking the phone does not confirm my hypothesis but gives a glimpse of a large envelope lying on the porch.

A deep sigh reflects the annoyance of entering the security protocol required to venture out the front door. An idea passes that maybe some kind of mail chute would prevent all this falderal. The idea is forgotten while opening the iron gate, lifting the steel bar, rolling back the concertina wire, disengaging the tear gas system, and unlocking three bolts plus two locks. The front door is thrown open.

Standing looking like they had been hit by a stun-gun was Ralph Wolf and Sam Sheepdog. “What do you guys want?” was the peevish question leaving my lips without an escort. “Morning Ralph.” Morning Sam.”

Okay so after a few moments of confusion the pair reached down and picked up the envelope. They smiled and handed it to me. They then punched the timeclock (Where that came from is anybodys guess) and picked uptheir lunch pails and walked down the drive.

Opening the evvelope was a surprise since there was a message written in sharpie on a piece of wallpaper. It read Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “wallpaper.” Use it however you’d like. Have fun!

To have fun go to Linda Hill’s blog and read how easy it is to join it. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2022/08/05/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-6-2022/

“Ralph and Sam?”

“Yeah.”

“Where did you come up with those two?”

“I always liked them. They made their bebut when I was twelve years old and I thought they were hysterical.”

“But no one else knows them.”

“Maybe you don’t but plenty will.”

“What’s with the blatent and gratudious use of the prompt?”

“What do you mean?”

“You just threw in the word wallpaper like it was an after thought.”

“I just didn’t want to go down a wallpaper route. There are threats enough about redecorating without courting disaster. I hate wallpaper.”

“Tell us how you really feel. I think I’ve been to a group session of wallpaper survivors. By the way you don’t happen to have a photo of Ralph and Sam do you?”

“How’s this?”

“Oh I remember them.”

“Of course you do. Now that your memory has been jogged do you know who’s buying.”

“Sadly I do.”

“Let’s go. There is a Voodoo Ranger calling my name.”

“Do you have a picture of that too.”

“I keep it in my wallet. Here you go.”

“Okay then. Let’s go.”

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

August 5, 2022August 4, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Today’s good news story comes from Boyd’s Land of 10,000 Stories. Here it is without edit.

A 15-year-old decided his town needed a veterans memorial. He raised $77,000 and built one

Dominique Claseman built Olivia, Minnesota a veterans memorial for his Eagle Scout project. He finished it before his 17th birthday.

Author: Boyd Huppert

OLIVIA, Minn. — When a 15-year-old boy came to the Olivia City Council with plans to build his hometown a veterans memorial, Mayor Jon Hawkinson wondered if the lad had bitten off more than he could chew.

Yet, there was something about Dominique Claseman.

“He had architect drawings, he had the space picked out,” the mayor recalls.

And perhaps most importantly, “He knew there would be people in our community who would want to donate to something like this,” the mayor recalls.

Today, no skeptics remain.

On Memorial Day, several hundred people gathered for the dedication of Olivia’s new veterans memorial, completed by Dominique as his Eagle Scout project a few weeks before his 17th birthday.

Credit: Devin Krinke, KARE 11

Aerial view of the Olivia veterans memorial built by Dominique Claseman

Ron Kopacek, who headed up the dedication’s honor guard, was amazed as anyone that Dominique pulled it off. “Fifteen years old, sophomore in high school, he’s going to raise $12,000 to $15,000 we’re thinking, ‘What? Really?’”

Turns out Dominque didn’t just raise his starting goal of $12,000 to $15,000.

He collected more than $77,000.

“I question myself on how I even did it sometimes,” Dominque says with a smile.

Dominique hung flyers in businesses, did interviews with the local newspaper and radio station, and set up a table to pitch his project during events at the Olivia American Legion.

Credit: Boyd Huppert, KARE 11

17-year-old Dominique Claseman was 15 when he started raising money to build Olivia, Minnesota a veterans memorial

As purchases of engraved pavers and other donations exceeded Dominique’s expectations, he expanded his vision of what the memorial could be.

“I wanted to show more appreciation in a bigger way,” says Dominique, who comes from a long line of men who served their country. Among them: Dominique’s father, who wore his Iraq combat boots, at Dominique’s request, to leave 21 foot prints in the memorial’s wet cement.

Mark Jurgensen, who serves as a Boy Scout scoutmaster, isn’t surprised his son saw the project through to its grand conclusion.

“He’s one of them kind of kids that likes to make sure that he doesn’t disappoint anybody, and he strives really hard for that,” Mark says.

On dedication day, a stream of people walked through the memorial, reading the 280 pavers engraved with the names of men and women with Olivia ties who served in the military, some who gave their lives for their country.

Credit: Devin Krinke, KARE 11

On dedication day, hundreds of people stopped to see the Olivia veterans memorial

The U.S. flag, the Minnesota flag, and the POW flag fluttered over the honored names, a central headstone, black granite benches and bronze statues.

Off to one side of the memorial, Kim Wertish hugged Dominique tightly. “Thank you,” she told him.

Kim’s son James was killed in Iraq on July 16, 2009, with two other members of the Minnesota National Guard, Carlos Wilcox and Dan Drevnick, whose names are also etched in the memorial.

“James has been honored in many cities through connections with the military, and that’s dear to us also, but this is our hometown,” Kim says.

Dave Wertish, James’ father, says of Dominique, “He’s got a good heart.”

Dominque also has a knack for raising money.

Credit: Devin Krinke, KARE 11

Kim Wertish, whose son James was killed in Iraq, hugs Dominique Claseman

“This is something special,” says Aaron Russell, a district executive with the Boy Scouts of America. “We were trying to figure out if there’s been in recent memory a project of this scale, especially with the money raised. We couldn’t think or find anything even close to it.”

Aaron smiles, then adds. “I’m an Eagle Scout myself and I raised, maybe $700, $800 for (his project) total, and I thought that was tough at the time. I can’t even imagine.”

The memorial is in Olivia’s Kubesh Park, near the intersection of U.S. Highways 71 and 212.

In early May, Dominique dug a shovel of dirt in a ceremonial groundbreaking, before turning the job over to the contractors he hired.

Dominique hopes his two younger brothers will one day expand the memorial for their own Eagle Scout projects.

Credit: Devin Krinke, KARE 11

Dominique Claseman addresses the crowd at the dedication of the Oliva veterans memorial he built

Dominique was among the speakers at the dedication.

“The memorial before you is the result of the generosity and support that I, and the veterans of community, have received,” Dominique told the assembled crowd.

Mark Hebig drove two hours to attend the ceremony. His father, Alfred Hebig, served in Korea and is listed on one of the pavers.

“I never knew him very good because he was killed in a car accident when I was 1 year old,” Hebig said, holding back tears. “It’s been a long time, but you still always remember.”

Credit: Devin Krinke, KARE 11

Mark Hebig drove two hours to see his father’s stone at the Olivia veterans memorial

The good news here is that one person made a difference for so many. Today’s JohnKu talks about making a difference. I hope you have a beautiful weekend

One good deed can trip,

A reaction of good deeds. . .

That could span the world.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Try Early Morning

August 4, 2022August 4, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 125 Comments

“What ya say, Little One. It’s cool now. How about a ruckus?”

“I found the right ball. Hard to tear myself away.”

“Well, at least get off the porch and play.”

“Not sure ball wants to get in the turf.”

“You talk like that ball has a personality.”

“Trust me. A big personality.”

“So it is telling you it doesn’t like the turf?”

“Yeah. She says the turf tickles.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing. What does she say about your mouth all over her?”

“She likes it. Says it is like a massage.”

“You have an imagination. I’ll give you that.”

“Haven’t you ever made friends with a toy?”

“I sure have. Never had one talk to me, though.”

“Like many things, you must listen to hear.”

“Yeah, well. I’m listening to the sound of breakfast in the bowl.”

“That is always a good sound.”

“Maybe your ball would like some kibble.”

“She’s a vegan, but I think I’ll join you.”

“You kill me. A vegan? Now I’ve heard everything.”

“Hey, mom. Any vegan yogurt for my ball?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 371 by Keith Channingd

August 2, 2022August 9, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph (If you are curious about what we were photographing, it was the sun beginning to set over one of the domes of the mosque adjacent to the Taj Mahal. Click here to see my effort). Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next time.”

The photo.

“What is that thing?”

“I wish I knew. I want a photo of it, though.”

“Yeah, Me too.”

“What if it comes this way?”

“I would not wait for a second shot.”

“All those people are beginning to run.”

“I see that. Might be time to move too.”

“Come on. Just a few more.”

“One question.”

“Yeah, what?”

“What’s the use of taking photos if we don’t know what it is?”

“We may be able to figure it out later.”

“Wait. I think it is coming into view. The smoke has cleared, and I think I can make it out.”

“Quick, tell me.”

“Keep snapping. This is going to be great.”

“I’ve seen that thing before.”

“You sure have. We saw it in Ghost Busters.”

“It’s the Stay Puft marshmallow man.”

“And he’s coming this way. We are going to be famous.”

“Stay out from underfoot.”

“Time to move. Why am I thinking of Hersey chocolate and gram crackers right now?”

“Forget smores and run.”

“After you.”

Top Ten Things Not to do If You Don’t Normally Shop for Whatever You are Buying.

August 1, 2022July 31, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

This list was originally posted on October 5th, 2015. I think it still is useful.

This list was inspired by filling in on a few occasions when I needed to venture into places I’ve never been. These examples are not necessarily places where you’ve never been. They are just the places where you are generally not found buying things.

Top Ten Things Not to do If You Don’t Normally Shop for Whatever You Buy.

10 If you don’t usually buy birthday cakes, do not take it upon yourself to alter the instructions you have been given. If you do, at best, those colors that looked so good in the store clash with the birthday party decorations. At worst, that nickname you think is so cute was not to be shared with anyone outside the house, and now 25 of your child’s friends have a brand new torture vehicle. (Don’t worry, the name will eventually die out in twenty or thirty years.)

9 If you don’t usually buy tires, do not listen to the guy wanting to sell four of the $300 super slick Michelins. If you do, at best, you will now have 60,000 miles of wear guarantee. At worst, your car has about 30,000 more miles before it dies. (The tires sure look good as the tow truck pulls it away.)

8 If you don’t usually buy power tools, do not pick up the first thing on sale. If you do, at best, the device might be on sale for a reason. At worst, the money you saved on the tool will be more than offset by the cost of the repair contractor. (You were sure the saw would work long enough to finish the project, weren’t you?)

7 If you don’t usually buy toys for Christmas, do not buy anything not on the list. If you do, At best, you may set the record for the most gifts bought for any Christmas. At worst, your preschool kids might be too young for the mini drone and Xbox games they find under the tree. (At least they will have fun with the boxes.)

6 If you don’t usually buy vacation airline tickets, do not think those add-ons are a bargain. If you do, at best, you will find you did not need that extra pillow or rancid can of nuts. At worst, you may find you may have the distinction of paying the most to go the shortest distance. (You must wonder why the airline keeps sending you letters asking when you will book your next trip.)

5 If you don’t usually buy appliances, do not go alone to buy anything in the appliance category. If you do, at best, you may have to pay a restocking fee for its return. At worst, you will have something in your house that no one will use. (And it is right in the hallway where you run into it every night.)

4 If you don’t usually buy automobiles alone, do not say yes to that yellow sports convertible. If you do, at best, you will be broadcasting a midlife crisis. At worst, you may find it too cramped for comfortable sleeping quarters. (And now the yard starts to look good.)

3 If you don’t usually buy clothing alone, don’t grab that suit simply because you saw it in an ad. If you do, at best, the tailor just might be able to adjust out some of the youthful features. At worst, you will be evident in your choice of clothes that are not age-appropriate. (How is that skinny fit feeling now?)

2 If you don’t usually buy wine, do not make a selection based on either high or low prices. If you do, at best, you will pay more for a good wine than necessary. At worst, your low-priced selection might be good for bumper rust removal but not drinking. (Lucky you. Picking up a bottle on your way to the boss’s house.)

1 If you don’t usually buy snacks for the football game, do not buy what you think will be suitable for the people watching football. At best, you will have a lot of new snacks. At worst, you may end up watching the game by yourself and your pet rabbit. (Of course, it is not logical, but that’s football.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Dog Days of Summer.

July 31, 2022July 31, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

The Producer and I had a great idea to depict the dog days of summer with mailbox toppers. Well, guess what? In all of Lakeway, there are only a few. We did soldier on and found those available. Today on our outing we are going to be catered by Via 313 of Austin Inside Out. Our entertainment is The Band Perry.

Menu Detroit-style pizza

The Original Pepperoni – Smoked Pepperoni under the cheese

The Detroiter – Smoked Pepperoni under the cheese, Natural Casing Pepperoni on top

The Omnivore – Mushroom, Onion, Green Pepper, Pepperoni, Sausage

The Bobo Brazil – Hot Calabrese, Sausage, Red Pepper Flakes, finished w/ Mike’s Hot Honey

The Four Cheese (v) – Our special four-cheese blend

The Carnivore – Our special four-cheese blend – Smoked Pepperoni, Natural Casing Pepperoni, Ham, Sausage, Bacon

The Herbivore (v) – Mushroom, Onion, Green Pepper, Black Olives

The Rocket – Calabrese, Arugula, Shaved Parmesan

The Hawaiian – Ham, Bacon, Pineapple Rings

The Cadillac (Inspired by Tony Gemignani) – Gorgonzola, Fig Preserves, Prosciutto, Parmesan, Balsamic Glaze

The Marinara (v) + vegan – No Cheese, Red Sauce, Garlic, Oregano

The 500 -Natural Casing Pepperoni, Jalapeño, Pineapple Rings

The Ambassador Bridge (Inspired by Jeff Smokevitch) – Sausage, Natural Casing Pepperoni, Fresh Garlic, Italian Oregano, House-Made Ricotta. Sub Plant-Based Pepperoni to make it veggie

A special drink courtesy of Dan Conti – Mezcal Sour Cherry Margarita served in smoked salt-rimmed glass. Also, anything else you wish to drink

Let’s go

Our first is made out of metal.

Cute little dachshund with a University of Texas bandana

Pug anyone?

Happy dog

Another pug

A bulldog from Craig Boyack’s ( Author of the Hat series.) house.

A Shar Pei

Couldn’t help but taking a shot of the hippo and bird since we ran out of dogs.

Cute hedgehog.

And last a baby deer.

So have some pizza and enjoy The Band Perry.

Saturday Stream of Consciousness – Prompt – “Wash/Awash.”

July 30, 2022July 29, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

The nice part about Saturday has the time to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of a non-business day. Of course, part of that is to inhale the aroma of the freshly brewed cup of coffee just waiting to be inhaled.

As the cup is poised within millimeters of my lips, my attention is drawn to my phone. The presence of someone on the porch trips the alarm, which is a subtle vibration. Thankful that whoever it is has read the “Do Not Ring the Doorbell” sign, I start the unlock process. The security system from last week has been returned to the supplier due to being awash with glitches. Gate retracted, bar lifted, tear gas triggers disabled, Concertina wire pilled back, deadbolts thrown, locks unlocked, and the door opens slowly.

Standing on the porch are two beautiful women. Being somewhat stunned since my attire is still robe and pajamas, my words struggle to be free. “C-can I help you?” One woman steps forward. “You don’t recognize us?”

My face flushes, and then, looking closer, my eyes fly open with the realization that standing on my front porch are Dale Rogerson and Resa McConaghy. Of course, it took me a moment because both are blogging buddies, and we never met in person. (Not to mention the “up in years” factor of yours, indeed) Seeing the two here produces a sentiment wash which threatens a tear session. I stifle the thought.

Resa reminds me that I promised her some fine wine at the usual pub stop. Dale reminds me that I invited her to come to join us for a drink. I ask them to go inside to meet Lucy, Twiggy, and The Producer. Both decline to cite a concern about jumping over the moat. I lower the drawbridge, and they come inside. Dale hands me an envelope on her way by. Of course, it is from Linda Hill, and the paper inside has the following. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “wash/awash.” Use one, use both, use ’em any way you like. Bonus points for using both. Enjoy!

If you would like to enjoy visiting Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/07/29/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-30-2022/

“Well, hello, ladies. So nice to meet you.”

“Resa and Dale, this is Bill.”

“And I might say that having you two as company today puts a shine on this old post.”

“Excuse, Bill. He gets a little carried away with his welcome sometimes.”

“What do you mean? I’m just being gracious.”

“If you want to be gracious, you’ll pick up the tab.”

“Hold on there, Red Ryder. It is your turn to buy, and as I recall in a previous correspondence, you said Resa could have some of your 2000 Château Lafite Rothschild.”

“I wanted her to know our pub has fine wine.”

“Would you two excuse us for a minute? I need to confer with my friend here.”

“Why are you walking me away from Dale and Resa?”

“So they won’t hear what I’m about to say.”

“Okay, I don’t think they can hear now.”

“That wine costs a thousand dollars a bottle.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Where’re you going to get that kind of dough?”

“Mega millions. I’m going to win and be awash in money.”

“You dope, the drawing was yesterday, and you didn’t win.”

“Oh. I didn’t know that. Good thing I didn’t waste my money on a ticket.”

“You gotta be kidding me. You thought you would win but didn’t buy a ticket?”