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

February 25, 2022February 24, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

Macy, the Golden Retriever, Was Trapped Beneath Frozen Ground. A Chocolate Lab and Firefighters Helped Free Her

Here is a good news story found in Daily Paws and authored by Austin Cannon, Associate Editor.

CREDIT: PHOTO COURTESY OF STREATOR ANIMAL CONTROL

A golden retriever who found herself trapped beneath the frozen ground has more than just firefighters to thank for her rescue. A passing Labrador retriever also played a vital role in reuniting Macy with her parents.

Macy went missing Friday morning at Marilla Park in Streator, Ill. As Streator Fire Department Capt. Fred McClellan—one of Macy’s eventual rescuers—understands she seemingly disappeared when her human turned away from her. The ground had collapsed beneath her, and unbeknownst searchers, including a drone, couldn’t find her.

Wrigley Photo: Streator animal control FB page

Before 7 a.m. the next day, Wrigley the chocolate Lab and his human were walking in the park when Wrigley ventured into the area where Macy was and stayed there, McClellan tells Daily Paws. He whined and barked, letting his owner know he found Macy, one of his park playmates.

Soon the Fire Department arrived for what would be a tricky rescue. Macy was only 4 or 5 feet beneath the ground, but she was bogged down in 4–5 inches of mud, McClellan says. The frozen ground was acting as a nearly unsupported roof to the hole. At first, the rescuers put a ladder down toward Macy to hopefully coax her up, but that didn’t work for the older dog with leg and hip issues.

McClellan had descended into the hole to secure Macy to a leash, so when the ladder didn’t work, they opted to lift her out using the leash. The attempt seemed to work initially, but the ground gave way under McClellan, who was standing right outside the opening as he tried to lift Macy out.

McClellan fell, but he was able to transfer full control of the leash to his engineer, Tim Redd, while he was semi-suspended over the opening. Redd and Wrigley’s owner were then able to pull Macy out as McClellan rolled away from the opening.

Macy, who’s about 11, seemed justifiably pleased to exit her cold, muddy prison after nearly 24 hours. She quickly greeted a woman who we’re guessing is her owner. She was very calm and helpful down in the hole, offering McClellan a paw when he was down there to affix her to the leash.

“She was doing really, really good,” he says.

A check from the veterinarian revealed Macy was unhurt—no doubt thanks to Wrigley, McClellan, and everyone else who helped out.

The Good News here is when friends stick together like Macy and Wrigley, good things happen. Today’s JohnKu talks about friendship. I hope you have a super weekend.

When there is just me,

A piece of us is missing . . .

You and I, a team.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Back to the Deep Freeze.

February 24, 2022February 23, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 103 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. How about a ruckus?”

“Might be a good idea after we go outside.”

“Outside? Looks like it is cloudy and cold.”

“Oh, come on. It can’t be that bad.”

“So ask dad if he has the temperature handy.”

“Hey, Boss. Could you give us a read on the temperature?”

“Be happy to, Lucy. Hmmm, right now, it’s 32 degrees F or 0 degrees C., and the Dow is down 66 points.”

“Hold on. Yesterday it was 85 degrees F which is 29.4 degrees C. Never mind the Dow.”

“Yeah, I know, but you have to remember. You live in Texas and have to be prepared for temperature changes. I do want to forget the Dow.

“Wow, Lucy. I’m going to make this quick.”

“Right behind you, Little One.”

“Throw yourself against the door, Lucy. This is an emergency.”

“I think a scratch will do the job.”

“So a scratch will do the job, huh? Now we freeze to death.”

“Patience, Little one. Mom’s coming.”

“Sure is nice to be inside.”

“It is Little One. I think it’s time for a nap.”

And so we leave our heroes while they take a well-earned break from the trials and tribulations of living the life of a pampered pet.

“Whoever is talking, we are trying to rest here.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #348 by Keith Channing

February 22, 2022February 21, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 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 it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). 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.

“So as I was saying. Just keep her straight, and she’ll do the job.”

“You call it she?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I think of her with fondness.”

“You can think of him with fondness too.”

“Yes, I know. I guess it is just that she has so many feminine traits.”

“Like what?”

“She’s tough and beautiful. She has great wheels too.”

“Brother. I think we need to send you to sensitive training.”

“Oh, come on. Those are all great traits. She has a super seat too.”

“Okay, now you are on the cusp of inappropriate.”

“We are talking about a lawn tractor, right?”

“Well, for a minute, I thought you were straying into the anthropomorphic.”

“The what?”

“Assigning human characteristics to non-humans.”

“For gosh sake. All I’m trying to do is demonstrate this machine.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry. I got us off track. Go ahead.”

“Have you noticed the headlights? They are whoppers.”

“Um.”

“Treat her right, and she purrs like a kitten.”

“Uh.”

“She loves a bath followed by a nice rub down.”

“Okay, I’ve heard enough. Put it back on the truck.”

“Fine. She’s better off with me anyway.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on President’s Day

February 21, 2022February 20, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

I have waited seven years to rerun this one. It originally ran on February 16th, 2015. I hope you enjoy it.

* * *

Today’s list has been created to provide a little satire surrounding President’s Day. (Happy President’s Day) This is a holiday that I have had a tough time getting my mind around. Other than getting a Monday off, I haven’t been able to see the significance of it all. Yes, Lincoln and Washington each have a birthday two days apart, which may be the only reason. Of course, there have been forty-five presidents, and most have made at least half of the population angry at one time or another. Let’s just say if a President were a member of the family, their birthday would, in a probability, be forgotten. So I’m making the supposition President’s Day is an invention of mattress and car companies for an excuse to have a sale. Here is a tongue-in-cheek top ten things not to do on President’s Day.

Top Ten Things Not to Do on President’s Day

10 On President’s Day, do not go to Wal-Mart and buy a giant Happy Presidents Day blow-up lawn thingy. If you do, at best, your neighbors will think you have a screw loose. At worst, a stiff wind will grab the lawn thingy and drag it and the tie-down through your neighbor’s front window. (There is no way to call upon the spirit of President’s Day for forgiveness).

9 On Presidents Day, do not plan to receive lots of President’s Day gifts. If you do, at best, you will sit under the cherry tree a very disappointed person. At worst, all the presents you bought expecting a significant gift exchange will all come due. (Just as your credit card company has a new policy on minimum payments required).

8 On President’s Day, do not try to organize a President’s Day office party. If you do, at best, your co-workers will request a transfer. At worst, the HR department will invite you to participate in the employee mental health improvement program. (Which will include three days in group therapy and an hour in ice and electric shock treatments).

7 On President’s Day, do not ask your neighbors to donate to a fund for the less fortunate. If you do, at best, you will never have to speak to them again. At worst, the local police will have you in for questioning. (It looks like one reported the potential for your request for donations to be taken as a scam).

6 On President’s Day, do not try to sing President’s Day carols in your neighborhood. If you do, at best, there will be several slammed doors and no invitations for hot cocoa. At worst, your neighbors might band together to organize an intervention. (And a free ride bound and gagged to the nearest institution).

5 On President’s Day, do not expect a bonus from your boss. If you do, at best, you will be disappointed. At worst, the money you spent in anticipation of your President’s Day bonus will need to be covered before the card company sends a collection notice. (The last time, the statement was delivered by a huge guy with a broken nose.)

4 On President’s Day, do not organize a picnic at the park to celebrate. If you do, at best, no one will show up. At worst, you will be shoveling three feet of snow just to find the barbecue grill. (Don’t even mention the crimp in the volleyball game).

3 On President’s Day, do not shoot off fireworks. If you do, at best, you will be the only one doing so, and your neighbors will know where to send the police. At worst, your massive fireworks display will ignite the neighbor’s roof, and since it is thirty degrees below zero, the fire department won’t be able to pump water. (To make matters worse, the neighbor is heading over to your house with what looks like a ball bat in his hand).

2 On President’s Day, do not sit in front of the TV thinking there will be a football game to watch. If you do, at best, your family will seek council from the local clergy. At worst, your friends will all come over and start eating your snacks and drinking your beer while betting on how long it will be until the ambulance shows up. (You might want to get in on the bet since the pot is at one hundred dollars).

1 On president’s Day, do not send Happy President’s Day cards to all your friends, family, and co-workers. If you do, at best, they will not know what to do or say. At worst, next year, they will all send you a Happy President’s Day card since you sent one last year. (This will cause you to check each off your list and only send a card the following year to those who sent you one).

Views of the Neighborhood – Park Clean-up

February 20, 2022February 19, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

Today, we will go to the park and check on the Friends of the Parks. They have a clean-up day (Although it was last week, we’ll pretend it is today), and we need to check it out. After observing hard work, we have a brunch catered by Moonshine in Austin. The entertainment today will be Chicago.

FULL MOON PLATTER two eggs any style, choice of (bacon, ham or sausage links), home fries, toast

SMOKED SALMON & JOHNNY CAKES poached eggs, dilled hollandaise, pickled red onion, home fries

PULLED PORK & JOHNNY CAKES poached eggs, green chile salsa, home fries

CREOLE CRAWFISH & GRITS creole tomato sauce, tasso ham, fried egg, toast

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

KING RANCH CASSEROLE chicken breast, two eggs any style,
ranchero sauce, cheddar

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

JALAPEÑO HANGER STEAK salsa verde, Yukon mashers

HORSERADISH CRUSTED SALMON lemon dill butter sauce, brussels sprouts

CHICKEN & WAFFLES lemon butter, maple syrup, chipotle cream gravy

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK chipotle gravy, Yukon mashers

Top shelf drinks, beer, wine, coffee, tea, and soft drinks

So hop on, and let’s get going.

There’s the signpost up ahead indicating that we are about to enter the clean-up zone.

The volunteers are gathering at the city park. A little chilly.

Had to get a shot of the shirt. (No, we don’t get shirts)

A new recognition plaque. Friends of the Parks is on there.

A much-needed trailer since there will be trash pickup and tree trimming.

Who you going to call? The Brush Busters.

Tools of the trade featuring a major grass and brush cutter.

Workers and supervisors and one guy getting dressed.

A broken fence post getting Some TLC.

The butterfly garden getting a spring clean-up.

Time to relax with food and entertainment. We have Chicago doing (what else?) Saturday in the Park. I hope you have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Whatever.”

February 19, 2022February 18, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

“Whatever,” I say out loud. The thought that the box is still in the driveway makes me want to go back to bed. But unfortunately, the call of the caffeine god turns me in the direction of the kitchen. As the cup finishes brewing, plans begin to form regarding what to do with that box. The appearance of Wile E. Coyote last week did nothing to aid in its removal. For all I know, the Canis latrans has moved into the box, is my troubling thought.

Taking a sip of the hot steaming stuff as I move toward the front door gives me the courage to open it. Stepping out onto the drive and close to the box, I gently rap on its side. Cocking my head to pick up even the slightest sound, I rap again. The wind in the trees seem to mock my apprehension, for it was the only audio detected.

A tap on my butt causes my natural instincts to kick in involuntarily. I can not explain how I got onto the top of the box and am now looking down at a smiling Wile E. Coyote. My coffee is mysteriously still in the cup clutched in my right hand. My mind drifts from concern about Wile and the box to wondering about the fact that the coffee remains intact.

I am brought back to reality when Wile asks if I would open the box. “Open the box?” I say. Wile explains that there is a latch on top and all I had to do was flip it open. I see the latch and flip it. The sides of the box fold out, and the top, including me, falls to the ground. The five-foot fall does nothing for my mood, nor does the fact that I am looking at a transparent ball just slightly smaller than the box. On the side of the ball is a stenciled logo that reads, “ACME Runner Ball. Be Ten Times Faster.”

Wilie gives me a thumbs up and opens a small door on the side of the ball. He climbs in just as that honking and screeching sound reaches my ears from behind. Turning around, I’m treated by another road runner visit and another note in its beak. I take the message, and the roadrunner runs off. Wilie starts running inside the ball and quickly catches up to the roadrunner. They both disappear around the corner, and I’m left with a note and a wooden box. The box will have to be chopped up. The message said the following Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “whatever.” Use the word “whatever” any way you’d like. Bonus points if you start your post with it. Have fun! If you want to have fun, go to Linda Hill’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/02/18/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-19-2022/

“I don’t know what to say.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s been two weeks, and the box has a stupid ball inside.”

“Looks that way.”

“Why couldn’t it have been something exciting?”

“Like what?”

“A rocket or motorized anvil. Anything but a ball.”

“I don’t know. I think a ball that lets you run faster is a pretty interesting thing.”

“At least tell me if Wilie caught the roadrunner?”

“I have no idea. They went around the corner.”

“Can’t you make something up?”

“I could, but I am not going to do that.”

“Why?”

“Has Wilie ever gotten the better of the roadrunner?”

“No. I don’t think so.”

“So what makes you think I can invent a scenario where that happens.”

“I see what you mean. That would be taking fan fiction liberty.”

“Right. And to what end?”

“Would make a good story.”

“And nice lawsuit from Warner Brothers.”

“Well, there is that. Okay, I give up. Time to head to the pub.”

“You know we end this feature every week at the pub. So let’s do something different.”

“Like what?”

“How about the museum.”

“You are kidding me now, right?”

“It would be different.”

“Wait a minute. The fact that it is your turn to buy is not influencing your quest to be different, is it?”

“I am a little short this week.”

“I’ll buy then.”

“Dump the museum idea. Let’s go.”

‘

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

February 18, 2022February 17, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Today’s good news is a little different. It is all about poetry. It is not just about poems but a unique way to deliver poems. It is called Telepoem.

These are refurbished phone booths that when visited and a number is dialed, the caller can listen to a selection from over 1000 poems. You don’t need a quarter either.

– Vintage phone booths and kiosks with 1000+ verses in the poetry directory allow you to dial-a-poem on a rotary or push-button phone.

– A multi-sensory community gift: visual, haptic and aural, multi-genre and multi-media. ADA accommodations provide poetry for all users of all physical abilities.

-Poetry, art, and music pieces, that engage participation and feature community poets. Performance vehicle for voices of many kinds. Co-created with the community.

Current Installations:

Telepoem Booth® Iowa

in the Millwork District covered walkway connecting East 10th and East 11th streets, Dubuque, IA

Telepoem Booth® Bisbee
Jonquil Motel, 317 Tombstone Canyon Rd.

Bisbee, AZ

Telepoem Booth® Santa Fe
Genoveva Chavez Community Center
3221 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM

Telepoem Booth® NMHU
Burris Hall, National Ave., New Mexico Highlands University

Las Vegas, NM

Telepoem Booth® State College

The Maker, 209 W. Calder WayState College, PA

So the good news is there is poetry is available in refurbished cast-off phonebooths. Even better news would be a poem booth on every corner. Today’s JohnKu talks about joy. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Finding some good news,

When all the world genders bad . . .

Is a joy for sure.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Look for the Sun.

February 17, 2022February 16, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 124 Comments

“Where you off to Little One?”

“I’m trying to see if I can locate some sunshine.”

“Having any luck?”

“Look at my ears. They’ll tell you I’m not.”

“I don’t know what to say. But, sometimes in life, a little rain must fall.”

“after all that cold weather, not today.”

“You can still layout on the lounge.”

“What’s the point? Lay there and be sprinkled on?”

“Well, okay, I see you are determined to be miserable.”

“It’s not that. I was just looking forward to a nice sunbath.”

“And I have been waiting for a T-Bone steak. Sometimes we get disappointed.”

“Where you going?”

To find some positivity.”

“Hey, wait. There is a UPS truck pulling up.”

“Well done on the UPS truck. I think he is in St Louis by now.”

“You were right. A little positivity goes a long way. Nothing like a bark-a-thon to set the day right.”

“you feel better?”

“On top of the world.”

Anything Possible – Prompt – Kreative Kue 347 by Keith Channing

February 15, 2022February 14, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The photo.

“If you don’t mind holding still.”

“How did you get on my finger?”

“I was in that plant when you stuck it into the soil.”

“Why do I need to hold still?”

“Moving up and down makes me nauseous.”

“How about going back to the plant?”

“A question first.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Why do you stick your finger into the soil?”

“To see how dry the soil is so I can determine if it needs water.”

“Can’t you set up a regular schedule?”

“Um, didn’t think it necessary.”

“Well, knowing a creature lives in there, maybe you might consider it.”

“What kind of lizard are you? You remind me of the Geico gecko.”

“Oh, please. Life has not been the same since that campaign started.”

“How so?”

“For one, people keep asking if I have shrimp on the barbie.”

“Must be the Australian accent.”

“They also ask if I can save them 15% on their car insurance.”

“What people are these? As far as I know, no one else lives here.”

“Oh, I have lived in other places.”

“Okay, so what caused you to move.”

“The house owners died.”

“Really? How did that happen?”

“They were bitten by a highly poisonous raptor.”

“Goodness, I didn’t know there was such a thing.”

“Oh indeed.”

“Wait. You’re a raptor, aren’t you?”

“Sure am.”

“A-and you have a poisonous bite?”

“Sure do. So my recommendation for a watering schedule does come with some concern for your overall health.”

“Let’s walk slowly to the plant.”

“If you would leave the windows open, I’m partial to flies. Some say humans taste like chicken, but I find that chicken is too bland.”

“Anything you say.”

“I could use some reading material too.”

“Sure. Anything else?”

“A Play Station would be nice.”

“You got it. Here’s your plant. You are going to behave, right?”

“Who me? Of course. You have my word. Don’t forget the schedule.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2022February 13, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Since today is Valentine’s Day (Happy Day to all), I thought you would enjoy a post from February 2015. I hope you enjoy the list.

* * *

Since most of America goes bonkers to create the perfect Valentine experience, I thought it would be a good idea to list some things that just might cause the Day to backfire. One thing to keep in mind, Valentine’s Day does not in itself become the measure of the value of a relationship. However, mess it up, and there will be a substantial discount on the relationship’s value for the foreseeable future. So here is the list. I hope you enjoy it.

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Valentine’s Day

10 On Valentine’s Day, do not accept the phrase “We love each other and don’t have to show it on an obvious Hallmark holiday” as the truth. If you do, at best, you might be able to work your way back into good graces in due time (like at Christmas). At worst, your loved one will present you with the most touching card and gift, which will immediately cause your scalp to sweat and the urge to run off a nearby cliff that can’t be covered with a last-minute run to Wal-Mart. (The only cards left at this hour are the big lace-lined mushy verses to grandma, and who wants to be a valentine with grandma? Well, maybe grandpa.)

9 On Valentine’s Day, do not plan an expensive dinner out as your gift. If you do, at best, you will be seated next to the restroom after a two-hour wait. At worst, the waiter will announce the regular menu has been replaced with the $300.00 per couple Prix fix tasting menu, which has everything you and your partner would call Terminex to come to get. (Don’t forget the ten flights of wine which only someone in trouble with alcohol could finish)

8 On Valentine’s Day, do not buy a gift even remotely related to sex. If you do, at best, you may be using the gift yourself. At worst, you will be broadcasting a desire that may not be mutually felt, and your partner may feel uncomfortable and pressured to engage in some activity. (This will probably end up badly, not to mention an intervention by the local community police)

7 On valentine’s Day, do not think it is the thought that matters. If you do, at best, you will only survive the following year with the belief that you will part with a little more cash on a better gift. At worst, you will be forced to endure the sympathies of your partner’s friends as expressed on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. (Also, the notoriety that comes from the YouTube video of your paltry gift, which goes viral with over a million views, is all yours)

6 On Valentine’s Day, do not make anything by hand that you hope to pass off as a sentimental offering. If you do, at best, be prepared to see your item on eBay priced way below the cost of materials. At worst, the item you handcrafted for the occasion will more than likely be the item you uncover in a remote part of the garage two years from now. (You notice the price on a tag of $1.50 which has been marked down from $25.00 from several previous garage sales)

5 On Valentine’s Day, do not buy chocolate-covered strawberries from a street vendor. If you do, at best, your valentine will eat off the chocolate and not touch the strawberry. At worst, your valentine will wolf down the whole thing only to discover later in the ER after a healthy dose of Ipecac the claim by the street vendor of 98% salmonella-free fruit was way overstated. (Another romantic ceramic microphone moment)

4 On Valentine’s Day, do not buy a dozen red roses from the guy alongside the highway. If you do, at best, you will make it home before the rosebuds fall off. At worst, the roses will come packed with several kinds of insects, including bed bugs from the local no-tell motel, and, unfortunately, your partner has a rare and severe allergy to Japanese beetles who just have formed an independent state in the rose bouquet. (The embassy should be informed to come to get them)

3 On Valentine’s Day, do not think the chocolates you froze from the last Costco truffle sale will not show signs of wear. If you do, at best, the freezer burn will give you away, and you will be forced to buy some See’s chocolate quickly at the mall. At worst, the truffles will somehow fall apart. You will need to invent a story on how the greenhouse effect has contributed to the instability of the typical chocolate truffle, which your partner will try to verify by making an inquiry on Google. (Sadly, the results rendered your story a complete fabrication)

2 On Valentine’s Day, do not think the commercial cards say precisely what you want to say. If you do, at best, you will settle on something that causes both of you to scream “AWKWARD” after the poem is read aloud. At worst, you failed to read the whole message and find at the end a slight reference to being “good friends,” which will spiral your partner into a troubled space. (Only a qualified therapist will be able to talk them down)

1 On Valentine’s Day, do not think ignoring the Day will eliminate responsibility. If you do, at best, you might be forced into a year of make-up favors. At worst, the brother of your partner left word he wants to talk to you. (You know the one who served with the Navy Seals on three tours in Afghanistan)