The bus is ready, and tonight, we are serving to start sourdough crostini with sundried tomato, garlic, and fresh basil aioli. We have assorted seafood for an entree, including blue crab cakes from the Chesapeake Bay, Fresh seared Ahi Tuna, and Nova Scotia Salmon. Our meat course is applewood fire-grilled lamb loin chops. Both come with Yukon gold and yam potato casserole, and French cut green beans almondine. For dessert, there are assorted cheesecakes, including chocolate chunk, turtle, and vanilla with raspberry drizzle. The top shelf bar is open, and we are featuring Austin Hope 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles and La Pelle 2018 Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley.
We will be entertained by Aprilann and Taylor Swift. Are you ready? Let’s get on board.
There is the signpost up ahead. Welcome to the trail of lights. This is a walking trail set up by City Hall.
The Wal-Mart greeter.
A shot of a tree surrounded by toys
Footbridge to fantasy.
Santa on his motorcycle.
What would a Texas light show be without a stage coach?
Santa on a snowmobile surrounded by a heron and sailboat.
Butterfly and Eagle.
Santa taking off with a tree backdrop.
Another tree and toys.
Another Texas symbol, the Longhorn.
Here is the tunnel of lights. It is an undulating display of lights set to music, so I had to grab a shot where I could.
I wish I could show you all the lights, but I don’t think there is enough memory in WP land for that. Please stay for more food and to listen to the music.
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and this week’s prompt was sent by e-mail. I miss Linda’s visits, but I can understand that she can’t get to the 10,000 folks who like her prompts every week. This week’s prompt is “magnet”, and of course, Linda says we can use it any way we want.”
“Finally Friday, Lucy.” “Yup Little One. How about a ruckus?” “Sounds good. I’ll give you a head start.” “Last one to the fence is a goat.” “No a cat.”
The last Friday before Christmas is here. I hope everyone has their shopping done. If not, I know special handling (To be read “Big Money”) can get those gifts delivered on time. You have to hurry, though. Time is running out.
It has been a quiet week. I did have one hiccup on Word Press. For some reason, many of the post notifications were not delivered by e-mail. In the course of investigating the problem, I closed my WP site. I thought maybe a reboot was in order. I then got a weird message when I tried to log back into WP. Here is the message
“Whoops!
There was a small systems error. Please try refreshing the page and if the error is still there, drop us a note and let us know.”
Well, I refreshed the page. Nothing happened. I tried clicking on the link, and again, nothing. I hit the internet and found out it was a 502 error with enough steps to fix it that would drive a rocket scientist crazy. I went for a bike ride instead. When I got back, it was working.
I just hate it when WordPress acts up, and there is almost nothing we as users can do about it. It is an out of control feeling for sure. I apologize if I’ve missed any posts on Wednesday or Thursday. I will be checking the reader and hopefully won’t miss much.
It is now working fine, so I guess I’ll just move on. Today’s JohnKu talks about systems errors. I hope you all have a relaxing weekend.
“What are you doing?” “Trying to figure out this Apple thingy.” “Why?” “Need to contact the folks responsible for Friday and tell them to hurry up.” “Good luck with that.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we learned Andre Terrian has been involved in kidnapping for ransom schemes in the past. Although this gives us little comfort, there is no evidence that he has kidnapped Carolyn. We are very close to hearing from the French authorities on whether or not they have managed to capture Andre, Carolyn, and the slumped teen in the back seat of the blue Mercedes. Larry, Andrew, and Pricilla are headed back into the interrogation room. I think we ought to go there and see if there is any news.”
“Ah, Ms. Thomas. Is there any news?”
“Not so far, Mr. Popović. We are waiting for word from the French that they have secured Carolyn. How well did you know Andre?”
“Not well, why?”
“Just curious. I don’t want you to be too alarmed, but he has been involved in kidnap for ransom schemes in the past.”
“He told me.”
“He what?”
“Yeah, he told me all about the trouble he has been in.”
“And you still let him keep an eye on Carolyn?”
“He assured me he has taken a new turn in his life. He has a small child, and I think he is trying to put his past behind him.”
“You believed him?”
“There are times in life, Ms. Thomas, when you have to trust your gut on human behavior. Andre has a new wife and child. He is doing the best he can with legitimate work. He has found God apparently.”
“If you say so, Mr. Popović. In my experience, the straight road is very seldom taken by people such as Andre.”
“So you are saying he is going to try a kidnap for money play?”
“I’m not saying that. I am concerned that he could get it in his head to sell Carolyn to Cortez. Isn’t he the one who recommended, Andre?”
“Yes, but Cortez also told me that Andre was trying to go straight and needed a break.”
“And you believed him?”
“Why not? Of all his faults, Cortez is not a liar.”
“Not a liar? Don’t you know how ridiculous that sounds?”
“To someone like you, yes. To people like us, our word is about all we have between us.”
“But now that we have you, don’t you think Cortez will want control over Carolyn?”
“Yes, I see that. He’s not going to use Andre, though. I can almost guarantee that. He gave me his word that Andre would take good care of Carolyn.”
“Hold on, Mr.Popovic, I have a text from my contact. Let me read it for a moment.”
“Sure. When you are ready, tell me what it says?”
“This is not good.”
“Tell me. Did the French get Carolyn?”
“They missed her.”
“Missed her? How’s that possible.”
“Not sure.”
“Did Andre take her?”
“No . . . Andre was found dead in the blue Mercedes.”
Since Keith Channing is on a break, I thought it would be fun to do a finger point prompt. Here’s how it works. I open a book and randomly point to one of the pages. Whatever word my finger is pointing to is prompt. Today I opened Eternal Road – The final stop. Here’s the photo.
“I would say somewhere close to the third planet from the sun.”
“You are saying Earth?”
“That’s right, sir.”
“Well, I never expected we would get this far. That was a mess back there.”
“It certainly was, sir. We were lucky to get away.”
“I can’t imagine why the locals were in such an uproar.”
“We only tried to help them out.”
“Yes, after all, their planet was choking on too many beings.”
“All we tried to do was lighten the load.”
“You would think we would be thanked instead of cursed. Maybe this Earth will be different. I’ve read the stats, and they also seem to have a population problem.”
“We know how to help with that.”
“Let’s just hope they are a little more reasonable than that last bunch. Do you think we ought to announce that our landing craft will soon be dispatched to help out?”
“I think that would be a noble gesture, my captain.”
“Let me get on the hailing frequency and announce our intentions.”
“The frequency is open, sir.”
“Hailing the planet Earth, do you read? Repeat. Hailing the planet Earth.”
“You are not getting a response.”
“Are you sure we are on the correct frequency?”
“Positive, sir.”
“I’ll try one more time, and if no answer, we will simply launch the landing craft. Hailing Earth.”
“This is Earth. Identify.”
“We are representatives from another planet here to help you.”
“We are but one country. What is the nature of your help?”
“We have the technology to share that will make life easier for your population. What country are you.”
“You are speaking with China.”
“Do you have the authority to speak for the planet?”
“Not yet.”
“Can you authorize us to land in your country?”
“Yes, we can do that. What is the name of your planet.”
“You have not heard from us. We have not been discovered by your civilization.”
“May I have it anyway.”
“Very well. In your language, our name is translated to COVID 19.”
“Our leader has authorized your landing. You are right. We have never heard of you but are anxious to take advantage of your science. Can you find your way?”
“We have locked on to your signal and will be there shortly, COVID out.”
This week marks the 109th anniversary of explorer Roald Amundsen’s successful mission to be the first to reach the South Pole. Although it might be a might chilly, we should go there and experience what it is like. Let’s be sure to take a list of the things not to do to prevent a tear in the time continuum. We will be toasty in James’s Oldsmobile on the way there. I would dress warmly since it is fifteen below zero F (-26.1 C) right now.
James Wainwright’s 1956 Oldsmobile from Eternal Road – The final stop. You should read this one on Amazon. Just click the car to go there. Hurry back.
Top Ten Things Not to Do Reaching the South Pole for the First Time with Roald Amundsen in 1911
10 If you go, do not mention Robert Peary’s expedition to the North Pole in 1909. If you do, at best, no one cared. At worst, you mentioned it to Roald Amundsen himself. (I guess no one filled you in, Marcel. Roald was all set to take off for the North Pole when Peary beat him to it. That’s why he went to the South Pole. I don’t know if it means anything, but he’s asking you to get out of the dog sled and walk.)
9 If you go, do not try to move into Tiny the WWF champ’s tent. If you do, at best, Tiny won’t be there. At worst, Tiny, who has skipped his last few court-mandated group sessions on anger management, thinks you are taking his property. (Don’t worry about the landing this time, Matthias. The snow is fresh and quite soft this time of year.)
8 If you go, do not suggest to Roald that you think power sledges would be better than sled dog arrangements. If you do, at best, he will be busy and not hear you. At worst, he will think your suggestion is meant to sabotage the expedition. (He heard that Robert F. Scott, his competitor, was using Siberian motor sledges, Siberian ponies, and dogs. Of course, he would have no way of knowing that Scott failed. He now thinks you are a spy, Myles.)
7 If you go, Do not make jokes about yellow snow. If you do, at best, your fellow explorers have already heard them. At worse, Roald will overhear you. (now you’ve done it, Montgomery. Roald now thinks you are an idiot. I hope he doesn’t ask where you came from.)
6 If you go, do not ask how much the expedition cost. If you do, at best, no one will know. At worse, you’ll ask Roald Amundsen. ( the problem is, Murray Roald had to mortgage his house to make up the expense shortfall. He is totally in debt and is not happy with the question. Quick, ask him about his birthday.)
5 If you go, do not question what you are eating. If you do, at best, everyone will avoid the question. At worse, the cook will explain exactly what you are eating. (Due to the scarcity of protein, Marcelo. You are eating meat from the weakest dog. Yes, it had to be done, and don’t make a fuss about your Keto diet doesn’t include dog meat.)
4 If you go, do not ask about the earlier expedition in September. If you do, at best, everyone will walk away. At worst, you’ll ask Amundsen. ( Well, Marlon, this is a sore spot with Amundsen. It seems against the advice of his fellow explorers, he started out for the Pole too early. The September temperatures almost did the party in. They were lucky to get back to their base camp. Being a proud man, Amundsen doesn’t like to be reminded of his failures. He now wonders what to do with you.)
3 If you go, do not ask anyone to repeat the dark mirage story. If you do, at best, you’ll get no takers. At worst, Amundsen catches wind of your inquiry. (Around December 12th, 1911, Mickey the group spied what appeared to be a dark object on the horizon. They were all concerned until it was discovered to be their own dog droppings magnified by a mirage. Amundsen is warning you to forget the story. He’s the boss.)
2 If you go, do nor ask if the men are certain of the location of the South Pole. If you do, at best, you’ll get a yes. At worst, you will also face the ire of Amundsen. (You see, Marten, Amundsen spent three days calculation the location of the pole. He is most certain. He now wants you to step outside with ut your coat. You don’t want to do that.)
1 If you go, do not ask the fate of second-place finisher, Robert F. Scott. At best, no one will know. At worst, you might be tempted to spill the beans. (Of course, you know, Makoto that Scott reached the South Pole on January 17th, more than a month after Amundsen. You also know Scott, and his party died on the way back to their base camp after reaching the Pole. If you don’t ask, you won’t be tempted to cause a tear in the time continuum.)
Thanks for joining the tour of the Twelve Days of Christmas in lights. The City of Lakeway has installed these lights in different locations around the city. They then published a list of clues as to where the lights are located. Since the Producer and I have already scouted out the locations, we will just drive to them. Since this is a night tour, we will be serving a charcuterie of assorted meats and cheeses accompanied by freshly baked sourdough bread and hot spiced (and spiked) cider. Of course, there is the top-shelf bar along with a 1972 Cherryblock Cabernet and Kistler 2017 VineHill Vineyard Chardonnay. For a sweet note, we have spice cake topped with a creme cheese frosting drizzled with caramel. We also have Jimmy Buffet with his version of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Also, I was challenged by Frank and Liz to show a picture of The Producer and me in our ninja outfits. So there it is. Let’s now get on the bus and get rolling.
The first set of lights is A Partridge in a Peartree.
Next is Two Turtle Doves
Three French Hens.
Four Calling Birds
Five GGGGGolden RRRRRRings.
Six Geese a Laying
Seven Swans a Swimming
Eight Maids a Milking
Nine Ladies Dancing
Ten Lords A Leaping
Eleven Pipers Piping
Twelve Drummers Drumming
So that’s the tour. Stay on the bus, have more food, and listen to Jimmy’s version.
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here comes Linda Hill carrying a big and little box. I’ll bet she has a surprise for us as far as a prompt goes.
“Hi, Linda. What’s in the boxes?”
“It’s the Holiday, John. It needs to be a surprise. Put these under the tree and open them Christmas Day.”
“What about the prompt?”
“Man, you are type A, aren’t you. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “mini/maxi.” Use “mini” (the smallest of something) or “maxi” (the largest) or both in your post. Have fun!”
“Well. it’s Friday, Little one.” “Yes, it is, and a beautiful day too.” “Did you stop and smell the flowers.” “I did. Now I’m ready for whatever that thing is making the noise.”
Here we are on another Friday. My goodness, how the time gets away.
Not much is going on. I am busy collecting the photos for the next two Views of the Neighborhood. All is going well except for some technical problems with the subjects themselves. If they are not solved, I’ll just run the photos with the problems included.
Been waiting on word from the FDA on the Pfizer Vaccine for Rona. Looks like approval might be next week. After approval, there will only be about 5 million doses available (In two shipments) for front line workers. The vaccine from Moderna is the one that is expected to be used for up to 50 million people by the spring. It would be nice to get a large number of folks inoculated so we could start living a more normal life.
I have all my holiday shopping done. Like a stand-in for Howard Hughes, I did it all online. Didn’t have to get near anyone. Good for the Rona avoidance. Not so good for the spirit of the holiday.
This week’s JohnKu talks about this year’s holidays. I hope you all have a great weekend.
Twelve Drummers Drumming
